Legend of Zelda: Freeing Harmony

by galladefenrir44

Set immediately after the end of Breath of the Wild, Zelda has returned to an unfamiliar land and a world that she is now free to explore. Despite the many set backs of those that want her on the throne, she thrives to live life like a normal Hylian, with Link by her side to protect and guide her though all the challenges and threats.

5. Chapter 5

Managed to get this one done before my exam season and I'm happy about that. So I'll keep this short and just tell you guys to enjoy. Please let me know what you think and I'll be back with another chapter in May.

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"It's so hot!" Zelda complained, as she and Link arrived at the Gerudo Desert.

Link looked at her, while adjusting the veil of his Gerudo Garb, "I told you that we should have left earlier. If you want to feel less hot, put on the Gerudo Garb."

"No! It's too revealing."

"Then suffer. I don't know what to tell you. It's your fault for wearing a dress and closed shoes."

"I'm supposed to look my best when visiting someone important." She replied. "I always wore my best clothes when I used to come here to visit Urbosa."

"Pray tell, have you ever visited during the morning without an entourage to keep you cool? I mean, you used to run away to this place to get away from me."

Zelda was quiet for a moment before sighing, "I used to come here mostly at night and would change into more formal wear once I made it into the town."

"HA!"

"I'm not putting on the garb." She snapped.

"Then suffer!"

"Tough talk coming from a man wearing women's clothing."

"Hey, I look fabulous. What's your excuse?"

Zelda groaned and asked, "Do I really have to?"

Link pointed to the shrine behind them, "No, but if you want to change, use the Shrine. Besides, I'm sure Riju would appreciate you wearing it."

Zelda began to blush and groaned all the way to the Shrine, riding the lift down. Link waited until she was gone to let out his laughter and sat down to wait for her. He continued to chuckle to himself and watched a pod of sand seals playing around in the sand.

After a few minutes, Link heard the lift start up again and stood, waiting to see what Zelda looked like in the clothing. Zelda soon appeared, wearing the revealing top and skirt. Link looked at her, not saying anything, just taking in the image.

Zelda blushed uncomfortably and said, "Stop staring at me!"

"No can do!" Link replied, continuing to look, but stopped when Zelda materialised a shock arrow from the Sheikah Slate.

She threatened, "Look away or start getting used to your muscles tensing up."

"Can you please stop threatening me with that?"

"It's the only way to keep you in check, since I can't force you verbally. Now turn around!"

"Okay!" He turned around and felt her press up behind him, "What?"

"I'm using you as cover. This is too uncomfortable. Just get me in there."

Link held in a chuckle and led her past the gates of the town, with the guards looking at both of them, but not giving Link a second glance. Zelda looked around, seeing the buzzling bursar, which many women were shopping around each stall. She saw the water channels, carrying cool water across the town.

She said to Link, "Not much has changed. Maybe just a clean coat of paint or new stone, but this looks very similar to what it did before."

Link said to her, "I guess it's one of those cases where you don't fix what isn't broken."

She looked forward and saw the chief's palace and said, "It's still the same. I remember it from all the time I spent with Urbosa here."

"And from all the times you ran away from me and ran off here."

Zelda sighed and said, "Sorry about that."

"It's fine. Now, are you ready to meet Riju?"

He turned his head to look at Zelda, but his head was quickly forced back forward by the blushing princess, "No! No peeking! No turning back to look at me!"

Link quickly said, "Don't yell. You'll draw attention and people are staring."

Zelda looked around and saw residents of the town looking at them. Zelda held in a shy whimper and said to him, "Go! Go!"

Link walked on, going over to the palace. The guards at the entrance stopped them and waited. A woman's voice called out, "It's okay. Let them through. They're my guests."

The guards relented and let Link and Zelda pass. The two walked to the center of the hall and stood before the young chief and her retainer.

Riju called out, "Everyone, please leave us. I wish to speak to my guests privately." The guards within the palace saluted and marched out of the room. Leaving only Riju, Buliara, and the two Hylians alone in the throne room. "It's safe to speak normally now, Link. No need to hide."

Link nodded and replied, "Thanks. I hate having to speak to people here with a high voice."

"So...I'm guessing the woman hiding behind you is Princess Zelda?"

Link nodded and quickly stepped aside, leaving Zelda exposed in the open. She looked at Link and yelled out, "Link!"

Link chuckled and looked at her, "Relax! We're all friends here."

Riju laughed at the sight and said, "Please don't feel ashamed to be wearing the garb. I know it's revealing, but I think it suits you. Your curves really bring out the outfit."

Zelda was now bright red, but tried to keep her composure as she gave Riju a bow, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Chief Riju. I am…"

"Princess Zelda. I am aware. Lady Urbosa kept a lot of records of you in her journals from back then. She really loved you as if you were her own daughter."

Zelda didn't reply, simply meekly smiling at her words. After a moment she said, "Urbosa was like a mother to me and I loved her like one. So I am familiar with the Gerudo and her ways. If I wasn't in the castle, I was here in this very palace."

"I'm glad to hear it. Now, I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Riju. In full, my name is Makeela Riju, Chief of the Gerudo. However, please just call me Riju." She motioned to her bodyguard, "This is Buliara. She's my bodyguard and never leaves my side. So you'll have to become acquainted with her as well. She may be stern, but she's a sweetheart when you get to know her."

Buliara addressed Zelda, "A pleasure, princess."

Zelda replied to her, "Likewise. If I may make a request, please just call me Zelda. For the time being, I am no princess."

Riju laughed to herself and said to her, "No problem. Now that introductions are over, we can speak candidly. I'm not a fan of all this formal stuff."

Link smiled and said to Zelda, "She may be the chief of the Gerudo, but you have to remember that she's still a teenager. So she gets bored really easily."

Buliara tapped her sword on the floor, "Do not disrespect our chief with such slander!"

Riju stood from her throne and waved her off, "Buliara, please. You know that I let him speak however he wishes. We're good friends at this point." She walked over to Zelda and inspected her, "Yep! You definitely rock that outfit. I mean, I'm surprised you wore it. I expected you to come wearing literally anything else. Good on you! Unafraid to show a little skin. Usually you Hylians dress as though your skin would fry if it gets touched by sunlight."

Zelda let out an uncomfortable whimper and said, "This is...embarrassing."

"Hey, don't be ashamed." She pointed at Link, "See? He likes it."

Zelda looked over at Link and saw him quickly turn his head, "I'll deal with him when we get home."

Riju arched an eyebrow and asked, "So it's true? You two are living together? I have to admit, it's pretty scandalous."

"Not like that. I'm living with him because it's the best option so that I can experience a free life. Even if it is temporary."

"That's boring. Oh well. By the way, Link has told me a lot in his letters and whenever he visits. He was here just the other day and told me a lot about you."

Zelda was confused by that revelation and asked, "When did he come here? We haven't been apart much since I returned."

Link explained, "Remember when I told you I went hunting the other day?"

"Yes."

"I came here first to speak with Riju, since she wanted to hear about you so eagerly. After that, I went hunting."

