They had sparred until they were forced to sleep from fatigue, lying side by side under a fleece blanket as the stars twinkled back into life above them. At the first rays of sunlight, a new marker appeared above the water out to sea and Link sailed off from the cliffs to start the first trial. Zelda remained behind, watching him get smaller and smaller as he glided over the waves and triggered the rise and reveal of a new Shrine. It had been barely ten minutes and she was already bored.

Upon waking up, she was once again reminded that all of her biology was still fully functioning, and the pain between her hips had made her grimace. It had been expected and all the necessities were packed, but it was being particularly bothersome this time around so Link was quick to pick up on her discomfort. Zelda would never forget how relieved she had been, all that time ago, when she realised she did not have to explain what 'monthly problems' meant. His mother had been very thorough, apparently, and he still remembered how best to help her.

She now clutched the broken off head of a flame spear wrapped in a nightshirt against her lap. The white peony tea she was drinking would surely help too, but Zelda was still annoyed. This would probably mean she would be unable to follow Link to the other trial locations today. Not through his insistence, but her own – she couldn't concentrate like this and would much prefer to simply nestle in a secluded place all day. Maybe she could stay in Kodah's Inn, and then she would have some company too.

It was the idleness that came with sitting still and the lack of activity that really irked her. Time spent doing absolutely nothing seemed like such a waste to her. She couldn't think of any experiments to plan when she got home either.

A clinking sound started to grow some way behind her, and she turned her head slowly to see Link in his climbing gear jogging towards her. No doubt he'd chosen to teleport to the Shrine located in the grotto behind them in order to get back here so quickly.

"How did it go?" She asked, genuinely curious even if she didn't have the attention span to make detailed notes right this minute.

"It was fairly easy. No enemies. Just lots of ice," Link shrugged, and then he eyed the makeshift heater she was pressing tightly against herself. "How are you faring?"

She pulled a face and he winced in sympathy.

"Let's get back into the Domain. I scouted the other Trial locations and I think their best completed solo."

As he helped her up she gave him a querying look, and he further explained himself.

"One of them needs me to swim up waterfalls, and only I have that ability out of the two of us. The last location is swarming with beasties, and you can't move very much right now."

Zelda soon found herself in a position where she didn't have to move at all. After Link transported them back to the central hub of the Domain, he sought out Kodah, who was quick to seat Zelda on a squishy bed and start boiling some more water.

"Link, don't feel like you have to wait for me. I can't really accompany you into the Shrines anyway," Zelda reasoned, worming a hand out of her blanket cocoon to open her journal. "I have things to look over and you can tell me about the trials when you come back."

He still hovered by her side, after all the Trials were not an emergency and he didn't want to leave her behind when she was suffering. However, Kodah returned with more tea and some Hearty Salmon spirals, to which she gifted Zelda, before turning on him and pushing him out of the door.

"She's fine, she's dealt with this many times before. You have a job to do. Get."

With that, he was forcibly removed from the premises and he didn't think it wise to test his luck by trying to get back in. Especially not with Kodah standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips.

"Linny, I love you, I really do, but give a girl some space, hun."

She didn't move until the small Hylian gave a nod and turned on his heel, walking away a little subdued after being so thoroughly dismissed. Kodah brushed off her hands and came back inside to see Zelda, journal open in her lap and pen poised at the ready, looking straight at her.

"You didn't have to do that, he just cares about me that's all. I don't want him thinking there's anything wrong with that," Zelda said, reproachfully, already feeling the urge to follow and assure him everything was fine. Maybe we have separation anxiety, that was a worrying thought.

"Oh, I know, it's very sweet, but you haven't been here in ages! Much less on your own. This is the perfect excuse to chill out, have some fun, and get the others in for some good old fashioned socialising. What do you say?"

"Honestly?" Zelda started, a small grin spreading across her face as she considered it, "that sounds, really good right about now."

It was incredible how quickly the adult Zora managed to retrieve all of her friends and situate them in the Inn. When Zelda asked whether this would impede on her business, the Zoras tittered, and assured her that at this time of year, tourists very rarely came up here. The conversation moved on to various bits of gossip that had been happening around the Domain, which of course included all the latest news on the Prince.

"He's been hanging around Bazz a lot lately, and that guy has never exactly been subtle. I say something's going on there."

"Oh Nayru, don't say that. About half the population will become heartbroken if it turns out Prince Sidon is gay. Or he could fishing for both sides..."

"Wouldn't some others rejoice though?" Zelda pointed out

"Good point."

"Speaking of rejoicing," and here Kodah's grin widened, her rows of sharp teeth gleaming ominously, and Zelda suddenly felt the overwhelming desire to flee. "How are you and Link doing?"

"Oh, we're going to do this are we?" Zelda said, her expression flat as she sipped her tea.

"Yes, yes we most certainly are," Laflat announced, jumping on this topic of conversation immediately.

"Oh mother of the Goddesses," the young Hylian breathed, closing her eyes and awaiting the inevitable.

"So, go on, tell us, how is he in b-" the question was cut off as Kodah gave the poor Zora, Tula, a yank on her head tail.

"Hey, we're keeping it above the bar, girls!"

There was a brief argument, about how nothing was above the bar in these conversations, that they were all adults, and that they doubted Link would actually care. Zelda wanted to challenge that last one, but instead decided to nip this whole drama in the bud before it got out of hand.

"Actually, we haven't gotten to that yet. We're taking it slow."

This brought a pause to the chattering Zora, who all as one turned to look at her, a couple looking quite surprised by this information.

"Oh, we figured you two jumped each other as soon as he got you out of the castle." There were accompanying nods from the surrounding women and Zelda gave a huge sigh.

