ZORA'S CHAMPION

It’s been some time since you returned to Spirale and now, have found yourself in Link’s home. It was reminiscent of his home in Hateno, with some modifications here and there of course. It filled you with bittersweet longing when you saw the weapons of your fallen companions, of the other Champions who fought alongside you. When you entered Link’s home, he seemed to quietly stand beside you as you stepped towards each display, your heart aching. You missed them all dearly and the fact that they weren’t with you here made you feel a twinge of guilt. When you came across your own trident, you thought about the trials you had to endure, the century of agonized waiting until Link reappeared and freed you from the chains that bound you to the Calamity. 

Even before you left, you thought about your connection to the past and your strange existence here. It was unsettling but the opportunity gave you time to reflect on how to better your time here. Surely your fellow Champions would not want you to spend it worrying about the whys and instead, should celebrate a second chance at happiness. You knew this because this was your thoughts exactly when it came to Link and his own life. His hopes, his dreams, his frustrations and pains–he’s experienced so much in the 100 years since your demise and the time he’s spent here. You decided he was at a place far beyond the scope of responsibilities as the Chosen Hero. Those days were long behind him. Link had done his part…now it was his turn to heal. 

there’s no one else really like her, after all.

Even now, he still wants you around...so why was there also that twinge of guilt again? You’ve contemplated it long enough. The feelings that you felt for him could only truly be described as love, right? You loved him, dearly, in a way you doubted you could feel for anyone else. Your time together only deepened that sentiment and with each passing moment, that feeling only ever grew and grew but...

...but it wasn’t fair to him to feel this all on your own. To daydream and hope for more when he finally had his chance to move on. That’s what you thought, anyway. You had to believe that or else you couldn’t move on. It’s better this way, you think. Better if you finally stopped holding him back, once and for all. You knew he might never feel the same way towards you, knew that he’d always put others before him and if ever the princess were to return here--that he’d faithfully tend to her side, keeping her safe from the perils of this world. 

If there was one thing you two shared in common, it was your sheer determination– no matter the obstacle, no matter how long or far, once you set your mind to something it was difficult to get out of. You knew the path to his apartment well, no matter what part of the city you took. There were all too familiar buildings and smells and soon enough, you were on the same street with your heart and mind racing. 

Would he be here? What would he say– what would you say? How much would you have to apologize before it was enough? 

As you took a step towards it, you notice him trying to…to enter into his room through the window? Had he forgotten his keys? The sight startles you for a moment, catching you off guard as you try to find the words to say…but before you could, he’s barreling towards you and for a brief moment, you see a flash in his eyes. 

He’s strong, always have been, and he suddenly lifts you, twirling you with ease. You feel yourself go warm and tense, surprised even more by his sudden embrace and the feeling of your heart skipping beats leaves you speechless. Sure you had silly daydreams about this–but you never expected it to happen! 

Eventually, Link puts you down but doesn’t pull away. You’re glad he’s close–for multiple reasons–but mostly that he couldn’t see how flushed your face probably was. With tender affection, your smaller arms manage to return the hug, turning your head slightly to rest your head on his shoulder. You smile, unable to contain the bliss you feel at your reunion.

“Mm. Yes, I am back. I hope I did not make you wait too long, Link.” 

he didn’t imagine he was capable of being this grateful. her return back to him more than he could have asked for, even if he doesn’t know how she did. these decisions were out of their control, and he’s unfortunately grown more attached to this island than he’d thought. maybe, precisely because it gives him this chance. but he also remembers how it was when he returned home, not what happened during that year-long period he was there, but how he didn’t remember anything of his time in the other city.

he didn’t mind it so much then, but if he did go back, he didn’t want to forget their time here together. wouldn’t that be cruel?

she returns the gesture, so he closes his eyes. he doesn’t want anything else right now, because all he’s ever wanted is in his arms. he knew this before. all of his steps careful and calculated and focused on one thing, knowing he couldn’t stray from this, no matter how selfish his own wants. no—exactly because it was selfish. so he smothered the feelings down. so he ignored them. so he looked towards the big picture, the reason he’d push for anything else in the first place. he’s broken a lot of habits since arriving here, but others filled the gaps in their place.

and when his eyes well up with tears, he’s not exactly sure why. he was really happy — so maybe it’s just that, joy overflowing. despite his crying, he laughs.

