Summary: Mipha reacquaints herself with Ruta as Link overcomes his uneasiness. Mipha explains how she trained and controlled the Divine Beast. Dr. Purah issues a report to Zelda on the Vera time travel anomaly, prompting a rare criticism of Link and a discussion of his loyalties. Laray makes some friends as she prepares to return home. News of King Rhoam's deteriorating health saddens those who know him as they visit Hyrule Castle for a final farewell and then to pay their respects.

It was a typical school day, and after breakfast, Mipha and Link found themselves home alone. Yesterday Mipha had introduced Laray to some people she knew, and Laray had left with two of them for a day trip to Castle Town.

"The house is so quiet now," said Link. "We went from eight people to two. Not that I mind just the two of us here. In fact, that can be kind of nice."

"Yes, it can, but I want to spend this morning with Ruta," said Mipha. "Laray will be back in time for Laina's party tonight, the one Gaddison told you about. I told her we would both go with her, and I think that made her feel more comfortable. Meanwhile, I'd like you to come with me. Ruta and I need to spend some time together, and I'd like you to keep me company."

"You know I find Ruta creepy," said Link. "Do you really need me there? I'll gladly come with you as far as the lake and wait for you," said Link.

"No, I'd really like you to join me," said Mipha. "I think it's been long enough, Link, and it's time to get over your uneasiness. Ruta is special to me. Do you have the same bad feelings about the other Divine Beasts?"

"No, but I didn't linger very long inside any of them, either. I already told you why Ruta was different. To me, Ruta was your tomb. Do I have to explain all that again?" said Link.

"No, I heard it all before, and I know it was painful for you," said Mipha. "But that happened to you over twenty-five years ago, Link, and it never happened here at all. Ruta is not a tomb. She's special, almost alive. Once you bond with her, she's like a giant enormously powerful friend, someone you care about and who does what you ask, but who also does its part to look out for you. It would mean a lot to me if you came with me."

Mipha looked him in the eyes and smiled, and Link paused for a moment.

"Alright, I guess you're right, it has been long enough. And how could I say 'no' when you give me that look? Let's go," said Link.

"Wear your Zora Armor," said Mipha. "There's a waterfall shortcut inside Ruta we may want to use."

Link put on the Zora Armor and joined Mipha as they made their way to East Reservoir Lake. The weather was pleasant, sunny with no chance of rain this morning. Link took her hand as they walked together.

"I know we used to go to East Reservoir Lake quite a bit to swim and be together," said Link. "I do remember some things."

"I'm glad of that. We've been going there together for quite a long time. When you were still small, I brought you there to teach you to swim. We had plenty of room, and there were no fast currents or waterfalls like in Ruto Lake. It took me a while to figure out the best approach for you since you lack fins and foot webbing. But you never got discouraged, and we figured it out together. It was funny. You were generally alone, except when you were playing with those three troublemaker friends of yours. And you always seemed happy to see me when we came across each other. Though maybe that was because of all the cuts and bruises I healed for you. I like to think I took the place of some family you never had back then, with your mother gone and no siblings. When I told Father about you and how cute you were, he told me not to get too attached to you, that you would grow up quickly and leave the Domain. I said I understood that, but you could use someone to look out for you in the meantime. If only I had listened to my father."

Link could tell her last remark was said to tease him.

"Now who's speculating about a different future?" laughed Link. "But I believe we were meant for each other, and you couldn't get rid of me that easily."

"So sweet," laughed Mipha as she squeezed his hand. "But here we are."

They had arrived at East Reservoir Lake, and Ruta was sitting motionless in the middle of it. They swam out to Ruta and Mipha lowered the entrance, then they entered. The Divine Beast was quiet now. Link took a moment to look around. He remembered some of Ruta's mechanisms and the time he spent activating them.

"Let's do a quick inspection of the terminals first to make sure all is well," said Mipha.

It was fascinating to watch how efficiently Mipha moved from terminal to terminal without a moment's hesitation. He had eventually puzzled out all five terminals, but his progress had been nowhere near as quick or graceful as hers. He had used trial and error sometimes, but she was indeed at home here.

