I was thinking about posting my one-shots here!
Based off the Age of Calamity side quest, Lauding a Champion (the Japanese version!)
In Japanese, once completed, the side quest says "Illuminating in the light of the luminous stone, Mipha's figure was even more beautiful than usual." And since the quests are written in Link's point of view (in Japanese only, again.) that means he said that!
Anyways, here it is:
Lauding a Champion
Link watched his reflection in the water before he broke the surface. Under the water, he searched for a hint of light. The water slightly blurring his vision, so Link squinted to confirm that what he was seeing was, in fact, what he was searching for. He raised to the surface quickly to catch his breath, before diving below once again. He swam with gentle strokes towards the bottom of the lake, towards the soft, turquoise light. He took the stone carefully into his hands, and the glow lit up his face.
A smile grew across his lips and bubbles managed to escape the part between them. He took it as a sign that he was running out of air. He placed the stone in his pouch and returned to the surface once more. It was harder to see above water, as the sky was covered in darkness, small star specks shining brightly. At least, the night made it easier to find the stones. But it also meant that Link was running out of time. The ceremony was going to start in a few hours, and everyone was relying on him to bring the stones.
Yeah, sure, he’ll do it because they asked him, but mainly, he was doing this for Mipha. He couldn’t wait to see her face when she saw the surprise they had planned.
Link looked up at the sky, and his smile grew as he pictured the look on her face. Her reaction alone would be reward enough. But he must hurry! He still had to get to the domain quick enough to finish his own gift for her. It was something he was sure she would absolutely adore.
The blonde-haired boy dove back into the warm water and looked around to see if he could find anymore stones in the area. It wasn’t the familiar glow of the stone, but something else caught his eye. Link swam towards the item and took it in his hands. It was a small, smooth, pink shell. It instantly reminded Link of her. He put the shell in his pouch and continued to search for more stones. It was either search in the water or scale cliffs to the ore deposits.
Link enjoyed climbing, more than many of his other hobbies, but the rage he felt when he broke an ore deposit just for the ore to fall straight into the water below… he didn’t want to experience it on such a lovely night. He didn’t have to collect many more, perhaps two or three, so thankfully it wouldn’t be too long before he could head back to the domain to congratulate his dear friend.
He searched for a few more moments before returning to the surface. He sighed quietly to himself and swam to shore. He climbed onto land and sat down.
His muscles were quite sore, but nothing he couldn’t handle. He just wished he could be done, so he could return to Zora’s Domain. HIs eyes drifted aimlessly at the night sky, and traced the outline of the towering mountains. The views in Lanayru were incredible! He became lost in thought, when suddenly, his eyes caught onto a crimson figure in the not too far distance, mixed with the light of the torquoise glow. Link’s eyes widened and the corners of his lips tugged as he rose to his feet.
He followed the bridge across to where the figure was standing, and snuck up behind them.
“Hey.” He whispered, making the person jump. When she turned around, her amber eyes met his blue. Her startled expression eased as a warm smile danced on her lips.
“Link.” Mipha sighed in relief. “You startled me.”
“My sincerest apologies, Princess.” Link bowed, and Mipha giggled. Her giggle was so soft and innocent. So pure and so… beautiful. “Whatare you doing out here at this time? Especially without an escort…”
“Oh, Link.” The Zora Princess looked down as her expression softened. “How like you to worry about others. All is well, I just wanted to go on a… midnight stroll. It’s not like I’m too far from the domain.” She tapped the trident in her hands. “And besides, I can handle myself.”
“I know you can, Princess. But it’s dangerous to be alone at night. Besides, can’t a man worry for the safety of his loved ones?”
Mipha’s cheeks warmed at his final words. “I suppose. But know that I would never knowingly put myself into any danger.”
“Good. I couldn’t bare the thought of you getting hurt.” Link tapped his foot on the ground mindlessly. It helped him calm his nerves. Wait, was he nervous? Why was he nervous. Realising what he was doing, Link stilled himself, then chuckled awkwardly.
“What are you doing out here, Link?”
“Uh…” Quick, think of something! “The same as you. I needed to get some fresh air.”
