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Art by Cindy Avelino on Artstation

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We met Sidon and Muzu down in the central square of Zora's Domain. It didn't take long. Despite the grandeur of this area, it was rather small and I wondered how they could possibly support so many Zora. The two were arguing once more, standing at the foot of Mipha's statue. I hadn't taken time yet to admire the statue's craftsmanship. Her essence was forever immortalized in stone, guarding over the Zora with her trident in hand. I could practically hear her sweet voice chiming in my head as I walked past. A graceful smile was hammered into the damp stone with care, giving a sense of comfort to all who came near.

Link approached first, trying to what part of the argument they had reached. Muzu cut him off harshly as he tried to intervene. "You came here for nothing! My mind cannot be so easily swayed." He announced, waving an arm through the air. I crossed my arms, fed up with his attitude. "You resent us for 'allowing' Lady Mipha to die, but when we return to avenge her, you refuse to help! Don't you want to reclaim Vah Ruta? Wouldn't you like to ensure Mipha didn't die in vain?!" I was yelling now, my fists clenched in frustration. The three surrounding me stared with wide eyes as I continued my outburst. "I understand that you're upset with us and you feel as though you've lost everything, but you're not the only one affected by her death! You cannot sit here and pout forever whilst people are in danger!"

Link placed a hand on my shoulder and I regained control of myself, taking a step back to listen to the rest of the conversation. Sidon cleared his throat. "She has a point. And, there is something you need to know." Muzu shifted uncomfortably as the Prince explained. "Link is the one that my sister planned to marry. She crafted that tunic to fit him and him alone." It was my turn to be surprised. Though I knew she had created that armor for Link, I was blind to what it symbolized. I stared at Link as the realization hit him, my eyes narrowing slowly. It was said that the hero was reincarnated whenever Hyrule was in need. Each time, he touched the lives of so many. Each time, he was destined to fall for the Princess.

But, for every life, I'd wager that there were those like Mipha who weren't lucky enough to be in the place of the Hylian girl. I wondered how many women Link had left behind. Mipha's carved eyes stared down at me from her place atop the pedestal. The rain clung to her stone eyelids and rolled down her cheeks. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though she was crying.

I shook my head, regaining my focus. Did Link's choice of woman really matter? I had more important things to think about. Sidon's voice brought me back to reality as he described himself as a child. He hadn't understood Link and Mipha's relationship at the time, but had instead grown up on stories of his sister's undying love for the hero. I felt a pang in my chest as I clung to my brief memory of Mipha.

Muzu jumped back in surprise, not believing the news. "No! Clearly you're lying! I will not be fooled so easily!" He turned to Link, pointing an accusing finger. "There's no way Mipha would have feelings for a Hylian like him. He doesn't even remember her, despite seeing her likeness!" He announced, referring to the stone statue that watched the debate silently. Prince Sidon continued to argue with Muzu as my attention shifted to Link.

His gaze was focused onto the statue. He took a step back as his eyes glazed over. I recognized his reaction immediately... He was remembering her. His blue eyes widened and he stumbled slightly. Without thinking, I placed a hand on his shoulder to steady him whilst hushing the two Zora. Prince Sidon turned, surprised. "What is it?"

"I think he's remembering her..." I stated quietly. Suddenly, Link inhaled sharply and blinked. "Link! You're shaking..." I mused as he took a deep breath. "Did you see her?" His eyes met my own, his sadness evident. "Yeah..." he spoke, in barely a whisper. Muzu remained dubious. "You can't just remember her when it's most convenient for you!" I rolled my eyes, an angry frown forming on my face. "Besides, you have no proof!" I'd had enough. I pushed the Zora armor into Link's arms. He gave me a look of confusion, as though the proof we needed wasn't obvious. "She tailored this armor to fit you specifically, yes?" He nodded, catching on to what I was saying and slipping the tunic over his head.

