Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Link’s POV

Now look, hear me out here. This journey isn’t exactly going well to begin with, you know with a centuries old bastard literally ripping my arm off and destroying my Master sword to BEYOND useless but hey I guess it could be worse.

All of Hyrule could be in absolute peril and destruction….. oh wait!

It is. And I am an arm and a sword down than the last time I had to do this. Sure, I have memories this time but I might as well not because they’re damn useless. There’s much higher stakes this time, sages and so much more power and history involved.

So far, I’ve been right with the sky islands, all Rauru: the first king of Hyrule told me about himself and Zelda, Riju’s new lightning sage status and Gerudo’s sandstorm resolved, the same with the Ritos snowstorm and Tulin, Teba’s little fledgling. Who knew that such a small kid could hold so much power and strength?

He’s definitely Teba’s son. Then there was the Gorons, that was a weird one. Strange rock meat and delusions with Yunobo but again he’s grown a lot and to hold the power of the Sage of Fire it says something.

But now with all that over and with new allies by my side both old friends and new ones, it leaves o my one place left to go.

Speaking of old friends, I have been deliberately been going to every other region that’s not Lanayru or anywhere near it and it’s not that I don’t want to go there it’s just….. I don’t have a good feeling about it.

I mean I shouldn’t anyway, the region is probably doomed like the rest of Hyrule has been but that’s not the kind of bad feeling I’m talking about. I know I’m going to find something devastating there and I’ll help of course, we all need to work together to help Hyrule and defeat this new evil.

But there is just something in my gut is putting me off from going to Zora’s Domain. Telling me it’s not a good idea. But I’m so all over the place at the moment with everything that I keep thinking it’s just my head messing with me.

And it must be. Nothing can be worse than what I’ve already dealt with in other regions.

You know what? I was wrong. Walking through road to the Lanaryu region I’m already bombarded by this brown sludge coming from the sky that goes for miles and miles into the region. What the fuck?

As Inogo Bridge comes into view, showing the path up to Zora’s domain, its bright blue structure shining prominently against the disgraceful sludge falling into the Zora River. Although it may look its prettiest right now, the memories it holds are damn powerful. It’s funny to think to who I was then having no idea who I was about to meet on that bridge.

Someone special that’s who, really special.

If I close my eyes I can relive the memory, Sidon gracefully somersaulting down in front of me, his beaming smile, positive energy and attitude. Just how much faith he had in me for just meeting me there and then.

How much faith he’s always had in me. I smile as I walk across the bridge thinking of Sidon still, how much I’ve longed to see him again. I can imagine him the moment I walk into the domain even if it is covered in this terrible foul sludge, he’d still have a that beautiful smile in these circumstances, spreading positivity to keep everyone’s spirits high.

Giving me a hug the moment he sees me, I smile wider at the thought of Sidon’s strong arms wrapping round my body tightly, hopefully that image won’t just be in my head for long.

It will be reality and maybe……when I get Sidon alone perhaps I can tell him how I feel.

When I finally set my eyes on the domain a few hours later, I feel the most steady I’ve felt through this entire journey. This is the place where I know I am safe, I know I can be myself and I know it’s time to come home after so long.

The whole domain, every path and stairway was covered in sludge of course. The water in the central area of the domain was a filthy brown color and some of the Zoras around me looked ill as well.

Even Mipha’s statue in the central square was covered in the sludge. I saw a group of Zoras nearby so I decided to talk to them. Hopefully they can help me find Sidon so he can tell me what on earth is going on. He’ll know just how to help and let us work together again.

“Ugh... I am so sorry.” Said a dark red scaled Zora. “Everyone has been treated now, but we have used up all of the splash fruit.” She continued.

So some of the Zora were ill from the filthy water. It’s no wonder really.

“There were more injuries than anticipated. Please accept my apology.” Said the black scaled Zora. “You have nothing to apologize for. You did what had to be done. Most importantly, I am grateful that everyone is all right.” The green Zora told her.

“Now if we could only do something about that statue….” The green Zora said.

I know how important Mipha’s statue is, I must find a way to clean it. It’s the least I could START to do. “Hm?” The green Zora then turned to me.

“You there. Are you a traveler? I am sorry that I did not notice you until now. I was focused on a matter of great importance. Zora's Domain is in troubled times at present due to the sludge falling from the sky.”

I nodded. “Yeah, I noticed that on my way into the domain.” She nodded. “Things have finally calmed down, at least for the moment. However, this place remains covered in sludge. Such a shame, as this particular statue is so incredibly important to the Zora of the domain. We were just discussing how we need to wash away the sludge. I apologize that I cannot provide a great deal of hospitality. Please do make yourself at home here.” I smiled at the green Zora.

“That’s alright, don’t worry about it. Thanks for the information.” I walked away from the trio and looked to the statue.

Hm… maybe I have something that can clean it. I looked through my inventory stash and found some water based items. I drew an arrow from my bow with the item attached and shot it with the at the statue.

The sludge cleared away almost instantly and I headed back to the women who appeared surprised but pleased.

“The sludge!” The dark red Zora said. “I see you managed to wash it away!” The green Zora said to me. “That statue is a symbol of hope for the Zora... It is very precious to us. Thank you so much for cleaning it up! In truth, that statue...depicts the majestic forms of the pair who saved this cherished domain in the past.” She told me, I furrowed my eyebrows now looking at the statue for the first time.

I felt my breath leave my lungs as I my eyes landed upon Sidon’s sculptured face—and my own too. Why was I in this statue? As I looked at it more, I got my answer. The statue obviously depicted Sidon and I during our fight against Vah Ruta. I was surprised but also again pleased that the Zora has thought so highly of that to make it a statue.

“That is right! That is our beloved Prince Sidon of the Zora and his very best friend...Sir Link, the heroic Hylian swordsman!” The dark red Zora said.

Sidon’s best friend? That does make me feel a little special but it isn’t helping with my heavy crush on Sidon and I say crush… I mean my full on head over heels in love situation with Sidon. Again it’s not like I didn’t want to tell him, I really really did. Before Vah Ruta but it wasn’t the time, after the calamity but I couldn’t find the time.

I couldn’t win. But this time maybe I can. I can have the place and time to tell him, finally feel free and hopefully he’ll feel the same way.

I was lost in my thoughts I missed some of the women’s conversation. “It is simply wonderful, is it not?! How I would love to meet him some day…Say, you have a similar stature to the Hylian hero. Similar eyes as well. Oh my, and you are also a Hylian... And a swordsman..” The dark red Zora said.

“Wait. Could it be…. Are you... Link? The swordsman of legend?!” The black Zora cleared her throat.

“Ahem! Please remember to mind your manners, Chroma!” Chroma nodded. “Oh! Um... Please accept my apology.” I smiled.

“It’s really no problem. I don’t mind at all.” I chuckled. The green Zora nodded. “Yes, please pardon our rudeness. I am quite surprised to learn that you are the legendary swordsman, Sir Link. I have heard mention of you nearly every day since I first arrived at this domain.” I chuckled, I would assume that be from Sidon, he must have everyone’s fins dragging the ground talking about me and probably my disappearance.

That also made me really happy. That he still can talk for days a lot me. The green Zora smiled at me.

“I am Prince Sidon's... Oh, forgive me. I am your best friend's fiancée.”

Chapter Text

I felt my heart stop. I felt my mouth go dry. My hands started to quiver as the rest of my body and my eyes started to well up from upset or anger or confusion, I don’t know……

All I know that is Sidon is engaged….and he didn’t tell me. Why? Ok yes, we haven’t exactly see much of each other recently but I’m am I so unimportant in Sidon’s life now that such important news couldn’t have been told to me? Even a simple letter would have been enough. Just SOMETHING.

I might as well bury my feelings six feet deep at this point. Because how could I tell him now? Seriously? To tell an engaged man you’re in love with him, it even sounds absurd in my head. I need to talk to Sidon, I need to find out what’s going here first.

I must put my feelings aside. They don’t matter now I suppose, who am I kidding? Of course they matter but I can’t speak a word of them, I’ll look a fool. Most of the Zoras, well the elders that is, already don’t like me. I don’t need to give them ammunition to hate me more because I object to a royal wedding. I’ve had my chances to tell Sidon how I felt and I blew it.

Even if he did know, we can’t be together. Sidon is the last of the royal bloodline, he needs to carry that on. For his people, his father. I can’t ask him to give that up, not for me. I just look at this Zora, her name Yona apparently and think to myself, you don’t know just how lucky you are, how much I would give to be in your position.

I wish for nothing more in this world other than Hyrule is at peace but for me to be the one Sidon spends his life with. But I am only a knight. I am not special, I am not a prince, not from a noble bloodline. I am just a hero when needed. The world is cruel and it’s its cruelest to me, cursing me to lead this life of heroism and have nothing for myself.

No family, no love. Last time, no memories, no friends alive. This time, no sword by my side, one arm and my only person I could call family is missing.

I don’t hear Yona’s words as she talks to me whilst I’m lost in my thoughts I just look up to the waterfall that leads to Ploymus Mountain, it looks different somehow. Maybe I should go up there and check everything is alright. I remember how Lynels ruled the place up there before.

“Oh! I have a lovely idea! If you do not mind, I ask that you please go and meet with Sidon. I am certain that he would be delighted to see you. Sidon can be found at Mipha Court, located at the peak of Ploymus Mountain.” Yona told me, so Sidon is up there.

I guess there’s no time like the present to bite through bullet, I suppose. I can play this calmly, I can’t get angry at Sidon. For all I know he hates this arrangement, maybe it is forced on him due to his status as Prince.

“Forgive me, Sir Link, but I must be on my way.” Yona smiled at me, I smiled back and nodded.

“No worries, I will go meet with Sidon. See what I can do to start helping.” She nodded. “Ah, but if it pleases you… After you have met with Sidon, perhaps you could visit me at the infirmary on the floor above I am determined to be of assistance to you as best I can, Sir Link.”

I nodded as she walked away with one of her people. She’s a nice person don’t get me wrong, it’s just I never really thought this would happen. As a lovely person as she is, the thought of her and Sidon together in any shape or form makes my stomach twist and turn and I need to breathe before I feel nauseous.

After realizing I wouldn’t get anywhere near the waterfalls without my trusty Zora armor, I did enlist assistance from Yona who graciously helped me without a second thought and repaired my armor for me. It was clear how genuine she was and how she did truly care for this domain and its people.

I suppose she has to if she’s going to be their next Queen. I felt the sense that she seemed uneasy about this engagement, maybe it just my jealously being hopeful but she didn’t seem all that excited to introduce herself as Sidon’s fiancée, more excited to just introduce herself as her own person.

I will try to dig deeper into into once I have helped save the domain and the Zoras but I know there is t something right here and it’s not just my feelings for Sidon that’s clouding my judgment or rational thoughts.

Arriving at Mipha’s court that now sat atop Ploymus Mountain all cleaned up and sparkled beautifully, I saw a familiar guard and at the sight of a friend, I smiled. “Rivan, it’s good to see you.” He smiled wide and looked absolutely relieved when he saw me.

“Ah, it is so good to see you, Link! Please thank the goddess you are here, welcome back to the domain! Are you looking for Prince Sidon?”

He asked me, I nodded. He pointed to his right and in the middle of Mipha’s court, I could see the tall red Zora I’ve been both longing and dreading to see. “You will find him over there, intently focused on his important work. He had not stopped for days, trying so hard to keep our home safe. But I am certain that if Prince Sidon knew you were here, he would be overjoyed to see you, Link! I’m sure you could be of utmost assistance to him!”

Rivan smiled, I nodded and headed towards Sidon. His shoulders look heavy as if they ache with each time they move up and down with his slow focused breaths. He has both hands out in front of him, palms facing towards the water falling, his powers seem to be clearing some of the sludge and separating the water from dirty to clean allowing the clean water to run back to Zora’s domain.

His palms are glowing blue with magic and the expression on his face is so concentrated just as his breaths are, his eyes closed to block out distractions I can see. I don’t want to disturb him but I’m afraid I must. If I stand here and admire him any longer I may end up saying or thinking something I shouldn’t right now.

As not to startle him, I lightly I tapped his lower back where I could reach on him, he immediately stops what he’s doing and I hear him sigh.

”Hm?” He sighed again. “Rivan, I have told you and Bazz time and time again, I do not need help, I am perfectly capable and fine, just keep your post, ple-“ He spoke turning round and a immediate gasp leaving his lips, a wide smile growing on them and his eyes sparkled with joy though they looked tired.

“Is it...really you?” I nod with a smile to mirror Sidon’s just as wide and happy despite what’s going on. “Sidon….” He smiled wider. “Oh, Link! It’s just good to see you, my friend! Oh, Link! It has been far too long! I received word that you had gone missing and was beside myself with concern. I was so so worried about you, I feared the worst and I had to stop myself and be positive that you would show up before my thoughts took to darker places.” He hummed.

“My dearest companion, I must ask. Whatever could have transpired? Hyrule appears to be in an uproar.” He asked, he was right.

I told Sidon the whole story from A to Z, every detail from below Hyrule Castle to every region’s catastrophe and how the new found sages such as Tulin, Riju and Yunobo were the key to saving their people and their homes from the blizzards, sandstorms and drugs I suppose.

He nodded completely intrigued and concerned about everything that I told him before he looked down me and saw my arm. He raised a hand to his mouth and kneeled down to my height to examine my new arm. He held it as he looked with such tenderness and warmth that I was about three seconds away from telling him just how I am head over heels for him and that I don’t want him to get married.

“My dear friend, I’m so sorry this happened to you. I wish I had been there to protect you. I just wish I could have been assistance to you as no doubt you will be to me.” I smiled. He makes it’s so hard to forget that this is an engaged man in talking to.

“It’s alright, it doesn’t hurt and I’m pretty used to it by now. It’s not your fault, Sidon. You couldn’t have known, it’s nobody’s fault. Enough of that, how can I help here?” He smiled at me. “Raring to go as ever, I see? You never cease to amaze me, my friend.”

He hummed. “It may be of use to you to go and speak with our historian Jiahto. It is quite possible that he could provide you with some useful information. At present, you should be able to find Jiahto continuing his investigation at
Toto Lake.” Sidon smiled at me before a smile appeared on his face again.

“And Link….I hope that you know that I am so truly happy to see you again after such a long time apart, my dearest friend. Please visit me anytime you like! No matter when or where! Your presence is never anything less than welcome and appreciated and being completely honest with myself. I’ve missed you, I was so worried something absolutely terrible happened to you.”

He must have then realized his words. “Not that your arm is great to be missing but I’m just glad that you are not in pain nor on the brink of death. I do not think I could do this without you, my dear.” He smiled. He always said ‘’my dear friend” that was nothing amiss.

But “my dear”? It makes me really wonder how compliant this engagement is from Sidon or Yona. Because neither seem happy to mention it.

True to Sidon’s words, it was worth my time to see the historian and he also pointed me in the direction of King Dorphean who may I say wasn’t looking the best. He had been attacked and was recovering slowly but gave me vital information even due to his injuries and wounds.

He believed that he isn’t as used to fighting as he once was and he might just be getting too old for it. Meaning he believes it is time for him to step down as King of Zora’s Domain and pass the title and crown to Sidon.

But that would make it official, wouldn’t it? Sidon and Yona would be wed, announced and crowned as King and Queen of the Domain. Maybe a situation that no one wants, not just me…..

Though maybe it is, maybe Yona and Sidon are happy for their engagement and upcoming wedding but the events of the domain in peril is at the fronts of their minds right now. So they don’t talk about it so it’s not a distraction but I feel that’s not the case. But that’s just it, I don’t know what the case is.

And I feel like I’m going round in circles thinking about it.

Chapter Text

As I return to Mipha’s Court, Sidon was still standing in the center, this time with a familiar green companion. “Lady Yona!” I heard Sidon’s sweet voice in a loud tone.

They must be in the midst of an argument, come on now Link don’t be too happy about that. I told myself as I walked over trying not draw too much attention to myself for them to notice me but get close enough to hear them.

“Lady Yona! It is far too dangerous for you to be here!” Sidon flat out told her, his voice laced with concern. “Darling, I came here because there is something I need to speak with you about. I have been thinking for quite some time…”

Ohhhh, so now’s the time for that is it? Cutesy pet names to make me feel bad even though I guess it’s not really your fault. And I really don’t believe what you have to say right now could be THAT important.

“Hm, oh.” She looked and noticed me, I walked closer knowing there was no more use in hiding I was listening to them.

“Hello there, Link!” She smiled at me, Sidon looked at me with concern. “What has happened, my friend? Did you figure something out?” Sidon asked, I nodded completely ignoring the green Zora next to him and proceeding to tell Sidon what I’d done and found out.

“Well done, Link! This is a huge development that we can used to find out more and perhaps solve this mystery!” He smiled that brilliant smile at me. “My dear Sidon. I think that you should go with Link to investigate that pillar of light. As I was just about to say….For a long time, I have been concerned that you are holding yourself back and not acting as freely as I would have expected.”

“But, my love, if you and Link join your powers, I am certain you shall be able to overcome whatever danger awaits.” Ok, maybe I was wrong maybe she is happy about the engagement because she keeps calling him damn sickening pet names.

Sidon did stutter out a reply to her but he didn’t seem to confidant in his answer. The conversation was thankfully cut off but not by something good.

A strange bubbling appeared not far to our left and a monster covered in the sludge evolved from the puddle oozing on the ground.

“That monster is covered in sludge! Could it be the foul beast that harmed Father?” Sidon asked, looking at it. “Sidon! We can take care of the water, at least for a little while. Do not fret about the domain.”

Oh, do please butt out of this! I’m begging you! You aren’t even meant to be here! Sidon was hesitant, pausing again before speaking. “You are right, as ever. It is up to you, milady!” Alright, so I COMPLETELY misread the situation because he’s calling her pet names too!

So you do want to get married?! Make up your minds!

I plunged my sword into this thing’s tongue with probably more force than necessary but I was taking my anger out on it, killing it as blew up into black smoke and disappeared. “You did it, Link! Take that, foul beast of the sludge!” Sidon smiled at me and it felt like the stars could align and give me a chance.

“Is everyone alright?” Sidon asked to behind him and I remember she exists. Ok, Link, you’re being harsh, I told myself calmly.

Yona did a scan of the surrounding Zora’s and nodded. “We are unharmed.” She smiled at Sidon, he nodded in relief. “Thank goodness. Lady Yona, if something had happened to you… I….I…”

Sidon cleared his throat and spoke more confidently. “Ahem, in any case, it is possible that another monster will appear. I suggest that you return to the domain at once.” He told her.

She smiled. “Thank you for the sentiment, Sidon. However, more importantly, we must consider what Sir Link spoke of earlier. The pillar of light that he said appeared at the reservoir begs to be investigated. This may be our opportunity to learn the cause of the sludge falling from the sky or even Princess Zelda's whereabouts. Leave this place to us, dearest Sidon.”

I feel suddenly nauseous and I would like to step away from this conversation before I say or do something I may regret. Particularly to Yona or regrettably to Sidon.

“Your friend needs your help getting to the bottom of this mystery.” Sidon stuttered as he spoke back to her. “W-well... Of course it would be best for me to accompany him. However, I cannot leave you alone in this dangerous place!” He said to her as if trying to reason with himself and her. I feel like he has done before trying to convince Yona of something.

It makes me only more suspicious that neither of them is truly happy in this engagement. But it also makes me what to just scream into a pillow until my throat is red raw and my voice is gone with the way they are trying to act like a normal functioning couple.

“Did you not entrust this task to us already? We will not be on our own for long so we shall be just fine.” Sidon shook his head whilst looking away from her it was like he wanted to just agree but he was internally fighting with himself to keep replying.

“But…”

“Sidon, my darling… I truly appreciate that you worry so for my safety. It speaks to the kindness in your heart. But you are the prince of the Zora. One day, you will lead the people of your beloved domain. I can see right through you, whether you want me to or not. You are yielding to the fear of losing someone you love again.”

I know that Mipha is a factor in there, of course Sidon is always going to be afraid of losing someone else after the way he and everyone else lost Mipha but who is she talking about him losing now?

Yona? His father? His people? Me? No, it couldn’t be me, she said someone he loves and whilst I’m sure he does love me as his best friend, I’m certain he doesn’t have the “love” I have for him.

“You must overcome your past and face whatever the future holds with courage.” Sidon held his head fin and looked down. “But….I….” He kept stuttering one word and bit if it was just to speak.

“Enough is enough! You are not acting like yourself! You must leave this place to me! Sweet Sidon... Do not get lost in the past. You must keep moving ever onward. Just follow your heart, as you always do!”

It’s seeming Yona is more of a confidant to Sidon than a fiancée, a trusted friend he’s been forced to move his relationship further with.

“Like my old self…. Like I always do…” Sidon scoffed and it was the first time I ever heard anything with a negative tone come out his mouth. It was harsh and anyone that knows Sidon would immediately hear and see that he’s not ok. “It is all right. I swear it. I am not going anywhere.” Yona said to him, I know it’s her attempt at comfort but Sidon just looks like he doesn’t want to accept it.

As if being comforted is an offense to him, something foreign he’s not used to. As if it’s an insult.

“I see... And there it is, clear as day…” Sidon lowly mumbled before shakily continuing. “I was giving in to my fear of once more losing someone I love…. I…I…” I’ve never seen Sidon this low before and how much he can let his emotions take over if he just spirals.

Sidon sighed and then looked up with smile. It looked as usual but I could see it was for show. It wasn’t his real smile, it was forced even though to anyone else it wouldn’t look it. “You are right, Yona! I will not give into this fear! Nor forsake my trust in you! I leave this place to you, my love.”

That was the moment I felt the possibility that I had just been getting in my own head about neither Sidon or Yona actually wanting to be engaged. That I was just wishing a fake reality, that I felt the reality in front of me was that Sidon DID want to be with Yona and he was happy.

My love….My love….

I couldn’t get those two little words out my head as they played in a constant reloop. As if the fake reality I had been wishing in my head was just a dream someone had work me from and now I was in real life and it was harsh and cruel.

Upset started to rise in my chest and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t see. Everything was blurred as if someone was shaking my vision. I could only barely hear the muffled voices around me and I felt uneasy on my feet as if I could just collapse at any moment.

“……Link! To the pillar…..” I didn’t hear the rest of Sidon’s words as I continued to feel unsteady and disheartened by the fact of reality.

“Link? Are you alright, my friend?” I didn’t say anything, I didn’t nod. I just stood there staring at my feet, unable to physically do anything with my body and short-circuited brain. I wasn’t meaning to I just didn’t know what to do, say, think…..

“Alright, take your time to do what you need. I shall go on ahead and meet you there, friend.” Sidon smiled at me, that fake smile he’s forcing sure but the worry for me evident in his eyes was real as we walked off.

Yona then turned to me. No, I can’t do this. Not right now, not when I feel like this. “It seems Sidon has finally put his doubts behind him and returned to his usual fearless self. I am so glad. All this time he was clinging to regret over being unable to save his precious sister, Mipha... My poor, tormented Sidon.”

No…..please don’t do this to me.

“And to think he was unknowingly paralyzed from taking action because he feared losing me as well.”

No…. Don’t rub salt in the wound, I beg of you.

“Yet he has overcome this trial and placed his faith in me. At last, the Sidon I know and love has come back to me.”

No! Don’t make it bleed more than it already has as it has been skewed through with a thick blade.

I didn’t show any emotion on my face but on the inside, I was angry, angry at Sidon, angry at myself, angry at Yona, angry at this whole situation. I was upset, upset I let my feelings take over my thoughts, upset I thought I could ever make them a reality, upset that they never will be.

There was too many emotions were swirling around all at once. None good, all worse than each other.

I felt like Yona didn’t deserve to be in this position because I felt she didn’t know Sidon like I do but at the same time I think she doesn’t want to be in this position and too is putting it all on for show.

Like Sidon.

“Link.. Please take good care of my dear Sidon. He is the sun in my sky.”

I don’t believe he is. I believe she cares for him as everyone does but I feel she is another sister to him, one he hasn’t lost yet and that has taken a turn neither of them wants but don’t know how to reject or express.

So they accept it, even if it’s forced and it pains them to do so.

Maybe there is still hope and if I can find the courage and a way to tell Sidon, maybe it will make all the difference.

For all of us…..hopefully.

Chapter Text

The water temple was by far the most painstakingly slow temple this far and not because anything in it was difficult or that I was unsure of where to go or what to do but because this time unless the last three temples, I have not spoken a word to the companion with me since we go here.

Sidon keeps glancing over to me every so often, he moves his mouth to speak but then closes it again when I don’t look his way. I don’t particularly want to talk to him at this moment, what is there to really talk about? It’s just better to keep my mouth shut because then I can’t say anything I’ll regret.

I can’t hurt him if I simply don’t speak to him. “Link? Is everything alright with you, my dearest friend? You have been awfully quiet. I know you are concentrating on the puzzles here but I fear I may have done something to cause your silence.”

I huffed as I twisted and turned a gear in the room we were currently in and rolled my eyes and I knew Sidon saw that and out the corner of my eye I watched his expression hardened but look hurt.

“I’m fine, just don’t wanna talk, not in a speaking mood.” I mumbled and I saw him want to further ask questions but is unsure by my moody response to his previous question. I wasn’t lying to him, I didn’t want to talk. “Link, ever since you arrived at the domain you have been very quiet and ‘not in a speaking mood’ about anything. I don’t wish to pry but I’m absolutely beside myself with worry about you.”

I sighed again and resisted the urge to ball my fists and storm away from him or shout in his face. “Sidon! I’m fine! Just please fucking drop it! I don’t want to talk, end of.” I snapped at him.

Because you know the latter was better option.

The anger and upset bubbled up too much and I felt like my head was just going to explode if I didn’t get him to shut up. Sidon looked a-taken back by my outburst and sighed nodding. “I do not see the need to speak to me in that manner. I apologize, my friend. I just merely wished to know that you are alright and not upset with me or my presence. If you do not wish to speak then we won’t speak. I will let you decide when you are ready to talk again.”

I nodded and Sidon shut his mouth really after that. I didn’t mean to snap at him, I really didn’t but how can I keep my calm about this whole situation if Sidon is going to keep nagging at me to talk to him. I didn’t want to talk so I didn’t snap at him but that was his fault entirely for antagonizing me.

Sidon continued to follow me around the temple like a lost puppy, he didn’t dare speak another word for anything other than directions or small praise after I had figured out the puzzles of turning on each faucet of the temple as the voice of an ancestor like the other temples.

Even after this temple is done and done it will still be my feelings that’s the problem, I’ll still feel the same way about Sidon and his situation and what I hate most about it isn’t that I am a big coward and should have told Sidon my feelings when I the chance because goddess I had a lot of them but the fact that no matter what I would have done, whether Sidon knew of my feelings or not, he is still a prince.

He will very likely be a king when we return to domain and to rule a kingdom as King, he needs a queen and eventually heirs to take the throne after him and carry on the Royal Zora bloodline and unfortunately I can’t help with that but Yona can. She can give him both those things and I should really be happy for him.

It’s none of my business what Sidon gets up to when I’m not at the domain. He’s not my boyfriend, he doesn’t have to tell me every damn detail of his love life but I can’t help but think I wish it was me. I wish I had a chance to be with him. To know what his lips would be like on mine.

For him just to know HOW much I love him and want to be around him every second for the rest of my life.
But I don’t want to ruin anything and I fear spilling my guts of my undying love for him will ruin not only our friendship but possibly his future marriage and if it did he’d have every right to be angry with me and want nothing to do with me anymore.

But I can’t risk that, I don’t know what I’d do if Sidon didn’t want to be my friend anymore because of these stupid feelings, it would just absolutely shattered me. I can’t lose him so for now and probably forever he’s my best friend and that’s all I’m ever gonna be in his eyes and in my eyes he’s gonna be the one I love most but I can’t have.

I have to accept that the fantasy of looking into those beautiful eyes every morning, and running my hands over those scales and covering that dazzling smile with my own lips on his will never be a reality.

And you know what doesn’t help the feels especially all these thoughts swirling around in my head? Sidon touching my shoulder or my arm every time I want his power to surround me in a safe water bubble to solve something. His touch is delicate and caring and it makes me tense up but relax at the same time.

Thankfully before Sidon could comment again on my still peculiar behavior around him, he noticed that we had turned last faucet that needed to be turned.

And so turns out the source of the sludge, and the reason behind all of the Domain's issues, turns out to be an little slimy creature that I can’t put a name to because it doesn’t look like any sort of anything really it’s a little weird creature. It flailed about and coated itself in a puddle of filth that also formed a shark-alligator thing for it to ride about on but once that was gone it was pretty defenseless.

I haven’t ever needed to have to ask Sidon for his water wall of protection during the battle he just does it and I don’t complain because I get to have Sidon’s touch on me again and again and after this I’m not gonna have that so I want to have it as much as possible before it’s taken away from me.

The sludge covering the secret stone that will soon belong to Sidon was revealed after the creature had exploded in defeat. The stone now stood in front of Sidon, shrunk down like the others and when he touched it we were blinded by that same light as we met with what I assume is the last ancestors to meet.

After the final conversation with the Zora ancestor we were back in temple just like the other ones. Sidon looked up at the secret stone of his ancestor and nodded, addressing his voice to me.

“I need not know why you are troubled, my friend. I know your silence is not usual for you but I don’t to hurt you by prying until you are ready to tell me, if ever. I’m sure you have your reasons and I just wish you to know I will help you through those reasons and do whatever I can to have my best friend back to himself. It is my destiny to fight by your side and help you.”

“I came here so that I can save Zora’s Domain…but it looks like all of Hyrule will need my help! I’ll do all I can. Just as my ancestor did. I will accept this secret stone!”

The stone glowed a glorious blue and Sidon held out his hand as it attached to the back of it just like his ancestor adding to his adornments. Sidon smiled as he turned around to me. “I am the Sage of Water. Behold! This is my new power!” I internally winced as I saw Sidon made an avatar of himself with his power just like the other three sages had done.

But this time it’s worse, now I get to have a ghost substitute of the love of my life following me around and being by my side because that’s as close as I’m ever gonna get to the real thing.

Sidon kneeled on one knee to lower to my height and smiled holding his hands out. “Here, Link, your hand.” He took my Zonaian hand in both of his large ones and passed his power to me.

“I, Sidon, the Sage of Water, swear that I will fight by your side. Please accept this! It is proof of my vow!”
Though I accept it, it’s just not the kind of vow I want to you make to me. I want more that I will never have. When I looked to my hand after it stopped glowing blue another ring on my index finger formed with Sidon’s symbol. Sidon’s ring. The only ring he will ever give me.

“With that ring, you will always have my power with you! We're partnered up again! Yes! All right, let's head back home.”

Home….

Somewhere I’ve not felt I’ve been since before the upheaval and I always ALWAYS used to think of the Domain as home, a safe place, my safe place, all because of Sidon.
But now feels like it’s gone, that it doesn’t feel like home for me anymore, Sidon. I’m sorry.

You see, I wanted to sneak out immediately after we returned to the domain and I tried to but King Dorphean was insistent on my presence during the coronation as he suddenly decided then and there to pass his crown to Sidon after the domain was saved. Sidon was introduced as the new King of the Zora, his crown passed from his father and the moment I had been dreading was now here.

Sidon gestured to Yona at his side. “At this same precious moment, I ask that you also open your hearts to your new queen, my beloved Yona!”

I feel VIOLENTLY ill. I want nothing more than to walk away right now but I don’t need to give these elders anymore reason to hate me than they already do.

Yona spoke and I couldn’t help but want to just bury my head into my hands and run away but I kept professionalism with an emotionless expression and the stature of a statue. “I am so proud and so very grateful to count myself among the Zora of the domain. However! That does mean all matters are resolved.”

Yona said to her new subjects, she didn’t look particularly happy about the fact she was speaking those words, she also looked like she wanted to run away. In fact I saw her discreetly edge away from Sidon as she spoke.

“Right you are, my love!” Sidon smiled at her but there was no love behind his eyes or maybe it was just me. His smile was still as fake as can be to me but seemed normal to everyone else. He also moved away from Yona and disguised it as he was gesturing to the people.

“We shall not allow that! It is now time for the Zora to help Link prevail! Everyone, I ask that you lend him your strength!” He smiled at me, noticing my emotionless face and trying to get something out of me. The smile he gave me was the first genuine one I had seen on his lips since I had arrived at the domain and image to say it was good to see it again.

I had missed it. But I won’t see it for long I know that.