Riju caught her attention, "Cool! So now that we're caught up, I can leave the whole adult stuff behind." She grabbed Zelda's hands and said, "I am so excited to finally be able to meet you! This is almost as exciting as sand seals...almost. I've heard so many stories and didn't think I'd actually get to meet you. So once I heard that Calamity Ganon was gone, I knew that you were now free and I could meet the princess that Lady Urbosa kept talking about. It's so exciting! I'm sure we're going to be fast friends."

Zelda smiled down at Riju and replied, "I'd like that."

"Oh! I know! You should sleep over tonight. I'm sure that it must be uncomfortable to sleep in a boy's house every single day."

"Not really. I'm actually very comfortable in our home. It may not be a palace, but it's nice and cozy. With Link, myself, and our dog, it's what I would call home."

Riju looked at Link with a wide grin and then looked back at Zelda, "Are you two sure you're not in a relationship? You're speaking as if you're a married couple with your own house. Also, a dog?" She looked at Link and asked, "You actually bought her a dog? Man, you're moving quick."

Link quickly said, "I didn't realize what I did until way after I did it. It was too late to return her and now Zelda fell in love with the dog. Also, do I really need you teasing me every single time I come to you to chat?"

"But you're so easy to tease." She looked at Zelda, who was locked with a mortified expression on her face from what Riju said to her, "Oh...she's going to be fun to tease too. You Hylians are easy."

Zelda looked at Link, who said to her, "This is how she is when she's not being serious. When she's on duty, she's mature, serious, and attentive. When she's not on duty, she is playful, teasing, and devious."

Riju laughed, "Oh! You're selling me short. I am going to make the most of this situation. Besides, considering Zelda's reaction, I'm not too far off with my teasing."

Zelda blurred out, "You're wrong!" She took a deep breath to relax, "Okay. I won't get flustered now. I can resist your teasing."

Riju turned back to her and smiled at the naive princess. She poked Zelda' exposed belly and uttered, "Poke."

Zelda's face quickly became bright red again and she covered her face with her hands, "No fair!"

"Too easy!"

Link walked over to Zelda and told Riju, "Riju, please stop. I don't think her face can get more red and I don't think she can take more teasing."

"Oh, I'll be the judge of that."

Link said to her, "Stop or I'm going to…" He heard metallic tap and looked over at Buliara, who was looking at him with murder in her eyes if Link finished his sentence.

She cleared her throat and asked, "Or you'll what, Mr. Link?"

Link backed off and said, "Umm...nothing."

"That's what I thought."

Riju laughed and walked back to her throne. She sat down and fanned herself as her laughter died down, "That was fun. Don't worry; I'm done teasing. I legitimately want to get to know you, Zelda. I just like having fun. Also, I know that you two aren't in a romantic relationship. Both of you are too awkward to do something like that, or too duty bound. Anyways, let's get a bit serious now. Princess, what do you intend to do now?"

Zelda replied, "For the moment, nothing. I made a deal with my handler, Impa. The deal is that I get a year to live like a normal Hylian and then I begin to live like regular old Princess Zelda. So until then, I'm just Zelda. Another resident of Hateno Village. Since no one knows me, it'll be easy to hide my identity."

Buliara asked, "But why would you want to do that? I would have guessed that you would want to reunify your kingdom."

"To be honest, I don't want to be a princess anymore. It was no fun back then and it will be more suffocating to be royalty in a time of reunification. I like being normal. I can do what I want and I feel happy. It's been a very short time, yes, but it's been the most comfortable I have been in my life, now that I have no responsibility to crush my under its weight. My only worries are learning about the modern Hyrule, caring for my dog, and living in peace with Link."

"But how long can that living arrangement last? Eventually, you'll need to retake your throne and bring order to the land. Your blood carries the ability to seal away Calamity Ganon whenever he reappears. We're not even sure if you completely sealed him away, destroyed him, or sealed him away temporarily. There has to be an heir of your bloodline as a preventative measure. So I hate to say it, but I understand why you're needed as the princess and eventual queen. Your line is paramount to Hyrule's survival and I agree that you need to be around. I may be young, but I've been trained as a leader, so I know what's important and what needs to be done."

Zelda sighed and hung her head, "I realize that. It's just been so amazing to be free from such a responsibility. Once the year of freedom is over, I'll be returning to my role as the princess of Hyrule."

"What about Link?"

Link shrugged, "I'm not sure. From what Impa was implying, I'll be done with my service, but I'd like to stay around."

Zelda nodded and grabbed his arm, "Yeah, if I'm going, he's coming with me."

Riju watched them curiously. She was greatly enjoying their reactions to all her actions and questions. To her, this was so much fun to finally make a new friend. Despite all this, she could feel that she had upset Zelda by telling her the truth. Regardless of how much the information was rough to hear, she knew that it was not healthy for Zelda to ignore the facts. Though, what interested her the most was Zelda's reaction to her question about Link.

She smiled and stood, "I would hope that you don't get rid of him. He's still useful. Anywho, since you're my guests, I should entertain you." She looked at Link and said, "Vai it up. This place is about to get full." Riju snapped her fingers and the room was filled with Gerudo attendants. "Let us have a feast in honor of our guests. Nothing too big, but something to welcome them properly." The attendants nodded and saluted her before rushing to complete their task.

Zelda asked, "You don't have to prepare a feast for us."

"Why not? You are an important guest and I want to treat you as an important guest should be treated. Besides, this isn't all I have planned for you."

"What else?"

"Well, for one, you're not going home tonight." Riju explained.

"What?" Was the only word to escape both Link and Zelda's lips.

"I want Zelda to sleepover so that she and I can have some girl time. That means that you're going to be lonely at home for tonight, Link. Don't worry; she'll be safe here."

Link shrugged, "I don't have a problem with that if Zelda doesn't."

Zelda looked at him and then at Riju, "Well...um...I've never slept over anyone's home other than Link's home and here when Urbosa was around. Still, it wouldn't hurt to get to spend some time with you and get to know you."

Riju grinned, "Good choice! We're going to have so much fun. It'll do me good to socialize with someone who's also young."

"Well, I'm technically over a hundred years old."

"Your body has aged nothing. You're still young to me. I'm sure we're going to be the best of friends."

Buliara gave a rare smirk and said, "And I'll be there to make sure no harm befalls you two."

"I appreciate it. Still, you should rest too."

"I can stand guard for days without exhaustion. It will be a simple task. Besides, it would be nice to see you socializing outside of those you see every single day. Meeting new people and forming friendships is something we should all do."

Zelda giggled and commented, "You must really care for lady Riju."

"She's like a daughter to me. I was there for her birth and was there to watch her grow into our chief. She means the world to me."

Riju gave Buliara a loving smile and told her, "And you mean the world to me, Buliara." She turned back to her guests and said, "This is going to be fun."

