Summary: Tila finishes the Zora Armor for her husband. Mipha encounters something important, but with severe consequences.

It was cooler in the underground cavern that offered a respite from the scorching heat of the Eldin Region not far from Death Mountain. Two travelers had just recently returned and were discussing things with a third person, a scientist.

"Nice to see you again," said the scientist. "How did it go this time?"

"Very funny, and much better," said the first traveler. "That dog caused no trouble at all this time. But riding two on a cycle is a bit uncomfortable. Anyway, I think you solved it."

"That's great news!" said the scientist, happily rubbing his hands together. "Our leader will be pleased. You know, it wasn't easy for me without Grendon."

"Yeah, what exactly happened to Grendon?" said the second traveler. "We heard we lost him, but not how or why."

"Sadly, he overheard something he shouldn't have, though the person he overheard it from isn't with us anymore either," said the scientist, shaking his head. "Grendon only cooperated with us because he thought we were funding his pure research. When he overheard someone discussing our plans, he snuck off. Luckily, we were able to catch up with him and eliminate him before he could reveal anything. Unluckily, he left before he completed his research. I've been trying my best to continue his work from what I learned while he was here, but it hasn't been easy. He was terrible at taking notes or keeping records, relying on his memory for everything. Though I suppose that was also to our advantage since he left no record of his work behind in North Hyrule either. Grendon may have been a fool in some ways, but he was a genius in others."

The first traveler yawned, partly from being out all night, and also because he found the topic boring.

"So, when will be ready for some serious field testing? I'm getting impatient with all the small steps," said the first traveler.

"Soon, perhaps," said the scientist scowling at the traveler. "Maybe even in a couple of weeks. But the next phase may involve more senior people than you two. And by the way, if I were you, I would keep my opinions to myself. Our leader doesn't want to rush this. The plan's success depends on coordination and stealth. We're not dealing with fools, you know. There are top tier scientists in both North and South Hyrule."

"I just think the longer we wait, the more chance the enemy will figure things out," said the first traveler. "But what do I know? I'm going to sleep now. It's been a long night."

"Same here," said the second traveler.

They left to get some rest, while the scientist went back to work to prepare a summary of the project's status.

Meanwhile, in Zora's Domain, Tila and young Link were at Veiled Falls watching their daughter Tara playing in the water.

"I love the armor, sweetheart," said Link. "Thank you so much. I'm still getting the feel of it, but it's very comfortable, and my swimming is unbelievably better!"

"I knew you would love it!" said Tila. "I got a good deal of advice from Mother, so you should thank her as well. I wanted you to be able to keep up with Tara as she gets older."

"Now I know why you let slip the 'we' in how we could teach her to swim up waterfalls," laughed Link. "I just never dreamed you would do something like this. It must have taken you forever!"

"It was tricky keeping it hidden from you. You're so nosy sometimes," laughed Tila tweaking him gently on the nose. "See, I can speak Hylian phrases, like 'nosy.' But, I could tell how surprised you were and knew you didn't know about it."

"I was stunned! I never even thought of it," said Link.

"Come on, let's play with Tara," said Tila as she dove into the water.

It was two weeks later in Zora's Domain, and dinner at the Link and Mipha family house just ended.

"Well, as always, it's wonderful having you all here," said Mipha getting up from the table. "I need to check on Ruta now. Just don't pick on poor Linky too much anymore."

"It's all in good fun, Mom," said Lapha.

"And he can take it," said Midon.

"Have you heard from Dad, by the way?" said Mila.

"Yes, he's fine," said Mipha. "He Tabbed me he was having dinner at Hyrule Castle, but he expects to be home late tonight. Now enjoy yourselves and be good. I can't believe I still have to say that at your ages!"

"Don't forget your Tab, Mom," said Midon.

"I'll bring it, thank you," said Mipha.

Mipha left, and the rest of the family resumed their conversation. Tila was holding Tara in her lap, and Tara enjoyed having so many people around, all of whom loved giving her attention. That is when they weren't teasing young Link about his swimming ability with the new armor.

"Will you lighten up on me?" laughed Linky after Mipha left. "I'm still getting used to it."

