#being a little foreshadowing to how she reacts reflexively

[novantinuum]

On the corrupted!Steven theory...

So, originally when I mused on this yesterday I was just playing around with random possibilities.

After combing the series for info about corruption, though, I’m mildly spooked at the increased potential for this to... perhaps be a thing? I’m not saying that this is what I for sure believe will happen- to be honest, I’m not even sure Crewniverse would go this direction at all- but just for funsies, let’s see what kind of “evidence” or “foreshadowing” exists that might support this potential story path in the context of canon.

(EDIT: 10/7/19 

I honestly no longer think this creature is a worm at all whatsoever, it’s either more akin to a horned caterpillar or potentially has limbs. Either way we can see so little right now that it’s hard to tell. I’m not editing the rest of this post because I want it to exist in its original form- but do keep this in mind reading the rest! XP)

1) The design of this worm creature.

Let’s start simple. Let’s start tangible. 

For future reference and simplicity, I will be henceforth be referring to this creature as... “Wormy Boi.”

So, let’s see what we’ve got here. I’m definitely not the first person to point out this fella’s pink nature, and the jarringly human-like nose they’ve got. (Compared to other corruptions, which have had distinctly non-humanoid features.) In the photo above, we also have Wormy Boi sporting glowing pink eyes, which then send out a flare of pink light/energy. So, seemingly a powerful entity.

If you watch the short segment before they sit upright, you’ll see that Wormy Boi is super, super big. They’re in the background, but BOY do they loom. The shadows cast upon them especially push that sense of size. They’ve also got a whole bunch of spikes on their back and framing their face.

So, then. What evidence could be made for this being a corrupted!Steven, as opposed to some other run-of-the-mill monster?

Steven Universe Future is a limited series, described as ‘tying up loose ends.” To me, as a viewer, it would make far more sense for the antagonists/conflicts to deal with big concepts that have already been established since there’s such a limited amount of time we have left with this world. Introducing a completely alien species in the last act of the show would feel offbeat from both a writing and a viewing perspective. Corruption- on the other hand- is something we don’t have full answers to yet.

We don’t see any gem, yes- but Steven’s gem is- of course- on his belly. If this theory were to be true, that would translate to the gem being on Wormy Boi’s underside, far out of our sight in this shot, due to how massive they are. As an addition to this, not showing the gem gives an air of mystery to this creature’s true nature- which makes it seem like there’s something surprising to discover here.

A corrupted diamond would surely be MASSIVE. Also, very powerful. The beam of pink light hints at Wormy Boi being quite a powerhouse.

The spikes on Wormy Boi’s back and around their face highly resemble rose thorns. We all know how much the Crewniverse loves their rose symbolism, and design wise, this aspect would make a lot of visual sense for a corrupted Steven. Running off of that:

The face/nose shape and the five horns on this creature’s head give off a very Steven-like silhouette. 

The nose, of course. The face has a very Steven-like shape to it, overall- although noticeably more angular and sharp. The mouth is reminiscent of the Watermelon Stevens’ mouths. And as for the horns, there’s five of them positioned equidistant around their face, just as Steven’s hair is always formed from five lil’ bumps at the same positions.

Okay, moving on.

(Read more under the cut!)

2) We do not yet understand the true nature of corruption.

“I guess it’ll take more than a kiss to heal damage from the Diamonds…” -Pearl, Monster Reunion

Corruption is still- bafflingly- a huge mystery. The Gems we’ve watched the CGs bubble since season one have been healed, yes, but there are still many gaps in our understanding of it. With Steven Universe Future’s promise to address some lingering story threads, it would make sense if corruption was on the plate for further discussion. So, what DO we know?

We know it’s something the Diamonds can do. Interestingly, it doesn’t seem to require all four diamonds. Three of them together were able to cause all the damage to Earth. There’s also no statement made that more than one Diamond is required to cause effects like that. 

In Legs From Here to Homeworld, Blue and Yellow Diamond weren’t actually aware the corruption was something they were capable of producing. They seemed to assume they obliterated the Gems on Earth. Corruption is then, even a mystery to them. That’s... odd, isn’t it?

Pearl states that it’s “something nearly impossible to describe.” Garnet goes further to say... “It’s sorta like... if MC Bear-Bear didn’t tear the fabric of his arm, but the fabric of his mind.”

"A sound… A song?” There’s a lot of association between corruption and music.

It causes Gems to lose touch with their usual forms, instead warping into a more outwardly "monstrous” version of themselves that appear to be “just a bundle of fight-or-flight reflexes and survival instincts.” As seen by Centipeetle in Monster Buddy and Monster Reunion, it appears as if corrupted Gems try to regenerate with their original forms if unbubbled, but are simply not in a state where they can maintain that.

As seen with Jasper in Earthlings, extreme emotional distress very much seems to speed up corruption’s effects. This is less of a stated fact and more of my read on that episode, but I believe it to be an important tidbit, especially since Garnet states that corruption’s damage is mental rather than physical, at least at its core. This can also be seen in Monster Reunion with how Centipeetle’s partial healing backfires when she remembers the trauma of being corrupted and reacts strongly.

Now, when it comes to healing corruption, Steven tries to heal Centipeetle himself, and does make some nice progress... helping her regain a hold on herself as he treats her with love and compassion and understanding... but it’s ultimately not a healing that can occur in isolation, helping her on his own. She needs more support before she can heal from this corruption to a state where she can truly be herself again.

And that eventually comes in the form of the other Diamonds. So, all four diamonds can help relieve the corruption if they help these Gems all together. 

3) How could this theory potentially fit into the story anyways, you nutter?

Well, here’s the part of this post where I make some broad conjectures. I honestly am shooting fish into a barrel here because again- we know barely anything about how corruption actually happened initially, and my thoughts are very jumbled. Please forgive me.

"I don’t really know how the corruption works. It’s like they’re sick. They don’t remember who they used to be.” -Steven, Gem Hunt

So, corruption seems to be a mental ailment of Gemkind, turned manifest. It also seems to have a deep connection to a Gem’s emotions, with Centipeetle growing smaller and slightly calmer upon feeling more secure in Steven’s presence, and corruption speeding up as Jasper grew more and more emotionally overwrought and self-deriding about herself. 

When it comes to the Diamonds and how they perhaps caused it originally- without fully realizing- we know that at least Blue and White have abilities focused on causing others to act in certain ways. Blue has sway over one’s emotions, and White has a knack for forcing her thoughts and self upon others. (I’m not sure how Yellow’s ability would play in here.) Mayhaps, mixed with their grief and guilt and anger, their power simply pressed all of that hurt emotion onto all the Gems on Earth in one whole fail swoop...? Tearing their minds in the process of it all?

The question I still have, though- is whether a single diamond could produce effects like this. And whether a diamond could turn that ability on themself.

Could Steven accidentally corrupt himself? Why might that happen?

Well, let’s look at our boy here. 

He’s got a wide circle of support at this time in canon, but notably, he’s notorious for bottling up his emotion and not letting others in to help him- instead dropping everything to help them with their problems. Just to name a few examples (a few):

The Test. He feels betrayed and hurt at the Gems for a moment about the way they’re babying him with the rigged test, but instead of admitting the hurt he feels about the scenario, bottles that up to help them feel more like good guardians.

Joy Ride. He opens up to the Cool Kids about deep, incredibly troubling stuff that’s long been on his mind, but he’s never once talked about it with his family.

Mindful Education. The perils of bottling one’s emotions is literally the whole plot of the episode. The kid has a full out sobbing breakdown while he’s plunging to his death. Connie gets through to him a little here, but later episodes show that the resolution we see here is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Steven’s internal issues. 

Storm in the Room. Externally, Steven tries so hard to put on a guise of content and positivity, but once alone in Rose’s room feels safe enough to let the full brunt of his emotional trauma come out in an almost explosive manner. Geeze, get this kid some hugs. 

Gemcation. Steven actually fails bitterly on putting on his customary smile in this episode, simply because the weight of his problems have become such an impossible burden to him. When the other Gems are trying to help him open up, he isn’t immediately responsive to their efforts. 

What’s Your Problem? Amethyst spends the whole episode trying to cheer Steven up and find out how he’s doing, and instead Steven downplays his own feelings on the matter and ends up helping her sort out her own emotional issues.

So to sum: Many an Emotional Issue, a chronic tendency to avoid outwardly addressing said issues in favor of helping everyone else instead... and to avoid accepting other people’s help.

Even if he’s surrounded by all these people who love him, the fact of the matter is that Steven still feels as if he has to face his own inner demons alone.

Now, let’s look at the lil’ teasing synopsis that was given for Steven Universe Future:

“After saving the universe, Steven is still at it, tying up every loose end. But as he runs out of other people’s problems to solve, he’ll finally have to face his own.”

Blatantly sounds like we’re gonna finally get some addressing of Steven’s emotional state, now doesn’t it?