"The terminals are all fine," said Mipha. "The main control unit is next."

They made their way to the main control unit in the rear.

"I always wanted to ask you how you control Ruta," said Link. "I was able to control her trunk position with a Sheikah Slate after first plugging it into the guidance stone. But you and the other Champions somehow control your Divine Beasts without a physical device of any kind."

"That's due to my training," said Mipha. "I say my training, but it's actually a combination of my training and Ruta's training. When you start training, you need to learn how to control Ruta from here, the main control unit. You use it to have Ruta perform some action, and at the same time, you think about asking her to do that. She learns to read your thoughts and associates the thought with the action. The panel will flash when Ruta thinks she has learned your thought for a given action. In the beginning, you make a lot of mistakes, such as not concentrating hard enough on the action you are asking her to perform or not being precise enough. So Ruta misunderstands you, though it is more your fault than hers. Then you have to retrain her on that movement. But over time Ruta learns your mind, and you learn to think the way she needs you to. When you're learning how to think the correct way, it sometimes helps to act out a movement to focus your thoughts on that action, but it's not necessary. It's the thought that matters. That's why I could raise Ruta's trunk, for example, while we sat together and spoke on top of it. I had trained myself to think the way she needed me to think, and Ruta knew how to read my thoughts. It was an almost unconscious effort for me by then, we knew each other so well."

"It's an amazing piece of technology," said Link. "I think the Sheikah from North Hyrule are proficient enough to build a Divine Beast. It's such a shame so much knowledge was lost to Hyrule by the king's hostility to Sheikah technology way back in history. So, what do you have to do now?"

"I want to take Ruta through some actions using my thoughts," said Mipha. "I haven't done this in a while. Remember, in our old timeline Sidon had taken over for me as Champion. If I get something wrong, I'll have to re-train on that. It looks like you've overcome your uneasiness, by the way."

"Yes, I'm trying," said Link. "Seeing your work with Ruta is helping. And of course, it was a long time ago. Remember I used to have nightmares about this place? I always feared they would start up again if I returned here. I think enough time has gone by now. But if I wake up in the middle of the night and reach out for you, you'll understand?"

Mipha could see the twinkle in his eye.

"Yes, I'll understand," laughed Mipha. "But I'll know it has nothing to do with a nightmare. I know where your mind is at right now, sweetheart. But I need to focus."

Mipha had Ruta perform a variety of movements and actions, and all went well. She raised and lowered the trunk, as Ruta bellowed out her acknowledgment each time. Then she had Ruta turn around completely. Mipha was quite pleased.

"It looks like Ruta, and I still know each other quite well," said Mipha happily. "I'm glad I didn't lose my touch."

"Well, you were a quick learner as I recall," said Link. "Even Zelda and Revali were impressed by how quickly you mastered Ruta. And that's saying something, especially for Revali. So, are we done here?"

"Yes, I think so," said Mipha. "But let's not rush off. Come, let's sit on the trunk and enjoy the view while we're here."

They made their way to the trunk and sat down. It was still sunny out, and the sunlight reflected brightly off the surrounding blue cliffs. The lake below was calm and quiet, several ducks visible swimming far below.

"I never get tired of this view," said Mipha. "Our Domain and its surroundings are so beautiful, with its ice blue cliffs, gushing waterfalls, and fish-filled ponds surrounded by trees and colorful shrubs. There is a serenity here, a peacefulness. But it's not dead calm. Our Domain is teeming with life and in harmony with it. You won't find anyplace else like it. You and I spent many times together here, playing, laughing, teasing one another, and just having fun. I know you've forgotten most of that, but I haven't. And looking out at the Domain I am reminded of the many places we went together and the happy times we had. But, of course, we're together still with happy times ahead of us as well. Anyway, I'm glad the Domain beats out the desert in your mind."

"Yes, it is the most beautiful place I've ever been," said Link. "The desert doesn't even come close, sweetheart. And being with you here has made it that much better."

Just then Link's Tab buzzed, and he reached for it. There was a message from the Hyrule Royal Secretary saying Queen Zelda wished to have a private video call with him in one hour and he should please make himself available.

