Good to be back, yeah? So much work to do.

The battle down on Great Zora Bridge was well underway.

It was good to see that the Zora didn't hesitate. How could they, with their loved ones at their backs? Grinning, Akai took the steel bow of the last Lizal she had just dispatched, and looked about for more. One could be forgiven for thinking the entire mountain surrounding Zora's Domain would be teeming with archers or even siege equipment. But alas, there weren't any more archers, as far as she could see. After two interlopers managed to slip past them, blowing up a good portion of their equipment along the way, a bad plan was better than no plan.

That was good news, but that also meant that she was currently out of the fight. And the fight would be long over, by the time she finished combing Zora Mountain for threats. Ruto Precipice seemed within range for her and her bow to lend support, but with the Lizal currently in a melee with the Zora, raining shock arrows from this high up would be risky.

There was that Lynel they passed, though… "Hmmm." Wherever he was now, Akai knew that he was hunting either her, or a Zora. She could read that look in his eyes from a mile away. And if it was a Zora he was after, it wasn't going to be a fair fight.

XXXXX

Branching off from behind Zora's Domain, there was a bridge connecting to a small pocket of land, a tiny lake at its center. And looking up at the waterfall that poured down into the tiny Mikau Lake, Tess looked back to Muzu for ideas. "Why not up there?"

Muzu crossed his arms. "Because Prince Sidon still cannot ascend waterfalls on his own." Little Sidon was under the tutelage of his sister, and as of now, the only way Sidon would be atop Ploymus mountain was if he ascended via waterfall. That said, "I don't understand why you insist on checking there. I mean not to belittle the prince, but it is impossible for him to be up there."

"Two reasons." Tess refuted, raising two fingers. "One, that mountain is a great vantage point for finding where else Sidon might have gone. Two, do you really wanna tell the king that you couldn't find his son, and there was a place you haven't looked?"

Muzu relented. "... Fair point."

"Any idea how to get up there?"

The manta ray raised hand to his chest, gesturing to himself. "I can ascend, Hylian, but it is an art exclusive to the Zora. You will wait here." He began stepping towards the waterfall, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"Hey, don't be like that! I know you don't really like me, but two heads are better than one! And besides, you know what Akai said; you have an answer to shock arrows?" From her experience, being wet in a thunderstorm was far worse than being in a thunderstorm. She couldn't imagine being a fish on top of that.

Grabbing her hand by a finger, Muzu lifted the offending limb off of his shoulder. "As far as Zora go, I am far and away the most resistant to the Lizal's shock arrows, Hylian. I can manage my responsibilities alone."

"It's not just the fighting that I'm worried about, Mister Manta Ray. It's the looking. And with me, you can do it twice as fast. Half the time leaving Zora's Domain undefended, right?"

"My name is Muzu."

That seemed to come as a surprise to the Hylian. She gave her best smile. "Hi, Muzu! My name is Tess!"

Point proven. "... Tess."

She carried energy in her voice like they were the best of friends. "Yeah? Whatcha need?"

A long, rueful sigh escaped him. "I suppose it can't be helped." Stepping into the water, watching the frogs and fish scurry away, Muzu looked back to his companion. "Climb onto my back, and hold on tight."

"That's the spirit!"

XXXXX

Using the crescent shape of the Silverscale Spear, Trello deflected the jagged edges of his opponent's forked Lizal spear, and bashed him with the pommel, sending him careening over the side. Seeing no more Lizal before him on the bridge, Trello looked back to his men.

Sergeant Seggin had smashed through his opponent's defense with the heft of his silver longsword, and with a single swing, cleaved the Lizal in two, making the halves vanish in a puff of malice.

Gaddison was being pressed by her opponent's flurry, but she kept her shield up until she had time to leap back. She waited, poised and ready. When the next spear came, a loud clang rang out as Gaddison parried the blow, giving her ample time to cut down her opponent.

"Gaddison! Seggin! With me!" The first wave, as far as Captain Trello saw, has fallen back. While the rest of his soldiers regrouped, the two he asked for quickly advanced halfway down Great Zora Bridge to where he was.

