SPOILERS FOR BREATH OF THE WILD INCLUDE:

"Zora Quest" Spoilers

"Captured Memories" Spoiler

His silhouette flashed as the sky roared, his footsteps splashing in the rain as he continued running. He could barely see his feet in front of him without his eyes being blurred by water. When he saw light heading straight towards him, he would jump to the side and hit the rocky walls surrounding him. He'd groan in pain, but it was nothing compared to the pain he would have felt if he were to be hit by that flash. Crouching behind a boulder, he pulled the hood that fell earlier over his head and focused.

Just one…

Pulling out his bow, he could only hope to aim properly at the fierce lizard standing atop a boulder, holding its bow out in his direction. It knew he was there and was waiting.

He pulled out some seared steak he cooked earlier (cooked he says, but just held over a fire) and took a bite. It definitely didn't taste as good as it would have just out of the pot and not in the rain. Regardless, he felt some of his energy return and his head clearer.

He saw the path that would lead him to victory and seize the kill. He hoped he had the endurance to make it.

Behind him he heard familiar cries, or rather gurgles and growls. He had to move; it was now or never. He started his sprint straight towards the lizard who was aiming straight at him. He stared intently at the lizard's claw, which was proving difficult with the darkness and rain, and the moment the lizard raised its claw, he jumped to the side and continued running.

Putting his bow away and pulling out his broadsword, he threw it immediately at the lizard, hitting its horn and making it squeal in pain. He sprinted even faster and caught up to it before kicking the lizard off the boulder and making it roll down the hill.

He panted as he picked up his broadsword, as well as the bow and arrows left by the lizard. The arrows somehow had perpetual electricity coursing through the tip. Presumably the lizards used the lightning to their advantage to create the arrows. He wondered if this means creating arrows using different elements were possible.

He was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard a growl from up ahead. He saw another lizard with the same bow and arrows. Placing the arrows in his quiver, he quickly ran for cover, watching where the lizard was aiming its bow carefully. When the lizard wasn't aiming directly at him, he was confused but wasn't going to waste the opportunity. The lizard released its claw but he did not need to move, as the lizard had seemed to miss and the arrow flew right by him.

So then why did he feel excruciating pain?

Electricity coursed through his veins, making him scream and lose his footing as he suddenly started to roll down the hill, similar to the lizard prior.

He quickly regained his senses, the electricity not as strong as actual lightning, and gripped the ground tightly. He pulled himself up and ducked behind a boulder for cover and reached for his sword. When it wasn't there in his sheathe, he realized he must have dropped it and instead pulled out his bow.

His entire body was numb, but he had to get a move on. But there was no way he could go on the main path anymore. He wouldn't be able to rely on his reflexes until he recovered. He glanced to his side and normally he could have climbed the cliffside, if it wasn't raining.

When he heard the cries of more lizard behind him, he realized he didn't have a choice and leapt onto the wall. He started climbing, hearing the sound of arrows behind him. He would make a leap towards one side based on the direction of the sound of bowstrings being plucked. An arrow hit his back but he gritted his teeth and made a leap upwards, before slipping.

He could see the edge just above him and with one final leap, he made it to the top. He fell to the ground but caught himself with his arms, panting as his back cried in pain of the lizard's arrows.

He looked up quickly, analysing his surroundings for any more monsters. He couldn't tell, but there was a red creature sitting by the pond near the center of the clifftop. Pulling out his bow and the arrows filled with electricity, which he had decided to dub Shock Arrows, he crouched and approached the creature, silent as a cat. The rain would also help as it covers the sound of his footsteps.

"Is someone there?"

Somehow, he heard the soft, feminine voice despite the thunder raging in the skies. He decided to stand up and make his presence known. After all, no monster he has encountered had the ability to speak Hylian.

"Hm? Are you…a Hylian?"

He didn't know how he was able to hear her, but he approached the person slowly. He could not tell who it was, or what it was. But by that phrase, he could confirm that it was probably not a Hylian.

"Oh my! You're hurt!"

Wiping away the rain on his face, he could tell that the person had fish-like features but the body had a similar erect posture to Hylians.

He didn't even notice the person had gotten near him. He didn't even notice he fell to his knees, catching his breath, coughing blood once.

