So after a month break, here's the latest chapter of the story. Yeah, after finishing my classes, I decided to take a break to refresh and think of new ideas. I have a lot of ideas and I hope to update as much as I can. So please enjoy this latest chapter and let me know what you think about it. Please leave a review. I'll begin work on the next chapter after I update another one of my stories. Sorry guys, but I need to show some love to some of my other stories. Until then, please enjoy.

[Gerudo Town]

Link made his way down the streets of Gerudo Village, wanting nothing else but to pick Zelda up and take her home. The events of the previous night were interesting, but he had to admit that he was so bored without her at home. Still, he wondered if she had fun staying over Riju's home for the night. If there was anything he wanted, he definitely wanted her to enjoy herself.

He walked into the palace and looked around, finding Riju and Buliara in their usual places. However, he did not see Zelda anywhere, which made his worry somewhat.

Riju greeted him, "Why hello there! For what reason does the great knight Link visit our humble home?"

Link replied, "Riju, you know full well why I'm here. Also, hello to you too."

Riju giggled and asked, "Here for your precious princess?"

"Precisely. Where is she?"

"Hmmmm...I don't know if I should tell you. We've had such a great time together, I might want to keep her around." Riju teased.

"No way! While I'm sure you guys had a good time, it's time for her to come back home. Besides, it's boring there without her. Like, I didn't realize just how much more interesting being in that house is when she's there to keep me company. So sorry, you can't have her. I called dibs when I saved her."

Riju laughed, "Oh just you wait! I'll steal her from you eventually. She's a delight."

"That being said, how much did you tease her?"

"Let's see." Riju put a finger to her chin in false thought for a moment before retorting, "Let's just say that her face was bright red for much of the night because of her own embarrassment."

"Sweet Hylia! Don't break our poor princess."

"Wouldn't dream of it. She's fun."

"So...where is she?"

"With some of my ladies, getting a makeover...very much against her will. I wanted her dolled up before I gave her back to you. Maybe get a rise out of you by beauty alone."

Link held in a laugh. Since he's known Riju, she's always been a bit playful when not actively ruling, but he felt that she was having too much fun with him and Zelda. He was not sure whether that was a good thing or bad thing, but was not about to protest it.

He replied to Riju, "It doesn't matter what I think. I just want Zelda to come home. I'm so done with being bored."

"That's a bit selfish. I might just keep her until you learn to appreciate her more."

"I do, but you're keeping her for the same reasons."

Riju laughed, "Alright, you got me there."

The sound of footsteps approaching made the two turn their heads to the doorway, to see a group of attendants leading a flustered Zelda into the throne room. They saluted Riju and Zelda and left the throne room.

Link looked at Zelda, seeing her in a more regal Gerudo garb, which was not as revealing as the one before but still hugged her figure. Her face was covered in a veil, which did nothing to hide her face, as it was transparent. However, what surprised Link was how elegantly her hair was tied up and the amount of make-up covering her face.

Riju giggled and said, "Poor girl. Half of her weight has to be just make up at this point."

Zelda looked at Link and greeted nervously, "Umm...he...hello."

Link looked at her for a moment before snapping out of his trance and replied, "Oh! Hi! Well...you look elegant."

"You think?"

"Yeah. In other words, you look great. No need to be nervous. I don't bite."

Zelda smiled at him, but then turned to Riju and asked, "Why did you have them do this to me?"

Riju replied with false offense, "My dearest Zelda, a dashing young man is coming to take you to places unknown and you expect me not to make you presentable? For shame!"

"You're mocking me, aren't you?"

Riju gave her a wide grin and replied, "After an entire night of my teasing, you're finally catching on to my teases and mockeries. I'm so proud."

Zelda sighed and rubbed her temple, "Not that I didn't have fun, but I could have lived without the teasing."

"You'll grow to love it like Link has. Mostly because I have no intention to ever change. Now then, our time together has come to an end. Your knight in vai's garb has come to spirit you to far away lands."

Link rolled his eyes, not letting the playfulness of the comments escape him as he held in laughter, "By far away lands, you mean the mountainside farming village we call our home."

"Whatever you want to call it. I'm just glad that you've been apparently taking good care of our little Zelda."

Zelda arched an eyebrow and retorted, "Little? But I'm older than you and much taller."

"Zelda, do I look like I care? What I care about is that he's taking good care of you."

"He is."

"Then I have nothing to worry about. Remember, if you ever get bored of living with Link, I don't mind having you live here."

"You will never stop teasing me if I do."

"You better believe it, sister!"

Link interjected, "This has been fun and all, but I kinda want to take her back home now."

"Man, you're jealous that a little girl is stealing your princess from you. You must really be insecure."

Link took a deep breath and said, "One day I'm going to beat your teasing game."

"You can try for a hundred more years and you wouldn't come close to me." She waved Zelda over, which Zelda obeyed. Riju took her hands in her own and said, "Go home now. Remember, you're always welcomed here. Don't be afraid to come if you ever need anything. I've grown to really like you."

Zelda smiled at the young chief and hugged her, surprising Riju, "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you. I'm glad to have made a new friend."

Riju then whispered in her ear, "Remember, when you see your chance, take it!"

Zelda was unsure what she meant. She played the comment through her mind again, but couldn't understand, "What do you mean?"

"You know full well what I mean. You like him and you should go ahead and take him before someone else does."

Zelda blushed and replied, "I am not doing that."