4) A concept on what could, theoretically happen

“Maybe… it IS a guy in a monster costume. I don’t mean literally, silly! What I mean is... there might be a conscious Gem still inside there, somewhere. What if the monster is turning back and forth into its original form? If it is, it might not be as corrupted as we think! There might still be a chance to save it!” -Steven, Gem Hunt

Suppose Steven- by some as-of-yet unknown means- ends up accidentally corrupting himself. His sorry emotional state only further amplifies the effects of this corruption, and makes it really hard to retain control. Wormy Boi as a form could be like... all his inner demons made manifest, a metaphoric mirror into his current mental state. But- as he is half-human- he’s not entirely unaware of what’s happening. Perhaps... as the quote above could be sneaky foreshadowing for... how he’s turning back and forth between this corrupted form and his normal form. 

He likely wouldn’t want everyone to see him like this, doesn’t want everyone to visibly know the sheer depth of how much he’s hurting. But just like the corrupted Gems were only able to be helped in community, with the support of the CGs and the Diamonds in preparing the fountain, Steven can’t fix this on his own. 

He can no longer face the dark alone.

At some point, everyone has to take a brave step. Reach out. Accept help. 

Steven’s helped so many people, and surely he deserves that same love and care in return, too.

And perhaps, when he’s eventually healed from this- and has gotten the opportunity to be open with his family and friends about the hurt he’s facing- he’ll be left with “corruption scars” as well. I think it’s an important thing to address, that no one goes through experiences like these without lingering effects. Stuff stays with you. Healing is not always linear. But life is a continuous journey, and with the support of people who love you surrounding, you too can make a change... can continue to live to the fullest at every moment possible.

I think the above would be a lovely moral for Steven Universe to tackle in its last run of episodes, no matter how they approach it- daft corruption theory or not.

Now, in the end- a reiteration. This is just a wild theory. I’m not trying to be any authoritative voice saying that this is for sure what will happen, because in reality I have no idea what Crewniverse is cooking. However, I do think it’s fun speculation, and I am kinda spooked at how well things fit. 

Whatever happens, I’m sure it will make me weep like a baby, though. Hoh boy. Grant me sanity in these coming months as we wait for answers.

#su #steven universe #su future #steven universe future #su theory #corrupted steven theory #my post stuff #long post #the mighty 500 #1K #2K #3K #4K #5K

[g00d1uckch4rm]

Primal

Chapter 15: Keys To The Cage

Summary/Info Rated M CHAPTER WARNINGS: Character Death, Blood, Non-Sexual Non-Consensual elements, Use of Restraints

Previously...  

After Link tells his knights everything, Platoon forty-eight and the secretive couple R and M meet. A band is starting to come together for the rescue and proper medicine is almost at hand. 

Yet something derails Link’s focus on the mission. Sidon’s concern turned out to be true, as not only does M smell the change, the Sheikah slate denies Link teleportation. Emotionally compromised, Link rushes to the Domain, to Sidon.  

Only to be captured by Sado. With whatever life growing inside him threatened, the remaining three champions are stripped from his soul by the Hylian known as Kuu and Link is left weakened, practically helpless. But he is not so easily broken and resists where he can. 

However, Yanun’s horrific magic practically makes him into a doll. Acting as she desires and going through a sacrificial ceremony without issue. Link is tormented as he’s left to simply watch as Mipha’s soul is offered to play a key role in overthrowing Hyrule and Sado stakes claim to Link with a bonding bite. 

-Only obvious key points will be summarized. There are likely moments of an Unreliable Narrator or Sneaky Foreshadowing.- 

____________________________________________________

Despite the weight, the door flew open with ease as Sidon rushed inside. “Pardon the entrance! I am sorry it took longer than planned, Link. I...” He trailed off, for the room was empty. The fireplace was nothing more than embers, leaving the room dim in the winter afternoon.  

Yet dark markings on the floor drew his attention. Sidon didn't know what to expect; a strange drawing, a message? As he approached, the Zora stepped to the side and let the brightly lit hall shine upon the floor. As they were made clear, he wished for anything but this. These sharp and wild turns, burned into the wood. Kneeling down and daring to touch the scorched floor, Sidon could still feel a faint warmth. It was no longer fresh, but he guessed this was likely about an hour old.    

Following along the branch to its source with his fingertips, he came across something unusual hidden at the edge of the shadows. Unlike the other marks, this one was not an assortment of lines, this one was a blotch, an impression of something else. Tracing the shape, Sidon realized what he was looking at and not far off was its twin, along with something else that stretched all the way behind the door.    

"Prince Sidon?” Bazz calls out carefully from the hall, clearly worried from the silence. “Is everything alright?”    

“No.” Was all he could reply with at this moment as a mix of fear and rage began to rush through his veins.     

The Zora captain was now visible in the doorway, but kept a respectful distance. He squints his eyes at the markings around the prince. “Is that..?”    

When the other didn't finish his sentence, Sidon stood and glared at the damaged flooring with hands clenched into fists. “Lightning strikes, yes.”    

Unsurprising, the knight took a quick step back out of reflex before he made the bold move of standing in the arch of the doorway. Lightning, here!? Inside the palace!? “Is the weapon still there? Is Link alright!?”    

“He is not here and I am unsure if I should feel thankful for that or not. Link could have fled and is possibly injured or.” Sidon stopped as out of the corner of his eye, he noticed something else.    

“Or?” Bazz urged and watched as Sidon picked up a small book. Only to realize his mistake when the prince flipped it around in his hands, it was the Sheikah slate.  

The red Zora scowled at the ancient technology. “He has been taken.” For the time being, he placed it atop the mantlepiece. “This isn't the work of a weapon; this is the work of a creature. When it attacked, the placement of its feet was burned into the floor and along with something else.”    

“A Lizalfos?” Rare for an electric one to be in the Lanayru region, but not unheard of. But Bazz couldn't even begin to think of how one managed to get this far in. They could camouflage, sure, but they were also prone to blowing their cover.    

“No.” Sidon glanced from the footprints and to his own feet. Clenching his fangs together, Sidon held back a snarl and stormed from the room. The door was slammed with such force, it sounded as though a wall had collapsed. “Someone much bigger.”    

The captain wasn’t able to question further on the accusation, because before his prince could even take two steps down the hallway, he collapsed with a loud shout. Sidon managed to catch himself on his knees as he braced himself with one arm. While his hand grasped helplessly at the side of his neck from a sudden explosion of pain.    

“Prince Sidon!” Bazz hovered in shock, unsure if it was wise to touch him. “What’s wrong?”    

“I-I don’t know!” Sidon groaned in agony, he was just as confused and worried as the other. Sidon held on so tightly that his claws began to catch on his scales and it hurt, but nowhere nearly as intense as his neck already did. It was like a jagged edge of an old knife was digging into him. Grinding against his bones, threatening to break through.    

Yet it didn’t stop there. A surging heat began to burn all the way down to his chest. It felt like someone was trying to tear him in half. And Sidon couldn’t take any more. He began screaming in torment. 

All Bazz could do was watch, as none of his words reached his prince after that. He couldn’t even touch him without being lashed out at. But he couldn’t just leave Sidon alone, so he would have to wait until another guard followed the sound of distress. Then he could have them fetch a physician.    

Or at least that was the plan, until electricity flashed across Sidon's body.    

~~~~~~  ҉  ~~~~~~ 

The wind pressure from the sudden change in temperature was strong enough to knock people over. But Link held his ground and covered his face. As the dust settled, he dropped his arms and looked towards the edge of the canyon. 

Looking back at him were fierce blue and yellow eyes. Her mountain sized body softly curling around in the air as she floated. Fire held tightly in powerful talons as her horns and crystals glowed brightly like the magma of an active volcano. With a small glare, Dinraal barked out an order and was careful to keep her fangs hidden. “Speak.”    

Link is shivering now, not from the dragon, but because his body is burning hot. He has to blink the spots from his vision as he focuses on the spirit before him. She's easily the full source of light in the cave and it makes it hard to look at her.    

Dinraal hissed, dark smoke shooting out from between her teeth like a geyser. “Speak!”    

Link shakes his head and goes to touch his throat, only to feel something drip on his hand. Checking, he finds drops of red liquid and touching his face, he finds the source. Blood is trickling out of his mouth, there’s no pain and every breath out is followed by a sudden gush. Splashing on the floor around his bare feet, adding to the horrific puddle spreading across the white floor.    

Panicking, Link tries to stop the bleeding by covering his mouth and looks to the dragon for help. But she hasn’t moved at all and doesn’t seem to care about what is happening to him.     

The blood starts flowing faster, going right through his fingers. More and more Link is becoming surrounded by the dark, red liquid and still his body burns hotter and hotter.    

“Speak!” Dinraal demands again.    

Link shakes his head, so overwhelmed with fear by the sight he can’t do much else. There’s so much blood, there's too much blood, it’s so dark. It begins to bubble and broil, turning to tar in his mouth. His breath is ragged and erratic, but still has no issues as the thick black mass pours out.     

It’s filling up far too fast, it’s up to his waistline. Black water splashes around as he tries to find an edge, some way, anyway to get out. Everything is enveloped in the darkness; all save for the smouldering glow of Dinraal.     

Link locks his gaze with the dragon as she roars before the world truly becomes dark. Then there is nothing but terror and silence.   

