Well! The end of this chapter marks the official half way mark for this story. I hope you're all enjoying it so far. I'm proud to say that I think my writing has improved since I started this project. The fighting sequences at the beginning were... not as great as I would have liked. But I think I've improved! Particularly nearer the end of this story. Anyway, as always, leave a like or review! Constructive criticism is welcome since the point of this project was to get better! Enjoy!
Link was almost fully healed. The bruises on his ribs had mostly faded and the sharp pain he'd once felt was now only a minor tenderness to the touch. Impa had agreed to a day outing to the royal ancient tech lab. The road was reasonably well guarded already so there wasn't much reason to expect an assault like before.
Once they'd gotten there, Purah had immediately told them to head out to the field to take pictures of different things they saw. She wanted to test out what she called the Hyrule Compendium.
It didn't take long for Zelda to start capturing the images on the Sheikah Slate.
"There's one!" She snapped a picture, "Oh! And another!" Snap. She snapped pictures excitedly at different flowers and plants she spotted.
Link had obviously known about her passion for ancient technology but the enthusiasm she had about plants was a new revelation.
"The flowers we have in Hyrule aren't just beautiful… They're also quite useful as ingredients for a variety of things." Snap, snap, snap. Her enthusiasm was contagious and Link found himself looking about trying to spot different plants as she continued to snap pictures.
She gasped and Link gazed over her shoulder at the flower that appeared on the screen. Her whole demeanour changed as she leaned slowly toward one particular blue and white flower. "This one here is called the silent princess. It's a rare, endangered species."
She leaned in close to get a breath of the gentle fragrance of the flower and closed her eyes against its sweet perfume. She opened her eyes and continued, "Despite our efforts, we can't get them to grow domestically yet."
Link leaned in too to get a better look and she reached out gently to caress the satin petals. "The princess can only thrive out here in the wild." She leaned back on her heels and Link sensed a sadness in her, "All that we can hope… is that the species will be strong enough to prosper, on its own."
Link leaned towards Zelda. He understood why she felt sad in that moment. She, too, seemed to bloom when they were out here. Though he'd only really scratched the surface with this new side of Zelda and his new, and improved, relationship with her, he could already tell that her true passions involved learning and using her sharp mind. He wanted to comfort her but just then, she gasped and lunged forward.
"Is that what I think it is?! Look at this!" She turned to him full of excitement again. She was holding something in her hands and Link frowned, not sure he liked where this was going. "I don't believe it, but I actually caught one!"
She shuffled closer on her knees, "This delicacy is known to have very, very potent effects under the proper circumstances." She opened her hands, "Tada!" And revealed a frog. It looked up at him with yellow, amphibious eyes and croaked. Link couldn't hide his grimace.
Zelda continued on excitedly, "Research from the castle shows ingesting one of these can actually augment certain abilities." Her attention shifted from the frog to Link and his stomach sank as she went on. "We wouldn't be in a controlled environment out here, and with your level of physical fitness… you'd be a perfect candidate for the study!"
She shoved the frog toward his face, "Go on! Taste it!"
She shoved it again and Link took her hands and lowered them to the ground for the frog to hop out of.
Zelda watched it disappointedly then looked up at him accusingly, "Why did you do that?"
He looked down at her, "Princess, I'd lay down my life for you. I'd go to the edge of the world to protect you. But I have to draw the line at licking frogs."
She tried to hang onto an angry expression but couldn't stop the laughter from bubbling up. "I'm sorry, I guess I got a bit carried away."
Link smiled, relieved that she could see the humour in the situation, "It's ok to be passionate about things. Goddess knows you deserve to have something that makes you happy."
Zelda smiled softly at her handsome knight, "I do…"
Before Link could respond, Purah called out to them from the lab, "HEY! COME ON BACK! I WANT TO SHOW YOU SOMETHING!"
The two of them looked at each other and walked back to the lab side by side.
They walked inside and Purah waved them over excitedly, "Look at this!" She pointed to the ancient text.
It was in an ancient language that neither of them could read. They both looked up at Purah who just beamed at them. Zelda finally spoke up, "We can't read it. What does it say?"