Without careful thought, you reach up to wipe his tears away as they fell, returning his shaky laugh with a reassuring smile of your own. He promises to always wait and your heart skips yet another beat, but at the mention to his apartment...you blink in surprise. He didn’t live there anymore? If that was the case then what was he doing here...? You were so caught off guard by just how bizarre the sight was that you couldn’t help but cover your giggle, turning you face away to hide your amusement.

Had he always been this endearing?

(You know he has, of course he has, but you never thought you’d ever see it again.) 

“ I have no reason to believe you were doing any nefarious but...ehehe. I’m just glad I was the one that saw instead of anyone on patrol.” You muse playfully before reluctantly pulling away, knowing that you’d have to break your embrace eventually. 

Once again, you found yourself here.

Once again, you were given a physical form. 

You stared at your hands, this time shaking in comparison to the first time you arrived here to Spirale. You recalled your time here but you also remember leaving and then, there was nothing but stillness and peace. When you were back home, you recalled nothing of your time in this strange world. It was as if all memories of this place had never existed…but you were here. You remembered everything upon arrival and there was no denying the time you spent here. So why…?

Why had you returned? 

You were at a loss for words and while you usually were composed and well thought out, you found yourself embittered and embarrassed. You made a promise to stay by his side–you asked if you could and he said yes. 

The moment you think of Link, you look up and around. Was he still trapped here? Had he been alone all this time…? 

“Link…” 

part of this routine is to visit old places, just in case, maybe, he’ll run into lost faces again. he visits no longer than a few minutes and often around the times they were there most. he does this to save time, but knows each deserves the same chance. each except for the absences that weigh the heaviest. the ones that he carries with him in every space, uncomfortably hovering — and sometimes he forgets they’re there. for these, he spends a little longer in those places. as if every nerve and muscle and vein and core of his soul were reaching for something he didn’t think would be filled again.

he’s not allowed inside anymore, not since all of the prior roommates he had left ( —whether back home, or to a new apartment, he doesn’t imagine he’ll find out. ) which is why he’s taken to climbing up and through the window of his old room, currently vacant, and always unnoticed. he’s about halfway in, one leg on it’s way inside while the other is pushing him forward to enter; but he stops.

and he feels rapidfire waves centered from his chest spread down to his fingers — butterflies, of course, but more strongly than he’s felt them before. he can’t tell if it’s anxiety mixed with uncertainty mixed with the feelings that always accompanied him when it came to her. whatever combination it is, it’s constant, it doesn’t slow down even when he’s back on the ground, even when he’s close, even closer still when his arms are wrapped around her and lifting her up with enough momentum that almost takes the both of them over and onto the pavement; he catches his balance before then, using this momentum to spin a few circles forward with her and recenter himself.

when he settles her footing back on the ground soon after that, he doesn’t remove his arms. he doesn’t want to. he’s waited too long, let the moment slip from underneath him when he’d had the chance the last time and thought that that was it. no do-over. no rewind button to give him that chance again. he tightens his grip with the next breath he takes, deep in the hopes of calming himself down. the waves don’t stop, but his trembling does.

Would he be here? What would he say-- what would you say? How much would you have to apologize before it was enough? 

As you took a step towards it, you notice him trying to...to enter into his room through the window? Had he forgotten his keys? The sight startles you for a moment, catching you off guard as you try to find the words to say...but before you could, he’s barreling towards you and for a brief moment, you see a flash in his eyes. 