~~~~~~  ҉  ~~~~~~ 

“I said, I'm fine!” Sidon shouted and staggered a little as he got up from the floor. The pain may have stopped, but there were aftereffects. Nerves still humming made his muscles twitch and the blood rushing through his veins had him gasping for air. Along with strange sensations running across his scales. One felt like a current pushing past him and the other was like hands grabbing at him.  

“By all accounts, nothing that has happened has been anything close to fine!” Bazz lost all sense of unease in place of anger and frustration. Dropping his professionalism, Bazz grabbed the other man by the arm. “I can't carry you so we’re going to walk to the medical wing!”   

“Don't touch me!” He reacts with hostility and easily yanks his arm free, unintentionally throwing his friend to the floor in the process. It startled Bazz more than anything, but he is quick to gather himself and pick up his spear. About to give the prince a piece of his mind, scowling and pissed. Only for his temper to simmer down at the look of horror and shock skimming across Sidon's face before settling in a twist of discomfort. “I-I didn’t mean...”  

Normally this would be the point where Sidon would go on a string of apologies, back down and see sense. That he needed help, something was affecting not only his judgment, but his control. “My Prince, you need to see a physician, the King, someone. You're not acting like yourself! You must come with me, I will use force and gather others to drag you if I must!” He then shifted his hold on his spear, readying to engage in non-lethal combat. 

Bazz expects some sort of reaction; annoyance, a glare, a pout even. Some sort of sign that the prince still had some semblance of self.    

He might have misjudged his friend’s rationality, just a bit. As Bazz is not even sure if he should feel irritated or bewildered. 

Sidon ignores every word, a sense of importance overwhelming his focus on the situation. He felt as though he knew what it was, what it was for, yet could not recall why. Only it would guide him to where he was supposed to go, where he needed to be. Sidon had to follow the current and he weaves his hand through the air trying to get a better feeling of the illusion. “This way... from below?” 

“What are you-?” The captain doesn't even get a chance to finish before the prince bolts. He gives chase, but panics when the red Zora jumps out the window at the end of the hall. “Sidon!” Reaching the windowsill seconds later, he can't even see the ripples in the dark waters below. But he did not follow, it was far too risky to be jumping in between raised pathways. 

Bazz cursed and raced for the stairwell, he was going to need more than five men this time.  

~~~~~~  ҉  ~~~~~~ 

Sidon ran, swam, chasing the current. Sounds distorted from the flow echoed all around, but he didn’t stop, he didn’t listen. The current grew stronger as he followed it, Sidon couldn’t afford to stop, he had to hurry, he had to get there.  

But then his body collided with something, knocking him off course. 

He was snapped from his daze from the sudden scent of blood. Looking around the water, Sidon was below the palace and the silver woman was here. He didn’t even remember diving into the lake, he was confused, but the feeling of urgency was stronger than logic. I have to hurry. 

“Prince Sidon,” Yanun held her forehead as red wisps faded into the water. "I was hoping to bump into you on my way to see the King, but didn't mean literally." She said with a smile, dropping her hand and revealing mere scrapes; likely from colliding with his ornate chest piece. “Won’t you join me?” 

The scent of blood was blocking in his focus, like a vail of iron floating over them. He was smelling a lot of it. Far more than could be only hers. But, it was not quite enough to shake off what had possessed the red Zora prince.  

The soft lull of water moving past his sensitive fins forced a sharp twitch of his head, as if to snap himself back into reality. “I'm in a rush.” His words held no bite, but the bluntness made it sound otherwise. 

She laughed lightly before replying. “I’ve noticed, where are you off to? Perhaps I-” 

“No.” He cut her off sharply and a low growl began to build in his throat, “I’m the only one being called.” Even the mere suggestion of her; anyone, coming along with him for such an important task, had him flaring up. It would not be permitted. It would not be tolerated. It’s mine!  

He turned away as he felt about for the current, but he could no longer tell which he should follow and what was the lake's own. “Which way is the current flowing?”  

Yanun wore a puzzled look, curious as to what Sidon was up to, as his behaviour was quite strange. Yet her delay only irritated him further. “Which way!” Sidon pressed with a snarl, glancing over his shoulder with narrowed eyes.  

“Oh. Apologies.” Yanun blinked in surprise. “That way.” Pointing, to further her reply, and with the information, Sidon was able to tell the currents apart. Noticing that it felt far weaker than before. He expected his feelings of urgency to increase, yet it didn’t, it was fading and his mind was beginning to clear. Sidon could feel himself begin to doubt, to question what was happening. “Prince Sidon, after your finished with your task, would you be able to join-” 

“Sure.” He cut her off again, he did not want to waste any more time and darted away. 

~~~~~~  ҉  ~~~~~~ 

She remained there for a moment, staring off in the direction the prince had disappeared and going over what just transpired. Sidon had been uncharacteristically curt, aggressive, and spoke over her more than once. He had even glared at her. Something Yanun would have punished anyone else severely for. But from Sidon, it was not at all unpleasant; in fact, Yanun found she rather liked it. It was a delightful change to see in him, even if it was only a sliver of what he could be. To be fierce as he was meant to be.  

It excited her.  

“You could still go after him and we could do this later.” Sado swam towards her from the shadows, following her gaze for a moment before meeting her eye. “I’m certainly in no rush and I’ve got someone to help settle into our way of life.” 

She gave him a disgusted scowl, the mood completely ruined. “You’ll have plenty of time for that later. Your role is still required.” Spinning around, she continued her ascent to the palace. “As Hine is preoccupied with the Primals elsewhere.”    

Sado sighed and swam along after her. “Yes, my Priestess.” 

They journeyed to the lakeside before exiting the water and then continued up the steep pathway to one of the bridges that connected to the towering palace. It was the long way, but for the silver Zora it was the only option if they wanted to reach the raised part of the city. No matter how much any of them practiced and attempted to scale waterfalls, it was simply impossible. Even for Yanun whom was the most nimble and swiftest of them all. It was something that they were simply not built to do. 

Making their way up the stairways and passing archways, the pair finally arrived at the throne room. Sado stepped forward when Yanun came to a pause and opened the door, even if the guards informed them that the king wasn’t seeing anyone else. 

“Be quiet and discreet, won’t you?” She requested as she then continued onwards.  

“If you insist.” The silver warrior replied with a bored tone and closed the door behind her. Leaving the priestess alone with a few more of the king’s guards and for Dorephan's gaze to fall upon her with mixed feelings.  

“Pardon the entrance.” Yanun began as she approached the raised platform before the throne.  

But King Dorephan was not in the mood to entertain, it had been a long day and her casual disruption was only bringing him further annoyance. Nonetheless, he did his best to sound unaffected. “Princess Yanun, I am retiring for the night. Tomor-" 

Deliberately, she scoffed loudly to silence him and proceeded to walk up the platform. “Retiring from your position is more like it. Your charade over the Zora ends now, a heretic has no rights to control. End this quickly and I will see to it that the same will be done to you.” 

There was an audible clink of armour as the guards tensed. What had begun as a bitter and irritated arrival, was now hostile. While Dorephan was shocked by her decree and behaviour, he kept his tone calm and level. “Surely, there is some misunderstanding. It sounds as though you are threatening me to surrender my rule to you.” 

“Perhaps this will be clear enough. You are no longer the one in control. Resist and your death will be anything but swift.” 

The king represses a sigh and rubs his forehead. “Where is this coming from, Princess Yanun?” 

“You can forget that moniker. It is Priestess. I’ve degraded myself long enough with tolerating oafish Sharp-ear customs. No thanks to you and your hold over this territory.” Yanun ridiculed him with a sneer. “I’m sick of it all, you’ve cast aside proud Zora traditions and I intend to rectify it.” 

If she had been expecting an outburst or at the least some form of violent backlash from this. Yanun was in for some disappointment. For Dorephan merely took a deep breath, sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Very well, let us entertain this idea for a moment.” The king said as he relaxed into his throne and then laced his hands together over his chest. “So, say I take your warning seriously. The easy way out and all that.” Adding in a gesture of rolling one of his hands lazily before continuing on. “What then? All is right in the world with you now controlling the Domain and its people? Don’t tell me you truly believe that my people would be grateful that you forced your way into power. That none of the other Kingdoms wouldn’t come to my people’s aid should you succeed in supressing them.” 