"Why does everyone think that? We've literally only been a … a 'thing' since just before the start of the New Year. Granted, our living arrangements prior to that were not strictly speaking conventional," at this point the congregation around her started to look smug and eyebrows were raised. "We were strictly friendly! Plus, he was a perfect gentleman about our arrangement and letting me live in his house."

Kodah drew in a long breath with a snort, rolling her eyes, "of course he was."

"Still bitter there, Kodah?"

"Shut up."

"Well, if you do want to speed things up, the fastest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Doubly so for Link," Laflat pointed out, still unwilling to let the topic drop entirely. This was far too entertaining.

"I've noticed," Zelda commented with a wry grin.

"Oh yeah, but have you tried this?" Laflat leaned in to whisper into the young girls ear, which became a bright pink once the Zora's words settled in.

"Oh. Oh, I'll … give that a try."

"Let us know how that goes," and she was given a pat on the shoulder by the older woman which had the former Princess suddenly very interested in her tea.


Link trudged back into the Domain late in the afternoon, his Zora armour reflecting the last glimpses of sunlight as the sky was set a light. He had forgotten how long it took to get everywhere without using the travel gates at each Shrine. Especially, if it was raining, although, walking back across the east bridge it didn't seem to have rained here at all, just in the highlands. He returned bearing more ancient gears and cores for Zelda to mess with, which he hoped would brighten her up a bit.

Yawning, he flexed his back, shoulders tensed and heard a satisfying crack and pop somewhere along his spine. Slouching forward a little he worked on rotating his wrists and ankles with every step, extremely tired but pleased. He now carried three orbs containing Ruta's emblem and had expected a fourth, but instead had been told to step before the Divine Beast once again. Somehow, he didn't think it would be that easy and refused to go until he was well rested.

Aiming to crash into a bed face first, preferably curled up around Zelda, he blindly walked in the direction of Kayden's Inn. Instead, he ended up walking into a large frame of solid muscle.

"Oh, Link! I'm glad I caught you!" Link gave a wheezing laugh as Sidon quite literally caught him around the middle and set him upright again. "I take it that the Trials went well? You don't seem disappointed at the very least," Sidon pointed out, possibly referring to Link's previously good posture as he had walked into the Domain. Or maybe it was the sleepy smile now adorning his face. Either way, the small Hylian found himself promptly scooped up and carried across the Domain plaza. "Come and find me tomorrow, when you're rested. Father and I have some things we need to discuss with you."

Link hummed an affirmative and was then bodily delivered to the Inn by the Prince, who had the unfortunate luck of walking straight into the group of chattering Zora women, plus Zelda. They all looked towards him as one; first locking onto his face, then to the Hylian clutched in one arm, and then back again.

"Oh, I just came to-" Sidon held up Link who lifted his head up in the massive Zora's hold to give them a thumbs up before going limp again, his energy now well and truly gone - he was so out of shape it was appalling, training Zelda would be good for him too.

Hearing Kodah slap her hands down onto her thighs, she started gathering up the other Zora saying, "Alright! It's time to clear out. We've literally done nothing all day."

"You ..er ..ing ..Da ..eny," Link mumbled as he was placed down onto the bed next to Zelda, and felt something settle over him as she covered him with half of her blanket. There must have been some confusion over what he said because she had to translate.

"He said you were keeping me company. To him that's a worthwhile endeavour."

Link mumbled his agreement, and as the Zora filed out to leave them in peace, Zelda settled into him as he curled up around her back. His deep regular breaths puffed air against her thighs, so incredibly tired. A gentle tugging of his armour and a quiet voice in his ear prevented him from falling asleep completely.

"Link. Link, come on. You need to get out of this," Zelda spoke to him as if trying to coax a child, but he just grumbled and curled up tighter in defiance. "If you don't do it, I'll do it for you."

With such an ultimatum, he was almost tempted to see her carry out the threat, but she'd had a trying day too. So, with a reticent sigh, he wiggled backwards out of his armour and shucked off his greaves, becoming cognitive enough to fold them up and place them delicately on the floor by the bed. He then flumped back down, in nothing but his underwear, causing a ripple in the water bed. Zelda giggled at the movement, scratching his head with her fingers.

"I'll wait for your report tomorrow."

He must have fallen asleep immediately after that, for the next thing he knew, he was opening his eyes to early daylight and Zelda's hair draped across his neck. He flexed his limbs slightly to gauge where the rest of her was and found that she had aligned herself directly next to his prone form. A yawn cracked his jaw and he winced, bringing a hand up to rub the area.

"Morning," said his partner, stretching out her back and accidentally rubbing along his front. It was a very pleasant sensation and noticing that she was sleeping on his prosthetic, he wrapped both of his arms around her middle, intent on staying exactly where they were. "Oh no you don't. We have things to do, come on, up."

She gave his hands a tap and he reluctantly let go, watching her sit up and slink her way off the bed slowly. Oddly similar to a large cat. He was surprised she hadn't tried to bounce him out of bed but that soon became unnecessary as his stomach gurgled, forcing him to get up anyway.

"Of course, the only thing powerful enough to get you to move is your hunger. Maybe I should be tempting you out of bed with snacks."

He swallowed. If she started doing that then he was going to start getting hungry for something else in the mornings. Not that he didn't already on occasion.

Watching her bend down to fetch her day clothes and stretching out her spine, he suddenly remembered how unwell Zelda had been the previous day.

"How are you feeling?"

His blonde partner was halfway into her research jacket when she paused to look at him, a pleased smile growing on her face. "I'm much better today. Sometimes, it just hits hard for one or two days, but thank you, you always take such good care of me."

She finished putting her arms through the sleeves as she leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek. Link felt like purring with pride. It was to a scene of both Hylians nuzzling their faces together that Prince Sidon found them, lead into the Inn by Kayden.

