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Today was the worst day of Jimin’s life.
As he knelt on the muddied grass, soaked by the torrential downpour and his tears, he wondered how did everything turn out so bad. Was he paying the price for an unforgivable deed in a past life, or was he just terribly, terribly unlucky?
The day didn’t start out badly though. Jimin woke up bright and early, just in time to see the sun rise above the East Reservoir Lake.
His Zora guardians, Rutala and Luto, were still sleeping in the water. He loved them, regarded them as his parents ever since he lost his own biological parents. That they would choose to adopt him, a Hylian, was more than a simple act of kindness. It was a continuous choice that socially isolated them from the other Zoras.
Hence why he was living here, next to the East Reservoir Lake, far away from the domain’s center, where everyone else resided. Years ago, the council had pushed hard against his adoption, begging Rutala and Luto to reconsider before begrudgingly allowing it, under the condition that the Hylian lives outside the domain’s center. His guardians could’ve abandoned him outright, could’ve made Jimin live alone as they lived with the other Zoras, but no, they chose to reside outside, to always sleep in Jimin’s presence, to become outcasts.
Rutala and Luto didn’t look like they would wake up soon, so Jimin grabbed his zora spear and decided to head out. He walked down the 300 steps leading up to the reservoir, stopped by a waterfall to spear some bass for breakfast, carried his prize down the cliff, and finally reached the center of Zora’s Domain after a whole thirty minutes. As he grilled the bass at the cooking pot, Gaddison sat down beside him.
Gaddison was one of the few Zoras besides his guardians who didn’t treat Jimin like a pariah. She was over a hundred years old, but was considered a young adult in Zora society. As a military guard, she spent most of her time patrolling the domain, but was willing to spar with Jimin whenever he asked.
“Morning, Jimin!”
“Good morning, Gaddison.”
“Beautiful weather, isn’t it? Not a cloud in the sky! Let’s hope it stays that way.”
Jimin laughed, his voice tinkling like chimes. “Yes, at least until after practice.”
“Ah, that’s right. You’re part of the dance troupe now! When is the Champion Festival again?”
“Gaddison!” Jimin scolded her. “You should know this! It’s in two weeks.” Just in time for my 20th birthday.
“Hey, sometimes the days go by and by, and then all of the sudden, a whole month passes!”
“I’ll drag you to the festival myself before I let you miss my dance!”
Gaddison smiled, baring her pointed teeth. “I look forward to it. You’ve been working really hard on it, right?”
Jimin nodded. He fought tooth and nail for his position in the dance troupe, and he’s certainly not going to squander his chance to demonstrate that he can honor Zora traditions and culture. That he can fit into the community, even though he wasn’t a Zora by heritage.
“Yes. I want to be able to perform as best as I can. Speaking of, I should head to practice now. I’ll come find you later when I’m ready to spar.”
“Sounds good, see you around!” Gaddison kindly waved before heading to her patrolling duties.
Today’s practice session was special, because Dento, the Zora blacksmith, had finally finished making seven ceremonial tridents. That meant the dancers could practice with these ornate weapons, as opposed to the zora spears that they used for the past three months.
Jimin marveled at the intricate design. Each of the three metal prongs resembled a shark’s silhouette, shining a metallic white with small bits of teal and pink as accentual colors. It felt bulkier than the simple zora spear, but Jimin could tell that it was stronger, worthy of a Champion Festival.
Jimin threw 110% of his energy into practice, perfecting every turn, every pirouette, every twirl of the trident, so that no one could question if he truly belonged in the ensemble.
All things considered, Jimin thought he did pretty well. There was only one time where he was out of place, but he was able to extend a cartwheel to smoothly maneuver into the correct position. The teacher didn’t even comment on it, which was a huge success in Jimin’s book.
Jimin didn’t notice the Zora councilmembers approaching until Muzu, the elderly advisor, cleared his dry throat.
The teacher quickly ordered the dancers to stop, greeting the councilmembers with a slight bow.
“Good day, Muzu. To what do we owe the pleasure of seeing you?”
“Good day, Trello. I’m afraid we aren’t here to observe the dancers, who I’m sure have been working very hard, at least most of them.” Jimin kept his face neutral, even though he knew the jab was directed towards him. “We are here to bring news about Rutala and Luto.”
Jimin blinked. “My guardians? What happened, Councilman Muzu?”
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Rutala and Luto have passed away. One of the guards was patrolling near the East Reservoir Lake when she realized that she hadn’t seen them all day. That’s when we discovered they had passed in their sleep from their chronic illness.”
No. Jimin froze in shock. No, this can’t be.