“Warning?” She scoffed. “Are you that conceited? This isn’t a threat either. This is a promise.” 

“A promise made by that of someone with a supportive unit of about forty, fifty if you include civilians.” 

Yanun chuckled darkly and shook her head. “You think you outmatch us do to numbers? Bloated with arrogance as well I see... We are far more powerful than you believe, just one of my warriors is worth more than ten of yours. And I can assure you that there are some of your very own that are against you leading the Zora race down this tainted path.” 

“You have quite the confidence in these... opinions of my rule. But, what is the source of your belief?” 

“Your worship of a deity of a lesser species, for starters, is nothing but a perversion of Prima’s teachings. Those Sharp-ears; that you so adamantly protect with your laws and let them freely wander, are nothing more than vital livestock and yet, you deny your kin this. Those with a blessing of Prima can be bred and used to produce pups efficiently, the rest of the forsaken Sharp-ears are simply food. And worst of all, you've twisted a generation of Primals that to fight their instincts is proper, rather than allow it to be their guide! It’s an utter disgrace to our superior race. The Zora will not thrive like this and you are the sole reason.”  

The king was perturbed to hear such dark ideals coming from the young woman. Regardless of how or why things had come to this, Dorephan was not the least bit intimidated, but rather, he was disgusted by her. “Have you gone mad? It is you that is twisting our way of life with your own deranged opinion. The Hylian and Gerudo people are neither above nor beneath the Zora. And the mere mention that you believe they are even a feasible resource is-- is  blasphemy!” 

“No, what’s blasphemy, is your claim over Sidon!” Yanun countered with rising fury.  

Dorephan visibly bristled, his fins fanning out till every point stood on end. His claws scraped across the arms of the throne as he braced himself and leaned forward. The king’s voice became hardened. “Choose your next words carefully.” He was not a rash person and it was hard to get under his skin. He could take insolence, mockery, prejudiced. But when it came to his family, it has always been a weak spot for him and even more so with every member he lost. 

“Sidon is not your son and you’re a fool to say otherwise.” She glared at him, not at all threatened by his display. “He bares not only the colour of Prima, but the spear.” Yanun said with a gesture of Sidon’s crest, the shape of his hammerhead. “He is a child of Prima, one of pure lineage! Sidon should be free to be what he truly is, for his power to go unrestrained, to take and control as he sees fit, for his instincts to be our guide to conquer over all!" 

That was the breaking point. The king had finally had enough and stood from the throne, storming up to the platform where the foreign priestess defiantly stood. “How dare you utter such nonsense!” Looking down at her, his voice booming in the grand hall. “I refuse to let you do any such emotional harm to my son because of your religious beliefs! My son has been through enough!” 

“Indeed, Sidon has been through enough. Enough of your control and manipulative coddling.” She pointed up at him, her anger humming around her like an aura. “I know what a caged beast looks like and I shall be the one to set him free. Sidon will take me as his mate and I will show him that this world was meant to cower in his wake.” 

“Guards!!” Vibrating with rage and as much as he wished to strike her down, Dorephan held himself back. To think there was a time when he thought that she could be a fitting suitor. How she saw his son, for what he could be, was everything Sidon fought against. “Seize her and lock her in a cell!” Two of the guards hurried forth and reached out to restrain her. Only to the king's bewilderment, there was a sharp, audible snap and the guards recoiled back from merely touching her skin.  

“Careful now.” Yanun said eerily soft and cast a stern gaze over her shoulder. “Next time won’t be a warning. You will be hitting the floor.” There was fear in the guard's eyes, but they hastily pointed their weapons at her, as if it would protect them to put her at a distance. She sighed. “I should have expected less and perhaps, maybe I wouldn’t be so disappointed... Sado!” 

On queue, the entrance door popped open and the silver Zora sauntered on in.  

“Remove these as well, perhaps when the command has changed, they will come to their senses.” Yanun ordered. 

“Oh, very well.” Sado began to walk towards the guards that held their weapons at Yanun, chuckling as the remaining Zora soldiers surrounded him. He then beckoned the knights closer with a finger, like he were calling a child. “Come on. This will be over in a flash.” 

“Enough toying, submit!” Dorephan commanded. “And I shall see to it that your punishment is-” But he was unable to finish. Electricity shot out across the hall, dancing atop the fountains, pools and wet marble. No one was even able to let out a scream as their bodies were seizing up from the voltage. Lasting only a moment, before it stopped and they collapsed.  

By some cruel miracle, Dorephan managed to remain conscious as he struggled to move. Body still pulsing and twitching, his gaze roamed the room only to realize that both Sado and Yanun were perfectly fine. Not only that, electricity was faintly coming off Sado’s skin. Through the spasms and numbness of his jaw, the king barely manages to whisper. “Don’t... hurt my boy.” 

Yanun could have laughed, but she just wanted this over quickly. “Sado.” 

“Yes, my Priestess?” 

“Silence him.” 

“As you wish.” Sado huffed and stalked over to the helpless titan, emitting a low charge to keep him paralyzed. And as they knelt down before Dorephan, Sado cradled his face. “I may have to give it my all; I’ve never shocked something as big as you. I wonder if you’ll pop.” He whispered softly as his head fin began to coil around the larger body, sending sharp, small stings directly into the king. 

Dorephan’s fear ran rampant, unable to form words, while his thoughts pleaded and prayed that this couldn’t be the end. He could feel a burning at the edge of his mind to fight back, but the last flickering of gold light reminded him.  