"Huh? Oh! It's about the Shrine of Resurrection that we had found. It's a medical facility like we suspected. It seems it can heal any wound no matter how grave. As long as the patient is still has brain functionality when they are put into it, they can still be revived! SNAP!" Purah spoke very quickly in her excitement and Link and Zelda really had to focus to take in everything she said.
The knight and princess looked at each other with worried expressions and then turned back to Purah. "What kind of injuries would necessitate such a facility?" Zelda breathed as fear tinged her voice.
Link feared the same thing and since there was only one shrine of resurrection…
Purah tapped her chin as she speculated, "Well, I'm not certain it ever was used. There is no record of it ever having been used that we have found. With any luck, we won't need to use it either but it's good to know it is there just in case."
"How long would it take to heal someone who was badly injured and on the verge of death?" Link chimed in with his own concern.
Purah read over the script again, "It says here that there is a long-term stasis function to heal mortal injuries. It can take weeks, months or even years though the longer the patient is in stasis, the more serious side effects can occur."
Zelda frowned, "Serious side effects?"
"Yes, serious side effects. Like memory loss and that sort of thing." Purah was still absorbed in the script while Zelda and Link exchanged a troubled look.
"How long until we restore full functionality to it?" Zelda asked.
Purah looked up at her as though suddenly remembering the princess was there. "Well… We still have a lot to learn! I'd say another month or so until we can at least get it to work if we need it. Robbie is there right now trying to learn whatever he can about it."
"I pray we never need to use it." Zelda said gravely.
It became routine for Link to accompany Zelda to her morning and evening prayers. He had never been much of one for prayer himself but he would be a comforting presence for her if it somehow helped.
After an hour of kneeling in front of the goddess statue, Zelda finally stood and turned to Link who stoically stood guard nearby.
One thing that Zelda appreciated about Link is that he never made her feel inadequate when day after day her prayers produced no results. He never said anything about her lack of powers and if she started to feel down on herself about it, he would just listen to her. Not once did he tell her that she needed to dedicate more of herself to her prayers or that the goddess would grant her the sealing powers when the time was right. He actually listened to what she had to say. When she once felt like she was talking to a wall with him, his silence was now comforting.
They turned and silently began walking back towards her room. As they reached the door to her bedchamber, she paused and looked up at him, "Impa says you are healed enough to resume your regular duties. I've been thinking, I'd like to go to Zora's Domain and check on Vah Ruta as we have with the other divine beasts."
Link nodded, "I'll prepare the horses."
Epona nudged him gently as he reached a hand out to scratch the sweet spot behind her ear and he laughed in response, "Don't worry, I brought you an apple." He reached into the pouch and produced an apple for his mare which she enthusiastically accepted. He saved the other apple for when Zelda got here to give to her stallion. He'd noticed that the trust between the two of them had improved in the short time since she'd started trying to work with him.
He opened the stall door for Epona and lead her out. He tied her lead to the ring on the wall and went to fetch her riding gear. She had already been brushed and was ready for a good ride after several days of rest.
He had just done up the last buckle when Zelda came down to join him. He looked up at her with a grin, "Good timing! I was just about to start on Victory." He reached into his pouch and handed her the second apple. She took it with a smile and brought it to her mount. He took it gingerly and munched away at it as Zelda gently pet his nose.
The rosy cheeked stable hand approached with the riding gear for the white stallion and opened the stall door to lead him out. Link shook his head, "Thank you but we'll do it today."
The boy bowed to Zelda and went back to his duties. Zelda just looked at Link inquisitively.
"Actually, you'll do it today." Link said with a smirk.
Her eyebrows rose at that but she set her jaw determinedly. "All right."
Her horse had already been groomed as well so all that was needed was to put on the riding gear.
Link walked her through the steps – first the saddle pad, then saddle. He showed her the correct positioning and how tight to do each of the buckles. The marks in the leather were a pretty good indicator for future reference. She followed his instructions without hesitation and admired her handiwork with the saddle before he passed her the bridle.
She pressed the bit to his lips and he obediently opened his mouth to accept it. She pulled the leather straps over his head and tightened the buckles then turned to Link for approval.
He nodded proudly to her and she beamed back at him.
They lead the horses out to the gate and mounted up. "How does it feel?" Link asked her as she found her seat in the saddle.
She got a feel for it then smiled broadly, "It feels good!"