"It's such a beautifully crafted set of armor, Linky," said Lapha. "I hope you appreciate how much time and effort Tila put into it."

"After two weeks, you should be embarrassed you haven't mastered it yet," said Midon. "You need to practice more."

"I don't say this very often," said Mila. "But, Midon is right."

"I will practice, I promise, and I agree it is a magnificent set of armor, and I'm very grateful," said Link. "It's just that I haven't had to do much serious swimming yet, Tara still being so small."

At the sound of her name, Tara turned to him.

"Daddyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy," said Tara and then she giggled.

Everyone laughed.

"I don't know where she got the idea of talking to me like that," said Link, shaking his head. "She doesn't do that with anyone else."

"I think it's cute," said Tila smiling at Link and hugging Tara. "But Tara, you need to say it right, okay?"

Tara nodded yes at her mother.

"I think we should start calling you Linky for good again," said Midon. "Only just to be clear, we need to pronounce it Linkyyyyyyyyyy."

Everyone laughed again.

"Come on, Tila, you've had her long enough," said Mila, reaching out for Tara. "Time to share the love, you little cutie!"

Tara reached out, and Mila took her in her arms and kissed her.

"Do you remember who I am?" said Mila as she hugged her.

"Aunt Mila," said Tara.

Then she turned to Link.

"Aunt Milaaaaaaaaaa," said Tara.

"Maybe not having ears herself, she thinks those big ears of yours hurt your hearing," laughed Midon.

"Very funny," said Link. "I think it's clear she just likes to tease me."

"She's smart," said Lapha. "It shows how clever she is to do that. Maybe there will be another scientist in the family."

Mila gave Tara another hug and kiss.

Meanwhile, at Hyrule Castle, Link had finished dinner, hugged and kissed Astra goodnight, and was getting ready to leave.

"Thanks for coming so soon again," said Zelda. "Astra is always thrilled when you have time for her. But I know it takes you away from that gorgeous granddaughter of yours."

"I don't mind at all," said Link. "There's enough of me to go around. Besides, I have to get in line to spend time with Tara. She gets attention from everyone in the family from her great grandfather on down, plus Tila's sister visits on occasion."

"Nevertheless, Astra and I both appreciate it," said Zelda. "Astra was used to being able to run to her sister's room and have a pillow fight or fool around, and she misses that. Your visits help."

"And I plan to continue to visit as long as I'm welcome," said Link. "Plus, as we discussed, as she gets older, I want to keep an eye on her and her training."

"Yes, you don't have to remind me," said Zelda. "Though I'm grateful for that as well. Anyway, you should be going to catch the next ferry. Thank you, Link. How many times have I said that over the years?"

"Many times, but you never needed to," said Link as he smiled at her. "It was my duty and my pleasure to help, and it still is."

They embraced and said goodnight. Then Link left, and on his way to the ferry terminal, he Tabbed Mipha that he loved her and was on his way home. She Tabbed back that she loved him too and was on her way to visit Ruta. Link stood by the pier along with six other people as they waited for the next ferry back to the Domain.

Meanwhile, after Tabbing Link, Mipha made her way to the end of the eastern bridge and nodded to the two guards on duty there.

"Lady Mipha, would you like an escort?" said Landon, the senior of the two guards.

"No, thank you, Landon," said Mipha. "I'm just going to the lake and visiting Ruta. It should be fine, don't you think?"

"It should be, but we would be happy to accompany you," said Landon.

"No, I should be fine," said Mipha. "Have you had any security problems?"

"No, nothing, Lady Mipha," said Landon. "We will be here when you return."

Mipha made her way through the tall grass and then up the steps leading to East Reservoir Lake. When she reached the top, she passed by the awning-covered bed there and stopped, smiling. She and Link had had their share of fun there early in their marriage. And even further back, she remembered Link as a cute little boy who sometimes needed a nap there when he tired himself out swimming.

The reservoir lake was quiet now, the only sound the waves lapping against the pier. She could see a family of ducks floating to her left, but no other wildlife. She made her way to the edge of the pier, dove into the water, and swam out to Ruta. When she reached Ruta, she lowered the entrance, climbed aboard, then raised the entrance platform back up again.

