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A summon from the Rito Champion was no easy feat. It was one filled with longing, anticipation, lust and oft, regret. The journey to his hometown was ill suited to travel for one so small. And on this day the weather demanded an audience as her wind whirled up in tendrils and drifts as snow fell about the Zora’s face.
Mipha averted her head to shield her sensitive eyes from the sharp pin needles of frozen rain pelting her. Her little crimson body is a stark contrast to the blanket of white all around her. Merely the little flutters within her belly and the racing of her heart was enough to send this little Zora into the tough terrain of the Rito as she anticipated gazing into the green, hard, determined eyes of the Rito Champion.
The climate here was definitely adequate for a winged species, but for a Zora with sensitive skin and shimmering scales this was horrible. Revali had sent a letter three days prior to Mipha getting herself in this position for a date as he called it. The Rito and Zora have been sweet on each other since they first met, both too shy to advance, too busy to pursue. Yet once being named Champion they felt this sudden sense of urgency and pressing time that set them out to explore their feelings for one another. Both too young to name what they have, both too caught up in learning and bonding they're Divine Beasts to imagine a true future together. Yet with each passing day, each interaction their bond to one another grew stronger, and they were ready to name the thing they were so confused about, they were in love and sealed this notion with a passionate kiss.
That was the last they spoke until this note.
Upon reading Revali’s hastened and sweet letter, Mipha decided to set out and surprise him at his home town. Neither Revali nor she could predict the roaring storm that day.
Caught in the middle of nowhere, her world a whiteout as snow, wind and hail whipped all about her. The cold cut through to her very bones as her limbs disobeyed her command to move. Mipha shivered as she wrapped her arms around her little body, finding herself wishing she stayed at the Domain. It was rare she ventured far, her father wished for her safety and her only excursions were with the Champions or Link.
So Mipha was in the dark. How could she bother the others with such a silly little notion? How could she possibly explain? Yet she felt within her core that Revali and her were not as subtle as they had thought. Daruk, Zelda and even Link had carefully asked in a gentle sort of way why Mipha always seemed so flustered when around the Rito Champion, the way she gazed up at him with so much admiration.
Link found it misplaced, not trusting the Rito to care for her heart, Zelda eased that Revali only bonded his Beast and had room in his heart for one love, Daruk warned Mipha would always be second choice for the Rito.
But Mipha ignored them all as Revali revealed to her the complete opposite. When the walls came down, when they were alone, when the facade was up, Revali confided in her, Revali held her in a way no other had before, Revali allowed his heart to open to her and Mipha embraced the same.
A heavy gust of wind knocked the little Zora to her knees, the wet, cold snow sent a shock through her body. Opening her eyes against the snow, she made a sudden realization that she had become lost. Everything looked the same under the white terrain, she took a wrong turn. Where was Rito Village? She swore it was this way and yet…The wind shifted east, telling her she moved westward without realizing it. Panic set in. What if she froze? What if she wandered too far and never made it back? No one knew she was going here.
Mipha saw no immediate shelter in sight as her limbs grew cold and her body trembled, her hands and feet stinging from the unbearable cold. She couldn’t see anything, the wind taking any scents away from her. She wanted to cry out, to curse herself for her foolishness but all she could do was lie down and curl up into a ball in the hopes to keep her body working until the storm was done.
Just before Mipha gave into the cold and her world began to darken, a strong gust of wind swept across her frozen body, clearing away the accumulating snow.
Then she felt the warmth of gentle feathers wrap around her, lifting her off the ground and brought close against a strong chest.
“Sweet Hylia! What are you doing here, Mipha? You’re freezing- Here, allow me.” The familiar voice of Revali drifted towards the small Zora, bringing her back into consciousness.
Revali held Mipha close, using his wings to shield her from the snow and wind. He stood exposed to the elements while doing everything he could to warm Mipha and protect her from the storm. “I’ve got you. I’m here now. Say something.”
Mipha gave a shudder. Her golden eyes half lidded as she gazed up at the familiar face before her. Their Champion’s garb swayed around them, entangling them, protecting them, blue against white, crimson against grey-blue.