He grinned back at her, "Good. The more you work with your horse, the more he will get to know you and trust you."
Zelda reached down and patted the horse's shoulder affectionately and they headed out into the field. The domaine was due East from the castle so they followed the road from the East gate. They rode side by side in silence.
After a time, Zelda turned to Link shyly, "I've heard you have spent quite a bit of time with the Zora."
Link continued looking forward, "I guess so." He said somewhat dismissively.
Zelda bit her lip. There were rumours about how close Link was with the Zora Princess and though she had no claim to her appointed knight, the thought of the two of them together troubled her.
"How well do you know Mipha?" She asked trying her best to sound casual.
He eyed her sidelong then smiled fondly, "She is a close friend of mine. She would always heal me when I'd do something stupid and get myself hurt."
Though he'd called her a friend, it did little to make her feel better.
"She was one of the first people I met when I first went to the domain as a young boy." He continued, "She was always kind to me. As a boy, she was almost maternal towards me but as I grew up… I don't know. Things changed."
Her heart clenched in her chest and she took a moment to collect herself. "Do… Do you love her?"
He looked over at her in surprise, "Love her? I mean, I care about her, for sure, but I don't know if I'd say I love her in that way." He paused eyeing her again and Zelda did her best to try to act casual again, "I know what the rumours say but she is and only ever has been a friend."
Zelda tried her best to hide her relief at this admission. He was eyeing her curiously and it made her a little nervous so she changed the subject. "Are there any other women who hold the keys to your heart? Not that long ago, I seem to remember girls offering themselves to you in the streets of Castle Town." She teased.
Link cringed, "I hope you know I did nothing to encourage that…"
Zelda threw her head back laughing, "Though I questioned it at the time, I know now you are not that kind of person."
It was Link's turn to look relieved. "Thankfully they seem to have forgotten about me."
"I don't know if I'd go that far. I have seen the way girls look at you. The madness has gone away but they certainly haven't forgotten about you." Zelda watched his response but her knight remained stoic as usual.
Their journey continued with light conversation sprinkled around companionable silence. The terrain changed as they traveled past the wetlands. Coral-like plants in bright colours started to decorate the landscape and mosses grew out of seemingly uninhabitable rocky outcrops. Even the creatures along the river seemed to change. Zelda pointed out some turtles she saw in swimming in the river.
Link glanced where she pointed but something else caught his attention. There was a strange looking rock up ahead and he managed to push Zelda out of the way just in time as the lizalfos suddenly leaped toward them. She fell behind him unharmed but the creatures claws ripped into Link's sword arm. He ignored the sharp pain and drew the Master Sword. The lizalfos was fast and could spit projectiles.
"Stay behind me!" Link shouted as Zelda took cover behind her knight. The creature was thankfully unarmed besides the natural weaponry of its claws and teeth. It jumped backwards to create some space and Link gestured for Zelda to hide behind a rocky outcrop. When she was safely sheltered, he could focus on the creature attacking them. It spat a water cannon at them and Link deflected it with his shield, swatting it out of the way. The creature squawked and leaped forward. This time, Link was ready and back flipped safely out of range. Time seemed to slow down and he launched towards it with a flurry attack. When time proceeded to flow normally, the creature fell.
Link surveyed the area and didn't see anymore enemies so he turned to Zelda.
She gasped as she spotted his arm, "Link! You're bleeding!"
He looked down at it as if spotting it for the first time. Blood dripped down his forearm and made the hilt of the sword slippery.
Zelda took his arm in her hands and examined the wound before pulling a bandage from her pouch and starting to wrap his arm.
Link felt a little foolish with the attention, "I'll be fine."
She ignored him and continued to wrap the wound tightly. "We'll take a better look at the domain."
She let go and Link walked down to the river to wash the blood off of his sword. Once satisfied, he swung it a few times to dry it then sheathed the blade.
It wasn't much further to the domain and Zelda picked up the pace so she could tend to his arm sooner.
Link felt like it was a bit of overkill but went along with it because he knew better than to argue with her about it.
As they reached the domain, a blue Zora approached, "LINK!" He yelled and ran over to them.
"Bazz!" Link responded with a big smile.
