The Hero's Path

by LuxDragon

Link's journey from an exuberant boy to a stoic knight. A retelling and reimagining of Breath of the Wild with Age of Calamity elements added. Will be AU eventually. Pre-Calamity.

25. Mipha's Touch

Central Hyrule – Hyrule Castle

In the days that followed Zelda's birthday and their return from the Royal Ancient Lab, Link and Zelda slipped back into the familiar routine that they had established. The only difference was King Rhoam. He seemed particularly anxious, and upon their return, he promptly ordered Zelda to redouble her efforts to awaken her sealing power.

Link didn't know what had changed, and when he asked, he wasn't quite rebuffed, but the answer was still a terse reminder that without knowing when Calamity Ganon could return, they would remain vulnerable unless Zelda was able to gain the use of and master her abilities.

It was a point Link couldn't argue with, and certainly not with royalty. And so, Zelda continued her efforts to pray, day and night, to the Great Goddesses for their aid and blessings. In his private opinion, though, the prayer she had bestowed upon him at the Sacred Grounds felt more genuine than the prayers she was asking for herself.

Or maybe it was just his imagination.

In her moments of free time, Zelda sought Captain Auru and Knight-Commander Taggart, inquiring about the status of the Stalkers and Skywatchers. She received reports that all active Guardians were functioning as the Sheikah had promised they would and, miraculously, there had not been any training casualties reported. There had been an unfortunate incident where a Hinox had managed to break a few of the Stalker's legs, but it had been able to move around with just three, albeit unsteadily and with reduced speed. However, the Stalker had proved superior and been able to down the Hinox with only some aid from the Hylian soldiers and knights supporting it.

Though Zelda was intrigued, Link pointed out that during the Age of Prosperity, there had been dozens, if not hundreds of Guardians. At the rate Purah, Robbie, and the rest of the research team were going, they would only be able to get a fraction of that number working to their specifications and safety standards. Link felt a bit guilty when the excited look in Zelda's eyes dimmed at the reality of the situation.

At present, they were in the library now, some time midafternoon. Zelda had just returned a stack of books. The old, wizened librarian dutifully checked the condition of each tome before he turned his attention back to the princess.

"Well, you went through these faster than I could have imagined," Sahasrahla said, smiling. "At this rate, you might be able to outpace me. I'm afraid I don't have enough years left in my life to read every book in this trove. Oh-ho-ho."

"Oh, don't say that, Sahasrahla," Zelda said. "It's all a matter of will."

Sahasrahla shook his head. "The mind is quite willing, but the body doesn't seem to want to cooperate. It's quite all right, my dear. I'm focusing on quality now, not quantity."

"A fine strategy," Zelda replied.

Sahasrahla turned to Link next. "And you, young man. Are you still using the books you borrowed?"

Zelda turned to Link, a bit surprised. "You borrowed some books, too?"

Link was a bit uncomfortable under the sudden scrutiny. "Nothing as advanced as what you're reading. Just some history books, a couple primers on politics since you're always in one kind of political meeting or another, and a few combat manuals. I read them in my room before going to sleep."

"Oh."

"And yes, I'm still using them," Link answered to Sahasrahla.

"How is that new book I lent you?" Sahasrahla asked.

"Interesting. Possibly the most interesting of the lot," Link said. At Zelda's questioning look, he explained, "It's a series of combat techniques that my predecessors may have been well-versed in. Mostly rooted in the sword, though, but they were techniques that I was unaware of. I'm liking the chapter detailing the Spin Attack."

"It was a very elusive tome, well hidden within these shelves," Sahasrahla said. "When I found it, I presented it to our young Hero, since I believed he would be interested."

Zelda nodded.

"Now, as for you, young lady, I believe I have something that you might be interested in," Sahasrahla said. He grabbed his cane and made to stand up.

Link was quick to go around the table to help.

"Ah, thank you, Link."

"Of course," Link replied.

Sahasrahla walked over to the nearby bookshelves. "Now, where did I see it…?"

Zelda walked over and casually perused the nearby tomes while Sahasrahla searched.

"Ah, here." Sahasrahla's hand pulled out a relatively thin book and offered it to Zelda. "I don't know if the information you seek is within, but such is the search for knowledge."

Link glanced at the cover and arched an eyebrow. "A book on wolves?"

"I'm still interested in finding out Midna's subclassification," Zelda primly said. "I don't want to announce prematurely that you happened to discover a new breed of wolf, after all. Once I am satisfied that Midna's breed, or a relative of her breed, isn't in the archives, then we can start looking into writing a paper on it."

"You mean you will," Link said.

Zelda rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes. I will. You'll get credit for the discovery, though. Don't worry."

"Thanks," Link dryly said. He looked down at Midna, who was sitting serenely nearby. "Why do you and your mother have to be such a mystery, hmm?"

Midna snorted at him.

Zelda giggled quietly before she turned to Sahasrahla. "Thank you for this. If you find any other books that I haven't seen yet, do let me know."

Sahasrahla inclined his head. "But of course. Now, as for your other interests, I left a new stack on the table over there. Take whatever suits your fancy."

Zelda smiled brightly at the librarian before inspecting her newest selection.

"How is your brother?" Link quietly asked the librarian.

Sahasrahla smiled. "Aginah is doing well, though I remain worried occasionally. He's no spring Cucco, but he insists on venturing into the wilds."

"You mentioned he was going to the Gerudo Desert last we spoke."

"He is. On the search for records about a mythical Eighth Heroine," Sahasrahla replied. "Current Gerudo beliefs hold that there are only seven, and their statues can be found at the East Gerudo Ruins. Have you been there?"

Link shook his head.

"Yes, well, Aginah is convinced that there is a missing space that would fit an eighth statue perfectly," Sahasrahla said. "There is evidence that supports his theories, but to physically search is a young man's game. Ah, but listen to me, waffling on. I'm sure he's fine. Likely, he'll employ the services of any like-minded Gerudo historians interested in searching for it while he stays nice and comfortable at the local inn."

Their conversation ended when Zelda returned, with three new books in hand. "I believe I will take these for now."

Sahasrahla nodded. Walking back to his desk, he put on his glasses and inspected the titles of the books. Writing them down in his log, he smiled widely at Zelda. "And you are all set, Your Highness. As always, I look forward to seeing you again."

"And I you, Sahasrahla," Zelda said.

"Good day to you, Link," Sahasrahla added.

"See you next time," Link replied.

With her new books cradled safely in her arms, Zelda happily walked back to the residential area of the castle to drop them off.

However, on the way, they heard a scream of agony. Link and Zelda shared a concerned look before going to investigate. Link quickly took the lead, with his arm reaching up to grasp the hilt of the Master Sword.

"Hold him still!" a woman's voice shouted.

"That's Tarja's voice," Zelda said at once.

Link nodded. He approached the door to the clinic and carefully opened it. Another scream, coming from the man on the bed, rattled the room.