"A great fight, was it not?!" Boasted the demon sergeant, raising his silver longsword high.

Trello remained measured. "Something isn't right."

Growing confused, Seggin looked to Gaddison, who shared the same weariness.

Gaddison herself gripped her sword and shield tightly. "I'd be underwhelmed, if this was all they had."

"Quite. They're likely amassing for another push down the bridge." Trello turned to his subordinates, but suddenly, he dove, knocking Seggin to the ground. The flash of yellow that very briefly caught their eyes immediately got them on high alert.

"Where is it?!" While Gaddison raised her shield, frantically looking around, the captain and the sergeant immediately rushed to their feet to throw their backs against the arches lining the bridge's overhang.

Trello took a peak, and immediately pulled back before a shock arrow could claim him. "It came from the west!"

Seggin racked his mind for possibilities. "Veiled Falls?"

Gaddison pointed out the obvious. "But the path there leads directly to the heart of Zora's Domain!"

And Trello returned with what was important. "But we also cannot leave Great Zora Bridge undefended!" His frown deepened. "We will have to simply trust Rivan and Muzu!"

Seggin nodded. "Understood!"

But Gaddison was still worried. "And us?"

"I cannot think of a single Lizal who could match a Zora in archery." Trello looked to Gaddison. "Your bow, Gaddison?"

Nodding, Gaddison put her sword and shield away and drew the ornate ranged weapon of the Zora from her back. Taking cover alongside her fellow Zora, Gaddison peaked from cover up at the ridge overlooking the bridge. That Lizal archer was waiting there.

Gaddison pulled back when she saw the spark of yellow coming towards her again, thankful that it was not raining. This was a sharpshooter.

Seggin replied by darting out from cover, diving onto his belly to avoid the next shot.

Notching and drawing her arrow, Gaddison stepped from behind the arch, and let her arrow fly. The screech was music to her ears, and looking again, the purple poof of malice atop the ridge told her everything she needed to know.

And then two more showed up.

XXXXX

When Tess and Muzu landed atop the path leading up to Ploymus Mountain, the former was out of breath at the exhilarating experience.

She needed a moment to catch her breath. "Hah...! Hah… T-that was amazing, Muzu!"

Muzu himself held onto his straight face, despite the urge to grin. "Hmph… such a technique is inherent to the Zora, Hylian-" Tess' hands found their way on her hips, and her raised brow told him everything he needed to know. "Apologies. Tess. Anywho, let us look for Sidon."

It was a quick trek up the path, and before it leveled out on the way up, Tess, without warning, tripped up Muzu, landing them both on their bellies.

"Hylian! What are-" Muzu was then silenced by a hand holding his flat mouth shut. When his eyes met Tess' though, she was serious, and that far cry from her usual demeanor told him to listen. She gestured with her finger for him to shush, and pointed that finger forward over the path. When Muzu peaked, he saw what made his colleague immediately go into fight-or-flight.

The Lynel. Armed with a sword, shield, and a bow. But if that didn't make Muzu's heart kick the innards of his chest, then the little red Zora it was stalking around certainly did. "Sidon…" He made sure to keep himself quiet before crawling back and looking back to Tess. "We must rescue him."

Tess nodded. "But we need a plan." Taking another peek, the lynel was entirely occupied with… what appears to be guarding Sidon. The poor boy sat terrified atop one of the boulders strewn about the area with that… thing circling him. Pulling back, Tess sighed and rested a hand on her chest to get her breathing under control. "I'm surprised he hasn't already heard us…"

"I'm open to suggestions."

Tess had to suppress another follow-up sigh. "Lynels are big, strong, fast, and also smart. I doubt I'll be able to get him away from Sidon long enough for you to sneak up and grab him."

Muzu was crestfallen. "So must we fall back and get help?"

The Hylian shook her head. "He's definitely working with the Lizal. He might relocate in the time it takes to get help."

"So there's nothing we can do other than fight?" Muzu was ready to put everything on the line for his prince, but if there was a better way…

Tess grabbed her bow. "No, there's nothing I can do other than fight. Lynels are smart, but they're also ferocious. If I get him mad, he'll chase me. I just have to live long enough to do that."