[Hateno Village]

The sound of horse hooves walking down the main path of Hateno Village. On the steed, Saya rode, looking around the town, looking to see where she could begin her search for the princess and her knight. Riding behind her on the horse was a very uncomfortable Paya. She had figured that she could ask Saya to give her a lift to Hateno, since she knew it would be the fastest route to her destination. She figured that if she made it to Link and Zelda before Saya could figure out where the house was, she could fulfill her mission as soon as she could.

Saya said to Paya, "Here we are! Hateno Village."

Paya dismounted the horse and said, "Thank...um...thank you very much. You saved me a lot of travel."

Saya gave her a smile, "Don't mention it. You really took away the loneliness of riding alone on the roads. I hope you enjoy yourself while visiting your friend."

"And I wish you look on your search. Safe travels, friend!"

"Same to you! Goodbye, Paya! Hey, we might see each other before we leave. I'm here until tomorrow morning. Still, it's been great to meet you."

"O...oh! Same! Thank you so much and goodbye!"

Paya quickly scurried away, taking out and reading a map that she got from her great-aunt Purah had sent Impa of Link's home. She read it and noticed that the house was actually very near to the gates of the town. Looking back, she noticed that Saya was riding down to the center of town, possibly to reserve a room at the inn. With her target in sight, she ran off, hoping to find Link and Zelda.

Paya followed the path that the map indicated to follow and came to the bridge to the home, finally seeing the home. It was a lot more modest than she was expecting. She had always thought that Link lived in a more lavish home, which befit someone of his caliber, especially when a princess was lodging within their walls. She continued over the bridge and to the front of the property.

Paya was about to head to the door, until she noticed the sign outside of the house and read, "Link and Zelda's Home." She smiled to herself, "Aww! That's cute...wait...oh no!" She ran to the door and began to knock on the door repeatedly, hoping to soon get a reply. All was silent. "Come on! Please be home!" She said as she knocked again, but she received no reply. "Oh you have to be kidding me!"

She stopped knocking and ran back to the sign. She knew that the sign could be problematic if Saya saw it. Sure, it was possible that she did not know Link's name, but Zelda's name was distinct and exactly what Saya was looking for. She took a deep breath and sighed, when she realized what she felt she should do. Grabbing a knife from her belt, she put it to the nails and pulled them out enough so that she could take the plate off the sign. She picked up the plate and ran around the house, looking for a place to hide it. Whatever place she could see was insufficient in her eyes. Beginning to panic, she desperately looked around again and then looked up. She smiled and jumped high into the air and landed on the roof, glad that her Sheikah training had not gotten too rusty.

"Good! I can still jump on roofs." She put the plate down by the chimney, "Until Saya leaves, this should be a good place to hide this thing."

Jumping off the roof, she decided to not stay too long at the house, since Link and Zelda were absent. Maybe her great-aunt could let her stay until they return? She thought to herself. Though, she had no idea where the lab was. She opened her map and looked at it, trying to find anything on it that could be the lab. It did not take long until she saw a point on the map that was surrounded by a bright red circle, which had writing that read "My place." Paya smiled again. She had not seen her great-aunt in some time, but she remembered her mannerisms and the regression of age that she had experienced.

The map indicated that the lab was on the far end of the town, a thought that made her groan. However, she was accomplishing nothing by standing still and waiting all day. Resigned to her task, she made her way back to the main road and walked into the town proper. The town was quaint and peaceful, not a lot of buzzle, like many of the racial homes. There were vendors peddling their goods and calling out their advertisements of their goods and residents out and about their daily lives. Having never left Kakariko Village, this was a new experience for her, but it still felt odd to not see any Sheikah around. Everyone here was just a regular Hylian.

She continued down the road and stopped when she noticed Saya coming out of the inn and began to walk throughout the town. Paya quickly hid from sight, to avoid being seen by her. She peaked out and saw Saya speaking to some of the residents, who were shaking their heads at her questions before Saya excused herself and moved on to the next residents. Paya quietly maneuvered her way back on the path, avoiding Saya's line of sight.

After many minutes of walking, she could finally see the lab, at the top of a hill. Groaning from the ascension she was forced to do, she moved as quickly as she could to get there, with her calves screaming in pain. A few agonizing minutes later, she had arrived at the doors of the lab, seeing the familiar sight of the Sheikah symbol painted on them.

Paya took a deep breath and knocked on the door, waiting. The door swung open and Paya was met with the curious gaze of a small girl dressed in Sheikah garb. Paya looked at her, smiling. She was happy to finally see her great aunt once more after a long time.

Purah asked, "Hello? How may I help you?"

Paya replied, "Auntie Purah, it's me?"

Purah arched an eyebrow, confused by what the girl had said. The girl looked nothing like a Sheikah to be calling her "auntie", but she knew that she only had one relative that would call her such a name. "What's your name, sweetie?"

"Oh right! My disguise. You have no idea who I am. Auntie, it's me! I'm Paya."

Purah looked over Paya and smiled, quickly jumping up and hugging her great-niece, "Paya? Girl, you look so different! Look at you!"

"Grandmother sent me here to find Link and Princess Zelda, but they're not home. So I decided to come over and see you while I waited."

"Well, you guys could have sent word that you were coming. I would have prepared the lab for your stay. Sooooo...what's with the black hair and the lack of your Sheikah mark? As long as I've known you, you've always had white hair and that mark smack-dab in the middle of your cute little face."

"Well, I'm supposed to be inconspicuous for this mission."

"What mission?"

"I'm supposed to get Link and Zelda to return to Kakariko Village because there are people looking for them."

Purah chuckled to herself and said, "Alright, I'm interested. Get in here and tell me the whole thing." She took Paya's hand and led her inside, "The last time I saw you, you were what? Fourteen?"

"Something like that."

"Now look at you. You're a whole grown woman now."

"I'm eighteen. Of course I was going to grow up, auntie."

Purah jumped on her stool and asked, "So how's my little sister doing?"

"She's doing well. Still leading our people and preparing everything for the princess' ascension."

"Great! So she's still not having fun. Impa never changes. Aaaaaaanyways, what about you? How have you been, my dear?"

"I've been alright. I'm a bit nervous being away from home, but I'm glad to be somewhere where I have family."

"Well, you're always welcomed here, my dear. So, who's after them?"

Paya sat down next to her and explained, "A few days ago, a group of foreign warriors came to the village. They spoke with grandmother and told us that they were looking for the princess because they needed their help. However, grandmother doesn't trust them. Worst still, one member of that group is here as we speak."

"Good thing that Link and Zelda aren't here."

"Where did they go?"

Purah shrugged, "No idea. All I know is that they left this morning. At least that's what the Sheikah Slate data tells me."

Paya was surprised by that and asked, "You can track the slate?"

"Not by location. I just get told when it's used to teleport." She jumped off her stood and walked over to the nearby pedestal, "With our tinkering, we managed to make a device that can only tell us whenever they teleport."

"That's all you know?"

"The Slate is an enigma. In all the years I've been studying it, I only discovered a few runes and learned how to tell when it is activating its teleportation function."

Paya stood and walked over to her great-aunt, noticing something in the slot, "What is that?"

