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Chapter Text

Sir Gaepora dispatched a runner directly to the King with his seal, indicating that the message demanded immediate attention. The tired soldier ended up having to intrude on a meeting of state and pulled himself together outside the doors before nodding to the Royal Guards that he was ready.

The doors opened and the whole room turned to look at him. He swallowed, “Your majesty, please pardon my intrusion. I bring urgent word from Sir Gaepora.”

Rhoam appeared mildly perturbed at the interruption as he had been attempting to get the various offices from town and country together in one place for weeks. However, the moment he heard who the message was from, he surprised everyone by standing to excuse himself. 

“Meet me in my chambers at once,” he instructed. He turned to his daughter, “Zelda, please answer the Councilor's question.”

Nodding curtly to her father, she stood and addressed the Councilor. “Am I correct in assuming that you are after a grant, Councilor?”

Once the large, gilded double doors were shut behind the runner by Rhoam’s personal Guard, the King strode toward his desk. He considered collapsing in his chair but such an act could only ever be done in private to avoid gossip. No matter how loyal a person in his service was, a slip of the tongue during casual conversation could lead to overblown reports about his well being and ability to rule. One of the many burdens of the crown, keeping up appearances when all you wish to do is be human. 

He opted instead to remain standing and turned around to ask sternly, “What news does Sir Gaepora send?”

The runner approached and bowed, holding out the envelope, “The sword has been released, Sire.”

Rhoam thought he would falter upon hearing these words, but the only thing that belied his internal struggle was placing a hand on his desk. To the messenger, it appeared as a movement merely accompanying deep thought. In truth, it served to steady the King as he replied, more to himself, “I see. So it is to be during my reign.” 

He balled his fist and gave the desk a rap. “Very well.” 

Unbeknownst to his untrained eye, the messenger witnessed Rhoam transition from a moment of vulnerability to utter conviction. When the King didn’t take the envelope from his hand, he placed it on the desk and took a step back.

“You’ve traveled hard,” the King stated sympathetically. “Take a day of rest. Speak of this to no one, and send in the Princess.”

The messenger bowed deeply, “Thank you, Sire.” 

Upon exiting the chambers, he confidently went to Zelda’s side and very apologetically interrupted what she was saying. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t dare ever utter a word in such a setting, let alone speak over the Princess. Being armed with a direct order from the King, however, made him feel like he was protected by an impervious shield of officialness which aided in stilling his would-be fluttering heart. 

“Excuse me, Princess-”

She stopped mid sentence and side-glanced at him oddly.

“The King wishes to speak with you.”

She let out a small, exasperated sigh, imperceptible by anyone but himself as he was so close.

“Thank you.” She then addressed the table, “My apologies, ladies and gentlemen. Since dinner will soon be available anyway, we shall take an early recess. Please return by half past seven.”

As chairs slid back on the polished tile and a multitude of voices began chattering, Zelda went to join her father, now alone in his chambers. He looked as if he’d aged another decade since he was with her just moments ago, and with great concern she asked, “What is it, father?”

“Zelda… the Blade That Seals the Darkness has chosen its master. You must steel yourself. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that you unlock your divine power.”

Her face fell, and he could sense the million and one thoughts racing through her mind, the same that he had just suffered: the realization that the prophecy was true. After a few moments, she squared her jaw and regarded him with determination. “I will do my best.”

He could see the fear in her eyes, and the bravery fighting it. He closed the gap between them and took her in his arms. They held on for an age, both offering comfort to the other as they dreaded the coming storm.

A single eye cracked open. Link groaned as he saw the palest light of day through the wooden shutter of his window, his conditioned body clock denying him the extra sleep he so desperately wanted and deserved. 

This morning was one of very few he got to himself since his new training began. It almost made him miss his squiring days, where the early rises were the same but the work was not as strenuous. Though, he considered, now that he went to work for himself and not others, it was still an improvement.

Try as he might, he couldn’t get the cloud of sleep to return, his senses were already too acute. He sighed loudly and kicked out of his bed. If he had to be awake, he would make it well worth the effort. By now, the kitchens would be turning out the morning’s baking and it was his prerogative to sweet talk his way into a bun whenever the opportunity presented itself. 

He dressed and made his way from the barracks to the dining hall, nodding to those on guard duty as he passed. He certainly didn’t envy their position. Perhaps only having to get up early rather than working a night shift wasn’t so bad, comparatively.

He walked down a hallway lined with floor to ceiling windows that opened out onto a lush courtyard during the day time. On the other side was a parallel hallway. He stood still.

The Princess, in flowing white, glided past like a spirit through the glass. She walked the long corridor on her way to the castle spring. Appearing penitent, clasping her hands in front of her chest, gaze unwavering from her destination; she sought an audience with the silent Goddess. 

Link’s head tilted as an idea came to him. Anyone forced to be up this early deserved pastries. 

He was called an insatiable glutton for taking three sweet buns but it was well worth it when he imagined what the Princess might feel when turning around to find comfort food waiting for her in a tea towel by the door.

Hopefully it brought her a small bit of joy, just like the joy he felt when he squished both buns into his mouth.

Now that he was fed, it was off to the library. He may as well be productive with his extra hours since he wasn’t able to sleep them away. His new Sheikah instructors were keen to have him be well rounded of mind as well as the sword, so while the rest of the castle began to wake, he devoured history, strategy, philosophy, and astrology; one of their favorite subjects to quiz him on, though he was still unsure how it tied in to anything.

After gearing up back in his quarters, he stopped by the barracks mess hall for second breakfast. There, he was greeted by Gonzo’s Unit and begrudgingly turned down their invitation to the taverns later that evening. 

There was always some new challenge to prepare for and every day a little more responsibility settled on his shoulders. Though his new blade was mysteriously light, it was the heaviest thing he ever carried. 

On his way to training, he thought back to his briefing with the King. It seemed so long ago already, but it had only been a few weeks.

“I suppose it’s no coincidence that the youngest Squire ever elevated to Knighthood would be the one to raise the Master Sword,” Rhoam began with a commanding tone. His hands were clasped behind his back and he stood at the window of his study, looking down upon the courtyards. 

Link waited for an invitation to speak before offering any sort of opinion. He stood at ease as he had been instructed upon entering.

The King sighed, “This blasted prophecy…” he turned to Link and let his arms rest at his sides. “Do you understand the role you have been given?”

Link addressed Rhoam as if he’d rehearsed a script, “I am to defeat the Calamity, your Majesty, so that the Princess with the power of Hylia may seal it away.” 

The King and the Knight held a gaze, studying one another. Rhoam’s brow furrowed, gauging the resilience of the young man before him. 

Link did not waver.

Finally the King spoke again, “You took my blow better than most seasoned Knights, despite your stature; and the reports do indicate you are something of a prodigy.” He stepped forward and held out his hand which Link took in a firm grip. 

“Just as I expect from my Daughter, you are now a servant of this Kingdom.” 

Link’s eyes widened slightly, so Rhoam decided to temper his stern delivery by adding, “As am I.”

He returned to his desk and sat, muttering quietly, “The Hylian Champion.” 

There was a pause, then he continued, “Your new regimen will begin immediately. I have organized instructors who will challenge you with fighting styles otherwise not practiced within the Hylian army. I expect you to master that sword and comport yourself befitting the title of the Hero of Hyrule. Everyone will look at you differently from now on- look up to you. 

There will be no improprieties to speak of.” He leaned forward, “Trust me, it only becomes fodder for the gossip mongers.”