I saw him discreetly sigh when he didn’t get any response from me and turned back to the Zora people. “Doing just that shall be the first task that I and my partner in life and in leadership shall undertake as your king and queen.”

I want to know whose words Sidon is speaking because they’re not his. He is not as confident about this idea that everyone thinks he is. Neither him or Yona are.

I sighed and looked around thinking Sidon’s too busy addressing his subjects to notice if I sneak away. I turned and started to walk when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

“Link…? Where are you going, my friend?” I looked at Sidon curtly and spoke to him for the first time in hours.

“To Lookout landing, to Hyrule castle, where do you think, Sidon?” I was again rude in my tone, like the water temple. He went to speak but I didn’t let him. “I don’t want to hurt you or your feelings but if I stay a second here longer here then I might. I’m sorry but I really need to go.”

I walked away without another word as fast as my feet could take me. I heard Sidon shouting after me to come back but I couldn’t. The quicker I get away the better.

This is better for him, for the both of us.

Chapter Text

You know, when I signed up to this crisis, I thought after all the regions had been saved all I had to deal with was Hyrule Castle and rescue Zelda then that’d be it but no of course not.

Now it’s probably worth mention before I even visited any of the regions after I left Lookout Landing I went in search for my Master Sword which miraculously disappeared just before I let the sky islands and I finally discovered how to get it back.

I’ve seen visions going throughout Hyrule before I went to the regions , visions of Zelda, Rauru and his Queen, Sonia. It appeared Zelda was safe, she was in a different place and time but she looked safe and that’s all I cared about. However after meeting with Impa a few times in forgotten temple before and after these visions it was called Dragon’s tears and that dragon that appeared through the clouds when I was still on the Sky islands has appeared again and again. So it definitely had something to do with it.

In order to get close to it I made my way to the closest Skyview tower launched myself from the tower and glided to the dragon, it gave up drafts of wind that helped me glide up and onto its back. I held onto its back and climbed up to its head and that’s when I saw it.

It was my sword. The Master Sword. It was lodged in the middle of the dragon’s head and it seemed whole again. I didn’t know how that was possible then but it was and when I finally got it back I held it back in one hand again like I used to. It was amazing, it was exactly like before, every detail was restored and as it was repaired it had a glorious golden streak in middle from being bathed in sacred light I can only assume.

But it wasn’t until after I had the sword back and after I had visited all the regions did the heart-breaking and stomach turning discovery hit me.

This was more so than Sidon’s situation and I just can’t believe it. I still can’t believe either situation but this one was arguably worse.

The dragon that I’ve saw appearing above the clouds just before I left the sky islands and the same dragon that I got my Master Sword back from was Zelda, I learned from the fifth sage, yes there was a fifth one according to Purah and she was right but that was another region basically and another temple….. in the depths…

Don’t get me started.

But the the fifth sage, the Sage of Spirit, Mineru. She told me Zelda was indeed in a different time and place but has returned to our time now to give me the Master Sword back when I was ready. Mineru told me the whole thing how much of a forbidden thing the process Zelda did called Dragonifcation but Zelda did it anyway.

She gave up her mind, body and soul to save my sword. To save Hyrule. To save me. She’s done so much to help and I honestly can’t wait to give her the biggest hug when I see her again, I know I will, I just have to.
If we find a way to turn her back of course, Mineru did say the process is forever. It cannot be reversed. But I still have hope.

Anyways back to everything that’s happened leading up to this moment. Before I met Mineru and found out about Zelda I had to battle in Hyrule Castle to get rid of the fake Zelda that was going about in the regions and by no surprise it was a puppet of Ganondorf. The reason behind all this.

But the four sages at that point did appear to help me before it got too intense and well that was the first time I had seen Sidon since his coronation.

It didn’t go well.

There was nothing but tension every time Sidon and I looked at each other, when we arrived back at Lookout Landing I basically begged Purah with my eyes to send me away somewhere so I didn’t have to suffer through the reminder of the love that I will never have.

Then she sent me to the depths to find the Spirit Temple and Mineru which was again arguably worse because I HATE the depths.

They’re dark, they’re scary and I have never hated anything with a burning passion more than that pit of Hell.

And you know what’s great? You know where I am right this very second?

The depths, of course!

The Demon king, the bastard Ganondorf so gracefully decided to be, not IN Hyrule Castle but right beneath it in the castle depths.

Great.

So now it looks like I’m going back to the place where it all began but now I’m returning with a new arm, five sage powers, my blade and a fear of darkness and depths this time.
Every creature here fought with gloom and were covered in the red gloop. Not to mention it was all around me too so I had to watch where I’m stepping.

I knew the deeper, the better because the demon king isn’t going make finding him easy for me, it got darker and more gloomy in both senses of the word as I went descended further and further down.
I dropped down using my Paraglider and came to a staircase, a familiar staircase…..

A staircase I felt like I stood on a lifetime ago.

If only I had done things differently in every sense possible. If I had grabbed Zelda’s hand when she fell then Rauru could have saved both of us. In less important matters, could I have told Sidon about feelings before he even knew about his engagement? Would it have changed anything?

Zelda always said to me everything happens for a reason. Sometimes I believe it and sometimes I think there’s no way that things that have happened could have happened for any reason.

Take this whole situation for instance, is there a reason for the Demon King’s return? His destruction? And again in less important matters, is Sidon’s engagement and marriage for a reason other than his role as future king?

It is silly to say that I feel upset that he still went through with it. But what could he have done really? I mean he didn’t know about my feelings still and well even if he did he still has a duty to fulfill. It wouldn’t change anything.

Though it has in a way I didn’t want. It’s made things real awkward between me and Sidon, because he doesn’t know about my undying love for him he’s just acting the same as before and I can’t even bare to look at him when we’re together now. When he appeared alongside the other sages after my fight with the demon king’s fight I couldn’t look at his face because everytime I do and see that crown on his head it reminds me.

Reminds me, Sidon is king and he has a Queen waiting at home for him. A very nice and kind Queen who is unfortunately a delight to speak to and be around but can’t she just be that instead of being married to the guy I literally know is my soulmate.

I was taken out my thoughts as I got deeper into the depths below, oh yeah, Link. More important matter right in front of you I reminded myself. I looked around and I realised I have found my self in a familiar room with murals on the wall.

These were the murals Zelda was so excited to discover. I looked to my right and saw the last three of them were still obscured by rocks as they were before when we first found them. Hmmm, you know what? I have the Purah Pad just as we did before which means I have a camera still and now I have weapons to destroy these rocks…..

I say I give Zelda a little surprise when I see her again. A hopeful reminder that I can still and will see her. I will uncover the last of these murals and take photographs of them for Zelda to add to her collection.

I took a big swing at each of the big rocks and they gave way uncovering the murals behind them.

I gasped as I looked at them. Wait a minute….. they all connect to the visions of the memories I saw through the dragon’s tears. I can see the whole picture now. The ones Zelda and I looked at before told the story of Rauru and his wife and queen of how they founded Hyrule.

Then the story of the demon king that the ancestors told us, the battle against him. But that was all we saw.

When I saw the last murals I got the full picture. The third last mural depicted the demon king’s power over Rauru and the sages, I could see all six of them.

Wind, the Ritos, Lightning, the Gerudo, Fire, the Gorons, Water, The Zora, Spirit, The Zonai and Time, Zelda.

The next two murals shocked me and maybe if we had seen them originally we would have gotten a better idea of what was going to happen.

The second last mural showed Zelda I can assume at a pedestal receiving a floating sword. When I put the Master Sword into a light and disappeared, Zelda received it before she turned into the dragon and saved it after she turned for the next ten thousand years.

The last mural made me tear up a little. It showed an immortal dragon flying amongst the clouds. It was all connected. It was Zelda after she had turned, after she sacrificed herself. I will reverse it, I will save her. I have to.

I took once last look at murals with a sad light smile before destroying the rocks that were blocking my way from going deeper on this path, this time on my own. No longer was there more staircases, just an endless pit.
No where to go but down then.

I took a leapt and dived down to the bottom, using my paraglider as I got closer to the ground. There was a massive red door covered in gloom vines and red ominous light. This must be where Ganondorf is.

But before I could step further to reach it, snarling reached my ears and I turned. Seeing monsters staring to appear before my eyes. Hordes and hordes of them, covered in gloom just like the rest of them down here.

More than I can count appear and I knew it was too much m to take on all at once, it feels like an ambush that I’m definitely going to lose because they’re hundreds of them and one of me.

I’m alone and there’s nothing I can do.

They all came running at me and once jumped as I held up my sword and shield ready for impact but then I heard the ping of an arrow hitting the monster.

I looked and saw it had been knocked to the ground and the other ones were confused considering I hadn’t moved.

“You don’t have to fight all by yourself, you know.”

I heard and looked to see Tulin had shot the arrow as he smiled at me. I smiled back at him, goddess am I happy to see him. “When we fight together…. We’re unstoppable!” He smiled shooting another arrow and using his gust of wind.

Together we fight then.

I then heard heavy footsteps come toward us. “I’m going to make my ancestors proud today, Link! I’ll fight by your side.” I smiled seeing Yunobo behind me.

They’ve come to help…. Both of them. I smiled but then heard more footsteps.

“Link!”

I swallowed and gasped internally as a sweet and tender voice graced my ears. I looked to my right and my heart could help but soar and ache at the same time. I heard the swishing of water as I saw the love of my life draw his water protection shield around himself and looked at me.

Still clueless as ever of course but I was still very happy to see him.

“We shall protect Hyrule together!” He shot his blast of water at the monsters and gave me that gorgeous winning smile and you know what this time instead of upset or awkwardness I felt pride and joy and more so than I have since we reunited.

Even if he is married I don’t care anymore, I want him to know. I will talk to him after all the this even if it doesn’t change anything.

“Link!” I heard to the right of Sidon and looked and sighed in relief as more help had arrived.

“The Gerudo owe you for your help.” I heard a lightning strike and monsters deceasing and smiled as Riju smiled at me. “You can count on me!”

Heavy mechanical footsteps came to the left of me beside Tulin. “I will atone for my past failures.” Mineru said in her construct. “It is time to stop the Demon King!”

I smiled as my friends and sages came to stand with me so we can fight this dark army as one.

Things may have not gone the way I hoped but this is a reminder.

I am not alone in my fight.

We all panted and sighed as the last of the army fell and the door to where Ganondorf was opened its way to us. “That gloom mean but one thing. The demon king is there.” Sidon said.

But all of a sudden screeches and snarls were heard behind us, more monsters?! Come on!

No, wait it’s something else. The ball of gloom formed into…..

Is that the scourge of the Wind Temple? And the Spirit temple? Then I had the realization. And the Water temple and the Lightning temple and the Fire temple too.

All the monsters that plagued the regions of Hyrule and caused the strange phenomenons were here all at once. There’s no way we can fight them AND Ganondorf at the same time.

“More obstacles in our path, but our foe is mistaken if he thinks this will stop us!” Riju said before I seen her nod to her fellow sages and they all ran to the monsters that plagued their respective region.

“We’re fated to fight these beasts! Don’t worry about us!” Sidon told me, jabbing his trident at the sludge monster once more.

“Link! We’ll take care of this, goro! You ready to see power of sage?!” Yunobo looked up the rock spider once more, holding his boulder basher in hand.

“We’ll be fine! We already beat them once! This will be a breeze for sure!” Tulin smiled at me holding his bow in his talons to face the flying beast before him.

“It is time, Link. The rest is up to you!” Mineru said to me facing her seized construct once again.
Large boulders collapsed separating me from the sages, blocking them from getting to me or me getting to them.

I’m not alone in my fight but there is a time where I have to face a fight on my own and the sages are doing just that so I must too. I walked down the path of gloom to a room filled with it more so than what I’d seen on the journey down here. In the middle of it was the mummified body of Ganondorf.

This will be interesting.

“I knew there was more to you than that wretched arm Rauru gave you. But you are wrong. I cannot be beaten, I will not loose this battle but you will loose your life. That I can assure you!” Ganon threatened to me as he stood at full power now halfway through our fight.

He drew another frightening blade, a spear this time and started to come towards me.

He groaned a little in pain as an arrow shot him in the side of the head. “I’m with you Link!” I breathed a quick sigh of relief as Tulin came into view and started to hammer Ganondorf with arrows.

As he tried to come at me again, Fire erupted in his face. “I’ll flatten that Demon King, Link!” Yunobo smiled using his strength.

Ganondorf growled louder this time and ignored the Sage of Wind and Fire’s attacks and jumped straight for me with his spear, coming close to being able to impale me.

I braced again for impact but his face and hair were suddenly soaked with water as he choked the littlest bit.

“Sorry I took so long, Link!” Sidon jumped in front of me in protection and shot powerful blast after blasts of water and there goes the second time down here that Sidon’s saved my life.

Now soaked not only with water but fury too Ganondorf made another leapt for me and Sidon in front of me but groaned at strike of lightning that just hit his soaked body. It hurt him but not as much as I would have thought for a water-electricity combo but then again he is Gerudo.

For all I know, Gerudos could be immune or not hurt very much by lighting due to their blood and ancestral pasts. “Let’s take him down together, Link!” Riju smiled at me rushing into battle.

A rocket fired at him caught off him guard as Mineru stepped forward. “This ends now, Ganondorf!” It was time to finish this together.

This guy had to be taking the absolute malarkey out of us. I feel very little strength left in me and well it hasn’t gone well after he gained a bit more strength with his power. I was barely stand with my sword to keep me up.

The sages on the other hand, worse for wear. All of them.

Tulin, feather tussled and bow and arrow too far to reach.

Yunobo, smashed like a rock and his weapon in pieces.

Riju, no thunder or lightning to come from her, her sword crumpled like a piece of paper and shield flat as a pancake.

Mineru, her construct overheating and sizzling unhealthily.

I clenched my fists in anger, how dare he do this to my friends! I know he wants to stop them helping me stop him but this is extreme. I’m the one he has the problem with, I will not let anyone die for me here because of him. But I know he won’t kill any of them, that would cause to much a distraction for me, he just wants them out the way.

Sidon laid there groaning and panting his trident fallen from his hands now too far too reach but that wasn’t it. Ganon had done more to him, every few seconds Sidon’s body jolted and with each time he let out a whimper and cry of pain.

Then I saw Ganon standing there, little tiniest sparks of electricity on his fingertips. The faintest sizzles and light zaps of electricity emitted from Sidon’s body everytime he jolted in pain.

Ganondorf saw an opportunity to hurt Sidon more than anyone else to the point of almost death but he knew that’d get the most reaction out of me. That I’d be reckless in my fighting out of pure rage and anguish.

Ganondorf then quickly sent the injured sages away to not be a distraction but that was his downfall when I started to hammer at him with the Master Sword whilst he was not looking.

How DARE he! How dare he try to kill the love of my life in the most dark and twisted way imaginable to just get a rise out of me to make it easier to kill me!

“You’ve made your last mistake, Ganondorf! My Sidon! How dare you! I will not let you take his life or anyone’s for that matter!”

I lashed and lashed with the Master Sword until he stumbled back with a chuckle….. “I had a feeling that the Zora sage would your weak point, you can be so predictable. But not to worry, you’ll soon join him in dying together!” He roared.

“You will not stop me! A mere mortal… will not stand in my way!” He reached to his forehead where his secret stone was, screaming as he ripped his from his head and its attachment. He groaned, the power obviously going from him as he held the stone in his hand. “My body…..my mind….everything… I’ll sacrifice it all to destroy you.. and cast this world into eternal night!”

He swallowed the secret stone and began to scream and roar as his body began to transform.
He transformed into a form that looked very much like the weak form of Calamity Ganon that swirled around the castle during the fatal battle I had.

It grabbed me and began to force its way to the surface, I groaned trying to find something to hold on to so I didn’t fall to my death. This form however began to become more solid as we got to the surface. A dragon started to form more fully and far up in the sky now and I was trapped between two spikes on his back.

I tried to pull my way free but it was no use, a roar was heard in the distance and I saw coming towards was another dragon. And not just any dragon, my dragon, my best friend and only family left.

Zelda.

She headed straight for Ganondorf and he snapped his jaw at her, his action loosening me and I fell from his back starting to fall through the sky and I somehow couldn’t find my bearings to skydive or pull out my paraglider.

I fell through the sky and heard another snap of the jaws from the dragon demon king before I felt some catch me from falling further.
Zelda pushed me from her head onto her back as she flew through the air and helped take down this hateful and evil creature once and for all.

I leapt off Zelda again for hopefully the final time and made my way down to the Demon Dragon and landed on his head in between his eyes. I swung my Master Sword and lashed at the stone embedded in the dragon’s head until it cracked open with light. The Demon Dragon roared and tried to throw me off but I kept my grip on this stone.

I crawled on my hands and knees up to the middle of the stone and pulled out the Master Sword again, holding it with one hand and used the other to keep myself steady on the head of this stone.

I thought of all the people hurt by this whole ordeal and how this will maybe not change things but can ease and stop the suffering of everyone else in Hyrule.

Evil will not grace this kingdom again, I will make damn sure of it.

I plunged the Master Sword into the stone and it shattered, the light starting to blind me and the Demon Dragon. I managed to stand up and fight to pull my sword back out, but as I managed to yank it back it out I lost my footing and fell through sky.
I was immediately caught by Zelda again, she flew as fast as possible away from the Demon King Dragon and he started to implode from the power of the stone shattering until he couldn’t no more and he exploded in a blast of gloom air, leaving a thin red beam that faded away from existence.

Zelda flew calmly through the air as I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding in.

It was relief. He was gone.

My Zonaian arm started glow and I looked at it curiously as it got brighter and brighter until its light blinded me.

When I opened my eyes I was floating in a white space. I looked myself seeing my Champions tunic tucked away in my Hylian trousers as usual and my Master Sword sheathed on my back.

I looked below me and floating there was Zelda. Eyes closed peacefully. I gasped as I truly looked at her. I can’t believe she had done this and for me, to save us and our home.

I want her back, the real her. My Zelda. I’ll do anything that it takes.

My arm started to glow again, burning bright as two chimes were heard and at either side of me appeared the first king and queen of Hyrule. I smiled lightly.

“Rauru…” I started. “Zelda….” I whispered looking at him. He nodded not needing me to finish. “I understand, Link. It’s time.” He smiled as a golden beam began to shrine down from my palm onto Zelda.

A Hylian hand covered my Zonai one. “She’s going to be okay, Link. She has you and she always will. You have each other.” Sonia smiled at me. Rauru then placed his hand atop of Sonia’s and atop of my replacement of his hand he gave me and three of us shone golden beams on to the dragon below. Magical golden light began to fade the dragon away and when it cleared there floating was our Zelda.

Rauru and Sonia stepped back from me and let go and Rauru nudged my shoulder and smiled. “Sorry, it took so long but it’s saved now, thanks for taking care of the other one so long.” He chuckled and I furrowed my eyebrows at him before looking at my right arm.

It was back to normal like it was never gone. I smiled and looked back at him as him and Sonia began to fade. “Thank you….” I smiled. “Zelda thanks you too…” Sonia nodded with a smile.

“We know she does. Take her of her, Link. We will always be with you both.” I nodded with promise and they faded away and the light began to blind me again.

Wind ruffled my hair and face and I opened my eyes to know I was falling through the sky again. I gasped and looked below me, falling fast as me was Zelda, eyes still closed. Looking like I couldn’t catch up to catch her.

Not this time.

I dived down fast as I could to get her and got to her level, reaching for her hand. I reached up desperately, come on just a little closer, my fingers just grazed the top of hers…

And I grabbed her hand, tightly holding it in mine like I should have down all that time ago at the castle.
As we continued to fall through the sky I wrapped my arms around her and held her against me, directing us to the water below at the surface. I closed my eyes on impact and used my legs to swim to the surface of the water I pulled Zelda up in my arms further as I managed to stand up and I walked out of the water coughing a little with her in my arms.

I laid her down on the grass and kneel beside her as her eyes started to flutter open. She began to sit up holding her head and then noticed me with a gasp.

“Link? How are you….” She started looking at me confused, I just smiled peacefully and wide in relief.

“Zelda….” She looked at herself. “But I was…..” She looked at me and I nodded. “I know….” My Master Sword then start to whirl sounds and Zelda gasped at it on my back. “It reached you….after all.” She smiled. “He’s gone….the Demon King…” I nodded. “I took care of him, he won’t be bothering anyone again.”

She gasped with happy tears clouding her eyes. “You did it. Oh, Link, you really did it! But how am I…” I chuckled. “A little gift from the King and Queen.” I winked as she gasped standing as she turned to me.

“Oh Link, I met such wonderful people. I saw Hyrule as it was….” I smiled nodding. “I mean I only met Rauru for a brief time but I couldn’t have done any of this without his help or his arm.” I chuckled.

Zelda looked confused but laughed. “Link, I’ve so much to tell you.” I smiled. “Oh, believe me. So do I.”

She smiled. “Oh, Link. I’m home.” She ran to me and I hugged her tightly. “You’re home, Zelds and I promise I am never going to let anything happen to you ever again. We’re never gonna be apart again.” She let go and took my hand happily.

“I’m glad. Now let’s go the castle and see what the damage is this time. Looks like we’ve got a lot more rebuilding to do, so why wait? Let’s go!”

Chapter Text

Relief. A feeling I never thought I would have again when I lost my arm to the gloom and Zelda fell down below the castle. Months of restoration, relaxation and healing for us, Hyrule Castle and the kingdom done a world of wonders. The castle is looking great, the kingdom becoming more like pre-calamity and as for Zelda and myself.

We’ve felt better than we have in a long time. Rested up, no longer prolonged fatigue and aching muscles from long journeys and battles. I woke up this morning comfortable and relaxed on my bed in my room in the castle. Stretched out against my pillows, I kicked the duvet covers off and sat up in my shorts I slept in. I looked at the clock on the wall, it’s 9’ o clock and there’s no doubt Zelda is already awake probably a few hours prior and most likely with Purah right now figuring out what to do next.

Probably worth mentioning Hyrule Castle is now back to the ground. It returned hours after the defeat of the Demon King and the surrounding ground was restored too. First thing Zelda and I did after Hyrule Castle was back stable was I accompanied her to visit all the regions so she could see everyone again.

She was happy to see Teba making elder of Rito Village and assured him he’d be great. The same with Yunobo who has kind of taken over from Bludo properly this time. She was more than ecstatic to see Riju and she was also surprised and confused when I just walked into Gerudo Town with her and no one said a word about the fact I still looked like a man and didn’t have my disguise. Riju explained to Zelda that because I saved the town twice I was allowed to walk freely as the only man allowed in town.

But of course that’s only three out of four regions. For almost five months now I’ve made Zelda busy thinking of every task there is to do anywhere that can drive her away from asking to visit Zora’s Domain. But the last month or so she’s been saying we really should go visit, she really wants to see how things are there after the end of the upheaval but I know I’m not ready to face Sidon yet.

I can’t.

Sidon or Yona, I don’t even bare to think about it for more than a few moments, it makes my stomach turn and my heart ache. I don’t want to think of the outcome that has happened. Zelda eventually coerced it out of me on why I was so against going to see Zora’s Domain considering she thought I’d want to see Sidon.

“He’s your best friend, Link. From the sounds of it, he already worried his fins off about you at the start of the upheaval and I bet he’s worried now tenfold than he was before considering we haven’t had any contact with the Domain. It’s only fair you let him see and know you’re ok, that we’re ok, re-building Hyrule one step at a time. Plus we need to have a meeting with Sidon anyway like we have with all the other rulers of the regions and I want to Mipha’s little brother become King. It’s a big deal.”

I sighed at her fifth lecture since I had gotten dressed and come to the kitchens for breakfast as she came back from her meeting with Purah. It’s barely even 11 o’clock yet. “Yes, exactly, Zelda. Best friend. That’s all I’ll ever be to him and yes it is a big deal. Bigger deal when he’s now married to his new Queen and I still have head over heels feelings for him and he hasn’t no clue whatsoever.”

I rolled my eyes as I walked out the kitchens following her to the library as she wanted to check out some books Purah mentioned. “Link, you know you can’t avoid him or the domain forever. It’s been almost half a year, that’s long enough. We’ve visited every other region at like three times since the end of the upheaval. It’s not fair to Zora and you know it. They deserve to know what’s going on with the kingdom and how we can help them with anything they need.”

I nodded leaning against a pillar in the library as she scanned through books. “I know it’s not fair and I’m trying to put that reason above all else but it isn’t working. I think of the Domain, I think of Sidon then I think Yona and who she is and what she means and I go down a rabbit hole in my mind. So I’d rather not.”

Zelda rolled her eyes at me as she pulled a book off the shelf. “Yes! This is the one Purah was talking about. She wants to go investigate the sky islands again and she wants the sages to come with us just like last time. So even if we don’t visit the domain, you’ll still need to see Sidon. Now, are you coming or not?”

I raised my eyebrow. “To Lookout Landing or the Domain?” I asked, Zelda crossed her arms, book snuggled between them. “The Domain, with me and Purah.” I smiled politely which Zelda knew it wasn’t a polite smile more like the opposite.

“I think I’ll stay here. If Sidon asks for me, just tell him you’ve sent me on errands in other regions whilst you cover their one.” She looked at me, she sighed with a nod. “Alright, they’ll know it’s a lie but just this time I’ll do it because you can’t avoid him forever. Or any longer than five months. If he asks I’m not lying to him, Link. I’ll just tell you’re not in the mood for talking, errands would mean talking.” She smirked, I sighed.

“Zelda, that sounds like I’m trying o avoid him. It sounds like I have a problem with him and I don’t need him to end up hating me on top of everything else.” She chuckled. “I’m not so sure you remember Sidon correctly, he definitely won’t think that, Link. Sidon could never hate you, no matter what. Purah and I will go there now so so we can investigate, I’ll see you later.” I smiled lightly and a little more nice this time as she left and headed back to my room and collapsed on my bed staring up at the ceiling.

Doesn’t she get I wish things were different? Of course I would like if there was no problems, no fiancées, no queens, no crown, no new roles. Nothing that is everything that’s stopping me from ever having a shot with Sidon.

Or even a chance to say my feelings to someone other than Zelda and Purah.

Sidon’s POV

Father told me to meet him in the throne room this morning, you would think being king myself now I would spend much more time in the throne room but I don’t. I still spend as much time anywhere else as I did when I was a prince. And even though he had stepped down as King, father still remained on the throne in the throne room most of the time and I still stood by him, the only difference now is the crown atop my head.

And I would much rather walk around the domain freely as I did as Prince other than sit on a throne all day. “Ah, Sidon, my son. Good morning, I’ve asked you here for a multitude of reasons but I will start with the most important. Princess Zelda should be arriving most shortly so yourself and Lady Yona should prepare to greet her when she arrives, this is first time we will have seen her in hopefully good health, the real princess since before the upheaval so I want her to feel welcome.”

I nodded. “Yes, of course, Father.”
If Princess Zelda is coming here that must mean Link is too, I hope so. He always escorts the Princess and being honest I haven’t heard from Link since before our battle with the Demon King, the time during battle doesn’t really count as such but I am worried about him and why he is being so distant.

I understand of course he and the princess is busy as before. I myself have more duties and responsibilities as I did when I was prince but something feels different like Link is purposely avoiding the Domain….or me….

Goddess above, I hope it’s not me he’s avoiding. And if it is then I don’t know what I could have done to make my dearest friend distance himself from me. My mind is going crazy and I feel joyless not having heard his amazing voice tumbling out stories of his travels or looking into his eyes as they sparkled like sapphires with happiness and contentment whenever he was in the domain.

Though I have to say I haven’t seen that sparkle in his eyes since BEFORE the upheaval happened. I couldn’t say the last time I saw that calmness and energy in his eyes.
Of course, during the upheaval he was distraught about the princess being missing and having to help all the other regions around Hyrule then when he came here to help with the domain with the sludge but even then he always showed me just a little positivity during the calamity so what’s different?

What could possibly be wrong? Is there something I could do to help him? Or would my presence or assistance just make things worse?

That is if he is avoiding me and the domain for a reason which I can hope at least it’s not.

“…..ondering about, son? Sidon? Sidon. Sidon, are you listening to me?” I immediately snapped out of my thoughts, looking up at my father, his sharp tone catching my hearing.

“Apologies, father. My mind was elsewhere, I just was pondering about something….” I wasn’t going to say what, he sighed as he looked at me with almost disappointment.

I knew that I wasn’t fit to be King yet and maybe father was seeing that now too. I was barely able to handle being a prince. “I see…. Anyhow, as I was saying that I wished to know how yourself and Lady Yona and have been with each other. You have been married for more than a few moons, may I be expecting any grandchildren soon?”

My face instantly felt like it had been melted by the hottest spice you could put on a dish and I knew it must have been showing on cheeks as I tried to hide the dark blue blush by letting out a breath I didn’t know I was holding in to calm myself from the surprising and sudden question.

I couldn’t find my voice for a few moments and when I did my words came out with a stutter. “No-no. Ahem. No, father. Lady….Lady Yona and I have….ahem. Have not….have not been……” I trail off my sentence, there is no appropriate way to say it.

In truth, the prospect of mating and producing an heir had always evaded my knowledge and well, I didn’t have the desire to….mate. Not even with my wife, my supposed to be Queen. Also I knew I wasn’t fit to be a king, never mind a father. I couldn’t really imagine myself as a father, I love children of course but I never have had the desire to have any of my own.

Looking up at Father again he did not look best pleased with my response. “Sidon, I know you are young yet to be a king and to have an heir but at the same time you are not in your 70’s anymore. Your Queen, your future heir or heirs and your kingdom should be the three most important things on your mind at constant. They are the marks of what makes a good king.”

“And to ask what you were pondering of earlier that distracted you from our conversation I know already it could not have been any of those three things. I would like to see my grandchildren nearing their 100’s or better yet even older like you are now at 115 years and possibly see you pass the crown to them before my time comes as well as spending as much time with them as I can.”

“I am 255 years, Sidon and you know that we Zoras do not likely live past 370 years, some Zora have both in the past and present but I don’t want to be leaving you when your life as King has hardly begun and I wish to not only meet but know my grandchildren and their lives well and fully before my time. That is why you must make a start, for our people, for your Queen and for me.” I sighed, wanting to argue. I didn’t want children so soon, I didn’t even know if I wanted any full stop. Why couldn’t I just pass the crown to someone else? I know it sounds immature and selfish but it’s the way I feel on the matter.

“Oh, Darling, there you are! I had been looking for you.” Yona came to me and placed a hand on my arm. I smiled. “Apologies, my love. I had been just speaking with Father.” I was hoping he would not continue this topic in front of her, I didn’t wish to speak of children with her yet either.

“Your majesty! Your highness! King Father!” Bazz came to us, thankfully saving me from this conversation. “Princess Zelda has arrived.” I sighed in relief and smiled.

Perfect timing. Perhaps Link can lift my mood and I could talk to him about all this. He always had the best advice to give and always knew exactly what to say to help. I stood next to father and giddily awaited for my precious friend to appear. Princess Zelda came into the throne room a few moments later…..

But she was alone. Well, she wasn’t alone by herself as she as I see she is being accompanied by a Sheikah woman, why is Link not accompanying her? They both bowed and smiled at us. “King Sidon, King father.” Princess Zelda smiled as Father began to speak to her. “It is a delight to see you, Princess. I am so glad to see you are in good health after all this.” I smiled also but I couldn’t help but look for my dearest companion.

“My dear Princess, I cannot help but notice that Link is not accompanying you. Is he well, our champion?” My father spoke, she nodded glancing at me before looking back at my father. “Link wished to rest back in Hyrule Castle, he traveled with to all the other regions and insisted that he stay at the castle for the present time so I left him be. I am worried about him possibly exerting himself so I let rest.” Father nodded seeming to think nothing of it but I was worried.

Worried of why the princess was worried. Why she thought Link was exerting himself, was he alright? Was he ill? Was he worn from all the battle and travels? Was the rest thing just something she said to cover up the truth? Why did he insist that he stay in Hyrule Castle when the Princess had come to visit the domain. Is it again because he is possibly avoiding me?

I must know.

“Ah, Princess, may I introduce our new Queen, Lady Yona.” Father continued, introducing Yona to Zelda as Yona smiled at Zelda brightly and Zelda equally smiled as bright. “It’s pleasure to meet you, Lady Yona.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Princess Zelda. You are exactly as dear Sidon and Sir Link have told me. I’m delighted to have you here in our domain.” Zelda smiled before speaking again.