"Oh! A little project we've been working on. We've been trying to make a new Sheikah Slate. So far, we managed to get the framework, but getting it to work right has been a nightmare. Mark my words, though, it'll happen. Soon, I will be able to replicate it." She grabbed Paya's hand and said to her, "Look, you've been traveling for a while. I'll let you know when I get a reading that they are teleporting. For now, climb the stairs and sleep in my room. You have to be tired."

"I am, but what about the person looking for Link and Zelda?"

"They can try, but they won't find them. If they do, we'll get them out of here before anything happens. Now, march all the way up the stairs and rest. I'll call you when they teleport or when dinner's ready."

Paya smiled down at her great-aunt and nodded, exiting the lab to go rest.

Purah shook her head and said to herself, "Man, we can't catch a break, can we?" She shrugged, "Oh well! Back to work!"

[Gerudo Town]

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Link asked Zelda.

Zelda nodded, "I should be safe with Riju and the Gerudo. Don't worry too much. Besides, you'll see me when you come to pick me up in the morning. I swear, I'll be fine."

Link nodded, accepting her answer, "Okay. I just wish I wasn't so far away, in case something happened."

"Nothing will happen. Go home, rest, and try not to feel too lonely. It's only for one night." She quickly pulled him into a hug, "See you in the morning."

"Yeah. See you later."

Riju, who was watching them from her throne, called out, "Aww! It's okay. We'll take good care of your special lady, Link."

Link rolled his eyes and said, "Just make sure I see her again the way I left her."

"I promise. Now, bye-bye! From this point on, it's vai only time."

"Sure. Bye!" He took out the Sheikah Slate and set it to teleport to Hateno Village. He looked at Zelda again and said, "I'll be back for you first thing in the morning. Have fun."

Zelda nodded and waved goodbye, "Got it. Goodbye."

Link pressed the button to teleport away, waving goodbye as he dematerialized and was spirited away.

Zelda turned to look at Riju, who was coming off her throne. She motioned for Zelda to follow her, which Zelda obediently did so.

On the way, Zelda asked, "So what are you planning for us to do tonight?"

Riju explained, "We're just going to have some fun. I've never had a friend sleep over, so this is a new experience for me. I hope you don't mind if I retire Chief Riju for the night and just be myself."

"Please. I would prefer you being honest with your true self."

At that Riju smiled, glad to have someone that she didn't have to maintain an air of regal stoicism around. She led Zelda up the steps of the palace until they arrived at Riju's lavish room. Zelda looked around, seeing the many items that were shaped after sand seals. She figured that Riju probably had a fascination with the native creatures. However, what she found most impressive were the shelves that lined a nearby wall.

Zelda's eyes lit up and said, "You have so many books!"

"Yeah. I love reading about Gerudo history and just basic Hyrule history. It's so vast and interesting. Would you like to borrow some books? I've already read all of these."

Zelda quickly turned and replied, "I would love to!"

Riju giggled at her reaction, glad that she found something that they had in common at least, "Well, I'm glad you're excited. Still, it can wait for later. I want to get to know you." Riju said as she sat on her bed.

Zelda sat next to her and thought for a moment, "Oddly enough, there's not a lot to say about me. Yes, I'm the princess of Hyrule, but other than sealing the Calamity, I've never done anything of note. I like to think of myself as a scholar, so I enjoy investigating and learning."

"Then we're alike in that regard. I may not be a scholar per se, but I'm an avid historian. Still, I want to know about you personally. I know I may be asking for much, but I want you to see me as a friend. Besides, I intend to know you for a long time."

Zelda lay down on the bed, her eyes looking up at the ceiling, "Well, I was born before the Calamity to the king and queen of Hyrule. My mother died when I was very young, so the responsibility of sealing away Calamity Ganon was pressed upon me. I couldn't awaken my powers in time and eventually the Calamity was free and destroyed much of Hyrule. I managed to awaken my power and sealed myself with Calamity Ganon. Then Link defeated Calamity Ganon and I was allowed to return. Now I'm here."

"How did you awaken your power after not being able to before?"

Zelda quickly blushed and said, "Well...Link was in danger and was about to be killed by a Guardian...I went to protect him and it just suddenly awoke."

Riju noticed her blush and what she said and donned a devious smile, "Gee! I wonder why it suddenly worked. Could it have anything to do with Link or something?"

"No! It just sparked."

"Sure let's say that, but it's a bit suspicious that it took Link being in danger for your power to awaken."

"Why are you continuously teasing me with that."

"Because it's obvious that you like him."

"He's my knight, not my lover. I don't have anything but platonic feelings for him."

Riju crossed her arms, beginning to list off, "You live with him, you're raising a dog with him, you two speak very candidly with one another, your powers awaken when you wanted to protect him, you spend all your time with him, and your hugs with him last very long for a goodbye."

"None of that means anything."

Riju huffed and shrugged, "I didn't want to do this, but okay. Tell me something; how close were you with Urbosa?"

Zelda eyes her suspiciously, "We were extremely close."

"So it's safe to say that you told her all your secrets?"

"Yes." She replied very suspiciously.

Riju stood and walked over to her bookshelf and pulled out a journal, "Then that would explain a lot of what she wrote in her many journals. I have read each multiple times and it's the last one that has a lot of juicy information on you. Kinda stupid to lie to me because I already know."

Zelda shot up, now bright red, "Wait...I...why?"

Riju opened the journal and moved to an entry, reading, "Today Zelda appears much more happy than before. She says to me that she had managed to get Link to open up to her and she has not been able stop talking about the boy. She's really taken a liking to him since he has allowed himself to speak to her. What her endgame is, I do not know. However, I'm glad to see her happy, but where is this happiness coming from? If it's what I suspect, it could be trouble. Though, I like a bit of trouble from time to time. Besides, the king can't keep her tied down forever."

Riju flipped through a few pages and read, "I managed to follow Zelda today. Something was definitely on her mind, since she couldn't tell that I was nearby. I wasn't even trying to hide from her sight. Once Link arrived, her entire demeanor changed and she eagerly went up to speak to him. What was she doing? I will ask her when she comes to visit me tomorrow. These visits have always been a time for her to unload her thoughts on me. She has never hidden anything from me, so I will ask her directly."

Riju turned the page, "I asked the princess about what she was doing the other day. As usual, she did nothing to hide her thoughts from me. She said that she was thinking hard about what she wanted to speak with Link about that day. She didn't take my teasing too well, but I love getting a rise out of her from time to time. Keeps her on her toes. I can't say for sure, but I think she's grown fond of her faithful knight. Time will tell what these crazy kids will get up to and I'll be watching closely. I want Zelda to be happy, and if that boy makes her happy, I will give my full support. Still, I don't know if Zelda has the ability to understand such things, but I'll make sure to keep an eye on her and help her wherever I can."