"Oh come on! He has no shortage of girls that have their eyes on him. You have to lay your claim and take what is yours."

"Aren't you a kid?"

"And yet this kid has no problem telling you how to be romantic."

"This is fun for you, isn't it?"

"This is the most fun I've had in ages. Just remember, take your chance before someone else comes along and catches his eye. That's why I gave you this makeover. There's no way he hasn't noticed you."

"That's why!?"

Link asked, "What's with the whispering?"

Riju called out, "This is between Zelda and I. Wait your turn."

"I just want to go home."

"Sure. However, you have to promise one thing."

"What?"

"That you'll bring her back here so she can spend more time with me. It's not fair that you get her all to yourself. I want some fun too."

Link again held in a laugh and replied, "That's up to her. I don't force her to do anything. She's in charge."

Zelda gave him a slight smile and replied, "Of course I'll be visiting. I'm just happy to have made a new friend. However, no more makeovers, pease."

Riju shrugged, "No promises. Now go home. I'm sure your dog misses you."

Zelda quickly hugged Riju and walked over to Link. Link wrapped an arm around her as he prepared their teleportation destination on the Sheikah Slate. He looked up to Riju and waved, "See you later!"

Riju waved back, "Safe travels! Please take care of that girl. She's too good for our ravaged world. Sav'orq!"

"That I can promise."

The two Hylians quickly dematerialized and vanished.

Buliara watched then vanished and commented, "Soooo...they're not an item?"

Riju laughed, "Not if I have anything to say about it. I will try my best to force them into a relationship."

"Why not let them work it out on their own? They seem to be doing fine so far."

"After speaking with Zelda, I came to learn three things. One, Zelda is too "duty bound" to actually make a move. Two, Link would never make a move on the princess because she's the princess and he's her knight. Three, they're hopeless."

"And how do you intend to get them to open up?"

"I gave Zelda some tips on what to do."

Buliara looked at Riju, asking sternly, "And where have you learned of such things?"

"I read. Don't look at me like a suspicious mother."

"I am very much a suspicious momma...because I already know why you were reading up on such things."

Riju jumped off her throne and said, "Well, time for me to go do...Chief things."

Buliara's eyes narrowed as she reached down and grabbed Riju and placed her back on the throne, "Chief matters are attended to on the throne. Also, you talk in your sleep."

"You've been watching me sleep?"

"No...I've been here whenever you take a nap on the throne. So, how long have you liked the voe?"

Riju sighed, knowing that it was almost impossible to hide anything from her faithful retainer. She slumped in her seat and said, "For a bit now, but once I met this Zelda girl I immediately knew that they belonged together. It's exciting to think of them together. Don't you agree?"

"Matters that involve the voe interest me none. Matters that involve you interest me entirely."

"Hey, learn to live a little. Now tell me, have you ever loved a voe?"

"I'd rather hold my tongue. If I give you any blades, you will prod off tease after tease. I know you too well and I'm always ahead of your games."

Riju smiled deviously and looked at her, "Your reaction speaks volumes. Sooooo...who was he?"

"There was no voe."

"Liar! So, was he cute?"

Buliara rubbed her temple, sighing now that she realized that there was nothing that could stop Riju from teasing. Groaning, she said, "Okay, it was years ago when I left Gerudo Town and traversed Hyrule…"

[Hateno Village]

Link and Zelda walked over the bridge to their home. Zelda was recounting to Link all the things that she and Riju had done, obviously having enjoyed her time in Gerudo Town.

She was saying to him, "Riju is so interesting for someone of her age."

Link nodded, "Yeah. She may be young, but she's a good leader to her people. Happily, she's very fun loving...and sometimes annoying if you get her going."

"I don't find her annoying. Prodding...maybe, but not annoying. She's also going to let me borrow some books. So we should be on the lookout for the courier throughout the next couple of days."

Link chuckled and said, "Where are you going to keep them?"

"Either the Slate or we buy a new shelf." She then stopped when she noticed the house sign, "Huh? What happened to the plate?"

"Oh right...that. I'll explain in a minute. I kinda have to go get it from the roof."

"The roof?" Zelda asked, confused, "How did it get there?"

"I'll explain in a minute."

Link walked over to the door of the house and opened it, letting Zelda walk in first. She stepped inside and stopped when she saw Paya sitting at the dining room table, playing with Daina. Paya stopped and looked at Zelda, with both women staring at one another in silence.

Zelda quickly stepped behind Link and asked, "Who is this woman?"

Link chuckled at her reaction and replied, "Don't be scared. She's a friend."

Zelda looked at Paya and then back to Link, "A friend?...what kind of friend?"

"Just a friend. She spent the night here last night."

Zelda blushed and asked, "She spent the night...um...in what way?"

Paya also blushed and hid her face with her hands.

Link rolled her eyes and told her, "For Hylia's sake! Zelda, that's Paya!"

Zelda looked back to Paya and looked her up and down, "What? Like...Impa's granddaughter."

"Yes. That's the one."

Paya composed herself and stood up, walking over to them, "Forgive me for coming without warning, but I was sent for an important task. Also, please don't mind the disguise. Once I'm back home, I'm getting rid of it." She then looked at Zelda over and asked, "That's an interesting set of clothing, your highness."

Zelda smiled and spun around, "A little gift from Lady Riju of the Gerudo. More of a forceful gift, but a gift nonetheless. Still, I'm not a fan of the exposed skin. So...why are you here? What's your task?"

"If we can sit for a moment, I will discuss it with the both of you."