“We will begin our investigations of the ruins shortly before we retire to the inn.” Yona shook her head as she stepped forward. “Nonsense, Princess. There is plenty of room in the royal corridor, I will take you and your advisor to your new chambers.” Zelda smiled brightly again and nodded as the three women left the throne room.

“And we shall continue our conversation, my son.” I nodded simply at my father but groaned on the inside and internally rolled my eyes.

I can only wish to see Link soon.

Link’s POV

When Zelda returned three days later after her investigations with Purah a success, she once again begged me to accompany her to visit the domain again. I just looked at her as I cleaned up the armory at her command, polishing the last of the swords. “I’ve already given my excuse of not visiting. I’m sure it was accepted as fine.” Zelda huffed and crossed her arms.

“Link, you have not left this castle in almost a month since we visited Riju and delivered that armor to the Gerudo. You have to come.” I sighed. “When did you want to go?” She crossed her arms tighter. “Tomorrow. Before nightfall preferably.” I furrowed my eyebrows. “I assumed we’d be going before nightfall anyway.” She nodded.

“Yes, but I have a council tomorrow. I could always just go the day after tomorrow.” I nodded. “Yeah, great.” “And you’ll already be there.” I looked up immediately. “What?” She smiled.

“You know, you can go tomorrow, tell King Father and Sidon that I have a council but then Purah and I will travel again the day after. We’ll even take guards this time to escort us if it makes you feel better.” I shook my head. “None of this makes me feel better, I don’t even want to go and you’re making me go there on my own.”

She laughed, ruffling my hair. “Link, you’re a big boy, you can handle one day travel and one night on your own in the domain.” I scoffed as she walked away back to the library. “Yeah, with my crush and his wife.” I heard her laugh again before she told me to go prepare myself and my horse.

Chapter Text

Sidon’s POV

“Good morning, my son.” I smiled lightly as I walked into the throne room with Yona already in her throne beside father. “Good morning, father.” I spoke quietly, sitting down in my own throne at the other side of him, I could father’s eyebrows furrow and Isaw him open his mouth to ask me what’s in my mind.

Bazz came rushing into the throne room before he could speak a word, thank Hylia. “Your majesty, Your majesty, King father. The Champion, Sir Link is approaching the Great Zora Bridge on horseback.” I sat up immediately, my mood perking as father spoke.

“Marvelous! Bazz, do prepare accommodation for our hero as we did the Princess and her advisor.” Bazz nodded and headed to the royal quarters to set up a bedchambers like we did for Zelda and her Sheikah advisor.

I could feel Yona’s eyes on me as to give reassurance and comfort. It was overbearing for me, I didn’t need it, it was just pity. I didn’t need pity, I didn’t need comfort. I don’t want it, all I want is to see Link. What I do need is to know he is still my friend, that he hasn’t been distant because of any reason that involves me. I really hope he’s still my friend, I don’t think I could live with the fact that Link doesn’t want to be around me anymore.

Footsteps were heard coming up the stairs to the throne room that made me shake myself out my thoughts and the sound of father’s voice.
“Ah, Link! Welcome! It’s good to see you and good to see you have rested now. Princess Zelda told us when she was here she was worried for you health, I agreed with her. You mustn’t overexert yourself, you need to let yourself rest off the upheaval.” Father smiled at him as Link smiled back lightly and spoke.

“Thank you, King father. Yes, I did need time for myself, I know I shouldn’t push myself too much than I already have and Zelda had to made me slow down, think and rest. Zelda will be arriving tomorrow with her advisor again, she has a council today told me to come alone and she will be escorted by the castle guards tomorrow.” Father hummed.

“I see, well I do hope the Princess’ business goes well. Even after all this, she is still striving to better our kingdom.” Link nodded. “She’s trying to establish connections in Hyrule with nearby kingdoms to help expand better but it’s not simple as she originally thought. Hyrule is still divided as a from other kingdoms as it has been for centuries and connecting our kingdom to another or two seamlessly is not without complications.”

Father nodded. “Yes, it seems the only way to forge true and powerful alliances is through marriage.” Link nodded. “Don’t I know that all too well?” He said quietly which had gears starting to turn in my head. Why would he say something like that? Has the princess mentioned something of marriages to him or something that has perhaps put him in sour mood.

“Sorry, yes you’re right. But of course Zelda is only one person and she can’t marry someone from every kingdom in the world and it’s not fair to give some kingdoms privileges and not other kingdoms. I actually think she would try to marry me off if she had the chance to try and make ends meet better.” Link chuckled as father laughed boisterously.

“I don’t doubt for a second our princess would be that bold, Link! Though of course, a marriage with you in stead of princess to another race in another kingdom would indeed form a strong bond for those races and good foundation for rebuilding our kingdom. You are the Hero of Hyrule after all.” I saw a red hue go across Link’s cheeks as he chuckled.

He hadn’t looked at me once since stepping into the room, not even a glance in my direction. What have I done? I thought racking my brain to think of anything I could have possibly said or did in our last encounter. He has never been angry with me or expressed I had upset him. Had I done something so drastic that he didn’t even wish to look at me?

It’s worse that I don’t even know what it is I could have done if it is anything.

“Sir Link, your bedchambers is prepared if you wish to retire to them.” Link smiled softly at Bazz and nodded before nodding to my father. “Thank you, king father. I shall take my leave.”

He didn’t look nor address me as he left the room with Bazz. Father hummed. “Hmm, I must say that was certainly odd. Our champion did not appear to take even a glance to you once, Sidon. Nor did he address you once either, which had it be anyone else then that would be an insult to you as King but Link is different. He is like family and you are certainly close to the champion so I cannot fathom it, why he wouldn’t want to speak to you or even smile.”

I started to have a horrible feeling in my gut. I must have done something wrong to Link, he wouldn’t just act like that for no reason. But he seemed fine after he left the domain after our last encounter and he didn’t come with the princess because he was resting…..or was he avoiding me?

Did he just not acknowledge me because he has no choice but to be here with the princess this time? Link doesn’t want to be my friend anymore, there’s no other explanation, I’ve done something horribly wrong to him and he clearly won’t forgive me for it even though I have not the foggiest idea what it could be!

I felt my eyes beginning to tear up as I stifled a sob. “Darling?!” Yona worriedly placed a hand on my arm. “Sidon, son?! Whatever is the matter?” I let out another quiet sob. “Link hates me….he doesn’t want to be my friend anymore…..I must have hurt him terribly..….” I sobbed.

“Oh, no, no, my dear, how could he ever? He is your best friend and if I’m sure you hurt him he’d would certainly explain to you and you’d know if you had a disagreement or not. You haven’t done anything, Link is just….” She didn’t finish, of course she didn’t. There was no other answer to say.

Link hates me.

“Sidon, my son, you mustn’t think like that. After all you helped him with and your friendship, the champion could never hate you. Why don’t you take the day for yourself and possibly talk to Link? You can figure what is going on and hopefully clear the air. Yona and I shall cover everything for the kingdom’s duties for today.” Father said to me.

I shook my head with a sigh. “I cannot talk to him, father. He won’t even acknowledge me. It is clear he doesn’t wish to either, he hasn’t written to me like he used before the upheaval, he hasn’t visited the domain in so long and even before the upheaval after the calamity I rarely saw him. I just don’t understand, what have I done? Have I been such a terrible friend that he doesn’t wish to be around me anymore or have I hurt him so badly that he can’t bare to look at me?”

Father shook his head firmly.
“No, Sidon. I do not understand myself what is going on with the our champion but rest assured we will figure it out. You must talk to him, if he is troubled then your friendship is what he needs more than ever. He needs your support and kindness you always offer. We will also tell the princess of this when she arrives tomorrow and I shall have a talk with Muzu, I must go over things I believe.”

I nodded as I got up to leave the throne room, Yona giving me an encouraging smile and my father patted my back on my way out as I made my way to Link’s personal bedchambers in the Royal quarters.

When I arrived outside I knocked politely. I didn’t want to barge in and Link was already upset with me perhaps so I wouldn’t want to further insult him. A few seconds went by then another few and another few until a minute or two had gone by.

I knocked again, maybe I should leave and come back later, what if I am disturbing him? I certainly don’t want that. Maybe he’s busy or asleep. I should maybe leave him to rest. “Yes?” A voice then came from inside the room.

Hope bloomed a little in my chest, maybe he just wanted to rest his feet and is perhaps more willing to talk now. That would be understandable.
“Ah, it’s just me, my friend. I was wishing to speak with you if that’s alright. But if you are busy I can come back later, it is no problem.”

I heard shuffling then the door opened. Link looked up at me for the first time what felt like years instead of months. “Sidon. What….what are you doing here?" I sighed as I seen he donned a rather artificial looking smile, not his usual brilliant and beautiful smile. For a Hylian, I know Link is the best out there not only as a person but in appearance too. He is quite the handsome man.

“Oh! My dearest friend. It’s just a delight to see your face, I’ve missed you so much. I’ve been deeply concerned about you, it may be better that we talk, may I come in?” Link nodded slowly. “Yeah, come in and close the door behind you.” I nodded and did so and then turned to see Link had returned to lounging on the waterbed in the room in the position he must have been before answering the door, a book in his hands.

Though he didn't say no, Link appeared startled at the mention of a chat when I entered the room. He motioned for me to sit, and I did so on the waterbed's bottom. He didn't say anything. I didn't give it any notice and gave him a warm, familiar grin before making sure I was comfortable where I was sitting, even if his cheeks did seem strangely pink and he moved ever so little away from me closer to the waterbed’s headboard.

Although Link appears to be attempting to stop himself from doing something, I couldn't help but note how tense he looked as he sat there. I should really find out what's wrong with him before I let him rest. Hmm. The reason behind his avoidance of me.

Link’s POV

Why on earth was he sitting here? Don't come bother someone in their room to talk when they don't want to talk to you, when someone doesn't write to you, doesn't visit, and then doesn't look at you or say anything, that does not mean please come barge in me to speak about my avoidance of you when I’m getting ready for bed. The sooner tomorrow arrives, the better, Zelda arrives sooner and I won’t have to deal with this discomfort, so I resisted the impulse to roll my eyes and listen.

“I understand you can be busy and sometimes not have the time to chat or write but if you had told me you were busy or if you were too tired to speak for now then I would have understood, I did not mean to pester you to the point where you do not wish to even look at me. You didn’t even glance my way at all when you arrived, so I’m sorry that I’m led to believe you haven’t just been busy but are actively avoiding me.”

“If I have upset you or offended you, then for that I must apologize. But I want to know if that is the case, you’ve been this way before the sludge was cleared too. You didn’t wish to talk in the Water Temple either, you’ve haven’t been angry with me as such but rather distant. Not your usual self, my friend and I’m not angry at you for that, I really aren’t but I am concerned.”

“You are my best most precious and dearest friend, Link. I do not want to you to have hide anything from me that’s hurting you. I want to help you, so please let me do that.”

I sighed, why was he doing this?

Sidon’s POV

“Link, Why do you wish to avoid the Domain? To... to avoid me? What have I done? I do not wish to lose you, my dearest friend.” Link startles at my words, beginning stammer but never forming words.

“Please, Sidon, I know you don’t understand this but I need you to be distant with me, hate me, do whatever to keep me out of your mind. I just need you to try that, please. I can’t do this anymore, I need it.” I furrowed in confusion and sadness. Link wants me to hate him? But I could never. Not after all he’s down for my home and me, he is too dear to me to hate, he is a good and kind-hearted person and the best friend I’ve ever had, how could I possibly even begin to hate him?

“Link, you do not know how much that wounds me to hear. Why I could never even begin to hate you, never. It’s just not possible for me. You could slit my gills right now and I wouldn’t hate you, even in death I’d you’re absolutely amazing and I’d be sure you’d have your reasons. I don’t want hate you and keeping you out my mind is utterly impossible. I always want you on my mind, I want to have you on my mind, today, tomorrow, five hundred years from now.”

“I had a statue of you and I built so that not only I could have you on my mind at a mere glance but so then I’d never forget you and your brave acts you’ve done for me and my home and my people, my family. I know not what I’ve done that torments you, but I will remedy it. I promise you that. You are my absolute dearest friend. I would do anything for you. I only need know...“

Link seemed to sigh and nod.
“Thank you, it means a lot….I don’t hate you, Sidon. And I don’t want you to hate me either.” I breathed out a sigh of relief, oh thank the goddess. Has Link finally returned to himself?

“Oh, thank the goddess! Link, you do not know how much of a relief it is to hear you say that. I could never live with the thought that I wouldn’t have your friendship. I simply couldn’t live without you. As I said our statue was built so you are always with me, whilst you may not be present in the domain we are always together.” I smiled at him.

He sighed and looked up at me, his eyes welling with tears……? Oh goddess, why was there tears in his eyes? What did I say? He then nodded again before speaking.

“I guess there has been something on my mind. For the last two years I’ve been meaning to tell you this but there either wasn’t a good time or there wasn’t any time at all. And whenever there was maybe the slightest chance to talk, I always backed out, but I guess there’s time to now and you’re right in front of me so I have to say it.”

I nodded slowly, thankfully I am getting through to him. He is talking to me, telling his problems. We can work through them as always.

“Take your time, my friend. It is clear this is deep personal information to you and for you to entrust me to tell it I am honored.” I waited for a moment before Link spoke.

“There was a point in my journey across the regions of Hyrule where I was deliberately going to every other region that’s not here and I knew it. I thought about it multiple times. But there’s only so many other regions in Hyrule I can go to, to distract myself and there’s no avoiding it anymore.”

“I couldn’t lie to myself about it anymore but something put me off from coming to Zora’s Domain. I just didn’t know what it was then but it made this sour taste in my mouth when I thought about it and I got angry for some reason. Like I knew something has happened here that I wasn’t gonna like. And it wasn’t just because of the upheaval that everywhere in Hyrule was so different that everyone was been so different.”

“Even you. I didn’t know if you had changed from that amazing and wonderful Prince I met during Vah Ruta’s rainfall, hell, I didn’t even know if you missed me like the others did. I mean I knew I’ve missed you the most out of everyone in the other regions. I’ve missed your bright smile and your energy and your positivity, you just always managed to always cheer me up, no matter what. I know I made you worried sick about me and Zelda when you must have heard we were missing and I just wanted to put your mind at ease and when I saw the sludge when I entered the domain I knew this was serious and that so much had to have changed.”

“It hurt to see some of the Zora were ill from the filthy water, it hurts to see this beautiful place almost in ruin. And I wanted to know desperately if you were ok then I saw the statue. I wasn’t expecting but….it was a nice surprise.” I smiled at that, I wanted to unveil the statue to Link myself but I was so glad he liked it.

“The woman who told me about our statue then introduced herself, as your fiancée and my heart sank. I didn’t know what to feel about it or what to feel about her and if I’m honest I still don’t know.” He told me and my eyes widen and confusion appears across my face.

Yona? Does Link not like her? I mean I think I see now how he was upset about engagement then and now our marriage but why didn’t he voice this before?

“Oh….I-I…. I, um…. I never knew you felt such strong dislike towards Yona, my friend. You say you do not know how to feel about her but if your heart sank then I can see now that you were upset about the engagement and now the marriage. I’m sorry that I never noticed it, but it is clear to me now. How you were during the water temple and my coronation and now even when you arrived.”

“I understand now, my friend but now I don’t know what to do to help you now or what you want to do.” I hope I was making sense, he was sitting there mouth agape before sighing.

“No, Sidon, you don’t understand. I don’t dislike Yona, I do like her, she’s very a nice person and she’s kind and genuine and generous. I honestly don’t dislike her it’s just…I…..”

I sighed. What was wrong? “What is it, my dear friend? Please tell me. I want to be of help to you. If it is not Yona that is the issue then what is it?” He sighed.

“It’s that…..that I……I love you.”

I nodded, waiting for him to go on but he looked uncomfortable like earlier but more so now. He didn’t say anything further so is that all he had to say? What was he so worried about? My silly dear friend. I tilted my head in confusion with a chuckle and a smile.

“I don’t see why you were to ever worry, Link, my dearest friend. Why, I love you too, I always have. You are my dearest companion after all how could I not love you. But I am failing to see how that affects you wishing to avoid me and why Yona has anything to do with that?” I smiled brightly as he looked at me with utter confusion.

“Are you ok, my friend?” He looked at me as if I was had grown an extra fin.

“Sidon, do you know what I just said?” He looked confused again. “You said you love me and I told you there was no need for your worry because I love you too, was there more you wished to say? Oh, I knew I interrupted, my apologies, my friend. Do go on.” He shook my head still looking quite confused.

“No, you didn’t interrupt. Let me put this another way. I love you.” He says more slowly as if to make me comprehend it better but I fail see how there is any difference than from when he said moments ago. “I know, my friend, what is the difference of you saying it now and moments ago? Is there another way you wish to put it?”

He groaned for some reason and sighed. Was it frustration or….I don’t know really.

“No, I love you not just as a friend but as a lover would.” I sighed and nodded my head slowly. Oh I think I understand now, how could have been so silly? I smiled.

“Oh! Yes of course, how could I be so silly. You wish to mate with me, my friend?” His expression looked much more confused. “What? No, you know what? It doesn’t matter, ultimately Yona is best for you and even though that hurts me a lot, it’s true.”

“I’m sorry but I think you need to go, I just want to be alone now and I want to sleep until Zelda gets here.” My eyes widened in both confusion and worry at the sudden dismiss of the conversation but I nodded regardless.

“Right, I am so sorry that you feel so much hurt, Link. Though I don’t really understand it I would certainly never want you be hurt and most certainly not by me. I will not go against your wishes and I will let you have your way and your space. I will leave and perhaps we can talk more tomorrow.”

“I do want to understand, Link. I want to make you happy and believe me when I say I will do everything in my power to make sure you feel happy and at home here again.”

“You know the domain will always be a home for you and I will always be here for you too, no matter what. I bid you goodnight, my dear friend. Sleep well.”

I gently rubbed his shoulder before getting off the bed and leaving the room.

I sighed as I walked back to my own chambers. Hopefully he will feel better tomorrow when the Princess arrives and perhaps she can help him and help me understand how to help him too.

I mean I don’t know how him loving me is such a bad thing? He acts like the most heinous crime a person can do when it’s just love. Love is amazing, it’s a part of life but Link seems to see it differently.

I wonder why? Maybe I can research it.

Chapter Text

Link’s POV

As Sidon left for the night and I was alone. I couldn’t help but feel guilty and sick to my stomach. What have I done? Why have I gone and tell him how I feel about him when I should know by now that this was impossible. It’s so stupid of me, I should have known better, now I’ve made a mess of things and I can’t even look him in the eyes anymore.

Why did he think it’s the normal friendship type of love that everyone feels for a dear friend? I groaned and buried my face in my hands. Goddess, what have I done? I love him, yes in a most definitely more than friend way to the point it makes me mad that he can’t even see it. But of course he could just want to be friends and not anything more, I don’t blame him of course.

Though why can’t he just understand? Just acknowledge my feelings one time. Accept or reject them. Just something. My hands left my face as I stared at the ceiling. Goddess, please just let him understand, I can’t keep bottling it all in. I just can’t. I just have to wait until I’m out of the domain.

Then I can distance myself from him. Then I can just get him out my mind. I can bury all my feeling and never say them again.

But the thing is, I don’t want to. I want to be near him, I want to touch him, kiss him, hold his face and just look at him, watch him smile. I groaned again and rubbed my eyes. I just have to put up with it until I leave the domain. I just have to wait it out, it can’t be that long until Zelda arrives. Maybe she can help.

“Link, you did what?” Zelda crossed her arms standing in my chambers as she had arrived the next morning, spoken to Dorphean and Sidon and learned from Sidon that I had been distant with him since our talk last night which he then told her all about.

“Not so loud, the last thing I need is anyone outside to hear us.” I whispered, not wanting to draw attention to any bystanders outside the room.

“But yes, I told him that I love him. And I was hoping he’d actually figure I meant it was something more than just friendship. But no, he said he loved me back but like a friend and of course he asked if I meant it any other way and I told him I did but he just couldn’t seem to understand that I meant the romantic way. The love that couples have towards each other.”

Zelda chuckled. “Oh, Link. You are so oblivious. Zora do not have the same perception of love that we do. They have a love for all people in their lives and it does not differentiate between people in their lives.”

“Sure, they will have stronger love and admiration for their family but when it comes to lovers or as the Zora call them mates, they simply only think of the mating side of it and not the love side as we would. So when it comes mates all that matters to the Zora is if you would have intimacy with that person or not.”

“That’s why Sidon calls you dear Link or his most precious friend sometimes because the pet names don’t really matter they’re just formality and nice.” Zelda explained to me. I blinked slowly.

I-oh…oh my goddess. Really? So this is what it was all about? It was just about not understanding each other’s version of love? I groaned and rubbed my face. “So, I’ve made a fool of myself, haven’t I? I was worrying so much about nothing, it’s just because I don’t understand the culture. Why didn’t someone just tell me? Then I wouldn’t be in this complete mess…”

“No, no, Link, listen. Talking about courting or marriage or anything like that, I love yous isn’t going to get you anywhere, you have to tell Sidon you want to get into bed with basically or say something just as vulgar that way I can guarantee you he’ll understand and perhaps be a little less dense. Though there’s no real hope of that for either of you. Now I’m off to wander around the domain, don’t be still sulking by tonight, ok?”

I gaped at her but she was gone down the halls before I could even speak a word. “Wait, what? You want me to say, say something completely and utterly lewd to Sidon to get the damn message across? He will be absolutely horrified. It’s him! And what do you mean by not any hope for either of us? Do not just say something then rush off, explain!”

As Zelda left, I slumped back against the bed and groaned again. Just say something crude and dirty to Sidon? Really? How could I possibly say that to him!

He’s too nice and kind, he won’t possibly understand what I mean by anything lewd or explicit like that! He’s too much of a gentleman. Goddess, why is everything so complicated when it comes to Sidon? Why couldn’t I have just liked a regular person or not fall in love in the first place? Why do I have to fall in love with a Zora prince who’s sweet, charming, kind and good looking?!

I was just laying there letting all my thoughts run wild when I felt my stomach gurgle then growled with hunger.

With a sigh, I dragged myself up from my bed and left the room to head to the dining room. It was best to get something to eat and clear my mind away.
It was also best to avoid Sidon too just to prevent further conversation like last night…

I was heading down toward the main room when I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders, gently grabbing me.

I knew those hands and who they belonged to. I could literally feel it through just touch alone, even though it was only through my clothes. “Sidon? Please, I’m not in the mood for any talking right now…” I said softly, not turning to look at him. The hands remained on my shoulders and I felt as he gently turned me around. I stared at ground in front me stubbornly.

“Link, look at me?” His soft, sweet voice asked me. I closed my eyes and mentally cursed his voice, it just had to make me so weak and helpless against him like this, just from hearing it. I let out another groan before opening my eyes, and looking at him. As I looked at him, I found that my eyes were drawn to his eyes. Those brilliant, deep blue eyes. The eyes that always had me captivated when I looked into them.

“Link, I understand you’ve had a lot going on and perhaps you don’t feel like talking, I know you said you don’t hate me and I haven’t really done anything wrong….” He started and I immediately broke his gaze and looked at the ground again.

“But you shared deep personal information with me last night after I pushed you to when I was worried you hated me though you told me the opposite which you were worried to do, worried to tell me that you love me which I think isn’t something to worry about it’s more something to be celebrated. That our friendship has reached that level of mutual respect and trust and great friendship.”

My heart wrenched again as I heard him just talk like that. So sweet and kind, he really thought this was all about a strong friendship? “Sidon….I…” I found myself struggling to find the right words, to correct him on it, yet my tongue couldn’t find the way. Like the words were stuck in my throat.

I felt the hands on my shoulders move away and he started to gently take my hands into his. “It’s alright, Link, you don’t need to say anything. I’m just happy you feel safe enough to share it with me. I don’t want you to feel like you can’t tell me something or hide it away from me. You can tell me anything and it won’t change anything of our friendship and how we are towards one another.”

His touch was just so gentle and soothing as I felt my hands being engulfed. My stomach twisted into knots again as I felt my heart beat quicken. “I just…I..” Damnit, he’s just making this so much more complicated. I could feel myself getting lost in his touch on my skin. “I do want to understand, Link. But only when you’re ready for me to understand and when you want me to. I want to make you happy more than anything.”

“You know the domain isn’t the same without your presence in it. I want you to come here for anything you need, anytime and for any situation and I want you to come to me with all those things, it doesn’t matter the time, the place, the situation.” He said and my eyes went back up to meet his. Damnit, those eyes, they’re just so captivating, I don’t want to pull my eyes away, I want to just stare into them forever if I could.

I swallowed thickly as I started to feel the words build in my throat. Just say something to him. Tell him what’s really going on in your head, he’s leaving you an open door to, just go for it, Link!

“I...I…” my mouth was dry and my throat was tight, I just couldn’t get the damn words out no matter how many times I swallowed. I just wanted to take my hands from his and just walk away, yet I didn’t want him to let go of my hands either. “S-Sidon...I…”

Damnit, say it, Link, say it, just say it! my mind screamed at me.

Sidon waited patiently for me to say something, I could see it in his face that he patiently waiting for me to say something, to tell him what was going on, that he had an open ear and I was the only one stopping myself. I felt my body go hot, my hands felt sweaty and slick beneath his grip, and I felt a bead of sweat slide down the back of my neck.

I just had to force it out, just say it, anything that came to mind, I just had to say something, anything to hint at the fact that I meant more than just a great friendship! The words were right there in the back of my throat, I could feel them, I swear I only had to part my lips and they would spill out.

Yet I still failed, what was the matter with me? I’ve fought and killed monsters, fought wars and saved people, but why can I not just vocalise this feeling for this man in front of me I called my best friend!? Damn this was just so infuriating!

“Are you…alright, Link?” He asked and when I heard the question, it was like the floodgates just broke open, I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“No! I-I am not alright! I am not alright at all! I can’t do this anymore! I just can’t do it!” I burst out, I knew my voice was breaking, I knew tears were probably streaming down my face and I knew some Zoras nearby were staring. My body trembled and my heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest as I yanked my hands roughly away from Sidon’s grip so I could move my hands to my face to cover it.

“I can’t do this anymore, I just can’t! You don’t understand and there’s nothing I can do about that!” I practically wailed, frustrated with everything and myself.

I could hear the whispers and looks now from the Zoras around us, looking and listening in to my public breakdown. My legs felt like jelly and I felt like it could collapse any second now. Yet I was stopped from that when I suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around me and pull me against his chest.

“Shhh, Link it’s alright, breath, just breath, it will be alright, everything will be alright.” Sidon’s voice quietly and gently spoke into my ear as he moved one hand to start rubbing the back of my shoulder, the other stayed around my torso, holding me tightly to him.

I hated the way my body instantly wanted to lean into the touch and comfort of him, I hated how my body and mind were betraying me so fast. Yet I didn’t resist him, I let myself be pulled against him and I felt his heart beating against my chest, it was so steady and steady. I felt my own heartbeat syncing to his pace without me meaning it to.

Despite my best efforts, I let myself sink against his chest and closed my eyes as tears continued to fall down my face. He was just so warm and steady and strong and just…perfect…

I wrapped my arms around his midsection and just buried my face into his chest, letting the tears fall but I was trying to breathe and calm down. I could hear the whispers and voices of the others around us. I could only imagine what they were thinking, seeing us like that. However, I didn’t care at that moment, I just let myself be held and comforted by him. I didn’t resist for just a single moment.

“Just breathe, Link, just breath, I’m right here….just breathe….” I heard him gently and soothingly whisper into my ear as his hand on my shoulder moved to my hair, his fin moving down to gently rub the back of my neck. “Let’s go somewhere quiet, ok? We’ll get you sat down comfortable, get you a drink, let you breathe a little and calm down.” Sidon said softly and I felt him start tug me away from the public eye, to some quiet secluded place.

I let him tug me gently along, still staying pressed against his scaly chest. Feeling the beating of his heartbeat against my chest, hearing the gentle soothing tone in his voice. Even though I knew now I was probably making this way worse for myself later on, I just continued to let myself be led by him until I was suddenly sat down on something soft.

I finally lifted my head from his chest, to find we were in some quiet little area away from the others. It was secluded and quiet, it must be Sidon’s chambers in the Royal quarters for the Royal family. and I was sat amongst some soft blue cushions on a sofa.

Sidon still knelt in front of me on the ground, as he looked at me with concern and care. I could see the worry on his face as he stared up at me sat in front of him. “Link, what happened?” He asked, gently taking one of my hands into his own, his thumb gently rubbing against my skin.

“I’ve never seen you like this before, I’ve never seen you so upset. What happened?” He pushed gently, I still felt like I was on the verge of tears as I forced my eyes to look up at his. He was still gazing at me with that same sweet, gentle and worried expression. His usually bright and sparkling eyes now had a dull sheen to them with the worry and concern showing in his expression.

As he pushed again, I felt the tears start to well back up in my eyes. My body was shaking as it started to tremble again.

I hated this, I hated I couldn’t bring myself to say anything. I just felt frustrated again and my heart rate spiked. Before I even realised it I felt more tears slid down my face as I took my hand back from Sidon. Everything was becoming overwhelming again and my mind and emotions were everywhere. I couldn’t keep anything together anymore.

“Link, it’s ok, please, just talk to me, I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s going on.” He said gently and softly, still knelt on the floor in front of me, his hands now resting on my knees. The touch of his hands on my knees was just driving me mad. It was gentle and soft, just so damn gentle and so perfectly sweet. I hated how just that single touch made me want to melt right there into his hands.

“I can’t….. because even when you do understand you will hate me so it’s best to just not just say…..” I croaked out as I felt my chest become even tighter and I felt my breath coming in short breaths. That seemed to have gotten his attention as his hands gripped my knees a little tighter and his eyebrows pinched together further.

“Link, you know I could never hate you, I could never hate you for anything and you know that. I will never hate you, for anything and especially the things that have made you so upset.” He softly insisted, his sweet voice trying to reassure me as his hands squeezed my knees. I shook my head desperately. “You don’t understand Sidon….” I croaked out, feeling my throat go incredibly dry.

“When I say it, you will despise me and hate me and never want to see me again. You’ll hate me….” I spoke and I felt my chest tighten, to the point it physically hurt my heart for a moment. “Why are you talking like that? Why are you acting like you’ve done something wrong?” He said and I could hear the confusion in his voice.

“Why are you acting like I’ll hate you for whatever you’re talking about?” He questioned softly and gently, never once letting go of my knees. “Because it is wrong, I shouldn’t feel like this. It’ll ruin your image of me and I’m glad it hasn’t yet but I know it’s coming.”

“Stop, don’t say such things. I already told you, you haven’t done anything bad and you couldn’t make me think of you any different, ever. You haven’t done anything wrong to me and you never have ok?” He said firmly but still softly and his hands tightened on my knees again. I gave my head a shake, not looking him directly in the face. “You don’t get it…. It’s the way I feel…. You’ll never want to see me again if you hear it….” I whispered, my head lowering further so my bangs hid my face.

“Hey now, look at me, please.” He gently reached up and took my chin between two fingers and gently lifted my head to look at him.

I stared at him with my tear filled eyes, to see his were still filled with worry and concern. Yet his mouth was set in a firm line.

“Link, look at me. Now, I don’t know many Hylians, I never even conversed with one before I met you. Sure, travelers came through the Domain, but I never really conversed with them I rarely even saw them. Three years ago, as the great divine beast Vah Ruta almost flooded more of this region with rainfall, I scouted for a Hylian to help us, someone that could handle shock arrows without almost getting severe electrocution and when I met you on that bridge i knew I had found more than that.”

“You’re a hero, yes, you’re a warrior, yes. You saved both this domain and all of Hyrule back then despite any difficulties you faced but you also became something else to me. My favorite person. I never really had friend before let alone a best friend but I felt synced to you, so close knit that I knew you were very special. And it’s the main reason I was so worried when you went missing. I know I can’t live without you, I can live knowing you’re busy and I’ll see you at some point but never seeing you again? That’s something I can never bear to even fathom.”

“So to hate you, it’s so far away from being possible that the thought doesn’t even exist. It’s not something to not bear thinking about because I will never think it. So I *promise* you, whatever you tell me now, tomorrow, another three years from now, another 50 years from now, it won’t change the fact that you’re still my favorite person.”

I could feel the tears fall again hearing him speak, my mind becoming more and more overwhelmed. No one had ever spoken to me like that before, no one had ever spoken so fondly, so lovingly about me. It was something else to hear him speak to me so sincerely and with such truth to his words. My heart was on the edge of exploding with how much it was swelling hearing him speak so fondly of me.