Link saluted with his arm over his chest, “I understand, your Majesty.”

~~~

Sir Rusl was relieved of duty in the evening and while changing into his civvies, decided to see if his son would be up for joining him in a meal. As he made his way to the barracks, he wondered, had Link already eaten? Though even if his boy had, he somehow always found room. Rusl chuckled thinking about it.

Link now had a room which he shared with one other Knight, an upgrade in terms of what Rusl enjoyed, a room with three of his Royal Guard colleagues; but instead of jealousy, it only inspired pride for Link’s accomplishments. 

Coincidentally, Link’s roommate was just leaving when Rusl arrived, and he left the door ajar, mentioning that Link had passed out a while earlier.

“Oh,” Rusl’s eyebrows shot up, “well in that case, I’ll just leave him be. Must need his rest.” He closed the door quietly and decided he could try making plans next time.

Lately, the Sheikah instructors had been taking Link out to the Hills in the east, and the Breach, west of town, to hone his skills in challenging terrains; so it proved difficult for Rusl to even get hold of him to make aforementioned plans. Eventually, he did manage to catch his boy during a break a few days later when he was training on the grounds.

“No field trips today?” Rusl asked with a grin.

Link gave his Father a tired smile and shook his head.

Rusl glanced at the sword and nodded his chin toward it, “Anything yet?”

“No… sometimes I think I might be getting feelings from it? But I’m not really sure.”

Rusl squeezed Link’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, son. It’ll come.” He changed the subject, “I get off fairly early tonight, wanna have dinner?”

Link stifled a yawn, “Sure.”

“I’ll see you later, then. Good work.” Rusl walked away, brow slightly furrowed with worry. It was very rare that Link showed signs of being run down. He was an endless font of energy unless he’d caught a bug of some sort. 

As promised, Rusl showed up later that evening and knocked on the door. There was a long pause before Link answered in his night shirt, squinting.

“Sorry, Dad, I forgot.” He ran a hand through his bed hair to get it out of his face and opened the door further to usher Rusl in. “Gimme a sec, I’ll get dressed,” he yawned as he dragged his feet over to his wardrobe.

“Hang on, son. If you’re that tired, you don’t need to stay up on my account. You’ve eaten already anyway so we can do this some other time.”

Link hovered by his bedside table before falling back in. “I think I came straight here from training actually…” he cocooned in his covers.

Rusl’s mouth fell open in surprise. “I’ll bring something by for you in case you get hungry later.”

Link’s reply was a muffled ‘fanks.’

Rusl closed the door, frowning. Something was very wrong if Link hadn’t bothered eating. Perhaps this new training regimen was too intense, even for one with his astounding abilities. But what was too much for the Hero of Hyrule? 

Title be damned, Link was still his son and he wasn’t going to stand by and watch him lose all his joy.

Later that night, Rusl lay awake thinking about how he could help his boy. Link had been happy when he was Knighted, and even enjoyed his new duties. His performance had always been exemplary, and now that Rusl thought deeper on the matter, he decided there was much more than tiredness weighing on Link.

Rusl noticed how the youngest Knight had gradually lost his brightness, his smile, and sense of humor since he released the sword. 

When Link had returned from the forest trip and recounted to his father what had transpired, unbridled pride and debilitating fear battled within Rusl while he attempted to maintain a calm exterior. It was no surprise that he failed and cried under the weight of such a dichotomy. And Link, ever his sweet boy, allowed himself to be crushed in Rusl’s embrace.

In the safety of Rusl’s strong arms, the arms that had held him when he was little, made Link feel safe enough to finally release everything he’d pent up since touching that sword for the first time. His biggest fears had been realized. He was no longer allowed to be himself.

He had been devoured by The Hero. 

About a week later, Sir Rusl slipped into Link’s room and left a note on his pillow instructing him to enjoy a sleep in the next day before reporting to him in the officer’s mess. 

While waiting for his son to arrive the following morning, he passed the time by catching up on the news in the Castle Town Courier. There was a feature article about the brightest Rito archer from the Nocks & Crosses Archery Association that Plu might like to read. Gi had written recently that she was getting really into archery lately. He’d have to send a copy home in the next care package, though nothing he ever sent compared to the treats and crafts he received from home in return.

Link finally appeared in the mess and he had some more color back in his face, which was promising. The extra rest did him well. 

“Link!” Rusl waved him over. He also gave a quick whistle to the kitchen and the attendant looked up and nodded.

“Hey Dad,” Link said as he sat with a curious and expectant look. “So what limb did you give up to get me out of training with the hard-asses?”

Rusl started laughing and stifled it with a cough, adhering to a loose sense of propriety. “Let’s just enjoy our brunch first, shall we?” His eyes twinkled.

The attendant brought dishes with lids that had been keeping warm a variety of sausages, poached eggs, and biscuits with gravy. Rusl was happy to see Link make it to a third helping before the order of business came up.

“Do you recall the summer we spent in Zora’s Domain?” Rusl asked.

Link smiled as he thought fondly of his warm memories there, “I do.”

“How would you like to go back?”

“Really? How did you manage that?” Link asked while taking a third biscuit.

“It will be a working holiday. I’ve organized for you to train with the Demon. You’ve spent too much time with that blade.”

Link rolled his eyes sarcastically.

“Need to keep up on your skills with other weapons,” Rusl prodded. “I hear Princess Mipha is quite a formidable opponent, too.”

Link steadied his attention again, “When do I go?”

“Day after tomorrow. Rest up, organize your things and head out with the next trade convoy,” Rusl grinned.

~~~

Link’s journey up the river was a constant stream of nostalgia. He recognized distinct landmarks from when he was little and marveled at the same time that their scale seemed so different. Everything about the Domain had been larger than life, and though it was still breathtakingly beautiful, he no longer had the rosy vision of a child. 

Though he had been able to rest before the trip, the travel siphoned what energy he had gained. He was also weary from mental exhaustion. Already, just being away from the castle, he felt slightly lighter without all the judgy pairs of eyeballs, who thought they knew better, boring into his back. Perhaps the Demon Sergeant could teach him how to develop a thicker skin.

“So you finally decided to show your face for round two,” an unfamiliar voice called to him from the winding waterway at the entrance of the Domain.

Link searched for the owner of the comment and found a black scaled Zora leaning onto his spear, wearing a mischievous grin. Link drew his brows together and tilted his head slightly to the side, trying to remember if he knew who this was. The last time he was there, he was only four, and he mostly just recalled the pretty magic lady.

“Sorry, have we fought before?” Link asked

The Zora descended the stairs, asking, “Do sticks count?” He flashed a pointy grin as some faint recognition crossed Link’s features.

“Spear kid,” Link finally said.

“Sword boy,” the Zora retorted.

“I see we haven’t changed.”

“Why would we!? By the way, the Brigade would be open to returning members, so if you wanna hang while you’re here, then stick with me. We know how to decompress, if you know what I mean,” he wiggled his arm fins.

Link huffed, amused, “Uh, sure thing. It was the Buzz Brigade, right?”

“Bazz. The Big Bad Bazz Brigade,” Bazz leered judgmentally.

“Oh, right.” Link looked around for a moment and asked, “Do you know where I can find Sergeant Seggin?”

“Right this way, my friend,” Bazz ushered with his spear.