Zelda looked at Link, trying to gauge his thoughts on the matter. Link motioned for her to sit at the table. Zelda complied and sat down, looking at the Sheikah and Hylian that sat with her.

Paya took a deep breath and said, "I was sent here on orders from my grandmother. She wants you to return to Kakariko Village."

Zelda's eyes quickly narrowed as she looked at Paya, quickly scaring the timid Sheikah woman, "And why is that? I was given a year. I will not have her go back on her word. If she's trying to break the promise, I will not obey. I will stay right here."

Paya took another deep breath and composed herself, "Please listen. It's for your safety. A few days ago, a group of individuals from far to the east came to Kakariko Village. They met with grandmother and, though they were respectful and kindly, my grandmother sensed something dark within them. As a precautionary measure, she sent me to go find you in disguise and bring you back to Kakariko. Grandmother does not want to go back on her word...but she feels like you might be in danger."

"Exactly how much danger?"

"We don't know." Paya admitted.

Zelda leaned back in her seat, looking up at the ceiling in thought. She heard barking next to her and saw Daina barking up at her, wagging her little tail happily. Zelda smiled and picked up the puppy, petting her as she returned to her contemplation.

After a minute of this, Zelda asked, "If I go with you, what will happen?"

Paya replied, "We'll be housing you and keeping you under close guard. At least, that's what I believe grandmother would do for you."

"Look, I understand that you all want me to be safe and sound. I understand that the Sheikah care about my safety and that you are all still loyal, even if my family has not been around for so long. However, I wish your loyalty was to what is best forHyrule, not to me."

"You are what is best for Hyrule. The Sheikah made an oath to protect the royal family and serve the good of Hyrule. We're loyal to both and we will not bend and waiver like the Yiga did. That's why I am here. We cannot allow or afford anything to happen to you. You may not want to go, but at least just come to speak with grandmother. Then you can make your decision as to what you want to do."

Zelda arched an eyebrow at that and turned her gaze to Link, trying to see what he thought. Link said to her, "I think we should go see Impa. Let's just see what she has to say. Impa is not out to make you miserable. I'm sure whatever she does, she does it out of concern for you. Let's just hear her out."

Zelda nodded, "Sure. I'll go speak with her...but I'm taking Daina. I've been away from my darling pup for too long."

"It was one night."

"Too long."

Paya stood and took a breath of relief, "Good! Umm...if we leave in the morning...um...we should be able to get there in a few days."

"No need. We can get there in a few seconds."

Paya appeared uncomfortable by that and said, "I guess we can use the Sheikah Slate...um...but...I'm a little nervous about travelling that way."

"Why? It's completely painless and somewhat instantaneous."

"I've just never done something like that."

Link went through the Slate and set the destination to Kakariko, "Look, just hold onto me and we'll get there in a flash."

Zelda walked over and wrapped an arm around Link. She and Link waited for a moment and noticed that Paya wasn't approaching them.

Zelda asked, "Are you okay, Paya?"

Paya hid her face with her hands, trying to hide her blushing face, "Umm...isn't that too close?"

"What?"

"Is holding onto Master Link really necessary?"

Zelda chuckled to herself and commented, "Oh bless your innocent soul, dear. You're very sheltered. Look, you can either hold onto me or grab his sleeve or something. Point is, we need to be connected so we can all transport ourselves out of here."

Paya took a tentative step forward and grabbed the rim of Link's sleeve. Link held in a chuckle and pressed the transport option, causing the three to dematerialize and vanish.

[Zora's Domain]

Prince Sidon stood on a bridge of Zora's Domain. He felt odd and felt that something was wrong. He didn't know what was wrong or why he felt this way, but something deep within him knew that something was off. Looking at the Divine Beast a little more carefully, he could see that the lights that usually lined it were completely off. This was strange, but he figured that the Diving Beast had served its purpose, so it may have powered itself down. Regardless of the fact, something within him told him that something was not right.

A patrolling guard walked along the bridge and stopped when she saw Sidon standing there, gazing at the Divine Beast. She bowed her head and addressed him, "Prince Sidon! A pleasure to see you!"

Sidon looked at the guard and replied, "Likewise!" He thought for a moment and asked, "Can you do me a favor?"

"Of course!"

"Can you acquire for me some paper and something to write with? I need to pen a letter."

"Right away, my lord!"

[Kakariko Village]

Link and Zelda sat across from Impa and Paya, who once more had a Sheikah symbol painted on her face. Impa had finished explaining the situation once more to Link and Zelda.

Zelda processed the information and asked, "I understand what you are saying to me, my dear Impa. However, what do you wish for me to do?"

"For your safety, I would recommend that you stay here, where you can be looked after until the threat has passed."

"I'm not going to lie, I do not like that option."

"But why?" Inquired Impa, not understanding why she was still resisting the help.

"They don't know where I am or who I am. Other than my name, they have nothing to go off of. If I lay low and don't stay here, I should be safe."

"Why would our village not be ideal?"

"For the same reason that they first came here to speak to you. This would be the first place they expect me to be at. So this is not the best place for me to be, even with all the security. I hope you understand, but if I want to remain inconspicuous, things have to stay the way they are. However, I am not against Sheikah guarding the home in secret. I'll compromise that way. That being said, I don't want an entire squad of Sheikah there. Too many new people would be suspicious and attract too much attention."

Impa looked at Link and asked, "What's your opinion, Master Link?"