“I’m afraid it is,” Muzu said. Jimin slapped a hand over his mouth, having just realized he voiced his thoughts out loud. “We all knew that their lives would be cut short due to the illness, and now Hylia has declared this to be their time. We will hold a burial ceremony at dusk, to which everyone is invited.”
Jimin stood there, petrified. He couldn’t speak. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t do anything.
Muzu continued drawling on with his gravelly voice, “As you know, Jimin, the Zora law states that a non-Zora cannot reside in the domain unless they are bound by marriage or guardianship. Now that Rutala and Luto have passed, we are graciously allowing you to stay for one night.” He gave a crooked smile. “But afterwards, I’m afraid you must find your own accommodations.”
He sure didn’t sound afraid about it. In fact, it sounded like Muzu was looking forward to a Hylian-free Zora’s Domain. But Jimin bit his tongue and forced out a thank you for their ‘generosity’.
Trello quickly wrapped up session. As always, he ordered the dancers to practice in their own time.
Normally, Jimin would, but today, he decided to run and hide away in his secluded home.
On his way, Gaddison had stopped him, giving him her condolences and asking if there was anything she could do. Jimin vigorously shook his head, not even sparing the Zora guard a second glance.
He ran up the cliff, ran up the 300 steps leading up to the reservoir, and when he finally reached the lake’s edge, collapsed on his knees.
The sun was mocking him now, blindingly bright in his eyes.
In all honesty, he should’ve known this would happen. Rutala and Luto, while loving guardians, suffered from a non-curable illness well before they met Jimin. And yet, Jimin thought he had all the time in the world, given the Zoras’ long lifespans. He always thought that they would be the ones mourning his death. Not the other way around.
Jimin froze. This morning, when he checked if they were still sleeping, were they actually sleeping?
…
No, he shouldn’t be thinking about that. He needed to figure out what would happen to him now.
Muzu wasn’t lying about the archaic exclusionary laws. And they definitely wouldn’t be overturned for the sake of one Hylian orphan.
That meant… Jimin had to leave Zora’s Domain.
It was a scary thought. He had always viewed Zora’s Domain as his home, even if the Zoras didn’t fully accept him. He did have a few fragmented memories of life outside the domain: happy moments with his biological parents. But that was when Jimin was four years old. And that was before the Yiga clan killed his parents. Most importantly, he couldn’t remember where those memories took place.
Where would he go now? Should he try to find refuge at a stable? Assimilate into another major society? Or just meander aimlessly for the rest of his life, never catching a breath, never settling down?
He hated the thought of uprooting his life again.
But it’s not like he had a choice.
The burial ceremony went by in a blur. Jimin remembered the heavy downpour as heavy anchors pulled his guardians’ caskets under the water, but that was it.
Afterwards, Sidon asked Jimin for a private conversation. Jimin complied; it was very hard to say no to the Zora prince.
“Prince Sidon, what did you want to talk about?” Jimin asked as they stood on the Great Zora Bridge, away from potential eavesdroppers.
“First, I want to say I’m sorry that Rutala and Luto passed away. It must be especially difficult for you,” Sidon said in a somber voice that didn’t match his typically optimistic personality.
Jimin numbly nodded.
“And I know about the law. Believe me, Jimin. I tried everything within my power to repeal it, but my father refused because the citizens would be in an uproar. But…” he spoke faster, with more hope in his words. “I thought of a solution, a loophole within the bounds of the law! Jimin, I can be your guardian! Under my protection, you can stay in Zora’s Domain, and no one would be able to oppose it! What do you say, friend?”
Sidon was too kind, Jimin thought. And too unaware.
How could he explain to Sidon that the Zoras’ simpering smiles dropped the second he turned around? How the other residents would only treat Jimin with respect in the prince’s presence, scorning the Hylian in private.
Jimin couldn’t bear to shatter the image of Sidon’s reality.
“Prince Sidon…” Jimin shuffled his feet nervously. “Thank you for this offer. I really do appreciate your kindness. But… I must respectfully decline. I have already decided to leave Zora’s Domain. Actually, I was going to leave as soon as the burial ended.” That last part was a lie, but Jimin thought it would soften the blow.
“I see. Well, I respect your decision. I will miss you, friend.”
Jimin was quickly pulled into a strong hug. “I will miss you, too, Prince Sidon. You’ve always been so nice to me.”
“Before you go,” Sidon said as he backed away, reaching behind his back. “I want to give you this, as a parting gift.”
Jimin stared at the shiny ceremonial trident presented to him. “I can’t… This belongs to the dance troupe.”
“Technically, I commissioned them, so all seven of them belong to me. Well, six.” Sidon practically shoved the trident into Jimin’s hands. “Just don’t forget about me.”
“I would never!”
“Will you visit us again someday?”
“Of course!” Maybe not right away, maybe not for several months, but Jimin promised to himself that he will return. He’ll make sure of it.
