Prince Sidon was an interesting character, to say the least. What he had in his impressive size and stature was directly contrasted by his bright, dutiful personality. He was cheerful, even though the situation of his people was dire. Each time he crossed paths with you and Link, he cheered and flashed that smile of his – that damn smile – that made you smile too and made you believe that everything really was going to be ok.

And he had complete faith in Link, despite not knowing for sure who he was. That much had surprised Link – to have someone else believe in him so completely, so unwaveringly.

Link did not expect a warm welcome into the Domain. No one did. The Zora did not trust people; not since the Calamity. There were a few exceptions, of course, but for the most part, they were isolated in their Domain. Nothing came to bother them, and they didn't seek anyone out. This was because they had their own problems.

If the Zora people shutting everyone else out of the Domain wasn't bad enough for their tourist activity, the Divine Beast certainly was. There was no doubt that the Domain was beautiful, but the constant rain and heavy humidity made it almost unbearable, and you'd only just gotten here.

And now, according to Sidon, there were chances of flooding. And that was certainly not good.

But the prince was so hopeful; he truly believed that Link could help him and his people. But the King, his right-hand-man, and the rest of the Zora weren't so sure. Of course, it had taken a while for you to even be let into the city. The Zora people had been adamant that you did not need to be in the city. Hell, they didn't even want Link there. But Sidon was steadfast and declared proudly that you were to be let into the city.

The king had been cordial enough, though he didn't speak to you directly. The king remembered Link from a century ago, who flushed and admitted that he didn't remember the king.

"The Hylian Champion?" Sidon has interrupted. He looked at Link with wide eyes, saying, "You can't mean THE Link? THAT Champion?!" He then suddenly beamed, and Link's blush darkened. "So that's where I have heard your name before! What a fateful coincidence that we should cross paths!"

You looked at Link, looking for signs of distress. From your talk earlier, you knew how he felt about the life he had been given, the title he had placed on him from birth, the one he had been molded to fit into. But Link seemed hopeful too, and you smiled. It seemed the prince's good nature affected him, too.

"I cannot believe it," King Dorephan said, "The Hylian Champion, Link, has appeared before us... We have met numerous times; I'll have you know." The king sighed contentedly. "Ah... so many memories! My mind is overflowing with nostalgia, my friend." The king chuckled, a deep noise that resounded through the throne room. "I had heard a terrible rumor that you had fallen in combat, but it appears you managed to survive. Extraordinary!"

"I... I lost my memory," Link said with a frown.

At this the king leaned forward, his imposing figure making Link seem tiny. But he kept his head up and met the king's gaze. "Come again? You say you have lost your memory?" He leaned back. "But surely you must remember my precious daughter, Mipha, yes? You do, do you not?"

"Only her name, sir."

The king sighed again, a dejected one. He cast his gaze away from Link, who took a deep breath. You knew that even now this was a touchy subject for him. But you didn't see a need to interject. Not yet. Out of the corner of your eye you saw Sidon's gaze drop too, but only slightly. A small frown made its way to the prince's face.

"I cannot believe it... Have you truly forgotten my dear Mipha as well? You and Mipha were so close... Yet you do not remember her? Young hero... Please look upon the beauty of Zora's Domain." The king gestured to the statue in the center of the city of a beautiful Zora holding a trident. "Do you see that statue? Does gazing upon Mipha's immortalized form still not jog your memory? Well... Perhaps your memory will return with time. I dearly hope so."

"Father," Sidon said, drawing the monarch's attention, "I do not believe discussing my sister is helping matters at the moment."

You agreed with Sidon; reminiscing about the past was surely fun for some, and it must be difficult for a father to hear about someone forgetting his daughter, but now was now the time and this was not the place. Link was already upset enough that he didn't remember his past; he didn't need someone guilt-tripping him more.

Muzu, the king's second in command, had been silent until the monarch had asked for Link's help. "King Dorephan! My liege! Please do not speak so! To ask a Hylian for help... Why, the very thought of it curls my fins!"