"Oh! I do hope I'm not interrupting!" The Prince exclaimed, whilst also not making any motions to retreat. Kayden pinched the base of his head crest and walked back out to the front of the Inn, refusing to be a part of this conversation.

Link shook his head hurriedly while Zelda withdrew, a hand covering the up turned corners of her mouth.

"I apologise for my eagerness," Sidon said, unable to contain his energy a moment longer, "but father has recently revealed to me that he is in possession of Mipha's diary. He says that certain entries pertain to you and it would soothe him to know that you are aware of the full extent of her thoughts."

Link already had experience of reading diaries, and he still felt a little guilty about it when he remembered. Even though the person it belonged to had already assuaged him of said guilt and was currently standing right next to him, it wasn't something he liked to dwell on. Reading the diary of someone who had long since passed, and was still very dear to him made him uneasy. Unfortunately, he was also horrendously curious and he knew that this was what Sidon had alluded to yesterday, while he carried him across the Domain plaza.

"I appreciate that you probably have some misgivings about reading through her personal thoughts, but perhaps you can spot some references to her trials that my father would not have understood?"

Damn him, Link thought, realising that Sidon knew him far better than he let on.

Once fully clothed and slightly more awake, he was ushered into the Throne room to stand before the King. The giant whale-based Zora watched him fondly while his son fluttered about the former Princess of Hyrule on the far side of the chamber. She was doing her best to remain polite but also make her way to join with him on the other side of the room. As she was subtly manoeuvring herself around the giant Prince, much to the King's silent amusement, Link was brought over to the diary.

It was a small book, propped open on a pedestal, and the dark blue leather stretched across the covers did not seem to have cracked with age or show any signs of weathering over the years. No doubt Muzu, who had brought him to stand in front of the book, had been taking care of it meticulously over the years.

As the aged Zora backed away to let him read in peace, he felt Zelda brush a hand against his side as she remained behind him. He wasn't sure that being watched by the King, the King's advisor, the Prince, and Zelda could be considered a peaceful environment for reading but then her hand slipped into his and their fingers slotted together. Taking a deep breath he brought her forward to read with him.

"No, Link, this is Mipha, it should be just you-"

"She was your friend too wasn't she?" Zelda said nothing but shuffled closer, pressing herself to him so they could read side by side. "You'll have to forgive me; I'm a slower reader than you are."

A nudge against his shoulder was the only response he got and he fixed his attention solely on the book in front of him. Starting on the page where the diary had been left open he felt his gut twist. This is going to be hard.

About halfway through, he dearly wished that he and Zelda had been allowed to read this alone. Unsure of the expressions that could be crossing his face he settled on what he hoped appeared thoughtful, but his true emotions were anything but. So far, he could conclude that Mipha had in fact tried her hardest to keep her feelings to herself. A feat she was largely successful with if his prior memories were to be relied on. There was a slight twinge when it became apparent that there had been a moment where Mipha felt despondent over the amount of time he spent with the Hylian Princess, but she never once spoke ill of her fellow Royal.

As he tried to parse his own feelings from the period of time described in Mipha's hand, he reached an entry that detailed a plan to meet with him as the Hylian Princess inspected Vah Ruta. It was the last entry, with no conclusion written, but Links own memories could attest to how that meeting had progressed. That day a top Vah Ruta's trunk, and according to Mipha's account something had been missing.

There was a hushed 'oh' over his shoulder and he knew Zelda had reached the end too.

Mipha … why didn't you ask? What changed your mind?

Link could only guess as to why. Something must have occurred to her between the moment she wrote down her thoughts in these pages to actually meeting with him.

Closing the diary with a heavy heart, he ran his hand over the front cover; dark blue as a backdrop for the silver embossed symbol of the Zora Sapphire stamped on the front. His eyes flickered to his partner, able to clearly see the distress and avid curiosity in her eyes as she returned his glance. However, he was unwilling to have that conversation with her in a room with so many others present. Especially, in the presence of Mipha's family.

Turning away from the pedestal, he kept his vague expression and nodded his thanks to Muzu as he came closer to the Throne. When asked if he had found any clues to aid him in his trials he could do little more than give a simple shake of his head. Perhaps his reticent attitude was notable enough to dissuade any more questions and he was granted leave to carry on with his tasks.

Leaving the Throne room, he missed the concerned looks the Royal Zora shared with Zelda who could do little more than shake her head at them. Unsure herself of what exactly it was that was causing Link distress. The former Princess gave her condolences once more and explained that they were now ready to reset the Divine Beast, reminding them that the decision for its fate rested in their hands. They exchanged pleasant farewells before Zelda then followed after her partner.

She caught up with him where he had stopped by the eastern bridge out of the Domain. He was looking up at a dark coloured Zora, whom she recalled was called Bazz, and was signing quickly. All the while the Zora male was steadily becoming more and more flushed, despite the fact that Link's expression had not changed an inch.

"It's not like that- You! You have no reason to be judging me … it sounds like judging. Besides, last time I looked your partner was a Royal too, and you're a knight," Bazz spluttered, failing to notice her approach.

It was at this point that Link's face broke into a very smug grin, his slightly sharper than average teeth on display. Honestly, Bazz had every reason to look more than a little alarmed. Zelda, partly feeling generous and partly desperately wanting to talk to Link herself slid over to stand next to the bickering pair.

"And what, pray tell, are you two gentlemen discussing?" She asked, pleased that her 'sudden' appearance caused the Zora guard to jump a little. Link was already signing away.

[Just discussing when Bazz developed a crush on our friend the Prin-]

His last sign was interrupted as Bazz made a grab for his wrist, swiping his hand away from where his fingers had just touched his forehead. Unfortunately for Bazz, Zelda was already well versed with that signal and it was her turn to look amused.

