Summary: Life goes on in Zora's Domain, but the voice on a Yiga Clan recording yields a clue about an enemy.

"Okay, let's try it again," said Link as Sidon practiced parrying Link's sword attack with a Zora spear. Zoras typically relied almost exclusively on spears for offense and defense. Link had explained how to shift position depending on the angle of attack and quickly thrust back with the other hand after blocking. Then they practiced carrying it out. They alternated sessions each day between spear handling, archery and spear throwing. Sidon was making excellent progress, Link thought. He was an earnest and determined student, the attack on his father likely motivating him. Sidon did not want to feel helpless should another attack ever take place. After a while Link could see Sidon was tiring and it was time to call it a day. It was almost evening.

"I think that's enough for today," said Link. "You're doing very well, Sidon. We should start practicing spear against spear combat soon. And when you have time, you can also do some target practice on your own with your bow. Being able to aim quickly and get off an accurate shot is sometimes critical. But let's go home now. I don't know about you, but I'm getting hungry!"

"Thanks, Bro," said Sidon. "I appreciate the lessons, and I am feeling more confident now. But I know I still have a long way to go. And I'm pretty hungry too!"

They headed back across the Great Zora Bridge as Sidon's bodyguard tailed along behind them until they were safely back in the Domain. They were acknowledged by the two guards on duty at the end of the bridge. Then they proceeded through the plaza and up one level to where the slumber pools lay. As they neared the stairs to the throne room, one of the Royal Guards named Fandon at the foot of the stairway spoke up.

"Good evening, Your Highness and Link," said Fandon. "Her Majesty is in a meeting right now. But if your needs are urgent, you can interrupt."

"No, thank you, Fandon," said Link. "Not urgent. Just getting hungry. We can wait."

"Shall I have someone find you when the meeting is over?" asked Fandon.

"Just give us a shout If it's not too much trouble," said Link. "We'll be relaxing in one of the pools here."

So, he and Sidon waited in one of the pools. The water temperature was comfortable, and the water was kept clean through underwater circulation with the fresh water that flowed through the Domain. Link closed his eyes as he floated in the water and relaxed. He was tired too. Besides training Sidon, Link had been pushing himself with his own personal training each morning. He was not quite so fanatical about it as the days after the sword first chose him, but he pushed himself hard. Link practiced what he could on his own, and sometimes he would ask one of the more experienced Zora guards to duel with him. It was selfish of him to think so, but sometimes he regretted the lack of a Lynel on Ploymus Mountain. Those were exciting battles, he thought. He must have drifted off to sleep because the next thing he heard was Sidon calling him.

"Bro, bro, wake up," said Sidon, standing alongside the pool. "Sis is done with her meeting, and we can see her now."

"Sorry, I must be more tired than I thought," said Link. He climbed out of the pool and walked with Sidon to the throne room.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," said Mipha when she saw them. "Fandon told me you were looking for me earlier."

"Just getting hungry," said Link. "You free to eat now?"

"Very much so," said Mipha. "My meeting with the Gerudo Ambassador went long. Urbosa's been very thoughtful about sending me advice through her. Anyway, let me get us all some food."

At the insistence of the Royal Guard, security had been increased, and there were more guards on duty at all times now, including two in the throne room itself. Mipha signaled to one of them.

"Gadon, would you mind sending word to have Mila and Midon brought here and have someone ask the market to prepare enough fish and rice for the five of us? And please have them cook one of the fish. Thank you," said Mipha.

"Of course, Your Majesty," said Gadon. He signaled to another guard on duty and conveyed the instructions. The second guard went off to do as asked.

It had been a while since Mipha or Link had time to prepare dinner for their family. It was not that Mipha was above doing it; she was just too busy. And Mipha could see Link was pretty tired by the end of each day also, and it wasn't fair to expect it of him either. So, she had gotten into the habit of having meals brought in, something her father had always done. Now she could see why.

