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The battle for Akkala had been long and arduous. So many dead, so many more injured. But they did it. They broke the Malice siege on the beleaguered defenders. A pyrrhic victory, but a victory nonetheless.
Mipha was spent. During the rescue, she stopped at every turn to heal the Hylian soldiers injured from the fighting. Triage was needed. Those with grievous wounds were healed just enough for them not to die, while the rest who could still fight received most of her attention. They needed to beat back the invasion, and getting soldiers back into the fight was paramount to this goal. It weighed heavily on Mipha’s mind to leave behind those in need.
Those that she had to painstakingly ignored were now being treated by the medics and surgeons in the night-covered field hospital. Mipha had joined these chirugeons after the battle, determined to try to help those she previously left unattended.
Testament to the desperation of the siege, the wounded piled up to an absurd degree. Stretchers flowed in and out of the citadel like a steady stream, transporting the casualties of ware. The outer courtyard where the field hospital had been set up was strewn with makeshift tents and singed bedrolls acting as medical beds.
The stench of blood and bile infested the air, and the moans of pain from men and women alike chorused a baleful tune as Mipha joined Hylian and Sheikah medics went about their dour work.
It had been an hour now after the battle, and still, she had more soldiers to see too. Mipha wiped her brow as she finished healing the gut wound of a dying Hylian. The woman before her had blonde hair and blue eyes. What would have been a fair face sprinkled with freckles was now smeared with soot and blood.
“Am I dyin?” the woman coughed, gripping tightly onto Mipha’s arm. She ignored the pressure and focused her healing on the soldier’s stomach. Mipha was also pointedly ignoring the fact that this woman reminded so much of him. She couldn’t help but picture Link in this soldier’s place. Dying from a gut wound, covered in ashes, praying to Hylia to stay alive.
Her efforts redoubled. The teal-blue magic that flowed from her hands grew brighter, shining in the dead of night.
“No, you’re going to be fine,” Mipha said reassuringly.
Behind her, a Sheikah wearing a blood-covered smock approached. He merely hovered over her, waiting for Mipha to finish. Once she saw that the skin of the soldier’s gut knitted itself back closed, she stopped her Grace.
“I can take it from here, princess,” the Sheikah said.
Mipha sighed in exhaustion. Her knees protested as she stood up. “Thank you. Her wound has been stabilized, but I fear infection as her intestines were knicked. Regardless, she should be fine now in your care. Direct me to the next patient, if you would.”
The man shook his head. “You’ve done all you can for now. Anyone deemed critical has been either healed by you or is being treated by a surgeon. All that’s left are soldiers with minor injuries.”
“The surgeons could still use my assistance in case of complications,” Mipha responded. She would not rest, she still had the energy to do this. She just hoped the Sheikah would not notice the slight wobble of her legs.
“No,” a familiar voice called out. “You have been at this for more than an hour, you need rest.”
Sidon, her younger brother, advanced towards the two of them. Goddess, she was still trying to wrap her head around his existence. Sent from one hundred years from the future, he was nothing like the little brother who awaited her back in the Domain. Tall, standing at twelve feet, well-toned muscles and amber eyes that have seen far too much pain for a Zora his age.
She couldn’t help the lump in her throat from staring at those horribly saddened orbs. When he told of the future where she died, leaving her father and brother alone to live on without her...her heart grieved for him. For everyone who held her close in that horrible timeline.
Goddess bless Terrako for Sidon’s timely manner. And above all, Goddess bless Link for saving her.
“There are plenty more injured who need my aid,” Mipha protested.
Sidon shook his head again. “Forgive me for my persistence, but you can barely stand, Mipha.” Of course he would notice her growing fatigue. Perhaps it was a foolish thought to think she could mask her wellbeing from him. Still, she knew her own limits and was confident she could push on a little bit longer.
“Indulge me, and take a rest...please”
At his words, the tiredness she had been keeping at bay suddenly set in. Her muscles burned and felt thick, and a small headache formed at the front of her head.
“Alright, I will. I just… there’s one more person I need to see.”
Sidon sighed as if he had been expecting her statement. “Link’s not here. He’s helping Daruk clear up the last of the monsters. If he has any wounds, you can heal him after you’ve taken a break.”
