Chapter four-Zora’s domain “Link! You’re here!” Sidon said, in his obnoxiously loud voice. The giant fish man opened his arms and wrapped Link in an oversized hug, like he always did. Link grimaced and tensed as Sidon picked him up off the ground, naturally as he was extremely tall, and he could feel Zelda’s teasing eyes on him. “Ah! Link! I am delighted to see you, my good friend! I’ve been beside myself with anticipation ever since I heard the news — the Calamity has ended! I must ask—now that the threat is vanquished… does this mean—Oh… I see.” His eyes shifted, catching sight of Zelda, hiding behind Link even though she was taller than him. “Zelda! Princess of Hyrule, you have returned to us!” He exclaimed, giddy with excitement. “Your courage has inspired us all, and I believe together, we can rebuild our world!” He then bowed, a sign of respect to the Princess. But Zelda didn’t like it. She didn’t like being bowed to. It felt too much like she was just the princess; felt too little like she’d actually saved the world. She almost preferred the drunken antics of Lurelin village, where they didn’t call her princess, just Zelda, and called her a hero. A hero, not a princess. Zelda opened her mouth to say something, something probably very stupid and immature-and then Link moved out of the way. And there was a beautiful fountain. A gorgeous form of Mipha stared back at her, holding her trident in an elegant pose, carved from some sort of blue stone. “Is that….?” She asked, and Sidon followed her gaze; nodded. “Yes. Mipha; my sister. She looks lovely…does she not?” Zelda stared at the statue, and a sadness began to seep into her-a reminder of all the loss. Guilt. Because she hadn’t unlocked her powers soon enough; because she could only save Link. Why couldn’t she save the rest of them too? Why not… She turned away, before a tear could slip down her cheek. “Apologies, I’m, um…a bit hungry. I’m going to go grab some food,” She said, excusing herself. Link and Sidon watched her, and Link began to follow-when Sidon stopped him. “Let her be,” he advised. “She’s got a lot to think about.” Link resisted Sidon for a second, before deciding; he should probably give her some room. “So,” Link said, looking around. “I just came here to show Zelda around…I don’t really have anything to do. Any…monsters that need killing?” He asked, hoping Sidon would say yes, indeed! But he didn’t. “Unfortunately, we are not in need of monster slaying. As of now, we are in need of….nothing.” He replied; and then there was silence. Awkward silence. Link and Sidon were very close friends, but most of their bonding happened through doing things, like defeating a divine beast. It was not often they just sat and talked casually. “Well…I must ask. Are you and the princess close?” Sidon said eventually, the silence obviously unmanageable for the both of them. “I suppose, yes.” He replied, looking down. “I mean, she saved me from the Lurelin villagers when I was drunk. And I showed her the hot springs. And we shared a bed. I suppose we’re decently close.” “Shared a bed?” Sidon said, way too loud with wide eyes. “Y-yeah, we just slept in the same bed cause I only have one bed! Shush!” Link hissed, trying to get Sidon to shut up by clamping his hands over his mouth. It did t work. Sidon was too tall. “Say, Link, would you have a fancy for the dear princes Zelda?” He teased. “No! Shut up!” Link retorted. Sidon laughed. Link hit him. It didn’t really hurt. And finally, Link decided it was time to go. “I-I loved our little…chat, but I think I should get going. Go find Zelda,” Link said once he got too tired of Sidon’s teasing. “Of course my friend! I shall see you in a bit!” Sidon replied. He didn’t see Link in a bit. Link didn’t actually go find Zelda; he trusted her enough to know she’d be fine, and if there were any Yiga he knew he’d spot them no matter what. Instead, he climbed atop the domain-right on top of the fish-and lied down. Because he wasn’t sure whether or not he ‘had a fanch’ for Zelda. He was pretty sure he’d liked Mipha-all the evidence he had pointed to it, from his memories of her to even his Zora armor. But now…she was gone. And he felt bad, because he didn’t even truly remember her. Sure, he’d regained all his memories of Zelda, but only a few of Mipha remained. Was it a betrayal if he…did like someone else?