"Are we now?" She said, watching Bazz look fretfully between them, "don't worry, you're secret is safe with us. Although, I would say if you're hoping to somehow get the message across to our … larger than life friend," Link snorted behind her, "that being subtle is not the way to go. He's smart and cultured, but small instances of adoration will probably fly over his head. He isn't even aware that he has a fan club."

Bazz's jaw dropped, either from her rather forward advice or the evidence of Sidon's sheer obliviousness it was uncertain. But he was floored regardless.

"Food for thought as they say," and with that Zelda linked her left arm with Link's right and steered him away, waving to Bazz as they left.

Link only just managed to turn his head around to spot Bazz already signing to him. The Zora went from pinching the base of his third finger to pointing at Zelda's back, and the two signals combined were enough to have all the air in Link's lungs leave his body. He started coughing as he turned back around. Noticing his flushed countenance, Zelda asked if she was going too fast which nearly made him wheeze again, but instead he insisted he was fine, still replaying what Bazz had just signed to him.

If only I could be so lucky.


"Link, Mipha never did present her armour to you did she? The first time you saw it was when you came here with no memory of her whatsoever, wasn't it?"

Said Hylain Knight nearly lost his footing climbing up a slate cliff such was his surprise. They had so far been hiking and climbing in comfortable silence as they made their way towards Vah Ruta. He clung to the rocky surface as he got his heart rate back in order.

"Link?"

"I'm fine, took me by surprise."

She waited patiently, as she always did, for him to evaluate the question and decide on an answer.

"Yes," he started with, but before Zelda could huff with his lack of forthcoming information he continued on. Beginning to climb again as he went. "I had no idea who anyone was and suddenly I was being told that this Mipha, who was the Zora Princess, who had died, had loved me. Had loved me enough to craft an intricate and powerful piece of armour for me. I knew nothing of who I was, or who I had been, and then in an instant I knew that I had been loved. And was still loved, once I freed Mipha from her Divine Beast."

Reaching the top of the cliff, Link scrambled over the edge feeling a flicker of pride as he watched Zelda do likewise beside him. She didn't need his help climbing any more it seemed.

"But her diary indicated she intended to gift it to you when we arrived in Zora's Domain." Zelda dusted off her hands before placing them on her hips as she stood there staring at Link, "so what happened?"

"Wish I knew. All I know is that wasn't what happened. We sat there, watched the sun set and we talked – well she talked mostly – and we agreed to spend more time together once the Calamity was over. I agreed that sounded like a good idea. She healed my arm..." Link lifted his right arm and then blinked when he realised that he no longer had the arm that she had healed. His suddenly felt like crying.

"Oh for the love of-" Zelda took a deep breath in through her nose, releasing it out slowly again, "Link, it was pretty damn obvious."

He was still trying to work out why he was feeling so upset, so Zelda's announcement left him bereft of a response. "Huh?"

"The Calamity. That was why she didn't gift you the armour. Your silence, even in her presence, showed you were far too stressed to give an answer to such an important question at that time. She knew you very well after all. Instead, she asked you to come back to her, when everything was over, so she could try again." She wore a bittersweet smile, thinking of how life would have been very different for the both of them had the Calamity been defeated one hundred years ago.

He was also thinking along similar lines, asking himself again what his answer would have been; despite know recognising that he had also started to love Zelda at the time. His answer most likely would have remained 'yes'. Mipha had the love and support of her father, the King, behind her decision to marry him. Zelda, would not have stood a chance, regardless of how deeply he cared for the both of them.

Sighing deeply, he welcomed the sensation of Zelda's hands cradling his face, angling his head up to so they could see eye to eye. Her face open and caring, his own now sharpening into determination.

"Come on, let's finish this."

Before long, they both stood before the towering form of Vah Ruta, her trunk raised and tusks extended. Frozen in a position of attack from the last directive she operated, and now she waited for new commands. Standing as an eternal sentry atop her plateau, overlooking the emerald valleys below and enclosed by the distant mountain ranges on either side of her. It would be a shame if the Zora decided to send her back into the deeps of the East Reservoir lake, but it had to be their choice.

Taking a deep breath, Link released the air in his lungs slowly and appreciated the squeeze of his left hand from Zelda. The apprehension and anxiety of being unable to predict what would happen next was racking them both, but the courage to complete this trial drove him forward. He stepped into the shadow of the incredible machine.

To the one who approaches this Divine Beast...
In the name of Goddess Hylia, I offer this trial.

Ah, didn't think it could be that simple Link thought, feeling oddly validated.

In exchange for Ruta's Emblems...
you will be granted the chance to tread through the realm of memories

"What's he saying?" Zelda whispered, and it was only now that Link realised that Maz Koshia was speaking exclusively to him. Do you no longer trust Zelda?

Those who lack determination will find this trial unforgiving
Hylia's Descendant would not approve

Do not take this place lightly,
nor dismiss it as merely a world within your mind.
The truth is much deeper than you know.

"I have one final Trial. Something about Memory Realm, I-" But Link didn't have time to finish as a ringing sound started in his ears, getting louder as a pressure inside his head increased. Then the pressure was gone and he was elsewhere, facing off against a very recognisable foe from the very start of his journey.

Zelda, on the other hand, barely had time to understand what he was saying before Link's eyes scrunched up and then his face went slack. His whole body remained upright, swaying minutely, but showed no other signs of life. It was extremely disconcerting.

"Link? Link! No, oh no, no don't leave, I can't- Oh, what am I doing?" Zelda panicked, her hands flitting from his face his chest then to his shoulders, steadying him. "Do I just have to wait?"