Riju flipped through a few more pages and read, "Zelda came to visit me today and revealed much to me. I was right to believe that she did not understand some things she was feeling, so I tried to pry. I am glad that she sees me as someone she can speak to and lay out her entire heart to. I learned much about what has been going through that brilliant head of hers. She doesn't understand why she gets happy around him, even after despising him just months prior. She doesn't understand why she feels so comfortable around him. She doesn't understand why she wants to spend as much time as possible with him. I will speak to her again when she visits once more. I won't have too much personal time with her for at least another three days. In two more days, she will be seventeen, and thus a woman in our land. She will go to the Spring of Wisdom and let's pray she can awaken her powers. Our little bird will be an adult woman and then have more to worry about. Here's to hoping all goes well."

Riju closed the journal and said, "And that's where that ends. So...what do you think?"

She quickly had to hold in laughter, as she saw that Zelda was laying on the bed, covering her head with a pillow in embarrassment and shame. Riju could hear her scream into a pillow, whether out of frustration or chagrin, she could not tell.

Riju sat next to her and said, "It's okay. It's nothing to be embarrassed over. So you had a crush. Big deal! All people get crushes from time to time."

Zelda raised her head from beneath the pillows and said, "I didn't have a crush!"

"Urbosa begs to differ and so do I. It's really clear."

"I'm just good friends with Link. That's it!"

"Good friends don't just move in together, get a dog, and blush hard whenever anything even remotely accusatory about any relationship happens. Your face does not hide your emotions and it's really obvious. At least I know that YOU like Link. I'm not so sure about Link just yet."

"You're wrong!"

"So why are you blushing so much?"

"Because it's embarrassing."

"Why are you embarrassed?"

"I...umm...I...don't know."

Riju lay down next to her with a wide grin on her face and said in a singsong tone, "I win."

Zelda sat up, her knees to her face, still red and embarrassed, "Is it really that obvious?"

"Yep. So you're not denying it anymore?"

Zelda sank her face into her raised knees, groaning out, "No."

"So you like him?"

"Of course I do, but I'm trying to not give in to it."

Riju rolled into her stomach, looking at her, "Why? If you like him, go after him."

"I'm a princess and he's my knight. It's improper. As much as I have feelings for him, I cannot pursue a relationship."

"Oh blah blah blah! No one wrote a rule to stop you. Besides, who cares what anyone thinks?"

"I have to care. It's expected of me as the princess to stay within my station in life."

"For a girl that really wants to be free and do whatever you want, you're still chained to your responsibilities. Live a little and don't do things because you have to. Do them because you want to." Riju sat up, looking Zelda in the eye, "Let me give you a scenario, let's say that Link also has feelings for you and suggests that you two start a romantic relationship. What would you do?"

Zelda thought for a moment, considering every word of the scenario, "As much as I'd hate it, I would have to reject it."

"Why?"

"Because I just can't. I'm only there for a year and then I have to be Princess Zelda once more. It's not right for me to start a relationship with…"

"No one cares!" Riju interrupted. "Probably just the Sheikah, but no one else cares. We just want you to be happy. Even if it's only for a year, experience some happiness. You're an adult and you can do whatever you want." She took a breath to relax and then said calmly, "Look, I get that you're a person driven by responsibility, but you have a second chance to do what you want. I mean, you even made a deal to be normal for a year. So follow your own heart and passions. That being said, even when you're on the throne, you can do whatever you want. You just need to be around in case that demon comes back. Who's to tell you how to live your life? If you let others dictate who you are, can you ever be considered a breathing, thinking person. No. You'll just be a puppet. A marionette being controlled by others pulling your strings."

Zelda considered what she had said. For someone so young, she was indeed very intelligent and wise beyond her years. She figured that years of being the chief at such a young age had seasoned her with the mindset she had at the moment. Zelda asked, "So what should I do?"

"Whatever you want. Don't ask me that. You have a mind and a will. Use it. Stop asking others to make decisions for you. Besides, you're here because you decided to make your own decision. You demanded a year for yourself and you got it."

Zelda lay down, thinking on what it was that she wanted to do. She had to make decisions for herself and had to not rely on others to lead the way for her.

Riju looked over at her and smiled once more, "So that means that if you want to go back home, throw Link onto a bed, and have your way with him, then you can do that."

Zelda shot up, bright red, yelling out, "How old are you again!?"

Riju laughed out loud, holding her stomach as her muscles began to cramp from the sustained laughter, "Old enough to understand what I'm talking about. Come on, you like him." She took a deep breath to stop her laughter, "Relax. I'm just teasing you. If you want to keep your feelings a secret, then my lips are sealed and I won't even write them in my journal like Urbosa. That being said, you have one year to decide what you want to do about those feelings of yours."

"But I don't know what to do. It's improper for someone of my standings to have romantic relations with someone of a lower station."

"Oh come off it! I kinda feel like slapping you to get you to stop being such a stick in the mud. This isn't Hyrule a century ago. Times have changed and you create the standard now. The only person that might have some objections might be that ancient Sheikah woman."

"Impa?"

"Yeah. That's her name. Still, from what I know about her, she wants the best for you. So there's no way she will do anything that hurts you like forbidding a relationship. You're the princess and she's just a handler. Now let me ask you this; when did you start liking him."

Zelda sighed, figuring that hiding anything from Riju would be useless. She made herself comfortable on the bed and held a pillow to herself, "I think it began when he first saved me from the Yiga Clan. I was so scared and kept pushing him away and he still appeared to protect me."

"Well, duh! He's your knight and bodyguard. I don't think he did that because he liked you. Most likely because it was his job."

"I realize that, so it wasn't so much a crush than me realizing that I was probably wrong about him. Then I decided that it would be best to try to get to know him, since I would be stuck with him for the foreseeable future. I kept speaking to him and slowly chipped away at his stoic demeanor, getting him to actually converse with me. As time went on, I got to know him better and no longer saw him as an annoyance, but as a genuine friend. We kept growing closer and learning about one another. Soon, the only person that knew me better was Urbosa. Then the Calamity happened and I lost everything I knew in a matter of days. All my friends were gone, even Urbosa. Link was the last person I had and he tried to spirit me away to safety. He fought so hard to protect me and keep me safe that he ran himself ragged. Then...then the guardians were about to kill him and something in me only desired one thing...to save him. That's when my power awoke. Then I lost him...for the next century as I went on to be sealed with Calamity Ganon for a century. Soon, he saved me and I was free to live once more. That's when I made the deal and started living with him. What I wasn't expecting was for Link to lose his precious serious and stoic demeanor and take on a more open and friendly one. Living with him has been an experience. I had to learn from him how to perform certain chores, we speak all the time, and we've had many emotional episodes and relied on one another to help get through our sadness. He also got me our dog, which made me extremely happy. I had the desire to kiss him at that very moment, but quickly redirected it and just pecked him on the cheek."

Riju giggles at the information, "That's adorable. You should have just started a relationship right there. With the dog, you guys sound like a regular family."

"In a sense, we are. We even have a sign in front of the house that reads "Link and Zelda's House". It's just us and Daina, our dog. I've actually been happy living with him. The house is warm and exciting when we're both home. When he's not home, I get bored and grow restless. We're that close now. Even when we go into town, people mistake us for a married couple. It was a bit awkward to live with him at first, but I quickly got used to it and now...I kinda want to stay there at our home. Even the castle didn't bring me this kind of happiness. I want to tell Impa not to expect me to take the throne, but that's a selfish desire."

