Summary: Battles continue throughout Hyrule. Mila explains to her parents what happened to Linky. The Gerudo use Naboris to contain one of the corrupted shrines. At Zelda's request, Daruk agrees to use Rudania to target one of the shrines. The Rito formulate a plan to deal with the invasion from northwest Hyrule. Zelda plans some next steps, then she and Link discuss the current situation and a possible ending.

An hour earlier in Zora's Domain, Mila had quietly closed the door to Linky's room after she and Midon said goodnight. Lapha had agreed to stay with Linky until his wife and daughter arrived from North Hyrule.

"Thank Nayru, that's over!" sighed Mila quietly. "I never felt so stressed in my whole life, Midon. I'm still not over it."

"You did great, Mi," said Midon as he put his arm around her and gave her a quick hug. "I'm sorry if I pressured you. I just felt so desperate!"

"It's fine," said Mila. "I'm sorry I spouted at you. I kept praying to Nayru the entire time."

"We all did, Mi," said Midon.

"Stay with me while I tell Mom and Dad what happened," said Mila.

"Of course," said Midon.

They returned to where Mipha and Link were sitting.

"Sorry for keeping you both in the air all this while," said Mila. "Linky insisted on joining one of the North Hyrule squads sent to liberate Hateno Village and got badly wounded in a Lizalfos ambush. We rushed to meet the boat that was bringing him here so I could heal his injury as soon as possible. He's okay now, and Lapha is staying with him until Tila and Tara arrive."

"You're shaking, Mila," said Mipha. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"

"Linky lost a lot of blood by the time he reached Lanayru Bay," said Midon. "For a while, it looked like it might be too late to save him. Mi did great, though, and pulled him through."

"I never tried so hard, Mom," said Mila. "I put everything into it, and it felt like my heart would shatter if I failed."

"Come here, sweetheart, I know the feeling," said Mipha as she stood and embraced Mila. "I think some hugs all around are called for right now."

Everyone hugged in turn and then sat down.

"I think he felt it his duty to help," said Midon. "But he was probably a bit rusty."

"I'll talk to Linky tomorrow," said Link. "I know he must feel he failed, and he's not going to be happy about what happened or satisfied to sit around the house. He will want to be ready for combat if he's needed again, and he will want to restore his confidence. While Ruta is not being used for combat, perhaps he could train in the simulator."

"Is that how he will feel, Dad?" Mila asked. "He won't simply be happy to be back safe with his family?"

"He will feel that too, of course, sweetheart," said Link. "Maybe mainly that. I would too. But I would also want to make sure my combat skills are back in top form and ready in case there's a next time."

"I might join him in some combat simulation training," said Midon. "I haven't trained with a spear in some time, but I also inherited your ability, Dad. If it comes to defending our home, I should be ready to help too. Our Domain will not go belly up without everyone doing their best."

"That will not happen to our Domain, Midon," said Link. "I'll stake my life on it. But I understand how you feel. With the temporal distortion in the simulator, you and Linky can both get in a good deal of training in a short amount of actual time. Once your mother and an artificial Zelda that Purah created engaged in an entire conversation in the simulator in what were only seconds of actual time."

"Thanks for reminding me," said Mipha. "I never told you what we said, did I? Anyway, we can deal with training and everything tomorrow. You poured out your heart in healing Linky, Mila, and I know how draining that can be. You need to rest now."

They all stood, and after another round of hugs, Mila and Midon went to their rooms. Mipha turned to Link after they left, and after a kiss, they held each other.

"I should have known Linky would want to be part of the fight," said Mipha. "Like father like son. We barely avoided a terrible tragedy."

"Yes, thanks to like mother like daughter," said Link. "Mila has your heart, Mipha, the kind of compassionate, loving heart needed to use your gift."

They held each other for another moment, then Link spoke again.

"Maybe this is a good time for me to check in with Zelda on how things are going elsewhere in Hyrule," said Link.

"I'll go check that Sidon is resting and how Captain Larah and Father are doing," said Mipha.

"Good idea," said Link. "Sidon needs to pace himself. I'll wait here for Tila and Tara."

They kissed once more, then Mipha left as a guard accompanied her to the throne room. When she arrived, Sidon was indeed sleeping, and Captain Larah was with King Dorephan.