"I think she makes a fair point. If she stays here, she will eventually be found. If she stays with me and keeps her identity a secret, there's a much greater chance of never being found."

Impa closed her eyes in thought, trying to decide on the matter. Paya noticed and addressed her, "Grandmother?"

Impa opened her eyes and looked at her granddaughter, "Yes, my dear?"

"I have to agree with Princess Zelda. This is the most obvious place for her to be and if they attack us to get to her, it'll put the town in danger, if they are as powerful as you suspect."

"Whether we are in danger or not is of little importance. Our vow is to protect the royal family and the good of Hyrule, despite the sacrifice."

Zelda quickly stood, appearing angered, "I do not want to keep hearing that. You speak as if Sheikah lives are expendable. Yes, you made a vow to protect my family and protect Hyrule, but sometimes you have to focus on the good of your people. The Sheikah mean too much to me for me to keep hearing how they will gladly die for me. I don't want anyone to die for me. You are all important to me. If it's not possible to protect me, then leave me to my fate and save yourselves."

"Absolutely not, my dear! I appreciate how highly you think of us, but we can never abandon you. That being said, I will have to accept your compromise...again. I do not wish to keep doing that, but you have a point. You need to be as hidden as you can be and this is not a place to hide. The issue I have is...who do I send?" She thought for another moment and then suddenly looked at Paya, "You."

Paya looked at her grandmother, with a bead of sweat forming on her head, "Umm...what?"

"I'm sending you with them and keep watch until the threat has passed."

"Grandmother, I do not believe that's a good idea. My place is here. Going out to find them was nerve racking enough. Now you want me to be a bodyguard to the princess and her knight...who is her bodyguard? He's more skilled than I am. He's a warrior and I'm not."

Impa shook her head, "Nonsense. You are a trained Sheikah. I personally saw to your training. I know that you are capable of this."

"In what capacity?"

"Just do it, my dear. Besides, you'll be more exposed to the outside world and maybe gain something useful."

"Like what?"

"Experience, skills, courage, nerves, a sense of adventure,...maybe a lover."

Paya groaned as her face once more turned bright crimson, "D...don't say...that."

"We have to work on that timid nature of yours. Because of that, I see this as the best course of action. That is if Princess Zelda and Master Link would have you."

Zelda smiled and replied, "Sure! It'd be nice to have a friendly face around."

Link replied, "I have no problem with it. Will she be staying with us?"

Impa shook her head, "Not if you don't want her to. Luckily, my sister lives in the same village as you do, so she can possibly stay there."

"Hey, we have an unused room in my house that she can use. So her being there won't be an inconvenience. Besides, it's only temporary. Better her than someone we don't know. At least we know she's loyal...if a bit demure."

Zelda followed, "Though that makes her endearing."

Paya was about to speak, but Impa quickly called out, "Then it has been decided. Paya, dear, go pack your bags for a longer stay. Also, I'll have your weapons prepared for you."

There was a dead silence over everyone in the room, until they all collectively asked, "What?"

"She's there to protect you and keep an eye over you. I will have a pack of equipment and her weapons prepared. She's a trained Sheikah, so she knows how to use all of the equipment I am sending with her."

Link looked at Paya and asked, "So, you know how to fight?"

Paya looked away and took a deep breath, "A bit. Just what my grandmother has taught me. I'm sure I won't need to fight, but we're just trying to make sure that the princess will be safe."

Impa gave her a smile and said, "You'll do great, my dear. Now go pack your things. I'm sure you'll have a great time."

Paya nodded and stood, quickly making her way up the stairs. Impa waited until she was truly gone and then said to Link and Zelda, "If you would, please take her adventuring through Hyrule with you. I want her to experience the world and see what it has to offer her. She's never left this place until I sent her to find you. She needs to grow as an individual. I don't want her to live her life isolated here. I won't be around forever and she will need to form her own life apart from me."

Zelda felt glad to hear Impa say such things. While she knew Impa was overprotective and a bit grumpy as one of her retainers in the past, she could tell that she greatly loved her granddaughter and wanted the best for her. "You can count on us. We were already visiting different places, as it were. We're going to go visit the Great Deku Tree next, actually."

At this, Impa's face lit up and a chuckle escaped her lips, "The Great Deku Tree? My! It has been a long time since I have seen that old, ancient thing. After him, I have to be the oldest living being in all of Hyrule. If you go and take Paya with you, I want you to come back and tell me all about her reaction to seeing a giant talking tree."

Link lifted the Sheikah Slate, "Better yet, I'll take a picture."

"That would be excellent. I'll hang it on the wall. I may be old, but I love getting a rise out of the young people from time to time. Paya especially." She laughed with the two young Hylians for a moment. She took a breath to compose herself and looked at Zelda and Link, "Now that business is out of the way, let me just ask you two something."

Zelda was curious by this and leaned forward to hear better, "Yes? What is it?"

"So how has the living situation been working for the two of you? I've never been to Master Link's home, so I am not aware of its layout."

"Oh! It's just a standard Hylian home. There are two levels. The lower level has the kitchen, eating area, washroom, storage area, and second bedroom. The upper level only has the first sleeping area."

Impa arched an eyebrow as she heard this and looked at Link, "You mentioned that the second bedroom was never in use. So where is the princess sleeping?"

Link quickly said defensively, "Before you start assuming anything, she has her own bed. I sleep nearby in my own bed. We do not share a bed."

"I suppose I'm alright with that. That is of course if you and our darling Zelda have not done anything too...scandalous."