“Thanks, Buzz.”

~~~

In the golden light of sunset, Link navigated the waterways from the training grounds back through the Domain to find his quarters. He was told there’d be a bed set up for him at the reservoir. He hoped it wasn’t far because he was beat. 

The Demon Sergeant was no joke and had wanted to see what limits he could push right when they met. No doubt intrigued by the opportunity to instruct the prodigy, the chosen Hero, but also someone he very much still evidently viewed as a spawnling.

Link really wished his reputation did not precede him everywhere he went. He felt slightly like an experiment, but he was here to learn so he should keep an open mind. 

He found the path leading to the reservoir and cursed. They put him up a huge flight of stairs. Probably part of my training...

He noticed a group of Zora gliding down the waterfalls nearby as he followed the path and paused to watch their graceful descent before turning and continuing on his way. He didn’t see the one who broke away from the rest with a wave, and quickened their pace to catch up with him.

Her voice was gentle, yet full of excitement, and tempered by proprietary; ingrained manners. “Link.”

It had been so long, and her dulcet tones were comforting as ever. He denied the pull to turn and envelope her small, strong form in his arms. He offered a sad smile instead, “Mipha.”

Things had changed since they last saw each other in Castle Town. He no longer felt free to- to what? Court a Zora Princess? Nonsense. Even if he could, the only future he saw for himself anymore was the Calamity. If he survived that, then he could allow fantasies of a life beyond.

“I was so happy when I heard you were to visit. Please forgive me for being unable to greet you upon your arrival,” Mipha offered sincerely.

He shook his head, waving away her concern before shyly playing with the purple foliage of a bush next to the path.

She smiled serenely and took more of him in, fascinated that he’d gained more height in so little time; though she was aware Hylians could have very quick growth spurts. Her gaze fell on a few scrapes and bruises he’d acquired from his introduction with Seggin.

“I see Seggin didn’t even let you settle in.” She reached out a hand that started to glow softly with a golden light, “May I?”

Link closed the gap between them timidly, indicating his consent.

She laid her hand on his arm and a shiver ran through her fins and gills. As she focused on healing the body, gradually his spirit cried out to her louder and louder, as if it were being crushed under a blanket of silence. It took all of her courtly training not to shed a tear; she didn’t want to startle him.

“Almost done.” She looked up at him, touching his bruised cheek, and he stared over her head, slightly embarrassed by their proximity and intimacy.

“There, all finished,” she managed to break away with only a small sniffle. 

“I couldn’t help but notice- and you certainly don’t have to share- but if it helps…” she started to feel nosey and trailed off.

“You can ask me anything,” he said, the corner of his mouth rising in quiet amusement.

She clasped her hands in front of her waist, “I just wonder, has something happened- is something wrong?”

Link shook his head. He wouldn’t burden Mipha with his tribulations. As glad as he was to see her again, he didn’t want to taint his visit with the perpetual cloud that seemed to follow him around everywhere these days. 

He’d have to make an effort to just forget about it all for now. Be in the moment, here in the Domain, with her. 

“Thank you… For the heals.” He added. “I’m sure I’ll need plenty more during this working vacation.”

Her laughter tinkled through the dusk, “It is my pleasure.”

“Goodnight, Princess.”

“Sleep well, Sir Link. I’ll make sure you have a day to yourself tomorrow. By royal decree if I must,” she grinned impishly.

“Thanks, that would be much appreciated, actually.” He gave a little wave and retreated up the path to his lodgings.

Mipha watched him go for longer than was probably reasonable. She was glad he didn’t look back because then she’d feel silly. She frowned as she thought of the turmoil she felt within him and hoped that his stay here would help.

Chapter Text

Link was woken in the morning by noises that sounded a lot like snickering. He moved to scratch his nose and then distinctly heard someone shushing. The next moment he was up with his sword drawn in the direction of the voices, which only served to make them devolve into full blown giggles.

Bazz was shoved out of his hiding spot into the proverbial spotlight and was scandalized about it. “Way to put me in the path of the Blade that Seals the Darkness, guys!” he cried indignantly.

Link blinked. The sun was up. At least he’d managed to sleep through an early morning rise. His body must have really needed it. He even felt rather spry compared to yesterday, if a bit sore.

“Bazz,” he greeted flatly. “Who else is here?”

Two other Zora came out with their hands up, black, and pale violet scales respectively.

“Do you remember Gads and Rivan?” Bass asked.

Link re-sheathed his sword. “Well, I was little… sorry. Kind of?”

“Don’t worry, we can remind you,” Rivan smiled. “I was your buddy when you visited. It was important to make sure you always had a companion around so much water.”

“Wise,” Link nodded once. He then looked at Gads to hear her part of it.

She blinked, “Oh me? I mostly just hung around to make fun of you lot. Prime entertainment, you were.”

“Fair enough.”

They all stood for a moment during the awkward reconnection before Bazz offered enthusiastically, “Shaaaaaall we get breakfast!?”

“Absolutely,” Link agreed. “Just let me get dressed.”

“Oh,” Gaddison mused, “sounds like you might still have that ravenous appetite. I’d never seen someone so small eat so much.”

Bazz got excited. “Let’s make it a challenge,” he grinned.

Rivan groaned, “By Jabu, Bazz, it’s always gotta be a competition with you.”

“Of course! That’s what makes it fun,” he grinned mischievously, pointy teeth flashing.

Link proceeded to eat Bazz under the table and took pleasure in the new fare, feeling nostalgic for the food he'd enjoyed once as a boy. He worked it off afterward by asking Rivan show him their old stomping grounds. Some of their antics did come back to him, especially the time they played at the pedestal under one of the smaller falls.

He would have to thank Mipha for securing him a day to himself. It was truly pleasant, and just what he needed to get into the right head space to prepare for what Seggin was bound to throw at him. Zora were renowned for their spearmanship and the Demon Sergeant was the most formidable of all.

He shouldn’t have been surprised to see Bazz reporting there the next day; after all, he also trained with his father, and may very well be studying to take his place one day. What was a surprise however, was Mipha’s presence. He thought she’d be much too busy for spectating, but there she was. To appreciate or perhaps oversee the proceedings, he couldn’t tell.

Seggin was fond of drills, which Link didn’t mind so much. He actually enjoyed the repetition so he could constantly tweak and improve his fluidity. The better his foundations were, the more confident and smooth he was when using his special technique. 

He smirked as he imagined Seggin’s reaction to his speed, if he was pushed to use it. He didn’t want to break out the big canons too soon, though. Perhaps he’d elicit the same amused curiosity he once did from the Chief of the Gerudo, Urbosa.

After the first week, Link wondered how long he would have to use a training spear. He wasn’t useless with the weapon type and had done some work back at the castle; but Seggin had his own way of doing things, and even though Link was an advanced pupil, he still started him from the beginning. Meanwhile, Bazz was distinctly further along in the program. That was fine. Link knew he would catch up very soon.

He was truly fascinated and inspired by his fellow students. The balletic movements they displayed in, and out, of the water was mesmerizing. Link found himself mimicking, and thus improving on his own techniques. On occasion, Seggin would ask his star pupil to demonstrate and Link would be transfixed as Mipha danced with her trident. He’d never seen anything like it. She was the very definition of grace.

After some time, Link was finally feeling confident that the spear was also becoming an extension of himself. Of course, nothing could take the place of the Master Sword in terms of the perfection of their pairing, but he thought he might challenge the Demon Sergeant to a sparring match to test his newly acquired skills.

“I must decline,” Seggin answered curtly.

Link was not expecting this at all, “But Sergeant, I’m ready.”

“Ready to show off you mean.”

Link’s lips parted and he blinked, but recovered quickly, though he couldn’t hide the faint color that rose in his cheeks.

“I know what you’re after, I’ve been watching your feet; constantly itching, holding back. You want to best the most accomplished fighter among the Zora.”

Link lowered his eyes, bit his lip and felt the weight of his hubris in the presence of his fellow students.

“I must decline because I myself am not that warrior. You seek a match with Princess Mipha.”

Link’s head shot up, eyes wide in surprise.

Seggin clasped his hands behind his back and smiled at Mipha, who sat healing the ankle of a Zora that managed to get tangled in their own feet when trying out a new move.

“What say you, Lady Mipha? Care to accept the challenge of our guest?”

“I could be persuaded,” she answered playfully. She finished her ministrations and helped the Zora to their feet before approaching. 

She politely accepted the offer of a training spear from one of the other students and took her place in the ring opposite Link. Taking her stance, she waited for him to make his move as the instigator.

She was so different to Urbosa, and no less challenging. It was like fighting water itself. He’d arrive at her position only to have her run through his fingers. 

He had to close the gaps.

She spun left and then strafed to the right, all the while twirling the spear hypnotically, trying to misdirect him from her next attack.

He stood his ground, bracing his ‘itchy’ feet, keenly aware of Seggin looking on to see what he could really do against a challenging opponent.

Mipha jumped and spiraled, driving a direct attack. 

Her movement slowed as he breathed into his technique, dodging to the right to take advantage of her less dominant side after noticing she parried less effectively on her left.

Hitting her spear with a flurry of strikes, Link knocked her back and she tumbled over the deck. He sucked in a breath, frantically calculating that his spear blows must have been too harsh. He needed to gain more control with the weapon.

“Princess!” he exclaimed while rushing to her, only to find himself immediately jumping back as she flipped up and took a swipe at him, flashing a smile of pointy teeth.

“Don’t fret on my account, I’m made of stronger stuff than that!” She lunged again, getting the drop on his distraction. By Jabu, she was eternally grateful she could self heal, though perhaps some lessons should be left to hurt so she could better learn from them.

He stumbled but recovered and smirked at her doggedness.

“You practically disappeared on me. How are you doing that?” she asked, entering a ready stance.

“You practically swim in the air, how are you doing that?” he rebutted.

They shared a look of mutual delight and Link tried to regain his focus. You are not making eyes at the Princess right now!

He knew she was waiting for his move. Urbosa had caught on to that as well, his technique being a defensive maneuver; but he’d had a lot of time to improve since that match with the Gerudo Tempest years ago. And Mipha certainly wouldn’t be zapping her way out of this one.

Link flicked a glance at Seggin, who was watching like a hawk, and Bazz, who’s mouth was hanging half open. He set his shoulders and took a balanced stance as energy crackled through him. Channeling his power into the spear, he dashed forward, and when Mipha raised hers to parry, he dodged and swung through her slowed movements to wrest the weapon from her grip.

Her line of sight followed her flying spear for but a moment, and Link closed their gap, sliding his spear between her arm and gills, simulating a run through. His hip pressed against her torso and his free hand held the back of her neck. 

She looked up at him, catching her breath as he did his own, their chests heaving together. Then he pulled away and bowed, but the heat from his touch remained.

“You are a most formidable opponent, Lady Mipha. I thank you for accepting my challenge.”

She nodded graciously, “It was my pleasure. You’ve certainly grown into a very accomplished warrior. No doubt I’ll be learning things from you as well.”

~~~

Not too long after word got around the whole Domain regarding Mipha’s match with The Hero, Link and Bazz were back on their bullshit from when they were younger. Bazz wanted to improve his swordplay and give the spectators something else interesting to gawk at.

If he’d been impressed with Link’s quick adoption of the spear, he was Jabu-smacked over how he danced with the Master Sword. Had he not known any better, he’d say the two moved so well together that the sword itself was anticipating what Link wanted from it. 

Bazz felt slow with his own Zora sword. The blade was medium length with a droplet shaped tip and an elaborately decorated quillon. Link encouraged repetition of slow work and running through the same routines every day. Gradually, they sped it up and Bazz was pleased that he had something to show for his diligence, holding out against Link for longer than he thought he could.

As per Sir Rusl’s request, Seggin sent reports of Link’s progress.

Rus,

I don’t know if you remember, but you once told me that your boy has an astounding knack for fighting. I’m sure I join others by observing that as an understatement. I’m half inclined to think you sent him here just to show off!