"Ah, Mipha, you and Link are doing well, I hope?" said King Dorephan. "I heard Link led a squad to Ulria Grotto."

"Yes, and he's back home now," said Mipha. "Captain Larah, are our defenses holding?"

"Yes, Lady Mipha," said Larah. "We are rotating guards to the Inogo Bridge shrine and will do the same now for the Ulria Grotto shrine. We are also keeping watch at all other entry points in case they attack us from another direction. It's a strain on our resources, but everyone is eager to do their part to defend our Domain."

"I have to commend both you and Sidon for the fine job you are doing, Captain Larah," said King Dorephan. "And of course, you and Link have been as impressive as ever, Mipha."

"It sounds like everything is under control for now," said Mipha. "I will return home, then. Linky had an unfortunate accident during a battle at Hateno Village, and Mila barely saved his life. I would like to be there when he wakes up."

"For the love of Nayru! I had no idea anything so serious happened!" exclaimed King Dorephan. "Yes, go home, by all means, Mipha. We will contact you if there is a need. And please give my love to the family, of course."

"I will, Father," said Mipha, then she turned and left to return home.

Meanwhile, Link took out his Tab before calling Zelda and looked over the list of fifteen shrines that attacks were originating from and where their attacks were likely directed at. Of course, unless they stopped the outpouring of monsters, there was nothing to prevent attacks on other locations. The ones listed were where attacks were already known or the most logical first places to attack based on geography. Link went over the list again, trying to remember their trial now that he was well-rested.

Saas Ko'sah Shrine by the docks - Central Hyrule.

Noya Neha Shrine by the Royal Lab - Central Hyrule.

Kata Chuki Shrine near the quarry - Central Hyrule.

Namika Ozz Shrine on Crenel Hills - Central Hyrule.

Soh Kofi Shrine near Inogo Bridge - Zora's Domain.

Ke'nai Shakah Shrine in Ulria Grotto - Zora's Domain.

Dah Hesho Shrine near the Kaepora Pass - Tarrey Town.

Chaas Qeta Shrine on Tenoko Island - Hateno Village.

Muwo Jeem Shrine on Cape Cales - Lurelin Village.

Dah Kass Shrine by Dig Dogg Bridge - Gerudo Town.

Kema Kosassa Shrine on Risoka Snowfield - Gerudo Town.

Tena Ko'sah Shrine at Ancient Columns - Rito Village.

Mozo Shenno Shrine on Biron Snowfield - Rito Village.

Hia Miu Shrine in the Icefall Foothills - Rito Village.

Goma Asaagh Shrine on Hebra Peak - Rito Village.

After thinking for a moment, Link did remember another shrine, the first one listed in fact. It was one of the later shrines he had completed, the shrine inside Hyrule Castle. He remembered now that was a major test of strength, and he welcomed it at the time as the last bit of practice before the battle with Ganon to come. So, that must be what these shrines all have in common: they were all tests of strength. Perhaps Ganon could only adapt those types of shrines to creating monsters, corrupting their intended purpose. He wished he could remember if these were all the existing shrines of that type but thought it very likely. If there were others, they must have been revealed due to tasks he never performed in this timeline, like the shrine at the Spring of Power. In any case, the fact that there were only fifteen shrines and not more was one piece of good news! But even so, he realized that unless all of them were contained, Hyrule could be overrun by an endless supply of monsters. And who was to say the monsters might not become stronger over time?

Meanwhile, in Central Hyrule, the fighting was furious at the base of Crenel Hills. Hyrule soldiers were taking on a seemingly endless supply of Bokoblins, with the odd Moblin thrown in, as enemies poured out of the shrine in the ring of stone near the peak and made their way down the slope. The Hyrule squad's goal was to cut through the enemies and reach the shrine, choking off their reinforcements. But despite a strong push, the soldiers and been unable to make progress, as they were severely outnumbered. The lieutenant in charge of the squad winced as he saw a Bokoblin club one of his soldiers. As the Bokoblin stopped to gloat with a victory shout, the lieutenant ran it through with his sword, then stepped back to contact headquarters.

"We're facing too strong an enemy force," said the lieutenant. "Unless you can send significant reinforcements, we're going to have to fall back and try to defend the Orsedd Bridge."

"Very well," said headquarters. "Fall back at once."