Shiel is never wrong. 

~~~~~~  ҉  ~~~~~~ 

I don’t understand. It had taken seconds and Sidon was at the entrance of one of the residential caverns, the one Yanun’s people called home. But there wasn’t a soul about, only the water-life and the light of Luminous lanterns. Why here? 

While he continued onward, a glint of metal on the lake floor redirected his focus. Sidon’s swift diving stirred the plants and settlement around the object. To his horror, resting in the soil was the Master Sword. “Don’t tell me-!” Sidon gasped as his gaze snapped upwards to the entrance of the air chambers. There was no attempt to take the blade, whether it would willingly come or not.  

That rush of urgency, it was back and his body was bolting upwards without thinking. He just about grazed the ceiling from the speed in which Sidon launched himself from the water. The moment his feet touched the floor, Sidon tore his way through the corridors. Everything he shoved or smashed felt weightless and fragile.  

Crashing through the last door, Sidon was greeted with frightened screams and shifting, soft blue light in a dark room. Around him was maybe a dozen silver Zora the prince had never seen before, all with black markings on their scales.  

But he did not linger on what or why. Illuminated faintly in blue, a lone Hylian crouching down at the back caught Sidon’s eye.  

“Link!” He ran towards him, however as he got closer, Sidon realized his mistake and stopped dead in his tracks. Bristling in agitation and glaring at the stranger, a deep rumble in his throat began. “You're not him.” 

Kuu slowly stood up and turned to face Sidon, his voice calm despite the other Zora panicking or cowering around him. “The bellowing is unnecessary. No one here will resist you, Primal.”  

Yet he did not change his behaviour; his emotions and actions were as they were for one set purpose. “Where is Link!?”   

“Take what is yours.” He said as he stepped aside, revealing the source of faint light. A prone body lay on a patchwork bed and Sidon rushed forward without a second thought, dropping to their side.  

Link lay unconscious. Skin pale and glistening with sweat. Bloody bandages that were poorly wrapped around his neck and shoulder, peeked out from under the black garment. Breathing slow and shallow. His soul brightening momentarily with every intake; like Link was kindling a weak flame and only to mock Sidon with its dwindling life.  

Fury and sorrow tear away at Sidon as he gently touched Link’s cheek. In one final rush, Sidon feels that strange current he had been following all this time. It surges from Link as his glowing eyes weakly open for the briefest of moments and then it abruptly ends. The hero’s eyes close and his soul fades out.  

“N-no, please no!” Sidon panics, fearing the worst, yet relaxes when there’s no pause in Link’s breathing. He is still alive, weak, but alive.  

Carefully, he lifts and cradles Link in his arms, but the prince’s concerns only continue to pile up. Link’s temperature is far too low, so much so that he feels cool against Sidon’s scales. “Hylia, don’t take him from me.” 

As Sidon stood, he snarled at anyone he felt was too close. Kuu remains unmoving and unperturbed, while the Zora scatter the moment he made a move for the exit. Only Kuu’s eyes followed him as he carried Link down the hallway.  

Upon returning to the water however, it made Sidon hesitate. He would have to time his dive carefully, with Link unconscious, he may barely be able to hold his breath for a few seconds. As he crouched and readied himself, he looked to Link. Then Sidon grasped hold of Link’s mouth and nose easily with one large hand. He cut off his breathing for a moment, just till Link’s body began to struggle for air. Releasing for Link to gasp and take a few deep breaths. Sidon then jumped and twisted himself for a perfect dive, but just before he broke the surface, he covered Link’s face once more.  

Unexpectedly, Sidon was overwhelmed. An eruption of sound; cries of fear and anger, clashes of metal and stone, all blending together in chaotic noise that rattles in his head. However, that wasn’t even the worst of it. A chain reaction of sparks assaulted him, alternating in strength and in a completely random pattern. Sidon snaps his eyes shut as if blinded, a useless reflex as the electric fields splash coloured shapes on the back of his eyelids. Irritations throb from the tip of his crest to the back of his skull. There’s too much for him to handle and he becomes disorientated.  

The Zora curses and tries to get them both out of the water quickly. Though he ends up misjudging the distance left and slams into the roof of the cavern. Forced to open his eyes and though his vision is skewed from the fresh head injury, he manages to get out into open water to ascend. Breaching the surface leaves Sidon gasping in relief as the assault ends, even if he’s still off balance and there is lingering pain.  

Leaning against the cliffside, Sidon tries to check on Link. Though, he is hyperventilating, he isn’t coughing so Sidon takes it as one good sign. However, the soaked fabric and remains of water are already starting to frost over, leaving Link trembling like a leaf. And regrettably, Sidon knows that he won’t be able to offer much in terms of body heat. But he still bundles Link in as close as he can, curling his arms and fins around him in an attempt to buffer against the cool waters and freezing air. For a few moments, at least, until his head stopped spinning, as there was no way Sidon could scale a fall like this or swim properly. The best he can do is tread water and wait. 

Looking out to the black waters, rippling under the gentle light of luminous stonework from the palace high above and listening to the soft rush of waterfalls. Everything seemed to be unchanged and at peace. On the surface that is. 

“There’s no storm...? Then why did I-?” Sidon stopped as he saw a faint light underwater come rushing towards him and then something suddenly pinned his hips to the wall, quickly followed by one of his ankles. Reflexively, the prince thrashes to break the hold, discovering that the weapon is curved and trapping his movement in very limited space. If any at all. There’s no pain from the weapons used against him, only pressure, so the goal must be to restrain him. Catchpoles!? 

While Sidon cannot see his enemy, he releases his right arm to defend himself and protect the vulnerable man in his care. Slashing his claws down to where he was being attacked, he had felt the weapon for a second before another pinned him at his elbow. Next, he attempts to escape by throwing his weight forward and using his free foot to push off from the cliffside. Till another bursts from the water aiming for his throat.  

Recklessly, Sidon forsakes caution. The man didn’t know what to expect as he bites down on the weapon coming at him. But it splinters and cracks as his teeth sink into it. Twisting sharply, the wooden weapon snaps and he’s a tad grateful that it wasn’t made of metal. However, he doesn’t have time to spit it out as another comes at him and this time makes their mark. The strike had been more of a shove, preventing damage to his neck, but effectively keeping Sidon’s head trapped against the cliffside. All that he can do now is continue to put up a fight and hope for a drop in his attackers’ formation.  

He can feel the catchpoles shift as Zora breach the surface and while the sudden clarity of light from their lanterns blinds him momentarily. He can make out about nine of them, two or more to a weapon and seeing them struggle to maintain a hold on him. The weapons length kept them well out of striking distance, but that also left the shaft at risk to braking under prolonged stress. Shaking his head to dislodge the wood from his teeth, Sidon had a chance and that’s all he needed.  

He’d bite, kick and claw his way out. If it meant that he protected Link. What was his. He didn’t care. Sidon’s bright red scales begin to lose some of their luster, random and uneven areas fade into a dusty red. His breathing became deeper, slower, rolling at the ends with noise that wasn’t quite a hiss nor a growl. It was his last warning. I’ll do whatever it takes! 

“Alright, you’re up!” Sidon’s eyes snap to the silhouette of the Zora in utter shock. There was no way. That sounds like- “You got to restrain him, Rivan!”  

Sidon couldn’t believe it; it was Bazz, he was being attacked by his own men! When Rivan approached with his hands free, carefully reaching out to touch him. Sidon seethed with rage and snapped, knowing full well what Rivan’s magic was capable of. “Don’t you dare touch me! Release me!!”  

To the smaller man’s credit, he did not flinch, he did pause however and spoke surprisingly soft. “Easy, I don’t want to do this either. Just let us help you.” 

“Oi! There’s no sense talking to him!” Bazz shouted, irritated at first. “Get it over with, there’s enough shit happening as it is! We don’t...” But then it shifted into something akin to dread. “Rivan. We’re too late, he’s already gotten to someone.” 

The prince’s hold on Link tensed, they believed that he was going to attack someone? “I haven’t harmed Link! I’m protecting him!” 

Despite his own words just a moment ago, Bazz couldn’t help himself. “You- you found him!?” 

Rivan turned back to his captain with a scowl. “Found? Master Link’s been missing!? Why haven’t I been told about this?” 

“Can we just focus on the task at hand!?” A woman; one of the other guards, piped up, on edge and nervous with the situation. “Dealing with a frenzy is hard enough with a normal person! If he breaks free, we don’t have the King around to stop him.” 

Sidon felt his body go numb at hearing those words. Yes, it had happened before. It had taken a number of guards to catch him and his father to restrain him. With only a claw wound across the shoulder blades, no further harm had come to them. Yet, it had given way to more doubt and distrust against Sidon.  

“Hold your tongue!” Rivan turned on her.  

“I’m...” Sidon began quietly and gave up on breaking free, letting his body go lax, his scales returning to their bright hue. “I’m angry, but not in a frenzy, please release me.” 

There was a moment’s pause before Bazz gave the order, “Stand down, everyone.” and drew back his weapon, releasing his prince’s neck.  

“But-”  

“That’s an order.” Their captain cut them off sharply and one by one, they removed their hold on the prince. While the others chose to keep a distance with their weapons still at the ready, Rivan and Bazz came closer. 

Sidon’s focus returned to Link in his arm, he was still shaking, but his breathing had returned to being slow and shallow. With clear light to assess the situation, Bazz began franticly looking for something in his belt pouch.  

“Prince Sidon, you’re wounded.” Rivan noticed his crown was missing and that blood was running down the sides of his head, dripping off his ear flippers. His arms were in worse shape, erratic cuts and missing scales ran from his shoulders down to his hands. The brown Zora wasn’t sure how Sidon got the injuries, but it didn’t look as though it was from any weapon. It was also unlikely due to their actions, but it still worried him that they could have harmed Sidon unintentionally.  

“Oh...” He said weakly and glanced at his wounds, as if ashamed. “I didn’t realize.” 

“What happened to Link?” Bazz asked, more worried about the freezing Hylian in the red Zora’s arm. Before Sidon could even begin to answer, the black thought better of it. “No, never mind, we can talk about that later.” He then brought a small, glowing red bottle above the water.  

However, at the sight of a Hylian elixir, Sidon had a mix of fear and hope. First aid was one thing, but none of them were healers and Sidon was at least aware that elixirs could be lethal to Hylians if used improperly. “Wait, we should take him to the medical wing for treatment.” 

“Not an option.” Bazz said sternly and put a hand under Link’s head to lift him more up right. “Hylian’s can die from freezing temperatures within minutes or hours.” Flicking the cork out, Bazz slowly and carefully began to feed him the contents. “Sometimes seconds. If he doesn’t warm up now, it might be too late.” 

They all floated in silence as Link drank and when the shivering slowed to a stop, the three breathed a little easier. Sidon could even feel heat beginning to seep into his skin.  

“Argh!” However, the rest of the Zora knights had run out of patience and one of them shouted. “We can’t afford to waste time like this! The Prince has been handled and I’m certain Master Link has survived worse. Let us move on to more important matters! Remember the silver Zora? They have attacked the Domain, or have you forgotten, Captain Bazz!?” 

“What?” As if Sidon needed another reason to be outraged by the silver, looking to Bazz and Rivan for an explanation. “They are right, don’t put us as a higher priority than the people! You should be helping the King put a stop to this!”  

Bazz flinched and looked uneasy, it was rare for anything to hold his tongue.  

But Rivan quickly stepped up. “My Prince, I regret to inform you.” Though Bazz foresaw this would end badly, he wasn’t fast enough to stop Rivan. “King Dorephan is missing, possibly fled.” 

Sidon lunged at the brown, grabbed hold of his breastplate and lifted the smaller Zora from the water. “That can’t be true! What proof is there!?”  

“B-but with the people being attacked and the King not joining the fight to protect them as he always has. What are we to believe, that he has been defeated? That our King has fallen?” Rivan didn’t want to believe such outcomes, but it was seeming to be more and more likely as chaos consumed everything. Yet he held on to whatever hope that Dorephan was not lost to them yet. “On top of that, ever since we left to search for you, no one has been able to get back into the upper palace. They’ve done something to the waterfalls, leaving them too thin to swim up. And they have archers lining both bridges so even climbing the pathways is not an option.” Sidon released Rivan and while his gaze was still fixed on him, he did not see him.  

The silver Zora, Yanun and her people, they had betrayed Sidon’s kingdom. Attacked his people, his father. Harmed Link. How could they, how dare they do this! After everything his people had done for them, helping them and offering them a new home!? 

Sidon’s colouring began to unevenly shift again, faster this time. And the sight had Rivan puzzled, believing it to possibly be a trick of the light. Though out of the corner of his eye; it was brief, but he saw the look of realization and fear cross Bazz’s face before regaining composure. It had to be bad if Bazz of all people was scared of Sidon.    

“Prince Sidon, calm yourself.” He began carefully. “Let us not be heedless in our actions. You are already injured and we can’t risk losing you to the enemy during the battle.” While the prince was now focused on Bazz, the expression he wore was frightening, even Rivan slowly drifted back. Hopefully trying to redirect him, Bazz continued. “Link still needs you, he needs to get somewhere dry and safe. Go to the shelter and take Rivan with you too. Let me handle this fight.” 

With the reminder of the man in his arms, Sidon looked to Link in remorse and hugged him close. One deep breath later, he seemed to be bringing himself back under control. “You’re right... You’re right.” Sidon said softly and Bazz let out a sigh of relief.  

Though, Sidon lifted his head suddenly, gold eyes flickering as he watched as a bright light suddenly flash from within the palace.  

“What was that!? An explosion!?” One of the knights that had caught sight of it panicked.  

“Don’t be a fool, there wasn’t any sound of one.” Another said.  

“No.” Sidon spoke up, his face twisting into rage, voice raising in volume with every word and his colouring becomes completely dull red. “No, no! Father!”       

“Prince, wait-!”  

But Bazz is cut off as the larger Zora gets right in his face, glaring at him as he growls lowly. “Protect them.” Then Sidon forces Link into Bazz's arms. Not spending a second more on the matter, Sidon rears back to cast his eyes back upon the palace. It was a war cry like no other, the shear fury of Sidon’s bellowing roar was like thunder. Yet, it was the sound that most could not hear that was truly terrifying. It made the water tremble and dance at the surface. A shockwave that; for one horrifying moment, made every single person in the domain freeze. And then Sidon was racing out across the water before anyone could recover.  

Bazz was still shaking moments later and holding onto Link like he was their last hope. Bazz feared that he was. “Rivan, after him! You must contain Sidon, you hear me, contain him no matter what!” 

“I can’t just-” 

“Don’t argue, do it! These are Queen Shiel’s orders!” 