It should please you to know that in only a short time, he managed to best my star pupil, Princess Mipha, though to her credit and my pride, she made him work for it. Needless to say, it took her years and years before she surpassed her teacher, so imagine my surprise when Link proved his mettle so soon next to such experience. Being chosen by the Goddess is apparently no joke.

Aside from his meteoric rise through my training program, Link and Bazz have also devised some of their own extracurriculars. Do you recall being young enough that you just kept going and going rather than slinking off to relax after a hard days work? We will soon be obsolete!

I have a mind to say Link shows promise as a leader. He instructs Bazz well with the sword. I recall they did something similar during the cultural exchange. It’s always nice when you can pick up a friendship as if no time has passed. Do tell me when you and Gi can visit again, hm?

 - Seg

Rusl beamed as he read Seggin’s report. It sounded like Link was flourishing again, and just as he’d hoped, his boy was also being challenged. 

Perhaps he could build on that program and get Link’s stay extended. The Demon Sergeant was highly respected, even in Hylian circles, so if Rusl put him forth as a candidate to shape Link’s leadership instincts, the request was not likely to be dismissed.

Seggin was only too happy to accommodate. If he were entirely honest, aside from Mipha and his own son, Link was a favorite pupil. Oh, he wasn’t biased in the least. 

Naturally, Link took to his new training like a Zora to water yet again, so when learning of this, Rusl wrote back to Seggin with more schemes.

Seg,

I’ve been in touch with Sir Gaepora about Link’s progress and he suggested Link cut his teeth on his own Unit. I’m inclined to agree. We have some mediocre candidates bucking for Castle Town Guard positions. If Link can whip them into shape, it will put him in very good standing with those who question his ability to carry the title he does. Despite his stellar performance, some still gawk at his age. What say you, care to take in more strays? 

As for visiting, when was the last time you were out of the Domain? You should come see Hateno instead. Gi has cultivated the best garden in town and she would adore a sea-fishing partner!

 - Rus

Seggin found himself staring wistfully at the mountains to the south, seriously considering Rusl’s invitation, though it wouldn’t be for quite some time. 

He agreed to the request of accepting more Hylian soldiers to the Domain, and in return, asked to send some of his own contingent so they could experience how things were done in the capital. A newly reformed military exchange could be beneficial to their ongoing allied relations, even if it was small scale.

Chapter Text

Link sighed inwardly while keeping a stoic facade as he watched his Unit arrive with the afternoon trade caravan. Of course. The group turned out to be mostly made up of peers who had been snooty about his early Knighting. Perhaps even worse, was the addition of one of his unofficial fan club members. Suck-ups and haters, just great.

They proved to be extra snooty now that he was giving orders. 

Link decided to begin their training by running them through a boot camp with Seggin, get them used to how things were done in the Domain. They had no trouble deferring to the esteemed Demon Sergeant and Link took note of the way Seggin spoke and carried himself. It was new territory to be studying the Sergeant’s mannerisms rather than what he was actually teaching. Link found it rather intriguing.

This went on for a few days and Link would step in here and there, augmenting the program in ways that would suit the positions they were entering. The moment he had them all to himself, however, they just wouldn’t see him as their authority figure. Except Talo, who followed him like a puppy.

There was too much history between them, especially Ashei. Cawlin and Strich tended to follow her lead, and Mido was just… Mido. He really didn’t like anybody.

Mipha watched in curious amusement as Link tried to wrangle his Unit. It inspired reflection of the fact that she never had such trouble. Surely, that was entirely due to her title- an assertion which, if she were to say aloud, any Zora would scoff because she never behaved in a way that didn’t earn her people’s love and respect naturally. 

Link was fighting a battle to earn their respect and she admired the patient way he was going about it. There were no flashy words with him, no pomp or bargaining. He wasn't trying to get his soldiers to like him. He was just demonstrating and following through with his actions.

This was where she could lend a hand, and perhaps his students would fall in line by way of her royal proximity and collaboration. They were currently paired and performing their task to varying levels of success, so Mipha took the opportunity to approach and address their instructor while he scrutinized their work.

“Sir Link,” she started in her quiet voice, before clearing her throat and speaking up as her tutor Muzu always reminded her to do, “might I be of some assistance in demonstrating this technique?”

Link turned at the distraction and his stomach was momentarily weightless as he was not expecting her presence. “I would- yes, Lady Mipha, that would be most helpful. Thank you.”

He clapped and addressed the group, “Everyone, Lady Mipha has kindly offered to help demonstrate this maneuver. Please pay attention. We’ll first run it slowly and then carry out a match,” he regarded Mipha, “if that suits you?”

She smiled, “It suits me just fine.”

Link fetched a training spear for her from the rack next to the ring and tossed it over before reaching his mark. She caught it and immediately entered the defensive position. “Ready when you are, Sir Link.”

The students were outright gawking at the fact that a challenger existed who could hold their own against Link. Back at the castle, it had been years of defeat, since their earliest squiring days. Barring Talo, their bitterness sharpened their attention to this fight more than any of their other lessons and they were fascinated by the speed exerted by the challenger.

Enamored with Mipha’s graceful, yet powerful displays, they held out hope that she could knock Link down a peg, however, he bested her yet again. Ashei sighed and rolled her eyes. 

Link and Mipha shook hands and he thanked her for her kindness. “It’s always a privilege to spar with you, my Lady.” His hand lingered in hers, thumb softly brushing upwards.

“Any time, Sir Link,” she replied graciously with a small curtsy. “I must leave you now for my next engagement,” she said as she pulled her hand slowly out of his, smiling softly. 

“Study well, everyone. I-“ she almost wanted to issue a command of respect, but Link had to earn it on his own. “I wish you all the best,” she nodded before leaving, handing off her spear to Link.

He watched her go before turning to his Unit to drill them about what techniques they took from the spar. “What do you think was the most important factor in gaining this victory?”

Ashei answered in a drawl, “How should we know, you were moving too fast to see anything.”

Talo was bouncing and piped up, “I noticed that you take good breaths when you have time to focus.”

Link furrowed his eyebrows critically, “Well, yes. I suppose being mindful of your breathing is important. Though I was more hoping you all noticed, during the slow work, how we were locating, and taking advantage of openings. These are a lot harder to come by in advanced levels but they do still exist, even if it takes more time to find them.”

Mido had a bee buzzing in his helmet about the match and decided he wasn’t going to keep it to himself. “Why didn’t you let the Princess win?”

“I would never insult her in such a way,” Link stated flatly, becoming somewhat annoyed again at his students’ lackadaisical approach to his lessons. Why couldn’t they be like Bazz? Maybe he should get Bazz in here, but no, they needed to be their own Unit.

“Surely it’s more insulting to beat her on her home turf,” Mido insisted.

Link took in a breath and reminded himself to be patient, to be the teacher, and the example. “The Princess and I have our own talents,” he began. “Where she is a natural healer, I might be bothered to hastily wrap a bandage. She is a very good fighter, but I’m simply better.”

Mido had an eyebrow raised, but was listening, so Link continued, “Letting her win would not only be a disservice to the hard work that I put into my training, but also to her efforts on improving herself in order to defeat me. 

“Not letting her win will only make her stronger. I hope that you will endeavor to show the same respect to all of your sparring partners.”

He could practically hear the gears turning in all their heads. “Perhaps we should break for today. Rest up, and tomorrow we will run communication drills.”