I took a step back and admired him. Though the intricate top looked a bit odd when paired with his simple pants, it fit him like a glove. When he was finished I nudged Sidon and gestured wildly. He seemed baffled for a moment. "Huh? Oh! Muzu look closely at Link's clothing." Muzu shook his head as he turned. His sunken eyes widened as he saw the Zora armor, fitted perfectly to Link's body. "What? Mipha made that with her own hands, yet it fits you perfectly! What is the meaning of this?!" I groaned outwardly. "Is it not obvious! She made it for the man she loved, Link!"

Sidon nodded slowly. "You were always opposed to the Hylian race... so she kept her feelings a secret." Muzu looked down at the rain-soaked ground in dismay. For a moment, I felt pity for him. It didn't last long, as he soon raised his head and agreed to tell us where we can find the shock arrows. "I never would've thought..." he mumbled sullenly as he turned to face us. "Though I don't approve of this, I suppose we have no choice." He pointed up towards the mountains that framed Zora's domain. I could tell this journey would not be an easy one, as the dark mountains were already shrouded in mist and drenched in rain. "That is known as Ploymus mountain. Once climbed you will find a peak known as Shatterback Point."

I shifted uncomfortably. "Sounds welcoming." He gave me an irritated sigh. "Yes, yes. I'm afraid it's name suits it quite well. A horrible monster has taken refuge there. I would be wary... you'll have to find away around it to retrieve the shock arrows." Sidon gasped. "You mean Lynel! Part beast, part man!" He turned to Link and I, concerned. "He wields shock arrows, which are extremely fatal to us Zora. If you succeed, then you're sure to find plenty of ammo." He knelt down for a moment. "I urge you to be careful. He is vicious and merciless. I wouldn't want to see you hurt." I nodded and sent him a nervous smile. "I'm sure we'll be alright." His sharp teeth formed a smile. "Surely! I know you'll succeed." Muzu cleared his throat.

"To appease Vah Ruta, I'd wager you'd need about 20 arrows. I advise you get moving." Link shook his head. "But how do we get to the mountain?"

"The fastest way would be to ascend the waterfall east of here. I will wait for you at the east reservoir lake!" I stopped Link in his tracks. "But... you need Zora armor to get up the waterfall!" He looked down, remembering my lack of waterfall scaling ability. "Almost forgot! Well then, worry not. I will carry you to the mountaintop and then return to the basin." I bit my lip. That wasn't what I'd had in mind but I supposed it would work. I shrugged and nodded. "I guess we'll meet you there." He smiled brightly once more and posed. "I suppose we will! Don't worry you two, I believe in you!"

With that, he raced off, leaving Link and I alone to follow him. We looked upwards to the looming peak of the mountain and let out a unanimous sigh, wondering if the following Divine Beasts would be quite so frustrating. Link was the first to move, stepping forward to make his way to the previously waterfall. I followed close behind, watching my feet carefully so as not to slip.

We came to a bridge that spanned out beside Zora's domain. An elderly Zora stood nearby, desperately attempting to pick up the shock arrow at his feet. I quickly wondered how he'd found the arrow, and why he was hurting himself in such a way. I pushed the thoughts from my mind and kept walking until he called out to us. "Hey! You! You're the Hero and his sidekick eh?" I turned around hesitantly. His expression was quite sour. "You're not welcome here! We've had nothing but hardship since you allowed our sweet Lady Mipha to die!" I pressed a hand to Link's shoulder and urged him onward, hoping the man's words wouldn't get to him.

I brushed the (h/c) hair from my eyes and looked at the hero. He had bit his lip in frustration, and refused to meet my eye. Link simply grabbed my wrist and tugged me forward, continuing at a brisk pace. I gasped as he jogged onwards, attempting to pull my wrist away. There was something in the way he moved that made me uneasy. I could tell he was furious.

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Sidon was waiting patiently at the bottom of the waterfall for us. I waved shyly as Link dove into the water, immediately scaling the side of the mountain. I whistled in admiration, but I couldn't help but worry. I hoped he wouldn't let his emotions get the better of him. The Prince shook me from my thoughts. "Ready to go, Lady (y/n)?" I nodded and stepped into the water. I held him tightly as he swam up the waterfall at a breakneck speed. Soon enough we neared the top of the mountain. He dropped me off in the shallow pool atop the final waterfall and announced his departure. "I'm afraid this is as far as I can go. Good luck, Link and (y/n)! I believe in you!" With that, he swam back down.