The lieutenant signed off and signaled his troops to retreat to the bridge. Bokoblins and Moblins couldn't swim, and they might be able to secure the narrow path the bridge provided, at least for a time.

Meanwhile, far away to the southwest, it was a hot, dry day in Gerudo Town, as Lizalfos attacked the town in mass, and the air was filled with the sound of battle. People were shouting, and there was the occasional clang of arrows bouncing off Gerudo shields and the clash of spears when a Lizalfos managed to reach the city walls. Rito warriors were assisting in the town's defense using Bomb Arrows from the air, and every few moments, an explosion would drown out all other sounds and send a cloud of sand into the air. Gerudo archers positioned in town were also launching a variety of arrows into the attackers, with Ice Arrows being especially effective against the Fire Breath variety of Lizalfos. Looming a short distance away from the town stood Naboris, its blue energy beam destroying Lizalfos wherever it aimed.

"Get some well-earned rest, Batta. I'll take it from here," said Gerudo guard Afala as she took Batta's place on the wall, shield raised and both bow and spear at hand.

"Thanks, I can use it," said Batta. "Keep your shield up when you can, Afala. Arrows can arrive unexpectedly."

"I hear you," said Afala. "Now, go!"

Batta made her way to rest inside one of the buildings while Afala scanned the desert for enemies approaching her way that had gotten past the Rito and Naboris.

As for Naboris, Baleria continued to pilot it while Captain Kodda commanded the town's defense from within.

"Are our defenses holding up?" said Baleria as she spoke to Kodda by Tab.

"Yes, Chief, thanks in part to the Rito and you," said Kodda.

"I'm thinking of using Naboris to deal with these creatures at their source and put a stop to at least some of them," said Baleria. "But obviously, I can't do that if our town will be overrun when I leave. I need to know you can repel the attack in my absence."

"It will help in the long run if you can cut down the size of the force attacking us," said Kodda. "The Rito and our own archers are doing their part, but even so, some enemies still manage to reach the walls, and then the Rito have to back off for fear of harming us. The Rito are sending replacement archers soon, but I know they will have their own battles to fight, so we need to do something for ourselves."

"That's what I'm thinking too," said Baleria. "If you're sure you can hold our defense, I will go now before I get too tired myself. Hyrule Headquarters said one of the shrines attacking us is in the Risoka Snowfield."

"Go, Chief, we'll manage here," said Kodda.

They ended the call, and Baleria knelt down to speak to Naboris. She didn't need to speak to Naboris, of course. But once you trained as a Divine Beast pilot, you formed a special bond with it. You communicated with it by thought and motion, and it felt like more of a living being than a machine as it grew to understand you, and you grew to understand it. And so, it was common for pilots to start speaking to their Divine Beast and even refer to it as 'he' or 'she,' not 'it.' It was a relationship almost like the love for a dear pet, but a pet you not only loved but deeply respected for its enormous power and ability.

"Come, Naboris, we have to go now," said Baleria. "Let's keep firing on our enemies while we walk. We're taking a hike to the shrine on the Risoka Snowfield. That's quite a climb, Naboris, but I know you can do it."

Naboris screeched as it began making its way to the Gerudo Highlands. It was terrifying to see the colossal figure of Naboris approaching you. The ground shook with each step of its massive legs, and the surrounding air sometimes crackled with bolts of electricity. Monsters in its path fled screaming from the mere sight of it, while Baleria swept its destructive beam from side to side, destroying many on the way. The legs on Naboris were quite flexible, and the Divine Beast was built with the Gerudo Desert area in mind. It slowly and carefully climbed into the western Gerudo Highlands toward the Risoka Snowfield and the shrine. Baleria had already made her way inside by then to keep warm and maintain her footing during the ascent. When they reached their destination, you could see the horde of monsters there and how they were emerging one-by-one from the shrine, continually adding to their numbers.

With another ear-splitting roar, Naboris halted, took aim with its targeting beam, then enveloped the shrine in a blast of blue energy. The blast was not full power, but even so, some energy spilled over into the surrounding field, vaporizing any monster it touched and scattering many more.

"That takes care of this shrine," said Baleria. "But, there remains another."

The Lizalfos coming from here were all Fire Breath Lizalfos, but Gerudo Town was being attacked by regular Lizalfos as well. In any case, Baleria checked in with Captain Kodda.