The look on his face was firm, his beautiful eyes were filled with sincerity and truth. His hands were still resting on my knees and holding my chin up so I was looking at him.

He was still knelt in front of me, still sat in the blue cushions like I was. He was just a little lower down than me, making it was that I had to tilt my head up just slightly to look at him. Hearing him speak like that….it was just so damn overwhelming.

I swallowed hard, my mind was racing, trying to process what he said, trying to sort out my emotions.

My heart was so overwhelmed and I felt like I was a moment away from just collapsing into tears again. I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t form words, I couldn’t form a sentence. His words had rendered me so damn speechless. Yet I still found my hands moving without meaning to, up to one of his hands on my knee, to wrap around his much larger clawed hand.
I held his hand like it was a lifeline, needing to hold onto something, my hands were shaking but I didn’t want to let go.

The size difference between our hands was insane, my slender human Hyilian hand, the skin pale and free of scales, held in his large and strong Zora hand, scales and all so different than my own. Yet they just fit perfectly, like they were just made to go together.

He gently squeezed my hands, his scales feeling surprisingly smooth, almost like smooth polished stone but much softer. The webbing between his fingers, felt soft and slick. I let my eyes travel up his arm, from his hands to his forearm, his bicep, his shoulder all the way to his face, where his beautiful eyes were studying me so closely. Just looking at him, admiring the colour of his scales, the way the markings on his face just suited him so damn perfectly. I was admiring him, admiring the sheer perfection in front of me.

Yet this perfect being is in front of me, holding onto me and talking to me, telling me that I was his “favorite person” that despite everything…he needed me. “Remember last night when I told you I love you and you said you love me too but you didn’t understand why I was worried about saying that?”

He nodded slowly, his eyebrows furrowing as a puzzled look appeared on his face. “I do…” he said slowly, confusion still on his face. I continued to hold his hand in mine, feeling the webbing between his fingers as I held onto him. I swallowed hard again, my heart was hammering like a drum in my chest. My head was racing with a million thoughts again.

Yet I forced myself to continue, force my mind to focus on what I wanted to say. Because I knew, if I didn’t say it now, if I didn’t get this off my chest, if I didn’t tell him how I was feeling……I would regret it forever. “I…I do love you, Sidon but…but what I need you to realize that it’s no longer in a…. In a platonic way….” I said softly, forcing myself to speak without stumbling, I had to be clear so he understood.

I swallowed again, taking a shaky breath, trying to ignore my rapid pounding heartbeat in my ears. “Zelda told me that Zora have a different perception of love than Hylians do. I didn’t know that last night that’s why I was a little frustrated that you didn’t understand but now I don’t know what to say to help you understand….. Yona’s your queen and I’ve heard you call her ‘my love’ but what does that mean to you when you say that to her?”

He was listening to me intently, a look of concentration on his face as a frown appeared on his lips.

“When I say that to her it’s because I…well, I care for her, I like her presence and I know she’ll help me rule this kingdom the way I should as the next King of the Zora….” He said and there was a pause as he looked at me for a moment, his head tilting to the side as a puzzled expression appeared on his face. “The way you should or the way you want to? Would you rather have anyone else be by your side with her title, her position?”

He was quiet for a minute, his head was lowered as an almost pensive look came across his face. He was obviously thinking about my question, giving it a great deal of consideration.

Eventually, he lifted his eyes back to me, and that’s when I saw it. The almost hesitant and nervous look on his face, the uncertainty of his own answer and the almost guilty expression that appeared. “It’s not like that…she’s a wonderful person….” He started and paused as he averted his eyes, looking down again to gather his thoughts.

“But in whatever Zora culture is to be in a relationship with someone, to mate I don’t know if that’s the word you’d use but do you want that with her?”

He was quiet for another moment as he was still looking down, not looking at me. When he did speak, there was a slight pause in his words before he did finally start, he was obviously thinking about what he was saying to be careful and precise.

“It’s…yes and no, I do care for her, I’ll admit that, she has a good heart and is such a sweet person but I don’t..” another pause, before he looked up at me again. “I don’t feel any love for her that is different from the love I already feel for my people, my father, my friends like Bazz and the guards. I don’t feel my heart beat faster when she walks into a room, I don’t feel that….instant connection, that rush, that happiness at just the thought of her.”

“I care for her, yes I do but I don’t….I don’t want to mate with her and be bonded for life knowing I can’t reverse it.….” He confessed, looking at me with an almost guilty and uncertain expression.

“You don’t want to feel trapped to her but it’s expected and tradition for the next king to settle down with a mate that will be your Queen?” I questioned softly, gently, trying to keep my voice gentle as I spoke. He was still looking at me, his face pinched with worry and uncertainty. His hand was gripping mine a little tighter, like he was trying to seek comfort. He looked so conflicted and uncertain, almost guilty. Yet he nodded his head in response, confirming my question.

“So I’m guessing a Zora mate, is something for life? You can’t break bonds or…or split up anything like that?” I gently questioned, my voice was still gentle and soft. He shook his head after a moment, sighing a little heavily with an almost guilty look on his face.

“No…mating bonds are….permanent, it cannot be broken, it’s meant to last a lifetime. They are considered sacred and a bond between two people….” He replied, his expression still pinched with guilt. “….and I’m guessing a Zora has only one mate for their lifetime don’t they?” I asked, although it sounded more like a statement than a question.

The way he was acting, the look on his face, the guilt was already telling me that. I watched his expression fall, his hands squeeze mine a little more tightly as a flash of worry came across his face before he nodded his head slowly. “Yes…a Zora only has one partner their entire life, they form a bond and stay with a partner for their entire life….” He said softly, his voice low and filled with a slight sadness.

“It’s not that way for Hylians…. We have partners and we can choose whoever we want as long as that person doesn’t already have a partner. It’s not an entire life thing, it could be for days, weeks, months, years if you’re lucky. But it doesn’t always last only if you’re lucky.”

He slowly nodded, listening to me intently, absorbing my words. An expression of almost curiosity and wonder now on his face as he took in my words, hearing how Hylians mated even though we don’t mate but it was so different compared to a Zora for him. Yet it seemed to peak his interest now, like what I was saying was fascinating.

“It doesn’t last forever with Hylians…you can partner someone, then…move onto someone else if you don’t like them?” He questioned softly, his head titled again as he looked at me with a puzzled and almost amazed look on his face. I couldn’t help but chuckle a little, amused by his almost baffled expression, seeing the way his eyebrows were furrowed together in confusion.

“Yes, exactly. We aren’t forced to just be with the first person we meet. We have free will to choose who we want to be with and if it doesn’t work, we can move onto someone else.”He looked so surprised and amazed by my words. He still looked puzzled, still amazed by how different it was between Hylians and Zora. Yet the puzzled expression was slowly being replaced by one of fascination and mild curiosity now as he continued to listen to me speak.

“How does one make a Hylian partner permanent? Is that possible?”

I tilted my head back and forth, a slight smile on my face, finding it so entertaining seeing him so fascinated by how Hylians mated. “No it’s….there’s no permanent partnership with Hylians like you’re not locked in. Yes, you can commit yourself to someone but you’re still free to change who you wish to partner up with if that doesn’t work out for some reason. You’re not held back, you can still choose who you partner with….it’s a lot more free I guess than your tradition.” I replied gently.

He was quiet for a bit, just listening to everything I was saying and absorbing the information before he spoke again, his voice was still soft and gentle as he replied to me. “So….the only thing that can really ‘tie a Hylian to someone’ is an agreement between the two partners, correct?” He questioned. I nodded in agreement to his question. “Yes, yes it is. Two people find each other, agree to partner up then if they don’t like each other or there’s a reason it’s not working they can end the agreement and move on to someone else, yes.” I explained quietly.

He was quiet again, absorbing all the information I just told him. It was fascinating seeing the look on his face, watching his expression change. Yet I could also tell he looked so conflicted, there was a mix of a troubled and guilt filled look on his face, almost as if he didn’t like what he was hearing about how Hylians mated as opposed to how Zora did. Yet he also looked….intrigued.

“I know there’s Yona but you said you don’t want to have her as a mate or bond with her for life so have you…um…have you chosen a mate you’d like to bond with if you could?” I questioned gently. He was quiet for a good long minute, looking down at my hand that he still held in his much larger claws, not looking at my face as he took time to reply to my question.

His words finally came slowly, very slowly, he looked very hesitant and conflicted now, there was something that was holding his words back, there was something that he wasn’t saying. “….Yes I’ve chosen a mate that I’d like to bond with for life. But it is rather complicated for my culture and my position as King..” He confessed.

He was still quiet for another minute, his head still lowered, his expression still pinched and conflicted. It was like he was wrestling with what he wanted to say. Eventually he drew in a slightly shaky breath, as if he was steeling himself, preparing himself before he finally spoke, his words were slow, slow and quiet.

“I have….chosen a mate that I would want to bond with for life but….it is not going to happen for a number of reasons….. for one there is a race barrier.” He confessed. I felt a pang in my chest as he spoke, I didn’t need him to say it out loud, I already knew who he was confessing to having chosen a mate. Yet I asked anyways, my voice low and gentle as I slowly spoke. “Well….who is this mate that you chose?”

He was quiet for another small eternity, drawing in another shaky breath, his head still bent, his expression still so pinched and conflicted.

“My favorite person… I’ve chosen as my mate….I want to bond with him for life.” He confessed, almost whispering.

My heart began thundering again in my chest, hammering furiously against my ribs as I absorbed his words. I felt almost lightheaded, my mind was buzzing. He…he chose me. I didn’t even let him finish speaking before I interrupted him, a soft breathless gasp escaped me and I tightened my hold on his hand. “Me….you want to mate with me?”

He slowly lifted his head to look up at me. Those beautiful golden eyes slowly traveling up to meet my gaze, he looked both nervous and guilty as he met my wide-eyed look. “Yes…..I….yes I’ve chosen you the moment I met you as the person I would happily bond with for life….” He confessed in a quiet, shaky voice.

I wasn’t even sure what to say, my mind was running a mile a minute but no words were able to escape me. I was both stunned at his confession, overwhelmed by it but also relieved. He wanted me as badly as I wanted him. “I had never felt that rush, that instant connection with someone before I met you…. or after I met you. That feeling I get when I see you, just hearing your voice…..I’m so attached to you in a way I’ve never been to anyone. That if I had to choose one person to be around for life it’d be you.” He confessed, his voice was soft and quiet.

I felt my heart racing in my chest when he continued to speak, hearing his words made something feel like it was breaking in my chest. All I could do was stare at him, listen to him speak, while his words made my heart both pound furiously and melt at the same time.

“Then…then mate with me. Mate with me and no one else. Let’s…let’s bond for life together.” I whispered to him, barely finding my voice to speak. His eyes went wide, stunned as he stared at me with an expression that could only be described as a mixture between shocked, happy and almost disbelieving.

A look of relief came over his face when I spoke those words, his body slowly relaxing, tension from before slowly melting. He slowly nodded his head, his eyes were trained on mine, a hopeful look in his gaze now. “Yes….yes I want that. I want that so much it’s painful..” He confessed in a quiet, almost broken voice.

“Then have it, I’m right here, we’ve been through so much. Both together and not together, I would spend the rest of my life in the domain from now if you want me too. Just break it off with Yona, whatever Zora do to split from people they haven’t bonded yet.”

His heart seemed to skip a beat when I told him to have what he desired. When I confessed just how much I wanted that too. He was quiet for a moment, his eyes slowly traveling over my face, almost like he was drinking it all in, like he was trying to memorize every single detail of my features. Finally, finally he found his voice, his words were soft as he spoke. “I haven’t bonded with Yona yet….. I’ll….I’ll be breaking the news to her tomorrow…. I want to bond with you.”

A rush of relief came over me when he confessed that he hadn’t bonded with Yona yet. I felt my body relax, the tension that was there slowly fading as a quiet breath escaped me. I gently squeezed his hand in mine, his touch so cool against mine. I gave his hand a gentle tug, a silent invitation for him to move closer. His eyes flicked down to the hand I had on his hand before slowly shifting and moving close.

He shuffled a bit, his form adjusting, moving closer to me. He was careful not to let go of my hand in his, just keeping a hold of it as he inched himself forward, coming up right in front of me, standing directly before me now. His body so close that I could feel his heat of his through my clothes.

I felt my heart nearly stumble in my chest when he slowly inched closer and now was standing in front of me, right in front of me. I could feel his heat, the rise of it slowly seeping though my clothes, his hands still holding mine as he stood there.

I looked up at him, my eyes slowly moving up over his body, taking in his appearance, his long, muscular limbs, the broad chest, the sharp features of his face and I couldn't help but feel a rush of desire flow through me for him.

He noticed the look on my face as I took in his appearance, my gaze slowly tracing over his form, taking in his features. He could see the look on my face, the look of desire and longing as I looked at him. He felt it in the air, the tension, the heat as we stood there, so close to one another, and he slowly reached his free hand up towards me to gently brush a loose strand of hair from my face.

There still were plenty of Zora who would oppose this, and he knew that. Yet he was still choosing to go forward anyways. “But you….you do understand that a lot of Zora won’t be accepting of this? Many won’t be happy that a Hylian is bonding with the King, it’ll cause a lot of conflict and trouble…. Not all the Zora like me, you know that.” I whispered, his voice quiet and unsure.

The elders definitely don’t like me. They didn’t like me a century ago they don’t like me now. He let out a quiet sigh, a pained and conflicted look on his face when I spoke.

He was silent for a moment after I spoke, contemplating my words before he slowly nodded his head once more. He was well aware that many Zora weren't going to like the news of the king bonding with a Hylian, but it seemed he had come to an acceptance with it by now.

"Yes…. I know. I am well aware that some of the Zora will not like the news." He confessed in a quiet, almost resigned tone. "And yes I know that the elders aren’t the fondest of you…”

“What about your father? I know he likes me and sees me a part of the family but I don’t think he’ll exactly welcome this.” This time he grimaced a lot more when I brought his father up. He was quiet for a moment as he thought about it, looking like he was trying to decide on the best words to speak.

“My father…. I know he’ll have something to say about this… but he was accepting of Mipha wanting to mate and bond you so I don’t see why I would be an issue. He even give you her engagement gift.” he replied after a moment. “You realize that as much as I loved Mipha like family, I didn’t feel the love for her that I do for you. She was my friend, not a partner. Despite the engagement gift.” He nodded, looking at me with knowing eyes. He could tell that I had never viewed her as anything more than a friend, that even though I was happy and honored to be given the engagement gift, I don’t view her like that.

“I know…I know you didn’t love her in the way you love me. Just like I don’t wish to bond Yona in the way I wish to bond you…I only want to mate and spend my life with you…” He whispered. He then drew in a shaky breath, his eyes staring into mine.

He was quiet for a moment longer after I brought up his father, a look of contemplation and thought passed through his expression, trying to find the right words to say. But once I finished speaking once more he let out a quiet sigh, his shoulders sagging just slightly before he responded to me. "……I know there’ll be Zora that won't exactly be ecstatic, but I….I don't care what they have to say. I've made my decision." he replied in a low, soft tone.

A small sense of relief went through me at that, hearing that he genuinely didn't care what anyone else had to say or think. He was firm in his decision to go forward and I knew that no matter what anyone else said it wouldn't change his mind.

The tension in his body was slowly starting to ease, the slight sag in his shoulders slowly melting away as he spoke. He leaned forward a bit, his face inching forward towards mine. His body was so close now, just a small space between us, just a few more inches until our faces were right in front of one another.

I thought he was going to kiss me when he just inched forward and set his forehead against mine and nuzzled me a little before pulling back. He nuzzled into me a bit as he inched forward, his body now practically pressed to mine, and leaned in to rest his forehead against mine. I was surprised by the gesture but he quickly pulled back, a small look of guilt on his face. He looked down, avoiding my gaze as he stood there quietly for a long moment.

He looked at me a little confused of how I didn’t respond. Was I meant to do something back? Oh goddess, why didn’t I research Zora culture at some point?

I shook my head at his apology, gently taking his free hand in mine and giving it a gentle squeeze. "No….no you don't have to apologize….I just….I didn't know what I was supposed to do…" I confessed quietly, looking down as I struggled to explain what I was referring to.

He looked a bit perplexed for a moment, his head tilting to the side as he listened to my quiet confession. When I saw look of confusion on his face I quickly explained and gently squeezed his hands again, feeling a little shy for some reason.

"I didn't know if I was supposed to….. I wasn't sure if…..if I'm supposed to do something in response to what you just did…. I think really need to research Zora Culture.” I admitted in a nervous whisper. I felt more flustered as I continued, my words coming out in a nervous and rushed whisper. I knew that I really needed to learn about Zora culture and all its customs but I hadn't really had the chance to do that just yet.

As I rambled on, I couldn't help the way my heart thumped in my chest, the nervous feeling of embarrassment in my stomach. Was I being weird for not knowing or responding correctly to that action? He was silent for a moment as I finished babbling nervously, clearly taking in the information I was babbling on. I saw a small, almost amused smirk play at the corner of his lips, his eyes now looking at me with a mix of amusement and affection.

“So if Hylians do not bump heads to mates then what is it you do? I myself will also need to research Hylian culture.” I felt a blush creeping up on my face at the small smirk he wore on his face, knowing now that he probably found my nervousness and babbling a little humorous. I couldn't help the way I was feeling, my stomach was in knots and my chest was feeling like it was being squeezed, but the small smile on his face was comforting.

"Hy-Hylians….we don't really do much, but we do have small courting customs." I admitted shyly. He listened quietly as I confessed, his expression calm and attentive. His golden eyes were fixed on mine, taking in every single word as I spoke.

When I finished, a look of understanding appeared on his face and he nodded his head. "Courting customs….what are they?" He asked, his voice still quiet and deep. I felt a slight shiver as he quietly spoke to me again, his voice still the same deep, soothing tone. A small wave of shyness washed over me as he asked me to explain the little courting customs from my own culture.

I hesitated for a moment, trying to find the words to explain it properly, before eventually giving a small answer. "Our customs are….they're rather simple." I confessed in a sheepish tone. He looked at me for a moment, a look of curiosity now in his eyes as he considered my words. His head tilted to the side as he waited for me to speak again, listening intently to my answer.

"Simple?" He asked in a curious whisper. "What do the courting customs include?" My face was growing more and more hot and flustered with every question he asked, but I tried to keep it together as I spoke again. Despite the slight shyness in my gaze and the redness of my face, I gave a vague yet thorough explanation of the customs of courting from the Hylians.

"Well….we don't really have a formal ritual as a whole to court someone. It's more, well…." I took a quick breath, trying to choose my words carefully. “We kiss, that’s the main one and probably the only worth knowing really.”

He was silent for a moment as he listened to my explanation, his expression unchanging as I spoke, his golden eyes watching me intently. It was like he was trying to take in as much information about my culture as possible. When I finished, he slowly nodded his head, a small look of understanding in his eyes. "So a kiss is your main custom for courting." He summarized, a hint of a smirk on his face once again.

He leaned in even closer, the space between us being reduced to almost nothing. I could feel the heat radiating off his body, the heat of his breaths. I swallowed thickly, my heart still in my throat as he continued to gaze at me intently, his eyes never leaving my face. He slowly nodded his head, acknowledging my words before speaking again, his voice low and quiet. "Can you demonstrate?"

My face was burning at this point, the redness spreading across my cheeks as he leaned in closer, the space between us so small now that I could feel every word that he spoke.

His question, quiet and direct, caught me off guard and I stared at him, my eyes wide and my mind going blank. I sputtered wordlessly for a moment, trying desperately to force some words from my mouth but all I could manage was a quiet gasp.

"Wh-what?" I managed to get out as I stared at him. He watched me in silence for a second, his eyes slowly trailing over my face, watching my expression intently. His expression was neutral, his stoic face giving nothing away of what he was thinking. After a moment his eyes fixated back on mine, a hint of curiosity and anticipation in his gaze.

He slowly nodded his head in response, his response coming out in a quiet whisper. "Please demonstrate."

I went to cup his cheeks pulling him down and he set his hands on either side of the sofa I was sitting on and I pressed my lips to his. Sidon let out a gasp but stayed still as I kissed him. His eyes widened once my lips pressed against his, a soft gasp escaping from his throat when the kiss started. For a moment he didn't move, completely lost in the feeling of my lips against his, the feeling of my hand on his cheek.

It was more just pressing our lips together than a kiss when we pulled back. He was quiet for a moment, his eyes half-lidded and his face flushed a soft red as we came back down from our moment of kissing. A look of a mix of surprise and amazement went through his expression as he slowly came back to his senses. His voice was a soft, quiet whisper when he spoke. "I…. didn't expect that to feel…. so nice." He confessed in low tone.

The corners of my lips tugged into a small smile as I listened to his soft, whispered confession, my cheeks growing a bit warmer at his words. "Yeah? You think so?" I replied, my voice quiet and low, my hand still gently resting on his cheek, my thumb ever so slightly stroking his skin.

He nodded his head silently as I spoke, the soft feeling of my thumb slowly stroking his cheek, his eyes still gazing at me. "Yes, I do." He confessed, his face still flushed from our little moment before, his expression looking just a bit calmer and more content now.

“I’m sorry, um may we do it again?” He asked, his cheeks were flushed a bright blue which I thought was adorable considering I hadn’t ever seen it before.

I nodded and leaned in again. “Kiss me back this time, just push your lips against mine and move your head a little towards me, ok?” He nodded and I kissed again and a moment later he did begin to slowly kiss back. He listened intently to my instructions on how to return the kiss, his expression focused and a bit curious. I was admittedly surprised that he had obeyed my instructions so well, but I was happy that he was at least willing to try.

The kiss was a bit slow and clumsy, his movements a little awkward, but he was clearly doing his best to follow my instructions. I couldn't help but feel a bit smug at the knowledge that I would have the privilege of teaching him all the norms of a relationship, from love to affection.

However, I couldn't ignore the fact that we still had some other things to address, like his still-existing wife issue and the need to inform Zelda of this. Once we parted for a moment, both of us taking in deep breaths, I gave him a soft smile. "Yeah, about the whole Yona is still your wife thing….. we probably should talk about that….maybe tomorrow we’ve been here a while. it’s quite late.” I started, my tone low and cautious.

He was quiet for a moment, listening to me as I spoke, his expression unreadable. Then he nodded his head silently, his golden eyes locking onto mine.

"You're right…." He said quietly in response, a hint of contemplation in his voice. I nodded my head in agreement, glad to see he seemed to understand the need to talk about the Yona situation. His face was calm and composed, though the soft look in his eyes told me he was deep in thought. The feeling in the air was a bit heavy, the weight of the upcoming conversation still hanging over us, but I knew it needed to be talked about.

“Goodnight Sidon, thanks for understanding.” I smirked. “I love you.” He seemed to pick up on it this time and what he had to do as his eyes widened as did his usual beautiful on his face.

The corner of my lips tugged into a small smirk as he seemed to catch on to my words this time, his face flushing slightly as he realized their implications. "I… love you, too…Link.” He managed to get out in a soft, breathless tone, his eyes locked on mine. It was clear he wasn’t used to saying those words in this kind of context.

I had to bite back a laugh at his flustered and flustered expression, his reaction both cute and endearing. I felt my heart stutter in my chest at his response, his soft, whispered words sending a tingle through my whole body. I felt my face heat up a bit to match his, my smirk growing a bit larger.

"You'll get the hang of saying that soon." I said quietly, a hint of teasing in my tone. He chuckled softly, a small, shy smile on his face. "I…I hope so." He replied quietly, his eyes never leaving mine.

He took in my teasing tone and let out a slight huff, his face still flushed a bit pink from our interaction. "I'll try my best, for you, Link.." He added, a hint of love in his tone as he knew the feelings we shared now.

I felt my heart skip a beat as he spoke, the soft, loving tone of his words sending a wave of warmth through my chest. The fact that he was willing to try his best specifically for me made me feel a wave of affection for the man, along with a small sense of pride.

"I know you will.." I replied quietly, my smirk softening into a small smile. He relaxed under my warm, affectionate smile, his expression becoming a little less flustered, but still warm and adoring.

Tomorrow, for the first time I think things will be better between us.

Chapter Text

The next day, Zelda lectured me as I rolled myself out of bed, grabbed my Champion tunic and pair of fresh trousers, boxers and socks. “Link, I think you need a hair cut. It’s far too long, come on now that you’ve got Sidon on the same page you gotta look good for him.”

Zelda stood at her vanity, currently fixing her hair in front of a mirror. She glanced over at me as I made my way out of bed, her eyes lingering on my messy, unkempt hair. “Oh yeah, when was I supposed to get a hair cut whist saving all of Hyrule and you, Zels?” I asked, slipping in the familiar nickname I called her like my little sister.

Zelda's expression softened slightly at the use of her nickname, a small, fond smile appearing at the corners of her lips. "Oh, come now." She replied, her tone going a bit more sarcastic. "It's not like you didn’t haul yourself up in Hyrule castle for a month after the upheaval just to avoid Sidon? You could have got a quick trim." I couldn't help but let out a sheepish chuckle, knowing that Zelda had a point. I had indeed stayed cooped up in the castle after the upheaval, avoiding any kind of social interaction, especially with Sidon.

"Okay, maybe I should have gotten a hair cut." I admitted sheepishly, running a hand through the messy locks of my hair. "I just…. kind of forgot about it." Zelda chuckled softly at my sheepish confession, shaking her head at my response.

"Of course you forgot." She said in a slightly playful tone. "You've always been terrible with taking care of yourself." I couldn't help but roll my eyes playfully as she teased me, even though I knew she was right. "Yeah, yeah, I know I know. I'll get it cut soon, okay?" I replied, my tone lighthearted. “You’ll get it cut now before you go see Sidon. You can’t be future mate to a Zora King looking like that. I’m sure Sidon will love it! You’ll have the exact same style you like just much much shorter.”

Zelda let out a light, amused laugh at my look at her, a hint of a smirk on her face. "A future mate to the Zora King deserves a King-like appearance too, don't you think?" She said, her tone slightly mockingly dramatic. "And if you're going to be his future mate, then you'll have to look good for him. You can't go looking like a shaggy mess."

I felt a pang of sheepishness in my chest, knowing that Zelda had a point. Sidon deserved to have a partner that looked good for him, and a shaggy, unkempt appearance wasn't the most flattering.
"Fine, fine. You're right." I admitted, giving in to her logic. "I'll go get my hair cut now, alright?" At least she wasn’t cutting it like I cut hers.

Zelda smiled at my concession, her expression happy that I was listening to her. "Good, I'm glad you finally got the hint." She teased. "Go on, go get your hair cut. I'm sure Sidon will appreciate it." I chuckled at her teasing, feeling a bit sheepish still for my previous forgetfulness.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll go now." I agreed. "Thank you for the reminder, Zels." Zelda's smile widened a bit at the nickname, her expression fond. "You're welcome, Link." She replied softly. "And don't take too long, okay? Sidon is expecting you, after all."

I nodded in understanding, feeling my stomach flutter at her mention of Sidon. "I know, I know… I'll hurry." I assured her. "Just… give me a few minutes, okay?" Zelda nodded back, sensing my eagerness to see Sidon. "Sure thing, Link. Just don't take forever, alright? Go on, he’s waiting in the throne room go there straight after.” I gave her one final nod, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves in my chest. "Got it, I'll go as soon as I finish." I replied. "Thanks again, Zels."

I found myself walking through Zora's domain, feeling a bit sheepish at the realization that there was a place in the domain dedicated to hair cutting, despite the fact that the Zora themselves do not have hair. I made a mental note to ask Sidon later on where all this came from. However, the thought of seeing Sidon soon quickly overshadowed any other thoughts in my mind.

I continued making my way down the familiar path in Zora's domain, my heart feeling as if it was beating rapidly against my chest. The thought of seeing Sidon again soon was enough to make me feel almost giddy. A few moments later, I reached the entrance to the small area beside the shop and inn pausing for a moment before entering. I took in a slow, deep breath before pushing open the door and entering the small area. The shop was small and cozy looking, the walls adorned in various decorations and tools associated with a hair cutting business. The place seemed to be relatively empty, save for a small worker Zora woman sitting behind a counter.

The Zora woman sitting behind the counter looked up as I entered the shop, a small, welcoming smile on her face as she spotted me. "Good day, and welcome." She said in a soft, yet firm tone. “Hello, um, I was thinking if you possibly cut ny hair? I was hoping to look presentable to meet with the King later this morning.” The woman looked at me. “Cut it, Sir Link? Of course, how short?”

I shrugged. “I’m not sure, um maybe to just so I don’t have to tie it up. Higher than the bottom of my neck but lower than my ears so it’s not super short.” The Zora woman nodded in understanding, jotting down a few notes on a small list of some kind.

"Alright, I think I understand what you're going for." She said, a hint of familiarity in her voice. "I can definitely trim your hair, do sit down. It won’t take long at all, I won’t keep his majesty waiting.” I nodded in thanks, feeling a bit sheepish at her easy, casual tone of voice. "Thank you…" I replied quietly, before moving to take a seat on one of the few chairs in the shop. The Zora woman smiled in response, moving to grab some tools from the shelf. She came back a moment later, settling in front of a mirror and beginning to work on my hair.

She was quiet, her fingers working with a practiced, steady movement as she trimmed my hair, taking care to make it look decent and presentable for my meeting with Sidon. I sat quietly, watching her work in the mirror in front of me. I couldn't help but be somewhat lost in thought, feeling a mix of both nerves and anticipation.

Every now and then, the Zora woman would pause, making a small adjustment to a particular strand of hair. The Zora woman continued to work in silence, her fingers gently running through my hair as she worked. After a few minutes, she seemed to be satisfied with her work, stepping back to look at the finished product in the mirror once more.

The Zora woman smiled, satisfied with the result.
"There, done! It looks good, doesn't it?" She asked, looking up at me with a warm smile. I looked at the result in the mirror, feeling my self-consciousness fade a bit as I saw the change in my appearance.
"Yeah, it does.." I replied slowly, feeling a bit more confident now as I looked at my now shorter hair.

The Zora woman smiled in satisfaction at my response, a hint of approval in her eyes. "Good, I'm glad. You look quite handsome now, Sir Link." She said, her voice steady and soothing. I couldn't help but feel a tingle of pride in my chest, feeling a bit of a boost to my self-confidence with the words of approval from the Zora woman. "Thank you, I appreciate your work." I said sheepishly, glancing at myself in the mirror yet again.

The Zora woman chuckled softly at my sheepish response, her expression amused, yet also fond.
"You're quite welcome." She replied, her tone still warm. "Now, go on, go meet his majesty. I don't want to keep him waiting for too long." I nodded in understanding at her final words, feeling a mix of excitement and butterflies in my chest at the thoughts of seeing Sidon soon.

"Yeah, yeah, I will." I replied eagerly, rising from the chair I was sitting on. “Don’t you want me to pay you?” I asked her. The Zora woman chuckled softly, waving a dismissive hand at me.

"Nonsense, Sir Link. It's only a small trim, you don't need to pay me." She assured me, her tone amused. It was definitely not a short trim but alright. I frowned in protest slightly, feeling a bit of guilt at the dismissal of payment. "Are you sure? I could at least leave you a tip or something.." I insisted, unwilling to take the favor without paying her something. The Zora woman waved my protest off once more, her expression gentle yet firm.

"There's no need to pay, honest." She assured me, her tone gentle yet firm. "It's really quite alright, I was happy to do it for you." I still felt reluctant to take the favor without giving any sort of payment, but I could sense that the Zora woman was determined to help me for free. Reluctantly, I dropped it, nodding in agreement.

"If you're sure…" I said, a hint of sheepishness in my tone. The Zora woman nodded in response, a small, satisfied smile on her face. "Of course! Now, off you go, go meet his majesty." She said, gesturing towards the door.

I nodded one last time, feeling a small tingle of nervousness in my stomach at the mention of meeting Sidon. "Right, right, I'll be on my way…" I said softly, making a reluctant move towards the door. The Zora woman smiled, watching as I made a move towards the door. "Off you go, then!" She said, her tone encouraging. "Have a good day, Sir Link. And enjoy your meeting with the King."

I paused at the door, taking a deep, slow breath to steady myself. "Thanks…" I said quietly, feeling the anxious fluttering of my heart. "I will." And then, with that, I pushed open the door, exiting the small shop.

The first thing I noticed as I exited the cozy little shop was the sun shining high in the clear blue sky. The air was warm and humid, the sounds of the Zora civilization going by filled the space.