“I—” Mipha began to protest, but a swift feeling of lightheadedness overcame her. Her legs felt weak, and she nearly tumbled to the ground. Luckily Sidon was there to catch her, scooping her up into his arms. Though he had a playful smirk on his lips, his eyes told a different story, filled with worry.
Perhaps she was more tired than she thought.
“I’m okay. Thank you, Sidon.”
“The quartermasters have established a camp at the eastern courtyard,” said the Sheikah medic. “I’m sure they’ll have food and a place for you to relax there.”
“Thank you, sir. I’ll take her over there now,” Sidon replied. The Sheikah merely gave the two of them a nod and turned his attention to the wounded Hylian.
As Sidon walked through the field hospital towards their destination, Mipha tried to squirm out of Sidon’s arms, but to no avail. His grip on her was vice-like. Not tight enough to hurt, but with enough grip that made escape impossible.
“You are in no position to walk, Mipha,”
“May I remind you that I am not some fry to be coddled.”
“Can you at least indulge your worried brother for one night?”
Mipha frowned. Ever since Ruta and the Blighted monster that threatened to kill her, Sidon had been that worried brother. He maintained a constant, watchful eye on her. She could hardly blame him, considering the outcome from the other future. Still, it was as if the thought the moment he let her out of her sight, she would be gone. His hawkish watch was starting to be irritating. She’d have to discuss it with him later, but for now, she would let it go for now.
It didn’t take Sion long to find where the resting area had been set up. A number of campfires had been built out of salvaged wood, which burned a bright orange in the night. Large cauldrons were placed over some of them, bubbling and simmering with stew. Others had various meats roasting from the flames. Hylians, both soldiers and supporting staff, mingled around the area. The former holding soup bouls as they dug into the meal prepared for them, while the latter saw to their needs.
Sidon skirted the edge of the grounds, finding a lone campfire unattended with a few wooden stools surrounding it. He gently placed Mipha down by the fire and she took one of the empty seats.
“I’ll see if they have any raw fish for us. If not, are you okay with cooked or dried food?”
Mipha gave him a weary smile. “I could eat about anything right now.”
“Alright. I won’t be long.” He gave her a reassuring squeeze on her shoulder before he set off for one of the cooks attending the fire.
Mipha settled in on the stool, taking a deep sigh as she embraced the day’s weariness. With her mind allowed to wander, Mipha’s thoughts turned to Link. She hoped he was doing okay. He must have been as tired as her, considering he had been at her side every step of the way. Through the twisting corridors of the citadel, he had escorted her to each group of soldiers desperately holding out and cut off from one another. He watched her back as she healed those she could before moving on. His guidance, his support, so focused on hunting monsters and defending her so that she could fulfill her role...it made her heart swell. But she knew it wasn’t out of what she hoped for. That Link was doing it because he cared for her, that he held her in his heart. Link was merely doing the task assigned to him to ensure victory.
No, that wasn’t right. She chastised her tired mind for thinking such. After all, he had rushed to her aid when the Malice cursed abomination invaded Ruta. She was the first one he rescued, even staying with her as long as possible while Sidon went to aid Daruk. Eventually, he had to leave, to go save Urbosa and Revali. But he had come for her. He had rescued her from certain death.
She remembered the relieved look on his face, the way he held her close, and the touch of his forehead on hers. The whisper of words thanking Hylia that she was alright. That she was alive .
Mipha took solace in that.
A few minutes later, Sidon reappeared, two bundles of dried fish in each hand. Her stomach began to growl loudly at the sight. She flushed a bit from embarrassment.
“Glad I came back when I did,” Sidon said as he flashed her his signature smile.
“Yes. Your timing could not have been better.” Mipha grabbed one of the bundles he held out for her, wasting no time undoing the string and taking a bite out of the fish. It was flaky and horribly salty from the preservation methods, but it was food, and her body was more than pleased.
The two of them ate in silence for a while. Mipha kept her attention on the flames of the fire, watching the licks of embers dance in the slight breeze. Though, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Sidon occasionally stole glances her way. He remained silent though, but she could tell there was a question on his mind.
It was just after they finished eating was when Sidon finally spoke up.
“We’re lucky to have made it in time.”
Mipha turned her gaze towards him. “Indeed. You did well for your first time controlling Ruta.”