Before the meals were ready, Mila and Midon arrived in the company of two guards, who bowed and left. Everyone then got a hug.

"So, you had fun playing with friends after school?" asked Link.

"Yes, there were five of us playing tag at the lake," said Midon.

"But I heard two of the moms talking," said Mila. "One thought that playing with us made her child more of a target. But the other thought playing with us was safer because of the two guards. In the end, they let everyone play with us. I hope we don't lose all our friends."

"I don't think you will," said Mipha. "People are still nervous about what happened. But with the increased security for our Domain and the passing of time, I think they will eventually feel secure again. In the meantime, we just need to live with some changes."

The food arrived, and everyone sat down to eat.

"How is your training going, Sidon?" said Mipha.

"Well, I think," said Sidon. "Link has been very patient with me. He's a good teacher."

"And you've been a good student," said Link.

"Muzu was a great teacher for me," said Mipha. "And his feelings were a little hurt when he found out you're not taking combat lessons from him too. I told him you would take some lessons from him next week to get a different perspective, and he was happy. He understands it's a rare opportunity for someone to study under the Hero of Hyrule, but he still wants to help."

"That's fine Sis," said Sidon. "It might be good for me."

After dinner, it was time for homework, and then the children went to bed. Sidon went back to his room, and Mipha and Link had some time together.

"So, how are you doing?" said Link.

"Still busy learning things," said Mipha. "You know the fact father always made time for us made me sometimes think he had little to do. But I realize now it was that his experience made him efficient. He got everything done so he could have time for us. I still have to learn to do that."

"Come in the water with me and relax," said Link.

Link undressed and they both entered the pool.

"Let me try healing you for a change," said Link as he gently massaged her shoulders and upper back.

"That feels so good," said Mipha, closing her eyes. "Don't stop."

Link kept massaging her until he noticed she had fallen asleep. Then he gently released her and soon drifted off to sleep himself. It was a quiet night at the Domain.

But though it seemed quiet there also, something was happening to the southwest.

It was an hour or so past midnight in Kakariko Village, and the only sounds were the chirping of crickets and the occasional rustling of apple tree leaves from a passing breeze or the hoot of an owl somewhere in the distance. A crescent moon peeked in and out from behind a bank of clouds, casting only the faintest of light and the barest of shadows. The only noticeable light came from a campfire and four torches that burned near the statue of the Goddess Hylia on the main road, together with the occasional blink of a Sunset Firefly. Two Sheikah guards stood at the entrance to Impa's house and kept a watchful eye on everything. As village leader, she warranted protection. But the area was empty, and they saw no one.

But there was someone there. A shadow moved slowly and silently along the edges of the buildings, drawing closer to Impa's house. The shadow often paused to gauge the attention of the guards, but they continued to stare idly back and forth at the road. If anyone could see who made the shadow, they would see a man in a Yiga Clan Blademaster outfit. He worked his way around to Impa's house from the rear, again pausing often to check if the guards had heard anything. But they hadn't. Then he climbed up and with practiced quiet opened a small triangular window on the second floor and slowly lowered himself to the bedroom floor. Impa was sound asleep there, and he tiptoed over to her bed. Then he gently shook her awake. She opened her eyes and smiled.

"You alright, sweetheart?" whispered Impa.

"Yes," said her husband.

Impa's husband, Kalan, was a Sheikah spy working inside the Yiga Clan, a mission that required the utmost skill and courage, and sharp wits too. A single misstep could bring death from the Yiga Clan or any of the Hyrule Royal Family's supporters who would consider him a real Yiga Blademaster. He had pretended to join the Yiga Clan shortly after Ganon's defeat, feigning disillusionment with Hyrule's rule, and at a time the Yiga Clan was demoralized, and new members were welcomed. They had taught him their teleportation spells. And he had risen from Warrior to Blademaster, earning their trust through the killing of three Sheikah, killings he and Impa faked, the supposed victims being sent far away to live under a new identity. Those three only knew what they had been asked to do, not why or the identity of their supposed killer. Only Impa knew of his mission, a secret her husband's life depended on that she would trust with no one else. His ultimate purpose was to find out about their leader and help destroy them. Along the way, he would do what he could to thwart their activity without compromising his identity.