Groaning ensued as they dispersed, except for Talo. He was excited. He was always excited.

~~~

Using what he’d read from the books Seggin had given him, Link began the drills early the next morning. These were scenarios that he came up with, with inspiration from the guides, to test their ability to work as a team and foster impeccable battle communication. Not surprisingly, he was struggling to gain cohesion.

He tried every team combination possible. When Link himself was paired with Ashei, she was obstinate. Cawlin and Strich idolized her, so if they were paired with her, they were too hesitant unless she was giving them orders. Cawlin and Strich together by themselves were useless. If only one was paired with Ashei, the other one was useless. 

When Mido was paired with Talo, he just bullied the teacher’s pet. If Mido was with Ashei, they fought over who was in charge, and on and on and on…

Seggin wandered over at one point while yet another scenario was falling apart. Link sent Talo off to join Cawlin and Mido so he could remove himself from the proceedings and get some much needed advice.

“Hey Serg, any words of wisdom? I just can’t get them to- it’s like they don’t understand the meaning of working together,” Link said, unable to hide the frustration in his voice. 

Their maturity was wanting to the point of embarrassment. Perhaps his father sent them because they were also trouble at the castle and he thought that The Hero would hold sway over them. That was a laugh. Most of them hated his guts and the fact that he pulled a legendary sword didn’t change that a whit.

“There’s no stakes,” Seggin offered matter-of-factly, then meandered away again to see to his own students.

Link’s gears began turning and focus on his floundering Unit dropped as ideas started coming hard and fast. He chased after Seggin and called out to him, “Sergeant! Would I be able to borrow Bazz and a couple others? I have an idea.”

The Demon Sergeant tapped his claws against his spear before answering. “I suppose. You can have them for the rest of the week. Take your pick.”

Bazz overheard and paused his forms with a big, pointy grin and asked, “Alright! What are we doin’!?”

Link smirked, “Combat training exercises.”

“Fintastic!”

Link stared at him, “Were you always like this?”

“Yes.”

“Whatever. Come on, bring Rivan and Gads.”

He returned to his training area to see his group had stopped without him. He fought an eyeroll. It was unprofessional. Their lack of initiative was annoying but probably for the best at this point, considering any taken on their own might actually be very ill inspired. 

“You’re dismissed,” he grunted.

Talo started rambling questions while the others couldn’t leave fast enough.

“I said dismissed.”

“You see,” Ashei said to her minions as they returned to their makeshift barracks, “gives up on us and only wants to hang out with his Zora friends.”

Once all the Brigade members were together around a table, Link introduced them to his burgeoning plan. He decided to draw upon his experience from when he was previously away from the castle in Goronland. The terrain here wouldn’t be as challenging, especially in terms of temperature, but Upland Zorana would work for his needs.

If the team could be removed from their cozy environment- where they felt safe enough to continue with their unconducive attitudes- and were presented with real danger, perhaps they would start working together, and trust his leadership.

Link wasn’t sure if they’d had their wilderness training yet, but if they hadn’t then this would be a crash course. Keep it simple. Two forts for the set up, one for the Brigade and the other for his Unit. It was the age old scenario: take control of the other fort.

Link worried that the numbers were not even but the Brigade were a well oiled machine and on occasion, their shenanigans were the bane of the Domain. The most recent affront to everyone’s sensibilities was when Bazz orchestrated for the shells of all the sneaky river snails to be painted so they wouldn’t glow at night. He claimed this would make them ‘extra sneaky’ and enjoyed himself far too much when unsuspecting Zora stepped on them and howled in pain.

“Good morning team,” Link greeted the morning of their departure.

In return he received mumbles and a resounding ‘GOOD MORNING, SIR LINK’ from Talo.

“Right. We’re going to Upland Zorana. Pack light and efficiently for camping. Be ready to leave in thirty.”

“Yes, Sir!” They scattered, apparently under the impression that this was going to be a fun activity.

The Brigade was fixing to leave at the same time but they would reach the training grounds far before the others by using the waterfalls. They were to fortify their position and start planning their raid on Link’s team later that day.

It took most of the morning to hike up the switchback trails and everyone was relieved when they were given a rest and time to eat the midday meal. Shortly after, Link instructed them to make camp and to build it smartly.

“You should always be prepared for anything out in the wild,” he hinted. “Especially since Lizzies are known to hunt these parts. I’m going to scout our surroundings.”

Bazz and the others would have cleared their own area of vermin already so Link prowled around the northeast trails, mildly disappointed when there were no lizal camps to run off. Instead, he busied himself with foraging to give his Unit more time to fortify their encampment.

When he returned, he wasn’t surprised to find them acting like they were on a holiday, except for Talo, who had placed pikes around only his own sleeping area. 

Link blinked. So be it. They would soon reap what they hadn’t sown.

“Strich, you’re the tallest, you’re on lookout duty,” Link said as he dropped some shrooms by the fire pit. 

He retrieved a blue flag from his pack with the royal crest on it and tossed it to Cawlin. “Run this up on a pole. I’m going to hunt for something to go with these fine shrooms before we lose daylight.”

Instead, he took a prime position in the rock outcroppings to see how everything would fall apart fantastically; and he was not disappointed. Well, disappointed- yes, wrong- no.

Bazz, Gaddison and Rivan came tearing up the path in war paint, brandishing spears and yelling with glee.

Strich sounded the alarm late because he didn’t notice them until they were practically in the camp. Cawlin hid. Talo defended his tent which was of zero interest to the enemy. Ashei and Mido had their asses handed to them easily and then Strich announced that the attackers had also left.

Link face-palmed his forehead into the smooth rock face. He let them wonder that the fuck had even happened before returning to receive their report.

As he strolled into camp, Talo ran over, “Sir Link! Thank Hylia you’re back. This group of crazy Zora attacked us!”

Link was deadpan. “That’s unusual.” He surveyed the disheveled camp. “Did they take anything?”

Cawlin piped up, “The flag! I saw them take the flag.”

From your hiding place, Link kept to himself.

“Well… seems to me we have a war on our hands. We’ll just have to reinforce our defenses, won’t we. Talo-“

“Yes, Sir!”

“Good idea with the pikes. Get them all the way around the camp this time.”

“Right away, Sir!” Talo responded, back straight as a board, before scurrying off to his duty.

“Cawlin,” Link ordered, “relieve Strich and keep watch.”

Strich jeered at Cawlin getting the boring job until Link handed him a shovel. “No one dug the latrine earlier. Get to it.”

Strich’s long face fell instantly and he grumbled while Cawlin snickered at his back.

“And if you aren’t watching our surroundings like a hawk, you’ll get no dinner brought to you,” Link added.

Cawlin swiveled back around right quick and shut up.

Ashei and Mido were already cleaning up camp so at least they were being productive. Link approached them less like children. “Would you both like to go over defensive strategies?”

Their pride must have been wounded something fierce because one of them nodded, and then the other. 

Link was pleasantly surprised. “Alright, tell me how it went down and we’ll try a few things.” He knew exactly what had happened but he needed to hear how they perceived it. They had integrity enough to be honest about it.

They worked into the night, lit by the fire that Talo had started. He also began cooking dinner without prompting and Strich helped. When it was time for sleep, Link himself took watch, naming Mido his successor, and subsequently Ashei, then Talo to bring in the morning.

When the group awoke to the flag returned to their pole, they weren’t sure what to make of it. 

“Looks like we are on the defensive again. Let’s make sure they don’t roll straight through camp this time, right?”

“Right!” they answered in unison.

They lost the flag again, and spent the rest of the day training. Being unified against, and wanting to defeat an ‘enemy’ gave his Unit more focus than Link had ever seen from them. He was partially baffled at how well the exercise was working. But they had a long way to go, and only so many days before the week was out and the Brigade had to return to Seggin.

By the third day, they managed to drive back their attackers and keep the flag. During their celebratory dinner that night, for which Link had procured a crane, he announced, “Well done today, team. I commend your progress.” He held up his cup and the others followed suit before drinking.

“Tomorrow, we go on the offensive.”

Mido spat his drink and the others looked at Link as if he’d spoken in tongues. Evidently, they thought their win meant the ‘camping trip’ was over.

“We have two days to get the flag from those weasels- and they are crafty sons of fairies. If we’re gonna do this, then you need to Follow. My. Lead,” he said pointedly.

They came home empty handed, but Link was pleased that rather than be disheartened, or wanting to give up, they listened intently to his plan for the following day. “Talo, remember earlier when you stood on the plainly visible snail outside their camp?”

“Yes, Sir!” Talo answered, the subtle good-natured dig going completely over his head.

“Shhhh, there may be spies.” Link lowered his voice even more, “I need you to play up your injury. Stay off your feet for the rest of the day and complain. And- most importantly, stay in bed tomorrow morning. Your foot is infected and it got worse over night.”

Talo nodded, “I think I get it.”

“Good, then tell me what happens next- quietly.”

“They think I’m outta’ commission. ‘Cause they’re watching, right?”

“Always assume they’re watching,” Link said.

“Right. So then, you guys leave, and I follow after because the enemy has to retreat to defend.”

“Keep going,” Link smiled proudly.

“And then, while you guys are whacking the front lines, I sneak in and get the flag.”

Link put his hand in the middle of the group and felt a flutter in his heart when they all placed theirs on top.

In the midst of battle the following day, Bazz turned to see Talo grabbing the flag, and he proceeded to stand on his own snail defenses from the distraction. He wailed in defeat, putting on the most theatrical fake death anyone had ever seen.

Everyone started walking away.

“Comrades! You would leave your fallen Captain to be decomposed by the elements!?”

“See you back at the Domain, Cap,” Rivan waved.

“But my feet!”

“You have fins.”

Bazz huffed and got up, hobbling to the nearest waterfall.

After their successful training games, the Brigade invited Link’s Unit to hang out with them, and Talo wasn’t the only one who thought they were really cool. Link sighed with relief. His work was done.

Chapter Text

Now that everyone had learned how to do their jobs, Link approached the Demon Sergeant to request a furlough for his Unit. Seggin approved, noting that they had certainly earned it, and also offered the same for the Zora team that helped. 

“Hot-footed frog!” Bazz exclaimed as he slapped arm fins with Rivan and Gaddison.

Having just delivered a message to the Sergeant from the King, Mipha was present, and giggled at the proceedings.