I took another deep breath, feeling my mind focus on the main goal at hand: to meet Sidon.

I made my way from the familiar front courtyard up the grand winding staircases again then upstairs the second staircases up to the throne room.
I wonder how Sidon will react to my new appearance not even Zelda has seen my hair short enough to not need a hair band.

I felt my heart beat against my chest with each step, moving up the grand staircase. A few guards I passed by looking at me curiously, probably due to my changed appearance. As I walked into throne room, I could feel my stomach knot.

“Ah, Link. Good morning to you.” Dorphean smiled at me as I could see Sidon was ready to jump up to greet me as usual but even more so now after last night’s conversation but kept his composure and professionalism and I saw Yona quietly chuckle at Sidon’s actions before giving me a smile. I take it she knows now? She must or she’s away to get an awful big shock.

I also saw the widening of his eyes at the notice of my hair too. But then he smiled fondly, dreamily almost.

As I walked into the throne room, Dorphean greeted me with his usual smile, while I saw Sidon holding back his own eager reaction. Yona also smiled at me, a hint of curiosity in her eyes, as if she was waiting to see my reaction to Sidon's. Then Sidon's gaze fell on my new appearance, and his eyes widened in surprise. His expression was more than fond, but I could practically see the dreamy look in his eyes as he took me in. I addressed Dorphean and keep my eyes off of Sidon. “Good morning to you too, king father. Zelda tells me you and King Sidon wish to speak with me?”

Dorphean chuckled at my question, his expression fond. He nodded at my greeting. "Yes, we do. We have some important matters that we need to discuss with you.” Dorphean's expression turned more serious now, his tone becoming more formal.

"I believe Sidon had something he wanted to say to me but he would not discuss it in private, he requested you be here." He said, glancing over at his son. I turned my gaze towards Sidon, who was standing slightly to the side, arms behind his back.

After a few moments of silence, Sidon finally spoke, his voice soft yet strong. "Father…." he began, taking a small step forward to look up at his father, the gigantic former Zora King still sat in the throne as it was much too big for Sidon to use. Dorphean's expression remained stern, his gaze fixed firmly on Sidon. "Yes, my son?" he replied, his tone composed.

Sidon took another small step forward, his eyes locked on Dorphean's. "Father, I have something to ask of you." he said cautiously, his tone serious. Dorphean's expression remained still, his eyes narrowing slightly as he listened. "What is it, my boy?" he asked, his tone soft yet firm.

Sidon paused for a moment, taking a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Father, I understand I am King and I have a duty to our people. I take that in great pride you know this but I do not feel that I am the best King I can be without the proper person by my side. I care for Lady Yona, she has been a fabulous help to us and a wonderful Queen and wife in the short period we have been wed.…..”

He looked nervous to say these next words knowing they’d cause an uproar with Muzu, the head of the elders and the Royal family’s advior, Sidon’s teacher since he was a guppy.

“Father, Lady Yona and I have not yet mated despite being wed and pronounced King and Queen, we have not yet bonded ourselves to each other either.” Dorphean listened intently to Sidon's words, his expression remaining stoic. However, I could sense the tension in the room growing, knowing that this conversation was probably not a topic that others would be happy to hear.

As Sidon continued to speak, I could see his unease in his voice, as he approached the more sensitive topic. Dorphean's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise as Sidon mentioned the fact that the couple had not yet bonded, both in mind and in body. He remained silent for a few moments, mulling over the information, before speaking. "You have not yet bonded?" he asked, his voice quiet and cautious.

Sidon nodded in confirmation, his gaze dropping slightly. "Yes, Father, it's true. We have not yet bonded. We have not yet mated to each other." he said cautiously, his tone hesitant. Dorphean's expression remained stern, his eyes narrowed slightly as he considered his son's words. "I see and why is that?" he asked, his tone slightly sharper.

Sidon hesitated for a moment before replying, his gaze flickering up to meet his father's eyes. "I… I-I….I don’t wish to, Father." he admitted, his tone worried and breathing quickening. Dorphean's gaze was intense as he looked at his son, his expression stern. "And why is that, my son? You are a King, it is your duty to have a mate and to continue the bloodline. I was hoping to expect grandchildren soon." he said firmly, his tone unyielding.

Sidon flinched at his father's words, feeling a wave of unease at the thought of disappointing his father by not fulfilling his duty. He took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady. "I understand… I do… but.." he said, his tone hesitant and nervous. Dorphean's expression remained firm, his gaze unwavering. "But what? You are a King, it is your responsibility to have heirs and a mate, to carry on the bloodline." he said firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Sidon took a deep inhale before lashing out. “But my heart does not belong to Lady Yona! I shall not mate nor bond with someone I do not care for a on a mate level!” Dorphean's eyes widened in surprise, not expecting such an answer from his son. "You…" he began, his tone incredulous. "You do not care for Lady Yona? You do not love her?"

“Not anymore so than I love you as my father or the guards as my friends. She is not who I want to bond with for the rest of my life. She is not who I want to call my mate, the closest person to my heart….” Dorphean was stunned by his son's words, a flicker of disbelief in his eyes.

"You…. You cannot be serious. You want to throw away this Queen, this partner you have been married to, who can give you children to carry on the Royal Zora line… for someone else?" he asked incredulously. Sidon hesitated for a moment, his expression conflicted.

"Yes… Yes, Father. I cannot lie to you about this. I do not love Yona, I do not want to be stuck with her in a loveless marriage." he admitted, his voice shaky yet firm. Dorphean was taken aback, his expression a mixture of shock and disappointment.

"But, my son… You are a King, you are expected to take a mate and fulfill your duty. It does not matter who you truly feel for, this is about practicality and the strength of the bloodline." he said firmly, his tone stern. Sidon bristled at his father's words, feeling the weight of his expectations bearing down on him. "Father, I understand your concerns, I do. But… I cannot be with someone I do not wish to bond, I cannot force myself to be with her when my heart belongs to someone else." he protested, his tone firm yet pleading.

Dorphean's expression softened slightly as he listened to Sidon's plea, but still remained stern. "Son, you are a King, a leader. You cannot simply discard your responsibilities because you don't feel the 'spark' for your wife. You must think about what is best for the Zora people, for the kingdom-"

"I understand that, Father." Sidon interrupted, his tone slightly more defensive. "I know that my duty to my people is important, but I cannot force myself to be with her, it does not work that way. I-I simply cannot do it" he continued pleading, his voice shaking with emotion. Dorphean's expression was torn. He could see the genuine distress in his son's eyes, the way his voice trembled as he spoke. Yet, he also understood the gravity of the situation. "My son, think about this. Think about the future, the consequences of your actions. This decision will have massive ramifications for the Zora, for our people. You cannot just throw away one of the most crucial parts of being a King."

Sidon felt a pang of guilt at his father's words, knowing that the decision he was facing had the potential to affect all of the Zora. But he continued standing firm. "I know Father, I know. But… I cannot fake a bond to someone, you know the mating just won’t take, my bond, my bite not take because I do not wish it too. I just cannot do it." he protested yet again, his voice a mixture of stubborn and pleading.

Dorphean sighed heavily, a mix of frustration and understanding in his expression. "You speak of bonds and the effects of a bite and how it will take but you forget the bigger picture. You have a Queen, you have a partner in Yona, who is a Zora, a perfect candidate for the future of the bloodline, and yet, you discard it for another Zora that you cannot even promise a bond with." he countered, his tone stern.

“He is not a Zora!” The words of he and not a Zora took attention. Dorphean's expression turned to confusion, taken aback by Sidon's outburst. "What did you say?" he asked, his tone questioning but he didn’t wait for an answer. Dorphean's expression darkened, skepticism written all over his face.

"Not a Zora? And as in another male?" he asked, his tone more forceful now. Sidon's heart started to pound against his chest, feeling the weight of his father's scrutiny on him. He knew he was backed into a corner, but he could not bring himself to lie to his father. "Y-Yes, Father. I… I care for a male and he is not a Zora, he is of another race." he admitted, his voice trembling. Dorphean's eyes widened in shock, his expression a mix of surprise and horror.

"You… You cannot be serious. You can't be serious!" he exclaimed, his tone filled with disbelief and anger. "You…You care for a male?! And a non-Zora?! Do you have any idea of the implications?!" Sidon stood still, feeling the weight of his father's anger and disappointment bearing down on him.

He flinched under his father's gaze, feeling the heat of his judgment. "F-Father, please, let me explain-" he started to protest, his tone pleading. "Explain?! Explain what?" Dorphean's tone was sharp and biting, his eyes flashing angrily. "You are a king, Sidon! A leader! You are supposed to marry a Zora, a Queen and produce heirs, not fall in love with a non-Zora male!"

Sidon felt the sting of his father's words, the weight of their judgement and anger. His heart ached at the thought of disappointing his father, but he couldn't deny the feelings that he had. "I-I know, Father, I can't change how my heart feels-" he began to protest, his tone slightly shaky. Dorphean's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening.

"This is not just about a passing fancy. This is about duty, about responsibility. You are a King, and you have a Queen and a duty to the Zora, to the royal bloodline. Yet, here you are, throwing it all away for a love affair with a non-Zora male." he said sharply. Sidon felt more rage than hurt at those words.

Passing Fancy. Afffair with a non-Zora Male.

Link was neither of those things.

Dorphean's words stung deeply to Sidon's ears, knowing the truth and the weight of his feelings. The feel of a connection to a mate was not a passing fancy. The want of wanting to mate AND bond with someone that connection belongs to was a life-long decision.

Sidon clenched his fists, his heart aching with a mixture of sadness and anger. The fact that his father had reduced his love for Link down to mere lust and infatuation was infuriating. Sidon gritted his teeth, forcing himself to maintain a calm demeanor. "Father, I understand your concern and my duty. But my feelings for him are not just simple infatuation. I don't just… I don't just like him. I am… in love with him" he admitted through gritted teeth, his tone slightly more firm, his heart pounding in his chest as the words left his mouth.

“Falling in love is not a Zora custom or at least what we describe it as. By your choice of words I already who this ‘he’ is a Hylian which makes the all the more outrageous. A Zora King cannot mate to a male Hylian. It is nothing short of absurd and the makings of a scandal.” Sidon felt a mix of frustration and anger at his father's words. The idea that his love for Link was absurd and scandalous because of his race made him want to scream.

"Father, I am well aware of what is taboo for the Zora. I do not care!" he protested through clenched teeth, his voice rising slightly with anger. "The fact that he is a Hylian does not change my feelings! Love knows no boundaries!" Dorphean's expression hardened, his jaw clenching with annoyance.

"You do not get to decide what is taboo and what is not, you are a King. You have a duty to the Zora, to the royal bloodline, to keep things in order and for generations to come. Your feelings or the way you want to live your life do not matter. You must put aside your selfish desires and do your duty and mate with a Zora." he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for protest. Sidon clenched his fists. “You would have had no issue allowing Mipha to mate with a Hylian. You wouldn’t have force a bond on her she didn’t want. She made her decision and you respected that. So why can’t I have respect? What is the difference between I and my sister?”

Sidon knows speaking of his deceased sister that he only knew when he was very young was a gamble but she loved Link and his father approved so surely he must approve of Sidon’s love for him too…. Dorphean's expression falters slightly, a hint of pain crossing his face. Mipha.

His eyes flicker as the name is mentioned, a pang of guilt and sadness hitting him.

"Mipha was different." he said, his voice slightly softer than before. “No, she wasn’t. I may have been only young and she may have been my older sister but I wasn’t stupid and I’m still not. She never pursued that bond to that mate she wanted. But I would like to, so why can’t you accept me like you would have accepted her?” Dorphean closed his eyes, a conflicted expression on his face. He took a deep breath and sighed heavily, the weight of Sidon's words settling on him.

"You.. You're right. I would have respected Mipha's choice. But... this is different." he said, his tone more hesitant this time. “Mipha had she still been alive would have been Queen and she would have mated and bond to a mate of her choice, not force like you have done to me. She would have mated to a Hylian so why can’t I be?”

Dorphean's expression softened, a pang of guilt still evident in his eyes. He understood what Sidon was saying, but the situation was still different.

"It... It is not the same. Mipha, your sister, was going to be Queen. This was… She was going to be mated to a Hylian I respect, someone I approved of and that I know would take our family, our traditions and our culture seriously..." he explained hesitantly. “I do not know of the random Hylian you wish to mate, if they are common or high-born.”

Random Hylian.

The words hit Sidon like a punch to the gut. Link was not just a random Hylian to him. He was everything. Sidon clenched his fists, the urge to defend Link and his love for him nearly overwhelming.

“Don’t you get it, Father?!” Dorphean's eyes widened, the frustration evident in his expression.
"No, I don't." he said, his voice sharp and stern. "You do not seem to understand the gravity of this. A Zora cannot mate to a Hylian. It is taboo, it is forbidden. The Royal Family must keep to their own kind."

Sidon looked at me. “If I told you that Link is the Hylian I wish to mate, would your opinion change? You gave your permission for Mipha to pursue him but Link did not return her affections all those years ago but he returns mine. Right now. He has held feelings for me ever since we met during the Calamity over two years ago I never knew of them until just last night. I want to make up for that lost time we could have and I do not wish to spend another second without him as my mate.”

Dorphean's eyes widened as he processed Sidon's words. Link. The Hylian from all those years ago. The one who had always been there for this family, who had been by Mipha’s side 100 years ago alongside the other champions and the one who has been at Sidon’s side two years ago during the Calamity when Zora’s Domain and the rest of Hyrule was in peril.

The one who returned to Sidon’s side during the Upheaval and saved Zora’s domain and Hyrule once again alongside Sidon with his destiny as the Sage of Water.

Dorphean took a deep breath, his expression a mix of surprise and contemplation. "Link… You mean to mate with him? You are serious." he asked, his tone slightly skeptical. Sidon nodded, his expression firm and resolute, his eyes filled with unwavering determination and love for Link.

"Yes, Father. I am serious." he said through clenched teeth, his heart pounding in his chest, every fiber in his being yearning to defend and protect his love. "I have cared for him for a long time but I never realized the true meaning or depth of my feelings until last night when we realized our true feelings for one another and we never realized due to cultural differences. I intend to pursue this, to bond with him and to make him my mate."

Dorphean listened intently, his expression a mixture of surprise and contemplation. He had never seen or expected this of his son. The idea of a Zora King mating a Male Hylian was always considered taboo in their society. As they could not produce an heir together to carry on the bloodline of the Royal Zora family. But, seeing the conviction and earnestness in Sidon's eyes and hearing it in his voice made it hard for him to dismiss the matter. He ran a hand over his face, his mind racing with the implications and the consequences of this relationship. But he could see the genuine love and desire in his son's face, and it was clear that this was not a fleeting thing.

After a moment of contemplation, Dorphean spoke again, his tone more measured now.

"And how... how does Link feel about this? About you?" "Link? He feels the same way about me, father." he said, his expression hopeful and warm. "He has felt the same way about me for a long time. And when we realized the depth of our feelings for each other last night, and the realization of what that meant for both of us... It was clear that our feelings for each other were genuine, deep-rooted and destined. We have been through so much together, the calamity and its effects, the divine beasts and Calamity Ganon and now just the end of Upheaval and the fight to bring back Hyrule to its former glory again."

Dorphean's heart nearly melted at the young king's words. He could see the truth in his son's eyes, feel the sincerity in his voice. It was clear that this was not a passing fancy.

This was love.

It was something that Zoras only ever told in legend. People who were fated to be mates no matter what. They destined to be bonded together. Dorphean always called it legend as every Zora in existence did but the proof that it’s more than just a legend lies within his son right in front of him. The King's heart ached at the thought. He wanted to support his son, to love him and accept his love, and yet he was torn. The Zora were a culture that valued their traditions, their culture and the way the world and nature around them had always been.

Dorphean's expression softened as he tried to find the words to express his struggle. "S-Sidon…. Son, I-" he said, his tone hesitant. Dorphean took a deep intake of breath and exhaled slowly, his expression conflicted. "Sidon... you know the traditions and culture of the Zora, the importance of them, the importance of our ancestry and bloodline of this royal family." he began, his voice carefully measured. "A Zora mating with a Hylian? It is against our customs.…. Hylian are so different to us in every way.”

Sidon's heart sank at the words, a wave of disappointment and anger washing over him. He knew what his father was going to say, but hearing it in those words still stung.

"I am aware of the traditions and cultures, father." he replied, a hint of frustration in his tone. "But... but we all know the stories, the legends of destiny, Fate, and soulmates. You yourself always said that they were just stories, but... but I know they're real. I've found mine and he is Link."

Dorphean's heart felt heavy as he listened to his son speak. He wanted so much to support the passion and love that he saw in his son's eyes, it was undeniable. But the history, tradition, and culture of the Zora were ingrained in him, in all of them. "Sidon... son..." he replied, his voice soft. "I feel your passion, I sense the depth of your feelings but... but you must understand, the Zora have always kept their bloodline pure, we have always kept to our own kind for centuries."

“Perhaps it is time for a new era for our people, father. I have no doubt in my mind that Link will be help me phenomenally if he is by my side as my mate as I rule as King.” Dorphean's thoughts flickered with the idea of a new era for the Zora people. He could not deny the fact that a union with a Hylian especially one great and powerful and influential as Link, the hero of Hyrule could bring in new perspectives and possibilities.

"Sidon.. " he began, his tone slightly hesitant but considering. "You believe that this union, with Link, could be beneficial for the Zora? That it could bring in new ideas and possibilities for our people?" Sidon's eyes shone with a mixture of hope and determination.

"Yes, father! I do believe that a union with a Hylian, especially one as intelligent and resourceful as Link, could bring new perspectives, new ideas and possibilities for our people! He is strong and determined, his skills and abilities are unmatched, and he has already proven his worth in battle time and time again!"

Sidon said passionately, his belief in this union burning strong within him. Dorphean was silent, his face contemplative as he considered the words of his son. He knew the strength, determination, resourcefulness, and abilities of Link. Sidon was not wrong. Link had proven himself time and time again in battle. He was not just a hero, he was dear friend to the Zora, a trusted friend and saviour.

His expression softened a little bit, the weight of tradition and culture slowly fading. "And what…what of the fact that male Zoras can't produce heirs to carry on our royal bloodline? Both you and Link are male, how to you plan to reproduce?” Dorphean questioned, his voice serious but softer than before.

Sidon swallowed, a flicker of unease crossing his face at the question. It was a valid question, a possible issue that he had not fully thought about. He took a deep breath to steady himself.

"We haven't thought about it...yet." he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "We've only just discovered our love for each other, we're still processing and understanding our feelings. That..that is something we have yet to think of and discuss." Dorphean’s expression softened further, a small sigh escaping his lips as he listened to his son. He could see the uncertainty and the truth in his words. They had indeed discovered their love for each other just yesterday and the implications of it had only fully sunk in overnight.

"I understand." he said, his tone gentler than before. "But, you must think about it. You have to think about this seriously. A mate is not just a love partner. But a partner for life. One to produce heirs with."

Sidon nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of the conversation. He knew that the question of heirs was an important one to think about. "I understand, father." he said quietly. "I will think about it seriously. We will discuss it, right Link?” Sidon asked me.

I nodded. “Sure, we’ll discuss it. I’m not sure what our options are but I’m sure there must be something, right?”

"There must be." Sidon agreed, his confidence slightly bolstered by my words. I had a faint understanding of the Zora's biology just like I had a mostly lack of Zora Culture but I guess this is where research will come in handy. "There has to be..." Sidon repeated as if musing to himself, his heart still hopeful. "Some...way..." Dorphean watched the exchange in silence, a flicker of hesitation still in his eyes. He could see the hopefulness in his son's expression but he also was well aware of the complexities of the issue at hand.

He took a deep breath before speaking again, his tone more serious and cautious this time. "There may be ways, son." he said, his voice contemplative. "But it may require... experimentation and research." Sidon's heart skipped a beat at his father's words. Experimentation and research meant they could explore new possibilities that he had yet to think about before.

"Experimentation and research..." he repeated, his voice tinged with a hint of excitement. "Link and I will scrounge the library in search of answers. But does this mean I have your approval to terminate my marriage to Lady Yona and begin the process of Link becoming my mate?” Dorphean’s expression softened slightly as he saw the excitement in his son's eyes. He knew how much this meant to Sidon, how much he and Link loved each other. He took a deep breath before answering, his tone somewhat resigned.

"Yes, Sidon... You have my approval to terminate the marriage to Lady Yona. But... I have one more... condition. Before you fully move forward with this new path, I ask that you both take... more time to learn about each other. Zora and Hylian culture, both the good and the bad. The Zora and Hylian history, both the light and the dark. But most of all, about yourselves.“

“There has never been two Kings before in any culture in Hyrule I believe so you both will be making history once again. I want you to heed this condition before we announce to the people of the domain about this mating and that Lady Yona will step down and hand her crown to Link.”

Sidon's expression dropped slightly at his father's words but he knew they were sensible. He and Link still had so much to learn about each other, and they had only just begun this new relationship. He nodded slowly. "I understand, father." he replied, his heart still a flutter. "We will take more time and learn about each other's cultures, histories, and ourselves. We will take all the time we need before any official announcement is made."

Dorphean’s expression softened, a glimmer of approval in his eyes as he saw the seriousness and determination in his son's response.

"Good." he said, nodding slightly. "I trust that you will follow through with this. This is not a decision to be taken lightly." He turned to Muzu who was mumbling under his breath about Hylians. “Muzu. Stop your grumbling and tell them the process of what will happen.”

“The termination between the King and Queen’s marriage will occur within the coming days but an alternative must offer to Lady Yona’s kingdom as they still wish to have a connection with Hyrule if not through the domain and King Sidon but that is something we shall speak to the Princess about. As for you and King Sidon, a formal courting ceremony will fill the gap between now and when the marriage is terminated.Then you shall marry our king before the domain’s people just as Lady Yona did.”

Sidon nodded and smiled lightly.

“So as soon as Lady Yona and I’s marriage is terminated, I am free to marry and mate Link and he will be crowned also? I want him to be crowned as the second ruler of the domain, a second king. He deserves more than the title of the king’s consort.”

Dorphean’s nodded as Muzu explained the process, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, that is correct." he replied, his eyes flickering to Link and then back to his son. "You will be free to marry and mate when Lady Yona's marriage to you has been terminated.“

Muzu sighed.

“King Sidon, whilst Sir Link is a most respected warrior and hero to us all. He is still not of royal blood, therefore for him to have a royal title, he can only be your consort.“ Sidon sighed and shook his head. “Please Muzu, I want him to be my king by my side. Please…..father?” Dorphean’s expression softened as he saw the pleading look on his son's face. He knew how much it meant to Sidon for Link to be his equal and not just his consort.

He sighed, the weight of tradition and custom weighing heavily on him. But he couldn't deny his son's happiness, his love for Link. He looked at Muzu, who was still mumbling under his breath about Hylians, and back at Sidon and me.

I looked up to Sidon with a hopeful smile, his eyes wide. The room seemed to pause for a moment, everyone taking in the decision that had just been made. Muzu's lips were pressed together, obviously unhappy but holding his tongue.

Dorphean’s expression was still a bit somber, the weight of the historical significance of this decision weighing heavily on him, but he could see the joy and love on his son's face. "Very well..." he said again, his tone resigned yet firm. "Link will be the second king, and he will be officially crowned with you."

Sidon grinned, excitement and joy radiating from him. He couldn't believe it, that his father was actually agreeing to this. He turned to Muzu, who was still mumbling about the 'unnatural' choices of the new generation.

"Muzu." Dorpheon said, his voice firm and authoritative. "Silence. Let this be, Muzu."

For once, he knew his son had to be happy.

Chapter Text

As we walked to the library, Sidon came to a stop outside it and faced me to him and cupped my cheeks just as I did with the previous night, he pressed lips gently to just above my lips, I parted from him chuckling at he had missed my lips by going too high. As Sidon pressed his lips gently to just above my lips, I chuckled at his missed attempt. He pulled back with a small sheepish smile on his face. "Oops. I missed your lips." he said, his cheeks flushing that blue blush a little.

“Yeah, but it’s alright, maybe do a little more research whilst you’re in the library.” He bashfully blushed and nodded. “Of course, my pearl. I’m sorry, I will get study more and get better at it.” He chuckled before grabbing my hand and squeezing.

“I shall see you soon, my love and we can start planning our wedding.” He winked. “This is so surreal. I can’t believe it’s happening. I have to go inform Zelda of everything but I’m come back here to help you?” As Sidon squeezed my hand, he let out a small, giddy laugh. He looked at me with a mix of excitement and anticipation.

"Of course, I'll begin my research as soon as I can and I'll try to get better. Don't worry, my love." he reassured me.

"I'm just as overwhelmed as you are. I never thought this would be possible, but here we are." he said, his voice filled with wonder. "I'll go talk to Princess Zelda soon, but I will come back here as soon as I can to help you with any wedding planning." I smiled. As we parted ways, I could feel the anticipation building within me. I knew that the next few days would be filled with a flurry of activity and planning to make the wedding a reality. I couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement.

I told Zelda EVERYTHING and she was ecstatic to say the least. She said she would speak with Yona and Muzu about the political side of things and so Sidon and I can just focus on us. Our wedding and me becoming his mate. With the matter of informing Zelda and starting political discussions taken care of, I breathed a sigh of relief. The stress and weight of the situation seemed to lessen slightly, knowing that Zelda would handle the political side of things and allow me to focus on our wedding.

When I walked into the royal library it was actually the first time I had been in here, it was astonished with luminous stones as everywhere else in the domain and many long and tall bookcases along the walls and at the back of the room too. Tables in the center of the room for laying books there and it was there I found my king leaning on the table, a book in front of his eyes.

He looked up when I got closer and smiled wide. “Link! My dear, I as you can see have been very through with my research.” I chuckled, laughing at the fact there was books scattered all over this large table varying from Hylian culture and history to Zora history to Hyrule history. “We can look through them all again together, but nonetheless, my pearl.”

Sidon gestured for me to sit beside him at the large table, his own eyes filled with excitement at the thought of delving into the pages of books about our separate history and cultures. He picked up a book about Hylian culture and history, and began flipping through the pages as I settled into the seat beside him.

Together, we delved into the pages of the books, exploring the history, traditions, and customs of our respective cultures. Sidon's eyes flickered through the pages as we read aloud passages to each other, pausing to marvel at the similarities and differences. As we poured over the pages of the books, a sense of peace washed over me. Learning about each other's cultures and history was like peering through a window into a different world, with its own unique language, customs, and traditions.

Sidon looked up from the book he was reading to see me reading one of Zora culture, his eyes filled with excitement. "Did you know, my pearl, that thousands and thousands of years ago there was actually a Hylian-Zora Male-Male couple that created the legend of fated mates?” he asked me, his voice laced with curiosity. I looked up from the pages of the Zora culture book I was reading, my eyes wide with surprise and fascination at Sidon's revelation. "Wow, that's incredible," I replied, my voice tinged with wonder.

I set the book down and looked at him, curiosity sparkling in my eyes. "Fated mates... a Hylian-Zora Male-Male couple? I had no idea. What happened to them?" Sidon leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful as he recalled the information he had read. "Yes, it's quite remarkable, isn't it?" he said, a hint of awe in his voice.

"They were known as the legendary couple, whose love transcended the boundaries of their species. But their love story was also doomed to fail." his expression turned somber. "They were eventually torn apart by the prejudices and traditions of their time, much much more harsh than our own time. But their story is only known today because of their descendants, so they must have had children, it’s how they had those children we ought to figure out in order to have heirs ourselves.”

I nodded, my heart heavy at the tale of the doomed lovers. "That's just...tragic," I murmured, my eyes downcast. I picked up a different book from the pile of books on the table and turned the pages until I found what Sidon was referring to. "So, we need to figure out how they had heirs..." I mused, my voice tinged with curiosity.

Sidon nodded in agreement, his expression serious as he focused on the task at hand. "Yes, figuring out how they had heirs is crucial," he said, his eyes flickering over the pages of the book he was reading.

He pushed aside his book and leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "There has to be something in these books that can give us some insight." he muttered, his fingers drumming on the table top. I flipped through the pages of the book I was reading, searching for anything that might give us a clue about how the legendary couple might have had heirs.

My eyes scanned the pages, reading silently as I searched. After a few minutes of intense searching, I let out a quiet gasp of excitement. "Sidon, take a look at this."

Sidon immediately looked up from the book he was reading, his attention piqued by my gasp. "Is there something?" he asked, his voice tinged with an eagerness to find information. I pointed excitedly at the page in the book I was holding. "Look at this," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Sidon leaned closer to me to get a better look, his own expression intrigued. He read the passage I was pointing at, his eyes scanning the words. After a moment, his eyes widened and a look of realization washed over his face. "By the goddess..." he breathed, his voice filled with wonder.

Sidon cleared his throat and began reading the passage aloud in a low, deep voice, the words taking on a mystical quality as he spoke.

"In the days of ancient Zora culture, it was believed that there were certain individuals of both Hylian and Zora descent who were destined to be fatedmates. It was said that their connection was deep and unwavering, transcending the boundaries of gender, species, and even time itself." he read outloud. He paused for a moment, the words seeming to echo in the room as we both absorbed the information. "But it wasn't just a belief," he continued, his voice growing deeper and more intense.

"Legends speak of a specific couple, where a Hylian male and a Zora male were said to be destined mates. This couple, whose name has been lost to time, defied societal norms and lived together in harmony." he said, his eyes glued to the words on the page. His words filled the room with a sense of awe and wonder, stirring a sense of curiosity in both of us. I leaned forward, my interest piqued by the legend. “How did they produce heirs?”

Sidon's eyes widened as the question echoed in the room. He flipped the pages of the book he had been reading, searching for an answer.

After a few moments, he let out a small gasp. "Here it is," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “According to the records, the legendary couple was able to bring forth heirs through a ritual. A ritual known as a 'blood bond'."

Sidon's eyes widened even further at the mention of the blood bond ritual. "A blood bond..." he whispered, his voice filled with awe and fascination.
He closed the book and looked at me, his expression now serious. "The blood bond ritual is a sacred and ancient practice in Zora culture," he explained, his voice taking on a reverent tone.

He leaned against the table, his eyes fixed on me. "It is a ritual that connects a couple both physically and spiritually. It's a way to strengthen the bond between mates, to bind them together for eternity. It is much more intense than a normal bonding for the Zora. I have read about blood bonds before. They hold extraordinary magic due to the unfortunate things I fear we will have to drink during the ceremony of the bond. That includes our own and each other’s blood.”

I nodded, my heart racing with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The idea of participating in a blood bond ritual held both intrigue and fear. I could only imagine the intense magic that it would bring. "What do you mean by 'unfortunate things we have to drink'?" I asked, a slight tremor in my voice. Sidon's expression shifted, a hint of sadness and seriousness in his eyes. "We will have to consume each other's blood during the ritual," he said bluntly.

He reached out and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, his touch warm and reassuring. "Though it cannot be consumed along it must be brewed especially along with some Zora herbs and special spices, not the kind for food but the kind for potions. A lot of the elder Zora including Muzu have expertise in potion making and magic bind such as this. It was the norm back then.”

I gulped, the thought of consuming each other's blood still a bit unnerving to me. But I trusted Sidon, and knew that this was an ancient and sacred ritual that would cement our bond. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "When will we be undertaking this ritual?" I asked, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach.

Sidon's eyes softened as he saw the fear and trepidation in my eyes. He ran his hand soothingly down my back, trying to calm my nerves. "The timing of the ritual can be arranged," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "It's not necessarily something that has to happen immediately. We have time to prepare and decide when feels right for us." he leaned forward, his gaze locked on mine.

I felt a tinge of relief wash over me at Sidon's words. The thought of having time and space to prepare for the ritual was soothing. "That's good to know," I replied, my voice steadier now. I took a deep breath, feeling a bit calmer but still a little nervous. "When the time comes, what will that ritual look like?" I asked, my eyes curious as they met Sidon's.

Sidon's smile faded slightly at my question, his eyes becoming more serious as he explained.

"The ritual itself will be a long and intricate process, filled with both physical and magical components. It will involve a mixture of Zora magic and traditional Zora ceremony to create a connection and bond between us." he explained, his eyes fixed on me.

He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "The most important part of the ritual, the actual 'bonding' part, is the consumption of our blood within the potions. I warn you now according stories, they taste absolutely rancid.” My heart skipped a beat at the thought of drinking something so revolting as rancid blood mixed with goddess else knows what, yet I knew this was a necessary part of the ritual.