"Sorry to wake you like this. But I have some important information and thought it worth the risk to come here. The excuse for my visit is a rumor that Zelda is visiting here, and I am supposed to track her down. But too bad the rumor is false. Who starts all these false rumors, I wonder?" he said with a chuckle.

"By the way, your two guards outside are pretty useless," he added.

"They're actually pretty good," said Impa. "Not many have your stealth skills though, even among the real Yiga Clan."

"I'm sorry about King Dorephan," said Kalan. "I learned about it too late to warn anyone."

"Yes, I'm sorry too," said Impa. "That hit the Zora's pretty hard, and poor Mipha has her hands full now a lot sooner than expected."

"I knew we, I mean they, wanted to make a statement on the anniversary of Ganon's defeat, but I couldn't find out what it was without looking suspicious. So, I waited to hear news of the plan, but by then it was too late."

"The only positive out of it for our side is that by attacking Link's family, I think they have kindled his anger. If I know Link, he will be pushing himself to get ready for his day of dealing with them. They may regret their choice of victim," said Impa.

"Let's hope so," said Kalan. "Anyway, that's not why I'm here. I inadvertently learned something that may help us if you can recognize a certain voice."

Kalan paused for a moment.

"But let me explain from the beginning. As you know when any of the Yiga Clan is killed, their body vanishes. It is teleported back to our hideout. When Ganon was still alive, they could be re-spawned. But since he's gone, when you're dead, you're dead now. We Yiga carry a small device which can record people's voices. We use it to learn and practice how to mimic someone's voice if we want to disguise ourselves as them. When the bodies of the four Yiga warriors who attacked King Dorephan arrived in our hideout, their recording devices were recovered and given to me to clean and make ready for re-use. It's part of my job in the technology section when I'm not out on a mission."

Kalan paused again to catch his breath and listen for anything, but there was only silence.

"Before wiping the devices, I listened to what was on them," said Kalan. "And one of the warriors may have inadvertently recorded a conversation of use to us. I made a copy. You'll hear in the recording they are talking to someone who appears to be helping them organize the attack on King Dorephan. The voice on the recording is definitely not that of the Yiga Clan master. From the date, time and location information on the original recording, this took place near the South Lake Akkala just north of the Domain the night before the attack on King Dorephan. I'm hoping you can recognize the voice."

Kalan took out the device and pressed a rune as Impa waited to hear. The recording started to play.

"Are you sure you're ready? Mipha and the children should be at the lake. Dorephan should be alone or with Sidon. Four of you should be plenty to get the job done," said one voice on the recording.

"We will not fail you, Master," said another voice.

Then the recording ended. Impa had jerked her head back when she heard the first voice and now looked stunned. Kalan noticed her reaction.

"It seems you do recognize the voice, is that so?" asked Kalan.

"Yes," said Impa. "All too well."

"And?" said Kalan.

"It is Link's voice," said Impa.

"What! You're certain?" said Kalan in surprise. "That is disturbing news for us, if true. But it seems impossible. Why would Link side with the Yiga Clan and against his own family? Link has been their sworn enemy his entire life, and there is a handsome reward for any of us who can kill him. He and Princess Zelda are at the top of our list. It makes no sense."

"No, it makes no sense, but I would recognize that voice anywhere," said Impa. "Could the recording be faked?"

"No, it was the original and unaltered," said Kalan. "I believe it was recorded by accident. It was only because the warrior was killed I even got to hear it."

"If it is Link, I wonder if something happened to him within the Shrine of Resurrection? Was the Shrine somehow corrupted by Ganon and its effects only gradually surfacing now? Yet I never sensed other than good in him whenever we met. I would need to check with my sister Purah about the shrine. She's the expert on that."