Zelda paled as the mention of this and asked, "What do you mean?"

"Princess, you are an adult. You are not a child anymore. You do not need me to explain to you what it is that I mean. At this point, I feel as if I can discuss such things with you. Just know that I will not tolerate any rendezvous that could cause a scandal."

Zelda was now turning red, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN!?"

"Believe it or not, I was young once. I know how it is when two young people, namely a beautiful young lady and a handsome young man, spend a great deal of their time together and even live in the same place together. I am well aware of that. I remember being young and falling in love with the man that would eventually be my husband." She closed her eyes and smiled, reminiscing, "Those were great days. We were young and madly in love. I remember one day when we went into the forest together and…NEVERMIND! Why am I telling you this!? Point is, mind yourselves. Know where you both stand." She looked at Link, giving him a wide but foreboding smile, and said, "I like you, Master Link. You have proven yourself to be a powerful and loyal knight to our princess. However, if I ever find out that you overstepped your bounds and laid a hand on our dearest princess, I will have my Sheikah hold you down while I castrate you with a rusty knife. Are we clear?"

Link was silent for a moment, his eyes wide open in terror of what he had just heard, "Uh...ummmmmmmmmmm…"

"I said...am...I...clear?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good! By the way, you are not to allow any other man to do the same."

Zelda giggled and said, "Not like he allows any man to get too close to me when we're together. However, I believe you can relax on our poor Link, Impa. At least cut him some slack. He went through torture just to get me back and has taken very good care of me thus far."

Impa nodded, "Perhaps I am a bit too hard on the poor lad. It's just that I don't want to take any chances when it comes to you. The two most important people in my life right now are you and Paya. I looked after you since you were a baby and I raised Paya since she was an infant. You are both like daughters to me. I would hope that you two would see each other perhaps like sisters from this time together."

Zelda thought about that for a moment. She had to admit to herself that the thought was interesting. Never had she had siblings of her own and, after her mother and Urbosa, Impa was the most prominent maternal figure she could remember having. "I would actually like that. I've never had a sister or a brother before and Paya appears to be nice. It might be an interesting dynamic if it works out."

"Trust me when I say that she is friendly to a fault when she's not hiding her face behind her hands and stammering her words. However, don't push her too hard. I want her to grow as a person, but not break herself."

"We'll be mindful."

"Good!"

[Hyrule Castle]

Aris sat on the throne, his head slumped to the side in rest. He was alone in the chamber, with only the sound of the birds outside ringing out.

Aris opened his eyes and squinted them to focus on something. Something within the fissure at the center of the throne room. He let out a breath and noticed the wispy, white cloud that formed from the sudden cold that gripped the room. He focused back at the hole and saw a mass of shadows climbing out of it and form together into an array of tendrils that flew and danced around the room.

Aris sighed and watched two of the tendrils approach him and take the form of two feminine hands, which gripped the sides of his face.

Aris chuckled to himself and asked, "Getting impatient, are we? You can't rush these things. By the way, your hands are as cold as death, please let go."

The hands let him go as he stood. He walked off the throne's platform and walked over to the hole, looking down.

A series of ethereal sounds and hisses came from the swirling mass of shadows around him. He smiled again and said, "I understand that, but I do not wish to harm them. I do not want to cause a panic."

Tendrils hung down from the ceiling and the hands returned, resting on his shoulders, again releasing the ghostly sounds.

Aris looked back at the tendrils and brushed the hands off his shoulders, "Everything has its time. We are not evil and neither are you. We will achieve our goal with little bloodshed."

A hiss escaped the shadows as they swirled around him and grew in size.

Aris bowed his head, "Forgive me. I do not wish to be impertinent. That being said, I cannot understand why you don't just tell me where they are at to make this go by faster?"

He listened as the shadow let out more sounds and let him go.

"So, something is blocking your ability to find them. I can take a wild guess as to whom." He chuckled. "Regardless, I set up some bait for them to take. If anything, they'll be looking for me afterwards. I do not want to accelerate it for fear of driving them further into hiding."

The shadows coalesced themselves onto the throne, forming the shape of a shadowy woman with no discernible features. She rested on the throne, resting her head on the top of her fist, in boredom.

Aris laughed, "I'm as bored as you are. Though, it pays to be patient. I will find them and we can then go back home and live in peace." He quickly walked over to the throne and stood before the shadow being, "Just give me more time, okay? I'll be able to help you at last. Just be patient for a little while longer." He extended his hand, which then shadow-being quickly took with her own. Aris smiled at her and kissed her hands as the shadow-being vanished from sight.

Aris sat back onto the throne and closed his eyes, wanting to rest once more.

[Hateno Village]

"I think this would look great here, Paya." Zelda said as she helped Paya prepare her new room within Link's house. "I don't know why Impa sent you over with so much stuff."

Paya walked over and placed her stand onto the spot Zelda pointed out, "Because she wants me to be prepared for any situation and to have the resources to do so. That's the Sheikah way, I suppose."

She walked over to a long bag and pulled out two blades, returning to the stand and placing them in their place.

Zelda looked at the blades and asked, "Sheikah swords?"

"Yes. They are an Eightfold Longblade and an Eightfold Blade. All Sheikah are trained to use them. So these are the weapons I will use to protect you and your home."

"I'm sure we'll be fine, Paya. What I want for you is to help you grow as a person. So, once we finish our visitations, we will start traveling through Hyrule. When we're not traveling, we'll be here at home, relaxing and spending time together. That being said, I think we should get you a horse."

