His Champion (Sidlink)

Apart

Link's P.O.V.
            My vision faded in. I looked around, stone walls surrounding me. The air was thick and musty, but it wasn't too bad. I turned to my right, there were stairs leading down onto the docks. Two lizalfos stood down there. To my left was a tunnel, the light slowly fading within it.
         I sighed, turning left, lighting my torch before hand, then setting off down the path. I held the torch in front of me. I stopped and took out my sheikah slate. There was no time shown, and while inside I have no way of telling what time of day it was. I'm guessing that it was almost night fall?
         I flipped to the map, checking my paths. I flicked it off and returned it to its place on my hip. I skunk through the tunnels, trying to kept quiet. I eventually came to a dead end. What seemed to be a metal sheet stood in my way.
         I used my sheikah slate to move it, and I entered the library. The air was thick and musty, it smelt of mold and rot. I made a disgusted noise in my throat.
        Boy, do I remember this library well. My memories have been coming back slowly but surely since I woke up. This library was beautiful in its prime. The sun streamed in through windows high on the walls, elegant banners hung from the balconies, and the whole place smelt of books and warmth. There were plush chairs on the balconies and the books were amazing.
         Seeing this place like this made me impossibly angry. I was furious, and I know that it wouldn't do any good, but I was absolutely seething.
          Ganon did this. He ruined so many lives. He killed all my past friends, and he imprisoned Zelda for a hundred years. This is bullshit.
          I snapped back to reality when a lizalfos hit me with the blunt end of its sword. I cried out, stumbling back a little. It croaked at me, jumping back as I drew my master sword. The ancient blade shone against Ganon's evil power.
        I made short work of the lizalfos in the room. I am ashamed to admit that in my anger I was brutal. I stoped, the sudden silence and emptiness crashing down on me. One hundred years ago this library would have been far from silent. There would have been the soft rustle of pages as people turned pages, enthralled in their own private adventures. There would be the soft padding of feet against the carpet as people looked for their next book. The scribble of quills as scholars took excited notes after just having a breakthrough.
         This library was always far from quiet. There were times that Zelda and I had been here alone. Late at night, when Zelda shook me awake excitedly after having an important thought. We would sneak down past the guards and into the silent library. Soon the sounds of us looking for books, laughing, and Zelda scribbling quick notes would fill the room. It wouldn't seem so big and daunting, because nothing seems as bad when with your best friend. The world seems like it might be an okay place, and it seems like everything will turn out right.
 
         Oh Hylia had we been wrong.

I walked to the opposite side of the room from where I came in. I pulled the other shelf from its place with my sheikah slate. I slipped in behind, a short tunnel leading off around a corner. I pulled the shelf back into place and walked down the path. This tunnel was all stone bricks, so I know it was different than the one I had been in before. I turned the corner, I came to a room with a few racks of royal weapons. I grabbed a sword, then sat against the wall. I looked across the room, I saw that one of those giant pillars had crashed through the wall as it rose. The red designs giving the room an eerie red glow. I sighed, pulling my bag off. I strapped the new sword to my bag, then I pulled my sleeping roll from it. I set it out, then sitting on it, by back against the wall. 
          I sighed again. I started to hum the song that Sidon sang to me at the feast. That night feels like it happened years ago. Strange that it has only been a couple of weeks at the most. I shuffled into my sleeping roll, taking my sheikah slate off and holding it close. I moved my master sword so it was close to my head. I started to doze off, the distant sound of thunder echoing through the sky.

Sidon's P.O.V.
           "Okay Lari, that should be good for now," I said warmly, "you are truly improving greatly,"
          Laruta's smile widened greatly. We had just finished a singing lesson, it was a little difficult for me because of the bandage around my torso, but I think that I did fine. Laruta, on the other hand, she is doing amazing. She must take after her parents a great deal.
          Both of them were amazing singers, they actually taught me to sing in the first place. They would always lighten the mood of the barracks by singing a happy song. They were just happy, down to earth Zoras.