"He'll come back, once he defeats this last enemy."

Nearly choking on air from hearing that voice, Zelda dared not turn around to confirm her suspicions, lest she become extremely disappointed. She did so anyway, twisting around slowly and eyes widening with disbelief as they took in the sight behind her. A ghostly, teal, webbed hand was placed over her own atop Link's shoulder as Mipha helped her support him. She felt like crying.

"Here, we should lie him down. This battle will be tough and there will no doubt be repercussions of it on his physical body too."

Gently between them, they lowered Link down to his knees and then onto his back, straightening out his legs so that he lay flat on the ground. His hand gave a jerk and Zelda knelt down to place a hand over his before turning to the presence beside her.

Soft eyes beneath a decorated head crest met her gaze, framed by curving fins on either side of her face. The Zora Princess tilted her head to one side as Zelda failed to process what she was seeing. Despite everything she had so far experienced at Link's side, this utterly floored her. Mipha was here, right in front of her. Or at least, her ghost was.

"You're here," Zelda breathed, suppressing the sudden need to hyperventilate as Mipha nodded happily. She was pleased to see her.

"It's been a long time."

Zelda let out a laugh, out of shock or genuine humour she wasn't sure, but it brought a smile to her face as she tried to hold in more giggles. "That's an understatement."

"I also hear you're not a Princess any more."

"You're really diving in the deep end here."

"Oh no… Link's puns … they've rubbed off on you. I'm so sorry."

Blinking fast, Zelda had still been desperately trying to catch up with the situation and that comment threw her completely. She let out a shriek of laughter, made worse by Mipha maintaining a completely serious face that was tinged with concern. After taking in several hysterical breaths, Zelda was able to ask "What?"

"'Diving in the deep end'? I never remembered you being one for word play. So, I blame Link," Mipha gave the Hylian next to them a glance before watching the former fellow Princess again. She shrugged at her friends continued expression of bafflement, but she couldn't keep up the serious facade any longer. A bright grin breaking across her face as Zelda geared herself up for an explanation.

"What? No! It's an expression, I just meant..." she trailed off, blowing air from her nose in exasperation as the Zora Princess started to laugh. Soft and controlled peals of laughter escaped her small frame, her hands held up uselessly in an aborted gesture to try and cover her mouth. "Well, I don't recall you being such a tease."

While Mipha took her turn to try and control herself, Zelda took the moment to analyse her situation. Link was out of action - battling off against some unknown foe that he hadn't really prepared for – her Zora Champion had appeared and was now teasing her for an unintentional idiom. They were also in varying states of hysteria despite having only just begun to talk to each other.

Mipha, the Princess of the Zora who had died a century ago, was chatting with her. According to Link, her death had been quick, more like an assassination rather than a full out battle, not that it made her feel any better. Zelda wasn't sure where to start, following the Zora's every move as she settled herself down, with her legs folded to the side, switching her gaze from one Hylian to the other.

"I thought you would be free already," Zelda found herself saying. "I thought you had passed on with the defeat of Ganon."

"None of us could leave without guaranteeing our Divine Beasts were taken care of. Also," Mipha looked away to the heart of the Domain, "we couldn't resist one last excuse to say goodbye. For good this time."

Zelda followed her line of sight to the Palace, adorned with the magnificent fish sculpture that surveyed the central plaza. Mipha's father was probably in there, she had never seen him elsewhere, and perhaps Sidon was there too. She couldn't see anyone clearly from this far away, but she knew that that the Zora beside her would have given anything to be able to.

"They're so proud of you, you know, they love you so much." She leaned forward to take Mipha's clawed hand between her own, drawing her attention back to her as she continued to speak. "You've been their beacon for so long. I hope you can rest easy knowing that you kept them safe, in more ways than one. I suspect your link to your Divine Beast actually prevented the Blight from having full control, it could only rage from within, never able to directly attack your home. You locked it away from him, but now we can take it back for you and give it back to your people."

"I had a feeling it was something like that," Mipha nodded, her eyes dropping down to fix upon their joined hands. "The fact that the Blight didn't try to take Vah Ruta straight into the Domain confused me for many years. Once Ganon was defeated, I couldn't bear to just leave her here, all alone at the top of this cliff. I know how my people must view her - my tomb. But she isn't. She was my vessel and I hers, we were both cast from our purpose that day," Mipha then looked up at Zelda, beseechingly. "Please, let them know that."

"I don't think I need to. Your brother has grown to be a very dependable Prince, and despite his young age at the time he recognised how important Vah Ruta was to you. He will not allow for the Divine Beast to be cast aside so easily. Fear not."

"Thank you. You know, I had tried to get the two of you here earlier, but I guess I was too subtle... so I went bigger."

Zelda's expression pinched slightly, eyes roaming about unseeingly for a second as she came to an epiphany. "You triggered Vah Ruta's changed state. To draw us here." Like moths to a flame.

"I had tried to get Link's attention by healing some of his more minor injuries, and then healing before he even came close to the veil of death. At one point, I thought he might have worked it out, but he is so easily distracted."

As she said this, Link's form gave a full body jerk and both of them turned to him quickly. He was frowning now and a bruise had started to form along his cheek bone, but otherwise he remained undisturbed. Mipha gently traced the bruise on Link's face and Zelda watched as the tissue damage faded, the discolouration now completely gone.

The ability to alleviate another's pain, what a wonderful gift. She looked down at her own hands, wondering if she could use her powers of light to do the same, but she knew her 'gift' was a different brand of magic. If she even still had her magic at all.

"Any damage he suffers in the astral plane will be reflected upon his physical form. Still, considering I can only see superficial damage the battle must be going pretty well. He has all of our gifts at his disposal this time around," Mipha noted, smoothing out his tunic.