"Why?"

"When we travel, we'll be using horses to get around. Have you ridden on a horse?"

"Of course!"

"Then I'm going to enjoy showing you the world. Even I have to learn about this modern world. So Link will be our guide."

Paya sat on the bed and looked around, "This is a bit overwhelming."

Zelda sat next to her, "Of course! You've never stayed anywhere that isn't your home in Kakariko. I can imagine that it's a bit jarring. But don't worry; you'll love it here. Link and I will be great hosts, or so we strive to be."

A knock at the front door rang out through the house. Zelda stood, but she was stopped by Paya, who grabbed her arm. She reached into a bag and suddenly pulled out a dagger, shocking Zelda. Paya walked over to the window looking out to the front of the house and saw a man with a large bag walking over.

Paya told Zelda, "There's a man here with a large bag."

Zelda asked, "Is he wearing a red uniform?"

"Yes."

"Then don't worry. That's just the courier. He delivers our mail here. If we have letters or packages, he's the one that will bring it to us. He's a nice man, so put the dagger away."

Paya sighed in relief and hid the dagger behind her back as Zelda walked over and opened the door. She saw the courier and smiled, "Good afternoon!"

The courier tipped his hat, "Good afternoon, Ms. Zelda! We have a package here for you and Mr. Link."

"Really? From whom?"

"It says that it's from Zora's Domain. Specifically from one Sidon."

He handed the package over to Zelda and tipped his hat again, "Well, that is all. Please enjoy your day."

"Same to you. Goodbye!"

Zelda closed the door and took the package over to the table. Paya walked over and looked at the package, a basic box shaped package with twine tied around it.

Zelda asked Paya, "May I borrow that dagger for a moment?"

Paya nodded and gave Zelda the dagger, which she used to cut the twine before handing it back to Paya. Zelda unwrapped the paper that was around the package, finding a wooden box. She lifted the lid to the package and saw it full of gifts and a written letter.

Zelda picked up the letter, finding it sealed with a royal seal. She broke it and read the letter:

"Dear Princess Zelda and Link,

I, Prince Sidon of the Zora, wish you great fortune and joy on this day, as you receive this letter. I will address the reasons for this letter immediately. Divine Beast Vah Ruta has grown silent. In fact, it is no longer moving or showing any sign of power. I assume that it has fulfilled its purpose and powered itself down. However, I would rather have all my bases covered and pray that it is nothing malicious. I ask if you could come and take a look. I will gladly join you when you arrive, but I feel as if I should leave this to those that understand these things better than I do. Besides, I feel as though Princess Zelda would find this as a good opportunity to investigate ancient Sheikah technology. For now, that is all addressing my concern. I hope to see you soon here at Zorah's Domain.

As for the content of this package, my father wished to send some gifts for the two of you. For Zelda, he sends a set of beautiful Zorah jewelry and a book from one of the Zorah's most esteemed authors. He is aware of Princess Zelda's love of literature, so he hopes you enjoy both the book and the jewelry. As for Link, my father sends a set male Zorah jewelry and some Zora candies that you just have to try. Share with Princess Zelda. I know how you get when you see food.

That will be all for now. Please do take care and remember to come see your friends here at Zora's Domain.

Sincerely,

Prince Sidon"

Zelda closed the letter and commented, "Looks like we have our next destination." She began to think and said, "It certainly is weird that the Divine Beast would power down. It warrants an investigation." She put the letter down and reached in, taking out a smaller box. She opened it to see a beautiful silver necklace made with sapphire, diamonds, and lapis lazuli. "This is lovely! Though it must have cost a fortune. I can't accept such a stunning gift. It is too much to spend on me."

Paya replied, "Think of it as the king of the Zora making up for all the birthdays he has missed. If not that, then how about just think of it as him cementing his friendship with you and Master Link."

"Perhaps I can accept that."

She looked back into the box and pulled out a pair of matching earrings, matching the necklace, "Well, at least I have jewelry to look nice."

"They are beautiful. I can't say I've ever had or put on jewelry like that before, but I know it can add a lot of beauty with the right outfit."

The door to the house soon opened with Link walking in with Daina in tow. He stretched and commented, "Finally! All those errands are done." He looked at them and noticed the box on the table, "What's this?"

Zelda replied, "Prince Sidon and his father sent them. They sent some gifts with a letter. Turns out that you Divine Beast Vah Ruta has stopped working and they are requesting if we can go take a look at it to see what occurred."

"Alright. We'll whenever you want." He looked at Paya and then at her hand, "Umm...why are you holding a dagger?"

Paya quickly threw the dagger away, with it landing in her room with a series of thuds, "Umm...when the courier came...I...umm...grabbed it in case I needed to protect Princess Zelda."

"Things are perfectly safe here, but I'm thankful you're taking your work seriously. Just remember to relax a bit."

Zelda got up from the table and said, "I say we go immediately to Zora's Domain. This situation is worrying me somewhat."

"Alright, I'm okay with that. I'd like to settle my score with Prince Sidon anyways."

"We're going to investigate, not to play with the prince."

"That's no fun."

"Hey, I don't want to pass up this opportunity to actually observe ancient Shiekah technology. Besides, this will give Paya a chance to see more of Hyrule."

Link nodded and walked over to the Master Sword, quickly strapping it onto his back. Paya stood and walked into her room and soon returned with both her swords strapped onto herself and wearing a belt full of equipment.