"Hello, Ruta," said Mipha. "Time for a brief inspection. Sorry, I haven't been here as often, but we have a new baby in the family that takes up a lot of our time. Her name is Tara, and she's so cute! I'll bring her here for her to meet you when she's a bit bigger."

Ruta bellowed, acknowledging Mipha's presence.

"Now, let's first see if everything is working as it should," said Mipha as she made her way to the large room in the rear and inspected the main control unit.

"Oh, oh," said Mipha. "It looks like the terminal on your trunk is offline for some reason. I'll need to take a look."

Mipha made her way back to the central area, swam up the small waterfall there, then entered the long corridor that led to Ruta's trunk. She lowered the nose so she could more easily reach the tip, then raised it back up until the terminal was in a horizontal position. The usual blue glow was out, and instead, the pedestal was orange now. Mipha placed her hand on the pedestal, closed her eyes, and used her trained thoughts to communicate with the Divine Beast mechanism. After a moment, the terminal flickered, then glowed blue again. She removed her hand.

"If that happens again, Ruta, we're going to have to see if you need any replacement parts," said Mipha. "But given this is the highest and most exposed terminal, perhaps a bolt of lightning affected it. Anyway, all is well with it now. I think I'm going to sit here for a little while and enjoy the view and the sunset before I inspect your tail."

The sky to the west was orange now, and you could just make out the silhouettes of Medoh and Naboris on the horizon. Hyrule Castle was visible almost in a direct line in front of Medoh, and she imagined Link was waiting for the ferry there now, or perhaps already on his way. If he had been home, Mipha would have taken Link with her. Even when Link wasn't with her, she had always enjoyed sitting atop Ruta's trunk. It was a special place she could be alone with her thoughts and free from interruptions.

But she also loved to sit with Link here and enjoy the view together, watch the moon rise and the stars shine. He would hold her in his arms, and they would cuddle, then share some kisses. She had spent some special moments with Link here, including the day before he had first accepted the Zora Armor from her. That was over thirty years ago now, and so much had happened in their lives since then, more adventures than you could imagine. But they had always ended up together at the end, and that was the most important thing. She watched as the sun sank below the horizon.

It remained quiet and peaceful at the lake as the evening came, nobody else was there. Stars shone clearly alongside wisps of white clouds, and a crescent moon rose over the Lanayru Sea and then drifted across the sky, passing just above Ploymus Mountain. She wasn't feeling at all tired, and the view was magnificent. But it was getting late.

"Your trunk is fine, Ruta. Let's just check your tail for any damage now," said Mipha.

She made her way to Ruta's tail, and, upon inspection, everything looked fine. As she stood on Ruta's tail, she gazed down at the lake. The tail was much closer to the northwest pier, which was visible below to her left. You could make out the gently rippling waves reflecting the moonlight. And behind the pier stood the back portion of the enormous fish sculpture that was the centerpiece of Zora's Domain. You could almost make out their house near Mikau Lake, but the cliff and trees obscured it. She returned to looking down at the pier.

And as she stared at the pier, she saw something rather strange. One of the five fish-shaped jars to the left of the bed suddenly fell over without breaking. She supposed a gust of wind could cause that, though the night seemed rather calm from where she stood. But that was not what alarmed her. What was strange was seeing the jar stand itself back upright again.

Mipha immediately crouched down to make herself less visible as she continued to stare intently at the pier. Jars don't just stand themself back up. Someone was there, and someone she couldn't see. And it was not because it was dark out. It was because whatever was there was not visible to her eyes. She hoped she was equally unseen, but there was no way to tell. She reached for her Tab and was about to send an alert.

The shock arrow came out of nowhere and caught her on the shoulder, stunning her instantly and causing her to drop her Tab. She felt the current surge inside her, gasped once expelling all the air from her lungs, and her world went black as she tumbled off Ruta's tail and plunged into the waters of East Reservoir Lake.

Meanwhile, the ferry carrying Link and the other passengers docked at the terminal, and he Tabbed Mipha that he was back and would be home soon. Strangely, there was no answer, though that did not unduly alarm him. It was late, and she might have gone to sleep if she were tired. He made his way to their house, and it was quiet. He thought everyone was asleep, but then he saw Mila sitting in the kitchen.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" said Link.