As her hand passed over his chest, distracted in her own thoughts, her fingers caught on ridges beneath the fabric of the Champion's Tunic. Her crest wrinkled a little as she concentrated on the texture, all the while Zelda observed, relieved that Link had this battle in hand but also eager for what Mipha was about to discover.

Pulling her hand away, the Zora Champion flicked her eyes up to Link's throat, where she could see dark blue fabric and the start of silver filigree work weaving around his neck. She hooked a claw over the neckline of his tunic and tugged down, confirming her suspicions as she saw the armour she had crafted for him underneath. The last time she had seen this on him, she had been revelling in the freedom of her Divine Beast.

"He's been wearing it constantly whenever he comes here. It's not always on display, but he always has it on even beneath other clothes. It brings him comfort to wear the armour you gave him."

To know that he wore it, simply because he wanted to, made Mipha breathless. An all consuming joy filled her and she felt lighter than she had even in life.

"He bears both of the garments we made for him," Mipha corrected with a smile, glancing to Zelda at her side and grinning as she watched the realisation bloom over her face.

"I... I never thought of it like that," Zelda admitted, "when I made that tunic, he wasn't exactly my favourite person. Whereas you loved him the entire time you crafted your armour for him."

Guilt suddenly struck Zelda when she realised she was essentially talking to the ghost of her partners long dead childhood friend who had been in love with said partner for years. The knowledge made her feel slightly queasy, and some of her discomfort must have for her Zora Champion heaved a sigh.

"Oh please, Zelda, don't do this to yourself," Mipha reprimanded, squeezing her hand where it lay against the former Princess's thigh. "We both know that had we both survived and declared our feelings for him he wouldn't have wanted to hurt either of us and therefore would have done nothing. We would all have been miserable."

Mipha actually rolled her eyes at the thought and Zelda couldn't help but huff with her agreement. "That is unbelievably accurate, now that I think about it."

"Well, unless we..." The crimson Zoraa was tense as she stared at the ground hard for several seconds, her grip on Zelda's hand tightening. Then the tension faded with a sigh and she released the hand caught in her grasp, "we would have found a compromise I'm sure. No point in us all being sad."

Zelda had the suspicion that she had intended to say something else, but knew from experience that she was unlikely to share unless it was on her own terms. However, knowing that this was likely going to be the last time she would speak to her had her fighting with herself to ask. She was too curious for her own good sometimes – she didn't want to force the issue and make their time here uncomfortable. Speaking of uncomfortable...

"Oh, by the way, we … umm," she shifted, her expression very obviously guilty this time as she looked to Mipha. "We may have been shown your diary."

There was a deep silence for several seconds, before the Zora haltingly asked, "and did- did you read … my diary?"

Zelda bit her lip and Mipha nearly whined with embarrassment, so in order to level the playing field - so to speak – the Hylian scholar continued. "If it makes you feel any better, he's also read mine."

Mipha choked and her eyes widened in horror, "HE READ MY DIARY TOO?!"

A little taken aback by her volume, they both reeled away from each other, blinking away their combined surprise. After clearing her throat and smoothing down her scales a few times, Mipha spoke again. "Excuse me, I didn't mean to be so loud, I'm just a little … mortified."

Zelda wasn't entirely sure what to do in this situation, other than lean over and give her friend a few awkward pats on the shoulder, hoping she appeared understanding and apologetic, rather than patronising.

She was about to ask how she could help the other woman with her embarrassed state when Link groaned and rolled his head to one side. He was waking up.

"Oh, that was fast. Then again, I should have expected it as he's already fought that … thing once before and he has more experience now," Mipha rambled, clearly taking this opportunity as an out from her previous predicament. "Still, it would have been nice to talk with you longer … but then..."

Zelda understood. "Then Link would have needed to fight more. I understand," and once again Mipha's hands were in hers; she couldn't seem to stop touching her.

"Please, Princ- Zelda, do not tell Link of this until I have spoken to him also. I can spare a moment to traverse through dreams but I want it to be a surprise." An honest expression of childish joy coloured Mipha's face and Zelda was quick to promise that she would keep this to herself for now.

"Of course. It's been lovely seeing you again, and being able to laugh with you! To think, we used to laugh together once."

"I have enjoyed laughing with you too," Mipha said, clearly holding back tears, not that Zelda was faring any better. They held onto to each others hands for a few moments more before Zelda grabbed her friend into a strong hug, taking the small Zora by surprise at this aggressive show of affection from the usually reserved researcher.

Their tears were not being held back any longer.

"Good bye, Zelda, please take good care of yourself and Link."

"I will."

With that promise, Mipha glowed almost too brightly bursting into fragments of light. The spectral particles that once made up her form drifted around Zelda and then were caught by the wind to spiral off into the sky. She watched them go, high up above her, shielding her eyes as she followed them out of sight.

She was distracted by a rustle of clothing as the only other being in the area began to stir.

Blinking awake, Link squinted up at the expanse of blue, not a cloud in sight. He started to regain control by flexing his fingers and rotating his ankles, breathing in deep, measured breaths. Finally, he rolled his head to see Zelda seated next to him, eyes a little red for some reason and a tentative smile in place.

He gave a lazy wave.

"Hello, Link. Everything go well?"

Link gave a thumbs up, [I kicked it's ass.]

"While I'm pleased with that knowledge, I must ask; kicked what's ass exactly?"

"Ugh," he groaned as he propped himself up to sit, which made talking easier. "I have to fight the Blights of each Beast again to reset the controls. Prove my worth," he let out a deep suffering sigh, retuning his gaze to the cloudless sky. "I really need to get back into shape."