You scowled and narrowed your eyes at him. Link remained silent as the king and Sidon tried reasoning with him, but Muzu blamed not only the Calamity on Hylians, but Mipha's death as well. Now that was a low blow. That caused the entire throne room to go quiet. You weren't sure how long you all stood there quietly until the king sighed once more. Ignoring Muzu's pointed words, he explained what the problem was.

But then, there was a loud, thundering, mechanical cry that could only have come from the Beast.

The rest of the hearing had gone smoothly, with Link explaining that Zelda was alive, holding back Ganon in Hyrule Castle until his return. He had then been given Zora armor, a beautiful set of clothing that was blue and skin-tight and had intricately carved sections and delicate jewelry.

That had, naturally, offended Muzu.

"King Dorephan! Surely you do not really intend to give this outsider the Zora armor! Countless generations of Zora princesses have gifted that armor to the one they have sworn to marry!"

Oh, no... Your heart leapt into your throat and you forgot how to breathe for a moment. Please don't continue that with what I think you're going to...

"Princess Mipha made that one there with her own hands! It is far too important to entrust to a shady Hylian!

There it was.

"He may be a Champion, but Mipha had no such relationship with him. So why should HE receive such an honor?"

This couldn't have been a coincidence. You had read up somewhere on the tradition Zora princesses had. You knew that if the set fit Link perfectly, then it had to have been true. If Mipha had sworn to marry Link, did he feel the same way? You suddenly felt dirty, like you were caught with something that wasn't yours.

You tuned out the rest of the hearing. Your heart was beating in your ears, but you couldn't move a muscle. That was, not until Link was suddenly in front of you, a gentle yet firm grasp on your arm as he shook you slightly. You started with a shock and took a deep breath.

Ah, so the hearing was over.

"Are you ok?" Link asked gently, his eyebrows furrowed. Dear Hylia, he looked at you with so much genuine concern, so much compassion, so much love... Love that, if everything had not gone wrong 100 years ago, wouldn't have been yours.

"I'm alright," you answered quietly. You gave him a small smile. Perhaps you were just overthinking this: maybe the armor didn't fit him. "Where to next?"

"We have to go talk to Muzu," he said, but he still didn't seem convinced as he didn't let go of you. "Are you sure you're ok? You seem out of it."

"I promise I'm fine," you said.

Link nodded and released your arm, but his brow remained furrowed. He slipped his hand into yours and linked your fingers together. He led you down towards the square where sure enough, Sidon and Muzu were talking in front of the statue of Mipha. It really was beautiful. You hung back, releasing Link's hand at the bottom of the stairs. It was as if the statue was staring at you, wondering what you were doing with him.

Link was having none of it, however, and came back to grab your hand again. He had a firmer grip now, and you reluctantly followed after him.

Muzu let out a huff as the two of you approached and came to a stop beside Sidon. "You came all the way here, but it was in vain. I have no desire to speak with you."

"Listen well, Muzu," Sidon said. "There is something you need to know." Sidon stood proudly, at his full height, towering over the three of you. Not in a menacing way, no, simply authoritatively. "He who stands here... the man called Link... is the one whom my sister, Mipha, had feelings for."

You squeezed your eyes shut. That's what you feared.

"I was only a child then, so I did not know it myself at the time. But it is so. I grew up hearing my father tell stories, some of which were about my sister's undying love for a Hylian named Link.

Link stiffened up beside you, and Muzu bristled. "What? No! You cannot fool me with such a fanciful lie. Not this Zora! How could Lady Mipha possibly have feelings for a Hylian like him? The facts are clear. He remembers nothing. Even when he looks upon Princess Mipha's statue..."

"It is the truth, Muzu," Sidon sighed. "Though you never knew it, he was ever in Mipha's heart."

Link was still, but his eyes were aimed at the statue. His head tilted slightly, his eyes dreamy and unfocused. "What's he doing?" Muzu asked.