          Laruta looked like she wanted to say something, but didn't know how to. I titled my head, smiling gently, "Lari dear, what's the matter?" I asked.
        She sighed, still looking a little troubled, "well, I was just wondering where mister Link went? You seem sad lately, and I was thinking that was why,"
         I sighed, she is really quite wise for her age, "well you are correct about me being a little sad, as you put it, about Link being gone. I am quite worried to be honest. He went off to fight Calamity Ganon, he's going to save Hyrule," I said. Laruta climbed onto my bed and sat, looking up at me with bright blue eyes.
           "Mister Link is fighting what?" She asked, her head tilting a little. Huh, she picked that up from me.
           "You know that you can just call him Link, sweetheart," I said jokingly, "but, Calamity Ganon is a horrible creature that threatened Hyrule one hundred years ago. Link and his best friend Zelda, the princes of Hyrule, were destined to appose Ganon, sealing him away for thousands of years. They failed though, one hundred years ago Ganon captured the Devine beasts and killed the champions piloting them. Lady Mipha, my sister, was piloting Vah Ruta. Link was defeated in battle, and on the princesses order, he was taken to the shrine of resurrection. There he slept, and alone the princess has been keeping Ganon at bay, waiting for Link to return to kill Ganon, once and for all," I stared off at the wall, lost in thought.
        Laruta looked deep in thought, "so Ruta was just possessed by C-Calamity Ganon, so that's why it was angry?" She  put a small hand to her mouth, "oh no, we were all saying so many mean thing about it. I feel so bad,"
         I chuckled, "lari, dear, Ruta can't hear us. It doesn't know that we were saying mean things,"
        She shook her head, "doesn't matter, it was still mean," she seemed set on this.
         I smiled at her, "well, the doctors say that I should get up and walk, so how about tomorrow, we take the path leading to where Ruta is now, and we go apologize. We can also camp out there beside it if you want," her face lit up and I laughed.
         She clapped her hands together, "really?" She asked excitedly. I nodded and she let out a happy squeal, "thank you siddy! Oh I've got to pack!" I chuckled at her excitement, looking outside.
        It was getting dark, "I'll walk you home, it's getting dark after all," I said shifting to the edge of the bed. I ached badly, that was for sure, but I knew I could stand if I wanted.
          Lari clapped excitedly, "wait I forgot! I made you something," she jumped from the bed and scampered to the chair by my bed. She grabbed a long package and handed it to me. It was kinda heavy, and it was long.
         I chuckled warmly and pulled the paper off. I pulled out a cane from the paper. It was wooden, painted with silver. There were swirls carved into in, and a soft blue fabric was wrapped around the handle.
         Laruta was smiling wide, "I carved it! King Dorephan told me about your leg, so I worked with the spear crafter and we made that cane for you!" She was so proud of what she's done.
        I smiled widely, showing my teeth, "thank you dear! I love it," I extended my arms for a hug. She laughed, practically jumping into my arms.
         I hugged her tight, then set her down, "Alright, this might take me a little bit," I said as I held the cane, using it to help pull myself from the bed.
           I rose to my full height, wobbling a little. I took a tentative step forward, my legs a little shaky from not using them. I went to move my left leg, the one that is injured, and I almost fell. My knee doesn't bend as much as I had wanted, and it felt almost stiff. I leaned heavily on the sturdy cane, grunting slightly as I took a step forward with my left leg.
           I laughed triumphantly, "well look at that," sure it was sorta hard to get used to, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.
          I managed to get into a semi normal walking pattern using my cane. Laruta was laughing and clapping. I ached, and it hurt pretty bad to move, but not enough to stop me.
            I stretched, my bones cracking. I sighed, happy to be back on my feet, "well, let's go pack your bag," I said, smiling wide.
          Laruta clapped and ran over, pushing open the door for me. I nodded a thanks to her, she giggled and followed through the door and into the hallway.
           The clicking of my cane echoed off of the silent walls of the infirmary. Most of the Domain would likely be heading to supper.
          "Hey Lari, wanna go get some dinner first?" I asked. She rubbed her belly and nodded. I chuckled and we headed toward the exit. We came to the front desk.
