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(See the end of the chapter for .)

Chapter Text

Link is moving up in the world. For the last month, he's moved from a guest bedroom to sharing quarters with Sidon. He joins the king in meetings – and people actually listen to his input.

With this life, he no longer has to hide. He's treated with respect, and he has his own authority. But there is a sense of gentleness that comes with his authority.

Link is certainly self-sustaining. Sidon often stops him from doing things himself, like getting his own food instead of having it brought to him, but Link's reasoning is as long as he can take care of himself, he will do as he pleases.

Sidon is then reminded why he's falling deeper in love.

-

There's a meeting coming to order in ten minutes.

"My love, are you dressed?" Sidon calls from the other side of the door.

Though he's decent and presentable, just fixing his hair in the mirror, he rolls his eyes. "When has that ever stopped you from coming in before?"

Link can hear the smile in Sidon's voice. "Right, of course," he laughs lightly as he makes his entrance. He appears behind Link, looking at his little Hylian in the mirror before kissing the top of his head, forcing Link to obsessively go about fixing his hair again with a soft smile of his own. He notices that Sidon is holding something behind his back.

Another gift, no doubt. "What's that?"

"Oh. It's something that I found," Sidon explains. "It was my sister's. She wanted to give this to the hero years ago. I figured it would probably fit you. Since you share a connection, I don't think it would be insulting to her memory."

Link tilts his head and turns to face Sidon, who presents Link with armor of a dark blue color. The Hylian quirks a brow, and Sidon holds the top up to Link. "Fascinating," he muses. "It's as though this was made for you."

Accepting the armor, Link examines it.

"Well, it'll certainly make me look more like a Zora."

"And I'm positive you will look wonderful," Sidon sighs. "I'll be waiting in the conference room. I'm excited to see it."

Just as Link is about to speak, a loud, rumbling cry echoes throughout the domain.

"Ah, that noise again," Sidon notes. "I've been hearing it all week."

"Does anyone know what it is?"

"Not yet. But I have sent guards to investigate. Perhaps it'll be on the table at the meeting. Get dressed, beloved, and I will see you there."

-

The fit of the armor is perfect. It takes Link by surprise at first, but he brushes it off and joins the conference room for the meeting, ever at Sidon's side.

"Something must be done about Vah Ruta," Muzu speaks up. His attention is drawn to Link when they exchange glances. The old Zora squints for a moment. "That armor..."

"Was a gift to the hero many years ago," Sidon comes to Link's defense. "Mipha would have wanted him to have it."

Muzu huffs, and gestures toward the boy. "You know, that armor is magic. With it, you can swim as we Zora do."

Link looks at Sidon, as if for confirmation. The king, who sits at the head of the table, only shrugs his shoulders as to suggest he has no idea if it's true.

Another elder clears his throat. "Back to the matter at hand..."

"Yes," Sidon confirms. "Now, what is this about the divine beast?"

Link's brows knit forward in thought. Where has he heard of a divine beast before... He certainly doesn't remember Sidon ever mentioning it.

"Vah Ruta has been crying out," Muzu speaks. "We need someone to investigate further. Our damn guards are too chicken to do it, since every time they go near Vah Ruta, it only cries louder."

"So that's what we've been hearing," Sidon sighs. "It's heartwrenching."

"Indeed. We need someone who is brave enough to-"

"I'll do it."

The council turns to Link. "My dear, you can't be serious. Vah Ruta is very dangerous-"

"So? Someone has to do it, why can't it be me?" Link says as he looks to Sidon. He can tell Sidon is only worried because Link certainly doesn't know what he's agreeing to – but at the same time he can tell that Sidon is in awe of Link's bravery.

"Only if I go with you," Sidon finally speaks.

"Absolutely not! My king, you have many duties here, if anything were to happen to you we would be without rule."

"Muzu, with all due respect, how can we move forward when your thoughts are only of the chaos that will spread if Link and I were to fail?" Sidon stares at Muzu, who holds his tongue.

"Very well," an elder confirms. "With that armor, swimming to Vah Ruta should be no problem. You leave at once to discover the source of divine beast Vah Ruta's distress. Meeting adjourned."

-

The cries of Vah Ruta only grow louder as Sidon and Link approach their destination. The Zora armor, while useful, didn't allow Link to catch up to Sidon quickly, causing the king to have to slow his pace. The armor matched with the choker and sapphire that Sidon had presented Link with during their first swimming session proved to be efficient.

The pair surface the water, and Vah Ruta is there before them. The divine beast steps forward, but stops when it clearly senses their presence.

"How strange..." Sidon muses.

"What is?"

"It's almost like it wants us to go inside."

With Sidon's word, the divine beast lowers itself onto its knees, causing waves in the water to shift their position. Sidon watches in awe as the beast invites them aboard.

"You first, my love," he says to Link, who nods and is the first to climb onto the beast's back. Luckily, there are handles and bars that make the climb easy. Although his weight is heavy with soaking clothes, Link is able to make it to the top, Sidon close behind him, as if guarding him.

Link extends an arm to help Sidon to the top. When they're both on solid ground, Link takes a look around. There's a podium nearby with the same symbol that's on his Sheikah slate. He's glad he brought it with him – they'd have to check that out soon.