"Hold still…"

She had pushed him down, his face kissing the dirt and he felt his shirt being pushed up. He heard the snap of wood and assumed she broke the tail-end of the arrow in his back.

"This may hurt, but please bear it." The way she said 'please', he wondered if he would have refused if she asked him to jump off a cliff.

Though that thought disappeared immediately as he felt his skin being stretched and cut.

"Oh thank goodness…the arrow wasn't lodged into your bones…" She pulled the arrow out, and he placed his face in the dirt to muffle his screams.

It wasn't long before he no longer felt any pain in his back. He was then rolled over on his back and he now had a proper view at his healer's face.

Her skin, or scales, were dark red (though he assumed that it was dark red because it was dark and raining) though her face and torso were white. She was wearing some form of jewellery on her head and hanging around her neck, different from the jewellery Hylian royalty wear, and had a small cape on her shoulder with a blue jewel attached.

"There you go." He blinked as she released his arm that she grabbed without him noticing. He sat up, noticing all the pain was gone. Looking at his arms, he noticed all cuts and bruises he gathered were gone. As if they were never there. Not even a scar.

"How…?" He continued staring at his arm in amazement.

The girl smiled softly. "I healed you…using my powers."

He whipped his head to her in shock before smiling and bowed his head. "Thank you very much. I owe you my life."

"Stop, it feels weird to have a young Hylian bowing to me."

He let out a quiet laugh and stood back up. He rubbed the back of his head before extending his hand. "I'm Link, nice to meet you."

The girl looked at his fingerless glove-clad hand, confused before realizing its purpose. She grasped his hand with both of hers, making Link realize how soft and slippery her hands were. And how muddy and callous his were. "I'm Mipha, Princess of the Zoras."

Link blinked before adopting a panicked expression. "O-oh! I'm sorry, I didn't know!" Before Link could kneel to show his respect, Mipha stopped him.

"Please, don't worry about it. Like I said, you're young and a Hylian." She released his hand and he rubbed the back of it, her wet, smooth touch lingering.

"Thank you again, Mipha." Mipha nodded and turned around, walking to the pond in the middle of the clifftop. Link blinked and followed her. She sat back down and went back to staring at the pond. When Link sat down next to her, she nearly jumped in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I just come here for some peace and quiet," Mipha answered, staring at the water. A moment of silence.

"Erm, aren't you gonna ask why I'm here?"

Mipha turned and faced Link. "I am curious. You're quite young to be in a dangerous place like this. Would you tell me?"

Link smiled and nodded. "I'm training to get stronger. I want to protect Hyrule when I get older and become a knight."

Mipha frowned. "But you're only…ten years old?"

Link raised his fingers. "Nine actually. Good guess."

"That's insane! How could you risk your life like that!? If you die, there won't be a future for you!" Mipha exclaimed, her quiet voice suddenly filled with passion. It definitely surprised Link.

"I guess that could be a problem," Link halfheartedly shrugged. "I'm not worried though. The monsters around here aren't too smart. It's not like I'm fighting those Guardians. They aren't too difficult to kill." While Link said that, his brows furrowed, thinking back to the Shock Arrows.

"Is something the matter?" Mipha noticed Link's sudden serious expression.

Link turned back to Mipha, realizing that perhaps Mipha could help explain what had happened. He pulled out the Shock Arrows he salvaged. When he showed it to her, her eyes widened. "Those lizards were shooting these at me. Though they aren't as strong as lightning, they still hurt. But there's something weird about these. They have an area of effect or something, because when I dodged one, it landed near me but I was still electrocuted."

Mipha had placed her hand under her chin as she listened. "That explains those injuries…Perhaps you were standing in water?" Seeing Link tilt his head she explained. "Water can conduct electricity, or rather the impurities in water. Similar to how metal conducts electricity."

"Ah…" Link nodded, everything now making sense to him. At the same time, countless new strategies were forming in his mind. Especially if he could find a way to produce more. At the same time, if regular monsters were using these weapons, they were getting more intelligent. "Thanks. I know what I'm going to be doing when I get back home!"

"I'm glad I could be of assistance. Just promise me you'll be more careful from now on."