"Naboris is containing the shrine now," said Baleria. "How is our defense?"

"We are holding, but I had to shorten the rest period for now," said Kodda. "If Naboris can reduce the enemy's numbers, that will certainly help."

"I'll let Hyrule Command know," said Baleria, ending the call. Then she informed Hyrule Castle of their situation.

Meanwhile, Queen Zelda was conferring with General Haston.

"We're having trouble reaching the shrine on Crenel Hills," said Haston. "Too many monsters keep pouring out of the shrine, replacing those we destroy. We're losing too many troops and had to fall back to try holding Orsedd Bridge."

Zelda thought for a moment.

"Have the Gorons reported any attacks yet?" Zelda asked.

"No, none," said Haston.

"Let me ask them for help," said Zelda as she called Daruk.

"Daruk, we could use your help," said Zelda, getting right to the point.

"You know I'll do whatever I can," said Daruk.

"We need to stop monsters coming from the shrine on top of Crenel Hills," said Zelda. "Can Rudania get into a position where it could keep firing on the area around the shrine until our forces can reach it?"

"I don't see why not," said Daruk. "I can leave my son Darno here in charge of our city's defense while I take charge of Rudania."

"Are you sure you're still comfortable piloting Rudania, Daruk?" Zelda asked. "I understand Darno has trained well."

"I may not be rolling as fast or as far as before, Zelda, but once I finally learned Rudania, I never forgot it," said Daruk. "We're like buddies, him and I, and we'll do fine together. Now, time's wasting. Let me tell Darno about the plan and get to work."

They ended the call.

"Hopefully, that will solve our Crenel Hills problem," said Zelda. "Let's go over what's next, General."

"Once Crenel Hills is secure, we can use some troops that frees up plus the troops stationed at Hateno Village to liberate Lurelin Village," said Haston.

"That's one possibility," said Zelda. "But I'm also worried about Gerudo Town. What's the situation there?"

"We just learned that Naboris has bottled up the Risoka Snowfield shrine," said Heston. "Rito archers and their own soldiers are helping to maintain the defense of Gerudo Town itself. But we are told fighting is heavy and fierce. Enemies from the shrine under the Dig Dogg bridge are also attacking Gerudo Town."

"Is there any chance we can send troops to contain that shrine?" Zelda asked.

"We have some troops in Hyrule Garrison that we could use to attack the Dig Dogg bridge shrine, but I don't think it's enough," said Haston. "I feel it would be too risky to attempt to liberate both Lurelin Village and the Dig Dogg bridge shrine at the same time."

"Are the Lurelin evacuees still safe at sea?" said Zelda.

"Yes, and on some small off-shore islets," said Haston. "They are still out of reach of enemies."

"Then let's deal with the shrine at Dig Dogg bridge first once we have taken the Crenel Hills shrine," said Zelda.

"Very well, I agree that makes good military sense," said Haston. "Of course, that still leaves unresolved the four shrines in the northwest."

"Yes, and we still have no word yet from the Rito on their plans?" Zelda asked.

"They are still discussing it," said Haston.

"Let's give them another couple of hours, then I'll call their Elder and end up speaking to Revali about it," said Zelda. "The longer we take, the more monsters we have to deal with."

Zelda sat down and held her head in her hands. Fatigue was still getting to her. Maybe she should bring her older daughter into the battle planning, after all, she thought. Just then, her Tab buzzed. It was Link.

"Link? Are you all right?" said Zelda.

"Yes," said Link. "How are you and Hyrule doing?"

"About as well as we can hope under the circumstances," said Zelda. "I spoke to Daruk, and he's about to pilot Rudania into position to bottle up the shrine on the Crenel Hills. Our troops have been unable to reach it and sadly suffered quite a few casualties trying. I'm still waiting to hear from Revali on what the Rito are planning to do. The attack from the far north worries me because so much time has passed. Those northern shrines are like leaks in a dam, spilling out water for some time now. We need to shut down those shrines. The Gerudo are just holding their own for now. Naboris has bottled up one of the shrines attacking them, but we will eventually need to shut down the shrine below Dig Dogg Bridge. I'm discussing with General Haston the possibility of sending troops to the Dig Dogg Bridge area once Crenel Hills is secure. I gather from reports we received from Sidon that you're holding your own at Zora's Domain for now?"