Muzu hardened his gaze. "Are you insane?! There must be another way…" Try as he might though, nothing else really came to mind. "Surely, we could both fight him?"

"No. Once he sees two of us, he'll know what we're trying to do. One of us has to stay hidden. And I don't know any shortcuts to get out of here."

"There's the precipice uphill from here. It hangs over the reservoir."

Tess shook her head. "Shock arrows, remember? And I wouldn't put it past that Lynel to have good aim. Making a run for it does not look possible."

"And what if you die?"

"Then it was nice meeting you, Muzu." Without another word, Tess pushed Muzu further back before crawling to the left around the path. Even if this was gonna be a fight she had no plan on finishing, she could at least maximize her chances of success. And for that, she needed cover and a vantage point.

Following Tess' example, Muzu began crawling right around the path, intending to get as close to Sidon as he could before he had to rush in.

Now, it was all about execution.

XXXXX

When Akai had sniped the last Lizal archer that she saw shooting down on the bridge, Captain Trello came out, and she waved at him. He raised his spear up in acknowledgement. Gaddison and Seggin were right behind him, and they showed their appreciation as well.

But something was… off.

This couldn't have been over already. Despite detonating most of the Lizal's boardwalk at the foot of the mountain, they still had far more than the Zora fought thus far. They had to be up to something.

And Akai had a gut feeling that Lynel was involved.

She had to keep looking, before the Zora had to deal with more than just Lizal.

XXXXX

King Dorephan felt uneasy.

He knew that Muzu would make sure Sidon knew what to do in an emergency, but with the report that Sidon wasn't present during the headcount, the king wrestled with his paternal instincts to go out and look for him.

He had also learned that Muzu and their Hylian friend had departed to look for Sidon, and it was his faith in his advisor that stopped him from abandoning Zora's Domain to search.

No, he trusted Muzu. Here and now, he had to keep his kingdom safe.

If there should come a threat that his guards couldn't deal with, he will be there.

XXXXX

When Muzu crept closer, he could read the Lynel's body language.

He saw frustration. Impatience. Twitchiness. This was clearly a task this Lynel considered beneath him. A task that he was given, nonetheless. With Tess being the cornerstone of this plan though, he had to wait for the commotion. Wait concealed behind this boulder.

But immediately then, the crackle of electricity made Muzu's chest thump once more, but hearing the Lynel's shock arrows fly off in the opposite direction, he knew that Tess began her assault. Now he just had to listen for the heavy thumping of hooves away from Sidon. He didn't dare peek, lest his cover be blown, but he knows Sidon will be glad to see him once it's time. And that was a thought that kept his stress from getting to him.

XXXXX

'Keep moving!'

When Tess fired that first shot, she immediately relocated to behind one of the nearby trees. A shock arrow whizzed past her head.

'Keep moving!'

She rolled out from behind the tree before shock arrows could rain down on where she was. She leapt behind another boulder.

'Keep moving!'

She set her backpack down and kicked it out from behind the boulder, provoking another shot before she stepped out from cover to fire another arrow. She stuck the Lynel in his exposed chest, but he hardly seemed to notice. Just readied another shot.

'Keep moving!'

Unburdened by her backpack, Tess jumped out from cover, firing a shot mid-dive to avoid another arcing shot. She got lucky and hit him in the forehead, but the arrow just bounced off of his hard head and left him stunned long enough for her to find cover. She was now concealed.

XXXXX

When Muzu heard a deafening roar and a gallop away from where he was listening out, he wasted no time in jumping into action.

Sidon was completely fixated on this stranger who picked a fight with a Lynel. So much so, he nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt a webbed hand clasp itself over his mouth. He looked up, and nearly jumped out of his skin again when he saw that it was Muzu, who signaled him with a finger to shush.

Without a word, he lifted Sidon, tucked him under his arm, and putting the boulder back between himself and the sounds of a fighting Lynel, ran like a Keese out of the underworld.

He pushed the sound of an angry Lynel behind him out of his head, even as Sidon voiced his objections and struggled in his grip to not leave the courageous stranger.