~~~~~~  ҉  ~~~~~~ 

“Father!” Sidon bellowed as he entered the grand hall, stepping over the fallen knights and leaving a trail of bloody footprints. The blood was his own however. Broken arrow shafts protruded from his backside. Claw marks cut into his skin at different points on his body where Zoras had tried to grab him, in attempt to hold him back from storming the palace. Much of which was a blur to Sidon, running down or tossing aside the silver. Silver that wasn’t his. Nothing but what was his mattered, it was why Sidon was here, to take back and protect what was his. 

Though his mind tittered on edge of anguish as he saw the body of his father and his will almost shattered. Rocking in the small waves of the pool surrounding the throne was Dorephan, scales discoloured with root like scaring all over his body. Telltale signs of death by lightening. “Father...”  

“I’m so glad that you were able to join me.” Yanun’s cheerful tone cut like a knife and Sidon flinched as he focused on her. The woman sat atop one of the throne’s arms, posed proper and proud.   

His determination returned with a vengeance. “How!? How could you!?”  

She tilted her head in thought for a moment as she stood up. “Considering your present state of mind, I don’t think you would understand or accept any answer. But,” Yanun paused and hopped down from the armrest, using Dorephan as a stepping stone to return to the raised platform. “in time, you will be grateful for everything I am doing now.” 

“You’ve attacked my home, my people, harmed what is most precious to me and taken away the last of my family.” Tears burned at the edge of his eyes as he rushed towards her, grabbing one of the fallen guard’s spears. “And you expect me to be grateful!?” He lunges the weapon out, aiming to run Yanun through the heart.  

Yanun raises her right hand and the tip of the spear merely kisses her red dress. Sidon’s whole body came to a dead stop. “Oh, Sidon! Look at you!” Her eyes full of wonder and joy as she reaches out to him with a bright smile. “Instincts guiding you, adorned in your rightful colour! Yes! Satisfy your suppressed urges, kill a few people if you so desire! I understand you’ve had to hold back this whole time. But you don’t have too anymore. You’re finally free!”  

“The only person I want to kill is you!” Sidon struggled; his anger still far too powerful for the fear to set in. It would seem that Yanun had allowed him to remain in control of his head.  

“I’m the only one you shouldn’t kill. I can help you; I can show you how you were meant to be, Sidon.” Yanun spoke tenderly as she brought him to his knees and made him toss the weapon away. It would have been a convincing performance of surrender or relief, if not for his true feelings expressed on his face.  

Sidon grimaced as she cradled his chin. “Get your filthy hands off me, traitor, murderer!” 

Yanun hushed him softly, rubbing her thumb through the blood on his cheek and stepped in closer to him. “Worry not. Our people will not kill each other needlessly. I have ordered it, but some may have fallen unintentionally.” 

“Unintentionally!?” Sidon spat and hissed. “You speak of the death of others as though it is a minor inconvenience. Is that what my father was to you? An inconvenience!”    

“Yes, he was.” The answer came simply. “Unable to see reason, I had no choice, but have Sado kill him.” Her calm and cold words struck him hard. However, it did not end there. “Though, he will be able to provide nourishment for many and no one can be ungrateful for that.” 

His anger began to dispel into horror. “Y-you’re going to... eat him?”  

Yanun laughed lightly and stroked at Sidon’s jaw lovingly as she let go. “Of course. We’re not savages after all.”  Then she happily sucked his blood off her fingers. “We never waste our own race’s precious flesh.”  

Sidon’s head was filled with white noise as he looked down at Dorephan, he couldn’t even fathom the thought.  

Though, Yanun had no intent on letting him focus on the fallen king. Or anything but her. For Yanun’s soul stretched across her scales like a flowering vine and then she bore her neck to him. “Take this offering, Sidon. Drink my blood, my soul and the power of Prima that dwells within you will finally be set free.” 

“No!” Sidon shouted, feeling energy starting to hum beneath his scales and his soul trying to cry out. The pink markings on his scales began to shift to blue as Sidon fought with his body. But not even his head was under his control anymore. “You’re not mine!” 

That had been the last time Yanun let him speak. “But I will be.” For the next time he opened his mouth, it was not of his choosing. Nor was it his choice to embrace her gently and bite down on her neck. To drink her blood, the energy of her soul. 

With his mind already overwhelmed, it took a moment to process the pain. Every gulp was boiling, burning his throat on the way down. His gut twisted like it was rotting. While something angrily claws at his ribcage, like it wanted to break in, to take something from him.  

But something much bigger bears its fangs.  

