It wasn't as if they spent every moment together, even as close as they had become. No, they took time apart so that meeting again could be so much sweeter. While Zelda took to her study to tend to the tasks of governance, Clive was working his swordsmanship in the yard. Steel clashed against steel as another guard worked forms with him, a friendly duel that would see them both better at the end of it. Control was the most important thing to a bladesman, and learning how to swing the blade but not follow through would teach that! It certainly helped they were both fully armored, prepared for any mishaps that might occur.
However, they were interrupted as his dueling partner suddenly froze mid-swing, gaze off on something that wasn't Clive. Rather than chide the man on looking away, Clive's gaze followed, if only because he had begun to understand that very few of the guard were green enough to make such a mistake unless it was truly something that required attention.
And he was greeted to the sight of Zelda sprinting across the courtyard for his trouble.
"We'll pick this up later!" Clive was already speaking as he put his back to the guard, a few steps away before his blade was stowed across his back, where it belonged. It wasn't long before that black cape was billowing behind him, running full tilt after Zelda, though she was running as if hell itself were at her heels. Whatever possessed her, he was struggling to keep up as she rushed through Castle Town. He would have found himself lost if the stunned crowds weren't blatantly pointing the way, looking after their Princess with confusion and concern.
When he found himself before the Temple of Time, Clive bounded up the steps, reaching the doors only to find himself seeing a giant of a man standing before Zelda, and hearing the threat spoken. She had mentioned something of this before, someone who was sealed away in a separate realm for their deeds.
He didn't need anything other than that threat of extermination to step in, his blade flying from his sheathe. "Zelda!" Her name roared from his lips, just as the crackle of flame sang from his blade, the length of steel wrapped in fire as he charged forward.
He hadn't had to call on his gifts since coming to Hyrule, the land surprisingly peaceful compared to his home. Part of him was worried the Phoenix wouldn't answer his call, right when he needed it most. But it did! His next step forward had him disappearing in a flicker of flame, only to reappear between her and Ganondorf in another! With a roar, Clive didn't waste time looking for answers, explanations, or anything of the sort. That flame-wreathed blade was swinging for the giant before him.
And Clive wasn't holding back, that blade swinging for the man's neck immediately.