"We didn't know you were coming! What a wonderful surprise!" The blue Zora grinned with his pointy teeth. He then seemed to notice Zelda and bowed low. "Your highness! I'm sorry we didn't have time to prepare a proper welcome."
Zelda waved away the formality, "It's quite all right. I should have sent word."
Bazz turned back towards Link, "I'll let the others know you're here. Princess Mipha will be most pleased to see you!" He turned and took off back towards the domain.
Link and Zelda exchanged a look and continued along the bridge to the domain.
Zelda ran her hand along the cool stone, "I believe the domain was built with luminous stone so at night, it glows. Have you ever seen it?"
Link nodded, "Yes."
"I'd like to see that, too." She whispered as a familiar red Zora ran up to them.
"Link! Princess Zelda! What a pleasant surprise!"
"Mipha!" Zelda smiled at the beautiful princess. "Sorry for not sending word. It was a little last minute."
Mipha shook her head, "Do not fret. You are both always welcome here."
Link remained silent through the exchange but Mipha noticed the bandage on his arm, "Link, you're injured!" She took his arm and examined the bandage. Blood was beginning to seep through. "I'll heal you. Come, let's go to Vah Ruta."
The red Zora took Link's arm and led them to the lake where the elephant-like machine was kept.
A boat was kept in the lake that clearly got very little use. The three of them got in and Link went to take the pole that would push them out to the divine beast but Mipha took it before he could and cast him a look that quelled any arguments. He took a seat beside the Hylian princess while Mipha brought them out to the center of the lake.
Once there, Link held Zelda's hand as she stepped onto the ledge then helped Mipha up before climbing up himself.
They walked through the divine beast and Mipha pointed out some of the controls to Zelda who looked on with fascination. Once they reached the main terminal, Zelda became absorbed with the ancient technology.
"We'll leave you to it then," Mipha said to Zelda as she led Link away. Zelda cast them a strange look but said nothing. Link felt uneasy, thinking of their earlier conversation.
Mipha led him out onto the divine beast's trunk and they sat on the very tip of it.
"Let me see your arm." She unwrapped the bandages and examined it before putting her hand over it and a familiar cool feeling washed over his arm as it was bathed in blue healing light.
"I was thinking…" Mipha started softly, "This reminds me of the time we first met."
Link smiled as he thought back to Mipha healing his bruised ribs.
"You were just a reckless child… always getting yourself hurt at every turn." Mipha smiled fondly, "Every time, I would heal you. Just as I'm doing right now." She paused as they both watched her healing powers in action.
"I thought it was funny how, being a Hylian, you looked grown-up so much faster than I did." They looked up into each other's eyes, "I was… I was always willing to heal your wounds. Even back then." She smiled shyly as she looked back down at his arm.
The last hints of the wound faded along with the blue light as Mipha moved her hand back to her side. Link examined his arm and flexed it to test it out. It was good as new again.
"So if this Calamity Ganon does, in fact, return, what can we really do?" They both gazed out toward the lake thoughtfully, "We just don't seem to know much about what we will be up against." She spoke the truth and was just as troubled by it as Link was. Link looked up at his old friend as she continued to gaze down toward the water. "But know this: that no matter how difficult this battle might get… if you – if anyone ever tries to do you harm…" she looked back up and met Link's eyes. "Then I will heal you."
She looked down again. Her expression was sad but hopeful. "No matter when, or how bad the wound… I hope you know… that I will always protect you." She seemed to be trying to get to what she really wanted to say yet was having difficulties actually saying it. He'd never seen her seem so apprehensive with him and it worried him.
She paused, holding her hands together, "Once this whole thing is over, maybe things can go back to how they used to be when we were young. You know…"
She looked up and into his eyes again, "Perhaps we could spend some time together."
It all came together for Link then. To Mipha, this was more than just a friendship. Link was torn. She was such a dear friend to him yet he didn't reciprocate her feelings. He thought back to his time with Zelda while he was healing and how happy they had both seemed but… She was the princess of Hyrule. If they even survived the Calamity… He was a commoner. He had no hope with her. Perhaps… perhaps he could learn to love Mipha the way she loved him. Though she was a princess, she wasn't held to the same strict rules as the Hylian princess.