"It is, but sometimes, it's okay to be a little selfish. You never got the chance to be a little selfish." Riju grabbed her sand seal plush and looked at it for a moment, "You know, I'm happy for you."

To this, Zelda looked at her, curious as to why she suddenly said that, "Why is that?"

"Your life with Link sounds so peaceful. I mean, I would kill for at least a few days of relative peace with someone I care about. Besides, that house sounds comfortable."

"It's very modest, but I like it. It's very comfortable and has everything I could ever need. Warmth, food, shelter, books, and someone who genuinely cares. I'm happy there." Zelda fell silent, smiling to herself. She then shook her head of the thoughts that were running through and asked, "Now that that's said and done, can we talk about something else?"

"Sure! Let's now talk about my favorite thing in the world."

"Reading other people's journals that have confidential information of the person you are currently conversing with?"

"No...though that's fun too. Let's talk about sand seals!"

[Hateno Village]

Home was so boring tonight, at least Link believed so. He had no one to talk to, nowhere to go visit, and only a small puppy to keep him company. Never before has he remembered being so bored in his own house before, but it felt a little empty. He had already taken care of the house chores, fed Daina, and fed the horses. There was little to do now. Since he got home, the only excitement was finding the sign plate missing. Who would steal a sign plate?

He sat at the table, going through the Sheikah Slate, trying to keep his mind busy, while Daina played with a small ball nearby. He smiled down at the small pup, happy to see her so energetic, but it did little to ease his boredom.

After a few minutes, he heard a knock at the door. He wondered who could be visiting at this time at night. He walked over to the nearby window and looked at the doorway, seeing a black haired woman, who looked somewhat familiar, but he couldn't tell from where he knew her.

Link opened the door, looking at the woman, "Umm...hello? How can I help you?"

Paya took a deep breath and said, "Ma...Master Link, I really need to speak with you and the princess."

Link arched an eyebrow and asked, "I'm sorry. Have we met?"

"Oh!...umm...right. I forgot. I...It's me, Paya."

Link looked at her with a surprised expression, "Okay, the voice and nervousness checks out, but what's with the hair and the lack of the symbol on your face?"

"I had to come disguised. I've been travelling for days."

"Okay, so answer this: why are you called Paya?"

Paya's face quickly turned a bright red and she hid her face behind her hands, "D..Do...Don't make me say it."

"Yep! That's Paya. Come on in."

Paya walked inside, looking around while fanning herself to calm down. She noted how quaint the home was and asked, "So this is your home? It's not what I expected."

Link closed the door and asked, "What were you expecting?"

"Well, you have a princess living with you. I expected a bit more...I don't know...umm...regalia."

"I don't care too much for that and neither does Zelda. We've been happy here."

"I...umm...believe you...so…" Paya looked around once more, "Where is Princess Zelda?"

"She's at Gerudo Town. Chief Riju asked her to spend the night. So she's safe over there. Still, why are you here?"

"My grandmother sent me."

"Why?"

"She wishes for you and Zelda to return to Kakariko Village immediately."

Link crossed his arms and replied, "I refuse."

"WHAT!? You didn't even hear why."

"I don't care why. I have a sneaking suspicion that this might end Zelda's freedom here and force her to go back to the throne or something. I understand why Impa would want that, but a deal's a deal."

"It's not that!" Paya snapped, "Someone is looking for you guys and grandmother suspects that it's not for benevolent reasons. She wants to make sure that you're both safe."

"Then why did she send you and not one of the many Sheikah?"

"I have no idea. She just sent me. I'm just as surprised as you are. I have never left Kakariko Village in my life. I got here earlier today, found your home, but you weren't here. Then I noticed that you had a door sign that had both your names on it, so I got rid of it before anyone could find out."

"You're the thief!?"

"Don't worry. I made sure to put it somewhere secure."

"Where?"

"On the roof."

Link did not reply, he just looked at her and sighed. He waited a moment and said, "You know, today has been a full day. What else could happen today? Look, we'll deal with this when Zelda gets back. For now, I think I want to call it a night." Link got up and then stopped, thinking of something, "Wait...where are you staying?"

"Oh! I'm staying at the lab with my great aunt. Don't worry too much about me." She looked around once more and asked, "Where do you sleep?"

"On the second level."

"Oh! So where does the princess sleep?"

"Same place."

Paya looked at him and then suddenly ran upstairs. She then came down, blushing, asking, "You two sleep in...in the same place?"

"Yeah. What's wrong with that? It's not like we sleep in the same bed."

"Shouldn't the princess have her own privacy? Isn't there another room for her to take?"

"Technically, but Zelda wanted to sleep there. It was her decision, so I wasn't going to disobey. Don't worry, I'm not trying anything."

"Still, it's odd." She then heard the faint sound of sniffing and looked down to see Daina sniffing at her boots, "A puppy?"

Link smiled, chuckling, "That's Daina. She's our dog. I got her as a gift for Zelda and she's been part of our home ever since. I think she's trying to get to know you."

Paya knelt down and pet Daina, but asked, "You two got a dog? She's only here temporarily."

"She wanted a dog and I delivered."

Paya sighed, rubbing her temple, "Grandmother is not going to like any of this. The princess is getting too accustomed to not being a princess. Still, I can't say I blame her. I can't imagine the stress of her station. Regardless, I highly recommend you return to Kakariko Village, at least until we know everything is clear."

"Come back in the morning and we'll discuss this with Zelda."

"Master Link, one of the people is here. That's why I took off the sign. They are in town and actively looking for you guys. That's why I insist on us going. If they find out that you two live here, there's no telling what will happen."

"How do you know this?"

Paya groaned to herself for a moment and said, "I may have met them on the way here and they gave me a lift here. I figured it would be better to do that so that I can arrive at your house before they could. Her name is Saya. You can't miss her. She's walking around with weapons, like you do. However, she's really nice and friendly. I do not know if it's an act or not, but I do not want to take my chances. The other thing is that she's going door to door asking people about you guys."

"Luckily, very few people here know about Zelda. They have no idea that she's a princess and we've been keeping a fake story as a cover. I've been telling people that she's a friend from across Hyrule that wants to be a scholar. So other than her name, her identity is safe. Most people also don't believe that Princess Zelda is even around at all."

Paya sighed a sigh of relief, relieved that they had covered their tracks, "Good! I should have trusted that you would have kept things under lock and key."

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted when a knock came at the door. Link stood, asking, "Another visitor?" He walked over to the door and opened it, seeing a raven haired woman with two blades at her hips.

Saya replied, "Hello! Sorry to bother you at this hour."

Link played through his head all the information that Paya had given him and realized in his head that it must be the woman she spoke about. Regardless, he figured that he should play along, "Umm...it's alright. How may I help you?"

"Oh I'm just here to ask a question. That is if you have heard anything about Princess Zelda and her knight. As you may know, Calamity Ganon is gone and we suspect that they had something to do with it. So I've been sent to locate them. Would you happen to know anything that could help me? That is, if you've seen them."