“I believe congratulations are in order for your training exercise, Sir Link,” she offered graciously.

“Thank you, Lady Mipha. Your assistance has also been invaluable. You should join us.” His smile was warm and sincere, inviting.

She held his gaze for a moment too long before nervously exhaling and shaking her head. “Oh, I- I couldn’t. I wouldn’t want to be an imposition on the group.”

“Nonsense, you’re practically part of the team,” Link encouraged.

“Come on, Princess,” Bazz egged. “Take the day off with us!”

She was going to refuse again, but paused with her mouth open to reconsider, running through what appointments could be delayed. “Alright,” she nodded, “I’ll come with you.”

“Yes!” Bazz exclaimed triumphantly.

Mipha smiled in amusement. “I’ll just need to reschedule a few duties. Where shall I meet you?”

Bazz suggested a staycation at up at the East Reservoir Lake. The banks on the east were a lovely spot for a picnic and it wasn’t too much of a trek. 

“Very well. See you soon,” Mipha excused herself.

Whilst he still took part in the planning conversation that was going on, Link subtly watched Mipha leave and kept glancing her way. 

She reached a corner, and before rounding it, she looked back.

Link eyes bashfully fell to the ground and Mipha was weightless for a few paces, giddiness putting a little bounce in her step.

Once everyone arrived at the lake, they spent the morning sailing and fishing in the reservoir. The Zora set up to cook their catch near the base of Tal Tal Peak, making a fire from the dried, fallen branches available in the clearing, and the Hylians cleaned and prepared the fish, seasoning them with herbs and salt. 

With full bellies, the others grouped up nearby, joking around, while Link and Mipha sat together on a rock to appreciate the ambiance of a wide waterfall. At this distance, the rush was loud but soothing, and the mist cooled the air around them, making the hot day more enjoyable. 

This particular waterfall flowed under the many ridges jutting out from Ploymus Mountain, and no matter the time of day, never glistened in the sunlight. Only the mouth at the top of the falls reflected brightly. 

“Poor Sidon was devastated that he couldn’t come today,” Mipha admitted guiltily. “Sometimes I think he’s my little shadow. Every time I turn around, he’s there.”

Link’s lip quirked up and he nodded in understanding; his sister Plumeria was the same. He missed his partner in crime.

Mipha blinked as she looked to the falls and was reminded of Shatterback Point, the tallest peak in Zora’s Domain. “This area is very nice, but I wish we could go to the usual hang out.”

Link tilted his head in interest, silently asking why.

She scrunched up her face in distaste and looked away. “Oh, a Lynel has decided to take up residence and is now defending it as their own territory.” 

With a sigh, she rested her left elbow on her knee and palmed her cheek, absent-mindedly drawing nothing in particular in the dirt with her trident. “It’s actually quite a pain because- Link?” she had looked up and he wasn’t sitting next to her anymore. 

Twisting around, she saw him walking off past the others, heading for the least steep incline surrounding the little valley. “Did he just-?” she asked herself. Surely, he’s not THAT reckless.

The others had taken no particular notice as Link was well known for going off on his own for random bouts of time. Curiosity inspired her to want to follow, but she wouldn’t be able to just tail him. He’d notice for sure. She’d have to take a shortcut via the waterfall. 

If Mipha could get ahead, then she would know soon enough if he was doing what she thought he was doing. If he didn’t pass by, then she could easily re-join everyone and wait for his return.

She sunk the points of her trident in the ground and used it to stand before pushing off the rock in an arc. He’d already gone out of sight so she swam into the pool and lined herself up at the base of the waterfall before performing one of the amazing feats the Zora were known for. 

The water thundered over her head but did nothing to keep her down once she kicked off and started swimming up. Zora could slice through and swim against the most powerful of currents, and this included the deluges of waterfalls. Once she found a clear channel, she was up the falls in mere seconds, shooting out at the top like a breaching whale, and flipping to land gracefully.

She had been helping her little brother Prince Sidon lately with tackling the waterfalls. He could do small ones by himself but still needed help with the towering deluges around the Domain. She was confident that he would be one of their strongest swimmers one day; he always practiced so hard and never quit, such that his elders had to convince him it was acceptable to take much needed rest and continue a challenge the following day. 

Many a time she’d escorted him back to bed when he was beset with an unrelenting determination. This once even included trying to start a river snail circus. Unfortunately, they didn’t do much besides glow in the dark.

Mipha ran up the bank and around Tal Tal Peak, a much smaller mount next to Ploymus, to avoid detection. There was a rocky outcrop she could hide behind while Link went past. She did not have to wait long. 

He was huffing his way up with a sure stride, the handle of The Blade That Seals the Darkness glinting in the sunlight on his back. If she followed now, she would easily be spotted because he quickly gained the high ground as he started winding his way up the slope of the mountain.

Once he rounded the far corner she dashed out and endeavored to play catch up. Where her small, yet powerful legs dominated in the waterfall, she always felt that her run was more akin to a spastic shuffle. When she slowed and carefully peered around the same corner to see if she could spot him, he was already too far ahead. 

Worry suddenly overtook her as the reality of the situation settled in. Link was most certainly on his way to fight that Lynel- and he was alone. What if he was fatally injured before she could get there!? 

Anger flared in her breast. He was much too reckless. She ran as fast as she could up the winding path, hoping to Jabun that she would get there in time.

Startling scenarios went through her mind as she started to lose her breath. What if he was knocked unconscious and she had to drag him away? How would she even outrun the beast? A last ditch effort would probably mean she’d have to take him over the edge of Shatterback Point and hope he could survive the plunge from the highest dive in Hyrule. 

Even most Zora were wary of that jump. Only the bravest of thrill seekers ever attempted it.

She stopped for just a moment and leaned her hand on a rock face to take deep breaths. The gills on her ribs were burning from having to process too much oxygen without the lubricant of cool water. You can do it Mipha. Don’t stop, keep going. She stumbled around the rock and gasped when she saw him leaning against a tree looking straight at her.

“Just as well that you’ve tuckered yourself out following me. You can wait here and rest while I handle the Lynel.” He looked above his head at a shock arrow stuck in the tree and leaned up to pull it out. The yellow pointed tips still held their charge. 

“Hm. Shame I didn’t have a bow with me today.” He stuck it in the ground and continued on to a clearing where the monster was supposedly patrolling.

Her mouth dropped when he’d practically dismissed her and she called to his back, “You’re right mad if you think I’m going to let you go in alone.”

His mouth lifted into a smirk that she didn’t see. “Let me?” 

He turned back to face her. His cheeks were slightly flush, and the adrenaline building in his system for the impending fight caused him to act teasingly antagonistic. “I wonder, do you actually hold dominion over me in these lands?” 

There was a familiarity between them that made this taunting easy. Besides those in his immediate family, almost no one got to see this side of him anymore.

“Well, I…” she faltered and actually entertained the question, considering the politics of the Hylians’ visit. Then she realized he was baiting her. 

“That’s hardly the point!”

“I’ll be fine, Princess. Just go back a ways and wait for me,” he flicked his hands at her.

“I most certainly will NOT!” Her protest turned into a cry as an electric blast erupted behind her. She was flung toward him and landed on her hands and knees, trident flat against the ground.

“Mipha!” He rushed over and knelt beside her.

“I’m alright,” she said, looking up at him with wide eyes.

That was all he needed to hear. His head whipped around and he scanned the clearing for the Lynel. Semi hidden behind a large boulder, Link could see its muscled arms beginning to nock another arrow. 

He had to get its attention before it shot another one towards Mipha. He tore out into the clearing and drew his sword as he ran, letting out a battle yell.

Mipha’s heart began pounding in her chest and she gripped her trident before running in after him. 

When she appeared at his side she saw his shock and he opened his mouth to perhaps shout her away to safety, but her look of determination silenced his protest, and he nodded instead before dodging a swing from the Lynel’s large weapon and using his flurry attack on the beast.

While Link pummeled it from one side, Mipha speared its other flank and the Lynel roared, rising onto its hind legs before rushing away from them. It circled back and made a run at them. When Link parried, the Lynel became stunned.

Mipha took the opportunity to leap onto its back and sunk her tines between its shoulder blades. The Lynel became stiff from impalement and Mipha watched as Link held out his sword, drawing in the very energy around him, before releasing it in a furious spin, so fast that it left color trailing in the air behind him.

Once they were clear, Mipha insisted on looking him over for injuries. As he turned around so she could check his back, she noticed he kept glancing up toward the peak of the mountain. She decided to voice his thoughts for him since she knew he probably wouldn’t. 

“It would be a shame if we didn’t appreciate the view after coming all the way up here, don’t you think?” She touched his arm and added, “I’m quite satisfied that you are, in fact, unharmed, so let’s go have a look shall we?” 

She smiled that smile of hers that Link thought was the most genuine in the world. It was infectious and always served to cheer him up, even if he didn’t always show it. 

The walk up to the summit was peppered with a few pine trees and small, colorful shrubs. They gave way to a smooth, dark rock face where nothing stood but a sign near the edge reading ‘Feed me.’ 

Link let out a single chuckle through his nose. “Someone has an interesting sense of humor.”

“Oh yes,” Mipha remarked. “I think it may have been put there to remind us to still bring offerings to Jabun from time to time. No one really practices that sort of worship anymore though.”

“You’ll have to educate me on who this Jabun is,” he inquired while appreciating the view. 

From their location, the jagged ice peaks of Lanayru Mountain to the south looked much smaller, but one could also make out that the ice towered over the trees threefold, offering a proper sense of scale. 

On the distant horizon across Hyrule Field were the sandstone cliffs of the Gerudo Highlands. Link had never been out that way and found it intriguing that a desert could be just beyond the snow capped mesas. To the north, Death Mountain took up the vista with its steep, glowing crags. Even in the day, the lava flows ran bright down the side of the volcano. He remembered his time there fondly, challenging though it was.

Mipha leaned on her staff and followed his gaze while she answered. “Jabun is the Zora patron deity. It is written in our history that a Princess of the Zora, Ruto, was once his attendant before she awoke as a Sage.”

Link was oddly twinged with annoyance at hearing the name Ruto but had no idea why. He didn’t let it distract him as Mipha continued. 