I tried to put on a brave face and nodded, though there was a hint of trepidation in my eyes. "I see," I replied, my voice a bit shaky. "So, once we consume the blood potions... what happens then?" Sidon's expression shifted slightly, a hint of solemnity in his eyes as I brought up the point about us both being males.

He took a deep breath, his hand still gently caressing my cheek as he began to explain. "The blood bond is not just a physical thing, it's a magical one as well. Through the bond, our magic and our life-force will be intertwined." He paused for a moment, his gaze never leaving mine. "This can allow us to defy the laws of nature, even as two males. So we will be able to produce our heirs.”

I listened intently to Sidon's words, trying to wrap my head around the idea of our bond being powerful enough to defy natural laws. I took a deep breath, still a bit nervous but feeling more confident. "So, because of the magic of the blood bond, we'll be able to produce heirs despite our species and gender?" I asked, a hint of curiosity in my voice.

Sidon's eyes lit up with a glimmer of awe and certainty. "Yes...yes, exactly," he replied, his voice filled with confidence. He leaned in a bit closer, his hand still on my cheek. "The bond we'll form will transcend the limitations of our beings, creating a magical connection that will open up the possibility of creating heirs together."

That answer was both fascinating and nerve-wracking at the same time. I couldn't believe the power of this ritual, the idea that it could allow us to defy the laws of nature was both incredible and a bit overwhelming. I took a moment to process and gather my thoughts, then looked back up at Sidon. "Just... just how powerful is this bond exactly? How strong is it?" I asked, my voice tinged with a hint of awe.

Sidon smiled, his eyes shining with a mix of excitement and certainty. "Our bond will be incredibly powerful," he said, his voice firm. "It will be unlike any bond you've ever experienced before. It will be so strong, so deep, that it will bind our souls together - permanently, forever." He paused for a moment, a hint of possessiveness in his voice. "It will mark you as mine, and I as yours. No one, not even the goddess Hylia her, will be able to separate us once we're bonded."

The possessiveness in Sidon's voice sent a slight shiver down my spine, but I couldn't deny the feeling that it was both romantic and comforting. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what was to come.

"I’m ready to be yours forever….”

Sidon's eyes twinkled at my words, a feeling of contentment washing over him. He moved forward, his hand coming up to brush a lock of hair away from my face.

"And I'm ready to be yours," he said, his voice low and full of conviction.

He leaned in, his lips gently brushing against my forehead. "We're going to be the strongest bond that this kingdom has ever seen." I couldn't help the smile that crept across my face at his words. I believed him, knew that we would be the strongest bond in this kingdom, and in any we could think of.

"I can't wait," I replied, my heart racing with anticipation. Sidon's hand moved to cup my cheek again, his thumb gently caressing my skin. "Neither can I," he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of tenderness and desire.

We were silent for a few moments, simply enjoying each other's silent presence. The thought of our impending bonding weighed heavily on both of us, the anticipation building with each passing second.
Sidon finally spoke, his voice low and hushed. "Just a few more days and we'll be bound. I still can't believe it's really happening. I never thought that I would find my true mate, a Hylians too and my best friend, it’s so incredible!”

I felt a rush of happiness and love fill my heart at his words. I smiled, feeling the warmth of his hand caressing my cheek. "It's incredible indeed," I agreed, my voice just as low and hushed as his. "Who could have predicted something like this would happen? It feels like a dream, but one that I never want to wake from."

Sidon chuckled, his eyes shining with a mixture of excitement and awe. "It's as if the fates were on our side, making sure we find our way to each other."
He leaned forward, gently nuzzling his head fin against my nose. "And despite everything, we made it this far. We're almost there. Just a few more days."

I chuckled at his nuzzling. I read that Zora that in the early stages of becoming mates they basically swap out kisses for nuzzles to the head or in my case as a Hylian, Sidon’s head fin to my nose. Sidon smiled, his expression filled with affection. It was true, in the early stages of their bond growing stronger, Zora and their chosen mates tend to use intimate head gestures in place of kisses.

Sidon, being a Zora, enjoyed using touches to the head fin or using his head fin instead of a traditional kiss and or with his lips. He would often brush his forehead against mine or gently brush the tip of his fin against my nose, expressing his affection in a way that his species was accustomed to.

I found Sidon's behavior endearing, his way of showing affection in the form of head gestures was a language all its own. I would often reciprocate his actions, gently nuzzling the tip of his fin with my nose or pressing my forehead against his in a silent expression of my own affection.

Sidon noticed my reciprocal actions and smiled, clearly pleased by the exchange. I knew how much these small gestures meant to him, how they made him feel loved and special. That he was endeared by the fact I leaned and acted out his species’ gestures. Sidon's smile widened as he observed my receptiveness and enthusiasm for his species' mannerisms. He knew how important it was for him to share a part of his culture with someone special, and in me, he found someone who not only accepted it, but cherished it as well.

Each head rub or nuzzle we exchanged seemed to strengthen our bond and he did try to kiss me again, he wanted to learn Hylian mannerisms just as I had learnt Zora ones so well. Sidon was obviously so accustomed to expressing affection through head gestures and nuzzles, something that was a part of his culture. Though he was still eager learn the ways of my race and culture as well.

He gently placed a hand on my cheek, his fingers caressing my skin, and leaned in, hesitating for a moment before gently pressing his lips to mine.

Sidon's kiss was gentle and tentative, his lips soft and warm against mine. It was obvious he was still getting the hang of it, but the fact that he was willing to try and learn a new way of expressing affection was endearing. I felt my heart beat faster in my chest, his lips against mine sending a shiver down my spine. I tentatively returned the kiss, my hand coming up to rest on his arm, holding him close.

Our kiss deepened, the initial awkwardness of it giving way to a sense of familiarity and warmth. As we pressed closer together, Sidon's arms encircled my waist, pulling me flush against him. He broke the kiss for a moment, his breath coming in short gasps as he looked into my eyes. "How did I do?" he asked, his voice low and breathless.

My cheeks were flushed, my heart still racing as we pulled away from each other's lips. I took a moment to catch my breath, a small smile gracing my lips as I met his gaze. "That was... very good," I replied, my voice still a bit hoarse from the kiss. "You did well."

“Besides," I murmured, my lips curving into a wry smile, "I enjoy the Zora way of expressing affection just as much, so there's no rush to perfect the Hylian way just yet."

Sidon chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement and affection. He tightened his grip around my waist, pulling me closer still.

"I'm glad you feel that way," he said, his voice still a bit breathless. "Because I want to make sure I do this right." He leaned in again, placing a soft kiss to my forehead before nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck, his arms wrapping even more tightly around me.

I let out a small sigh, feeling a wave of contentment wash over me as Sidon nuzzled his face into my neck. His embrace was warm and comforting, and his closeness felt like home. I placed my own hands on his back, returning his embrace, my fingers gently tracing patterns over his scales. Sidon hummed contentedly as he felt my fingers tracing patterns on his back, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

His arms remained wrapped around me, holding me tightly against him as he nuzzled closer, inhaling the familiar scent of my hair. “I like this," he murmured into my neck, the vibrations from his voice sending a shiver down my spine.

I smiled, feeling a warm flutter in my chest. I snuggled closer to him, my head resting against his, my fingers still tracing lazy patterns over his back. "I like this too," I echoed, my voice quiet and soft.
There was a moment of comfortable silence between us, the only sound the steady rhythm of our breathing and the soft sound of his scales rubbing against my soft skin.

Sidon’s POV

Wow, that was a lot to learn for Link and myself and I am feeling rather tired now. Link was practically melting in my embrace, his fingers tracing my back were getting slower and slower with their movements. He must be just as tired. “We shall retire to our chambers.” I know I called them our chambers but Link will be my mate soon and now Yona have moved into a royal guest chambers and out of my personal ones.

Link and I began to leave the library and I looked down at Link leaning against and I saw his eyes were closed. It is usually Zora tradition to not sleep in the same room as your partner until you are married but I guess one night isn’t going to hurt and Link is so tired I could see it. I lifted him up into my arms to avoiding him falling when I moved and carried him to my bedchambers.

The walk to my chambers was a bit quiet, the only sound the soft clink of my regalia as I walked and Link's soft breathing. He was practically asleep in my arms, his eyes closed and his head resting against my chest.

I laid Link on the waterbed I had in the room a few steps away from the large sleeping pool. I covered Link with the bed coverings and stroked his beautiful hair before removing all my regalia and slipping myself into my sleeping pool. As I watched Link settle into the waterbed, I couldn't help a small pang of sadness at the thought of being separated for the night. My instincts were telling me to keep him close, to wrap him in my arms and hold him tight. But I wanted to revitalised for the next few days. I can sleep in a water bed and just take a dip in the morning to freshen and hydrate my scales but I don’t usually sleep as well in a waterbed compared to my sleeping pool.

And so, stripping myself of my regalia and laying it out on a nearby table, I slipped gently into the sleeping pool, careful not to make too much noise and wake Link. The coolness of the water was a welcomed sensation, seeping into my scaled skin and soothing my tired muscles. I let out a sigh, letting my head rest back against the side of the pool, my eyes closing half-way.

I sunk to the bottom of the pool and peacefully let the water filled my gills as eyes fluttered closed and my mind slowly started to drift, exhaustion and comfort taking over. The water soothed my tired muscles, the soft sound of the water gently lapping the sides of the pool gently lulling me into a state of calm relaxation.

Chapter Text

Link went to speak to Zelda this morning about the books we read last night about the blood bond potions and see if she can help further our research and I had to go speak with Lady Yona and tell her the termination of our marriage as well as her position as Queen. It was a bit of a busy morning, a mixture of important business and mundane affairs.

“Lady Yona,” he began, then stopped. They were in the middle of the domain. He could see other Zora within earshot. He and Link are public yet until they figure out the blood bond potions. “Lady Yona, would you accompany me to Mipha’s Court?”Lady Yona nodded, a smile on her face. "Of course, Sidon," she replied. "Lead the way."

They began to walk towards Mipha's Court, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet corridors. As they walked, Sidon's mind began to wander, his thoughts drifting back to Link and the events of the previous night. He could still remember the feel of Link in his arms, the warmth of his body, the soft sound of his breathing, the way his hair brushed against his skin…

He mentally shook his head, refocusing on the present. He could dwell on those thoughts later. Right now, he had business to take care of. The two of them continued to walk in silence, the only sound the soft tread of their footsteps and the occasional bird call echoing through the water. As they neared Mipha's Court, Sidon felt a twinge of nerves in his gut. He had a lot to talk to Yona about, and he wasn't quite sure what her reaction would be.

Once they had reached the entrance to the court, Sidon turned to Yona. "Thank you for coming," he said, his voice low and steady. "I need to talk to you about something important." Yona looked at Sidon curiously, sensing the seriousness in his tone. "Of course," she replied. "What is it that you need to talk about?" Sidon took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation that was about to come. "It's about our… marriage," he began, his voice low and careful.

Yona's expression shifted, surprise and a hint of disappointment crossing her features. But she didn't interrupt, simply nodded for Sidon to continue. Sidon took his time in choosing his words, trying to carefully phrase what he wanted to say. "I don't want to hurt you," he began, his voice sincere. "But... I'm not happy in our marriage. It's not what I want."

Yona's expression remained neutral, but he could see the hurt in her eyes, the way her bottom lip trembled just a bit. She was trying to hold it together, to remain strong. Sidon felt a pang of guilt in his chest, seeing the pain he was causing her. But he knew he needed to say this, to be honest. "I know I'm not behaving very honorably," he continued, his voice quiet but determined. "But I can't pretend to be happy when I'm not."

Yona's eyes flickered with a hint of anger, mixed with hurt and disbelief at his words. "I... I don't understand," she said, her voice betraying her emotions. "Why? I have been a good wife. I have loved you and done everything you've asked of me."

Sidon felt a pang of guilt at her words. Yes, she had been a good wife, a good partner. She deserved better than this, better than being trapped in a loveless marriage. But he also knew that he couldn't deny his own feelings any longer. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his decision settle on his shoulders. "I know, Yona," Sidon replied, his tone sympathetic. "I know you've been a great wife to me, and I appreciate everything you've done for me. But... I do not feel the spark between that should as we are mates by name but I do not feel the desire to mate with you or bond to you for life.”

Yona's eyes widened in shock at his words, tears starting to form in her eyes. "But… we have no choice," she protested, her voice trembling. "We are mates, according to our traditions. We are the chosen mates of the royal families of our kingdoms, meant to marry and rule together." Sidon shook his head, his expression somber but firm. "I know the tradition," he replied, his voice low and steady. "But that doesn't change how I feel. I can't force myself to wish to mate or bond you when I don’t want to."

Yona's lip trembled again, her lower lip quivering with the effort to hold back tears. She looked so small and vulnerable, her usual confident demeanor cracking under the weight of his words. Sidon felt a pang of guilt, seeing the pain he was causing her. "Yona…" he began, his voice soft and gentle, a stark contrast to the firmness of his previous words. Yona's eyes darted up to gaze at him, a look of pleading in her eyes. "What… what am I supposed to do?" she asked, her voice small and vulnerable.

Sidon's heart ached at her question, hearing the hurt and uncertainty in her voice. He took a step closer to her, his expression softening in response to her pleading. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice low and gentle. "I know this isn't easy, and I know I'm being cold and harsh, but… I need to do this for both of us. I can't continue to lead you on, to keep us both in a marriage that I wouldn’t be a faithful mate to you in.”

Yona's eyes welled up with tears, her lower lip trembling as she tried and failed to hold back her emotions. "I… I understand," she whispered, her voice shaking. "But… what now?" Sidon felt a pang of sadness as he saw how much Yona was struggling, but he kept his expression firm. "Our marriage will be terminated within the coming days. You and the people you brought with you are welcome to stay at the domain. For you traveled far to Hyrule from your kingdom. You must get in contact with your father, ask if he still requests a connection with Hyrule and we will figure something else out.”

Yona nodded, her eyes still brimming with tears but her lips quivering in resignation. She knew there was no point in putting up a fight, no point in trying to convince Sidon to change his mind. She simply nodded again, her voice coming out as a small whisper. "Thank you, Sidon," she said, her voice heavy with defeat. Yona let out a shaky breath, her shoulders sagged slightly in resignation. But despite the pain she was clearly feeling, she managed to nod at his words. "And… and you? What will you do now?”

Sidon's heart ached, but he knew what his answer had to be. "I… I know this will be upsetting," he said, his tone apologetic. "But I am going to move forward with someone else. I will pursue a relationship with the mate I desire. I hope that… that you can understand and be respectful of that decision." Yona's expression faltered at his words, her eyes widening in hurt and surprise. For a moment, she simply stared at him, speechless, as the weight of his declaration settled over her. When she finally spoke, her voice was small and shaky. "You... You have another mate in mind? And you'd rather pursue her than me?"

Sidon nodded, his expression apologetic. "Yes," he admitted, his voice soft. "I... I have found someone that I feel a strong connection with. Someone who I want to mate and bond with for life. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but it isn’t a her though.” Yona's eyes were wide with surprise, her expression stunned as she took in his words. "You mean... you're going to bond with a male?" she asked, her voice a quiet whisper.

Sidon nodded again, his expression unapologetic but firm. "Yes," he said, his voice steady. "I have someone I'm drawn to, someone I can't imagine my life without. It doesn't matter to me that he’s a male. What's important is that I feel a deep and powerful connection to him and I know deep in my heart and soul that he is my destined mate and I shall bond to him for the rest of my life.”

Yona was silent for a long moment, her expression a mixture of shock and bewilderment as she tried to process his words. Finally, she spoke again, her voice soft but tentative. "May I ask... who is he?" Sidon's expression softened slightly, his gaze softening as he met her eyes. "Yes, of course you may. It is Link, my favorite person. My best and dearest friend. We have harboured feelings for one another just in different ways due to cultural differences.”

Yona's expression flickered, a flicker of surprise passing through her eyes as she processed his words. "Link?" she repeated, her voice tentative. "The Hylian...?" Sidon nodded, a small smile appearing on his lips. "Yes," he said, an undertone of affection creeping into his voice. "Link. He... he means everything to me, Yona."

Yona regarded him for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "You... you truly love him, don't you?" she asked, her voice quiet. Sidon nodded again, his expression earnest and sincere. "I do," he said, his voice firm. "With every fiber of my being, I love him more than anything in this world." Yona's expression turned contemplative, her eyes searching his face as she considered his words. After a moment, she spoke again, her voice soft but curious. "And... he loves you too?"

Sidon's smile widened at her question, his eyes sparkling with affection. "Oh yes," he said, his voice warm. "He... he loves me just as fiercely as I love him. It's not just me feeling this way, Yona. He returns my feelings just as deeply. Better than I could have ever imagined.” Yona blinked, the realization of his words starting to sink in. Her expression changed once again as the weight of his feelings and declaration settled on her. "So... So you plan to... bond with him?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes, soon as we figure out some technical details and the wedding. He will be crowed King next to me. We will both rule.” Yona nodded slowly, processing his words with a mix of disbelief and resignation. She had seen the affection in his eyes and heard the certainty in his voice, and there was no denying that his feelings for this enigmatic Hylian were true. Still, it was a lot for her to process.

After a moment, she took a deep breath and nodded again, her voice a soft whisper. "I... I am happy for you, Sidon. Truly." Sidon let out a sigh of relief, his tense shoulders sagging slightly as he saw the understanding in her eyes. "Thank you," he said, his voice sincere. "I... I know this isn't what you had hoped for, and I'm sorry it had to be this way."

Yona nodded again, the corners of her lips lifting into a slight, sad smile. "I understand," she said, her voice soft. "I know it's not my place to judge your choices, and... and I want you to be happy. Truly."

“I hope you may find your own true mate someday, Yona. True love and passion, I will always be here as your friend, this is not the end of our life long friendship. You just meant more family to me than anything else.” Yona's eyes soften at his words, a glimmer of gratitude in her gaze. "Thank you, Sidon," she said, her voice gentle and touched. "That... that means a lot to me to know that our friendship hasn't ended."

Sidon's smile returned, his eyes warm and fond. "Of course, Yona," he said, his voice earnest. "Our friendship is too valuable to me to just let it fade away. You... you are like family to me, and I care deeply about you." Yona’s smile widened a bit, a sense of relief washing over her at his words. It comforted her to know that their bond was not broken beyond repair, that they could still be part of each other's lives.

They fell into a comfortable silence, the air between them laden with the weight of everything that had just been said. Sidon broke the silence, his voice quiet but hopeful. "I... I will give you some time to adjust to this," he said, his eyes meeting hers. "I understand this is... a lot to take in, to accept." Yona nodded, a small, bittersweet smile on her lips. "I appreciate that," she said, her voice soft. "I... I need some time to process all this, to... to let it sink in."

Sidon nodded respectfully, his expression understanding. "Of course," he said, his voice gentle. "Take all the time you need. I'm here for you if you need me." Yona let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, the tension she was carrying somewhat easing with his words. "Thank you, Sidon," she said, her voice sincere. "That... that means a lot." Sidon nodded, his smile warm and genuine. "You're welcome," he said. "I… I care about you deeply, Yona. Your happiness is important to me also.”

Yona smiled at his words, a quiet sense of security and comfort settling over her. "I know," she said, her voice soft. "And I appreciate that more than you know." Sidon's smile widened slightly, glad to see her calm and at ease. "Good," he said, his voice gentle. "I want you to be happy, too. Have a stroll around the domain, see who catches your eye, even around Hyrule, you never know.” He smiled.

Yona chuckled slightly at his words, the sound light and carefree. "That's true," she said. "Maybe there's someone special out there waiting for me. Maybe I just haven't met them yet." Sidon nodded, his expression warm and supportive. "Exactly!" he said, his voice encouraging. "There's no rush, Yona. Just... be open and receptive to possibilities. Fate has a funny way of surprising us."

Yona smiled, appreciating his confidence and optimism. "I will go make contact with my father and report to you and your father as soon as I hear word.” Sidon nodded, a knowing smile crossing his face. "Of course," he said, his voice quiet. "We'll be awaiting your word once you've sorted things out with your father."

Yona nodded in return, a sense of acceptance and determination settling in her expression. "I will let you know as soon as I can. Thank you again, Sidon," she said, her voice sincere. "You're welcome, Yona," Sidon said, his smile warm. "Take care of yourself, alright?" Yona smiled back, appreciating his concern. "I will. You do the same, Link too" she said, her voice soft.

Sidon's smile became a small, affectionate grin at her mention of Link. "We will," he promised, his voice filled with certainty.

****************

Link was leaning against a wall in the library, scrolling mindlessly on the Purah Pad. Zelda stood nearby, her arms crossed and a contemplative expression on her face. “Surely some of these books must have more detail about the ritual of Blood bonds and how to make the potions.” Link hummed in agreement, his eyes still fixated on the tablet in his hand. "You think we're looking in the right place?" he mused, tilting his head to the side slightly. Zelda let out a huff, her eyes scanning the shelves of ancient tomes around them. "It's hard to say," she admitted, her fingers tracing the spines of the books absentmindedly. "Blood bonds are... quite rare, and the knowledge around them can be sparse."

Zelda's fingers finally stopped at a dusty book on the top shelf, its cover embossed with the symbol of an ancient Hylian mage. “Ah, here we go,” she murmured, pulling the heavy volume from the shelf.

Link glanced up from the Purah Pad, raising an eyebrow in curiosity as he was fiddling with the Purah Pad’s translator for any ancient text they found. He watched as Zelda flipped through the pages, her eyes scanning the ancient text with intensity. "Found something?" he asked, setting the Purah Pad down on a nearby table. Zelda nodded, her finger tracing along a particular passage. "Yes, there's a lot of information here about blood bonds," she said, her voice soft with focus.

Link's eyes widened at her words, a hint of excitement in his expression. "Seriously? That's great!” he said, his voice excited. “Have you found anything that mentioned a legendary Hylian-Zora couple? Sidon told they’re were a legend in Zora culture, that a male Hylian and a Male Zora Kings were able to produce heirs through this ‘blood bond potion. I was wondering if anything mentioned them to know we were on the right path.”

Zelda frowned as she concentrated on the page, her eyes scanning the text intently. "Hmmm, hold on, let me see..." She continued to scan the pages, her eyes darting back and forth as she searched for any mention of the mentioned couple. Finally, her expression brightened with excitement. "Ah, here we go. Listen to this." She began to read aloud, her voice soft and steady.

"According to the Legends, there was once a male Hylian and a male Zora who fell in love in one of the ancient eras. Despite the differences in their races and the expectations of their respective societies, their love was strong and unyielding. The Hylian, driven by his devotion to his Zora lover, sought out ways to overcome the biological barriers and found an ancient ritual of blood bonds. With this power he was able to bear a child for the Zora male."

Link hummed. “Yeah, that’s right. Is there any guide or information or recipe for what they did and how it worked? The fundamentals of it? Aftereffects?” Zelda's finger traced along the page as she read, her voice taking on a serious, informative tone. "It says here that the potion required a strange mixture of ingredients, such as three drops of the Hylian’s blood, three drops of the Zora’s blood, Chuchu jelly, Hearty Lizards, Silent Princesses which is infused with a Zora fertility supplement but must be done by the potion expert, and a Splash fruit. That doesn’t sound entirely appealing.”

Zelda then continued to describe the after effects, her voice soft yet informative. "The bonding potion, when consumed, had the power to combine the biological characteristics and abilities of the two partners, in this case, a Hylian and a Zora, in a complex way. It is said that the bond created a unique and powerful union, bringing together their strengths and creating a deep connection between them. "

The effects the bonding potion would have on the Hylian are as follows:

* Ability to produce offspring that is a mixture of both Hylian and Zora as well as the ability to carry said offspring and give birth. This is a magical transformation that changed the Hylian’s reproductive biology to be compatible with the Zora, allowing them to create life together regardless of the sex of the participants.

* Enhanced senses similar to a Zora’s, like breathing underwater and increased connection to aquatic environments.

She continued on with the effects the potions would have on Sidon for him to consume the potion too. “The effects of the potion on the Zora would include: “

* Ability to sire children with their Hylian partner by fertilizing and impregnating them successfully, may take a few tries.

* Enhanced strength and durability, likely from the mixture of Hylian and Zora blood. The ability to withstand temperatures higher than usually tolerate and scales or gills will not dry out or need hydration as soon as usual.

Link's eyes widened as he listened intently to the side effects. "Wow," he muttered, his voice amazed yet slightly overwhelmed by the magnitude of the potion. "So it's not just a simple bonding, it's... a transformation." Zelda nodded, her expression solemn. "Yes, it's a profound transformation, to say the least," she said, her voice serious yet intrigued. "It's not something to be taken lightly, considering the long-term implications on one's physiology and biology."

Link's eyes widened with slight concern, his gaze drifting to the side. "Are... are there any negative effects or risks?” he asked, a hint of worry creasing his features. "Hmm..." Zelda glanced back down at the text, skimming through the passage with an eye for any potential risks or side effects. "It appears that the bonding ritual and the potion are relatively safe when performed correctly," she said, her voice slightly reassuring. "However, there may be some side effects like nausea, dizziness, and fatigue for a period of time after consuming the potion. They should be temporary, however, and subside once the body adjusts to the new biological changes"

"From what I can gather, the longer-term effects seem to be mostly positive," Zelda responded, skimming the page once more to confirm her understanding. "It appears that the bond and the transformation it causes actually strengthen the immune system and overall health of both the Hylian and the Zora. The bond itself also seems to have a stabilizing effect on both partners’ mental health, creating an emotional connection that is both supportive and stabilizing."

Link's expression relaxed somewhat, the worry in his eyes replaced with relief and a hint of hope. "So, it's not all bad then," he said, his voice somewhat subdued. "I'll be able to carry and give birth safely, and it'll only have positive effects on my health and our connection?" "That's right," Zelda affirmed, closing the book and setting it back onto the shelf. "Based on what I've read, the blood bonding ritual and the potion will allow you to safely carry and give birth, and they will strengthen your connection with Sidon while improving your health and well-being."

Sidon then entered the library, eyes landing upon Link and Zelda. He walked over to Link with a smile. “My love, how is your research going?” Link looked up at Sidon's approach, a smile gracing his features. "It's going well," he said, a touch of excitement in his voice. "We've been digging through the libraries and we think we've found the recipe for the bonding potion." Sidon's smile widened, the news sparking interest and hope in his expression. "You have? That's fantastic!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with relief. "So, we can start preparing the potion?"

Link paused, his excitement slightly tempered by the gravity of the situation. "Yeah, we just need to gather the ingredients," he said, his eyes meeting Sidon's. "It's not just a simple potion, it's... it's a transformation, for both of us." Sidon's expression became more serious, his eyes scanning Link's face with concern. "A transformation, you say?" he repeated, his voice quiet yet intense. "What kind of transformation?"

Link took a deep breath, his eyes locking with Sidon's as he prepared to drop the bombshell. "The bonding ritual and the potion... they'll allow me to carry and give birth," he said, his voice steady. "They'll transform my biology and make me compatible to bear Zora children."

Sidon's eyes widened at Link's words, an array of emotions—shock, awe, excitement, and a hint of fear—flashed across his face. "You... you'll be able to bear my children..." he repeated, his voice soft and laced with a mix of wonder, anticipation, and a hint of disbelief. Link held Sidon's gaze, his expression both nervous and sincere. "Yes," he said, his voice quieter but firmer. "The potion will allow me to carry and give birth to our children..."

He paused, biting his lip as he anticipated Sidon's reaction. “It will also give you enhanced senses and biology.” Sidon's jaw hung open for a moment, his mind struggling to process the incredible reality of the situation. Then, a small, awestruck smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "I... I can't believe it," he breathed, his voice tinged with disbelief, awe, and excitement. "We'll really, truly be able to have children of our own..."

Link's own smile mirrored Sidon's, his heartbeat accelerating at the mix of emotions in Sidon's voice. “We will," he confirmed, his hand slipping into Sidon's. "We just need to gather the ingredients and find a Zora who's skilled enough to assist us with the process.” Siddon's grip on Link's hand tightened, the weight of the situation beginning to settle. "Of course, of course," he said, his voice somewhat dazed. "The ingredients, and a Zora expert... We'll make sure to secure the finest of both."

Link nodded in agreement, his heart thumping in his chest with anticipation. "We should start the preparations soon," he said, his voice steady yet brimming with excitement. "Is there any Zora you trust who can help us with the ritual and potion?" Sidon thought for a moment, his mind racing as he considered the possibilities. "There is," he replied, his voice quieter yet sure. "Muzu who I think would be best considering he’s the royal family’s advisor, he is head of the elders too and has dedicated his life to preserving the old ways and knowledge of our people. He'll be able to help us."

Link nodded. "Muzu... Right," he said, his voice slightly tinged with concern. "Are you sure he'll be... supportive, though? He doesn’t exactly the fact we’re mating in the first place and he doesn’t exactly like me or Hylians for that matter.” Sidon's smile turned into a reassuring grin. "Don't worry about Muzu," he said, his voice confident. "He may have his reservations, but his loyalty to our family and the safety of our people runs deep. I trust him. He will assist us, I'm certain of it."

Link took a deep breath, his nervousness slightly tempered by Sidon's confidence. "Alright," he said, his voice steady. "If you trust him, so do I. We should go and speak to him as soon as possible then. The sooner we have the potion, the better." Sidon nodded, his hand giving Link's a gentle squeeze. "Agreed," he said, his voice resolute. "We shall speak to Muzu and make preparations to gather the ingredients for the potion. We'll have to start soon if we want to prepare the potion before the new moon then we can mate when the mating moon comes around and that hopefully helps our chances of conception.”

Link nodded, his heart racing at the thought of the mating moon and the possibility of conceiving their first child. "Just one thing? Mating moon?” Link asked, he had never mention of that before just when he thinks he’s getting the hang of Zora culture and biology there’s another learning curve. Sidon chuckled lightly, amused by Link's curiosity. "Ah, the mating moon," he said, his voice filled with a hint of amusement. "It's a significant celestial event in our culture. During the mating moon, Zoras are at their most fertile and fertile, and the chances of reproduction are at their highest."

“So, it’s our best shot, then,” Link said, a mix of excitement and nervousness in his voice. He paused, the implications of the mating moon sinking in. “When’s the next one?” Sidon's smile widened slightly as he noted the anticipation in Link's voice. "The mating moon is cyclical," he explained, his voice calm and informative. "It occurs every 29 days, and the next one is a few days before the new moon. Given the timing, it should align perfectly with our plans to mate and make sure you're pregnant by the next."

Link's heart skipped a beat at Sidon's words, the implications of what they were about to do and the significance of the upcoming mating moon sinking in. "That's... that's perfect," he said, his voice somewhat shaky from a mix of anticipation and nervousness. "We have enough time to gather the ingredients and prepare for... for the transformation."

Sidon's smile softened, his hand giving Link's a reassuring squeeze. "Yes," he said, his voice quiet yet firm. "We'll get everything sorted and be ready by then. The bonding potion, the ingredients, everything. We'll make sure we do this right and give our future child the best possible beginning."

Link took a deep breath, his mind racing with anticipation and excitement. "Alright, then," he said, his voice still slightly shaky. "Let's do this. Let's talk to Muzu and get started on the preparations."

Chapter Text

As the days passed, Link and Sidon continued their research and preparations. On the day of the mating moon, Link and Sidon stood before the Muzu and Sidon’s father, the Former King Dorphean. Their bodies filled with anticipation and a hint of trepidation.

Muzu regarded them with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, his eyes studying them both.

Dorphean, on the other hand, wore an expression of quiet acceptance and support. He watched his son and Link with a mixture of pride and concern, his eyes flickering between the two. Muzu’s voice broke the tense silence, his tone somewhat formal and detached. "Sidon, Link," he said, his eyes fixing on each of them in turn. "You wish to undergo the bonding ritual and create young despite your differences. Is this correct?" Sidon held Muzu's gaze firmly, his voice steady.

“Yes, Muzu. We wish to create the bonding potion, undergo it’s transformation it will hold for us, become mates and bonded to each other so we may bring an heir into this world, one that is the product of our love for one another.”

Muzu's eyes flicked between Sidon and Link, his expression unreadable. "The transformation the bonding potion will bring for both of you is... immense," he said, his tone cautious but not without a hint of curiosity. "Are you both aware of what this ritual will do to your bodies and your relationship?" Link met Muzu's gaze without hesitation, his heart beating fast but his voice firm. “Yes, Muzu,” he said, his voice steady. “I am prepared to undergo the transformation and bear Sidon’s young. I love him, and I want to create a family with him, even if it requires such a drastic step as this.”