That’s mine. 

~~~~~~  ҉  ~~~~~~ 

Link wakes with a jolt, the after image of rows of teeth burned into his eyes and keeps his heart pounding for what feels like an eternity. His legs and arms; still numb, fumble as he struggles to get up, to get away from the silver monster. Clothing and bandages cling and pull at his skin. Soaked from blood or water, he doesn’t know. His ears begin ringing as the world around him becomes more stable, as his vision begins to clear. Luminous stone shines softly down from the ceiling, casting an eerie light upon the room and the figure sitting with their back against a door.  

Sado! Link rushes to get his feet under him, but the water that had pooled beneath him cause Link to quickly fall and land painfully back onto the stone floor. Groaning and whimpering from the terrible reminder of how much suffering his body had already endured. And the agony he was still very much in. 

“-ied to warn you.” They said softly, but what had been said before was completely missed. Was this about his rules? For his stupid game?    

Slowly this time; not that his body would allow it any other way, Link sat up and braced himself against a wall. It was deathly silent now. Or perhaps it had only felt that way. As Link kept his eyes fixed on the motionless enemy and was allowed a moment to fully assess the situation. The illusion faded away and everything finally became clear. The Zora at the door wasn’t Sado, it was Bazz.  

Link breathed a sigh of relief and began to relax, his plan had worked. Someone had found the Master Sword and led Bazz to his rescue. But before Link could say anything, he realized there was an awfully big commotion going on behind the door the black Zora rested against. He could hear shouting voices of many people and something being argued over, but was muffled by the door so he couldn’t make any of it out.  

Bazz followed his gaze and glanced at the door with a mix of emotions, but when he looked back at Link, it was all resentment. “Want to know what they’re fighting over?” Bazz asked darkly, though did not wait for Link’s answer, his voice following was filled with venom and despair. “What they should do about Sidon. Most of them want to hand him over, a few just want him dead.”  

The Hylian clenched his teeth in frustration, did they plan this too? Did they attack Link first on purpose, so that it would be one less obstacle in their way, and make an attack on Sidon easier? All for their sick goals, for taking control of Vah Ruta. [Damn those silver bastards!] 

“Silver?” Bazz huffed in pitiful amusement and then pointed over his shoulder. “That isn’t the silver you hear; those are my own knights. And Rivan... well, Rivan is the only one standing between them and this door.”  

As Link stared at him in bewilderment, Bazz only laughed. “What’s with the look? Did you think that we were being held here by Yanun’s people?” The Zora then spun something in his hands, it shimmered dully in the light and clinked roughly when the metal was grasped. “I’m the one with the keys.” 

[Then why are we in here? Why is the Zora’s royal guard fighting over betraying their Prince!?] Link gestured angrily. [Why aren’t you doing anything about it!?] What on earth was happening, why was everything suddenly going straight to hell?  

“Because they blame me for fucking everything up!” Bazz snapped and stood up abruptly. “I’m only one damn person, but I’m fucking trying, okay!? My distrust of Yanun and that freak, was a fucking joke to all of them, and now it suddenly fucking means something!? So, I’m to blame for not convincing them otherwise, for not stopping Sidon from bringing them to our home!? Screw all of you! I was wary of the silver Zora, but that doesn’t fucking mean I knew that they would turn against us! That they would kill King Dorephan!” 

While the death of the king was likely the main source of disarray among the guard, it should be a strong driving force to unite them. Not drive them apart. [You’re not making any sense! Stop bickering over stupid things and fight back!] 

“We can’t fight them!” 

Link glared at him. [Why not!?]  

“Because we can’t, we would only be throwing more lives away!” 

[Do they have hostages? Are they threatening the Prince’s life, too!? Is that what your people are really arguing over!? Their loved ones’ lives or the Prince’s?] 

“That’s not it at all! You’re not listening! They blame Sidon for bringing the silver here, that all this madness is his fault and that if not for him, none of this would have happened.” 

[Have you all suddenly become cowards and children!?] Link couldn’t believe the petty excuse the Domain’s people were using as evidence against Sidon.  

“Shut up! They think that way because of Sidon’s name, of what he is! Because the silver can all use lightning!! There’s literally nothing we can do, Link!” The man was shaking from the frustration and the fury that was tearing away at him. Bazz’s voice was even beginning to crack under the pressure, as if he was on the verge of tears. “If we get too close while in the water, their lightning stuns us. If we go at them on land and there is any amount of water between us, their lightning stuns us. If our weapons touch their bodies, their lightning stuns us...  Do you understand now? Why we are so utterly and pathetically vulnerable. We can’t fight back.”  

Link didn’t know what to say. What could he say to that? A Zora’s top weakness was electricity. Even the most resilient of them all; Bazz’s father, Seggin, could only barely hold a few shock arrows. Let alone be struck by one. Yet, if the silver Zora truly have the ability to not only withstand it, but to have it manifested within their bodies for use. It was a losing battle for the Domain. 

[I’m sorry.] Was all Link could muster up. Here he had been lecturing Bazz and his knights about not fighting back, but was Link any better? Link had let his guard down; he truly had become overly confident and look at the mess it left him in. He was barely able to sit up and speak in hands. Even if he managed to force himself onto his feet, Link didn’t believe that he would have the strength to run, let alone fight.  

There was tense silence between them now, Bazz was either refusing his apology or was insulted by it. Yet, he remained standing and kept his gaze fixed on Link. His sharp, golden eyes and his presence was starting to make the smaller man uncomfortable. It’s similar, but not the same. Wrong. Is the feeling that rings throughout his body. Wrong!  

A frightfully familiar sensation begins to burn in his aching muscles as his heart begins to pick up speed. Stop. Link shook his head roughly and looked to the floor. Trying to shake off the urge to fight, to suppress the adrenaline rushing through his veins. He was getting sick of these sudden twists in his instincts, it was exhausting how fast and how often the stress for survival kept triggering.  

Manhandling from M was odd of her, but something Link was used to and yet all he wanted to do was fight her, run from her. Harmless contact from a stranger like Kattan was something he shouldn’t have even cared about and yet all he had wanted to do was hurt her, kill her if he had too. And Bazz... before he had only touched his shoulder out of concern for him, but all Link had felt was danger. Even now, he feels as though the Zora is dangerous, a threat. His heart won’t stop hammering in his chest.   

Nothing had happened for months, months! Yet, within less than forty-eight hours, Link was losing control, losing his mind. Had his condition really been that compromised by one small incident with Ingo? That Ingo’s actions and scent was all it took for his instincts to fluctuate wildly and perpetually struggle against his will.  

Frustrated and frightened, as his thoughts and emotions continue to spiral. He just wants this to end, to get out of here, to feel safe in his own skin once more. Link claws angrily at his belly, at the source of his state. But he whimpers reflexively from the burst of pain, he had forgotten about the wounds left there by Sado. 

“You did something similar before,” Bazz’s calm voice snaps Link out his torment and the Hylian yanks his hand away. “when you told Prince Sidon he was right.” The black Zora starts walking towards Link. “Just what was it, what did he know? What was so important that you couldn’t say openly and all before the silver made their move?” 

Link struggles with himself; to resist backing away, to resist cowering, and make eye contact as the other stops before him. He knows what Bazz is asking. Yet, he can’t bring himself to answer. There’s a vice grip on his lungs and a strong sense of distrust weighing heavily on his body.  

Link feels the smooth texture of the rib bone in his hand before he even realized he had reached for one that was attached to his garb. Subconsciously searching for anything that could be used to protect himself.  

A sudden knock on the door startled them both, but neither one looks away. “Bazz. It’s me.” Came Rivan’s calm and serious tone. “Open the door.” 

~~~~~~  ҉  ~~~~~~ 

Bazz rested against a wall of the main room in the royal safehouse, bitter about this whole situation, but was feeling rather smug at the moment. As the other Zora couldn’t keep their emotions in line with him now present; glaring at him and grasping their weapons. Like he was the enemy. Though, Bazz supposed he was to these fools.  

As the brown Zora returned carrying Link awkwardly in his arms, Bazz looked to him. “So, what is the verdict.” 

Rivan sighed as he seats Link at the only table. “Well, with Master Link conscious, that has now changed.” 

The uproar that followed had Rivan turning to shout over them, trying to regain control over the situation. But all Link could focus on was the markings on the man’s back. It hadn’t been noticeable under the low light of luminous stone, but in torchlight, the Hylian could see it clearly. Artwork; similar to the tapestry in Impa’s home, was painted across his brown scales. Even breaching into his white in harsh radical lines, almost like cracks in between scales, as though it couldn’t be contained. The overall colour of it was grey; with areas of blue and yellow, while the spiralling shapes could be fire or smoke.  

It couldn’t be a tattoo. Link would have noticed it earlier, even as he rushed into the Domain. It also wasn’t like Rivan to have one.  

Not thinking, Link reached out to touch what he believed could only be paint. But it did not smear nor did it feel any different. The artwork, however, came alive. Moving around chaotically, like a frightened animal.  

Rivan flinches away from the contact and while he doesn’t voice it, the shifting of the artwork seems to cause him some pain. And unexpectedly, seeing the movement scares the other knights into silence. Grimacing, he asks Link. “Please, don’t do that. Just leave him be, he isn’t himself right now.”  

[What, who? What’s happened to you?] 

“Later, Master Link. I’ll explain later, after we’re out of this mess, I promise.” 

Bazz isn’t the least bit bothered or surprised and continues on like nothing happened. “Well, what do these idiots want to do?” Ignoring the few that returned to glaring at him. 

“They want to find Gaddison.” Rivan stated. 

“What!?” Stepping away from the wall and now visibly angered, he turned on the knights. “Why have Gaddy be the priority over any other civilian? She isn’t a knight right now who has to focus on the protection of the people, she’s an expecting mother! Don’t drag her into this!”  

One of the knights shouted back. “She’s involved just as much as any of us! And perhaps if you hadn’t failed at your role, we wouldn’t be in need of hers! You know the truth!”  

Bazz groaned as they had come back around to this, again. “Let me make this perfectly clear to you younglings brought up by your parents misguided belief. My name means Truth Bringer, as in will bring forth truth! Not that I know all that is true!” 

“You carry forth Queen Shiel’s words and knowledge of what is to come! Tell us everything, we have a right to know what the future holds! And don’t bother lying. We all heard you tell Rivan that it was on her orders to capture Sidon!” They spat out the name as if it was bitter on their tongue.  

“Watch your mouth.” Rivan said harshly, but nothing else. Letting the room fall into silence.  