"Yes, but I've been waiting for you," said Mila. "I thought perhaps Mom met you at the ferry terminal."

"No, she didn't. Is she not home yet? She Tabbed me she was going to Ruta, but that was some time ago," said Link.

"I'm worried," said Mila. "Let's go to the lake."

"All right," said Link. "Let's go."

They made their way toward East Reservoir Lake, and Link spoke to the guards there.

"You haven't seen Mipha, have you?" said Link.

"Not since she passed us on her way to Ruta, Prince Link," said Landon. "Is there a problem?"

"She's been gone a long time, and she's not answering her Tab," said Link.

"Sandor, you stay here," said Landon. "Let's investigate."

The three of them rushed to the lake, and it was quiet and empty.

"Could she be inside of Ruta?" said Mila. "The entrance is sealed shut."

"Even if she were, why isn't she answering her Tab?" said Link.

"I'll swim out there and call to her," said Mila.

She dove into the lake and began swimming toward Ruta, while Link called Mipha's Tab once more.

All of a sudden, Mila abruptly stopped, turned around, and began swimming back toward them.

"Call her again, Dad," Mila shouted. "I heard her Tab in the water."

Link did as asked, and Mila swam toward Ruta's tail, then disappeared as she dove underwater. But instead of retrieving her Tab, after a moment, Mila surfaced holding Mipha and her Tab. She pulled Mipha to shore.

"Oh, Hylia!" said Link. "What's wrong? What happened?"

"She's still alive, Dad," said Mila. "I want to take her to the bed, but we need to check something first. Her gills are working, but before we remove her from the water, let's make sure her lungs are too."

Link helped Mila gently lift her part of the way out of the water. Mipha gasped once, began taking shallow breaths, then breathed normally, all without regaining consciousness.

"Her breathing is working too," said Mila. "It should be safe to bring her to the bed here so we can examine her."

"That looks like a shock arrow wound on her shoulder," said Link. "I haven't seen one in a while, but I know what they look like.

"I'll summon the doctor," said Landon as he sent an alert, then sent Sandor a message to guard Link's house. After a moment, he announced the doctor would be here soon, as Mila and Link carried Mipha's unconscious body to the bed.

"Can you heal her, Mila?" said Link as he looked down at her unconscious body and took her hand.

"I can heal the shock arrow wound," said Mila. "I haven't done this in a while. I hope...never mind."

Mila closed her eyes and concentrated, holding her hand over Mipha's shoulder as she used healing magic on the burn wound. Slowly the wound disappeared, but there was no change in her condition. At that moment, the doctor arrived, along with Sidon.

"Please, make room and let me see her," said Doctor Aklan.

She bent down over Mipha's prone body and began to examine her, opening her eyes and looking into them, measuring her vital signs.

"Where did you find her?" said Doctor Aklan.

"Under the water," said Mila.

"What happened?" said Sidon. "I got the alert from the guards."

"We don't know," said Link. "She visited Ruta this evening, but it looks like she was hit in the shoulder by a Shock Arrow."

"Wasn't this area guarded?" said Sidon, turning to Landon.

"It was Prince Sidon, and both Sandor and I were on duty," said Landon. "No one came past us, nor did we hear anything."

"We'll check the video from our security cameras later," said Sidon. "How is she, doctor?"

"It's hard to tell until she awakens, Prince Sidon," said Doctor Aklan. "She suffered a serious shock to her system. Her gills continued to function normally underwater, so let us hope she did not suffer any injuries to her brain or nervous system. You know how nasty Shock Arrows can be to us. All we can do now is wait for the effects of the shock to wear off."

"And pray," said Sidon as he looked down at his sister.

"Is it safe to bring her home?" said Link.

"Yes," said Doctor Aklan. "It might be better if she rests in the water and doesn't need to expend extra energy breathing air."

"Can I help you carry her, Link?" said Sidon.

"No, thank you, I have her," said Link.

Link gently took her into his arms and kissed her gently on the forehead. Then all of them made their way back to his house. Sandor was at the entrance.

"I'll wake up the others and let them know," said Mila.

"If I can't help, Link, I'll have to break the news to Father," said Sidon. "Then, I want to investigate what happened."