Muzu's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained serious as he addressed them both. "You are aware that the transformation may have unforeseen effects on both of you?" he asked, his tone somewhat cautious. "This is not a light decision. You will be changing the very essence of your bodies.”

“Link, as you are aware your body will change to fit to bear Zoran offspring and give birth to our future heirs.” Muzu then shifted his attention to Sidon. “Sidon, as I assume you are aware your body will also change to fit to impregnate Link despite his Hylian race though this may take a few tries. You will also receive enhanced strength and durability to withstand higher temperatures and your scales and gills will not dry out as easily.”

Sidon nodded firmly, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and excitement. "Yes, Muzu, we are aware of the potential effects the transformation will have on us. We understand the risks and the magnitude of the steps we are taking."

Link nodded in agreement, his voice slightly quieter yet resolute. "I...I trust Sidon completely," he said, his gaze flickering to Sidon. "I know that whatever changes this transformation brings on, we’ll face them together as mates and as partners." Muzu's expression softened further, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Very well then," he said, his voice slightly less formal now. "If you both are certain of your decision, then we shall proceed with the ritual and the consumption of the bonding potion."

Dorphean spoke up for the first time, his voice calm and steady. "The moon is at the peak of its cycle, the timing is optimal for this ritual." Sidon and Link exchanged a glance, the reality of the situation sinking in. It was finally happening. With a deep breath, Sidon addressed his father. "Then let us not waste any time," he said, his voice filled with determination. "Tonight, we will become mates, bonded for life."

Dorphean nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of pride and concern. "Very well, my son," he said, his voice steady. "Muzu, please begin the preparations for the ritual." Muzu nodded, his demeanor becoming more ceremonial. Turning, he gathered the necessary materials for the bonding ritual. Hearty Lizards, the infused Silent Princesses with Zora Fertility supplements, Chuchu Jelly, Splash Fruit, a ceremonial bowl to mix and two tall glass chalices.

But they would still need to add three drops of Sidon’s blood and three drops of Link’s blood, but that must be done freshly. Muzu arranged the materials with great care, each item holding its own significance in the ritual. The Silent Princesses represented the purity of their bond, the Chuchu Jelly symbolized the union of disparate elements, while the Hearty Lizards and Splash Fruit symbolized the endurance and vitality of their future offspring.

"Sidon, Link," Muzu spoke, his voice steady. "You must now add your blood to the potion, sealing the bond." Sidon and Link shared a look, their hearts beating rapidly at the realization of what was about to happen. The moment was here.

Sidon stepped forward first, carefully picking up the small knife Muzu had placed beside the bowl and creating a small cut on his palm, letting three drops of blood fall into the ceremonial bowl. Link followed suit, his hand trembling slightly as he picked up the knife and repeated the action as Sidon had, letting his own blood mix into the bowl, creating a strange yet beautiful spiral within the mixture of translucent thick liquid.

The drops of blood sank into the potion, their redness swirling and being assimilated by the different colored ingredients, completing the mixture. With the blood of both Sidons and Link now infused into the potion, the bonding ritual was nearly complete.

Muzu stepped forward, carefully mixing the substances in the bowl with a small ceremonial spoon, creating an elegant swirl of colors. He then picked up the two glass chalices, carefully pouring the potion into them, the rich hue of pink creating almost a glow within the chalice. Sidon and Link watched the process in awe as the mixture was completed, the ritual nearing its climax. The transformation was imminent. Handing the pair their respective chalices, Muzu spoke, his voice solemn yet filled with pride.

“The potion and the transformation will begin to take effect after you both consume the contents of your chalices. You do this one after the other and you may take your time, but you must consume the entirety of your chalices.” The weight of the moment hung in the air as Sidon and Link accepted their chalices, the liquid within the glasses appearing almost magical. The light from the moon above reflecting the strange yet beautiful colors of the potion, creating a mesmerizing effect.

Sidon looked to Link, his eyes filled with a mixture of love, determination, and trepidation. “I’ll go first, my love.” Link nodded, his grip on the chalice tight as he watched Sidon raise his to his lips. "I believe the taste might not be pleasant, your majesty nor the consistency.” Muzu warned. Sidon chuckled nervously, his eyes holding onto Link's. "Even the most bitter of potions must be consumed when it calls for it," he said, his voice holding a touch of courage.

Before he could second guess himself, he He drank about a third of the glass in a few big swallows, the thick elixir leaving a strange texture on his tongue and a slight bitterness on his palate. He let out a breath and began to struggle, panting a little and his hand slightly shaking. “It is indeed not pleasant. It’s like the liquid is stuck in back of my throat. It’s so thick and I cannot describe the texture…..”

Despite the unpleasant experience, Sidon's determination remained unbroken, his will unwavering. Muzu spoke up. “It’s quite natural for the consistency to be challenging, your majesty. It’s the potion preparing your body for the transformation.”

Dorphean also offered his son some encouragement. “I know, my son, it must taste horrid but keep it down. You need only a little more until you have a glass of water after it. You can do this, Sidon, remember what you are doing this for, who you’re doing this for.” Taking a deep breath, Sidon steadied his trembling hand and steeled himself. He took another few large swallows, the thick liquid going down with increasing difficulty, coating his throat like jelly.

The taste and feeling were far from pleasant, but the thought of what he was doing this for kept him going. Finally, he finished the last drops of the potion, his throat aching as he tried to swallow around the thickness. He put the glass back down on the stand perhaps a little harsher than he intended to but he was then leaning on the stand for support and panting heavily. “Slow breaths, your majesty. It takes immediate effect.” Muzu said to him.

Link watched Sidon pant and struggle with the last few swallows of the potion, his heart in his throat. Sidon's expression was a mixture of nausea and determination, and the sight made him want to comfort him.

As Sidon put the empty glass down, Muzu spoke up, his voice comforting despite the situation. “Take slow breaths, your majesty. The transformation will take effect immediately. It can feel quite intense and strange but don't fight it. Let it happen.”

As the transformation began to take hold, Sidon felt his body shifting, his muscles growing taut and more defined. A strange, buzzing sensation spread through his limbs, and his head felt a little dizzy, but he fought to stay upright. He could feel the power and energy within him, coursing through his very being... It was as if the potion was awakening something primal deep inside him. Link watched in a mixture of awe and concern as Sidon's body changed before his eyes, the transformation occurring at a faster pace than he had imagined. Muzu watched, his expression neutral. "Your muscles will begin to grow more defined, your strength will increase,” He said to Sidon, “and you’ll soon realize the other changes taking place.”

Sidon nodded, his breaths still ragged as he adjusted to the changes happening within him. He could feel his muscles expanding, his body becoming more toned and strong. The dizziness in his head had lessened slightly, replaced by a strange feeling of heightened awareness.

His vision was sharper, his senses more acute. He could hear Link’s breathing, now heavy and quick from nerves. He could smell the scents around him - the lingering sea salt, the faint smell of the ingredients they had mixed, and Link’s own unique scent. It wasn’t unpleasant.

Sidon’s whole body began to calm as his breathing did and he let out a sigh. “That was quite intense.” Muzu spoke again, his voice somewhat serious. “Yes, the transformation can be quite intense, but it seems to be proceeding smoothly. You should now start experiencing some other changes,” he said, “Your body is now starting to develop secondary male Zora reproductive traits and your scales are becoming thicker, harder and more durable, your claws and fangs growing sharper and stronger.”

Sure enough, as Muzu spoke, Sidon could feel the changes happening within him. His body ached in places he didn’t even realize he had, and there was a strange pressure building in his loins. He felt his scales becoming more resilient, their rough surface turning almost rock-like.

His claws and fangs grew longer and sharper, a clear indication of his newfound strength. Sidon looked down at his hands, marveling at the transformation. His fingers were now tipped with sharp claws, his hand scales slightly harder than they had been before. As he flexed his fingers, he felt his muscles ripple powerfully beneath his skin. He could feel his strength growing, his muscles filled with a new, primal power. He had to admit, despite the pain and the intensity, it was strangely exhilarating.

Link’s POV

“If that’s you then what am I gonna be like?” I chuckled at him as Sidon did. “I have no idea, yours will differentiate of course but it will be perfectly fine, my dear sapphire, I promise.” I smiled, Sidon was then handed a glass of water by his father, he took it gratefully downing the whole glass and setting it beside the potion glass before Dorphean spoke to me, his gaze supportive and understanding. “For you, Link, my future son-in-law, the transformation will be different, but equally intense and potentially painful. Your body will go through drastic changes to accommodate the future offspring and you will experience an altered anatomy as well.”

I swallowed nervously, taking in Dorphean's words. The reality of what was about to happen was sinking in, but I could see the pride in Dorphean's eyes and it buoyed my confidence. I nodded to show that I understood and took a deep breath, preparing myself for what was to come. Muzu’s voice cut through the tension, steady and somewhat detached. “Link, you will now partake of the transformation. Please follow the same steps as your majesty: Consume the entirety of the contents in the chalice. The thicker liquid will be harder to get down so consume it in small swallows if necessary. Your body will start to change as soon as the last drop has passed your lips. Do you understand?”

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. I looked at Sidon, seeking reassurance, he smiled and reached out to take my hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. I took a deep breath, picked up the glass chalice filled with the strange pink mixture, and raised it to my lips. “Take your time, my love. The taste is foul and you must do all you can to keep it down. It will horribly stick to the back of your throat but it will go down, my pearl, I promise.”

I nodded weakly in acknowledgement, trying to prepare myself for the taste and texture. I took a small sip of the potion, and almost immediately, I grimaced, the taste harsh and vile on my tongue. The liquid was thick, almost gelatinous, and it clung to my throat, making it difficult to swallow. I took another small sip, forcing myself to suppress a gag. The taste seemed to become more acrid with every sip, and the texture was even more difficult to handle. The gelatinous liquid was coating my throat, making it difficult not only to swallow, but also to breathe. I could see the concern on Sidon's face, but I forced myself to keep going, he did it for me.

With each small sip, the taste became more and more bitter and it only seemed to thicken further, like syrup. The liquid clung to the back of my throat, making it harder and harder to swallow. I could feel a growing pressure in my stomach, the potion already slowly taking effect. I continued to drink what was left in the glass, making sure I drunk all of it. I also put the glass back down on the stand a little louder than I intended to but I felt like I couldn’t breathe, I leaned on the stand for support and panted heavily trying to take in as much air as possible.

The moment the last drop of liquid passed my lips, a strange sensation washed over me, starting at my core and quickly spreading outwards. I could feel the potion working, my body reacting in ways I hadn’t expected. My stomach seemed to convulse as my muscles began to tighten and I could faintly hear Muzu's voice, distant and muffled through the rush of blood in my ears. My head was spinning and my skin felt hot, nearly feverish. I struggled to stay upright, bracing myself on the stand, my knuckles bone-white. The transformation was happening faster than I had anticipated and it was far more discomforting than I had prepared myself for.

My body tingled from the inside out as the elixir's potency began to take effect. My heart raced, my head spun, and my stomach churned painfully. It wasn't just the taste or the texture this time; the potion was rearranging my insides, adjusting my anatomy in ways I couldn’t begin to understand. I could feel the changes happening, my body shifting, changing. I was breathing painfully though my mouth, I groaned painfully as I felt my stomach tighten. Ok, so that pain is what’s gonna help me be able to become pregnant. This is giving me female Zora anatomy as male Hylian.

Muzu, ever in his detached tone, spoke up, “What you are experiencing right now, Link, is the drastic changes taking place within your body. The transformation is altering your internal structure to accommodate the future offspring. Your organs and reproductive systems are adapting to the new changes.” I could barely comprehend his words, my mind clouded by the pain, but I could feel it in my bones that my body was undergoing some extreme changes. I could feel my organs shifting and growing inside me, my stomach twisting and tightening. The pain seemed to reach its peak, and I doubled over, gasping and clutching at my stomach, my knuckles going white with the force of my grip.

The pain was overwhelming, like nothing I had ever felt before. Every inch of me was ablaze with sensation, every nerve on fire. I felt like I was going to pass out. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to ride the wave of agony, but it was almost unbearable. The last thing I heard before the fog took me was Sidon's voice, strained with concern.

“Link, my pearl, can you hear me? Stay with me, my love,” His voice was faint, as though coming from a great distance. The pain had reached its peak, and my body convulsed involuntarily. The edges of my vision blurred and began to go dark.I tried to hold on, to keep my eyes open and focus on Sidon's voice, but the pain was too much. I let out a gasp, my body tensing as the world around me began to dim.

I fought to stay conscious, but the last thing I remember was the touch of Sidon's hand on my cheek as he knelt in front of me. And then everything went black. The world disappeared, and I was engulfed by a warm, soothing darkness. Unconsciousness took me, pulling me into oblivion.

Chapter Text

When I came to, I was lying on a soft surface, my body heavy and sluggish. I blinked, my eyes slowly adjusting to the dim light. I could hear murmuring voices around me, quiet and cautious, but the words were too muffled to understand. I shifted slightly, my limbs aching protest, and groaned, the sound coming out as a hoarse, raspy noise. I tried to sit up, but a wave of nausea hit me, and I quickly lay back down, closing my eyes against the dizziness. I could faintly make out Sidon's voice among the others, though I couldn’t decipher his words. I felt a cool hand on my forehead, and I leaned into the touch, seeking any form of comfort.

The hand remained on my forehead, a soothing caress that helped to ground me. I slowly opened my eyes again, my vision clearing a little. I could see several figures around me, their forms gradually sharpening into focus. Sidon was there, his face tight with concern, his eyes locked on mine. I could see the worry etched in his features, his mouth moving with words that I still couldn't make out properly.

“-ing to be alright? Muzu, you can’t be sure of that!”

I could faintly hear Sidon's voice now, though the words were slightly slurred in my ears. His voice was panicked and urgent, and I could almost make out what he was saying.

Muzu's voice cut through, clinical and steady. "Sidon, please, you must have trust in the potion's capability. The process can be overwhelming and even debilitating but his body is adjusting to the changes. The reaction is not unexpected." "Not unexpected?" Sidon barked, his voice rising in frustration. "He is in agony, and you say that’s not unexpected?" Muzu remained stoic, unruffled by Sidon's agitation. "Yes, it is not unexpected. The transformation is a demanding process, and it is crucial to let the potion take its course."

Sidon looked like he wanted to argue, his hands clenched into fists, but Dorphean placed a calming hand on his son's shoulder, speaking up. "Sidon, Muzu is right. It will be difficult, but Link's body will adjust. The potion is working as it should." Sidon visibly clenched his teeth in frustration, but he didn’t argue further. His eyes darted back to my face, his expression a mix of worry and helplessness.

I could feel his fear and anxiety through our new bond through blood, and I desperately wanted to reassure him that I would be alright, but the words caught in my throat, my voice still hoarse. I tried to speak, to say anything to ease Sidon's worry, but my voice came out as a scratchy whisper. "S-Sidon..." My voice cracked with the effort, but it was enough to catch his attention, and he leaned in closer, his hand moving to my cheek, his touch light.

"Link, my pearl, you’re awake." His voice was soft, but I could hear the relief and worry in his words. His hand continued to stroke my cheek, a comforting gesture that I leaned into weakly.

Muzu stepped forward, speaking in his usual detached tone. "Your voice will sound raspy for a time as your throat adjusts. Drink some water, if you can stomach it." I nodded weakly, my body protesting every movement, but I was thirsty. I managed to prop myself up on one elbow with Muzu's help, and Dorphean passed me a chalice filled with water.

The cool liquid soothed my throat as I took small sips, the water easing the soreness. As I drank, I could feel my mind slowly clearing, the fog lifting slightly. After draining the chalice, I leaned back, my body exhausted. I was still weak and my limbs felt heavy, but the water had soothed my throat, and I could speak a touch better. Sidon's concern was still visible, his hand still on my cheek. His eyes scanned my face, searching for any sign of severe discomfort or distress. I reached up to place my hand over his, giving it a weak squeeze.

I tried to reassure him, my voice still raspy, but stronger than before. "I’m alright, Sidon... Just... tired..." I managed to murmur.

Sidon nodded but the concern didn’t disappear from his face. He shifted so that he was sitting beside me, one hand still holding mine while the other gently stroked my hair. "You worried me, my pearl. You fainted and I..."

He let out a shaky breath, his eyes flickering over my face once more. Muzu, standing off to the side, spoke up in his usual clinical tone, "The transformation process can be particularly jarring. It is not unusual for subjects to pass out or even experience mild to moderate hallucinations. Link's reaction is within acceptable parameters."

Sidon shot a glare at Muzu, clearly not appreciating the nonchalant response, but he refrained from responding. Instead, he returned his focus to me, his hand still caressing my hair.

Dorphean took a step forward, his expression gentle and paternal. "Muzu is right, Sidon. The transformation is a complex and exhausting process. Link’s body is going through extreme changes and it’s normal for him to feel weak and disoriented." Sidon sighed, his grip on my hand tightening slightly. "I understand that, Father, but that doesn’t make it easier to watch."

His voice was tight with worry, the fear and anxiety he had felt when I had passed out still present within him. I could feel it through our bond, and it broke my heart to see him so distraught. I squeezed his hand to comfort him, my voice still raspy but warm. "Sidon... I’m here, I’m alright."

Sidon looked down at me, his eyes searching my face for any sign of pain or discomfort. "You passed out, Link... for quite some time. I was... terrified, my pearl." I nodded, understanding his fear. "I know... But I’m alright, a little tired and sore, but alright."

I tried to sit up a bit more, my body protesting the movement, but I wanted to be closer to him. Sidon helped me up, carefully supporting my weight with his strong arms, and I leaned against him, resting my head on his shoulder. Sidon held me close, his arms wrapping around me, enveloping me in his warmth. He buried his face in my hair, his breath warm against my ear.

"I was so scared, my love. I thought I might lose you..." His voice was shaky, the fear and worry he had felt still affecting him. I reached up to cradle his face in my hands, my touch gentle. "Truly, I'm alright. The transformation was difficult, and I won't deny the pain I felt, but I'm fine. I'm here, with you, and I'm not going anywhere," I assured him.

I brushed my thumb over his cheek, my gaze locking with his, trying to convey my reassurances through my eyes. Sidon looked at me for a moment, searching my eyes for any signs of discomfort or deceit, but he found none. I was still weak, and I felt the ache in my limbs and stomach, but it was manageable. He nodded, his expression relaxing slightly, and he leaned down to press his forehead against mine. "I know, my love. But seeing you in so much pain... It was unbearable."

He nuzzled me in his way of affection as a Zora and I let him use all Zora customs of affection to let it out his system.

As we sat together, Sidon continued to nuzzle and nuzzle me, his Zora instincts taking over as a way to reaffirm my presence and comfort himself. It was the way his kind showed affection towards their partners, a gesture so intimate and unique to his race. He pressed his nose against my neck, inhaling deeply, and I felt the rumble of a Zora purr against my skin.

He held me close, his body pressing against mine, his grip almost possessive. It was as though he was trying to absorb me into himself, to make sure that I was truly alright.

I let him, not protesting his clinginess. I understood his need to hold me, to feel my warmth and my presence after the scare he had just experienced. I ran my fingers through the smooth, slick scales of his neck, hoping to soothe him further. Muzu, still standing there, cleared his throat, his voice cutting into the moment. "I’m assuming everything is in order?"

Sidon almost growled in annoyance, clearly not appreciating the interruption. He held me closer, his gaze flickering to Muzu before returning to me. Dorphean, ever the mediator, stepped in, placing a calming hand on Sidon’s shoulder. He gave his son a small, knowing look before addressing Muzu. "Yes, everything is as expected. The transformation has started and Link's body is adjusting. There is nothing to worry about.” Muzu nodded, his expression neutral as ever. "As long as there are no complications, we may proceed with the second phase."

Sidon tensed, his arms wrapping tighter around me. "Second phase?" He asked, his voice tinged with worry again. Muzu turned to us both, his clinical gaze sweeping over me. "Yes. The first phase was the potions. To bind your souls through your combined blood and make the necessary changes to your bodies to make conception possible.”

“The second phase is the actual bonding. You know this part well enough, Sidon. It’s just normal Zora mating and bonding.” Sidon’s face turned a deep shade of red, embarrassment spreading across his features at the mention of the intimate act. It was a Zora custom, a deeply personal moment shared between couples, and the thought of the act now was a bit daunting.

He looked down at me, blushing furiously, and stuttered out, "I--I know the procedure.“ Muzu, ever straightforward, looked amused by Sidon’s reaction. "Yes, good. As it is tradition, you are to be secluded in your quarters for 3 days in private to ensure the bonding is complete." Dorphean chuckled lightly, and a mischievous glint danced in his eyes. "If you're both ready, of course."

Sidon’s grip on me tightened, and I could feel the tension in his muscles. The idea of being secluded in his quarters with me for three days was clearly both thrilling and nerve-wracking to him.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, holding him close and feeling his anxiety through our bond. "Sidon," I whispered, my voice soft against his ear. "If you aren’t ready or uncomfortable, we can wait." Sidon’s eyes widened in surprise, and he looked down at me with genuine shock. "No... No, I want this," he said, his voice steady and determined. "I am ready to bond with you... Truly."

His face softened as he looked into my eyes, and a tender smile settled on his lips. "I want to be bonded with you more than anything. I just-- I'm..."

"Just nervous?" I finished his sentence, understanding filling me. He nodded, a sheepish expression crossing his face. "Yes. It's a... very intimate process, and the thought of doing it with you makes me feel... well, a lot of things." His fingers grazed along my back, sending shivers through my body. I leaned into his touch, enjoying the feeling of his cool, slick scales against my skin.

I could sense his trepidation through our bond, his hesitation mixing with his desire. It was sweet and endearing, and it only made me want to bond with him more. I raised my hand to touch his cheek, my fingertips brushing over his crimson scales gently. "Sidon, I want this too. I want to be your mate, truly your mate," I murmured, my eyes locked with his. "I'm nervous, too… but I trust you, and I know you wouldn't hurt me.

Sidon’s eyes widened in awe of my words, and there was an undeniable sparkle of love within them. He leaned into my touch, craving the soothing comfort of my fingers. His grip on me tightened even further, his muscles tensing and twitching with his inner turmoil.

"I--I know I won’t hurt you… good Nayru, I would never, but…" He trailed off, trying to form his thoughts into words and failing. It was clear that he wanted this, but his anxiety still held him back. I stroked his cheek, my thumb tracing over his scales in a soothing pattern. "But what, love? What’s holding you back?" I murmured, my voice gentle and comforting.

Sidon looked down, guilt evident in his expression. "I’m… I’m afraid that I won’t be able to… perform properly as a mate, my pearl. You are so… pure and precious, and I want to make every moment perfect for you, but… but I’m terrified I’ll ruin it by not being able to satisfy your needs…"

My heart ached at his words, at the insecurity and self-doubts he was expressing. I reached up, holding his face in my hands and forcing him to look at me. “Sidon, no. Don’t say that, don’t think of yourself like that. You won’t ruin anything. I trust you, and I know that our bond will be beautiful, no matter what happens.” Sidon looked at me, his gaze hesitant but softening with my words. He leaned into my touch again, seeking comfort in my reassurance. "But... But what if I can't... satisfy you like you deserve, my pearl? What if I cannot perform as well as Hylian lover to you would?" He muttered, his voice shaking with vulnerability. I shook my head, my eyes locking with his. "Sidon, it doesn’t matter if you’re not as experienced. I don’t care about that. I don’t care what you can or cannot do and I don’t care whether you’re Hylian, Zora, Rito or Goron. I care about you, and our bond. I trust you, Sidon. I trust us.”

"You’re not going to fail. It will probably be awkward and clumsy for both of us at first... but so what? We’re going to be the first mixed race same sex royal couple in centuries. It will still be perfect. We can figure out the rest together." He sighed, his body relaxing slightly at my words. "As long as it’s with you, I suppose I can’t be too bad," he conceded. "I just want it to be everything you deserve." He leaned forward, resting his forehead against mine, his eyes closed. "We’ll learn together. I just… I want to be worthy of you, my pearl."

“You already have been since the day I met you.” I could sense his relief through our intimate bond, the worry and self-doubt beginning to melt away. He let out a shaky breath and pulled me closer, his arms wrapping completely around me and holding me tight. His embrace was strong and possessive, his head fin gently nuzzling against my cheek. "Thank you, my pearl. You always know how to ease my heart," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

I leaned into him, reciprocating the hold and burying my face against his neck. I could feel the vibration of his vocal chords as he purred softly, his body relaxing against mine. The tension had faded from his muscles, and he held me gently now. Dorphean, ever the father, chuckled softly at our display. Muzu, as stoic as ever, watched us with a faint smirk on his face. Sidon, clearly aware of the audience, pulled away slightly, his face red with embarrassment again. He coughed lightly, trying to regain his composure. "Ahem, yes... Well, I suppose we should proceed, then..."

He looked to Dorphean first, who nodded in agreement, then to Muzu for his input. Muzu stepped forward once more, his clinical gaze sweeping over me. "Yes, as I said, you are to be confined to your quarters for the next 3 days in complete privacy." Sidon, his face still red, nodded in understanding, his hands never leaving my waist. "Very well. I will make arrangements for our quarters." He looked down at me, and the love in his gaze was enough to make my heart flutter.

I could sense his excitement, mingled with a hint of nervousness. I was actually going to experience Zora bonding and he was going to experience well my lack of any bonding or mating things as a Hylian. I could feel my own nervousness building within me. I wanted this, wanted to be bonded to Sidon, but the unfamiliarity of the process, the unknown of all it entailed, made the butterflies in my stomach flutter furiously.

Dorphean, his eyes glinting and his voice laced with a soft, knowing smile, spoke up. "We’ll make sure you have everything you need here, my son. You just focus on bonding with Link, and enjoy the time alone together." Sidon nodded, his grip on me tightening as he felt my own anxiety through our bond. "Thank you, Father." He said, his voice firm.

Dorphean nodded, placing a comforting hand on Sidon’s shoulder. "You deserve this, my boy. This is one of the happiest moments in any Zora’s life. Enjoy it, and cherish the time with Link." Sidon let out a shaky breath and nodded again, his grip on me only tightening further. "I will, Father, I promise."

Dorphean chuckled at Sidon’s response, clearly unbothered by his clinginess and possessiveness. Muzu, on the other hand, seemed a bit impatient.
"Yes, yes, yes. We understand. Now we should proceed. Time is growing short." Sidon bristled slightly at Muzu’s comment, his grip on me tightening, but he held his tongue. Instead, he pressed his forehead against mine, his eyes locking with my own. "Are you ready, my pearl?" He murmured, his voice soft and gentle despite the impatience he was feeling.

I nodded, my heart racing with both excitement and nerves. "Yes, I am ready," I murmured, my voice steady despite the anxiety I felt. Dorphean smiled, his gaze warm and paternal, before placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You two will do fine. Just take your time and enjoy every moment of it together. It will only happen once in your lifetimes." Sidon looked at his father for a moment, and I could practically see the emotions swirling within him. "Of course, Father." He said, his voice slightly shaky.

He turned back to me, his eyes meeting mine and his hands gripping my waist. He leaned down to press his forehead against mine, his forehead fin gentle against my skin. "Then let us go, to my- our chambers, my pearl." My heart fluttered at his words, and a nervous-excited giggle escaped my lips. "Yes, my love, our chambers."

Dorphean chuckled, and even Muzu seemed to crack a smile. "Very well. You have your orders. We will leave you both in privacy, good luck." He said as Sidon carefully helped me stand from the bed in the healer’s and to our chambers. Sidon nodded, clearly eager to get started, and wrapped an arm around my waist, supporting my weight as we began to leave the medical pavilion.

The journey to his - no, our chambers seemed to both take forever and pass in a blur, my mind racing with anticipation.

But I know with Sidon, it will be ok.

Chapter Text

As we entered our chambers, Sidon gently closed the door behind us. The room was dimly lit, the windows curtained so only a soft light filtered through from the setting sun only illuminating little of the the room. The large waterbed seemed even more huge now, and the thought of what was going to happen on that bed made my face flush.

Sidon led me over to the bed and helped me sit down on the soft sheets. He sat beside me and took my hands in his, his touch gentle. "Are you comfortable, my pearl?" He asked, his eyes roaming over my face to see if there was any signs of discomfort. I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yes, I’m comfortable," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Sidon smiled, his expression gentle. He lifted one of my hands to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to the back of my hand, his cool scales a delicious contrast to my skin.

"I’m glad." He murmured, and his tail flicked behind him excitedly. "We have 3 days to ourselves, my pearl.” He murmured, his voice low and seductive. He leaned in, his lips hovering just millimeters from my neck as he inhaled deeply, savoring my scent. "3 days to be utterly, completely alone together, with no one to bother or disturb us… no one to interrupt us or keep us from being as shameless and hedonistic as we please."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, the implications of what he was saying sending a wave of heat throughout my body. I leaned into him, my body pressing against his, wanting more of that cool, silky smooth texture of his scales. He let out a soft, guttural moan, his arms wrapping around my waist as he gently pushed me down to the bed, his body hovering over me.

“So….Where do we start? We’re gonna be in here for 3 days after all.” A wicked grin spread across his face as he looked down at me, his eyes glinting with mischief and desire. "We start...," he murmured, his hand sliding down my stomach and to the hem of my tunic."By getting rid of these pesky clothes. How does that sound, my pearl?"

I chuckled. “Alright, I’ll undress if you remove all your regalia.” A huff of laughter left his lips as he sat back slightly, his hands going to the regalia he still wore. "That is a fair trade," he said, his voice a deep, low rumble. He made quick work of the various pieces of regalia, dropping each one to the floor with a soft clink.

Within a few moments, he was completely bare of regalia, his muscular body on full display. I could see the desire in his eyes as he took in my body, his gaze roaming up and down, taking in every inch of me. "Now it's your turn, my pearl. Let me see you." He murmured, his voice thick with anticipation. Sidon's eyes went wide as he took in the sight of me in my underwear, his breath catching in his throat. He let out a low hiss, his hands resting on my hips as he pulled me flush against his body.
"Goddess Hylia, you look exquisite like this." He murmured, trailing a hand up my bare chest, his eyes roaming over my body.

“I have seen you stripped to your undergarment a many a times before but this is different. It’s intimate, incredibly palatable more than anything. Now, this second phase is just traditional Zora bonding and mating. I will guide you, my pearl.”

He pulled me flushed against his body, his hands roaming over my skin, touching and caressing every inch of me that he could reach. I felt his desire pressing against me, the cool and smooth texture of his scales teasing at the sensitive skin of my stomach.

"In order to begin the bonding, we must exchange... bites," he murmured, his voice low and seductive.
He leaned in, nuzzling his face against my neck, his breath coming in hot gasps as he inhaled my scent. I knew of course his usual nuzzling was just Zoras was of affection in exchange of kisses but I don’t know how I will bite him. I’m not a Zora, I don’t have sharp teeth like his.

He began to nip and nuzzle at my neck, making a low purring sound deep in his throat as he did. I could feel his sharp teeth scraping against my skin, not hard enough to cause pain or draw blood, but enough to feel them. I could feel my own pulse beginning to quicken under his touch, the desire in his eyes making me shiver with excitement.

"This is just the beginning," he murmured against my neck, his voice little more than a low, possessive growl. "The bonding process... is not quick, my pearl." His hands continued to roam over my body, his touch growing more urgent, more desperate as the mating instincts within him took over. He nipped and nuzzled at my neck, his fangs scraping against my skin teasingly.

He leaned in close, his face just millimeters from my ear, and his voice was a low, possessive rumble. "I need to mark you. I need to leave my scent all over you, to claim you as mine. To make sure every inch of you smells like me, so every Zora knows who you belong to." He pulled back slightly, his eyes roaming over my body, taking in the exposed skin of my chest and neck. He licked his lips, his tongue tracing a slow, languid line up my neck.

I could feel my body responding to his touch, my skin prickling and goosebumps raising as he gently placed both hands on my hips, his fingers tracing small, soothing circles on my skin. He pulled away slightly, his gaze meeting mine. “You’re already marked by the mark of the blood from the potion, but I need to mark you again. This time, with my teeth and saliva.”

I smiled at him. “I’m sure no one would dare try to claim a king’s bonded mate.” His lips curled into a possessive grin at my words, and he let out a low, possessive chuckle.