Link arched an eyebrow, "Why all that?"

Paya replied, "I have to be ready to protect the princess at any moment...or so my grandmother wishes."

"Isn't all of that heavy?"

"No. Sheikah weaponry is extremely light so that we can move around freely." She took a deep breath, "I'm getting nervous just thinking about fighting."

"We're not fighting anything."

"I can't take my chances."

Link shrugged, "Alright, I guess I can't stop you. Oh! That reminds me." He reached into his pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a black bracelet. He turned to Zelda and said, "Keep this with you?"

Zelda reached for it and took it, taking a minute to inspect it, "A bracelet?"

"Looks like one, but it's actually a shield."

"Huh?" Zelda asked in confusion, not seeing how such a little thing could be a shield.

"I went to one of the Sheikah labs and they developed a more concealed shield by using guardian parts that I gave them. I wanted to make sure that you had a way to protect yourself from harm, so I commissioned that. Just put it on, clench your fist, and then lean your fist slightly towards yourself."

Zelda quickly did so, slipping the bracelet on. She followed Link's instructions and saw as a large blue shield materialized out of guardian energy. She relaxed her fist and saw it vanish once more. "This is brilliant!"

"I'm glad you like it. It makes me feel a little better to know that you have protection aside from Paya and I. So let's go before the sun sets."

Zelda quickly took Paya's hand, surprising the timid Sheikah, before clinging to Link. Link took out the Sheikah Slate and marked their destination before teleporting them away.

[Zora's Domain; Half an Hour later]

The static form of Vah Ruta stood in the center of the East Reservoir Lake, completely motionless and showing no signs of power. The only light that appeared was the streams of light that appeared above the platform of the Divine Beast. Link, Zelda, Paya, and Prince Sidon appeared on the platform and looked around.

Sidon commented, "That is quite the convenient ability for such a small device."

Zelda walked forward and said, "It makes it really easy for us to get tasks done. Now then, I heard that this Divine Beast was on a ridge, aiming at the castle."

"It was, but it returned here after Calamity Ganon was defeated."

Link followed Zelda and grabbed her arm to get her attention, "Zelda, don't move too far ahead of us. We have no idea what we can find here. At least stay behind Paya, Prince Sidon, or I."

Zelda nodded and stood behind Link, following him as he entered the Divine Beast. Link took out the Master Sword and Hylian Shield, as he looked around the inside of the beast.

What he was looking at confused him, as nothing seemed out of place, but he did notice that there was a lot of water on the floor.

He asked Sidon, "Why do you think that water is here?"

Sidon replied, "Well, we're in a lake. Chances are that it slipped in as it moved or as the waves hit it."

Paya looked around, impressed by the work of her ancestors, "How did the Sheikah build such a thing?"

Zelda replied, trying to hold in her excitement, "We do not know and that's what I want to learn. I read so much about the ancient Sheikah. We have so much information, but very few answers. I wish to finally unravel the secrets."

Prince Sidon laughed and asked, "Is she always this dorky?"

Link jabbed Sidon in the arm and said, "Hey, mind your manners. She may be dorky, but it's an endearing part of her and I like it."

Zelda turned to him and smiled wide before walking over to a wall and beginning to take pictures with the Sheikah Slate.

Link told Paya, "Keep an eye on her. I'm going to look around."

Paya nodded and drew her short sword, keeping watch over the investigating princess. She was nervous, but she was resolved to perform her duty.

Link wadded through the water, which he noticed was a little deeper as he went deeper into the chamber of the Divine Beast. He looked around, with Sidon happily swimming next to him, floating on the surface.

Sidon asked, "So, what are you looking for?"

Link replied, "Anything that looks out of place. So far, the only issues I see are the absence of lights and all this water."

"Well, like I said, it could be nothing. Just the Divine Beast powering down after it fulfilled its purpose."

"Perhaps, but I might as well let Zelda satiate her curiosity while I'm here."

"I second that. That being said, how do you see her? That is, is she doing alright in this modern world?"

Link nodded, "She's adjusting very well. She's always hungry to learn more about it and has pretty much adapted to our little village in no time. She's very intelligent."

"And how has she dealt with no longer living as a princess?"

Link gave a smile that he quickly tried to hide, "She has been loving living in our home. I thought that she would find some difficulties, but she seems pleased to no longer live as a royal. She's just happy to be with me and our dog."

Sidon stopped swimming at this and stood up, "Dog? You got her a dog?"

"I didn't think about what I did until it was too late and she had already fallen in love with the little thing."

Sidon laughed and patted Link on his back, "Brother, never give a lady a cute little thing. They'll fall in love with it and you'll hear about it forever. That being said, you did a great thing. You're making her happy. Gods know how jarring all of this must have been for her before you saved her. Making her smile is the best thing I could have hoped for you to do, at the very least." He looked back at the women, seeing Zelda continued to take pictures and investigating while Paya followed her. Sidon then asked, "So...do you fancy her?"

Link stopped moving and turned back to Sidon, "What?"

"You heard me. Do you fancy her? No guy just buys a girl a gift that involves a lot of investment without having a few fish swimming through the channels of his chest."

"I just bought Daina for Zelda because I knew it would make her happy."

"Daina?"

"That's what we call the dog."

"That's cute. You two named it."

"I named her."

"Even better."

Link sighed, "Look, it's strictly platonic between Zelda and I."

"Why?"

Link was surprised to be caught off guard by that question and thought for a moment for an appropriate response, "Because she's the princess and I'm just a knight. Besides, the Sheikah would kill me if I lay a finger on her."