Soaked by the persistent rainstorm, Jimin made it to the Bank of Wishes, a secluded area by the river where the superstitious and the greedy would pray for their wishes to come true.
Before, Jimin had scoffed at the idea. He revered the goddesses, but you couldn’t just ask and expect to receive everything.
Well, he was pretty desperate now. Surely one request won’t hurt.
Dear Hylia, he prayed, kneeling down and muddying his knees. I wish that I wasn’t alone.
Jimin looked up in wonder as the rain stopped. Was Hylia showing him grace?
Perhaps he needed to demonstrate his worthiness.
Jimin stood, holding the ceremonial trident upright. After gently striking the ground with its blunt end, he began the ceremonial dance. A full body rotation. Two spins of the trident. Three strikes forward. A quick breath before pointing the trident to the sky while standing on one leg. With fluid motions, he danced for the invisible audience in his mind, unaware of his surroundings even as he knelt on one knee to signify the end.
“Wow! Oh my gosh, that’s so amazing!”
His audience was more chipper than he envisioned.
Jimin turned around, startled as his face was inches away from a boy with fluffy brown hair, shining eyes, and a wide, boxy grin.
“Holy crap!” he continued as he clapped in awe. “The way your twirled your trident was so cool! And, and that cartwheel, what! I wish I could dance like that! Oh, I should introduce myself. My name is Taehyung!”
“Ah, I’m Jimin,” he replied belatedly, still shell-shocked by the boy’s sudden presence.
Taehyung vigorously grasped his hand. “Jimin, please, can you dance again? It was so awesome, I have to see it again! And this time, I can sing along with you!”
“A-alright.”
Taehyung let go of his hands and moved out of the way, as Jimin repeated the dance. As promised, Taehyung joined in with his baritone voice that sounded like pure honey. Jimin felt comforted, like a thick blanket was wrapped around him, warming his soul even after the song had ended.
“I can’t believe you actually wanted to watch me dance.”
“Who wouldn’t?” Taehyung looked offended. “You’re amazing!”
“You’re… really nice.”
“I’m just saying what is clearly visible to anyone with functioning eyeballs! What is this dance for, anyway?”
“Ah, it’s a traditional Zora dance for the Champion Festival. I’ve been practicing it for months, but… I won’t be going.” Jimin hung his head low.
“Huh? But why?”
“I…” Jimin bit his lip. “My adoptive guardians died. Because they are Zora, and I am not, I was exiled. It still doesn’t feel real to me, but I can no longer stay in Zora’s Domain.”
Taehyung couldn’t help but hug Jimin tightly. “I’m so sorry, Jimin. That’s horrible, and after all your hard work, too! Where do you think you’ll go?”
“I don’t really know. I don’t remember living outside of Zora’s Domain. But Taehyung, you don’t seem like you’re from around here.”
“No, I’m not. I came from Rito Village.”
“That’s so far away!” Jimin’s jaw dropped. “How did you end up here? Did… did you have a similar situation like me?” he asked quietly.
“No! No!” Taehyung was quick to reassure him. “Nothing like that. I’m actually looking for someone. He’s really important to me. We used to see each other often in Tarrey Town, but one day, he stopped showing up. So I’m trying to find him.”
“I hope you are able to find him someday,” Jimin sweetly encouraged. “Do you think he’d be here, near Zora’s Domain?”
“No, I was just passing through and then got distracted by your dancing. Which I am definitely glad I did! But I was actually heading to Hateno Village.”
“This isn’t the way to Hateno Village.”
“Yeah, I figured I was lost once I saw the numerous lizalfos, but sometimes the best adventures happen when you stray from the well-worn path, so here I am!”
“If you don’t mind me asking, why Hateno?”
“I’ve heard rumors about this group called Bangtan. It’s said that they research the world around us and help fight monsters on the side, but most importantly, their members come from different regions. When I heard that, I thought maybe I could ask them for leads.”
“People from different parts of the world can coexist?” Jimin looked cautiously hopeful.
“Yeah, it seems to have a similar vibe to Tarrey Town. Why do you ask?”
“I… After my guardians died, I felt like an outsider, even more than usual. I just want to be accepted, to have people I can call my family.”
“I can be your new family!” Taehyung eagerly suggested.
“What? But we just met!”
“Doesn’t matter! I really like you, Jiminie. Hear me out.” He extended his hand towards Jimin. “Why don’t we find Bangtan together?”
Jimin shook his hand. “Alright, I’ll come with you.”
Taehyung grinned his signature boxy smile before looking around in confusion.
“You do know how to get out of here, right?”
Jimin laughed.
Today may have been the worst day of Jimin’s life, and yet, it was also the best day.