“She endeavored to help defend the kingdom along with the Princess of Hyrule and your previous namesake, the Hero of Time.”

He had been content listening to the story and enjoying the view until he was reminded of his fate. Ever since he pulled the sword, he bore an ever growing weight- the hope of everyone he came into contact with. He could see the expectation in their eyes, often combined with judgment of his perceived worthiness, or lack thereof. 

They knew him to be the sword’s chosen and the more time that passed, the more of himself he lost to becoming the Hero. To them, his whole raison d’être culminated in one fight. He yearned for the day when it was all over and he could be forgotten.

Mipha perceived that his demeanor had changed, becoming quite stony with a furrowed brow and a set jaw. She hoped it had not somehow been her doing and decided to change the subject to something she’d been meaning to tell him anyway. 

“Vah Ruta was named in honor of Princess Ruto. I think she’s quite adorable.” She drew closer to his side and said softly, “I have been asked to pilot her.”

Link’s stern expression softened to a look of surprise. “Did you agree?”

“Of course! I would do anything to keep my home safe.” To keep you safe.

“You shouldn’t be so eager to put yourself in danger, Princess. That was foolish.”

She had not expected this reaction, nor was she prepared for the hurt that it caused. She responded defensively, “It’s a privilege to be able to serve my people this way. I also said yes because I wanted to help you. Jabun knows you certainly injure yourself enough.”

He looked away across the open sky at nothing; at a distant flock of birds flying in a V formation, but not really seeing it. “You should have said no.”

She spluttered at his brazenness, “Well, you didn’t say no!”

His eyes slid back over to her and held the same frown, which appeared to her as an outright glare. “I wasn’t given a choice.” 

They stood together in awkward silence after that. They’d never had an argument before.

The sun placed the time around mid-afternoon and Link took a few steps to look over the edge at the reservoir far, far below. He didn’t much like the idea of having to trek all the way back down the mountain to reunite with the others. Why do that when there was a shortcut right here?

He broke the heavy silence, stating flatly, “I’m going to jump.”

Mipha had been running a gamut of emotions from learning his truth: horror, pity, sadness; but when he said that he was jumping she immediately pivoted to frustration. 

“Why are you always throwing yourself into dangerous situations!?”

He backed up a few paces and looked at her with the saddest smile she’d ever seen and said, “Because it’s the only time I feel free.”

“Please, no,” she begged. “It’s so high, you could really get hurt. Link!” 

He tightened the sword’s strap across his chest and sprung forward, ignoring Mipha when she yelled his name. Taking a running leap, he spread his arms out wide and his gut plunged for a moment as his body’s fight or flight response grappled with being weightless. 

Wind rushed past causing his tunic to flap wildly, the sound and the feeling giving him an enormous sense of déjà vu and a strange, yet urgent need to whistle for a companion.

His curiosity was interrupted as the waterline approached fast, and he felt a heightened sense of excitement, laced with fear, as he angled forward and put his hands together to break the surface. Once he hit, he arched upwards to flatten his depth as much as possible. 

When he surfaced, his adrenaline was pumping such that he could ignore the chill and he swam back leisurely to the blue platform jutting out from the shore. 

Rivan was sitting on the edge gawking at him.

“Ooooh, he’s just being so… so selfish!” She stomped her foot.

To her relief, a lizard on a nearby rock was the only audience to her outburst. 

“I’m sorry,” she said politely, “I’m usually more composed.”

The lizard licked its eye.

Chapter Text

The following week, Mipha agonized over the fact that the air was now a bit strained between them. Perhaps she shouldn’t have been so overprotective on the mountain. She may have only been adding even more weight to his choice-less burden. The very thought sent her stomach into twists.

To help herself work through the gamut of feelings, she turned again to her diary. That had always seemed to help clear her head in the past:

Though I should have been terrified, I could not help but feel safe in the presence of my dear friend.

His kindness and determination to help those in need... His strength and skill... My heart is drawn to his. I am doomed...

Rather than achieving the sensible clarity she sought, she became even more mired in her heart’s deepest desires. 

There had to be a better way to communicate with Link. 

She was absolutely confident in the fact that she would be a great help to him as a Divine Beast Pilot, but apparently he needed proof of a different kind other than her own word. Perhaps in his own language, then? 

She had to beat him. 

To aid her cunning plan, Mipha decided to start sitting in on Link’s training more, watching along with the other members of the chickaloo nut gallery. Whereas most of them were there for entertainment, she carefully studied his every move. Being on the outside of a spar looking in was a fascinating exercise. 

His strikes were so quick, he sometimes neglected his footwork, which was rather amusing because it was one of the things he liked harping on about the most. This factor could leave an opening worth exploiting. 

The only thing she couldn’t be sure of, was if he neglected it only because his current partners were not challenging enough, therefore not warranting his full focus. If that were the case then there was no doubt he’d be much sharper with her, but she had to take the gamble.

While the students were on break and Link himself was taking a moment to rehydrate, Mipha approached rather mischievously. Bazz knew the second he looked over that she was up to something and he waved Rivan and Gaddison out of their drills to come watch.

“Good morning, Sir Link,” Mipha greeted him with a warm smile.

He nodded, “Princess.”

“I wonder if you could indulge me in a bit of sparring exercise? I want to make sure I stay limber in case another Lynel encroaches on the Domain when you are not here.”

Link could hear the sarcasm dripping from her otherwise polite conversation. He didn’t realize she had that in her. He couldn’t hide his grin.

“Very well, m’Lady,” he agreed with a bow. “Name your terms.” 

By now, a crowd was gathering as Mipha announced, “A clash of spears.”

Link regarded his friend, gesturing to the weapon rack, “Bazz, some training spears, please.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d prefer to keep my trident,” Mipha chirped succinctly. “Please arm yourself accordingly.”

Bazz was beside himself, “Oh ho ho. Here you go, mate.” He tossed his own Zora spear Link’s way.

The whole area became void of any noise as a hush fell over the spectators, the constant rush of the waterfalls in the background the only reminder that the world moved beyond this moment.

Link and Mipha stared into each other’s eyes from across the ring, Link in a defensive position and Mipha relaxed.

She has something up her sleeve, Link thought; and she appeared to be primed to let him chase her around again. That was fine, the more she ran, the better he’d get at catching up to her slinky movements.

He kicked off and she dodged him, side to side, as if she was swimming in the sky. He relentlessly pursued and hardly afforded her any space to carry out the maneuver she had planned.

She found an opening when he left her sight. She knew he was using his speed technique and that he would aim it at her trident as before. She flung it from her and that momentarily confused him enough that he appeared again and followed her as she back flipped to where her weapon had stuck in the ground. 

Just before she made it back to the trident, she slowed to draw him in. When her hands touched the ground he was practically on top of her, and while upside down, she performed a powerful twist, whipping her headtail around and knocking his legs out from under him.

As he fell, she rolled quickly to grab her weapon and popped up in time to aim the pointy end of her trident at his sternum. He had managed to lift his spear against it, but it would do nothing to stop the tines sinking into his flesh if she pressed; they would go in plenty far enough before being stopped by the width of the blade.

He blinked up at her, a small blush spreading across his cheeks as the crowd lost their minds. 

Amid shouts of ‘Princess Mipha bested the Hero!’ and ‘Jabu’s Belly, did you see that!?’ she withdrew her trident and reached a hand down to help him up.

“That was very well played, Princess. Congratulations,” he nodded.

Their grip lingered and her very heart felt like it was in his grasp as he squeezed slightly. 

“Thank you for indulging my request, Sir Link.”

He gave her a look she had not seen before, staring straight into her pools of amber and no longer over her head into his own distant thoughts. “It was my pleasure,” he offered, while keeping a small smile between them.

It was almost impossible for her to be out in public after their bout. The Zora couldn’t stop singing her praises even if they simply caught a glimpse as she walked by in the distance. Her father was especially proud but showed it more with a silent dad gleam, for which she was thankful. Muzu, on the other hand, was beside himself for weeks. 

Seggin was worse. He wrote to Link’s Father first thing to boast. In reply, he received the sentiment that he should enjoy it while he could, because it would only happen once.

Little Prince Sidon also got in on the excitement, parading around with his toy spear, pretending to be his sister and stabbing the Hylians. It even made Mido laugh.

The Hero and the Zora Princess were inseparable after their spar, spending every bit of their free time together. Bazz was rather put out because it was interfering with Brigade business, but Link said he should take Talo under his wing, and that worked well enough to stymie his complaints.

“I see you have pushed yourself too far again today,” Mipha remarked upon seeing Link’s condition after training.

“I don’t know how to not put in my all, what can I say?” he answered playfully. He obediently sat for her while she began to heal him, looking at it with as much wonder as he had done when he was a child. Her power pulsed with blue waves and little sparks of it separated and dissipated. 

It was always comforting, her presence was comforting. He had really opened up to her over the past few weeks and it reminded him of the fun they used to have in Castle Town, before he was saddled with destiny.

“Mipha?”

“Hm?” she asked sweetly, looking up with a smile.

He was going to ask how she healed, but it caught in his throat as he took in her kindness and quiet strength, her sudden shyness and curiosity at his gaze. He put his hand over her glowing one and leaned in, closing his eyes.

His lips pressed against hers. She was cool to the touch. When his bottom lip shifted to explore the shape of her slightly parted mouth, she took in a small breath and her glow became so bright that even with his eyes closed, he had to break away and shield his face.

“What is that?” he asked, laughter in his voice.

“I’m so sorry!” She massaged her hands as the light faded. 

“It helps my healing to think of something- someone that makes me happy,” she admitted softly while averting her eyes.

Link took her hands in his own, “You make me happy too. I’m much lighter when I’m with you.”

She nodded. “I feel it. So different from when you arrived.” A heavy pause settled over them as her face fell.

“When were you leaving again?” she asked, voice tinged with regret.

“Any time is too soon.”

“Then let’s make the most of it,” Mipha said tenderly. She held his cheek in her hand and searched  his blue eyes before claiming his warm, soft lips in turn for her own.