Peering inside, Link relaxed when he saw Shepard and Tarja struggling to help a severely wounded man on the bed. He was thrashing wildly, yelling something, but the words came out gargled.

Link quickly entered. "Need help?"

"Yes," Tarja answered tersely. "Hold him down. His thrashing is going to make the injuries worse!"

"I can help, too," Zelda said. She placed her books down, rolled up her sleeves, and awaited orders.

Tarja thinned her lips but nodded rigidly. "Very well. Grab his shoulders. Link, you take the legs. Shepard, the arms."

Link saw that the right leg was badly mangled and bent at unnatural angles. He put both hands down on the left leg to stop the man from kicking him while Shepard leaned over and held him down by the torso and arms. Zelda put all her weight into holding the upper body but couldn't contain her gasp of surprise.

"Sir Diaz?!"

Link looked to see that it was Diaz Braxton, a Royal Guard he'd only met once a few months earlier when he and Zelda had left for the Gerudo Desert.

Shepard nodded grimly. "Mission went poorly. Tarja? Any time now."

"Patience," Tarja snapped back.

She shoved a funnel into Diaz's open mouth. He gagged on it but still continued to scream, his eyes wide and gaping at demons only he could see. Tarja poured an elixir into the funnel and held it in place for a moment longer before slapping a towel over Diaz's mouth. Diaz choked and gagged on the concoction, but with Tarja covering his oral orifice, he was forced to swallow whatever it was she gave him and couldn't bite down on her hand. Eventually, his thrashing reduced in intensity.

Link focused on the wounds Diaz had sustained. Besides the leg, there appeared to be bandages around the torso as well. They were saturated, making Link wonder how Diaz was even conscious with the amount of blood he had lost.

"How did—?" Link started to ask.

"Not now," Tarja said. "Shepard, you stay. Link, I'll need you to go find my assistant. He's downstairs, having an early dinner. But first, Princess, I need you to write a list of things I need and the names of people that can help me."

Zelda got up and quickly marched over to Tarja's table. Grabbing a spare sheet of parchment and ready with a quill, she nodded her readiness.

Tarja listed off several things Link knew of, and several that he had only heard in passing, and the rest were things that made him wonder if they even existed. Still, he took the list and, with Shepard's assurances that he would guard the princess—as well as Zelda's assurances that Midna was right outside—ran out of the room to search for Tarja's assistant and gather more supplies and people.

~o~O~o~

Link was re-tasked from getting the assistant, to running down to the apothecary in Castle Town, to getting other healers that Tarja worked with, before taking the whole lot back up to the castle. Once the team and materials were gathered, Tarja kicked everyone out except Shepard and promptly shut the door.

Link and Zelda shared a look before the princess moved to sit in a nearby chair. Picking up one of her books, she tried to read it, but her anxiously shaking leg and continuous glances at the door were evidence enough that she could barely take in a word.

Link stayed by the other door, standing guard. Midna laid down at Zelda's feet, though her gaze remained locked on the room they had just been evicted from.

A couple of hours later, Shepard finally appeared.

"How is he?" Zelda quickly asked, standing up.

Shepard held up his hands. "He's still alive, but right now, it's touch and go. The next day will tell the tale."

"What happened?" Link asked.

"Braxton was sent to help Zora's Domain," Shepard said. "He went with five other knights."

"What were they there for?" Zelda asked.

"Lynel," Shepard said. He exhaled noisily. "It's weird, though. It was only a brown Lynel. Conventionally, they're pretty low in the hierarchy. Other Lynels tend to push them around."

"This one was different?" Link asked.

"Fury, anger, rage," Shepard answered. "That's all Braxton could say. He blabbered on about how it was fueled by pure hatred or something like that. Claims he never saw anything like it. He said it was like fighting five silver Lynels at once."

"A brown Lynel that strong?" Link asked skeptically. He looked through the open door and saw that Diaz was mercifully asleep now, thanks to whatever treatments Tarja and the other healers had administered. "What about the other knights? Similar accounts?"

"They're all dead," Shepard replied grimly. He glanced at Link. "Don't worry, Dame Serlut is handling a bandit camp far to the south near Lurelin. She wasn't part of this team, in case you were worried."

"I—I wasn't… well, I didn't…" Link stammered out. He stopped, took a breath, and gratefully nodded. "Thanks for telling me, Shepard."

"What of Zora's Domain, though?" Zelda asked. "It sounds like this Lynel is exceedingly dangerous."

"Link, there you are," Captain Auru said. He swiftly strode into the room but paused to address Shepard. "How is he?"

"We don't know yet. He's still alive, and the healers will be watching over him in shifts," Shepard answered. "For now, they were just able to save the leg, but if he lives, he won't be returning to active duty for some time. It'll be wait and see if he can fight on that leg or if he's done."

Captain Auru nodded. "Keep me apprised of his condition. Link, come with me. His Majesty wishes to speak to you."

Link nodded, but he gave Zelda an uncertain look.

"Her Highness may come with us," Captain Auru said. "It's not as if we can tell her otherwise."

Zelda had a small smile on her face, but it appeared slightly shaky as she glanced back at Diaz. Still, she followed behind them as they left.

"Something wrong?" Link asked Captain Auru.

"I assume Shepard shared with you the broad details of the threat at Zora's Domain?" Captain Auru asked.

Link nodded.

"When they brought Diaz back home, a message was with him. It was from Chancellor Muzu, on behalf of King Dorephan. The Zora has requested you, by name, to come and deal with the Lynel. His Majesty accepted. You're to be given anyone and anything you wish to deal with the threat."

"I see," Link muttered. "Just enough supplies to get there and back."

Captain Auru stopped and faced Link. "How much did Shepard tell you about this Lynel."

"Savage, angry, and tough," Link said. "I can handle it."

Captain Auru frowned. "Link, this thing took down five knights and nearly killed a Royal Guardsman. Don't you think you're slightly underestimating the threat?"

"No, but I'm not interested in letting others get hurt or worse," Link said. "I can handle it. Alone."

Zelda looked worried. "Are you absolutely certain? That sounds incredibly reckless."

"I'm sure."

Captain Auru frowned but kept walking until they were at the king's office. "His Majesty wishes to brief you personally regarding your task."

"I shall remain out here," Zelda said. "Do not worry. Midna will remain by my side."

Upon hearing her name, Midna did just that and snuggled against her.

Link nodded and knocked on the door.

A muffled, "Enter," and Link was standing before King Rhoam.

"Ah, Link. Good, you're here," King Rhoam said. "I assume Captain Auru told you of the mission ahead?"

Link nodded. "Was this the problem King Dorephan approached you with during Her Highness's birthday event?"

"It was," King Rhoam answered. "According to eyewitness accounts, the Lynel appeared one day, aggressive, bloodthirsty, and rampaging. The Zora are flummoxed as to why. Their attempts to quell the threat have not been successful, since it has lightning arrows."