"True," he agreed. "But it's not just for others. I need to mark you to satisfy my own primal instincts as well as a Zora marking my mate. I need the entire world to know that you are mine and I am yours."

He leaned in again, his breath hot on my neck as he whispered, "Now, I'm going to bite you, my pearl. You must bite me back." I was quite nervous and it must have shown on my face. “But Sidon, I don’t have sharp teeth. Hylians don’t do that to each other. I can’t bite you like a Zora mate would.”

Sidon chuckled at my response, clearly finding my nervousness adorable. He caressed my cheek with a cool, scaled hand, his gaze softening.

"Ah, yes my pearl, I had forgotten that Hylians don't bite each other. But that's no problem, I can teach you how to do it." He placed a gentle kiss on my neck, his lips tracing a path up to my ear. "I'll show you exactly how, my love. Just relax and follow my instructions." He nuzzled at my neck, his breath coming in hot gasps as his lips grazed my skin. "The act of biting is a very intimate gesture among our kind," he whispered, his voice low and seductive. "It means claiming your mate as yours and yours alone."

His hands traced a path down my back, coming to rest on my hips as he continued to nuzzle my neck. "Zora bites are very firm and deliberate. They're meant to mark your partner as yours. But I don't expect you to bit me with the same force as a Zora. A gentle bite will suffice."

“But I won’t mark you, my teeth will barely imprint on the skin of your scales. They won’t leave a mark…..” Sidon chuckled at my words, my lack of confidence in biting him clearly amusing to him.

"My pearl, it's not about leaving a physical mark, not entirely.” He murmured, his hands coming up to cup my face gently. "Yes, a my bite will leave a visible mark on your skin, but your bite will be gentler and will still leave a scent mark. It won't be as obvious, but other Zoras will still be able to tell that we have... mated, by smell alone." He leaned in close, his lips gently trailing along my collarbone. "And even if your bite doesn't leave a visible mark on my skin, the act will mark me in other ways...," he teased, his voice low and seductive.

"You will leave your scent on me, my pearl. Every inch of me will smell like you after our bonding, and I will wear it like a badge of honor." Despite his words, I could feel my nerves and self-doubt begin to ease as his mouth continued to work against my neck, his cool, smooth scales a sharp yet delightful contrast against my warm, flushed skin. His touch was gentle and patient, just like he always was, and it was helping to put me at ease.

I took a deep breath, my hands gripping his shoulders, my body arching into his touch. "And how exactly do I bite you, Sidon? Should I do the same you do to me? How hard do I bite? Where do I bite?" A low, possessive grumble escaped his throat as I asked the question, the sound both arousing and reassuring. He moved his mouth away from my neck and up to my ear, his voice a soft, seductive whisper.

"You place your mouth against my neck," he instructs, pulling me a little closer so that my bare chest presses against his. “And then you bite down. Not too hard, but with enough force to make me gasp. I need to feel it, my pearl. I need it to sting. And don’t be afraid to use your tongue. We need to exchange saliva on each other’s bodies.” He turned his head slightly, exposing the vulnerable, sensitive skin of his neck, his eyes locked with mine. "Go on, my pearl," he murmured, his words a gentle, tempting command. "Bite me. Bite me and leave your mark on me. Let me feel your teeth on my scales, let me taste you, let me smell you on me. Be brave, my darling, you can do it."

His grip on me tightened and he let out a soft gasp as my mouth tentatively made contact with his neck. He closed his eyes, his body arching towards me as I began to apply pressure, my teeth gently sinking into his sensitive skin. He tasted of seawater and a hint of something else, something sweet and almost zesty.

He let out a low, guttural moan, his arms wrapping around me tightly, his body shuddering against my mouth. "Yes,...yes, my pearl....just like that, don't be afraid to bite harder." The sound of his moan sent a wave of excitement and confidence coursing through me, and I applied more pressure, my teeth gently but firmly sinking into his scales, pressing harder on instinct. I could feel him tensing up beneath me, another gasp escaping his lips as I continued to worry the skin of his neck, my tongue running over his scales in an attempt to taste and claim him.

He hissed through clenched teeth, his hands clenching at my hips, pulling me roughly against him, making me fully aware of his need. His body was reacting to the bite, and I could feel it, my own body responding in kind, heat coursing through me. I let out a soft whimper, my body moving against his as I continued to bite and suck at the skin of his neck, my own needs beginning to awaken.

He groaned, his head tilting back, his eyes fluttering as he surrendered himself completely to the sensations. "You're doing so well, my pearl…. Gods above, it feels so good, so... right… don't stop." The sound of his moans, the way he arched against me, the way he gripped my hips... it was all driving me wild, and I found myself getting lost in the act of biting him, of claiming him. I pulled back for a moment, panting, my eyes raking over his features as I took in the sight of him all flushed and flustered above me. He looked stunningly beautiful. "How... How was that? Did I mark you enough?" I asked, my voice little more than a rough gasp.

He opened his eyes, meeting my gaze, and his expression was a mix of pleasure and possessiveness, his eyes dark and intense. He ran a hand through my hair, his fingers tracing the outline of my face, his touch gentle but firm.

"Yes... yes you did, my pearl," he murmured, his voice low and rough. "You marked me well. I can smell your scent on me, can feel your saliva on my skin. I'm marked and claimed by you, my love. And I am so, so proud." He pulled me closer, and I could feel his desire, his need, the way his body was responding to my bite. He pressed me against him, his hands roaming over my body as he breathed in my scent, breathing in our scent, the scent of our combined desire.

"And now it's my turn," he whispered, his voice thick with need and possessiveness. "I need to mark you, my pearl. I need to taste you, to claim you as mine, forever. Be ready, my love," he murmured, his mouth moving to my neck. His breath was hot against my neck, he nipped the skin of it experimentally before he let instinct do its job and bit down into the gland.

I felt his sharp teeth break my skin and the warmth surge through my body. The moment his teeth sank into my skin, a wave of pleasure and pain, desire and excitement washed over me and I gasped, my body arching against his. I could feel his tongue against the wound, his mouth moving against the sensitive spot, lapping up the blood that was welling up there.

He pulled away a few moments later, his mouth leaving a trail of heat and saliva where he'd been, his breath coming in short gasps as he took in the sight of my neck, the bite mark fresh and red on my skin. He let out a low, possessive growl, his hands roving over my body, caressing and claiming. His eyes were darkened with need, his body tense with barely restrained desire.

"Mine," he whispered, his voice little more than a rough gasp, "Mine, mine, mine. Gods, you have no idea how you look, my pearl. You're exquisite, you’re beautiful…. now we’ve bonded by our bites, it’s time for us to mate.” He pulled me against him, his body pressing me down to the bed, his hands roaming over my body, mapping every curve and line of my form. His mouth found my neck again, his muzzle tracing a path down my body as he continued to mark me with his tongue and teeth.

He continued his journey south, his hands roaming over my stomach, down over my hips, his body following, until he was kneeling between my legs. He looked up at me from his position between my legs, his eyes dark with need and desire. He placed his hands on my inner thighs, spreading my legs apart, exposing me to him completely.

He let out a soft, guttural growl as he took in the sight, his hands roaming over the inside of my thighs, his eyes fixed on the mark on my neck, his markings. He came closer and cupped my ass before bringing me forward a little roughly so my head was on the pillows and I was lying on my back straight with my legs over Sidon’s shoulders and my ass and cock against Sidon’s chest.

I feel his breath on my entrance before he just leans down and plunges his tongue in with no warning. I immediately moaned and my hands grasped at bedcovers until my knuckles turned white. He kissed, licked and sucked at it, being surprisingly good at this for being inexperienced and being careful of his teeth, lapping over it with his tongue. His mouth continued to work against me, his tongue delving into me, exploring and tasting me in a way that was both familiar and new at the same time. He took his time, learning my body, learning what made me gasp and squirm and moan.

He pulled back for a moment, his eyes locked on mine as he licked his lips, his gaze dark with need and possession. "I could do this all night, my pearl," he murmured, his voice thick with desire. "But I think there's something else I want to do to you, now that you're so wonderfully worked up." He moved up the bed, his body moving over mine until he was hovering above me, pinning me down against the bed. His body pressed against mine, his muscles strong and firm, his skin smooth and cool against my heated flesh.

He leaned in, his mouth trailing a path up my chest, his lips finding the sensitive spots of my collarbones, my neck, my collarbones. "I want you badly, my pearl," he murmured, his voice thick and ragged. "Can I have you? Will you let me take you, my love?" His hands roamed over my body, his touch growing more insistent, more urgent. He wanted me, his need for me clear in the way he touched me, the way he worshipped me with his hands and mouth.

His head nuzzled at my neck, his breath hot on my skin as he inhaled deeply. "I can still taste you on my tongue," he said, his tongue lapping at the mark on my neck, claiming and possessively. Sidon didn’t waste another second, circling my hole again and slipped one in and I moaned at the feel of it filling me a little, it was a strange but satisfying feeling, he chuckled drawing it out and then going back in with two this time.

I moaned even louder, my back starting to arch from the pleasure, goddess this is good. “Just as I thought, you are so very tight, my pearl, you are contracting around my fingers so much.” With his fingers still inside me, he lowered my ass back to the bed so he could thrust his fingers faster building up to an impossibly faster pace, the palm of his hand smacking against my ass cheeks. He watched the expressions of ecstasy on my face as he worked me with his fingers, his eyes dark with pleasure and possession. His hands roamed over my body, his touch firm and insistent, as he continued to stretch me open even causing my first orgasm of the night.

He pulled his fingers out, his eyes watching my face as I gasped and writhed beneath him. "Feeling good, my pearl?" he asked, his voice thick and heavy with desire. He leaned down closer, his body pressing against mine, pinning me against the bed.

His mouth found my chest, his tongue trailing across my collarbone, his lips tracing a path up to my neck. "Can you handle more?" he asked, his hands still roaming over my body, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin. He nipped at my earlobe, his voice a low rumble in my ear. "I want more, my pearl. I want to take you fully, to feel you completely. Will you let me?"

I smiled up at him breathless against the pillows, nodding. “Yes, you can but you have to know this, I know this will be difficult but you can’t rush, you *have* to go slow. I’m not invincible, if you rush or put it in all at once too quickly you could actually do damage and tear something and that would really really hurt.”

I know that wasn’t the best way to say it and I know I definitely have scared him now a little but if it means he’s gonna listen. Sidon's eyes widened at my words, his expression going from aroused to concerned in an instant. He swallowed, his hands stilling on my body as he processed what I was saying.

He let out a soft, shaky breath before nodding, his eyes meeting mine. "I ... I understand. I won't rush," he said, his voice ragged with need but also tinged with worry. "I'll be careful, my pearl. I don't want to hurt you. Could something really tear? It pains me to just think about it.” He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself and focus, his hands still tracing patterns on my skin. He was clearly trying to hold back his own desire and urge to just take me, but he was doing his best to listening and understand what I was telling him.

"I'll go slowly," he said, his voice quieter and softer, almost a whisper. "I promise I won't hurt you. Just tell me if something hurts, alright? I'll stop immediately. I don't want to risk hurting you at all. You’re my mate, I could never forgive myself.” He leaned in closer, his body still pressed against mine, his breath hot on my skin. I smiled at him. “I know you won’t hurt me, I just thought I should tell you so you know. I know you want to always learn more about Hylians.” I chuckled, he smiled widely.

“Ah yes, of course I do, my pearl. Always. I love hearing about your culture or anything of the like.
Also may I ask? Have you ever…..participated in something like this before?” He leaned down, nuzzling against my neck.

I raised an eyebrow at him. “If that’s your way of asking if I’m a virgin, I am. I’ve never even kissed anyone else before you if that makes you feel any better.” His eyes widened in surprise and pleasure at my answer, a grin spreading across his face, his expression clearly pleased.

He chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "I'm going to be your first," he murmured, his voice thick with possessive pride. "It’s so incredible.” He leaned down, nuzzling his muzzle against my neck possessively. "The thought of being the one to take you, to be your first and only…. It's overwhelming." He admitted, his voice thick with emotion. "I feel honored, my pearl. Thank you for placing your trust in me."

"You don't have to thank me," I murmured, my hands coming up to stroke his face, my touch gentle and affectionate. "I love you, Sidon. I want to share this intimacy with you, to become one with you. You're my everything. There's no one else I'd rather give myself to, no one else I trust more. And I know you'll take care of me, that you'll be gentle and loving and gentle." I paused for a moment, my voice becoming softer, almost a whisper. "And I know you'll make it feel so, so good."

His breath hitched at my words, and he closed his eyes, leaning into my touch as I stroked his face. He seemed to soak up my words, like he was trying to commit them to memory, storing them away in his heart.

He leaned into my touch, his cheek nuzzling into my hand, his eyes never leaving mine. "You have no idea how much that means to me, my pearl," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "You just made me the happiest Zora in all of Hyrule, and now I intend to make you feel the same. I will take care of you, love you, and treasure you for the rest of our days. You're my world, my life, my everything. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you."

He moved closer, his body pressed against mine, his hands roaming over my skin, his touch gentle and reverent. "But for now, I need to claim you, my pearl. I need to make you mine, body and soul. I need to show you just how deeply I love you, how desperately I desire you. Can I make love to you, my pearl?“ I chuckled softly, my heart swelling with love and affection at his words. "You don't even have to ask, my darling," I replied, my voice low and sultry, my eyes locking with his. "Yes, you can make love to me. I'm all yours, heart, body, and soul. I'm yours, now and always. Make me yours in every way possible, and be mine in return. Make love to me, Sidon. Mate me.”

He groaned deeply, the sound rumbling low in his chest, as he sank into me fully, the sensation overwhelming. He held himself still for a moment, his body quivering with effort, his eyes locked on my face. He took a moment to adjust to the new sensations, his hands gripping my hips tightly, his breathing ragged.

"Oh. Oh, dear Hylia." He gasped out, his voice hoarse. "You're so incredibly tight, Hylia above. So perfect. I cannot even… words cannot express …. it’s so tight I can barely breathe but it’s astonishing.” He took a moment to gather himself, his breath coming in short gasps. His body trembled with control, his muscles tense with effort, as he fought against the urge to just let loose and ravish me. He looked at me, his eyes dark and intense, his expression raw with need.

I could see the conflict in his gaze, the effort it took for him to control himself and remain still, to not give in to the primal, possessive urges that were flooding his mind. It was intoxicating. “You are the best thing to be in presence, darling. Your beautiful face, your tough and strong personality, your kind heart, your spectacular beauty of a body. It’s all mine and I will always feel honored to say that and always be proud to call you my husband, my mate, my king.” He rolled his hips as I moaned more consistently now that he was actually beginning to thrust.

I could get used to this, I definitely could get used to it. Definitely for three days I drew out my moans as he took hold of my hips and thrusted faster. He groaned in response, the sound a guttural, primal noise that sent shivers down my spine. His hands gripped my hips, holding me firmly in place, as he started to move, his pace slow and steady, each thrust deliberate and measured.

He watched my face as he moved, his eyes dark and intense, his expression filled with a mix of hunger and affection. "You’re breathtaking," he murmured, his voice thick with need. "I could watch you like this forever, just looking at your face as I make love to you.” He continued his movements, his pace picking up in speed, his breath coming in short gasps. He leaned down, his body pressing against mine, his mouth finding mine, his tongue seeking out mine. He still wasn’t great at it but at this moment he was perfect enough.

He broke the kiss, his lips trailing down my neck, his voice a ragged gasp in my ear. "You feel so perfect," he murmured in between kisses. "So tight and hot and tight and mine. All mine. I could do this forever. I could spend eternity making love to you, my pearl. You're incredible, you're perfect, you're everything. You're my perfect mate, my love, my life, my everything."

Sidon’s increasingly hard thrusts and loving words was starting to push me over the edge. “S-Sidon! Please… I’m close, I’m going to cum, please, kiss me, kiss me now.” He drops his head immediately to capture my lips and the moment where it mattered the most during the best orgasm of my life.

I felt him growl against my lips as I tightened around him and he pulled away to then put his mouth back to my neck and clamp down hard. I moaned a little more to spur him to the edge as his teeth broke through the skin again and I could feel the blood running down my neck to my shoulder but I didn’t care. He could feel me tighten around him, my body trembled with pleasure, and he knew I was close. He immediately leaned in, capturing my lips in a deep, passionate kiss, his mouth claiming mine in a way that was both tender and possessive at the same time.

His jaw eventually detached and pulled away, his mouth, chin and teeth covered in blood. “Goddess above, that was truly incredible. My love, that was….. I have no words for it that are good enough to describe it. It was the perfect mating time, now we’re bond forever, I love you.” I smiled and kissed him. “I love you too, Sidon. My king.” He smiled dreamily at me before looking at my shoulder and the sight of it making him pale as his smile dropped and eyes widened.

He looked down at my shoulder, his expression turning to pure horror at the sight of the blood and the bite mark. His eyes widened, and his face paled as he realized what he had done.

He pulled back, his hands still clutching at my hips, his heart racing with panic. "Oh gods... oh goddess no... " he whispered in a strangled voice. "I did that?! Oh, my! Oh, Link, my love I am so so sorry. Are you ok? Do feel woozy? You're bleeding... oh gods, I can't... I'm so sorry." He looked down at the bite mark and the blood, his eyes wide with fear and guilt. He let go my hips, his hands trembling now as they came up to lightly touch the wound. "I...I went too hard," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I hurt you. I was too rough and I...."

He looked up at me, his expression a mixture of worry and self-reproach. "Are you ok? Are you hurting? I'm so so sorry. I got so carried away, I lost control and I.... gods, the blood...." I reached up to touch his face, my fingers tracing the scales of his cheek, my touch gentle and reassuring. "Sidon," I murmured softly, "I'm fine. I promise, love, I'm alright."

I smiled warmly at him, trying to soothe the guilt and concern that was etched so clearly across his face. "Honestly, I feel wonderful. I'm a little sore, but it's the good kind of sore. You didn't hurt me, not really. And I’m ok, really.” His expression softened slightly at my words, his eyes searching mine for any hint of pain or discomfort. But all he found was reassurance and warmth. He let out a deep, shuddering sigh, the tension in his body slowly starting to ease.

"Are you... sure?" he asked, his voice still tinged with worry. "You're not just saying that to make me feel better?" I chuckled softly, shaking my head as I continued to caress his face with my fingers. "I'm not just saying it to make you feel better," I reassured him. "I promise. I'm a little sore, but it's nothing I can't handle, and the bite mark will heal quickly. I'm fine, truly. And... I quite like being marked as yours. It makes me feel... safe. Protected." When I mentioned the bite mark, Sidon's eyes flicked down to it, widening slightly as he saw the blood still flowing.

He let out a low, possessive growl, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. Seeing the mark, the sight of our combined blood staining my neck and shoulder, sent another sharp wave of desire and primal satisfaction through him.

He leaned in, his lips pressing gently against the mark, his tongue lapping up the blood. "You're mine," he murmured against my skin, his voice thick with possessiveness. "You're my mate, my everything, my world. I should be more careful, my pearl. I don't want to hurt you." He continued to lap at the wound, his lips and tongue gently moving over the area, his eyes fixed on me as he marked me with his scent and his presence. "You're my everything," he repeated, his voice growing huskier and huskier with each word. "I can't bear the idea of causing you pain. I never want to hurt you. Ever."

He pulled back, his eyes dark with a mixture of desire and possessiveness, his hands resting on my hips. "Forgive me for being so rough, my love. I'll be more careful next time, I promise." He managed to pick up a cloth and press it to the wound to drop excess blood from gushing out.

“It will heal quickly, by tomorrow morning, I promise. There will only be a mark in the shape of my teeth. I will clean it up if you wish and get you something to drink, you must be parched.” Sidon rolled me over so then I could lie down on my back and he got me underneath the bedcovers and made sure I was comfortable before getting up and grabbed a clean cloth and glass of water.

Sidon took the blood-stained cloth, his movements swift and purposeful as he washed the excess blood from my skin. His hands were gentle and careful, his touch so tender that it was hard to believe that they were the same hands that had just moments ago been gripping my hips with such possessiveness.

He placed the cloth aside and leaned down, brushing his lips against my forehead in a soft, affectionate gesture. "I'll be right back," he murmured, before standing up and walking into the adjoining room. He returned a moment later, a fresh glass of water in one hand and a clean cloth in the other. He sat down next to me on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on my face as he placed the water on the nightstand.

He dipped the clean cloth in the water, wringing it out before bringing it up to my shoulder, gingerly cleaning the wound with careful and precise movements. "How are you feeling, my pearl? Are you in pain?" "I'm fine, really," I reassured him, my voice soft and warm. "The pain is minimal, and I know it'll heal quickly. I'm just happy and relaxed and... well, a little sleepy now, if I'm honest."

His hand gently cleaned the wound, his touch as soft and careful as ever. He was clearly taking great care to avoid causing me any further pain. "You need to drink," he said, his eyes flicking down to the glass of water next to him. "You've lost quite a bit of fluid, and you should replenish it as soon as possible. Here, sit up for me." he encouraged me gently, his hands moving to help me into a sitting position.

Once I was upright, he brought the glass to my lips, holding it steady as I took a few sips of the water. "There you go," he murmured, a smile on his face as he watched me drink. "Slowly now. That’s it, my love.” I drank a few sips of water before pulling back slightly, my body slumping back against the pillows. I let out a contented sigh, my eyes closing for a moment as I basked in the aftermath of our lovemaking.

Sidon placed the glass back on the nightstand before turning his attention back to me. He ran a hand through my hair, his touch gentle and affectionate. "Are you feeling sleepy, my pearl?" he asked, his voice softening with concern. "Yes, I'm feeling a little sleepy now," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. The combination of the physical exhaustion from our lovemaking, the pleasant ache in my body, and the gentle, soothing touch of his hand in my hair was making it hard to keep my eyes open.

I yawned, my head tilting slightly into his hand, silently asking for more of his touch as I snuggled further into the pillows. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he watched me get comfortable in the bed. He knew I was tired and he found it endearing how I seemed to seek out his touch even in my sleepy state.

He resumed playing with my hair, his fingers running through the strands in slow, soothing movements. "Rest now, my love," he murmured gently, his voice low and soothing. He continued to play with my hair, his hand moving from my hair to tracing patterns on my arm and then back again. He made sure that the covers were pulled up over me, keeping me warm and comfortable, before leaning forward and pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

"I'll be here when you wake up," he whispered, his hand still touching me, reluctant to leave me even for a moment. With careful, silent movements pulling me into his arms, holding me close against his chest, protecting and shielding me even in sleep.

To another two days of this bliss.

Chapter Text

I woke up the next morning feeling warm, comfortable, and... sore. I groaned softly as I attempted to shift my body, feeling a twinge of pain in the bite mark on my shoulder. I opened my eyes, blinking groggily as I tried to orient myself.

I was in bed, lying on my side, with my back pressed against a solid, scaly chest. The familiar feeling of Sidon's body against me was immediately recognizable, as was his arm, which was draped across my waist. He was still asleep, his breathing slow and even, his chest rising and falling against my back. His arm tightened reflexively around my waist as I shifted, drawing me closer to him, his body seeking out my warmth even in sleep.

I couldn't help but smile at his possessive behavior, even in sleep. I gently reached up and ran my fingers over his arm, my touch gentle and affectionate. His skin was warm and smooth, and I could feel the powerful muscles underneath the scales. He suddenly stirred, his arm gripping me even tighter as he started to wake up. He let out a small huff of breath, his eyes slowly opening, a sleepy expression on his face. "Mmmm... good morning, my pearl," he murmured huskily.

He nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck, his lips finding the bite mark he had made the night before. He let out a soft, possessive growl against my skin, feeling a surge of satisfaction at the sight of his mark. He kissed the mark tenderly, his tongue darting out to lap at the skin. "You look so beautiful, my love," he murmured, his voice thick with possessiveness. "My mark on your skin, my claim on you... it's all mine, isn't it? You're mine, truly and completely."

I shivered at his words, my body responding to his possessive tone. I leaned back into him, my back pressed against his chest, my body flush against his. His arm held me tight, his hand roaming over my bare skin, his touch hungry and possessive. "Yes," I whispered, my voice little more than a gasp. "I'm yours. Completely and unconditionally. I am yours, my king." He let out a guttural growl at my words, his grip on me tightening as his body responded to mine.

His mouth found the sensitive spot on my neck, his teeth grazing my skin, and I whimpered at the feel of his teeth. He chuckled against my neck, his breath hot on my skin. "You're too good to me, my love. Such a perfect mate... all mine." I hummed. “We’re in here for another two days so I think it’s fair to say clothes are out of the question. You know the traditional Zora bonding Muzu mentioned. But we’ve already mated and bonded so what do we do now?”

A low chuckle escaped him, and he nuzzled his face against my neck, his lips trailing warm kisses along my skin. "Yes, our bond is already complete, but there are still some traditional aspects of the bonding process that we should partake in," he murmured, his voice rough with desire. “There’s more?” I asked, Muzu didn’t mention anything else than the bonding and that.

"Yes," he replied, his mouth still roaming over my skin. "There are a few more things that we should do, to fully seal our bond and consummate our mating." His hand moved down from my waist, his fingers tracing a path over my skin until they reached my hipbones. He gripped my hip, his touch possessive and firm. "The first thing we should do is mark each other again," he murmured. "We can keep the bites from yesterday, but these will be new ones. It's a way to confirm that our bond has been consummated fully.”

“But I don’t know if I can make another mark with my teeth, I barely could the first time. They’re not sharp like yours.” He chuckled, his hand still roving over my skin. "Don't worry, my love," he reassured me. "Your teeth may not be as sharp as mine, but they're still sharp enough to leave at least an indentation. And it doesn't have to be deep either. I told you you’ll still be marking me by your scent too.”

He shifted behind me, repositioning himself so he was hovering over me, his body covering mine like a protective shield. He looked down at me, his gaze intense and possessive. "May I mark you now?" he murmured, his voice low and husky. "Yes," I replied, my voice a needy gasp. "Please. I want your marks on me. I want to wear proof of our time mating."

He nodded, his expression darkening with a mixture of need and desire. He leaned down, his lips finding the unmarked side of my neck. He kissed and nuzzled the skin there before biting down hard, his teeth sinking into the flesh. I hummed a little that turned into a moan with how Sidon was moving. When he detached he lapped up any little blood that may have been drawn and kissed it gently before I kissed his lips once then turning my attention to his neck finding an unmarked part that wasn’t from last night.

He sighed softly as my lips found his skin, his body shuddering as he felt my teeth sink into him. I nipped and sucked at the thick scales, wanting to leave my mark on his skin as well. He hummed, his eyes fluttering closed as I marked his skin. He kept a possessive hold on my hip, his claws digging into my flesh as he felt my teeth on his skin. He let out a soft moan, his body arching into me reflexively.

"Goddess above, you’re so beautiful, my love," he murmured, his voice hoarse and thick with desire. "Your touch is so good, it makes me shiver. You do not think it but I can feel you mark me. Leave your indentation on my scales.” I continued to work his flesh, my teeth nipping and sucking on his skin. I couldn’t mark as deeply as he marked me, but I left my impressions. I bit and sucked on the scales a little harder than last night, hard enough to dent and leave little bruises.

He groaned loudly, his body trembling with desire as he felt me mark him, my teeth leaving their impression on his scales. "My love," he murmured, his voice ragged and hoarse. "You mark me so well. It feels so good. I can feel you claiming me, just like I did to you." I pulled back slightly, my teeth leaving his skin, but my mouth still close to him. I nuzzled his neck affectionately, my lips trailing over his scales. "Really? Was that enough?”

He chuckled softly, his hand running over my hair, his touch affectionate. "Oh, my precious pearl, it was more than enough. I can feel your mark on me, even if it's just a few indentations." He shifted his body so he was lying on his side again, pulling me with him. He held me close, his arms wrapped around me possessively. "Your mark will fade quickly, but mine will still be here," he murmured, his hand tracing the mark on my shoulder.

He shifted his body so he was lying on his side again, pulling me with him. He held me close, his arms wrapped around me possessively. "Your mark will fade quickly, but mine will still be here and your scent will be on me.” He murmured, his hand tracing the mark on my shoulder.

——————-

For the remaining two days that were spent in our chambers. Food was brought to us when we asked for it, the only time we left the bed was to clean up ourselves or if nature called. Every moment we weren’t sleeping, we were tangled in each other’s arms, wrapped up in each other’s presence. We spent our time kissing, touching, and exploring each other’s bodies. There was no rush and no hesitation, just the deep need and desire that burned between us. We were completely consumed by each other, and the bond between us only grew stronger with each passing hour.

At times, we would talk, about everything and nothing. We shared stories of our pasts and our dreams for the future. We laughed and joked and made each other laugh. We held each other close and whispered words of love and affection. We savored every moment we had together, knowing that our time alone was limited and that soon we would have to return to our duties and responsibilities.

But for those two days, we existed in a world of our own, a world where nothing else mattered but the love we had for each other.

And when the time came to leave, we both felt a pang of sadness at having to separate. As I dressed in my clothes and Sidon in his regalia, both of us preparing to return to the real world, Sidon turned to me and took me in his arms. He held me close, his expression a mix of love and longing. "I don't want to leave," he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "I want to stay here with you forever, secluded and away from the world."

I wrapped my arms around him, my body pressing against his. "I know," I replied, my voice soft and filled with the same longing. "But we have duties and responsibilities to attend to. You’re a King and I should check in with Zelda. We can't stay here forever, much as I wish we could." Sidon sighed, his grip on me tightening. "I know you're right," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "It just feels like we were starting to really explore what we have here, and now we have to put it on hold again."

I leaned into him, tilting my head up to look at him. "We'll have more moments like this," I reassured him, my voice gentle and soft. "And this was just the beginning. We have our whole lives ahead of us, my love. There will be many more of these days to come." He gave a small smile, his expression softening slightly at my words.

"You're right, my love. We will have more time together, even if it's in stolen moments. And every moment I have with you makes the waiting worth it.
Sidon leaned down and kissed my forehead tenderly, his hands running over my back. "Thank you for always being the voice of reason," he joked softly.

I chuckled, my arms wrapped around his waist. "Someone has to balance out your impulsivity, my love," I teased, my voice affectionate and teasing. "I wouldn't want you running off and making bold decisions without talking to me first."

Sidon huffed in mock-offense, his eyes narrowing as he playfully pouted at me. "I'll have you know, I am perfectly capable of making good decisions on my own, thank you very much," he said, his tone light with a hint of amusement. I hummed. “Mhmm, sometimes.”

He feigned outrage, his eyes widening comically. "Just sometimes?" he repeated, his expression exaggeratedly offended. "I am insulted, my pearl. My decisions are nothing but splendid and well-thought-out." I chuckled, unable to keep myself from teasing him. "Are you sure about that?" I asked, my voice filled with playful humor. "Because I remember a certain incident involving a lynel and a very unwise idea."

“That was not my fault. And you didn’t get hurt did you?” He recalled. I rolled my eyes at the memory, remembering the near-death incident all too well. "No, I didn't get hurt," I replied with a sigh. "But that doesn't mean your decision wasn't foolish. You could have been killed, you idiot."

He had the grace to look sheepish as I scolded him, his expression shifting from playful to chagrined. "I know, I know. It was a stupid decision and I should have known better," he said, his voice apologetic. "But you know me, my pearl. I'm not always the most careful when it comes to self-preservation."

"I know all too well," I replied, though my tone was affectionate. I reached up, poking him lightly on his crest. "Which is why I'm glad I'm here to rein you in. Otherwise, you'd go off and get yourself killed trying to fight a gleeok with a stick. And I am not having you around deathly electricity again.”

"Hey, my fighting skills are top-notch, thank you very much," he protested, his usual playfulness returning. "I could totally take a gleeok with a stick if I really wanted to." I chuckled. “Stick to your spear and trident, love.”

He let out a mock scoff, pretending to be offended. "Are you doubting my skills, my pearl?" he asked, his tone amused. "I'll have you know, I could totally take on an entire pack of lynels with just my bare hands." I rolled my eyes at his bravado. "And then you'd end up getting gored and trampled on the ground before you even landed a single blow," I countered, shaking my head in exasperation. "You wouldn't last a minute against a lynel without a weapon. I would know. Now, come on. I’m starving.”

He chuckled, his expression fond. "You have so little faith in me, my love," he said, his voice filled with mock-pouty. "But... I suppose you have a point. I'm rather fond of my scales not being impaled by a lynel's horns."

He took my hand, lacing his fingers with mine. "Come then, let's go get some food."