“Well, I had you there to help me. You did most of the work though.”
“Nonsense. I could feel Ruta pleased at the commands you gave her.” Mipha then giggled. “She’s really taken a liking to you.”
Sidon laughed alongside her. “I suppose. I still find it hard to believe that Ruta has a will of its own. Or that she was so easy to control. I was expecting it to be a lot harder, especially with you as her pilot already.”
“That just proves the measure of your soul, Sidon. She knows you have a good heart.”
Sidon smiled at that. A smile that only lasted a moment before it quickly disappeared. “There’s something I wanted to ask you, actually. And I never could find the right time to do it.”
The way his jovial mood dropped made Mipha slightly nervous. “About what?”
“Have you told Link yet? About how you feel?”
His statement hit her as if she had been struck by a lightning arrow. “No, I….how do you know that?”
Sidon broke his gaze and stared into the fire. “Father told me, a few decades after the Calamity.... after your death. He said that I should know how you felt about him.”
“Why are you asking me this?” she asked in a soft voice. Dread clutched her chest, making it hard to breathe steadily.
Sidon began fiddling with one of the fins on his forearm. “What I’m about to say isn’t easy...”
“No more easier than learning of your own death?”
Sidon winced, and Mipha instantly regretted her words. “I’m sorry that —”
“No,” Sidon interrupted her. “No, you’re right. I should have asked you if you wanted to know what happened during my time before telling you.”
Mipha shook her head. “I would have found out from the others at some point. As hard as it was to hear, what happened to you and father and everyone else in the Domain, I’m glad it was from you.”
Sidon returned his eyes to her and gave her a sad smile. “Thank you. It’s still not easy...but...thank you.”
Mipha sighed. Goddess, a hundred and thirty years old, and Sidon was still the same concerned little brother like the one that was back in the Domain. She grabbed her stool and moved it closer to him, then rested a hand on his arm.
“You were asking if I had told Link I loved him….why?”
Her brother took a deep sigh. She could hear the decades of pain escaping from his mouth. How cruel fate had been to him. If only there was something she could do.
“In my time, you never did,” Sidon said. “You died before you got the chance.”
“Oh… Your Link never knew before the amnesia then.”
“Yes, he didn’t. He talked to me after freeing Ruta, and even further once the Calamity came to an end. He asked me about you, trying to learn everything about his lost past. I answered as much as I could.”
Mipha’s gut wrenched. It still wasn’t easy to hear about Sidon’s Link. Oh Goddess, the pain that Link had gone through. Nearly dying, sealed up for a hundred years in a healing shrine, and having all of his memories wiped away in the process. It had made her even more determined to never let anything befall the Link of her time.
Sidon rested a hand on top of the one holding his arm. “He eventually asked me if you ever admitted your love to him. I told him I wasn’t sure. Father was the one to eventually tell him that you kept your feelings locked away; whether it was from duty, or for other reasons.”
Tears began to well in her eyes. “I see.”
“I just don’t want you making the same mistake.” Sidon’s voice was thick with emotion. “I want to set things right this time.”
“You have though, you helped save me.”
Sidon shook his head. “More than that. I don’t want you to have any regrets. I want to leave the past knowing that you are going to be happy with your life. That you will live your life. That includes Link being a part of it.”
Mipha grabbed her arm, nails digging into her scales. “I don’t know if I can. If I should. Sometimes I wonder if it is better to let him go.”
“Don’t you think he deserves to know how you feel? Don’t you think you deserve to tell him?”
“I…” Did she really want to tell him? Yes. She really did. It’s why she started crafting Zora armor after all. Even despite not knowing how he really felt about her other than a deep caring for her wellbeing...it seemed right. That she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. It was her dream, her desire.
“I know you’re crafting him armor.”
Speak of Demise.
“How do you know that?” she asked in a shaky voice. Did she not have any secrets left? Was there nothing that Sidon did not know about the life she once...is leading?
“I...well not at first. It’s actually the reason why father told me about your feelings for Link. I found your footlocker containing the armor. That day I just...I guess I needed a reminder of you. I approached father about it later. He was the one who produced a spare key and opened it, meanwhile telling me about your love for Link and your plans to marry him.”