Link scratched his cheek. "Well, there's no way to get stronger without roughing yourself up right?" Mipha frowned at that but Link smiled. "Besides, I have a new friend who can heal me, right?" Link smiled widely and Mipha stared at him, surprised.

"…Friend?" She said slowly.

"Sure! I'll be sure to visit you one day! Where do you live?"

Mipha pointed to the tall mountain nearby. "I live in Zora's Domain. Perhaps you can ask a soldier to give you an escort?"

Link waved her suggestion off. "Nah, I can make it up there on my own."

Mipha frowned, still having doubts about the young boy's skill but didn't want to offend him. "Just be careful."

"Have some faith in me! …Oh right! Do you like steak?" Link pulled out his seared steak that obviously had been bitten.

"What is steak?" Mipha tilted her head, staring at the brown meat in curiosity.

"A Hylian delicacy, that's what! Want to try?"

Mipha nodded and Link handed the seared steak to her. When Mipha opened her mouth, Link couldn't help but notice how white her teeth was, which was an obscure thing to notice. He watched her face as she took a bite, chewed, and swallowed. Her face scrunched and she handed back the steak. "It's…very interesting."

Link laughed. "You don't need to lie! I forgot that it tastes better straight from the pot."

Mipha smiled "Then I hope you'd allow me to taste it 'straight from the pot' one day."

Link's own smile widened. "Definitely!"

Link released his finger and let his arrow fly. The arrowhead cackled with electricity before landing directly in the center of a tree. Link wiped the sweat off his forehead as he turned and looked around. He was atop a tall mountain to the east of Zora's Domain. There were trees surrounding the clearing he was in and each one had several Shock Arrows embedded in them. Though with the sun being high above him, you couldn't really see the arrows. He decided to use the area as a training ground for his archery skills. This way he wouldn't be distracted by anyone he would rather not see.

Of course, the Zora who was approaching him was definitely someone he appreciated.

"Let me see your hand."

Knowing there was no use in defying her, he held out his left hand. His fingers were bruised from continuous shooting. Mipha grasped his hand began using her powers. Her hands glowed and soon Link's fingers were healed quickly.

Link flexed his fingers. "Is there anything you can't heal?"

Mipha smiled but didn't answer, knowing the question was rhetoric. After all, she would rather not discuss that. "I must say, you are very impressive with the bow. You may even be able to rival a Rito."

"Well, as far as I'm concerned, they cheat. They use bows that can fire two or three arrows at once!" Link joked before laughing and getting a giggle out of the Zora Princess.

"Perhaps…by the way, I noticed you have stopped wearing your soldier uniform. Is there a reason?"

"Those uniforms really limit the way I can move around the battlefield. Sure, they're good for taking hits but why take hits when you can avoid them? I can't do half the things I can with that uniform." Link did a quick back flip to demonstrate.

"I suppose that's fair." Link nodded before staring at Mipha intently.

"…I'm really glad you've opened up."

"Huh?" Mipha was taken aback by the sudden statement.

Link turned to the blue sky, reminiscing. "You were so reserved and shy but you've really opened up. I'm glad."

Mipha smiled. "Perhaps I have you to thank. Your courage is very contagious."

Link smiled and rubbed the back of his head. "I don't think so…" Mipha shook her head to cut Link off before he could sell himself short.

"Well then," Mipha picked up the weapon at her feet. "How about a quick spar?"

Link's face lit up and he nodded, pulling his broadsword out of his sheathe and placing his bow on his back. "I need to get better at facing spear-wielders and who better to train with than a master?"

Mipha blushed and crouched slightly, wielding the spear in front of her. "I wouldn't call myself a master…"

Link raised a brow as he lowered his sword and adopted his fighting stance. "Then what would you call yourself? Because I've faced a lot of people at the castle and no one wields a spear better than you."

Mipha shook her head. "If you're trying to distract me with these compliments, I'm afraid you'll have to try harder than that."

"I'm not. It's the truth. But let's just get started."

Link began with a quick dash and stabbed in Mipha's direction who raised her spear to deflect the stab. She quickly swung the spear, forcing Link to perform a back flip. Mipha had seen Link's ability to counter after he dodged an attack at the perfect moment and was prepared.

When Link landed he rushed straight at her incredibly fast but Mipha kept him at bay with a back flip of her own and then a swing to push him back. He deflected the swing and went for an upper slash from below. Mipha saw it coming and sidestepped to the left.