Link feigned thought for a moment before replying, "Can't say that I have. Sorry."

"It's alright. However, I have to be honest. Some people in town have told me that you are a travelling adventurer and that you have recently returned home with a young maiden named Zelda."

"That is true, but rest assured that she's no princess. She's a prospective scholar from the other side of Hyrule. Her name is Zelda because her parents are historians and named her after the many princesses that carried the name."

"Is she home?"

"No. She's out visiting another town."

Saya groaned, "Well, that's unfortunate." She looked to the side and noticed Paya in the main room, "Oh! Hello there, Paya! Was this the friend you came to visit?"

Paya quickly scrambled to respond, "Umm...uh...yeah. This is the friend. I was hoping that Zelda would be here, but I guess I came a little too early. Don't worry; I can vouch for what he says. This Zelda and I actually grew up together. Trust me, she's no princess."

"Then that's disappointing. Oh well. Plenty more places to check."

Paya asked, "Will you be in town tomorrow?"

"No. I can't stay if I can't find anything. It's a long road to the nex town for me, but I've been enjoying the trip. Hyrule is very lush and beautiful, in its own way. It was nice to meet you, though. Maybe we'll meet again." She turned back to Link and said, "Well, thank you for at least hearing me out and sorry for my late visit. Goodbye!"

Link nodded, "Goodbye! Good luck on your search."

"Thank you!"

Saya turned and walked away, heading back to the inn. Link closed the door and said, "She didn't seem that bad."

Paya nodded, "No, but we can't trust her. At least not yet."

Link rubbed his temple and said, "Look, just to be safe, stay here tonight."

Paya quickly blushed once more and asked, "Wh...what? Why?"

"Because I want to limit as many interactions with her as possible. So just stay here. You can sleep in Zelda's bed for tonight."

Paya's face grew even more red before she suddenly collapsed onto the ground.

Link placed his palm onto his face and sighed, "Good grief. She needs to control her nerves." Daina sniffed at the fainted Paya and barked curiously/ Link walked over and picked Paya up, making his way to the second level, "I guess I'll put her in the bed. Man, do I have a lot to tell Zelda."

[Ton Pu Inn]

Saya sat on her bed at the inn, looking at a map of the region she was in. She was alone, as it appeared that there were no other occupants in the inn at the time. Being alone was alright with her, after days of sleeping in stables, hearing the snoring of many people throughout the night. The silence and peace was a welcomed difference. She was feeling a little down that once again she could not find her target, but no matter, she will just have to move on.

She continued to study the map, until she felt something on her right hand. Looking over to it, she saw purple energy pulsing on it and snapped her fingers in response. A purple orb of energy floated into the air, over her open palm and the face of Lord Aris appeared on the orb.

Aris looked at her and smiled, "Saya, how goes your search?"

Saya quickly saluted and replied, "Lord Aris! I haven't found anything yet. I'm in a town called Hateno Village to the southeast section of Hyrule. I asked around and found nothing. I had a promising lead, but that turned out to be a dead end. Don't worry; I will move on to the next town and continue my search."

"Don't trouble yourself too much. In fact, I want you to return to Hyrule Castle as soon as you can."

Saya was surprised at this. She was only a few days into her search and she was told to search for a fortnight, "Forgive me for questioning, it is not intention to be impertinent. However, why so early?"

"There's been a change of plans. I'm sending all of you to different areas in Hyrule. Areas of "distinct" importance. The slaying of Calamity Ganon has pushed back our plans quite a bit, but I found a way to get around that little issue. We have to reawaken some important power...or at least have someone gather it for us."

"What do you mean?" Saya asked, not understanding. "We came to find the princess."

"And that we shall, but she is only one key to the greater plan. It may cause a bit of strife, but it's nothing that can't be fixed. Since we can't find the hero or the princess, we'll just have to lure them out into the open."

"As long as no one gets hurt."

"They shouldn't. These places should be pretty removed from the settlements, but they do hold some significance to the people. We are not to destroy anything, but we have to cause enough of a ruckus that the hero and the princess cannot ignore the call."

"Did you come up with this plan?"

"No. It was relayed to me to say to you. I myself do not completely understand, but we know better than to question "her" word. I do believe that a bit of conflict might be involved, but it's a sacrifice that must be made. The princess is to be unharmed, but the hero is only useful to a point. Once we secure what we came for, I will decide what's best to do with him. I'd rather not harm him, but if he proves to be too onerous for us to handle, I will personally deal with him. For now, that's all I can say. Return and I will disclose all the information to you."

"Understood, my lord."

"Rest. You've travelled much. There's no rush on your return. Take care."

"You too, sir."

Saya watched as the orb vanished from sight and the energy returned to her hand. She did not understand everything that Lord Aris was planning, but she figured she would receive answers when she arrived at the castle. It would be at least two or three days to get there, but an order was an order.

[Hyrule Castle]

Aris sat on the king's throne within Hyrule Castle's throne room. He looked out at his companions, who were sitting around, socializing with one another.

Aris stood from the throne and said, "Our orders are clear. In a few days, we will go out and perform our tasks."

The largest member asked, "What if the hero and princess do not act?"

"They will. They will not be able to ignore our actions. Remember, we are not to harm a soul. As for me, I have my task that I will commence immediately."

The entire group looked at him, with the spearman asking, "What do you mean, my lord?"

"I will test the hero. I must see his strength. I won't attack him, but give him an enemy to face. I will return promptly."

He suddenly erupted into purple flames and suddenly vanished in a puff of black smoke. He opened his eyes and found himself on the entrance ramp of a large structure. He looked out into the distance and noticed the Zora's Domain in the distance. He turned and saw that he was on the entrance ramp of Vah Ruta. Smiling at his successful transportation, he walked within the Divine Beast, knowing that nothing would be there to stop him.

Indeed, Vah Ruta was free of enemies and blight. It was clear that it was free of all contamination and that the hero did a good job in freeing the beast. As he continued on, he could feel the presence of something in there with him, but he could not see what it could be. Eventually, he arrived at the core of the Divine Beast and looked at the large core at the center.

He stopped walking and called out, "I know you are here. Show yourself, Zora princess."

In a flash of green light, the specter of Mipha, armed with her trident, appeared, looking angered by Aris' presence, "You are to be here! Please, remove yourself from this Divine Beast."

"Shouldn't you have passed on? Your task has been fulfilled. There's nothing holding you to this world anymore, Princess Mipha."

"My soul sensed that there was still danger. How can I rest in peace until that danger has been extinguished?"

"What danger do I present to you?"

"I can see the essence of your soul. The wound that festers in your heart. You are not welcomed here. I will face all dangers that reveal themselves to those I love. Only then shall I rest."

Aris' face twisted into a glare and his eyes turned a deep purple, "Are you challenging me, champion?"

"By my honor as a champion and the princess of my people, I cannot allow you to continue."

"Then do your worst!"