"That's strange," said Link. "It's not a very friendly message either, more like a command. Zelda wants to have a private video call with me in an hour. I guess we should get back home."

"Yes," said Mipha. "Let me know what it's all about."

They made their way back home. Mipha said she wanted to meet with her father anyway so Link could take the call in private there. At the appointed time a call was put through, and Link and Zelda could see each other on their Tabs.

"You wished to see me, Your Majesty?" said Link. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes," said Zelda. "This report I received from Dr. Purah on the Vera incident is rather unflattering toward your and Mipha's actions. Not your combat. That was magnificent as always, and we owe you a great thanks. But Dr. Purah points out that you two deliberately tampered with the timeline, changing the future to what it is now, despite her express warnings to avoid doing so. I can't say I'm pleased about that, Link."

"Is this a formal hearing, Your Majesty? Or are we speaking as friends?" said Link.

"Formal in a sense, but I would like to keep it friendly, so please call me Zelda," said Zelda. "I understand you two did what you did with the best of intentions, but Dr. Purah has always warned us about the unintended consequences of such actions. I think you both took a huge risk and I don't feel you two had the authority to act in that fashion. I know Mipha was the one who initiated the action, but as an officer in the Royal Guards, sworn to protect Hyrule, I believe you had an obligation to stop her."

"May I speak now, Zelda?" said Link.

"Of course," said Zelda.

"Are you forgetting my first loyalty is to the Zora Royal Family? We agreed to that way back when you gave me dual citizenship," said Link. "Is there a law forbidding what we did? If there is, then I agree with you, I would be bound as a Hyrule citizen to obey such a law. But I am not aware of any such law, it's only Dr. Purah's advice. And in that case, I have no legal grounds for refusing a command by a member of the Zora Royal Family. In fact, as a Zora citizen, I have sworn to obey them. So, I don't see what legal grounds you have to charge me with any offense. Or Mipha either, since no law is involved. I will agree with you, unofficially, that my instincts would have been to follow Dr. Purah's advice more strictly. But once Mipha asked me to help her, I really had no choice but to obey. I assume you can see that?"

Zelda was quiet for a moment.

"Let me understand your thinking," said Zelda. "So, if I, as the Queen of Hyrule, were to command you to hold up your right hand and Mipha, as a Zora Princess, were to command you to hold up your left hand, what you would do?"

"Well, hold up both hands," laughed Link. "But I know what you're getting at. I would obey Mipha first and you second. That's what I think it means to me to be a Zora citizen first and a Hylian citizen second. Don't you agree?"

"No, I don't," said Zelda. "I think as Queen of Hyrule I am a higher authority than a Zora princess and you have it backward. I might be more inclined to give you some benefit of the doubt if King Dorephan, the ruler of Zora's Domain, was the one who contradicted me."

"Ah, well, at the time the incident occurred, Mipha was actually Zora Queen and the ruler of Zora's Domain," said Link. "She reverted to Princess only after we changed the future."

"Yes, Dr. Purah mentioned that in her report. I can see why Mipha wanted to change things after what apparently happened to her father. And I realize you didn't go back in time willingly but were thrust there by Vera's actions. Anyway, you seem to have an answer for everything," said Zelda.

Zelda paused to think again.

"Alright, I am not going to argue with you further about the order of your loyalty, though I still think you're wrong. I wouldn't imagine Mipha, and I would be in conflict very often anyway. I will agree with you that no laws were broken. And your heroism saved us all. I don't want to lose our friendship, Link. We know each other way too long and too well for that to happen. But in the unlikely event such a circumstance ever occurs again, I would ask you to please be mindful of Dr. Purah's advice. Will you promise me that?"

"Yes, of course, I will," said Link. "Are we good now, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, we're good, Link," laughed Zelda. "And for someone who had so much trouble finding words to say, I think you might have actually made a pretty good lawyer."

They ended the call.

When Mipha returned later that afternoon, Link explained Zelda's call.