Oh. Yes of course. Her father was the only other one who knew of the desire to marry Link. She had confided her feelings for the Hylian with him, as well as advising her on crafting the armor. She remembered giving him the spare key to the footlocker, merely a few months ago for in her time….in case anything happened to her during the war.
And something did, at a different time. Any irking feeling lingering in her mind was immediately smothered. It was only right for her father to tell Sidon about part of her life she held so close to her heart.
“The armor was actually instrumental in taking back Ruta,” Sidon continued. “I don’t know about how you might have felt my time, but I think you were happy to know that it protected Link and helped him succeed.”
“Yes. I think I would have been happy to know that too.”
Goddess give that Link strength. Let him not suffer any more pain .
“How far along are you? With the armor?”
Mipha blushed. Was it weird to be discussing this with her from the future brother? Cause it certainly felt like it; to be discussing her marriage plans that nearly came to fruition in another time.
“Oh. I should have asked you first. I’m sorry.”
“No no. Sidon, it’s quite alright. I’m merely used to discussing these things with father.” Mipha took a breath to recollect her thoughts. Maybe talking to Sidon about it would do her some good. “I am only halfway through. All the metalworking has been finished. The next step is to weave the scales in, but it’s actually a recent problem I have encountered.”
Sidon looked at her puzzled. “What problem?”
“Dragon scales. You know how instrumental they are. With the war and the Calamity’s rise, all supplies of the scales have vanished and I —”
Mipha stopped suddenly. Her mouth snapped shut and she clenched shut. Here they were in the aftermath of a horrible battle that they barely one, and she was fretting over something so trivial in comparison. People were dying, lived and homes were being destroyed.
Sidon must have caught on to her negative thoughts, for he shook Mipha gently. “Don’t think for a moment that you are not allowed to be worried about the armor.”
“But Sidon —”
“No buts. Yes, things are terrible right now, but we can only do so much. It may seem small in comparison, but that matters to you. This is important.”
Mipha grimaced, and she actually felt a flare of anger. “Not important as saving the entirety of Hyrule.”
Sidon saw the steel in her eyes. “No. No, you are right there. But at the same time, you shouldn’t ever think of yourself less for being concerned about what matters to you.”
Mipha sighed. She wanted to take Sidon’s words to heart, she really did. Maybe he was right, and that she could allow herself to be worried about completing the armor. But as an immediate concern, for the salvation of Hyrule, it was something that could wait.
“I just don’t want you to —”
“Yes, I know. No regrets. But please, for now, I will allow myself to worry about the armor after we defeated the Calamity.”
Sidon clearly wasn’t happy with her response. “And Link?”
“I...still need some time. I’m still not quite sure how he feels about me, but, you are right. I should let my feelings be known to him. In due time.”
“Just think about what I said. I know matters of the heart aren’t easy but…”
Mipha shook her head. “I know. I should say something… just in case.”
“Not unless I have anything to say about it.”
Mipha smiled, and she patted Sidon’s arm again. “What a nice, caring younger brother I have.”
Sidon managed a throaty chuckle. “Technically I’m older than you are right now.”
“You might be taller and older than me now, but you will always be my little brother, no matter when or how far apart we may be.” She knew he needed to hear those words. He’d eventually return to his own time, with only the memory of what happened here and now. And he needed to know everything he was not able to hear from her.
“I…thank you.”
There was a pregnant pause as the two of them sat together, watching as more soldiers and supporting staff milled their way to the rest area. Mipha frowned, there was still no sign of Link, and she was getting quite anxious to heal him. There was no doubt in her mind that he was injured during the fighting. She just hoped it wasn’t too serious.
“Mipha?” Sidon asked out of the blue.
“Yes?”
“If you’d like. I’d like to help you find more dragon scales. I was thinking I could ask around? See if there may be any more stores of them somewhere.”
Mipha's smile reached her eyes. “You would do that for me?”
Sidon flashed her his signature toothy grin, which seemed even in the darkness of night to glint with mirth. “Of course. I would be honored to help however I can. After all, I have to give my younger self an older brother. It was one of my secret childhood desires.”
“How sweet of you,” Mipha said as she pulled him into a hug. She grunted softly as he clung to her, a hug of desperation and need. She returned his enthusiasm in earnest.