Zelda chuckled softly even as she gave an exaggerated pout, "oh, but you've gotten kind of soft now. You're so nice to cuddle."

She avoided the half-hearted swatting and delighted in the blush over the bridge of his nose and tips of his ears. Her laughter settled over the cliffs of Zora's Domain like ambient music, and her elation coloured the breeze.

It took them barely any time at all to return to the Zora King, aided by teleportation and their relief fuelled adrenaline, and give their report. Vah Ruta had returned to her constant blue glow, though it remained slightly dimmed. It was left to the Zora people to decide whether to keep her active with a new pilot or to return her to sleep. Once a decision was made, the pair of Hylians would return to help them through the process, but for now they were to return home.

After many farewells, hugs, and declarations of undying friendship – from the Prince, of course – they exited the Zora's homeland as streams of blue.

Zelda wasn't entirely sure how Link managed to make his way into the house, make them both a cup of tea and change into his nightwear before passing out onto their bed. His exhaustion following the Trial had been evident and he never did manage to actually drink his tea.


Link slowly became aware of his surroundings, finding himself standing in knee deep water, wearing the complete set of Zora Armour. Stroking his hands down his sides to feel the smooth scales tightly overlapping with each other, he cast his sights around further to recognise the inside of Vah Ruta. For a moment he thought he had returned to the fight, but this place was nowhere near as oppressive. It was no longer dingy and tainted as it had once been, with bright light coming in from the white ceiling. Wait, where is the ceiling?

Tilting his head up he found it hard to focus on any particular spot above him, instead drifting back down to look at the walls of Vah Ruta's control room. Something sounded like it was dripping, but he could see no ripples in the water.

Just as he was about to make a move towards the control node at the far end of the room, he heard a soft, calm voice speak behind him.

"Hello Link, it is good to see you."

Feeling all the air in his lungs rush out in surprise, he whipped round, sending a wave of water out across the room. The tail end of the wave lapped gently against the red scaled legs of Mipha. She stood with her hands tucked behind her back and wore an open smile on her face. Her head tilted a little just as she had done with Zelda, but she averted her eyes when Link did nothing more than stare. She shuffled in the water a little before offering her arms out before her.

"This might sound like an odd request, in the scheme of things, but," she looked back to him, "would it be alright with you, if I asked for a hug?"

Frozen for a second, half of Link's mind screamed at him to move while the other half was still trying to work out whether she was real or not. In the end, he was halfway towards her when he came to the conclusion that it didn't matter. She practically disappeared in his hold, her slight frame even smaller than his own. Mipha didn't seem to mind though, wiggling her arms free so she could wrap them around Link's ribs, her fins trailing down his sides.

"Thank you, Link, for this and everything else."

While logically, Link knew there wasn't anything he could have done to save Mipha, he still felt guilty that she had died alone. His thoughts made him tense and scrunch up his face but a swift and gentle tap on his head made his eyes snap open. She always used to do that when I...

"I can feel you doubting yourself, and I can't even see your face," she said, pleasantly, as her clawed hand still rested upon his head.

His body relaxed and his features smoothed out, eyes still open as he looked down at her red-crested head and swayed them both from side to side. He breathed in deeply, admiring how the armour stretched with his ribcage, and then exhaled.

"I should be thanking you. This armour is incredible. Did you really make this for me?"

There was another tap on his head, this time accompanied by a rueful look from the Zora Champion.

"Sorry, sorry, I just … I hardly knew anything back then and suddenly I was told that someone loved me, that much? Someone spent so much time and effort making this and I couldn't even remember them..." He looked so incredibly guilty that Mipha's heart broke just a little more, "I'm so sorry."

"Forgetting wasn't you're fault, and nearly dying wasn't either. If you hadn't have been put into the Shrine to revive, you probably would never have seen me again anyway."

That nearly took Link's legs out from under him.

As soon as Ganon had appeared and the Champions had left, there really had only been one path that they could have travelled. It didn't really make him feel any better but at least he got to see her here, one last time. There was no way she couldn't be real, but this room and it's appearance, he knew she wasn't alive either.

He leaned back and tilted her face up so he could see her, eyebrows slightly pinching together. Ever since he had been shown Mipha's diary he had been wondering why he didn't remember the proposal she was planning for him. He remembered that he had even been wondering at the time if that was where she was leading the conversation, but the question never came. Even with Zelda's reasoning, he still needed to know for sure.

"Why didn't you ask?" Link said, and he could tell by the wide eyed stare he received that Mipha knew what he was talking about. "I thought for sure you were going to..."

"I realised it wouldn't be fair to you," she focused on her claws tracing across his collar bone, "you had a duty. A duty that required everything you had at that time, I didn't want to add something else for you to fret over. I decided to wait."

"I wouldn't have fretted," he answered, immediately, but a small voice in the back of his head, that sounded a lot like Zelda said, told you. He scratched the underside of jaw awkwardly and he saw Mipha's sharp teeth gleam as she grinned at him.

"Well, we both know that's not true, now don't we?"

He nodded, but he still pursed his lips, slightly exasperated that she knew him so well. "If it's any consolation, I would have said yes."

"Even though you also loved the Princess? Zelda, I mean."

Link shuffled, uneasily for a moment, before deciding to just go for it, "according to your brother, you wouldn't have minded."

"My brother truly has grown up, it seems," she commented, with a proud glint to her eyes accompanying her wide smile. "It's true; I loved you but I was also fond of the Princ- Zelda too." She looked away for a split second and then back again, suddenly meek, "I had considered, even, making her some armour too. Though quite when she would have worn it I don't know and I didn't have another white scale to use, so I-"

Her rambling calmed when Link rubbed his nose against her head crest and his heart felt like it might burst. She hummed fondly, and he could recall all the times he had done this whenever she overworked a situation.