"Lightning arrows? A brown Lynel managed to get its hands on those?" Link asked, surprised.

King Rhoam solemnly nodded. "Apparently, it killed a silver Lynel and took them."

"That's why you sent Diaz with the other knights."

"For the beast to fell a Royal Guardsman… it is clear this is no trifling matter," King Rhoam said. "How is Diaz?"

"Alive, for now," Link answered promptly. "Healers are watching him closely. Unknown when or… if he will return to active duty."

King Rhoam sighed. "I shall see him after this meeting is concluded. For now, King Dorephan still requires aid, and I am honor-bound to offer it. Will you do this?"

"I will," Link said. "By myself."

Arching an eyebrow, King Rhoam stared Link down, but the younger boy didn't bat an eyelash.

"Are you certain?" King Rhoam asked carefully.

"I am."

"I am authorizing you virtually limitless resources to assist. If you ask for a Guardian Stalker, I will grant it."

"As I told Captain Auru, just enough supplies to get there and back," Link replied. "I don't want anyone else getting hurt. I can handle it."

King Rhoam frowned. "If you are certain, then so be it. I confess, a part of me believes you to be taking the situation carelessly, but I must put my faith in you as a Champion. If this is what you desire, then I will also place my confidence in your judgement. You leave immediately. Supplies will be sent to the stables."

"I understand, Your Majesty."

"Do you have any further questions?"

"Captain Auru told me that the missive sent with Diaz was from Chancellor Muzu," Link said. "What of the Zora Royal Family?"

"They are safe," King Rhoam answered. "They are dealing with a personal diplomatic situation and want the situation with the Lynel resolved. One of the many reasons why our help has been requested. Chancellor Muzu is acting as the interim leader of the Zora. It is similar to when we left for Tabantha."

"Chancellor Cole was Hyrule's regent while you were away," Link said. "I am aware."

"Government does not stop simply because I am not here. The same is true of the Zora," King Rhoam replied. "Any other questions?"

Link shook his head.

"Dismissed," King Rhoam said. "May the Goddesses watch over you, Link."

Link saluted, turned on his heel, and marched out of the office.

Back outside, Zelda and Captain Auru were still there.

"Well?" Zelda asked.

"Impa will be with you for a few days," Link said. "I leave after I collect my equipment from my room."

Zelda nodded. "I understand. But… take Midna with you as well."

Link blinked. "No, it's fine. She should watch over you—"

"Link, I know you said you wanted to go by yourself, but this is non-negotiable," Zelda said, almost sounding irate and annoyed. "Either Midna travels by your side, or she follows your scent from a distance, but she will be with you."

Frowning, Link made to argue when Midna quickly bounded over to Link and nudged his legs roughly with an almost-insulted look on her face.

Sighing, he capitulated and wearily nodded. "Fine. She can come."

~o~O~o~

Lanayru Province – Zora's Domain

Link set a quick pace. He ate his dinner while on saddleback with a verbal promise to Midna to feed her dinner when they reached their destination. The wolf didn't slow her pace at all as they raced to their objective.

To Link's surprise, when he arrived at the mouth of the Zora River, he spotted a campfire by the side of the road. A familiar-looking man was waving a torch and shouting for Link to stop.

"Cowan?" Link called out.

"Link, it's good to see you," Cowan said. "Been some time… not since…"

"Yes, it's been some time," Link quickly said. "What are you doing here?"

"Gonna take your horse to Foothill," Cowan answered. He pulled out a tiny scroll. "Got word by pigeon that you were going to be here. I was to set camp and wait for you. They want you up in Zora's Domain right now. Didn't want you to waste time walking back from the stable."

Link took the scroll and read the tiny Hylian letters, using Cowan's torch to see. Unbeknownst to the old tracker, Link spotted a few characters that only looked mildly out of place, but he identified them as hidden characters used by the Royal Guard, so at the very least, the message—and Cowan—were authentic.

"Thanks, Cowan," Link said. He pocketed the scroll.

"You eat yet?" Cowan asked.

"I did. Midna didn't," Link replied. "She'll need some water, too. We set a hard pace here."

Cowan looked down at the panting wolf. "I can help with both. Over here."

There was some meat—deer, if Link's nose was right—already sizzling over the open campfire. Cowan took the whole thing and laid it on the ground for Midna to eat. The wolf pounced on the food and ravenously devoured it. Next, he laid a bowl down and poured some water out of his canteen into it.

While Midna ate and drank her fill, Link turned to Cowan. "What do you know about the problem up in Zora's Domain?"

"Nothing," Cowan bluntly answered. "I know it's bad, though. The Zora are a prideful people. Don't want to ask for help unless they've gotta."

Link nodded. "Thanks again, Cowan."

"I'll be stationed at the stables for as long as you're up there," Cowan said. "Once you're done, send word, and me and the filly will come right to ya."

Nodding again, Link waited until Midna was done. He took the time to eat a little bit more of the food he had been given and take a drink out of his own canteen. Once Midna affirmed her readiness, Link shook Cowan's hand.

"See you," Link simply said.

"Goddesses bless you with luck, Link," Cowan said. "Hopefully, you won't need it."

Hitching up his rucksack, Link started up the path to Zora's Domain. In the darkness, Link was able to navigate fine, but he grew slightly concerned when he made it to Inogo Bridge and still didn't see any Zora patrols. At the very least, he thought Sergeant Seggin would be there to escort him up.

"Things must be busy or bad," Link muttered.

Midna offered an affirmative bark.

The path remained familiar, so even without help, Link was able to navigate his way upriver until the splendor of Zora's Domain revealed itself to him. Unlike his previous visits, however, there was a palpable sense of unease in the air. When he arrived, many Zora cried out in relief, greeting him enthusiastically as if he was there to deliver salvation. Just about all of them called him out by name or by title. Some even went so far as to shake his hand, or offer food, a place to sleep, even rupees.

Link knew he should have expected it, given his role against Calamity Ganon, but the attention still made him uncomfortable. A part of him wished his father was there to guide him, but another part of him rebuked that thought, stating that he needed to be a man that could stand on his own feet now. Not some timid little boy looking to have his parents solve all the world's ills while he stayed safe behind the comfort they provided.

Word must have reached the upper echelons, because Mipha appeared. The Zora crowd parted, allowing her to approach Link without trouble.

"Link, it's so good to see you again," Mipha said, though she sounded exhausted.

"It's good to see you as well, Mipha," Link replied, smiling. "I'm sorry it wasn't under better circumstances."

Smiling back, Mipha led Link away from the crowds of anxious Zora. He quietly thanked her for her thoughtfulness.

"Father cannot be here to greet you personally, and he sends his sincerest apologies to you and King Rhoam for any potential insult incurred," Mipha said. "Currently, he is entertaining some very important dignitaries from the sea. He did not want them to know about the Lynel and is far beneath the waves, meeting the delegation that arrived not too long ago."