“Oh, good! Join me!” Mipha hopped over to the edge of the shore, sat with her legs dangling into the water, and patted the ground beside her. Link chuckled and sat beside her. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
Link smiled sweetly and leaned into her, closing his eyes as well. It was no romantic gesture, just two best friends hanging out. At least, physically. Mipha’s heart was racing, and Link was biting his bottom lip. Yeah, just two dorks, trying not to turn as red as hearty raddish.
“I’m so proud of you, Mipha.”
“Thank you, Link. Becoming a champion… It’s one of my greatest wishes. And to be able to fight beside your side…” Her eyes met his. “I’m honored.”
Then there was silence. The pair stared at each other, lost in each other's eyes. Link cleared his throat quietly and broke their gaze. MIpha bit her lips together and tried to stop the flush from appearing on her cheeks. What was it she was feeling at the moment? Was it… l—
“Goddesses...” Link swore under his breath. Mipha turned to the boy and cocked her head to the side in confusion.
“Are you alright?!”
“Yeah… I just scratched my hand on the rock…” Link held out his hand to show Mipha the cut. It wasn’t too deep, but it was still bleeding pretty badly. Mipha smiled and placed one hand under his, then the other hovering slightly above. A pale blue light appeared, surrounding her palm.
“Didn’t even hesitate, did you?” Link chuckled. “Always helping others…”
“Just like you. You might not heal wounds… but you’re always so determined to help people in need.” The gash disappeared, and Mipha clasped her hands around his hand. “What would we do without you, Link?”
Link’s eyes shot open when he remembered what he was meant to be doing. He stood up, and Mipha looked up at him in confusion.
“Oh? Is something wrong?” She asked.
“Huh? O-oh, yeah! I just… you reminded me of something I had to do.” Link said, scanning the area across the lake for luminous stone. “Do you… know of any way to get luminous stone, fast?”
MIpha chuckled. “Link, behind you.” Link turned around and mentally facepalmed when he saw three luminous stone deposits huddled together. He completely forgot about those. “I absolutely adore their glow, but if you need them for something, go ahead and take them.”
Link smiled. “Thank you.”
With the stones he got from the deposit, he had more than enough stones now. He told Mipha to meet him at the Domain soon. Without another word, he hugged her and quickly returned to the domain.
With all the decorations in place, the food prepared, and the luminous stone adding a lovely splash of colour to the plaza, Link anxiously awaited for Mipha’s return.
He was tapping his foot again, biting his nails anxiously, gripping his gift for her tightly in his hand. Dento approached the boy, who was sitting on the stairs to the Throne Room- a great view of the domain- and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Well done, boy. I’m sure Mipha will be thrilled.”
Link nodded, he sure hoped so. But now that he knew that she ‘adored their glow’ he was even more sure. Dento returned the nod and headed up the stairs to the Throne Room.
The Hylian gazed off into the distance, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw the red Zora beginning to cross the bridge to the domain. Link hopped to his feet, a huge smile appearing on his lips. He ran down the stairs and hurried to the plaza.
“She’s here!” He shouted, but not so loud that she could hear him. The busy chatter ended, and everyone frantically ran around the domain to find a hiding place. Link looked down at the item in his hand and took a deep breath. He was the only one that wasn’t in hiding when Mipha approached.
She looked around in confusion, but mainly in awe at all of the decorations. When she finally looked at Link, she asked, “Link, where is everyone? What’s with all these decorations?”
3… 2… 1…
“SURPRISE!” The domain erupted in cheering and applause, and Mipha looked around, terrified. When she finally understood what was happening, she began laughing.
“What is all of this?”
“It’s for you!” Link beamed.
The Zora Princesses eyes widened. “R-really…?”
Link nodded. “Yeah! And… I… I made something… for you…” Link held out his palm, and on it lays a charm of some sort. “It’s… it’s a bracelet.”
Mipha’s cheeks warmed as she took it in her hands. It had the same pink shell that Link found earlier, as well as beads of luminous stone. She held it to her hand and said, “thank you, Link. I absolutely love it.” She pulled Link into a hug, and he squeezed her tightly. And I love you, Link.
When they pulled away, Link took her hand and led her up the stairs to the Throne Room, which was decorated with a ton of luminous stone. The moment she stepped in, It was as if she was glowing herself.
Link noticed that, Illuminating in the glow of the stones, the Zora Princesses figure was even more beautiful than usual.
Yeah, he was paying attention to her beauty. He always had been.