Weary, Mipha managed a smile, trailing her fingers down Revali’s cheek, feeling his soft feathers. “I wanted to surprise you.” She murmured.
Revali made a quiet sound of surprise, a knowing smile curving his beak. “I was sent out to search for stragglers in the storm. Though I was expecting to find a lost Rito, not a Zora so far from home. You’re lucky they sent me because I am the strongest flyer. Another Rito wouldn’t have recognized your little body curled up in all that snow.”
“I did not know anyone would come. How you managed is…” Mipha trailed off, she couldn’t think of what would happen if Revali was not sent out. Instead, she buried her head in the warmth and comfort of Revali’s chest. His feathers were soft and familiar, a beautiful combination of blue and grey, so unique, his form unyielding when she felt his panting against her body, the storm tired him out too, though he would never admit to such a thing.
“I found you, didn’t I? Traveling all this way by yourself was asinine, dearest. But I’m glad you’re here. You’ll make this cold night a little warmer. Come, I must take you back to the village before you lose feeling in your pretty little limbs.”
“Despite everything, I’m glad I came so that we could spend this night together.”
Revali turned away as a lazy attempt to hide his blushing. He felt Mipha’s heart skip a beat while she stayed pressed against his body.
It was a rough journey back to Rito Village, the storm was relentless. The snow made it almost impossible to see which direction they were going in. But Revali knew his home, he had flown the path many times. He navigated by feel and memory alone while Mipha stayed close to his body, her legs working hard to walk through the snow. Revali used his wings to make a path the best he could.
When they were both exhausted and the way seemed too far, they finally made it back to Rito Village where they were greeted by many Rito warriors, all anxious to see Revali home, confused why the Zora Champion was with him.
Revali didn’t give his fellow fighters an explanation, his only concern was to get Mipha warm. He took her to the fire and gently wrapped a thick blanket made of feathers around her shivering body.
He sat down next to her, feeling her tiny body shake with the wind. He moved close. There the two stayed until morning. When the sun rose above the mountains, is when Mipha finally settled and drifted off into a light slumber with Revali snuggled up close at her side.
The morning brought warmth and hope as the sun crest just beyond Vah Medoh. She flew dormant as she waited for her master to board. A calming site for the Rito as they rose from their slumber. Dreams of safety as among them they had a Champion. Little did they know instead of watching the skies last night, their Rito Champion watched over something far more precious, a little crimson Zora with bright yellow eyes and a softness that could thaw even the coldest heart.
Mipha was much recovered with the help of Revali’s warmth and the dancing fire beside her. The wind had died down significantly as the Zora took in the beauty Rito village had to offer. Already in the early morning the Rito went about their chores and tasks, opening their shops, flying off for food, the warriors trained and the children played. Mipha was so in awe of all of it, she demanded Revali give her a tour.
So he did, and oh did he ever show her off. Telling his fellow Rito the tale of the Zora Champion and the gifts of her healing powers. “Mipha will be the true hero in this fight, with her at my side the Calamity is sure to fail!” Revali boasted. Taking little jabs at Link when he could.
Mipha thought it unfair as she loved Link, growing up together with him she saw him as a brother. Still, she took in the sights and different sensations flooding her. Revali knowing the Zora are a sensitive species, he pulled her toward one of the small pools on the path toward his village after showing her the horses in the stables.
Mipha enjoyed the cooldown and refreshment as she bathed in the pool, the water sparkled under the sun. Revali’s head turned up to the sky, the wind ruffling his feathers. Vah Medoh shadowed behind him. He was a sight of beauty and terror, strength and agility. Mipha’s heart raced at the sight as she blushed a warm blue.
“I don’t want this day to end.” Mipha stated innocently.
Revali lowered his head with a smirk, a plan forming. “Who said anything about it ending? We are only just beginning, my dear Mipha. Let us soar together!”
Mipha blinked and before she knew it, she was swept up in the talons of the Rito as he gently carried her up toward the Divine Beast. His gale caught under his wings and he soared. Mipha screamed, and then she laughed, she laughed because she was flying, and they were free.