As far as she knew, apparently she was the only person Link knew who could keep up with him. When she met Link several years ago she thought he may have been full of himself but every time they met since he continuously proved himself to be a more than capable warrior.

When she sidestepped she delivered a stab towards Link who tried to deflect but was thrown off balance. Using this opportunity, Mipha did a low sweep and knocked Link off his feet. "Shoot…that went by too fast," as he collapsed on the grass, dropping his sword.

Mipha sat down next to Link and grasped his hand. "You're still really strong. I've just seen you fight a lot so I know what to expect."

Link sat up and smiled. "I've seen you fight a lot as well."

"Then I guess I'm just better than you." Mipha teased and Link chuckled.

"Maybe I should ask you to teach me how to use a spear?"

"Perhaps. Then you'd actually be a challenge."

Link laughed. "So blunt."

Mipha giggled. "You know I'm joking."

"Of course. But I wasn't joking, I'd really like to learn how to use a spear."

"Oh. Aren't you learning how to use two-handed weapons from the Gorons?"

Link shrugged. "Yeah, but learning how to use another weapon couldn't hurt."

"Believe me," Mipha stood up and poked him lightly with her spear, causing him to yelp. "It can hurt."

"Well my teacher is a healer, so what's a few scratches?"

"Yes, of course. I will always be here for you." Mipha smiled at Link before poking him once again with her spear. "Now then, I do believe I will require payment for my teachings."

"Oh?" Link was confused by her sudden demand. Mipha was never one to wish for a reward.

"How about we…" Mipha blushed. "Spend some more time together after each lesson, hm?"

Link gave a small smile as he stood up. "You just needed to ask. I'm done training for today, so how about we go do something now?"

"Ah, I don't want to distract you from your training…I know that was the reason why you decided to train up here."

Link picked up his sword and sheathed it. "Don't worry about it. By distractions, I meant soldiers coming and joining my training. When I'm training with them I have to hold back. I really appreciate you Mipha. So come on!" Link grabbed her hand and started to pull her towards the diving spot.

"Ah, what if you get a cold?" Mipha asked worriedly. "I can't cure illness."

Link shrugged. "One day I'll get waterproof armour. Besides, this is the fastest way to Kasuto Town! Come on, let's dive together!"

Mipha sighed but smiled regardless. She tightened her hold on his hand. "I'll make you waterproof armour. It would even help you swim faster."

"That sounds amazing. I look forward to it."

With that, the two jumped off and into the lake, hand in hand.

Thanks for reading! I'd like to hear your thoughts so please review! Should I leave this as a One-shot? Several little stories? Sequel? What can I improve on? Were the characters too ooc?

So this wasn't as spoiler-heavy as some people expected but there are people who have yet to play the game and there are people who have yet to complete "Zora Quest." Looking back, I have no idea why I put a "Captured Memories" spoiler since I'm pretty sure there is none but I'll keep it just in case. I'm just trying to be respectful.

Oh right, this story is a "Captured Memories" spoiler in the sense that it spoils Link and Mipha were childhood friends :P (Though that's more of a "Zora Quest" spoiler). I wanted to expand on how they met and how close they were. I probably should have gave Mipha some more character or something. I just felt like I had to write something for this pair.

I beat Breath of the Wild the other day, almost 100%. Done most shrines and sidequests. I for one thoroughly enjoyed the game. It's weak point is the character development I think so I wanted to do more with the characters. Well, Mipha really. It almost seems canon judging by Link's response after Diving Beast Vah Ruta.

I would like to hear some of your thoughts on Breath of the Wild. Though if you do decide to review, keep your review spoiler-free please. Well, just don't say anything that would spoil major plot points or surprises. Zora Quest you can talk about all you want since this is story by itself is a spoiler for the Quest. Sort of. If you message me or I message you, don't worry about spoiling me because I've either done/seen most things or have been spoiled by friends.

Kasuto Town doesn't exist in the actual game. I don't remember if there was a location called Kasuto but I doubt it. It's a town in Zelda II if you were curious. Reason why I made it up is because I assume pre-Calamity Ganon there were more towns. I feel that is a fair assumption.

EDIT 13.07.18

- Slight edits