"He's remembering," you said quietly.

And so were you – but instead of 100 years in the past, you remembered something from just the other day.

Link was taking pictures of you again. The distinct noise of his camera was what alerted you. With an exaggerated sigh you turned around and he grew flustered, fumbling with the slate as he hurried to latch it to his belt.

"Link," you said with a slight patronizing lilt to your voice, "are you taking pictures again?"

"Of course not," he said, struggling to keep himself from smiling. "What would make you think that?"

"Oh, nothing," you said with a shrug. You turned back around and continued brushing through Nayru's mane. Not even ten seconds later and there was another click. You turned around and set your hands on your hips. "Link, why are you taking pictures now? I'm brushing a horse's hair; it isn't that exciting."

"It's not that it's particularly exciting," he said with a small smile. He didn't even attempt to hide the slate now, knowing that he'd been found out already anyway. "It's more so that you're pretty."

You narrowed your eyes as blush rushed to your cheeks. "What do you want?"

He tilted his head cutely in a confused manner. "What do you mean?"

"You wouldn't be saying that if you didn't want something. You're trying to butter me up, aren't you? You probably broke something. What did you break?"

"I didn't break anything, I swear!"

"Then what is it that you want?"

"I... I don't know. I just like taking pictures of you. Is that so weird?" He thought for a moment. "I guess I kinda want a kiss, but I could just ask for that instead of having to butter you up first, right?"

"I suppose," you said, your skeptical look remaining on your face. "You should try it, just to find out."

Link smiled boyishly and attached the slate to his belt again. He approached you and took you into his arms. Your hands came to press against his chest. You could feel the faint bumps of his quick heartbeat. "Can I kiss you, if only to get that fake frown off your face?"

"You may," you said, resolutely continuing to frown. Link leaned down and you met him halfway, your lips meeting gently at first. Your eyes closed and you smiled into the kiss; dear Hylia, you were so weak when it came to him. You could feel him smile, too. You started slow, the both of you just appreciating each other's taste and the ability you had to be able to do this so freely.

But then Link took your bottom lip between his teeth and tugged gently, enough to make you open your mouth. It became hungrier then, and almost desperate. Everything was still so new, each kiss felt like the first time. Each touch was electrifying, and you wondered just how you had gotten so lucky in meeting him.

When Link finally came to, he slumped against you. Upon hearing Prince Sidon wondering after his well-being, he straightened up and gripped your hand tighter.

"You are quivering like a hatchling," Muzu said. "Whatever is the matter?"

"Mipha..." Link mumbled. "I remember."

"What? Do not mistake me for a fool, Hylian! There is no way you remembered her just now, when it is most convenient." He huffed. "In any case, without any solid proof, I cannot possibly take you at your word! If you have any such proof, now is the time to show it. Do so, and... and I..." Muzu swallowed, forcing his pride down. "I shall tell you how to get those shock arrows! Yes, as well as anything else you wish to know."

After his ultimatum, Muzu narrowed his beady eyes at Link who looked to you, unsure of what to do next. He looked to you for guidance, as he usually did. When you met his eyes reluctantly, there was the silent question dancing in his eyes. You were always so weak when it came to him. "The armor, Link. If it was truly crafted for you, it will fit perfectly."

His eyes widened. He of course knew what that meant, if it did fit him. But he also knew he had to try it on. You turned away politely as Link pulled his tunic off, followed by his undershirt. He pulled the tunic on and when he was done, it took all you had in you to turn and look at him. Slowly, your eyes trailed over the tunic and it was just as you had feared.

He looked down at himself, admiring how the tunic fit. It was beautiful, that much was certain.

"Muzu!" Sidon boomed, speaking with a grandeur only a prince could. "Look closely at the clothes Link is wearing!"