Muzu ran faster when he heard the explosion. And faster still when he heard his friend's scream.

Fortunately though, the cliff Muzu and Sidon had jumped from had Lulu Lake directly below it. And below that was Mikau Lake, where his search began. After emerging from the water with the boy prince, Muzu finally set Sidon down, where the latter hurriedly gripped his hand, begging to go back up the waterfall.

Muzu, though with a heavy heart, shook his head. "Your Grace, please forgive me. Tess willingly sacrificed herself to save you. If you go back, it will have been for nothing." But empathizing with his prince, Muzu faced him fully. "Let us get you back to your father the King, and I will do everything I can to make sure she is okay." That seemed to pick up Sidon's expression, but not enough to make him smile. But he was determined.

He ordered Muzu to promise him to look for the one who rescued him.

And Muzu was too happy to oblige. "I promise- AAAAGHH!" Muzu fell to his knees after being struck in the back by a shock arrow. Sidon rushed to his side, but the ray still had his mission in mind. Even as steam wafted off of him after being fried. "Back to your father! Go!" He shoved the boy to accentuate his point, and as he watched Sidon run, he was shot again, illuminated by electricity.

XXXXX

Sidon had to get to his father fast.

Mipha wasn't here, so that left their father to help Mister Muzu. And then Mister Muzu could help the girl that saved him!

But right as he was making his way back across the bridge to get back home, he suddenly felt something sticky on his back, and then he was flying backwards. When he suddenly stopped in mid-air, there was suddenly a big, scary, and shiny Lizal holding him by the tailfin. And squirm as he might, he couldn't break free. And he was too far away to bite.

However, in the middle of his efforts to break free, Sidon's captor was struck to the ground.

XXXXX

'Bingo!' With great satisfaction, Akai watched as Sidon scurried across the east bridge as fast as his little legs could carry him.

Unfortunately though, the golden Lizal didn't have to give chase to recapture Sidon. After diving for cover, he simply plucked the prince back up with his tongue.

That is, until Muzu tackled him and wrestled Sidon away from him, giving the poor boy the opportunity to flee. Good man.

Akai didn't want to chance a follow-up shot from the range she was at, so she stood up and looked for a way down. From where she was, the only way down to where they were was East Reservoir Dam, back the way she initially came up.

XXXXX

Rivan was getting antsy.

He was guarding all the children while the other soldiers went off to defend the domain. Sure, all he had to do was wait until he received the all-clear, but he was doing it alone. Was Muzu and that Hylian okay? Was Prince Sidon? Will they have to fight that Lynel? Will he?

Then, while pacing back and forth with all eyes silently on him, he heard something. Rather, half the kids pointed it out.

Prince Sidon rounded the corner, out of breath, running to him like his little life depended on it. "P-Prince Sidon! Where- oh!" The prince didn't spare a moment as he grabbed Rivan's hand and urged him to follow with a lot of curious eyes on them.

They didn't notice one set of eyes, Bazz's to be precise, getting up to follow them.

They made it back to East Zora Bridge, and out there, at the other end of the bridge, was Muzu, and the golden Lizal who had just beaten him down. He reached for his side to draw his serrated boomerang, intending to finish the ray. "Muzu!"

That got the Lizal's attention, as he turned to see more Zora approaching with his target in tow. He grinned, facing the oncoming threat.

Before Rivan could close the distance to strike however, the Lizal simply plucked Sidon up once more with his tongue before careening over the edge of the bridge.

Bazz, coming up from behind, didn't think twice, or even register Muzu or Rivan's objections when he dove after them.

Rivan looked on in horror. "BAZZ! SIDON!"

XXXXX

The next thing Tess knew was that she was underwater, and she couldn't breathe.

Survival training kicking in, she swam to the surface with the one arm that worked, and entered a coughing fit when she could finally take in air. Her body felt numb from the cold, but that was probably for the best, as when she swam to nearby shallows, she lacked the strength to even stand on her hands and knees. She collapsed as soon as her face met solid rock.

