Chapter Text
Rain in Zora’s Domain fell incessantly, echoing Zelda's inner unrest. She stood alone on a secluded staircase, her dark green eyes fixed on the steady stream of water cascading down the statue of Mipha. The ice-cold downpour on her body contrasted sharply with the warm tears flowing down her cheeks.
Zelda closed her eyes and thought of Mipha. Her best friend. Mipha was kind, compassionate, and gentle—always there for Zelda during the toughest times. As these memories flooded back, Zelda's breathing grew disoriented. She placed her hand on her chest as a silent sob forced its way past her lips.
"Mipha… I’m so sorry."
Zelda spoke in a broken whisper, her voice barely rising above the sound of the pouring rain. She felt her knees buckle beneath her, but before she could hit the cold, wet stone, a hand caught her shoulder.
"Zelda!"
The voice, brimming with worry, was immediately recognizable. Sidon. Mipha’s younger brother. Despite her own grief, Zelda was acutely aware of the deep sorrow that Sidon also bore for his lost sister. As she nearly lost her footing, he quickly moved to steady her, turning her gently to face him before dropping to his knees.
Sidon studied her tear-streaked face, his own features etched with concern and alarm at the realization of her near tumble down the stairs. The Zora prince drew in a deep, steadying breath, his wide eyes never leaving hers.
"Zelda, what’s troubling you?"
His voice, soft as silk, was laced with worry. His question was genuine, a testament to the deep bond they shared.
Words caught in Zelda's throat as she attempted to voice her feelings. How could she possibly confess to Sidon, the brother still mourning Mipha, that she felt the weight of guilt for his sister's demise?
"I..."
Her voice was a mere whisper, barely audible over the patter of rain against the stone. Panic swelled within her, the burden of her guilt too immense to bear alone. In search of solace, Zelda did something she hadn't expected.
She reached out, wrapping her arms around Sidon in a tight embrace. She buried her face in his chest, as sobs wracked her body uncontrollably.
Sidon, far from being taken aback, reciprocated Zelda's embrace immediately. One of his hands gently stroked the back of her head, a soothing rhythm amidst the patter of rain.
"Let it all out, Princess..." he murmured.
His voice was a soft lullaby in her ear, each word he spoke seeming almost enchanting to Zelda. She wept in his embrace, the tears flowing unchecked for a long ten minutes. Afterward, she felt her tense muscles gradually relax in the safety of Sidon's arms. Her breath steadied, and for the first time in twelve agonizing hours, the tears ceased. Zelda took a deep, cleansing breath.
"Thank you, Sidon..."
Her voice, though soft and weak, carried a warmth that resonated in the otherwise chilly air.
"Of course, Zelda."
Sidon's voice was soothing, it cut through the patter of rain. He gently loosened his embrace, but his hand, which had been cradling the back of her head, now gently cupped her cheek. Zelda leaned into his warm touch, a sense of relief washing over her as the rain finally ceased and the sun broke through the clouds.
She closed her eyes, relishing in the warmth radiating from Sidon's palm against her face. After a moment, though, she pulled away slightly, a question hanging heavy in her heart.
"Sidon, I must ask, how did you find me here?"
The area was secluded, hidden away from the bustling activity of Zora's Domain. The other Sages and Link were in the throne room; it seemed nearly impossible that Sidon could have found her in time. At her query, Sidon offered a soft chuckle, his amber eyes glinting in the newfound sunlight.
"Well, Princess, I followed you. You appeared distressed, and have been since we arrived at the Domain. When I saw you wander off, I felt it best to keep an eye on you from a distance. But I… I had no idea you carried such guilt for Mipha’s passing…"
Zelda hesitated. She hadn't wanted Sidon to know she felt responsible for Mipha’s death. Yet, looking at him now, she found no condemnation in his gaze. Knowing she could trust Sidon, she decided to confide in him.
"Well… I…”
She took a breath
I, am at fault for every Champions death. Urbosa, Revali, Mipha, Daruk... and for Link passing out. If I had worked harder, if I had taken my training more seriously, I would have—"
Sidon pressed a finger to her lips, cutting her off mid-sentence. His face was solemn now, the playful spark in his eyes replaced by a serious glint.
"Zelda, according to Link, you passed out in freezing water while attempting to unlock your sealing power. Any more rigorous training could have killed you. Ganon created the Blights specifically to counter the Champions' strengths. They were designed to win. Consider this: even if you had your powers at that time, you wouldn't have been able to save them from inside the Divine Beasts. They only permit their pilots to enter, a fact that Ganon exploited. The Champions managed to weaken the Blights, but they couldn't defeat them... that was their grim reality."