"Thanks for sticking up for me," said Mipha. "And for showing such loyalty. I actually think Zelda was more correct than you. She does have a higher position than me, but it was smart of you to remember I was Queen here then. Anyway, let's put that behind us. Oh, I think that's Laray at the door."

"Hello, Mipha and Link," said Laray. "Thank you so much, Mipha. I had a great time with your friends. And I consider them my friends as well, now. We plan to keep in touch and visit each other now and then."

"Wonderful," said Mipha. "Let's have a light dinner, and then the three of us can go to Laina's party. I'm looking forward to some music and dancing. The children are eating with Sidon, and he offered to take care of the two young one's tonight."

Laina was throwing her party on one of the rock formations in Ruto Lake. It wasn't long after dinner they could hear the music, and it was time to go.

When they arrived, there were about twelve people there. Link recognized Gaddison, Kodah and her husband, Kayden, and Bazz. He didn't recall meeting any of the other guests or Laina herself. Seeing them, Gaddison took the opportunity to make introductions.

"I'm thrilled all of you could come," said Laina. "Of course I know who Lady Mipha and Link is, and I am pleased to meet you, Princess Laray. Welcome, and I hope you all enjoy yourselves. The food and drink are just over there, and let me know if there are any favorite songs you want to hear. The dancing should start soon."

Link went over to talk with Bazz.

"Are you here by yourself?" said Link.

"Yes, though Gaddison sort of suggested I come," said Bazz. "But we're not a couple if that's what you mean."

"Maybe you could ask Princess Laray to dance at some point? She doesn't know anyone here and has been going through some tough times. We're trying to show her a good time."

"Well, if you consider dancing with me a good time, then I'm all for it," laughed Bazz. "But I think she'll get asked to dance by more than me, and you don't have to worry about her."

Bazz proved to be correct as Laray was asked to dance by several people there. Link noticed her in conversation with some people, laughing and obviously enjoying herself. Great, he thought.

Link made his way to the food and drink table wondering what he could eat. He was getting hungry now thanks to Mipha's 'light dinner,' and aside from some rice, everything else was raw seafood. Well, it was a Zora party, after all, he realized. He took a plate and some rice, then walked to the side to eat it. Mipha was talking with two people, and almost everyone else was dancing. He finished the rice and was debating whether to have seconds when Kodah approached him.

"Still hungry?" laughed Kodah. "Some things never change! You always liked to hang out near the refreshments. Come on! Dancing will take your mind off food."

"Hi, Kodah. Sure, I'll give it a try," laughed Link.

They moved to the dance area together and began dancing.

"How have you been?" said Link.

"Good," said Kodah. "The Seabed Inn has been keeping Kayden and me busy. We're getting more tourists these days. And I enjoy talking to different people who stay there. How are you doing?"

"Fine," said Link. "The kids are growing up. Our oldest two have a boyfriend and girlfriend already. Sometimes I think it's all going too fast. But my oldest told me to stay young at heart, so I'm doing my best."

"That's good advice," laughed Kodah. "And you do look great. The years have treated you kindly. Still having memory issues? I guess you still don't remember the parties we used to go together way back when?"

"No, my memories of those years never returned," said Link. "I'm thinking they're probably lost forever. And since getting married and having a family, I stopped dwelling so much on the past and started living for the present. I'm happier for doing that, though still pleased on those rare occasions a memory does return."

"Well, who knows?" said Kodah. "Maybe someday your mind will heal itself further. If it does, let me know what you remember about us."

"Of course," said Link. "And I know where to find you."

"Yes, I'm usually the one greeting guests," said Kodah. "But I also handle the financial aspects of the business, keep the books and such. Kayden handles more of the running of the inn. But the music is ending now. Thanks for the dance!"

"Thank you!" said Link. "And you were right: I'm not feeling hungry anymore. See you around."

Mipha seemed to be done speaking with the people she had been with, so he thought it an excellent time to catch up with her.

"It's nice to see Laray enjoying herself. I don't suppose you could squeeze in a dance for me?" said Link to Mipha.

"Sure," said Mipha. "I've been waiting to dance a bit."

They began to dance together.

"I noticed you had a warm-up dance with your old girlfriend," said Mipha.