They separated after a few seconds, just in time to see Link heading over towards them. Her heart leaped at the sight. He was covered in dirt and his tunic was stained with monster ichor. The Master Sword attached to his back clattered with each footstep. Though he was trying to hide it, Mipha noticed he was favoring his left leg. As he approached closer, she could see that his face was marred by a few cuts and bruises.
With Link was Daruk, who was escorting him over towards their campsite. The Goron Champion looked no worse for wear, much to her relief. Though she did spot a couple of soot-covered marks on his stoney hide, no doubt from Guardian lasers, as well as a few small cracks from weapon strikes. She’d have to give Daruk a once over as well after she took care of Link.
“Hey, Mipha, Sidon!” Daruk called out in his boisterous voice, grabbing the attention of a few of the soldiers at nearby fires.
“Master Daruk!” Sidon called back in an equally loud tone. “I trust you and Link were successful.”
“Yeah, me and the little guys took care of the stragglers.”
The pair were soon standing right in front of them. Mipha had to suppress the desire to immediately grab Link and sit him down so she could heal him.
“That’s good to hear. I assume you are here for my sister?”
Daruk nodded. “We both took quite a beating, but the little guy more so.”
“I’m fine.” Link said in a huff. Mipha could tell though, he was masking pain.
“Come now, Link,” her brother sat up from her seat. “Take a seat so Mipha can look you over. She’s been fretting about you since she was allowed to take a break.”
“Sidon!” Heat rose to Mipha's cheeks.
Daruk let out a hearty laugh while Sidon sheepishly grinned. Even the corners of Link’s mouth raised ever so slightly into a small smile.
“Daruk? Would you mind helping me get some more food and wood while my sister attends to Link?”
“Well, I just...oh! Oh, oh sure! Of course, lead the way.”
Mipha grabbed Link’s hand as Daruk and Sidon wandered off. With a gentle tug, she sat him down on the stool next to where she was sitting. Link looked exhausted, and she could see the sheen of dried sweat that caked his face.
“Are you okay?” Mipha asked him as she knelt down in front of him. She scanned his body, taking note of every injury she came across.
He looked “I’m fine. Nothing serious.”
When she finally reached his legs, she found the source of his limp: a strip of blood-soaked cloth tied around his thigh. She carefully undid the knot, pulling it away to reveal a weeping gash. She heard Link wince in pain as her eyes flashed up to him in an accusatory manner.
“Nothing serious. Happened towards the end.”
“Reckless as always,” Mipha said as she used the sharpened nails of her fingers to begin slicing the fabric from his pants away
“Sorry,” Mipha felt Link rest a hand on the top of her head, his thumb gently stroking the scales there. “I tried. I know getting hurt bothers you.”
“It’s okay,” she responded as she shook her head. With the cloth out of the way, she however a hand across his thigh and willed her Grace forth. His touch was distracting her. But it felt good to have him stroking her scales.
Wait? Since when did Link ever get so physically affectionate with her?
“Thank you,” he murmured. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“That’s nice for you to say Link, but I’m sure you’d be fine. Maybe not healed right away, but fine nonetheless.”
“No, not just that,” Link said, his hand coming to a rest. “I nearly lost you on Ruta. It’s made me realize….how important you are to me.”
Mipha’s Grace flickered as she felt her heart skip a beat. Did she hear him correctly? She shifted her gaze from the wound to Link’s face. He was staring at her with those beautiful blue eyes she had come to love. And maybe it was a trick of the light from the fire, but was he blushing?
“It’s nice to know that you care about me.” It means more than you know.
“Of course, we’re friends after all. But…” Link appeared to hesitate with his statement. Mipha held her breath. Her heart was hammering in her chest.
“Thank you,” Link said out of the blue. He seemed to want to say something else, but he had let it go. Though crestfallen, her mind began to dabble in all the possibilities of what Link was going to say. Maybe...maybe he did care about her, more than she could hope.
Admitting to him will not be easy, she thought. But Sidon’s right, I should afford myself some happiness. Not now though, but soon. Perhaps when the dust settled and she could finally speak the words she inscribed on her heart all those months ago.
“It’s my pleasure,” she said as she focused her attention back on his leg; keeping Link in her thoughts as she always did whenever she used her Grace. “Now, sit still, this shouldn’t take too long.”