"I understand," Link replied. "I'm not here to catch up. I'm here on a mission."

"How is Sir Braxton?" she asked.

"I don't know," Link answered honestly. "Diaz was alive when I left, but the healers are cautious and are monitoring him."

Mipha sighed heavily. They were in a corridor by themselves. She slid down against a wall, placed her trident down, and wrapped her arms around her legs.

"I feel responsible," Mipha said quietly. "I should have stayed up here. But Sir Braxton assured us that he and his team could manage it. Now five are dead and one is in critical condition. If I were here, I would have been able to treat Sir Braxton immediately, at least. Instead, he had to undergo a long, dangerous ride back to Hyrule Castle to receive aid."

"No, it's my fault," Link said.

Mipha looked up at him, shocked. "What?"

"I should have pressed you harder, back at the castle," Link said. "I should have pried and poked and prodded you or King Dorephan. Hell, even Urbosa. I should have been sent here, not Diaz."

"It's not for you to solve all the world's…" Mipha trailed off and looked down at her knees.

"It's not for you to take on the world's burdens, either," Link said softly. He knelt so that he was at eye level with her. "Some things aren't in our control. Right now, we're doing what we can, okay?"

Mipha let out a shuddering breath, but she gamely nodded and looked back up at him. "Link?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm so glad you're here," she said quietly.

Midna trotted up to the distraught princess and gave her a gentle lick.

Smiling, Mipha stroked Midna's fur. "So this is Midna?"

"Yeah. Ammy's daughter," Link answered.

"Well, it's good that you didn't come completely alone," Mipha said. "No others are helping you?"

Link shook his head. "Just me and Midna."

Mipha remained quiet for a time before nodding. "That's enough."

Standing back up, Link offered his hand. Mipha took it, picking up her trident at the same time as she allowed herself to be pulled back to her feet. She dabbed at her eyes a bit until she felt she was presentable again. She led the way deeper into Zora's Domain.

As they were passing by the children's pools, Link saw that the caretakers were rounding up everyone to try to get them to go to sleep. He spotted Bazz and the rest of the gang. Unfortunately for the caretakers, they saw him, too.

And Midna.

Bazz, Rivan, and Gaddison all jumped out of the water and ran towards them.

"Link, Link!" Bazz cried out gleefully. "Oh, is this Midna?!"

Link nodded. "Yeah. You can pet her. She loves attention."

Midna, seeing that she was about to get pets, flopped onto her back, grinning widely.

The children all cried out gleefully and started to give Midna all the attention she could want, much to Link's amusement.

"Did they ever teach you the password yet?" Mipha asked jokingly.

Link tilted his head. "Password?"

Gaddison looked up and grinned. "Yep! The Big Bad Bazz Brigade now has a password, known only to those in the brigade!"

Rivan gestured Link closer. Obliging him, Link knelt. Rivan whispered, "It's: Fluffy white clouds! Clear blue Zora!"

Link chuckled. "I got it."

"You're still part of the brigade, aren't you, Link?" Bazz asked.

"Of course, now that I know the password," Link replied, grinning.

"Enough, children," one of the caretakers said, exasperated. "You may play with… with the… um… wolf, tomorrow. It's bedtime!"

"Awww…" the kids all said dejectedly. Still, despite their protests, they were ushered back to the pools.

Midna rolled back to her feet and let out a small whine.

"Who is that?" Link asked. He spotted a green-hued Zora he was sure he had never seen before.

"Ah, that is Lady Yona," Mipha answered. "She comes from a kingdom of Zora that lives in the sea and is part of the delegation that's visiting us. She and Sidon were introduced to one another not too long ago."

"They seem to be having fun," Link said.

Yona and Sidon were tossing a ball at one another before one of the caretakers marched over to them and tried to persuade them to get to sleep.

"I should hope so," Mipha replied. "Sidon is currently the youngest Zora in the domain. It's good that he has someone his age to play with."

"Reminds me of Ilia and myself," Link said off-handedly.

Mipha whirled around. "Who?"

"Oh, Ilia. She's a childhood friend of mine, too," Link answered. When he turned to face Mipha, he almost took a step back. Mipha's gaze seemed a bit intense for some reason.

"I see," Mipha said softly. "Are you and her… close?"

"We're friends," Link replied, unsure why Mipha was so interested. "I like to think we're close."

Mipha stared at Link a little bit longer before she abruptly turned on her heel and walked onwards towards the throne room.

"What is it?" Link asked.

Mipha shook her head. "It's nothing. Come, you should speak to Chancellor Muzu before we proceed any further."

"Of course," Link replied, still unsure what had prompted the change in behavior. "When will King Dorephan be back?"

"In a few days," Mipha answered.

"And… have there been any Zora casualties?" Link carefully asked.

Again, Mipha shook her head. She was looking down at her feet dejectedly. "No, but only by the grace of the Great Goddesses. Several of our soldiers were injured trying to fight the Lynel before we petitioned the Hyrulean Royal Family for assistance. I did what I could for them."

As they made their way up the stairs, Link turned to Mipha. "Trello? Seggin?"

"Both injured," Mipha said quietly. "They're recuperating."

"That would explain why no one met me at the mouth of the Zora River," Link muttered.

"Yes, we are becoming increasingly short-handed, especially since we diverted our forces to the sea and others in preparation for monster attacks," Mipha said. She took a deep breath. "I am to begin weapons testing shortly."

In the throne room, Link spotted a Sheikah girl, the youngest of the four researchers he had met—she was around his age, if he had to judge—and Chancellor Muzu, standing at the base of the throne room.

Chancellor Muzu spotted Link and let out a relieved sigh. "Link, it is good to see you again."

"Chancellor," Link said. "I would ask how you are, but I feel like I already know. Would 'stressed' be accurate?"

"It would indeed," Chancellor Muzu replied tiredly. "But now that you're here, I'm much more confident that things will be under control soon enough. Where is the rest of the party?"

"It's just Midna and me," Link answered neutrally.

Chancellor Muzu froze. He looked at Link, then down at Midna, then back up at Link again in disbelief. "We asked for your aid, yes, but… it's just you? And… and a wolf?"

Link nodded. "His Majesty did want to send more, but I assured him that I can take care of the problem. I didn't want anyone else to be harmed."

Chancellor Muzu's mouth opened and closed several times before he rubbed his head. "Well, a noble sentiment to be sure, but the threat is—"

"I can handle it," Link said calmly but sternly.

"I trust him wholeheartedly," Mipha quickly said, interjecting before Chancellor Muzu could raise any further objections. "After all, Sir Revan was able to drive off a Lynel by himself, was he not?"

At the reminder, Link kept his face painfully neutral.

"A story I would like to hear another time," the Sheikah girl said pleasantly. She was dressed in the traditional clothes that the Sheikah villagers preferred. She stuck out her hand. "Coral."

He shook it. "Link. Just Link."