It took a while for the exhaustion to die down enough to catch her breath. "Not bad…" Her arm was numb, the pain set in until she couldn't move, and she was quaking with the after-effects of the adrenaline. But at least this big cliff was here to stop the wind.

And the Lynel.

*SPLASH*

XXXXX

Bazz saw the prince and the golden Lizalofos directly ahead, and he was in hot pursuit. But he wasn't fast enough. He had to go faster!

Pushing his little body into overtime, Bazz moved frantically, jumping in and out of the water to try and close the distance.

They were passing under Great Zora Bridge.

Up top, the captain, the sergeant, and the private were now patrolling the bridge, keeping an eye on the mountain ridges when they heard the splashing down below. It was Gaddison who spotted the pursuit. "Captain! Look!" Trello, accompanied by Seggin, didn't hesitate to jump into action, Gaddison staying along the bridge, but following nonetheless.

When his father and the Captain jumped into the water in front of him, Bazz was delighted. And his father's smile filled his heart with pride. Seggin stopped Bazz, holding his son's shoulder. "I knew you wouldn't let me down, Son. Head back home." He brandished his longsword. "The captain and I will take it from here." With a resolute nod, Bazz turned tail and fled, while Seggin rejoined the pursuit.

The chase led down the waterfall, into Ruto Lake. Seggin and Trello made sure to follow from a lower depth, in case of shock arrows hitting the water. But when the Lizal that carried Sidon surfaced and left the water to land on one of the islands, they were bound to follow.

The captain and the Sergeant split up into a flanking maneuver. Seggin was the first to surface. Shock arrows came flying his way, but he anticipated this, and didn't slow down. He was the diversion.

It was Trello who emerged from the water to make the rescue attempt. And what greeted him when his feet met solid ground was the golden Lizal, holding Sidon, accompanied by five of his finest subordinates. They were silver.

But Trello wasn't deterred. "Release Prince Sidon, Ikatika. First and final warning." All he received was a scoff and weapons pointed his way.

With his spear in hand,the captain got ready to fight. "My spear against your tongues? Sounds like fun." Trello paused however, when the six opponents he was facing were gripped with surprise. Was that too much?

Just then, Ikatika was struck in the head by an arrow, forcing him to release Sidon from his grip. Trello wasted no time in jumping into the fray. And moments later, he was joined by Seggin, who emerged from the water, no worse for wear.

While Sidon was free, he dashed forward so he was between his two protectors. But when Seggin felled his first opponent, he kicked the fallen sword to Sidon. "Grab a weapon, Sidon! Fight them!"

Gaddison watched both of her superiors fight for Prince Sidon, but to keep them safe, she kept an eye out for the shock archers that were likely to litter the ridges this far from the domain. And with the ones she defeated thus far, she had plenty of arrows of her own.

She just had to keep her fingers away from the head of these arrows.

XXXXX

When Tess heard that massive dunking splash in the water, it gave her the jolt she needed to get moving again.

Her limbs burned, ached, and felt the bite of the cold, but still, she kept moving. At the very least, it was possible to get to her feet, without her rucksack on her person. Fortunately, going down the stairs was easier than going up, and with the sound of heavy hoofsteps creeping in from several flights above her, it only motivated her to move faster.

"Have to… keep… moving…" Was the chant that made her not give up.

By the time her feet touched East Zora Bridge, she could hear those heavy hoofsteps approaching from behind. But she had to keep moving.

XXXXX

While Captain Trello, Sergeant Seggin, and Private Gaddison were off saving Prince Sidon, the rest of the Zora guard that stayed back were greeted with a disheartening sight.

The Hylian they had met earlier was, in fact, still alive. But what made their hearts sink was the fact that she was limping for dear life with a lynel stalking up behind her, playing with his food. The Hylian herself was bruised, sopping wet, shivering her body over, and covered in tattered, cracked armor. When she passed the bridge, she had run out of railing to support herself, and her legs gave out from under her.

Tottika, Kayden, and Kleff threw caution to the wind and ran up to confront the threat, spears in hand. When their eyes met Tess', she raised a shaky finger towards the heart of Zora's Domain, up at the atrium where the throne was located.

That was the plan.