But as Bazz met his friend’s eyes, he could tell that Rivan wasn’t on their side of things. Not entirely. Huffing in irritation, Bazz leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms. “Where do you stand in all this, why has Link become your focus now?” 

“You’re dodging the question.” Rivan warned, not of his backlash, but of the others. Sidon hadn’t been the only one on the chopping block during the initial discussion.  

“Answer mine and I’ll be more inclined to speak.” 

“Fine. While I do not disagree with the idea that now is the promised time that Queen Shiel had wanted us chosen to prepare for. I believe that it is far too early to be grasping at hope, at Gaddison. For all we know her role could be elsewhere.” He paused for a moment, glancing at the tattoo that was still in the process of settling back down. “And despite the horror I experienced at this sudden reveal. I do not envy the weight upon your shoulders. I trust that whatever knowledge you may have, you know when to share it. Just as our Queen did before. I trust you, Bazz.” 

“My answer,” Bazz began, turning to the one that had demanded it. “I choose to say nothing.”  

“You can’t be-!” The knight began, but Rivan was quick to silence them. 

“Enough, all of you!! You turned to me the moment I arrived, trusted me to listen to you, to remove Bazz of command and make the right decisions. Which Bazz surrendered without a fight, might I remind all of you. So, hold your tongues! I’ve made my choice.” He scowled and dared anyone to challenge him. Confident that they wouldn’t, not for as long as they saw him as a place of safety. For they were in a state of panic, grasping desperately at any logic or reason their home had succumb to darkness once more.   

Who to blame. Who to trust. They have lost faith in Bazz who was to be their truth, lost Gaddison who was to be their hope. Leaving only Rivan who is to be their refuge.  

Blinded and deaf to what they once knew and believed in. 

Something Rivan had a feeling could be healed with time. 

“I know you want Gaddison.” The brown said softer, he sympathized with their fear of the silver and the sheer helplessness of it all. “But, there is one hope that is with us and one I will never stop believing in.” Rivan then turned to Link. “And that is you, my friend.” 

“Don’t you dare go asking Link to fight.” Bazz piped up in rage before Link could even raise a hand to speak.  

“I’m not.” He said to Bazz calmly and then again to Link. “I’m not. What I am asking, is will you be our hope once more. As the stand in Captain of the Royal Zora guard, I ask for your aid in leadership, Master Link. What do you believe is the right course of action?” 

With a fierce gaze, Link does not hesitate. [We must escape for now and the Prince comes with us.]  

~~~~~~  ҉  ~~~~~~ 

Without the Sheikah slate, the Master Sword or even any armour, Link was already feeling bare. But for the Zora knights, they were about to be. Since they could not fight, armour and weapons would only slow them down. It had been during this time of preparation that Link learned that the Domain’s supply of bows had either been destroyed or was in use by the silver. Yet another disadvantage pitted against them. 

But when the escape plan from the safehouse; located within the Ruto Precipice, was gone over, Link turned to Rivan with worry. Setting the now empty spicy elixir as side, he spoke. [The Prince is here, right?] With the idea of turning against Sidon dismissed, it wasn’t like they had to keep him locked in another room. [Is he badly injured?] That had to be the reason why he wasn’t with them now. 

Rivan frowned as he set the last of his equipment aside. “He is injured, but I do not know the extent of it. Or how much more he gained after leaving you in Bazz's care.”  

[Can you take me to him?] He requested and used the table as a brace to get up from the chair. His legs were as wobbly as a newborn foal. But Link had to see him, he had to make sure Sidon was going to be okay.  

“No time for that.” Bazz stated and dropped to his knees to help lift the Hylian onto his back. Link gave a grunt of displeasure, both from his wounds being jostled and being cut off. The tension he felt towards the man hadn’t fully gone away just yet, but Bazz had insisted that he had to be the one to carry Link, do to still being under the affect. What ‘affect’ the Zora didn’t answer. “Just trust me when I say that Rivan has got him, so let’s hightail it out of here before we lose our cover.” 

The cover Bazz spoke of, was a howling blizzard. Due to Link not having gills, they had to use the top exit. The flooded tunnels were far too long to even risk holding his breath.   

“See you at Mercay Island.” Was the last thing the Bazz said before hurrying towards the small stairway. Time wasn’t on their side after all.  

It was a short climb up, but the higher they went the less luminous stone there was and when Bazz reached the end, there was only dim light behind them. Pushing open the secret passage, all Link could see ahead was pitch black. He could feel the strong wind of the storm and the thick flakes melting on his skin, but as Bazz stepped out and shut the passage. It was nothing but a void.  

Link hadn’t experience darkness like this in a long time, with little protection from elements and enemies. Frightening memories started to pop up and his stressed mind playing with his senses only made things worse. He hugged Bazz tighter and was grateful that the man was with him, despite his body’s protest.  

A few minutes later, Bazz had made his way down to the riverbank and waded out to his hips before dropping in to start swimming. Bazz focused on making the ride as smooth as possible for Link, but was greatly caught off guard when someone snatched his ankle. He didn’t even get a split moment to react before electricity shoots through him. A silver! 

Twitching and stunned, Bazz can’t even keep himself afloat and begins to sink, while Link has no choice but to hold on. Then his attacker breaches the surface with a grin and holds him up. “To think, being one of the few to get the boring job and I snag not only a souse thief, but the one Priestess hates the most. She’ll reward me for such a gift brought to her alive.” 

Bazz believed that they had more to say, but an odd sound made them pause. As it got a bit louder, a heavy and slow beat, like a large flag in the wind, the silver then shot their gaze to the sky in terror. “They followed us!?” Before they hastily released their captive and dived back towards the domain. But they were too slow and a chunk of the night sky plummets for them, creating a massive tidal wave sends Bazz and Link rushing down river. 

“Holy Hylia, what is that!?” Bazz hollers as he scrambles, his swimming is sloppy has his body has yet to fully recover. But as the horrified death cries of the silver become muffled in the thrashing waters and when the silence quickly settles in, Bazz’s own fear only continues to climb. He does not look back at whatever nightmare sends a silver running from sound alone.  

Though his heart seizes as the beating noise is above him in seconds, the river plunges around them; forced down only for Bazz to feel something powerful coil around his arms and to be wrenched from the water. It happened so fast, even Bazz is gasping for air as the river falls farther and farther from his dangling feet. “Oh, gods! Oh, Hylia!” He feels Link’s grip failing and quickly tries to help the Hylian hold on. 

But they are not given any sort of time to even figure out what to do next before the creature is suddenly diving for Oren Bridge. The sudden sight of the ground rushing up to meet them has Bazz panicking. “Brace yourself, Link!” 

Link musters up enough strength to hold to Bazz tightly just as rapid blasts of icy wind whips around them with thunderous flapping. They are then dropped a few inches from the surface of the bridge, but Bazz is unable to land on his feet. Collapsing, his body won’t stop shaking and when he hears the clicking of stone, he rolls over. To face the threat and to shield his friend.  

This creature’s appearance is brought to light from the lanterns; darkly feathered all over while their red face, beak, four limbs armed with six inch talons standout. It looks like a bird, a Rito, only with monstrous proportions. It’s the size of Sidon! Bazz flinches as it takes one step forward, yet it pauses and tilts their head at him. Then it speaks. “Short-tail know Sharp-ear.” 

“Sharp-ear?” Bazz whispered and was hesitant to look back at Link. They’ve met before? From the scowl on Link’s face, he took that as a yes. But not on friendly terms. 

Though the bird continued with an amused scoff. “Fooled!” Then they stepped up onto the railing and hopped along it like a sparrow till they were next to the pair. Then they leaned in, till their sharp beak was right in Link’s face. “Safe now. Short-tail hunting.” Then they leaped over to the other railing, the one facing towards Zora’s Domain. 

They both turn to follow the bird and then they regret it almost immediately. In this frozen darkness, not all the ice is what it seems. It was blood and there were bodies draped all along the railing.  

Silver Zora. 

And Hylian knights. 

"See?” The bird clicked their beak as they ripped a letter from a dead Zora’s clutch and tossed it in front of Bazz. While the contents were ruined, the wax seal was intact and Link recognized it immediately. The insignia was the very same one from the waterskin, the very same that was on the red banners in the quarantine camp. As Link looked back up at the beast, it smiled. “Fooled.” 

As much as Link hated it, the bird was right and Link isn't even certain if the castle would be a safe place to go anymore. The silver and the one running the camp were conversing directly, but just how deeply connected were they? What now? Was there anywhere safe left to go? 

“Want truth?” They grabbed at something through their feathers and lifted it over their head before tossing it at Link. Which Link nearly missed and looking it over, it was a large gold pendant. One with the Triforce and with only the top triangle represented with a ruby, leaving the bottom two simply as gold designs.  

“He know, find desert.”

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#SidLink #a/b/o verse #Mpreg #Primal FF #Written Work #Rated M #Rated R