"Link it is," Coral said. "The Sheikah are aware of the problem, but they also know that you're personally involved. Master Impaz has adopted a wait-and-observe approach. If you need assistance, let me know, and we can have our warriors here within a day."

"Is that what she really said?" Link asked skeptically.

Coral smirked. "The exact words in the letter were, 'Let the boy handle the problem however he wishes. I'm sure he isn't so prideful or foolish not to ask for help if he needs it, because if he is, then I will deny that he was ever a student of mine.' "

Link chuckled. "Yeah, that sounds more like her."

"She's only gotten crotchetier in her dotage," Coral muttered, though a hint of a smile still tugged at the corner of her lips. "Still, there is reason to be concerned."

"Quite," Chancellor Muzu said. "We've slain or driven Lynels off before, but never have we encountered a brown Lynel that was capable of such barbarism. It managed to tear apart a silver Lynel!"

"I heard about that," Link murmured. "You're sure about the silver Lynel?"

"Our soldiers reported that the Lynel is viciously defending its territory," Chancellor Muzu said, looking deadly serious and extremely worried. "We don't know where it came from, only that the silver Lynel that had occupied the site thought to bully or even kill it, but the brown Lynel attacked with a… a… a savagery that even Sergeant Seggin was in fear of."

"The Demon Sergeant? Afraid?" Link asked, eyebrow slightly raised. "Hmm. I see."

"We will provide you with whatever it is you need to rid us of the threat, Link," Chancellor Muzu said. "By King Dorephan's word, I have instructed to all that they are to accommodate you accordingly and render assistance to their utmost, should you ask."

Link nodded and glanced outside. It was well into nighttime now. He considered ambushing the Lynel while it slept before discarding the idea. If his first strike failed to kill the Lynel, then they would be fighting in low-light conditions. The advantage could swing either way, and those weren't odds he appreciated.

"I will take care of the threat at morning light," Link said.

Chancellor Muzu, Coral, and Mipha all glanced at one another before the Zora princess nodded.

"Very well," Mipha said. "Would you like me to walk you to your room?"

"Is it the same one as before?" Link asked. "Because if it is, I remember the way."

"It is," Mipha replied. "Very well. I shall see you in the morning."

"I must inform His Majesty of this development," Chancellor Muzu said. He bowed deeply at the waist. "Good night, Link. On behalf of King Dorephan and the Zora, we thank you for coming to our aid."

"Of course. Any time," Link replied. "Good night, all."

~o~O~o~

The next morning, Link woke early. Sensing this, Midna woke up as well, yawned, stretched, and shook herself awake before trotting to his side. She could sense the palpable tension in the air.

"Let's go," Link said quietly.

Once all his equipment was in order, Link stepped out of his room. Down the hall, he saw Mipha approaching him.

"Good morning, Link," she said. "Did you sleep well?"

"Better than you," he replied. He peered at her face. "You have dark rings beneath your eyes. Did you even sleep?"

"I'm fine," Mipha said.

Link frowned but chose not to press the issue any further. Instead, he marched down the hall purposefully until they were in the main hall. However, it became apparent that Mipha intended to follow him, and he had a hunch as to where.

"What are you doing?" Link warily asked.

"I'm coming with you," Mipha answered promptly.

"No," Link replied sternly.

"I am a Champion," Mipha said with conviction, "and Zora's Domain is my home. I will not sit idly by while you risk your life to help us."

"Know your limits," Link retorted. "By all accounts, this thing is using electric arrows. Last I checked, Zora have a testy relationship with electricity. I can handle this on my own."

"And how do you intend to stop me?" Mipha asked curtly.

Link had never heard her sound like that, but he wasn't about to be swayed. Turning on his heel, he approached the nearest Zora guardsman. "The Lynel. Where is it?"

"Do not answer," Mipha said quickly. "Royal order."

The guard opened his mouth to answer but stopped at Mipha's words. He looked conflicted as he glanced uncertainly between Link and Her Royal Highness. There was a standing order from King Dorephan and Chancellor Muzu to help Link in whatever capacity the Hylian needed, but love and admiration for their princess ran deep among the Zora.

Frowning, Link asked, "Where is Chancellor Muzu?"

"Away," Mipha answered before the guardsman could speak.

Link shot a glance at the guardsman, who could only stare wide-eyed between him and Mipha.

"Um… I'm confused… I-I-I don't know what I should do here…?" the man said nervously, his statement ending into a question as he sought for direction.

"Answer my questions," Link ordered.

"Do as I say," Mipha demanded. "Not a word."

The guardsman began to sweat. "Um… I… uh…"

Exhaling noisily at the blatant abuse of power, Link marched off. Given how much space a Lynel needed and how enclosed Zora's Domain was, he could think of only one place where the Lynel could be.

He gritted his teeth when he heard Mipha's footsteps just behind him.

I'm going to die.

~o~O~o~

Lanayru Province – Zora's Domain, Ploymus Mountain

"Go home," Link growled out as he navigated the mountain paths toward the one open area he knew of.

"No," Mipha said stubbornly. "And you cannot make me."

"It's too dangerous."

"The danger does not concern me. It is the mounting casualties, both from my people as well as yours, that concern me."

"And my concern is you," Link retorted. "Putting aside the fact that a friend of mine could be hurt or worse, if something were to happen to you, Vah Ruta will have no pilot, and the entirety of Zora's Domain would want my head, with your father leading the charge."

"I did not learn the trident or the spear just so I may do nothing while others are hurt under my watch," Mipha said irately. "You claimed that I needed, at the very least, to be the shield for my people if not the tip of the spear."

Link gritted his teeth. "When you're the queen!"

Mipha narrowed her eyes at him. "My status does not matter!"

"Your life matters!"

"So does yours!"

"This is my duty!"

"It's mine, too!"

"I don't need your help!"

"I don't recall offering!"

"Go home!"

"No!"

They continued to bicker like that the entire way until Midna suddenly tensed up and let out a low, menacing growl.

They stopped at once. Link looked around and realized that they were at the clearing where he had fought his first Lynel. Calmly drawing his sword and shield, he looked around and spotted arrow shafts, hoofprints, and pieces of metal armor… as well as the remains of those that had worn them.

"Where is it?" Mipha whispered. She slipped into a ready stance with her trident.

Link shook his head. "No idea. Not even Midna knows. We're being hunted. This thing is more cunning than I thought. I predicted it would just rush at us, if its attitude was anything to go by."

Midna's head swiveled this way and that, ears rotating, nose twitching, but she didn't indicate where the Lynel could be.

Link's instincts screamed at him. It could have been a trampled blade of grass, disturbed airflow from an errant gust of wind, or a minuscule change of temperature—or a combination thereof—but he whirled around, shield up, and pulled Mipha behind him.

"Get down!" he shouted.