"I'll let her know," was all he could say, as he was filled with idealistic images of the three of them all happily wedded to each other.

A huge weight was lifted from Mipha's chest.

"Thank you," she tilted her head back and nodded at the floor, where the water was gradually rising, "swim with me?"

It could have been minutes, hours, or even days, but no matter how much time they spent in this dream-world it would never be enough. Still, the time spent was relaxed and playful; Mipha swimming circles around Link who, despite spending so much time in Zora's Domain, would never be able to harness the finesse with which the Zora Princess swam. She looped him easily as he made powerful strokes through the water, gliding effortlessly with the streamlined Zora armour. Their impromptu game of tag soon became a demonstration of just how fast the small Zora could be in her element, easily evading her Hylian companion's lunges.

"You know, besides your compassion," Mipha said, as they both treaded water, calming down from their play, "humility is also one of your greatest virtues. Knowing this, I feel confident in my decision."

Link tilted his head, which made Mipha giggle as half of his face was already beneath the water as it was, creating a mirrored countenance upon the waters surface.

"My decision to ask to marry you was also based on who I would choose to share my gift with. My healing abilities were highly sought after and I could easily see potential suitors only interested in the leverage such a power would bring them. But you just thought it was cool." She stifled a laugh as she remembered his young and astonished face when she had first used her powers on him, "you had looked so shocked. But I could see, even as you grew up, that there was never any calculation as to how you could use our friendship to your advantage. You never disclosed it to anyone, not until we all joined as Champions. Revali's face, I'll never forget that..."

Link raised his head out of the water, looking contemplative, "I don't think I was there."

"No, you weren't, for which I am glad. No doubt he would have said those things to your face instead, although watching him get infuriated by your complete lack of response was always fun to me... But I am glad that you feel more comfortable talking now." She shook her head and took a breath, "I am getting distracted. What I wanted to tell you was that, I know of no other that would be better suited to receive my gift. I want you to have my Grace with you, always, if you'll accept."

She watched as his eyes widened, then, tentatively, he nodded and pushed forward through the water before opening his mouth.

"Yes."

It was an answer to a question she had never asked, but had longed to hear. Nearly brought to tears, she reached a hand out to touch his chest as the lights above them began to dim, and the waters they were immersed in started to glow with her magic.

"I'm sorry, I only have a little time left. With Ganon gone and by bringing Ruta back under control my tether to this world has ended. Also," she smiled at him, reaching for his hands in the water with her own, "I no longer need to stay here. My Grace is with you now, and it always will be."

Link could no more than swallow and nod once in reply. Getting Mipha back through prompted memories either by the Slate or being reminded of her in the little things had been a delight. Getting to actually spend more time with her, here physically, had been a Goddess send. She had been his rock as he grew up, and she remained a loyal and trustworthy confident as he was pushed into a destiny that caused him to set aside his personality. These moments, however, also came at the cost of facing reality and remembering, once again, that she was no longer here and she never would be again. This would be the last time he saw her, spoke to her, or felt her. Panic started to rise in his chest and throat, tears making his vision blur ever so slightly.

"I am glad that after this night I can rest easy in the knowledge that this will keep you safe... among other things." She placed a clawed hand against the fine scale covered material of his armour, her eyes on the white scale she had inset into the metal detailing around his collarbone. "And the Princess will too... I must admit you two took longer than I thought."

At this Link looked up, sharply, but Mipha's amber gaze met his and it was filled with nothing but support and love. There was neither disappointment in her eyes nor any resentment. Only happiness. She raised her other hand to cup his cheek, water dripping off of her arm.

"I am happy for you. For you both – even if it did take you two forever."

Link closes his eyes with a wobbly smile and nudged into her hand, leaning across the water as he did so he could bump his forehead against hers.

"It was wonderful being with you, while I could," she hung her head for a moment, trying to gather herself to look back up at his face once more. "Please, also tell the Princess … Zelda ... everything I wish I could have said."

Link nodded firmly. Mipha gave him a rueful grin in return before giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"I am truly happy for you both."

Before she could move away from him, Link grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him, kissing her deeply. She looked shocked but her surprise soon gave way to an expression of utter elation, a few tears building up in her gentle eyes before she closed them. He held Mipha close to him, as if he could keep her here if he held her strongly enough, but even as they broke apart and she buried her face against his shoulder he could see their surroundings start to fade out. The control room was becoming bright and pale with light from the water that steadily engulfed the whole space, and the figure in his arms was starting to feel incorporeal. He kept his arms fixed where they were as to not shatter the illusion that he was still hugging her, keeping her safe, but even as he willed her to remain her body started to dissolve.

She tilted her head back to watch him, one last time, and raised a ghostly teal hand to swipe a stray tear of off his face.

"Goodbye, Mipha"

The Zora Champion and her Divine Beast faded away into light.

Link gasped awake, his face already wet with tears and Zelda was lying beside him, one hand pressed gently against his chest. She wore an expression of sympathy and somehow he could tell that she already knew. Yet, the idea that Mipha was no longer with them, that she was truly gone, was incomprehensible to him. It just couldn't be.

"She's gone, Mipha's gone."

"I know... She came to me too..." Zelda explained, softly, "it'll be ok, you're ok. We did it, Link. She's finally free."

She pulled him to her, curled over her lap, and felt him nod against her stomach, but his sobs still racked his shoulders. They stayed that way, as tears fell onto her thighs and upon his back, until the sun started to rise and fill their house with light.


If it's any consolation, I was sad writing this, but it had to be done. Closure can hurt, but these two will weather it just fine. I hovered over the amount of introspection in this chapter as it was either too little or bordering on waffling, so I hope I hit a good middle ground.