With seniority over his colleagues, Tottika told Kleff to go and alert the King, and Kayden to get their Hylian friend to safety. Tottika kept his spear fixed on the lynel while Kayden ran in to scoop up the Hylian.

Tottika's spear was shaking. His chest was thumping. His stomach was a pit that stretched beneath Hyrule. But now wasn't the time to back down.

Now was the time to fight.

Or die trying.

XXXXX

When Akai finally laid eyes on the Lynel, he stood practically a stone's throw away from where the children were being held. But guards were there to confront him, so that bought her enough time to make her way down the stairs leading down the dam, and every second counted.

Akai had with her only a lizal's armaments but she figured this was adequate. She inwardly apologized to Tess for her having to confront this lynel by herself as she dashed towards East Zora Bridge.

XXXXX

"-and then you run headlong into danger for no rhyme or reason! What if the other children followed you and had gotten themselves in danger?" Muzu folded his arms behind his back, shaking his head. "Honestly, you're as reckless as your father…"

"Hey! It was because of me that the captain and my dad went after them!" Bazz huffed, crossing his own arms. "I did good! My dad said so!"

With a tired sigh, Muzu relented. He supposed Bazz's intervention did result in capable hands going after Sidon.

And that was when the roar was heard.

"W-what was that?!" Laflat, huddled against the wall, held her legs just a bit closer to herself.

Mei was just as alert. "Was that the Lynel?!"

"He sounds close!" Gruve honestly sounded more excited than anything else.

But Tona had her own worries. "I hope Prince Sidon is safe out there."

And so did her friend Tula. "I do too…"

"I hear fighting!" Hearing Rivan's observation, Muzu listened in, and sure enough, Muzu heard strain, effort, and snarling from the direction of that roar. And it wasn't too long after that Kayden arrived, cradling a battered Hylian in his arms.

Muzu lit up like a bonfire. "Tess!" With considerable effort, Muzu forced himself to his feet, and lumbered his way over to the two. "Is she well?!" Kayden set her down against the wall, and Muzu knelt beside her. She was breathing, but she wasn't responding.

"She was beyond exhausted when I found her." Kayden replied before standing back up, tightly gripping his spear, looking about the room. "Rivan! We need your help!"

"We?" Despite the confusion, Rivan was right by his side, sword and shield in hand.

"Tottika needs our help! Come!"

XXXXX

Tottika valued himself as a strong Zora knight.

He had trained for years, honing his skill with the spear in order to keep Zora's Domain safe. It could be said that he's been training his entire life for a moment just like this; with the enemy at his front, and with his home and its people at his back. And now, he was currently the only thing standing between the two. Fight he must.

But nothing could have prepared Tottika for a fight with a lynel.

The first swipe of that hunk of iron in the vague shape of a sword had knocked Tottika's spear out of his hands. And another swipe came before he even had time to regain his footing. It was by sheer luck that he had gotten the idea to go along with the momentum of the swing, and let himself fall to the ground to avoid the second swing. Mind still racing, his legs and arms sprung into action, and he managed to slide under the massive lynel to avoid the third swipe, emerging from behind. Safe, but unarmed.

The Lynel zipped around with much more mobility than its hulking size would suggest, but he didn't immediately attack. He began circling. Circling away from the spear. Catching on, Tottika composed himself and fetched his weapon, waiting for the fight to start anew.

Just then, Tottika was backed by Kayden and Rivan, and the three standing together, it was Rivan who inspired his brethren. He raised his sword high. "Zora's Domain shall stand!"

But that wasn't all.

The ground shook. Footsteps.

King Dorephan, accompanied by Kleff, descended the stairs and joined his men. "Am I to stand by as my people need me?! Unspeakable!" The massive whale of a Zora was armed with only his monolithic fists. And bringing him together, the sound of him cracking his knuckles echoed throughout the mountains.

XXXXX

Zooming out from the amazing sight of the Zora rising to the challenge, Akai sighed in relief. They should be more than enough, and Tess seemed to be taken care of. What a trooper.

But now, she had more important business.