             The nurse smiled as we passed, "Do be careful Prince Sidon," she called as we walked out the door. I have her a thumbs up and turned the corner towards the dining hall. I linked as fast as I could, trying to keep up to laruta's pace. She soon noticed me struggling and slowed down. I was secretly grateful.
           We walked into the dining hall. It went very quiet, I waved to everyone, and they cheered a little. I laughed, putting on my prince face, and limping over to two empty seats beside my father.
            "Good evening father," I said cheerfully as I pulled out Laruta's chair for her. She sat down, and I soon sat in my own chair.
            My father smiled, "good evening. I see that you got the gift the Laruta made for you,"
           Some waiters came out and set food in front of us. I didn't pay much attention to what it was, but I took a huge spoonful.
          "Sorry, yes I did. I do love it," I said, smiling down to Laruta. She was shoving the food into her mouth too.
          I ate slower as I talked with my father and other Zora around the table. I was soon finished, and so was Laruta. She seemed content enough to stay and talk, she had made friends with the Zora beside her.
          I was laughing at a joke that someone made when someone called out, "Prince Sidon? Are you and master Link together?" A lot of conversation died, they had all wanted to know the answer to this for a while. 
          "Are we truly that bad at keeping secrets?" I joked, I could feel a blush starting to rise to my cheeks.
          My father laughed heartily, "that is exactly what Link asked," Zora around the table laughed too.
         I sighed, putting my face in my hands, "of course he did," I mumbled. I sat up again, addressing the room, "and yes, if it is okay with the Zora gathered here, I was planning on purposing to Link when he returns," there were a couple shocked gasps, but the overall energy of the room wasn't bad.
          My father spoke up first, "on behalf of everyone here, I think that it would be a wonderful idea. It's no secret that the little Hylian makes you happy, just bringing him up in a conversation makes you light up. I shall give you the Zora sapphire so you may properly propose to link," there was the hymn of agreement through the table.
         I smiled wide, "thank you father," my father chuckled and shook his head. I looked to Laruta, then back to my father, "Alright, we should be going. It's been great seeing everyone," I stood uneasily, leaning most of my weight on my left on the cane. Laruta stood too, leading the way out of the dining hall.
            We walked in silence for a little while, then Laruta spoke, "you and Link are boyfriends?" She asked a little shyly.
             "Well technically we are engaged," I chuckled, "Link sorta just told me that we are getting married when he gets back for fighting Ganon," 
         Laruta looked confused, but nodded anyways. I laughed a little. We made it to the edge of the platform we were on. The houses of the Zora were down under the water, the only reason mine isn't is because I need to live in the palace. Laruta dove down first, splashing into the water below. I hummed, I wonder how this is going to work.
          I hung onto my cane tight as I jumped rather clumsily from the ledge. I splashed ungracefully into the water. The water is my strong suit, please let me be able to get this under control. I paddled to the surface where Laruta was waiting. It was easier to swim than to walk, thank Hylia.
          "Follow me," she said as she disappeared into the water. I went under too, looking for her luminous scales. Every Zora has them, they are typically on our crests, tails, and arms. These scales shine in the dark so that other Zora will be able to see you, and the glow attracts fish.
          I spotted her, I swam over to her, and she set off into the dark water. The water was cool, and getting darker and darker as the sun set. We made to the makeshift hut that Laruta and I had made. She went in, it was too small for me. She soon came out with a bag draped over her shoulder. I pointed up and she nodded. We both swam up and to the surface. We both surfaced and swam there for a minute.
           "Swimming seems easier," Laruta said bluntly.
           I nodded, "it's still a little difficult because my leg doesn't was to bend much, but it's better than walking. With swimming I can adapt to move so I won't need to bend my leg without it looking awkward. With walking you rely on your legs working properly," I shrugged. Laruta nodded, then making a follow me motion as she swam to a waterfall. She swam up quickly, getting to the top. I clutched my cane even tighter as I swam up to the waterfall.