Mipha quickly zipped forward, causing the water under their feet to rise into the air. She plunged her trident forward, but had it batted away by Aris' hand. He then punched her in the stomach, launching her back. Mipha landed on her feet, stopping with a skid in the water. She groaned as she held her stomach and stood once more.

Aris reached around and unsheathed his sword, preparing himself. Mipha again went at him, stabbing towards him and slashing wherever she could. Aris blocked each strike he attempted, creating a wild show of sparks and a chorus of clangs as they engaged one another in combat.

Mipha jumped back, a good distance from Aris and placed a hand into the water. She opened her eyes, revealing them to be glowing a light blue. Aris scoffed and moved towards her, but stopped as a pillar of water blocked his path. The water quickly redirected and slammed into him, sending him crashing onto a wall and pinning him there. Mipha stood and threw her trident at him, hoping to end the battle quickly. Aris growled and suddenly caught the trident with his hand, before it could reach him, and pinned it to the wall. He raised his sword, which began to glow purple, and slashed it at the water that was holding him, causing it to release him and fall back onto the pool.

Aris cracked his neck and chuckled, "Oh! You're good. That actually hurt, but was it worth it? You lost your weapon."

Mipha replied, "Where there's water, a Zora is never defenseless."

Mipha raised her arms and water pulled around her fins. Her fins extended and the water pooled onto them, creating water blades.

Aris laughed, "You Zora are always interesting. Come on then!"

Mipha lunged and slashed at him with a greater degree of furocity, forcing Aris to block and parry as much of the attacks as he could. Mipha quickly knocked a counterattack upwards and kicked Aris back. Aris growled and went to attack Mipha, but she leaned to the side of the attack and slashed at him, catching him on the cheek. Aris staggered back and clutched his now bleeding cheek.

Mipha created a tendril of water, which grabbed her trident from the wall and returned it to her hand. She stabbed towards him, but had the attack blocked. Raising a leg, she kicked the water, creating a wave of water to crash into Aris and again slammed him onto the wall. Mipha pooled the water over to her and concentrated it into a single ball. She then pointed forward and an enormous cannon of water flew towards Aris, who tried to lunge to the side, but was hit and a cloud of water covered the area with an explosion, creating a rain of the water to fall onto the battlefield.

Mipha heaved in air in exhaustion and looked over to the impact site, hoping to see a corpse. She focused her sight, but was surprised to see nothing where the attack hit. She looked around and readied her trident for an attack.

She heard a voice echo through the chamber, "You truly are a champion. The greatest of Zora warriors and a mighty combatant. Yet, you cannot win this fight. I am beyond all you can face with that power. I am…" Mipha then heard a voice in her ear, "...Invincible."

Mipha quickly turned and stabbed at the direction of the voice, but her trident was caught by Aris' hand and he slashed at her and caught her in the chest, causing Mipha to stumble back in pain.

Mipha howled in pain, surprising that her spirit form was taking damage, "How?" She said as she noticed the wound in her chest.

"How? Have you not figured it out? How can I harm you when you are deceased? The answer is simple. My power transcends both the living and the dead. I can't kill you, per se, but I can forcibly put you to rest. I don't think I'll do that, out of respect for you. However, those that stand against me should know pain."

Mipha plunged her trident into the water and slashed upwards, sending a blade of water flying towards Aris. Aris shook his head and slashed at it with his sword, destroying the blade.

"Struggle all you want, but it's pointless."

Mipha swirled her trident in the water and created a series of waves to crash down onto Aris. She ran forward and stabbed towards the stumbling Aris and sank it into his abdomen.

Aris staggered from the blow falling onto the water, groaning. Mipha panted, trying to catch her breath and figured that it was over. Aris ruined that for her by beginning to laugh and stood, seemingly unaffected by the trident that had impaled him.

"Did you think that would kill me? For a normal, perhaps. For me, no." He grabbed the trident's handle and, with a loud howl, he pulled it out of him. He threw it at her, letting it rest in front of the stunned Zora princess. "Try it again." He sheathed his sword and challenged, "Try it again on my head."

Mipha quickly gripped the trident and readied an attack. Aris quickly concentrated energy and fired it at her, but Mipha slashed it and kept going. She then stabbed the trident towards Aris' head, but it came to a sudden stop. Mipha looked at the trident, feeling herself trying to force the trident forward, but it would not move, as if it was locked in place.

Aris chuckled and twirled a finger, forcing the trident to turn and aim for her head, against Mipha's control. He then lowered it slightly and sent it shooting into her shoulder, launching Mipha back with a yell of agony.

Aris walked over to her and stepped on her chest and pulled the trident out of her shoulder, "It has been a long time since you have tasted the sting of pain. The agony that we all have to live with. You are indeed a remarkable woman, but I have no need for someone who is only an obstacle." He looked over at the main core of Vah Ruta and a fiendish grin spread across his face, "Then again. Maybe you have a use for me. The hero was someone dear to you, was he not?" He reached down and grabbed her by the throat, lifting her into the air and making his way over to the core. He suddenly slammed her onto the core.

Mipha yelled in pain as her spectral body met with the cold steel of the core. She took a moment to catch her breath and said, "Don't you touch him!"

"Depending on how all this goes will determine his use to me. If I find him worthy, I will spare his life. However, if he fails...well...you'll be the one to kill him for me, won't you?"

Mipha glared at him, asking, "What?"

Aris raised a hand and covered it with a dark energy, "My powers are an interesting gift. When I came here, I only needed the energy of this Divine Beast to create a test for the hero. Now, as punishment to you, I will use the energy of this Divine Beast, but have it flood into you with a portion of my power. I will give you a physical form to do my bidding, but I will have you twisted into a monstrous abomination. So either your beloved hero saves you or you kill him."

"NO!"

"I wasn't asking for permission."

Aris quickly plunged his hand through Mipha's body and into the core, creating a stream of energy to flow through the unfortunate champion. Mipha screamed in agony as her body was pumped full of the Divine Beast's energy and Aris' dark magic. Aris then threw her away, causing her to roll in the water.

Mipha rose to her knees and clutched her chest as she saw Aris begin to walk out of the chamber. He turned and said to her, "I hope that your meeting with him is as lovely as ours has been. Enjoy the pain." He then burst into purple flames and vanished.

Mipha tried to stand, but felt something in her body begin shift, forcing her back onto her knees, hunched over. She felt agonizing pain and could feel her body changing and morphing against her will. She let out one more blood curdling scream, as her form twisted itself.

[Hateno Village]

The house was silent for the night, with all occupants sound asleep in peaceful silence. Link, however, was uneasy, his mind racing with a sense of danger that he could not understand. He awoke, sat up and looked around. All he was able to see was Paya peacefully asleep and Daina sleeping with her on the bed. He did not know why he felt so uneasy, but he knew that something was amiss.

He suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest and was barely capable to hold in a yell of pain. After a moment, it relaxed and he said, "Something's wrong!"

---

Finally got to write a fight scene for this series. Only took five chapters. I'm also happy to have Aris show his more villainous side. Let me know what you guys think. Leave a review. See you guys in May!