"Fascinating," Sidon breathes as his eyes follow the intricate designs on the ground. "These divine beasts are man made, actually. The breathtaking technology was studied by Hylians many years ago. My sister Mipha was actually who piloted Vah Ruta, aiding the hero in defeating Ganon. It was also how she died, unfortunately." As Sidon spoke, Link stepped carefully around, looking for any source that could be the cause of the beast's distress. "To think, this is where she sacrificed herself..."

Wandering back toward the podium, Link unhooks his Sheikah slate from his hip.

There seems to be a connection, as the symbols on the podium glow a faint, pulsing blue. The slate itself is giving a light show of its own. Sidon's attention is drawn to it, after being so lost in thought.

"After all this time," a voice calls. "After all this time, you've come to see me at last, Link."

Link looks around for the source of the voice, goosebumps forming on his skin.

"You heard that, right?" Sidon asks.

Nodding his head, Link looks around again. A strange mist is forming over a shallow pool behind the podium. Sidon immediately steps forward to Link's side.

"Brother, have you forgotten your sister's voice already?"

"Mipha?" Sidon gasps. "Your spirit... it still lingers here."

"How else can I pilot Vah Ruta?"

Link looks down to his slate, and it appears as though information is being added to it. A bar is on the screen, filling with a light blue color.

"Link, it's been so long."

Mipha finally takes form, floating on top of the pool of water.

"...You know me?" Link asks as he looks to her.

"I see you've lost your memory," Mipha sighs sadly. "But you are a very special person. Destined for great things. And you're on the right path to recovering your memories."

Link tilts his head curiously, a habit he can't seem to shake. "I don't follow."

"It was you. All those years ago, you defeated Ganon," Mipha begins. "I want you to uncover your memories yourself but... I'll give you a start. After you defeated Ganon, you were injured. The princess thought it best if you were given a place to rest. Somewhere safe. I suppose your memory must have been wiped in the process. The important thing is... we succeeded. We saved everyone, even though we sacrificed ourselves for your victory."

"We?" Link questions. "There's... more?"

Mipha nods, a sad smile on her face. "You did all that you could. In a war, sometimes... lives are lost. But if my death means that you can be here today, then it was well worth it. At least I get to see you again, and help you on your final quest to recover what was lost through time. I don't have a doubt that the other champions would feel the same."

"Sister," Sidon's voice is desperate as he calls out to Mipha. "What about our father?"

Mipha nods her head. "He's so proud of you, Sidon."

Link can sense Sidon's body stiffen.

"The champions. They're dead, aren't they?"

"Yes, Link... but don't blame yourself. They are at peace, their divine beasts are soothed. When I learned that you are staying in Zora's Domain – permanently, no doubt – I needed to get your attention somehow. Dear Vah Ruta called to you."

Though Link's head flooded with questions, his heart was so heavy. These champions... he couldn't help but feel responsible. Mipha's death was surely his fault. She could tell him it wasn't his doing all she wants, but Link's mind has him convinced that this was his fault.

Sidon senses Link's silence, and places a hand on his shoulder. "My love, are you alright? Your hands are shaking."

Link hadn't realized it, but his hands tremble as he holds his Sheikah slate. He tries to keep still.

"I'm fine."

Mipha steps forward, though her footsteps make no sound when her feet hit solid ground.

"I'm so happy for you both," Mipha says as she takes both Sidon's and Link's hands. "Brother, I hope you'll accompany Link on his new adventures."

"Adventures?" Link quotes. "What kind of adventures?"

"Check the slate."

Link looks down at the slate. New pictures and notes have been added, however, they're locked by a passcode.

"Only you know the code. Those pictures and notes will guide you throughout Hyrule as you uncover your lost past. And the beauty of it is you will never be alone, Link. You have Sidon."

She's right. Sidon is there, by his side. Link looks up at the Zora, who smiles fondly down at him.

"We'll uncover any mysteries together," Sidon says.

Link nods in agreement. "Together."

"One last thing, my dear brother," Mipha requests as she steps closer to Sidon. "Please, take very good care of Link. He's very dear to me, as are you. It was once my job to protect him, and I pass that duty onto you."

Though surprised by the statement, Sidon nods. As he tries to squeeze Mipha's hand as a farewell, his hand only passes through.

"You've grown up so well," Mipha sighs. "I hope we can all meet again like this soon. I must go. Good luck, and remember – you have each other."

The pair nod their heads, as Mipha's spirit returns to mist and evaporates in the air.

Sidon turns to Link, who's turned away.

"Are you-"

"This is my fault," Link snaps. "Their deaths, they're my fault."

Sidon gives his lover's shoulder a light squeeze. "You heard my sister," Sidon explains. "Do not blame yourself. I certainly don't. I believe in my heart that you did all you could. You are an amazing person, Link. And while you don't see it, you have greatness in you that is unmatched by anyone I've ever met. It's why I fell in love with you in the first place. Do not let your survivor's guilt be what stops you from moving forward. You hold your life in your hands. What will you do now?"

Knowing that Sidon is right, Link turns, his eyes full of determination.

"Let's go on an adventure."