A lightning arrow struck his shield. Link prayed that King Rhoam had been right about its unique properties as he tensed up, preparing to feel the shock, but the metal—if the shield was even made of metal—did not conduct the electricity. Peering over the top, Link spotted the Lynel he was tasked with bringing down.

"It tried to ambush us from behind," Mipha hissed.

"And it failed," Link said. "Time to see how savage this thing really is."

Link charged at the Lynel head-on. It let out a snarl in response and shot three arrows simultaneously. The Hylian Shield deflected two of them, and the third sailed wide.

The Lynel drew its sword and tried to cut Link down, but he parried the blow, knocking the massive sword back. Seeing his opportunity, Link channeled his focus into his blade and spun around, executing a perfect spinning strike across the Lynel's torso.

Staggering back from the blow, the Lynel roared, only to snarl when Midna ran behind and locked her jaws around the back hind leg.

Using its horse-body to speed away, it shook Midna off, but the wolf flipped gracefully to her feet, snarling back with bloodied teeth fully bared.

The Lynel tried to attack at range again, but as it lined up its next set of arrows, Mipha appeared, stabbing her trident rapidly into the horse half. The arrows flew terribly wide. Using its bow as a club, it swung at Mipha, who danced away before retaliating with another series of stabs. When it tried to use its sword, Mipha backed off.

Together, Link, Mipha, and Midna circled the Lynel. It held its ground, letting a low growl emanate from its throat.

At first impressions, Link hadn't thought anything of it. It was vicious, yes, but he couldn't tell why it was so feared, but in the moment's pause they had, Link could see it frothing at the mouth. Even the gash on its chiseled chest didn't seemed to be noticed.

Letting out an enraged roar, it charged at Link head-on. Link set himself to dodge, but it changed direction at the last moment and ran at Midna instead.

The wolf snarled back and easily leapt to the side, but Link saw that it was nothing but a series of feints. It had nocked a new set of arrows in its bow.

And they were aimed at Mipha.

"Mipha!" Link shouted. He leapt forward, sword raised. He needed the extra reach to stop at least one of the three arrows. Instinct had taken over, but rational thought followed close behind, and he realized his mistake, even as he prepared his sword to intercept one of the arrows.

Oh, this is going to hurt.

The moment the electric arrow made contact with the Master Sword, Link let out a cry of pain as his body froze up. To his horror, he could also hear Mipha screaming not far behind him. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do. Unable to control himself, he dropped his sword and staggered back. Shaking his arm to regain function, he looked up and saw the Lynel preparing another barrage of arrows. He quickly raised his shield.

The electric arrows harmlessly bounced off the shield with a clang. Sparing a fraction of a second, he saw that Mipha had collapsed to her knees. She didn't appear to be bleeding, and no arrow shafts could be seen anywhere on her. But her legs were twitching terribly, preventing her from standing.

Letting out a quick sigh of relief, Link tried to reclaim his weapon, but the Lynel aimed its next set of arrows at where the Master Sword was and prevented Link from getting close.

Growling in annoyance, Link was forced to leap back. He kept his shield ready but remained disarmed for the moment.

Clever.

"Link!" Mipha shouted.

Link turned and saw Mipha's precious trident sailing through the air. Catching it in his right hand, he tossed his shield to Mipha, hoping that she would use it to defend herself properly.

Twirling the Lightscale Trident in his hands, Link prepared to attack. His initial plan was to dodge the arrow barrage before rushing in.

Surprisingly, the Lynel did not attack. In fact, if Link had to judge, it appeared to be in shock. The bow was held in slack hands, and a trio of arrows fell from limp fingers. Its one eye was staring at Link with an uncomfortable amount of scrutiny.

Wait… one eye?

Link recognized the Lynel. And now, holding a Zora spear in the same stance his father had once taught him… the Lynel recognized Link as well. The grip on its bow tightened until the metal creaked from the pressure. A threatening growl emanated from the Lynel's throat as it bared all its teeth at him menacingly.

Hmm. This could be bad.

Tossing away its bow, the Lynel let out a howl of outrage and fury that seemed to shake the very ground they were standing upon, a roar that sounded all too familiar. Link prepared himself accordingly as the Lynel drew its sword and rushed at him with all the rage it could muster.

Unlike before, Link stood his ground. He may have been five when they'd last fought, but things were different. Holding the trident horizontally, Link blocked the blow instead of dodging. He was able to take it, but the Lynel pushed hard, causing Link to slide along the ground as he endured.

Midna leapt onto the Lynel's back and sank her teeth into its meaty shoulder. She started to shake her head violently, doing everything she could to rip the muscle free. The Lynel barely paid her any mind, but its blow was weakened. Link pushed back and broke the lock. The trident stabbed directly at the Lynel's chest and created three new holes.

Far from being distracted, the Lynel brought its sword down in a mighty two-handed cleave.

Link side-stepped and stabbed the Lynel once again, even as its blade embedded itself into the ground. It wasn't stuck, though, and it wrenched it free, throwing dirt and rocks in Link's direction. Startled, Link shielded his eyes and rolled back. He felt, more than heard, Mipha's warning and Midna's howl. Raising the trident high, he managed to catch the sword in the prongs and blocked the attack that would have cut him in two.

The Lynel brought its left hand down on Link's right arm, claws fully bared, before Link could either leverage the lock or back off.

Link grunted and backflipped away to create some distance. The Lynel appeared to be grinning… Link almost thought it was rooted in insanity.

He was almost certain when the Lynel raised its left claws—the ones that had managed to tag him—and licked the blood off them.

Narrowing his eyes, Link flipped the spear in his hands. The wound didn't appear to be debilitating. Without looking, he assumed it wasn't deep, or at the very least, wasn't serious. He could feel blood trickling, though. Glaring, he bared his teeth at the Lynel as well. "First blood is still mine, you bastard. And I'll be the one to draw it last."

If the Lynel understood, it didn't seem to care. It rushed at him again with a series of slashes. Despite the fact that Link dodged all of them and retaliated with several stabs, the Lynel didn't slow down at all. None of the wounds it had sustained seemed to bother it. It was single-mindedly focused on tearing him to shreds, no matter the cost to itself.

Now Link understood why Diaz and his team had had so much trouble.

Link opted to parry the attacks now. The lacerations and stabs weren't doing the job. He needed to force a mistake big enough for him to land a mortal or a crippling wound to end the fight. The Lynel grew frustrated by its inability to land another strike on the fleet-footed boy. Worse yet, its sword kept getting redirected, and Midna kept right at the periphery, looking to sink her teeth into something vulnerable the moment the Lynel presented an opportunity.

Letting out another enraged roar, the Lynel's mouth suddenly burst into flames.

Link's eyes widened at the sight. "Midna, get back!"

It was completely unheard of for a brown Lynel to possess fire-breathing capabilities, but this one seemed hell-bent on breaking all the rules. Leaping to the side, Link avoided the first flame blast. Checking to see where Mipha was and hoping that she was hiding beneath his Hylian Shield, Link started running as fast as his legs would take him. The Lynel let out at least three more fireballs before leaping at him, sword raised.