Muzu, who had been gazing over Mipha's statue, turned back to Link. "Hm? You really think changing your clothes is going to make me..." He trailed off, only to screech, "Eh?!" You wrapped your arms around your middle almost defensively. You didn't want to hear it. "What in the... That is the Zora armor from before! Lady Mipha made that by hand... and yet it fits you perfectly!"

Why must he spell everything out like that? You closed your eyes and looked away. You wished you didn't have to be there at that exact moment.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"Now you understand, do you not? Now you know who her heart belonged to and who she made the special armor for. The fact that this armor fits Link perfectly should be proof enough that Mipha made it for him and him alone!"

At that, your heart dropped down to your stomach. You had read countless books on the Calamity, detailed accounts of what had happened, interviews with the Champions when they traveled Hyrule... but never had you heard that Mipha had sworn to marry Link. There hadn't even been rumors.

But there it was, as plain as day. She loved him, so much so that she swore to marry him. And who's to say he didn't want to marry her? Even Link's recovered memories were fragmented – even if the memory he just regained didn't show anything, perhaps the rest of their time together was still lost.

"You have always disliked Hylians, even before the Great Calamity. That is why Mipha never told you. Now that you know, you must promise to help him save us all, Muzu. Please... tell us where we can find the shock arrows we need. Knowing you, I bet you have already figured it out."

Muzu sighed. "I never would have imagined she would make that special armor for one such as he..." He gazed up at Mipha's statue again. "I do not approve of asking for help from a Hylian, but I suppose it is our only option at this point. I am a proud Zora. That means I must take responsibility for my unwarranted behavior towards you. As promised, I shall tell you where you can collect as many shock arrows as you will need. That tall mountain over yonder... It is called Ploymus Mountain, and there you will also find Shatterback Point. A terrifying creature has made its home up there. This awful beast shoots volley after volley of shock arrows."

Already, Link figured the monster was a Lynel. Only that beast would be smart enough to figure that shock arrows would be especially deadly against a water-based race.

"Even a single one could be fatal to a Zora."

"A-ha! You must mean that Lynel! He is a man-beast, that one! That beast does indeed wield shock arrows. That is certainly one way to collect them quickly. He is vicious, to be sure. But I am certain Link will rise to the challenge."

"In order to appease the Divine Beast," Muzu continued, "I estimate that you will need at least 20 shock arrows. Do you think you can gather that many?"

"Why do you still doubt him, Muzu? And he has his partner with him, too! I have no doubt they will be triumphant!" Sidon smiled. "Ok, Link. Let's get moving. The fastest way to Ploymus Mountain is to ascent the waterfall east of the Domain! That Zora armor should come in handy. Just swim to the waterfall basin, and then go up the waterfall from there! I'll wait at the East Reservoir Lake, right by the Divine Beast. Gather at least 20 shock arrows, and then come join me!"

"We're on it!" Link said, smiling at the promise of a challenge. Link reached for your hand instinctively, but you were long gone. He turned around, looking for you. He felt his heartbeat quicken and he turned back to Sidon and Muzu. "Did you see where my partner went?"

"The other Hylian?" Muzu said snarkily.

"Muzu," Sidon said warningly. He turned back to Link. "I think I saw her go in the direction of the inn. I suppose you'd like to find her before you set off?"

"I'd like her to be with me," Link said. "We fight together. Where she goes, I follow."

"Please, make haste then. I'll be waiting to bring her up the waterfall when you get there."

"Thank you," Link called over his shoulder as he ran towards the inn.

Note: Another short one, I'm sorry. But I found some time to write today, as a form of de-stress before finals week begins tomorrow ~

There isn't much to say, other than that another update should be coming up in the near future. I didn't take any writing classes this semester, and only had to write one paper as a final term project but it made me realize how much I miss writing :(

So we're back in business, especially since I'll be on break officially by the 15th when I fly home! I just have a very important stop in Disney World I need to make after my exams are done. ;)

Thank you all so much for reading, if you have questions or comments be sure to post them and I'll answer them in the next one! Love ya's!