"Oh forget the Sheikah and forget ranks. I'm not going to marry any Zora princess. We Zora princes and princesses never do. We marry who we fall in love with and that's how it should be. My mother was no highborn Zora. She was a shopkeeper's daughter that my father fell head over fin for."

"We Hylians do not operate in the same way."

"You should." He placed his arm over Link's shoulders and told him, "From one good friend to another, just tell me and be honest. I won't tell.

Link sighed again, "I'm her knight."

"And what do your duties entail?"

"Looking after her and being with her wherever she goes."

"Perfect sappy set up."

Link turned and looked at him, "I get teased enough by Riju, I don't need you teasing me too."

"Lady Riju and I are probably cut from similar cloth, because I'm enjoying this. Look, you're a young handsome Hylian and she's a young beautiful Hylian, both of you have a shared experience, and you spend all your time together. If anything, you'll relate more with her than anyone else."

"I'm not here to have you convince me to overstep my bounds."

"Not overstep your bounds. I want you to be happy as well. You had a...let's say...less than favorable experience. Now that it's over, I want you to form your life free of that beast. I want you to be happy and it's clear that you two are happy together. I'm sure that's why Lady Riju and I keep pestering you over it."

Link took a moment to compose himself. He knelt down and dipped his head in the water to cool off and get rid of his blush, "I appreciate that you want me to be happy. However, let me find that happiness in my own time."

"Fine...but remember, you only have a year to make a decision about Zelda."

"Why are you so fixated on me getting feelings for Zelda?"

Sidon began to float on the water once more and said with a smile, "Because I see how you two smile at one another. You two are too adorable to not think about the possibilities. I wonder what your children would be like."

"You're thinking too far ahead."

Sidon gave a toothy grin and swam over to him, "Too far ahead? So you're considering it?"

"Oh stop, fish boy!"

Sidon smiled and stood again, flexing, "So you want to take our challenge now? You look like you're itching for a scrap."

"Oh bring i…" He looked back and saw Zelda looking at him with her arms crossed, holding a shock arrow. "Look, if you use that, we'll all get shocked."

Zelda stopped and thought about what he said and rolled her eyes, "Then I'll shock you at home."

Link groaned, "Please don't."

Sidon laughed, "Again, she has you by the fins."

Sidon's smile vanished almost as soon as it appeared and he looked at the water, "What on earth?"

Link asked, "What's wrong?"

"This water is...flowing."

The group looked down and noticed that the water was moving towards the direction of the Divine Beast's core room. Link ran forward and charged into the room, seeing the water coalescing into a large ball of water on the roof of the chamber.

Sidon arrived immediately after and asked, "What is that?"

Zelda ran in with Paya and saw the orb of water. She took off the slate and withdrew a Zora Spear, offering it to Sidon, who took it. The ball of water quickly let loose a deluge of water towards the group. The current crashed onto the group and swept them backwards with great force. Link caught the corner of the doorway and reached forward, instinctively catching Zelda's hand and keeping her from flowing away. Zelda then noticed Paya being swept off by her and she tried to catch her, but missed, forcing her to watch Paya flow away.

Prince Sidon noticed this and dashed over to Paya, swimming through the current and catching the young Sheikah. He turned and effortlessly swam through the deluge, reaching Link and Zelda. He handed Paya to Zelda and darted towards the orb. The orb appeared to react as it began to crack with purple energy and fired off a blast of energy towards the Zora prince. Sidon swam through the water and used his speed to avoid the attack and jumped into the air, spear in hand. He stabbed the spear forward at the center of the orb, sinking it into the orb. The orb was motionless for a moment before firing a cannon of water at Sidon, knocking him and the spear back.

Sidon quickly recovered and braced himself for an attack. He looked down and saw the water again flowing into the orb, until the water on the floor became still once more.

Link finally stood with the two women and told Zelda, "Stay here and stay safe." He looked at Paya, "Look after her."

Paya nodded and said, "You can count on me."

Link turned to join Sidon, but felt someone grab his hand. He looked back at Zelda and heard her say, "Be careful."

Link smiled at her, "I'll be fine. With Sidon and I, this will be a breeze."

"I know, but I still worry. I remember you battling in the past and you were so reckless."

"I promise, I'll be safe."

He quickly turned and ran off to join Sidon as Paya stood in front of Zelda, blade in hand.

Link stood side by side with the Zora prince and waited. After a moment, the orb began to change shape and color. Two arms morphed from the orb and a large fish tail. A Zora head formed from the orb, with its face covered in a watery veil and a crown of trident prongs on its head. The creature placed a hand in the water and pulled out an enormous trident of water, which cracked with purple energy.

The beast looked at the group and took in a deep breath. It then unleashed a haunting scream, which sounded pained and agonized. As it screamed, water from outside of the beast began to pour in from outside of the Divine Beast and fill the floor of the chamber.

Corrupted Zora Champion, Princess Mipha

Sidon looked at the beast with horror and asked, "What in blazes is that thing!?"

Link readied his sword and shield and called out, "Something that is obviously not friendly. Let's take it out!"

"I stand with you, my friend!"

Alright, so here comes one of the first battle of many in this story. Sorry that I'm making you guys wait, but if I didn't cut it for another chapter, this chapter would have been of ridiculous length. So please be patient with me guys and I will try to get the next chapter out as soon as I can. Thank you guys so much and please enjoy. Bye!