Abruptly changing directions, Link met the charge head-on. He thrust the spear and watched in satisfaction as it plunged itself directly into his opponent's chest. Using its forward momentum and weight, Link drove the trident as far as it could go.

"Got yo—whoa!" Link shouted in shock. All three of the trident's prongs were driven almost down to the ferrule. It shouldn't have been possible for the Lynel to keep fighting.

Link found himself getting dragged backwards as he fought for control. He hung on to the shaft of his weapon, his feet kicking uselessly on the damp grass and loose dirt. The only thing he could do was keep the Lightscale Trident planted firmly in the Lynel's chest, even as it tried to lean into the prongs to grasp at Link, is if it were willing to let the weapon go through its body so it could go down the shaft and get within arm's reach to get its hands on Link. Its sword lay forgotten on the ground.

Gripping the trident by the bottom half of the shaft, Link tried to get his footing back beneath him, but the Lynel was relentless, pushing forward, roaring and letting spittle fly. It's clawed hands kept swinging, trying to rend Link's flesh one more time.

The butt of the trident finally caught onto something, stopping the Lynel's charge for just a moment. Link felt his right foot finally stand on solid ground, and he wrenched the trident loose at the most vicious angle he could possibly leverage. Gouts of blood sprayed to the ground, but free of the hindrance, the Lynel lunged at Link.

Ducking beneath the flailing hands, he was prepared to roll away when Midna leapt up and dug her teeth and claws into the Lynel's face. Roaring, it twisted away.

Realizing that this was his chance, now that the Lynel had lost track of him, Link reversed direction and aimed the Lightscale Trident at the Lynel's front left leg. He got the limb caught between the prongs. Next, Link raised his right leg just as the Lynel's arm was coming down on him. Midna leapt up once again and clamped her jaws on the attacking limb. It's attack thwarted, the Lynel tried to shake Midna off.

At the same time, Link started kicking the trident's shaft as hard as he could near the prongs while pulling back on the capped end. It took two more tries before Link could hear the leg break with a loud crack.

The Lynel buckled and tipped over, but kept thrashing, eventually throwing Midna off, though it lost quite a bit of flesh in the process.

The Lynel lunged for Link again. Instead of rolling backward, Link rolled to the right, staying in the blinded and crippled side. The Lynel tried to track Link, to turn, but it couldn't. It's clawed hand swung blindly, hoping to tag Link, but he danced just out of reach, waiting for the right moment…

The moment the Lynel turned sufficiently to finally see Link with its one good eye, an arrow embedded itself into its last functioning ocular organ.

Dropping his Ancient Bow, Link picked up Mipha's spear and aimed it directly at the Lynel's screaming maw. He shoved one of the side prongs inside, withdrew, and mustered all of his strength to ram the trident all the way into the Lynel's head.

The Lynel continued to thrash despite that. Link backflipped away and looked around wildly for the Master Sword. Midna howled and pawed at the ground. Seeing that she was standing next to the divine blade, Link rushed over to her, picked up his sword, and prepared to end the fight once and for all.

The Lynel had grabbed the trident and was trying to pull it out, but the barbed tips prevented it from doing so. Its movements became sluggish, weaker. Blood was everywhere, coming out of its mouth, its eye, its nose, and the multitude of stab wounds and lacerations all over its body. It tried to roar, but the blood made it impossible, the sound coming out as a strangled gurgle. Time seemed to stretch itself out, feeling far too long, before the Lynel thrashed once more and then ceased moving.

Finally.

Link panted, feeling the rush of energy fade from his body. He slowly approached the Lynel, Master Sword raised. The Lightscale Trident was still stuck inside the Lynel's head. Red ichor started slowly dribbling down the shaft of the once-white and -pristine weapon.

It was a strange sight. Its four horse-like legs crumpled beneath the main body. The arms, once capable of holding a massive bastard sword, were now slack. The upper body was being propped up by the embedded spear, with the tipped end inside the mouth of the Lynel and deeper still, while the butt was stuck in the grassy dirt.

Link was still taking heaving deep breaths, unable to tear his eyes away from the macabre sight. Eventually, the Lynel fell onto its side. Dully, Link's eyes tracked its progress, unsure of the feelings it stirred within him.

Taking one last deep breath, Link sheathed his sword. It was thanks to Midna's mournful howl that he remembered that Mipha was hurt. He spun around and ran to her.

Midna was nestled against Mipha and was licking or pawing at the Zora princess's legs gently. In response, Mipha gave Midna whispered assurances and pets that she was all right.

"Are you? Really?" Link asked, concerned.

Mipha nodded. "The arrows missed, but only just. The electricity did not, however."

Link saw that her legs were still spasming. "They passed right by you?"

"I tried to dive out of the way, but it was still too close," Mipha replied, grimacing. "It's not a pleasant experience."

Recalling the shock he had felt when he'd blocked one of the arrows with his sword, Link shook out his right arm and nodded. "I can't quite relate on the same level, but it's definitely not an experience I want to repeat, either."

"I noticed that the Lynel had one eye," Mipha said. "You know, I recall Sir Revan's account when he rescued Sidon. He claimed that he had maimed the Lynel and taken an eye. Do you think this is the same one?"

"Um… could be," Link said, hoping his hesitant reply didn't reveal his duplicity. "It might stand to reason why it was really angry when it saw me."

Mipha looked up at Link. "Hmm… familial resemblance. It might have thought that you were your father, especially when you took up the spear, or trident in this case."

"Probably," Link muttered. He looked down at the gash on his arm and gently prodded it. He had to suppress the urge to hiss.

Mipha looked at the wound and clicked her tongue. "I can heal that, but it's best if we clean out the dirt, mud, and other undesirable substances within before I do so. Come."

She struggled to her feet and attempted to walk, but her legs gave out from under her. She would have fallen if Link hadn't darted forward and caught her.

"Ah! Oh, thank you, Link," Mipha said gratefully. She took a deep breath and tried to stand again, but her legs continued to spasm irregularly.

"The lightning arrow is still affecting you," Link said. He gently helped her until she was sitting down. He maneuvered in front of her and squatted low. "Get on."

"W-what?" Mipha asked, shocked and blushing.

"Hop on," Link replied.

"I-I don't need to be carried!" Mipha said indignantly. She tried to stand up again, but her legs spasmed again and she fell back onto her bottom.

"Mipha, either I'm carrying you on my back or over my shoulder," Link said. "Your father is likely ready to kill me as it is when he hears about this, so the least I can do is get you off this mountain. Now, make your decision: back or shoulder?"

Mipha blushed even more, such that her normally white cheeks were likely the same shade as the scales on her head. She thrust her arms out to ward him away. "Th-this is highly inappropri—"

"Shoulder it is, then," Link said decisively.