Sidon pulled his finger away, his expression remaining solemn as Zelda bowed her head, taking in his words. Her mind replayed the scenarios he described: the massive size of Waterblight towering over Mipha, Fireblight's impenetrable defenses against Daruk, Windblight deflecting Revali's arrows, Thunderblight outpacing Urbosa's bolts.
“You’re… you’re right… I hate admitting that. But you’re right.”
Zelda spoke softly. She had never considered how to exactly enter the Divine Beasts. Not to mention, it would be near impossible to save every champion. They weakened the Blights, and Link finished them off. Everyone did their part.
Sidon nodded, gently rubbing Zelda’s cheek with the back of his fingers. She seemed to appreciate the comfort, her features softening in response. Her gaze flickered back to the statue of Mipha, sparkling under the sunlight's touch before settling back on Sidon. Zelda looked back to Sidon. She fully realized how similar to two looked. Scarlet skin, yellow eyes, a soft voice, slow to anger. They also both were very good looking. Mipha was undoubtedly beautiful, and very graceful.
But Sidon… he was a different kind of attractive to her. His physique was strong and commanding, a testament to the Prince he was. He was tall and muscular, he could lift her with one arm if he wanted. That made her think of the way he smiled. The way he pumped his arm up. That always made her smile when he did it.
"Are you admiring my looks, Princess?"
A teasing smirk played on Sidon's lips. He had noticed Zelda's lingering gaze and couldn't resist the playful jab. Zelda's cheeks flushed a vibrant red at his words and the cheeky expression on his face, which only seemed to amuse him more. In response, he leaned in closer, their faces now mere inches apart...
"W-what?! No! Not at all!"
Zelda stuttered, attempting to maintain a cool facade with a forced smile. She intended to lean back, but found herself held in place by Sidon's arm securely wrapped around her lower back.
"I… uh…"
Zelda's heart pounded in her chest. She cherished Sidon and all that he was doing, the care he was showing. Yet, she was at a loss on how to process these emotions, let alone reciprocate them.
Sidon leaned in just a fraction closer, his eyes reflecting a blend of playfulness and sincerity. The corners of his mouth curled into a smirk, their lips a mere breath apart as he spoke.
"Maybe… you should loosen up a bit more. You seem very… tense."
His voice was soft, his tone stripped of any teasing. Instead, it carried a note of genuine concern that caught Zelda off guard.
"I… do?"
She questioned, her emerald eyes meeting his amber ones. At her question, he nodded, gradually closing the gap between them as he affirmed,
"Yes, you do…"
Zelda was taken aback by the sudden kiss but found herself returning it almost instinctively. Sidon's lips were a soft, warm contrast to the chill around them. Yet, despite the comfort she found in his embrace, the fear of loss still loomed large in her heart. With a soft sigh, she gently broke the kiss.
She loved the moment, and her feelings for Sidon had only deepened, but the thought of losing anyone else was too daunting to bear. The sting of heartbreak was still too fresh, too raw. She knew all too well that Sidon understood that feeling of loss too.
Surprise flickered in Sidon's eyes when she pulled away. He had always believed that Zelda harbored feelings for him. When he kissed her, he had expected her to respond with the same intensity, for more than the fleeting moment they had shared. She had returned his kiss, signaling she enjoyed it. Right? Right?
Zelda could see the flicker of panic in Sidon's eyes and moved quickly to relieve his worries.
“Y-You’re not the problem, Sidon. You didn’t do anything wrong."
She reassured him, her voice a gentle murmur. Despite her words, Sidon's concern deepened.
"So, there is a problem?"
His normally bright demeanor swiftly dimmed, causing a pang of regret in Zelda.
"Well… kind of. But it’s just some mental stuff I need to work through. It's not your fault."
A look of hurt crossed Sidon's features. Honesty had always been a cornerstone of their relationship, particularly when it came to their mental states.
"...Why didn’t you tell me?" He asked.
“After the war, we agreed to keep no secrets from each other. We've been through very similar experiences. I thought we could talk about anything."
Zelda never intended to hurt Sidon, let alone lie to him about something so significant. But he always seemed so joyful, so content, and she didn't want to tarnish that happiness with the turbulent storm of emotions she was currently grappling with.
“Sidon, I—"
Her words were cut short by a sudden, deafening explosion echoing in the distance.
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