He’s strong, always have been, and he suddenly lifts you, twirling you with ease. You feel yourself go warm and tense, surprised even more by his sudden embrace and the feeling of your heart skipping beats leaves you speechless. Sure you had silly daydreams about this--but you never expected it to happen! 

Eventually, Link puts you down but doesn’t pull away. You’re glad he’s close--for multiple reasons--but mostly that he couldn’t see how flushed your face probably was. With tender affection, your smaller arms manage to return the hug, turning your head slightly to rest your head on his shoulder. You smile, unable to contain the bliss you feel at your reunion.

“Ah, well yes, I feel the same way. It always seems with each eclipse, more people come and go from all sorts of worlds…” The Zora muses alongside the other, realizing she’s still a strange figure here. The feeling will probably never go away, but it was nice to meet someone courteous at least.

“My name is Mipha. I’m a Zora–an aquatic race from a world called Hyrule. And yourself, Miss…?” 

     ☾ At the stranger’s somewhat timid response, the goddess can’t help but smile lightly at her now. In a way, the stranger reminds Hecate a bit of a girl she’s protective of back in Olympus… If only in supposed personality. As noted moments prior, this girl’s appearance is unlike any other being the divine being has seen before.

     ❝ A ‘Zora’, hm? Yes, that’s definitely something I haven’t heard of before, along with ‘Hyrule’, ❞

     ❝ Oh, but where are my manners? My name is Hecate, ❞ she places a gloved hand on her chest for a moment, offering Mipha another smile. This should be fine, she thinks; to introduce herself more freely to the mortals of this realm. So many of them seem to be unaware of who she is or her true nature, anyway…

The other woman’s courteous responses puts Mipha at ease, knowing the other harbors no ill intent. Even with both their strange appearances, the Zora knows best not to judge someone based on their appearance. Hecate was lovely, radiating a mature and composed allure to her. Even Mipha could appreciate the aesthetic. 

“I would love to tell you all about my world and people, but perhaps some other time. It would be best to help get you settled here so that you can get adjusted.” 

She offers her suggestion, offering a kind smile as she looks down to her broach, placing a hand over it before covering her mouth in a polite laugh.

      ☾ ❝ Well, well, well! It’s not everyday I encounter something that even I have yet to see, ❞ or at the very least, within the mortal realm. While there are, of course, various plants and the like she needs to study, Hecate has never seen a being quite like this stranger before, even in Olympus.

“Ah, well yes, I feel the same way. It always seems with each eclipse, more people come and go from all sorts of worlds...” The Zora muses alongside the other, realizing she’s still a strange figure here. The feeling will probably never go away, but it was nice to meet someone courteous at least.

that was the question left standing in shinobu’s mind as violet hues flickered over to the zora, a sight to behold - beauty with a sharp edge, it only took the demon slayer a few seconds to realise she would definitely be out of her comfort zone should a clash of steel occur.

  so instead she faintly hums, foot steps as light as air - shinobu would be surprised if the other heard her approach.

    “ my, you’re out rather late! are you on a snack run too, perhaps? “ a hand covers shinobu’s mouth and she feigns a faint amount of fear “ i often get so worried going out by myself it gives me goosebumps! you must be so brave “ whilst it wasn’t exactly a lie, the insect pillar did always stand on the side of caution, she knew she could handle whatever was thrown at her. 

   “ mm … it really is the time of night where one craves something sweet, not that my body will thank for me for it afterwards ahaha! “

When a young woman appears before her, and starts a seemingly pleasant conversation, Mipha feels at ease. She doesn’t have a reason to fight anyone, at least she hasn’t found one, and the other seemed genuine enough. 

“I am not too worried...I try to keep to my same paths, as to not startle anyone so late into the night. I’m quite a sight, I’d imagine, but most others have seen me around and pay me no mind.” She laughs gently, still adjusting to the fact that she was the only one of her kind here.