Vah Medoh gave a shriek. Piercing Mipha’s ears, she moved to cover them, but Revali moved quicker, wrapping a wing around her, pulling her close to his warmth as he stroked a feathered wing along the machine's metal, calming the ancient relic into silence.
From below, Mipha could see specks of the Rito flying to their daily tasks, keeping low, avoiding the Divine Beast’s wind guests and Revali merely smirking at the revelation, his pride radiating off him and his Beast.
Mipha blushed at the sheer bond they had created. Vah Medoh was nothing like Vah Ruta, the machine had a certain feeling about it, a sense of honour and dignity. Just like her Rito pilot. Mipha slowly stepped out of Revali’s grip, the wind caressing her face as the clouds before them vaporized into mist as they passed through the Zora and Rito.
“I’ve never been so high up before! You can see everything.” Mipha exclaimed.
“Mmh, yes. Doesn’t the world look less scary from up here?” Revali said softly with a smile, his eyes fixed on Mipha as she took in the new height. A sense of pride filled Revali’s heart to see this little Zora so trusting and in awe of his titan.
“Quite the opposite, Revali. Though it is such a thrill!”
“Everything appears so small from above, don’t you think?” The Rito Champion started to slowly walk around Mipha, circling her playfully as Medoh gently soared through the clouds. “Defeating Calamity Ganon seems so easy up here. Alas, you can only soar with the wind for so long. Sometimes you gotta flap your wings and put the work in yourself to get to where you want to go. ”
Mipha blushed a deep blue, golden eyes locked on green eyes before her. Both predatory and oh so deep. Her gaze wandered to Revali’s figure, his posture, the way he carried himself with such grace and dignity. Vah Medoh swift beneath their feet yet grounding the Zora. She knew the Divine Beast would take care of her because Medoh’s pilot made sure of it. “And sometimes gravity has nowhere to turn, the only way is down. A driving force like a waterfall.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Revali said with a smile, stopping when he moved back in front of her. “Tell me, which way would you go if gravity pulled us closer?” He leaned in and whispered softly, then Medoh tilted her body slightly, shifting her weight until Mipha had no choice but to hold onto Revali for support.
The Rito Champion was quick to act, taking Mipha up within his wings and holding her close. He laughed softly. “I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall.”
Mipha gasped, her body alight, her heart inside her stomach. “Ah! Revali! I’ve never felt this way before!” Goddess above, he was smooth, soft, intense, wild and so very kissable. Mipha leaned in. Her body acted before her brain when she tangled her webbed fingers through his braids, when she shifted, wrapping her legs around his waist, when her lips fell on his beak, when she tasted him, felt him, breathed him in. Her sensations untamed as she trembled.
Revali blushed as he leaned into Mipha’s kiss, feeling her warmth, hearing her little heart beating so loud as she made her move. For the first time, Revali cursed his beak for he couldn’t kiss Mipha back. But his proud feathers ruffled and became more fluffy by Mipha’s affection. He closed his eyes as Medoh leveled out. Mipha tasted so good, so soft and gentle. He wrapped his wings tightly around her, pulling her closer.
Mipha pulled away breathless, their eyes saying everything their lips could not. Their bodies warm, hearts thumping in time with one another. The wind caressing their backs, Vah Medoh gave a screech, shuddering her mechanical body, pulling the lovers out of their daze.
Mipha blushed first and Revali laughed for the little Zora was his everything. To see that smile upon her gentle lips vowed the proud Rito to always care for her and love her. Mipha was everything. And to Mipha, Revali was everything. They nuzzled close, the crimson Zora’s tail wagging as the dots adorning her lithe body began to glow a soft purple.
Revali’s eyes took her beauty in, soaked up her radiance. The undeniable shift was present, they both felt it, a string tying them together, bounding their hearts, now forever intertwined.
“I am glad I came here, I would weather any storm just to see your eyes, Revali.” Mipha muttered, breathless and alive.
Revali hummed in response, a teasing smile on his beak as the wind ruffled his blue feathers.
