The Legend of Zelda: The Silent Princess

Here We Are Again

I held my hand above my brow as I stared up at Ruta. The light had faded from it, leaving the Divine Beast without a soul. Resting my hand down I looked over at Link and then at Prince Sidon, who offered to join us.

"Do you know what's wrong with it?" Sidon asked.

Gazing at Ruta, I imparted, "I can't be certain, but I think it needs another Champion to claim it. See, when Mipha first went inside Ruta it woke to her presence as soon as she touched the terminal. It was as if they had become one. None of the Champions controlled the Divine Beasts through programming like the Guardians. It was always through their willpower."

Sidon nodded, understanding what I meant, "So, a new Champion would be required to get Ruta running again. But is one necessary?"

I walked forward, placing my small hand on the massive beast before me. It was warm, yet lifeless to the touch. "I believe, that even though Calamity Ganon is gone, we should always have Champions over the Divine Beasts. It's unwise to not do so."

A silence grew as I closed my eyes, pressing my head on Ruta's rough stone. I heard Sidon move his way closer to the beast. I looked up to see him resting his hand on the beast as well.

"I think, Princess, it is my turn to follow my sister's steps."

My lips parted, stunned, "I . . . I can't put your people through that again! I'm sorry."

His hand closed into a fist and his yellow eyes stared sternly down at me, "No, it is my duty as it was hers. I know that I have left my own mark on this Divine Beast. And unlike before, I am not destined to face the very evil of this world. Trust me."

He swung his hand and smiled confidently with his teeth glowing. I sighed, my eyes drifting over to Link who had stayed silent. His eyes were focused on Ruta as if remembering Mipha more clearly than ever.

I walked closer to him, daring to take his hand. He came back into focus on what was happening. I smiled faintly.

"What do you think?" I asked.

He glanced at Sidon, who was waiting with both of his fists clenched as if to brace himself for the exciting news. Link looked back at me as he answered honestly.

"I think he's ready."

When I turned around, Sidon was beaming. I sighed, "Though I have your approval, I still believe it would be best to seek your father's counsel first. He knows what is best for you and your people."

Sidon bowed respectively, "Of course, Princess. I wouldn't dream of disobeying him."

After bidding us farewell, he ran along the cliff where Ruta sat and then dived off at the very edge. Link and I ran to look over the edge, only to see him splash down in the river below and travel up to Ruto Lake. I backed away, shaking my head.

"He reminds me so much of Mipha," I blinked, "Should we go along the path again or use the Sheikah Slate?"

Link pulled out the glider Father had given him. I gave a shaky laugh, about to say that it was doubtful the glider would hold both of us. Before I could, however, he took my hand and leaped off the edge. I hurriedly put my arms tightly around him as my stomach dropped then settled as the glider held us in the air.

From there, we glided down in front of the Great Zora Bridge. As I tried resting my feet on the ground, Link's arms hooked around them instead. He ran forward with me resting on his back. I yelped from the excitement of it all. He kept running until we reached the end of the bridge. It was there that he finally decided to set me down.

While I laughed and fixed my hair, I said, "You know I'm not going anywhere, right?"

"Neither am I," he said, kissing me directly on the lips before he started into the domain.

I stood there for a couple of seconds. The idea that I could finally express my true feelings at all times was still new to me. Link stopped, turning back and waving a hand. I emerged out of my thoughts and ran to catch up.

When we reached the throne room, Prince Sidon was already there with his father discussing the matter. They looked at us as we entered.

"So, the Divine Beast Vah Ruta needs a new Champion to thrive," King Dorephan said, "And my son believes he is the one to do it."

I clasped my hands together in front of me as I nodded curtly, "Yes, and I would not ask that of you unless all agreed to it no matter how willing Prince Sidon is."

King Dorephan chuckled, "I am not the one who would stop him." His voice bellowed across the whole domain as he shouted, "Muzu!"

Minutes later, we heard the huffing and puffing of the short, elderly Zora climbing the steps. Muzu took a knee as he approached, "Yes, Sire?"

King Dorephan directed Muzu's attention to me, "Princess Zelda was asking if we would allow Prince Sidon to do the honors of becoming Ruta's new Champion."

Muzu scurried to his feet, making a gargled gasp, "What?! Again? How many times must we risk our bloodline to such madness? There isn't any need for Champions anymore!"

"Are you saying the only danger is Calamity Ganon?" Link spoke up, "There are plenty of monsters still alive and the Yiga Clan."

Prince Sidon slapped Link on the back, making him cringe, "He is right! Muzu, I am ready for this."

Muzu twitched a smile on his face, "Then I suppose you are ready to get married?"

Behind us, a series of giggles could be heard. Sidon turned to see the school of girls just outside. Not much could be kept secret in the domain when all was open. He grinned as he glanced back at Muzu, giving him a firm shake.

"Agreed! I will be resolute in my search for love and become a Champion!"

Muzu grumbled once Sidon let go of him. He walked out of the room, saying nothing else. The girls fled as Muzu went down the stairs, shouting at them to move.

Sidon beamed as he looked down at Link and me, "I wish to find love and though I know of many places to start, what would be your suggestion?"

Sheepishly, I stared down at the floor, "Uh, well, I don't really know. The best spot according to legend is on top of Tuft Mountain by the pond shaped like a heart. I have never been or know how--"

"It's perfect! I need to find love and quick!"

Looking out behind him, I saw the girls once again, listening intently, "For some reason, I feel like you'll get the same options."

"Then you shall come with me and help! I'll meet the two of you there." He turned to his father, "Goodbye, Father. I will be back with a bride soon."

And just like that, he was gone again. Link adjusted his gear and then said, "Looks like we're going to Tuft Mountain."

My eyes widened as I realized something. "Link, I told Paya to go! You don't think she . . ."

"Only one way to find out," he said, taking the Sheikah Slate from me. Together we teleported to the Yah Rin Shrine.

Alright, here's where I need to make changes for it to align with Tears of the Kingdom. Vote, comment, and off to Tuft Mountain we go!