         The heavy drum of water now seemed threatening. I took a deep breath then swam up. It took a little trial and error, but I made it to the top. I jumped from the water, lading with a heavy thump, and then stumbling. I put down my cane and leaned on it.
          "Okay, we can go to my room, and you can stay there tonight if you want," I suggested. Laruta nodded, "sleepover!"
         I chuckled and nodded as well. We set off to my room. We fell into comfortable silence, the only noise was the click of my cane. We soon came to my room. I pushed the door open, I sighed, the air was a little stale. Laruta scampered in and sat on a plush chair. She then got up and went to my wardrobe.
            She pointed up at it, "what's this?" She asked.
             I chuckled, "it's my wardrobe. All my clothes are in there," I noticed that my bag was beside the door. Link must have brought it back. Laruta nodded and ran to the bed, flopping down.
         I snorted, walking over to the window and opening it. I then went over to the bed pushing Laruta over. She giggled and made room for me. I got under the blanket, resting my cane against the wall beside my bed. Lari snuggled under my blanket and soon fell asleep. I sighed and laughed, laying down.
          It took a while to fall asleep. It was hard when I felt like an invisible hand was clamped around my heart. I couldn't stop worrying about Link.
          He was the last thing I thought about before I fell asleep. I was tormented by nightmares all night.

Link's P.O.V.
        I woke up with a cold breeze washing over me and a sore back. I sat up and stretched, my bones cracking and popping. I ran a hand through my hair, brushing it down and back into the elastic. I sighed heavily, attaching my sheikah slate to my hip. I grabbed my sword and slung my bag over my shoulder. I packed up my bed roll and set off again.
         I slipped back into the library, then up some stairs. I checked my map, planning out a path to the sanctum, where Ganon is. I had to go back outside, but from this path I could get outside to the path I need.
          I trekked through the ruined castle, trying not to look around much, so I didn't spark any memories. I walked out into a full sunlight. I squinted around, trying to get my bearings on where I was. I remembered the place, Zelda's room was just around that corner over there.
         My feet started carrying me. I didn't want to see what Zelda's room had been reduced to, but I needed to see it again. I climbed up a set of stairs, and I pushed open the door to Zelda's room. The door complained loudly as it swung on its rusty hinges. A moblin stood up, looking surprised that I was there. I let out a cry of anger and made short work of the surprised enemy.
          It fell to the ground, it's black blood staining the ruined carpet. I made a disgusted noise and grabbed the creature by its leg. I dragged it from the room and pushed it over the balcony. I went back into Zelda's room.
         It was a mess, and not in the way I would have described it a hundred years ago. The carpet was rotting and it smelled of mold. The extravagant bed had collapsed, and some of the wall above it too. The fireplace was cold and lifeless, like the rest of the room. I looked around, trying desperately to remember more. I saw Zelda's desk, I walked quickly over to it. Some of her research had survived, and her journal had too. I grabbed the loose papers that were still legible and tucked them into her journal. I put them carefully into my bag, and returned to looking on the desk. I pulled open a drawer, i gasped loudly.
          I pulled out the painting of Zelda and I that impa painted for us so long ago. I had my arm around Zelda's shoulders and we were both laughing. Zelda was doubled over a little, and her golden hair shone in the sun. I had my hair braided, I remember that Zelda used to braid my hair all the time.
          Impa had taken the picture on the sheikah slate, then as we slept in Kakariko that night, she painted this. The drawer must have kept this safe all these years. I smiled, tears springing to my eyes. I tucked the picture carefully into my bag. I turned to the desk again, pulling open drawers. There wasn't much in the others, just an old hairbrush and some ruined papers.
           I reached the last drawer, but it was locked. I pulled harder, but it wouldn't budge. I tore up the already ruined room looking for a key, but couldn't find it. I'd have to ask Zelda when I defeat Ganon.
          I sighed and set off again. I need to not waste time. I walked for a long time, I was eventually almost to the sanctum. I stopped, ducking into a cave, I needed sleep before I fight Ganon. I laid out my bed roll, and quickly got in. I wiggled down as far as I could and fell into an uneasy sleep.