Gaddison couldn't support Sidon, Trello, and Seggin with her bow if she herself was being shot at. And so Akai settled on more Lizal hunting. Ever since the three went on to rescue their prince, Akai, despite wanting to ensure Tess' safety herself, opted to support the former. They'd need all the help they could get, this far away from the rest of the Zora.

After clearing out Ruto Precipice, Akai climbed down to the path leading to Great Zora Bridge, where she met up with Gaddison. "You okay?" Akai called out, running up to the grey Zora, bow in hand.

Upon noticing the Sheikah, Gaddison perked up. "Sheikah! You're well!" Together, with the ridges clear, they could both start focusing on the island below them where Seggin and Trello were protecting little Sidon from five silver Lizalofos and their golden leader. "Is the domain safe? Are our people protected?"

"Last I checked, the king and about four of his men were just about to lock coins with a lynel."

"Really?!"

"Focus!"

"Right!"

XXXXX

Seggin stood with his silver longsword at the low ready. "They take a hit well, I'll give them that."

Backs up against the water, he, Trello, and Sidon have been fighting to grab this position, and these lizards didn't make it easy, despite Gaddison's aid. Their tongues and tails hit nearly as hard as their swords and spears.

"Ready? Go!" Without warning, Captain Trello snatched up the prince, and with the sergeant right behind them, they made a mad dash back towards the waterfall.

Of course, Ikatika, stamping his foot in frustration, gave the order for his subordinates to give chase. But that was when Akai and Gaddison intervened. Shock arrows from both of them hit the water, and the charges released generated overlapping fields that caught all five of them. When they saw the captain and the sergeant make their way up the waterfall with the prince in hand, they knew they did their job.

Putting her weapons away, Gaddison clenched her fists with vigor. "Happy day, Sheikah! Zora's Domain is defended, and the Prince is safe!"

"Mhm." Zora's Domain was defended, but the threat hasn't completely been wiped out. But nonetheless, this was still a victory. Turning to the grey Zora, Akai extended her alive hand. "Name's Akai."

The zora took it with gusto and shook with both hands. "Gaddison! It's been an honor to shoot arrows beside you!"

"Likewise." Akai gestured with her head back down Great Zora Bridge. "C'mon. If we hurry, we might catch the latter half of the king's duel." The sound of roaring from up high took them by surprise, and startled, both Akai and Gaddison looked up to see a roaring lynel flying west, down the mountain.

"So your king, Gaddison…" Akai began, looking back to her brief partner in crime.

Gaddison wore an almost insufferable smirk. "Yes?"

"Remind me not to make him angry."

"Hah!"

XXXXX

It took some time to collaborate on a report, but with everyone present and accounted for, with the exception of Tess, a full report was able to be given to King Dorephan.

A full-scale invasion while Princess Mipha was away was likely the Lizalofos' first plan, but with the destruction of their demolition at the hands of Akai, their next plan was to abduct Prince Sidon, using an assault as a front. Sidon, unfortunately, was already away when the attack happened, but thanks to Muzu and Tess, Sidon was able to be rescued from a guarding lynel by Muzu with a diversion from Tess. After the lynel, there was a struggle in trying to get Sidon away from the Lizal leader Ikatika, but thanks to Captain Trello, Sergeant Seggin, Private Gaddizon, Akai, and some effort from Sidon himself, they were able to safely retrieve the prince. And then the lynel, who was tasked to guard Sidon until their forces retreated, pursued Tess in her escape. But she was able to evade it long enough to make it back to the domain where Zora forces intercepted and forced the lynel to retreat via the sky.

"-and… I believe that is all, My King." Muzu concluded, cupping his chin, nodding to himself.

The giant Zora leaned in, captivated by the turn of events. "Quite the tale worth telling! I am simply glad that all are alive to tell it!"

Akai, who stood next to Muzu, tilted her head. "Anything good, regarding Tess?"

Muzu gave her a thoughtful look. "I was informed by Kleff that Tess mostly suffers from exhaustion, injuries, and numbness in her arm. She is free to rest here in the domain for as long as she likes. When the princess arrives, she will likely be more than happy to heal her herself. And she has healed far worse."