~~~

The day after Link left, Mipha set about collecting what she needed for a suit of Zora Armor. She carefully watched for when her special white scale was ready to shed and kept it safe while crafting the rest of the pieces from dragon scales and hydrodynamic fabrics. She made it in blue, to match his eyes.

Because she was so excited to present the armor, but couldn’t just yet, she decided to send another gift ahead, something that would also set off the whole ensemble. Just as she was finishing describing her request to Dento, the accomplished craftsman who made her Lightscale Trident, a messenger from court delivered a summons from the King.

“Thank you, Dento, I’ll come by later to check on them. About this big,” she demonstrated by holding her thumb and forefinger a small distance apart next to her cheek.

Dento nodded, “Anything for you, Lady Mipha.”

Following her escort, she had a feeling she might finally hear the verdict for her future. Either she was going to pilot Vah Ruta with her father’s blessing, or she was going to pilot without.

She arrived to find a few others present, her teachers, Muzu and Seggin, and Sidon, who was being watched by his minder. She smiled graciously at them all and waved to Sidon, who grinned back.

“Yes, Father,” she said as she stood before him, tiny under his serene gaze. She always appreciated how he espoused such calm composure, but she could also tell when he was somewhat anxious.

“My Daughter,” he began in his deep rumble, “you have shown yourself to be a confident and capable fighter in service to the Domain. I know how much you wish to protect your people…” 

Muzu took one step forward, his wide head shaking, but knew it was not his place to speak.

“The Calamity can no longer be ignored and the Zora must do their part,” the King continued.

Seggin’s jaw was set so grimly, bracing against the news. It should have been him being thrown into danger’s way, not their Princess.

“I give you my blessing to Pilot the Divine Beast Vah Ruta as the crown Princess of Hyrule has requested.” 

Muzu looked away, clenching his fists, claws almost drawing blood. No amount of council against this appointment had been enough and he couldn’t hear it anymore. The girl he helped raise to be so smart was throwing herself in front of potential catastrophe. He simply couldn’t abide it and left the throne room.

Dorephan knew why Muzu was so upset and it fed into his own fears. “Mipha, you must promise me-“ his voice wavered and he cleared his throat, “that you will return unharmed.”

Mipha’s eyes burned with tears from causing her loved ones so much pain. Unsure of her ability to speak clearly, she nodded her assent; knowing that she could never forgive herself if she was not by Link’s side, helping him the best she could.

Sidon squirmed out of his minder’s hand and rushed to Mipha, latching on to her leg. She smiled down at him and stroked his head. “Would you like to visit Ruta with me?”

“Woota!” he agreed enthusiastically, holding up his arms to be lifted.

She obliged and giggled as he carried on saying ‘Woota, Woota.’

A tear escaped Dorephan’s eye as he sniffed, taking in his beautiful children. He hoped they would always have each other when he was gone.~~~

Mipha began visiting Ruta much more frequently. She never tired of approaching the reservoir and raising the beast from the depths; the way the gargantuan gears and limbs broke the surface, water rushing out of all the crevasses- it was the epitome of majesty.

She explored every nook and contour of Ruta’s halls and grand open spaces, and would even stay the night sometimes, having dreams in which she was the giant, roaming the land and offering rain to those in need. 

Ruta carried her own magic and could create water, though Mipha learned from Princess Zelda that this was a technological marvel accomplished by the Ancient Sheikah wherein Ruta could absorb water vapor from the air and condense it, much like clouds. 

She started her work at the controls, learning her way around the movements. The more she practiced, the more Ruta anticipated her thoughts, until she was moving the Beast entirely through some unknowable bond. Piloting Vah Ruta gave her a sense of being much larger than herself, not only because of her actual size, but because Mipha’s world view was now shaped by Ruta’s ancient history and timeless wisdom.

Mipha shared everything with her. Her shy exterior melted away in Ruta’s walls and she laughed, yelled and cried in the safety of her closest confidant. She spoke about earning back Muzu’s approval and reassuring her Father and Seggin that this was the right path.

She spoke about Link the most, and even worked on his armor in Ruta’s belly. She recalled their day together on Shatterback Point. She almost didn’t recognize the Zora Princess she was from that day. That Zora had not yet bested the Hylian Champion or tamed a Divine Beast, but this Zora had. And she could face the mountain.

With confidence soaring, Mipha scaled Ploymus again and smiled down at Ruta, waiting for her in the reservoir, encouraging her to conquer her fears. 

She was ready.

~~~

His first night back at home, Link lay awake in his old bed in Hateno. It had long since been officially taken over by his sister, but Plumeria had announced that he could share since he remembered to bring her favorite treats from Castle Town. She was snuggled up next to him and he draped his arm over her like he used to do with this stuffed piglet, deriving comfort in the closeness of the tiny person that loved him.

She still looked up to him, and he was just her brother, no matter what title he held. He wished he could come home more often and be at ease with her at their house. Even venturing out into the village was a crap shoot on whether or not somebody made a big deal out of him being the Hero, though it happened much less than in Castle Town.

Since the Champion’s Inauguration Ceremony, it was a chore to even run his errands outside the castle. So much ‘pomp and grandeur’ as Revali liked to call it, led to people stopping him wherever he went. He finally had to retreat behind a stoic, though not impolite facade, just to go about his normal day. The price he paid for the diversion was one of loneliness.

He stroked Plu’s hair and tried to quiet his mind from harping on his new assignment, which was to begin upon his return to the castle. At least the King had been kind enough to give him a holiday before he would apparently no longer have a life. 

He was to become Princess Zelda’s Appointed Knight. This meant a whole new set of responsibilities. Who knew that some quick reflexes would land him in charge of a Royal.

His father was beside himself, and couldn’t stop going on about how his son gained the same type of appointment he had, and managed to do it not even two years after becoming a Knight. 

It was unheard of. 

The whole of Link’s military career was unheard of; except that it wasn’t, because Rusl made sure everyone around him heard about it. Constantly.

Link decided he wanted a normal day the next day, before saying anything about it. He helped with chores and played with Plu. She demanded to be taught some fighting and he obliged until they were both run ragged. Her stubbornness to not give up was akin to his own and he finally had to bribe her with a trip to the general store for a treat to get her to stop.

That night at dinner, Link had the pleasure of telling his mother about his new position. Father was on rotation and couldn’t get away, and he promised Link he wouldn’t send word home so that Link could share it himself. 

So, he explained to his mother and sister how an errant Guardian shot at the Princess, and he had noticed its aiming mechanism going off in time to grab a pot lid and deflect it; using his special technique of course.

Now that he had shared, he wondered if it wouldn’t have been better to just send the word ahead of time after all. He had to sit under the new permanent gleam in his mother’s eye and field mentions of how lovely the Princess was.

She was just teasing, naturally. But his mind had been filled with thoughts of a Princess, it just wasn’t the one his mom was imagining.