Fi's Return

Chapter 1: The Sword That Seals The Darkness

Evening had fallen when Mipha's magic returned Link to the entrance of Zora Domain. He could feel the slight change to his body, now that he had been gifted with her healing ability, "Mipha's Grace", as it had been dubbed. Jogging up the stairs, he was surprised at the large crowds that were gathered. The group of Zora split quickly allowing him to easily reach the throne room.

"Link! You did well to survive your trial! I have been awaiting your return!" King Dorephan said as the Hylian Champion drew near. "The violent downpour has disappeared, as has the threat to Zora's Domain! It is all little more than a bad dream now. Thanks to your efforts, there is no longer any danger of a great flood laying waste to Hyrule! You appeased the Divine Beast Vah Ruta and thusly saved Zora's Domain! We are all truly grateful! What you did for us is more than we could have ever expected of you."

Muzu's voice came from Link's left. "Link... I must sincerely apologize for my harsh treatment of you. That whole time, you were thinking of Hyrule's and Lady Mipha's well-being, just like the rest of us. All of the members of our council humbly fold our fins back in gratitude, along with the rest of our people," the elder Zora paused. "Perhaps the older generation of Zora, myself included, misunderstood Hylians after all. It would seem so. That said, I would be overjoyed if you could find it in your heart to forgive me. If not now, then perhaps one day."

The Hylian gave a small nod of acknowledgement, and opened his mouth to address Muzu, but the Zora King interrupted him.

"Link! I must reward your efforts! Now then, I implore you to collect the treasure inside that chest over there. It was cherished by Mipha. A memento of sorts. I would like you to have it as a token of our friendship. Please take good care of it."

The Champion nodded again. "Thank you, I shall do my best."

"By the way, Link. I see that you are without your trusty blade... the sword that seals the darkness. Did you perhaps lose it when you lost your memory?"

"What sword?" the blond youth was slightly confused.

"Hm. So you have forgotten that as well... That is the legendary blade that only you, the Hylian Champion, can wield. It is no doubt resting somewhere in Hyrule even now... waiting for its master to return." The King was deep in thought for a moment, pondering this, then shook his head, snapping back to the present. "Link, all of the Zora thank you from the depths of our hearts for your heroic and selfless work.... And you too, Sidon," he said, addressing his son. "As your father, I am proud of you for fighting the Divine Beast alongside Link. You have grown much recently. I know you will be a worthy heir when your time comes."

The usually eloquent and exuberant Zora Prince was rendered nearly speechless. "Father... I... Thank you!" he stammered.

King Dorephan continued. "The heavy rains have stopped, and the Divine Beast is our ally once again. How glorious! Truly splendid! Wa ha ha ha!" he gave a low chuckle.

His father's chuckle helped bring Sidon back to his normal self. "Link! This is wonderful!" He gave his signature fin up with a glistening grin. He closed the distance and knelt in front of the Hylian, shaking his entire arm firmly. "Link! Thank you so much! Truly I could never thank you enough! You helped save our home from vanishing away! This calls for a top-tier expression of gratitude! ZO! ZO! RA! RA! RA!" He cheered, not willing to let go of Link's arm. "With all of my heart... Thank you!" He finally released him. Stepping backwards, the Zora Prince gave a deep bow at the waist in gratitude.

A loud, collective cheer arose from the Zoras gathered in the throne room. Link turned to face them, a soft blush on his cheeks from the attention. This was the fourth and final Divine Beast he had completed, and he'd received accolades from each nation. This was also the fourth time that the leader of the nation that he spoke to had referenced a specific sword. "The sword that seals the darkness" must be important. The memories he had regained thanks to the help of the photographs on the Sheikah Slate had all shown a specific sword that he carried, but he had no idea why he was the only one to wield it, or where he might find it. He needed to go and visit Impa again for more insight into the sword.