Akai felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Good…" she breathed. A lynel's shock arrow, as far as Akai observed, had rendered Tess' entire left arm immobile. But hearing Muzu's certainty that even that could be healed was a relief. Knowing her companion could be at full strength again, it took the edge off. "Anything else from me?"

"With everyone present and accounted for, I am certain we are able to defend our home as normal. But you, Akai, and your friend Tess, I thank you both from the bottom of my heart for your help in defending my home and saving my son." Sidon, who was now by his father's side, gave a cheeky smile and a thumbs up, watching the adults talk.

Akai responded by straightening up to give the king a curt bow. "I'd say you certainly put an exclamation mark at the end of this defense. If they're wise, they'll think twice about coming back."

That got a hearty laugh from King Dorephan. "Hopefully!" But relaxing again, the king grew thoughtful. "But where will you go now? You sound as if you intend to leave as soon as possible."

"I do." the Sheikah replied honestly. "Tess' well-being is a relief. But I have an objective I must get back to. I doubt that Zora's Domain is the only place befelled by monsters."

"Ah!" That perked the king up. "Well! Do not let us stop you! But do know that you are welcome back any time, Akai."

Muzu seconded that. "Yes. You have our gratitude. We will welcome you back with open arms."

"Thank you." And with that, Akai bid them goodbye.

"Oh!" Stopping and looking over her shoulder, Akai looked to see King Dorephan reaching behind his throne, and pulling out the sword, shield, and bow of the lynel. "Before you leave, we'd like you to be better prepared on the journey ahead. We think you should have them. They'd simply rust away unused here."

Akai grinned. "Hmph." The sword was nearly as large as herself, with the shield not much further behind, but with the aid of her mechanical arm, she single-handedly hefted it off of the ground, with Muzu's shocked gasp music to her ears.

XXXXX

Stepping down the steps leading up to the throne, Akai was greeted by just about every zora that crossed paths with her. Of course, it was the early hours of the morning, so that only left the guards.

"Ah! The legend herself! Good morning, Akai." Captain Trello was the first to greet her at the bottom of the stairs.

"Good morning, Captain."

"It's been an honor!" Rivan, next to his father's side, gave a lively wave.

"Take care of yourself, Rivan."

"Live on and fight well, Sheikah." came Sergeant Seggin, busy making his rounds.

"Likewise."

Down the stairs, Akai spared a glance over towards the Coral Reef, where she could see Tess sound asleep in one of the beds. She'll be out for a good, long while. Akai found herself grateful they had discussed who kept Midnight on the way up here, and while the swift horse in question feasted on grass near Veiled Falls the entire time, it was decided that Tess should keep him.

Besides, Akai had an even faster way of getting around.

Instead of leaving via the long paths down the mountain, Akai headed along East Zora Bridge, where Gaddison was guarding all by her lonesome, pacing back and forth. "Gaddison?"

She was as grateful as the rest to see her Sheikah friend. "Akai!"

"How are things?" Akai asked, approaching.

Gaddison looked up and over at the East Reservoir Dam. "Calm and quiet, just the way I like it."

Akai joined her. "Maybe one day, all of Hyrule can be calm and quiet."

"I hope to live long enough for that."

"As do I." Bidding Gaddison farewell, Akai headed up the dam, and once she was sure she was out of sight, she pulled forth her Sheikah Slate, set her location, and with the press of a button, dispersed into blue particles, traveling skyward to parts unknown.

XXXXX

When Mipha returned, carried by Revali, it was a relief to see her people safe, and for the most part, unharmed.

Upon their arrival, Captain Trello had informed her of the events of last night; Zora's Domain had come under attack by the Lizalofos, but with some help from a Hylian and a Sheikah, they were able to throw back the Lizal and keep everyone safe.

"Oh my…" Clutching her Lightscale Trident with a concerned look, the princess looked back up to the captain. "Are there wounded?"

Trello would go on to inform the champions that while there was nothing permanent, the one who needed it most was the Hylian that nearly lost her life trying to save Sidon. And before the captain even finished his report, Mipha dashed away to the Coral Reef.