After a momentary pause he looked down and nodded, "I'd like that…"
Mipha smiled and had been about to say something when Zelda called out to them, "Mipha, I'd like to show you something!"
Mipha hesitated but decided to hold off on whatever she'd been about to say and instead, they headed back to the main control unit to meet up with Zelda.
Link stood back, torn. The two princesses discussed some adjustments Zelda had made to Vah Ruta. One of them was nothing but a dream to him but one he wanted more than anything. The other was closer to reality. It was something that still might be able to make him happy. He cared deeply for both of them but one way or another, he couldn't help feeling that somehow, someone would wind up getting hurt.
All the way back to the domain, the two women discussed the inner workings of the ancient technology and Link listened in silence to them. They both seemed oblivious to the war raging inside him.
Back at the domain, a feast was being prepared to honour the princess and the Hylian Champion.
Bazz caught his arm as the two princesses walked ahead of him to the feast. "You seem off, Link. Everything go ok up there?"
Link looked at his old friend and put a hand on his shoulder, forcing a smile, "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks, Bazz."
The blue Zora looked sceptical but didn't push the matter further. Link took his seat between the two princesses. Both of them continued their discussion of the divine beast over him and Link leaned back to allow them to see each other since he had no part in this conversation. He looked across the table and saw Mipha's little brother, Sidon, staring at him with eyes wide. Link smiled at the little Zora and was rewarded with a big, toothy grin. I hope you don't end up with the same problems I have, little guy.
"Link, do you remember the lynel of Polymus Mountain?" Mipha's question brought him back to the moment.
Link nodded. "Well, every time anyone goes up there to leap off the waterfall, it attacks them! Fortunately, no one has been grievously injured but I fear it is only a matter of time before – Link, where are you going?" Mipha and Zelda watched after him as he stood up and proceeded to walk towards the mountain.
The two princesses looked at each other in confusion then Mipha stood and walked after the swordsman. Zelda watched after them both, fear and sadness in her gaze.
Mipha caught up to him as he started climbing the hill. "Link, you can't really be thinking of attacking the lynel!"
"Turn back, Mipha. I can handle this." He continued walking. There was more than one reason he didn't want her here. Some space from both princesses was welcome right at the moment.
It seemed he would only get half of that space as Mipha continued to follow him and argue with him. Most of the way, he ignored her protests but continued to insist she turn back. The lynel wielded shock arrows which the Zora were particularly sensitive to. He would have a harder time defeating the lynel if he had to worry about her safety as well.
"I won't leave you to take it on by yourself. Are you mad?" Mipha shouted stubbornly.
A thundering of hooves caught her off guard and Link grabbed her before jumping them both out of the way just in time. He set her down and turned to face the lynel.
He drew his sword and started trying to draw its attention away from Mipha. It charged at him and swung it's massive blade over the ground and Link backflipped out of range. The beast was off balance when it slowed its charge and Link used that moment to slice at the tendons on its horselike legs. The lynel roared in pain and fury. It swung it's huge sword again and Link had to jump back again. The lynel used the opportunity to make more space and pulled out its bow.
Link sprinted away from where Mipha was standing and yelled, drawing it's attention to him. One hit with the shock arrow and the Zora Princess would be in real trouble.
The arrow flew wide but landed in a puddle that Link was just stepping into. Electricity shot through his body and he lost his grip on his sword. He fell to the side and blinked at the numbness running up his legs. He looked to the side and saw his sword just a few feet away. He rolled over to grab it but his fingers fumbled on the hilt. The shock still had a lingering effect.
The lynel saw it's chance and charged the prone hylian. Link gritted his teeth and grabbed the blade, holding it upright as the lynel approached. Link leaped up dragging the tip of his sword through its midsection as it came into range. The beast put its huge hands on its belly to hold his innards in. It doubled over in pain and Link executed a spin attack that took the creature's head clean off. The lynel fell to the ground. No longer would it torment the Zora.
Link pulled a cloth out of the pouch at his side and wiped his blade clean before sheathing it. He looked down at his hands, flexing his fists a few times to try to dispel the tingling feeling remaining from the electric shock.
Mipha stared at him in awe. Her heart swelled with wonder and pride at her dear friend. While it pained her that she couldn't have him yet, he'd given her something she hadn't dared think she might get. He had given her hope.