"I still pray to Hylia there is some other explanation," said Kalan. "But what do we do about this?"

"I need to meet with Queen Mipha, and I'll need that recording," said Impa. "And I need to tell Princess Zelda too. I don't look forward to my meeting with Mipha. I know Link is the love of her life and our conversation will be difficult in the extreme. If this is true and Link has betrayed her and contributed to the death of her father, I don't know how Mipha could cope. She may have a complete breakdown with two such grievous heartaches. But what else can we do? In the meantime, I hope you can learn more. But please be careful, darling. I want you home safely someday so we can start the family we both want."

"I will and we will, I promise," said Kalan.

They kissed, and Kalan made his way back out the way he had entered. Impa's guards still thought the coast was clear.

Impa got very little sleep that night as she re-played every visit from Link she could recall, looking for perhaps some sign she had overlooked. But nothing came to mind. She would swear his heart was pure. She wrote a letter to Purah.

Hello Sister,

I hope your researches are proceeding carefully for a change and you are not getting ahead of yourself as usual.

I have come across something worrisome, and I wonder if you could investigate. Is it possible that the Shrine of Resurrection has been corrupted in some way and its effects slow to surface? I cannot explain the cause of my concern in writing, but we can discuss next time I see you. In the meantime, please think about my question.

Love,

Impa

Next morning, she got ready for her trip to Zora's Domain.

Back at the Domain, life went on as usual. The children were in school, Link attended a Council of Elders meeting and Mipha had appointments all morning. Impa arrived about lunchtime and was told Queen Mipha could see her in an hour. So Impa bought some fish and rice at the market and cooked herself a meal. One enjoyable thing about Zora's Domain, she thought, was how fresh the fish was. Finally, it was time to see Mipha.

"Impa!" said Mipha. "This is a pleasant surprise! I haven't seen you in quite some time."

"Yes, Your Majesty, and let me say how sorry I am for your loss," said Impa.

"Thank you," said Mipha. "But please just call me Mipha. Shall I see if Link is available? I know he would love to see you."

"Um, no," said Impa. "It might be best if we spoke privately."

"Now I am intrigued," said Mipha. "What is it?"

"I have to give you some background first," said Impa.

Without revealing the source of her information, she told her about the recording of a conversation between someone and the Yiga Clan warriors who had killed her father. Mipha closed her eyes at the mention of that, but Impa continued.

"So, although I know this may be very painful, I would like you to listen to the recording and confirm my suspicions," said Impa.

"What are your suspicions?" asked Mipha.

"It concerns one voice on the recording," said Impa.

"Very well," said Mipha. "I'm ready."

Impa made sure Mipha was seated comfortably, then played the recording.

Mipha screamed out loud when she heard the voice, and both her hands flew to her mouth. Two guards rushed forward with spears pointed at Impa.

"It's alright," said Mipha to the guards. "I had a shock, that's all."

The guards stepped aside but looked none too kindly at Impa.

Mipha was breathing hard, her eyes on the device. It was Link's voice, no doubt about it, from his intonation to the way he said her name. But how in the name of Nayru could this be true? Link loved her and his family. He could never do something like that.

"Are you, are you sure that recording is faithful?" asked Mipha between deep breaths.

"We believe so," said Impa.

"Who is 'we'?" said Mipha.

"I cannot say, but I swear to you my source is reliable," said Impa.

"But how can this possibly be?" said Mipha. "And why would he do something like this?"

"I cannot say," said Impa. "It may be because of some mental damage from the Shrine of Resurrection if it were corrupted by Ganon somehow. He may have even developed a split personality and be unaware of everything he's doing. I've asked Purah to look into it."

"But I refuse to believe Link could do this! To me? To his family? It's impossible," said Mipha.

"But we have to allow for the possibility based on what both of us heard," said Impa. "And I hardly need to remind you that as Queen you have a responsibility to protect your people, whatever your personal feelings may be."

"I need Link himself to hear this," said Mipha, shaking her head.