“Together, and with the other Champions, I know we will succeed in taking down Calamity Ganon. And when we do, Revali, I will make the most divine armour for you!”
“I look forward to it, Mipha. You have my heart now and forever. Take one of my feathers with you so I am always with you, even in battle. We will meet again on the other side of the bloodshed. I fight for freedom, and for you. I love you.”
“Revali, I…I couldn’t possibly-“ But Revali pinned her with a look of promise and hope, of salvation and longing. Mipha couldn’t argue, she couldn’t say no as for a Rito, handing off one of their feathers was a show of mercy, strength, they were too proud to pluck a feather and give it so willingly, especially this Rito, her Rito. Mipha blushed before clashing into him for another kiss.
*******
The cold bit into her skin, a familiar feeling yet it was all wrong and it was terrifying. Her movements reduced as weakness took hold.
Mipha trembled on legs that disobeyed her will, her webbed fingers nearly frozen to her trident. She was bleeding, she didn’t know where. Vah Ruta roared from outside, her mechanical parts vibrating with the effort, Mipha was trained for this, holding her own as Waterblight Ganon swayed before righting itself.
Lights flickered from orange to red. Mipha felt her control over Ruta slipping as the Blight’s red eyes pierced her like a knife.
Out of hope, out of breath and out of time, Mipha willed her mind to happier places as she stumbled, panting. Waterblight Ganon raised its massive spear. This thing was fast, huge and knew how to weaken the Zora. “Revali, I’m sorry!” Mipha cried out as the Blight charged her, she thought of green eyes and soft feathers, strong wings and a gentle voice. Her body failing, Zelda, Link..She had failed them all. She would never see her planned future take shape, she would never know the fate of her friends.
*******
· · · ··· ··· ··· · · ·
The signal came in harsh and urgent, filling Revali’s ears until the sound became his lifeline.
Wind rushed up to meet the Rito Champion as Windblight Ganon tore through the air, racing to catch up with Revali as he swooped down low to land back onto Vah Medoh.
He was exhausted, his body broken and bleeding out. He weeped silently for the loss of Hyrule and his own failure. But most of all, he felt his heart had been shattered when the first S.O.S call sounded. It came from Van Ruta, the soft yet frantic signal was a sign that Mipha was dying, that she was desperate for help. And Revali couldn’t make it in time.
After the other Champions’ signals started to come in, it flooded Revali with regret and helplessness. But Mipha’s signal came through the loudest, ringing in the Rito’s ears like her death song. Revali knew she was long dead by now. Her tiny body lies within Ruta alone, without anyone to claim her, scared and bleeding. Revali shook his head to rid himself from thoughts of his precious Zora lifeless as Ganon slowly took over.
Windblight Ganon cried fiercely, rattling down to Revali’s core where Mipha’s warmth once calmed him.
He knew he was dying, he felt his heart slowly giving in. He thought back to Mipha’s soft voice, her gentle embrace. He understood now with pain in his heart that he had always loved Mipha, that the way he protected her so fiercely all those years were more than him making sure her gentle soul would remain.
Revali knew that his feathers would blush when he was around her, was more than seeking out praise, and that his most cherished moments was training with Mipha because they belonged together, their bodies flowed in perfect sync like wind and water should.
The Rito Champion heard the blast of a cannon before he felt the white hot pain of his feathers burning up. He screamed and fell to the ground next to Medoh’s controls. He managed to activate his S.O.S call before he collapsed. He knew no one would come for him, he just hoped the other Champions would be there to greet him on the other side. “Is this the way it was meant to be? I think it's asinine…” He coughed up blood, aware of Windblight Ganon slowly closing the distance between them. But the Rito was too weak to move. Mipha’s beauty filled his mind as darkness started to take him.
“My love for you has been there from the beginning, my dear. I love you, Mipha. I will see you soon, I suspect….Now Link must do what we could not. It's in his hands now. We will fly together again soon, Mipha.” Revali said with his final breath as the scent of his own rotting flesh consumed him, as Windblight Ganon fired his cannon one last time, stopping the Rito’s heart, his last thoughts were of Mipha while their calls for help echoed long after they had gone.