I turned around and looked for Link. He was waiting for me nearby amongst some strange plant life. He continued frowning, his gaze only softening for a moment when I approached. I placed a hand on his shoulder gently. "Link... are you alright?" He moved away from my touch and began the short hike to the very top of the mountain. "I'm fine." I knew he was lying, but I didn't push it. We had a big fight ahead and I didn't want to start an argument.

We scaled the final portion of the mountain and peaked out from behind a rock. Though the concept of fighting a giant monster man was frightening, it was quite beautiful up here. The sun had only just risen and illuminated the nearby ponds in a golden light. It was amazing to see, as this had been previously hidden by the dark storm clouds around Zora's domain. Link nudged my shoulder and I turned to see what he was facing. I gasped quietly as I saw the gigantic, centaur-like beast, stretching in the morning sun. He wielded a sword and shield, both menacing to behold. A large bow was strapped to his back as well. Shock arrows from said weapon lay strewn about the scene, stuck in just about every place imaginable. This gave me an idea.

I leaned over to Link. "I don't think we have to fight this guy. Let's just sneak around him and pick up the arrows. If we do this right he won't even notice!" Link clenched his fists, seeming frustrated. "How do you know? I bet he'd just see us and shoot us from afar!" I urged him to lower his voice as the beast raised his head in our direction. I pulled him down beside me to avoid being seen. "I'm telling you, we're not strong enough to face that thing." He unsheathed his sword, ignoring all that I was saying. "So, after all these years I'm still not strong enough to save her?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "You cannot be serious! Now is not the time to act like an idiot!"

My (e/c) eyes pleaded with him to think rationally, but he would hear none of it. I knew he'd had a rough day. He'd just remembered a close friend, who loved him greatly, and been told that he was the cause of her death. Though this was unfortunate, he was going to risk all that we'd planned to do. He turned to me one last time. "You go collect the arrows. I'll keep him busy." I shook my head rapidly and tried to grab onto his shirt as he launched himself over the top of the boulder. "You idiot!" I hissed as he challenged the beast. I knew he wouldn't last long in that fight so I got to work, stealthily walking around the battle to find the yellowish arrows we needed.

'1...2...3...4' I counted to myself silently as I collected. Link seemed to be faring well. He ducked and dodged each attack that was thrown at him, and narrowly escaped being trampled when Lynel rushed him. '8...9...10...11' I pulled an arrow from the trunk of a tree and continued my collection when I heard Link cry out. His shield had been pushed from his hands as his body was thrown back. He landed on his feet, but he had lost a valuable defense. I hurried my search. '16...17...18...19' Link was being pushed back once more. He was losing control of the situation and fast. The beast roared as it raised up and kicked out, readying itself to rush Link. I could tell he was rather exhausted by now. He took a step and tripped, landing on his hands and knees. My mind screamed for me to do something. I secured the quiver of arrows to my back and picked up the discarded shield, rushing forward. The beast took a leap, his sword raised high and ready to strike. I ran towards the blonde boy as fast as I possibly could and pushed him out of harm's way. I raised my shield above me and prepared myself for the impact. A loud clang of metal sounded over the mountaintop. A shimmering light exploded from the hit as the sword cut open my shield and sliced through the skin below. I screamed as a white hot pain spread across the right side of my body. I fell to the ground in a heap as Lynel tugged his blade from my skin with a horrific tearing sound.

My vision blurred as a ringing sounded through my ears. I could faintly hear Link yell nearby me. I blinked slowly and admired the world around me. It was all a mess of colors and odd shapes. I could see Link running towards me, though his image was split and spinning slightly as I attempted to focus in on him. A bright crimson pooled out around me, tainting the water with the color red as it mingled with the golden sunlight. The remainder of my strength faded as Link charged forward, sword in hand. His face was contorted into an expression of pure rage. I blinked and swallowed, allowing my sight to fade to black.

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