He grabbed one of Mipha's outstretched arms and was about to hoist her over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes when she cried out:

"Back, back!"

Grinning boyishly, Link set her down. First, he walked over to the Lynel, grabbed the Lightscale Trident, and wrenched it free from his defeated foe. Next, he reclaimed his bow and folded it into its compact state before securing it on his back. He returned to Mipha, and after placing the trident down next to her, he squatted in front of her again. He asked, "Can you hold my shield and your trident?"

Mipha grumbled at the situation but nodded and managed to wear the shield on her left arm while able to hold on to her Lightscale Trident in her right. Then she gingerly wrapped her arms and legs around him from behind. Link easily lifted her up.

Standing tall with his hands holding on to her legs, Link asked, "Ready?"

"R-ready," Mipha quietly answered.

Link carefully walked back down the mountainous path towards the East Reservoir Lake, letting Midna lead the way.

~o~O~o~

Lanayru Province – Zora's Domain, East Reservoir Lake

After bathing herself in the waters, Mipha closed her eyes. The water seemed to flow around specific parts of her body, mainly her legs. It coalesced there briefly, glowing a beautiful pale-blue color before the spell ended.

Mipha opened her eyes and stretched out her legs. "Ah, that's much better."

Link nodded. "You look better, too."

Any further words were lost when Vah Ruta started moving towards them. It was the first time Link had seen the Divine Beast move, and he could only dumbly watch as the waves it created headed straight for them. It crested over the edge of the reservoir and completely soaked him from head to toe. Midna had the presence of mind to run away, only getting her legs wet, but little else. She did let out a series of annoyed barks at the Divine Beast, though.

Wiping the water from his eyes and hair, he leveled an accusing glare at Mipha, who was completely unperturbed by the wetness. "You did that on purpose."

"I most certainly did not," Mipha primly replied. "Get on."

Before Link could ask what she meant, the water parted, showing the tip of Vah Ruta's long nose popping up just a little from the water's surface. Mipha gracefully hopped on top of it.

Sighing, Link took off his scabbard, bow, and quiver and hung them on the nearest tree to dry. Wringing the water out of his tunic as best he could, he approached Vah Ruta and, trusting Mipha this time, hopped on top of the nose next to her as well.

Mipha sat down and patted a spot next to her. Link obliged and settled in, making himself comfortable. The nose lifted them upwards slowly, not nearly enough to jostle them, much less dislodge either from their perch.

Taking water from Vah Ruta's trunk, Mipha patiently and gently cleaned Link's gash.

"You look contemplative," Link said.

Gently letting the water wash over Link's arm, Mipha didn't say anything for another minute, instead choosing to focus on his wound. It was when she began using her gift of healing that she spoke. "I was thinking… this reminds me of the time we first met."

He recalled that day and how mystified he had been when she'd displayed her talents to him.

She smiled fondly. "You were just a reckless child… always getting yourself hurt at every turn. And every time, I would heal you. Just as I'm doing right now."

Link smiled back shyly. The water coalesced around his wound, and it started to mend before his very eyes, just as it had always done.

"I thought it was funny how, being a Hylian, you looked grown-up so much faster than I did," Mipha murmured.

That caused Link's eyebrows to rise in mild surprise. To him, it was always the opposite, that Mipha looked grown-up compared to his child self. And even now, at sixteen, Mipha felt more dependable and steadfast than he did, despite the responsibilities he had taken on.

"I was…" Mipha started to say, but she hesitated. Eventually, she looked up and met his eyes. "I was always willing to heal your wounds. Even back then."

With one last gentle caress of water and flash of light, Link's wound neatly vanished, leaving no trace it had ever been there. He experimentally moved his arm, despite knowing that it wouldn't hurt.

"So if this Calamity Ganon does, in fact, return, what can we really do?" Mipha asked. "We just don't seem to know much about what we'll be up against."

It wasn't anything Link hadn't heard before, and it was still unwelcome to hear. He let out a quiet sigh and stared at his boots.

She put a reassuring hand on his, causing him to look back up at her. "But know this: that no matter how difficult this battle might get… if you… if anyone ever tries to do you harm… then I will heal you. No matter when, or how bad the wound… I hope you know that I will always protect you."

Looking shy, she withdrew her hands and cupped them together on her lap. "Once this whole thing is over… maybe things can go back to how they used to be when we were young."

Link slightly clenched his jaw before realizing it and relaxed.

Recognizing the one key difference, Mipha amended her words. "You know… perhaps we could spend some time together."

"I'd like that very much," he whispered. "Things were so much simpler then, weren't they?"

She hesitantly placed her hand over his again. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean… you know, about Sir Revan…"

Link shook his head. "I know you didn't. You don't have to apologize."

They stayed quiet for a time, watching the setting sun.

This time, it was Link that broke the silence first. "Is that why you were so adamant on coming with me? To protect me? Or heal me if I got hurt?"

Mipha bit her lip but nodded.

"Thank you," he said sincerely. "It's… comforting to know that you're willing to go so far to help me."

"You placed your trust in me when you put my name forward as Vah Ruta's pilot and a Champion," she replied. "I must support you however I can."

"I knew I made the right decision," Link said, smiling softly. He squeezed her hand reassuringly. He briefly looked at the sunset before saying, "You know, part of the reason I was as reckless as I was… well, I really, really liked seeing your healing powers at work. I'm not saying I went out of my way to get hurt, but… I do feel a little guilty, taking advantage of you the way I did. I mean, I never did it knowingly, but I knew deep down that you would heal me, and I think I took risks because of that."

"You were never malicious in your intent," Mipha said. "You trusted in me to heal you, which gave you the courage to go beyond your limits, young as you were."

"I still feel a little guilty."

This time, Mipha squeezed his hand. "Then allow me to absolve you. Do not. You've grown to rise above that, and I know you would never hurt me."

"Time marches ever onward," Link murmured. He leaned back and glanced down at Vah Ruta. Patting the metal trunk, he smiled and asked, "You're getting the hang of this, aren't you?"

"I remain ever diligent," Mipha replied.

"It shows," Link said. He looked away from her and coughed into his fist. "Thanks… for helping me. With the Lynel."

"You're quite welcome," Mipha said. "Just a small exercise before we face the Calamity, hmm?"

"Yeah, I guess we can look at it like that," Link replied, chuckling.

~o~O~o~

Author's Notes:

Full disclosure. While Age of Calamity may have spawned the initial desire to write this fic, it was this memory, combined with Mipha's diary mentioning Link and his father, that spawned the beginning of it all. One could say that I worked my way through twenty-four chapters just to get to where my mind wanted to be.

I got the idea about the Lynel from God of War: Ragnarök. There was a recurring enemy mini-boss called the Hateful, which Mimir described as a former empress that was fueled by unending hatred, making her stronger than the usual enemies and using that hatred to return.

I genuinely liked that idea and used that as the framework for the Lynel here.