Summary: Revali and the Rito deal with the shrines in northwest Hyrule. After reuniting with his family, Linky joins his brother Midon for some simulation combat training. Queen Zelda brings Princess Zelda into planning. The pace at which monsters emerge from shrines quickens, as does their strength. Queen Zelda and Link discuss traveling to Eventide Island in hopes of confronting the source of the conflict.

The air was bitter cold as Revali piloted Divine Beast Vah Medoh over Northwest Hyrule, destroying hordes of monsters on the ground below along the way. Blue ancient energy shot out from Medoh's beak along with occasional bursts of fiery energy from its canons, dotting the snow below with puffs of purple smoke that quickly vanished in the wind. A dozen Rito warriors had followed Medoh at the outset. Then four broke off and remained behind at each shrine Revali completed his attack upon to secure it and destroy any monsters Medoh may have missed along the way.

"What a reckless waste of life!" Revali muttered to himself as he thought about the countless enemies Medoh destroyed in its flight. But upon further thought, he realized these enemies were not living creatures in the usual sense, but things of Ganon's creation that disappeared into nothingness when destroyed, perhaps only to be recreated once again inside a shrine.

After leaving Rito Village, Revali had first steered Medoh south to deal with the Tena Ko'sah Shrine at Ancient Columns. Then Medoh flew north along the western edge of Hyrule, destroying enemies coming from the Icefall Foothills that were making their way south along the flatlands west of the Hebra West Summit. After working his way to the lonely Hia Miu Shrine in the far northwest, Revali turned Medoh southeast to deal with the Mozo Shenno Shrine's enemies on Biron Snowfield. Then Medoh flew onward, ending up at Hebra Peak. After destroying an army of Lynels on the ground, Medoh landed and focused its beam on the Goma Asaagh Shrine itself, ending its ability to seed more enemies into battle.

"That's that for now, Medoh," said Revali as he glanced approvingly around the area now empty of monsters.

Revali and Rito Captain Maki had earlier agreed to station Medoh at Hebra Peak, as dealing with Lynels there would be a challenge for Rito archers. However, Medoh was available for short missions elsewhere if needed. Then he called Captain Maki.

"Hebra Peak is secure," said Revali. "What about the other three shrines?"

"Our warriors report they have them under control," said Maki. "Shall I inform Hyrule Command?"

"No, I'll do it myself," said Revali. "Let me know if anything changes."

"Understood," said Maki as they ended the call.

Revali then called General Haston at Hyrule Command headquarters.

"General, let Her Majesty know that the Rito have contained the four shrines north of Tanagar Canyon," said Revali. "And she can let me know if she needs any additional help."

"I will, thank you, Master Revali, and that's magnificent work. I know Her Majesty will be both pleased and grateful," said General Haston, ending the call. He knew enough about Revali to appeal to his ego, though in this case, it was justified.

Meanwhile, at Orsedd Bridge in Central Hyrule, battle sounds filled the air as Hylian soldiers defended the river crossing. Wooden Bokoblin clubs thudded against Hylian shields, soldiers grunted and sometimes cried out in pain, arrows whistled through the air, and monsters let out a dying shriek whenever they were defeated. Hylian archers were striking down approaching foes from a distance while soldiers with spears and swords engaged in close combat. More enemies had been destroyed than anyone could count. And if defeated Bokoblins and Moblins didn't vanish into purple vapor, by now their dead bodies would be piled high across the battlefield, and the river choked with floating corpses.

The number of monsters had been overwhelming at first, as wave after wave poured down from the peak of Crenel Hills, forcing a retreat. But the enemy could not swim and had no means of crossing the river, creating a choke point at Orsedd Bridge that aided in its defense. And as Rudania's beam of energy now prevented enemy reinforcements from the Namika Ozz Shrine, the number of monsters lessened, and their ranks began thinning out. As soon as some reinforcements joined the Hylian squad, the lieutenant in command ordered a push forward across the bridge and up into the Crenel Hills. He sensed the opportunity for victory was at hand.

"Follow me!" shouted the lieutenant as he and those around him sliced through enemy ranks.

And after almost two more hours of battle, making their way slowly up the hillside, at last, they reached the ring within which lay the corrupted shrine. A handful of monsters still lingered, and archers following the vanguard took care of them as they fled. Then a great cheer went up for the hard-fought victory, and soldiers patted each other on the back.

"Well done!" the lieutenant shouted, joining in the cheering and then contacting headquarters.

"We've taken Crenel Hill, Sir," said the lieutenant.

"Excellent work! I'll let the General know," said the communications officer.

The lieutenant turned back to the soldiers.

"Now it's up to those of us who remain here with me to keep destroying any monsters that emerge from this shrine once Rudania's beam is removed," said the lieutenant. "The rest of you head back to Hyrule Castle for some rest and then further orders."

A moment later, the blue energy beam from Rudania stopped, and the five soldiers remaining with the lieutenant took up positions around the shrine. The rest raised their hands in the air once more and cheered, then began returning to Hyrule Castle.

Meanwhile, it was morning in Zora's Domain as Linky blinked a few times, then opened his eyes. He was floating in his room's slumber pool, and turning his head, he could see his daughter Tara asleep to his left, her head resting against his shoulder, and his wife Tila asleep to his right, her left arm under his neck. Linky could just barely feel across his chest the periodic gentle pulse of water current from the action of their gills.

He began recalling everything that had happened, the Lizalfos ambush, falling unconscious, awakening to see Mila, then his siblings helping him home. Thank Hylia Mila had gotten to him in time! As he thought back to his injury, he realized that although his combat skills were still strong, they were not quite as spontaneous as they once had been, not as fluid or natural. He needed to recover his technique.

But then Linky's thoughts turned to his family. The last thing he remembered before falling asleep was his sister Lapha staying with him to make sure he was alright. But he was waking up with Tila and Tara here, so they had arrived after he fell asleep. He wondered how much Tila knew about how serious his injury had been.

A few moments later, Tila opened her eyes and saw Linky looking at her. Linky could read in her eyes that she must know what had happened.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," whispered Linky as he leaned toward her, and they kissed once.

Then Tila put both hands around his head and gently pulled it to hers as they exchanged a more prolonged, more passionate kiss.

"I love you," whispered Tila finally.

"I love you, too," said Linky.

Tila rested her head against his, and they were quiet for a few moments.

"Did you say anything to Tara about what happened?" whispered Linky finally.

"No, I just told her we were coming home to be with you," whispered Tila as she glanced at Tara.

"I'm glad," said Linky, letting out a sigh of relief. "It would break my heart for her to worry about me."

"Then imagine how she would feel if I had to tell her we lost you," said Tila. "And imagine how I would feel, too."

"I know," whispered Linky. "I realize now I was too impulsive."

Just then, Tara stirred, lifted her head, and saw Linky.

"Daddy!" Tara exclaimed and hugged him, then kissed him on the cheek.

Linky hugged and kissed her back, then wiped his eyes.

"Why are you crying, Daddy?" said Tara.

"They're happy tears, sweetheart," said Linky as he hugged her again. "It's just such a wonderful surprise that you and Mommy are here, and I'm happy to see you."

"I'm happy to see you too, but I'm not crying," said Tara.

Linky laughed and wiped his eyes one last time.

"I know, but I can't help it, sweetie," said Linky as he kissed her again. "You and Mommy made me especially happy by surprising me."

"Who's hungry?" said Tila as she climbed out of the pool. "You two can shoal some more while I catch breakfast. I'll meet you in the dining room. And don't be too loud, Tara, as others may still be asleep."

Tila left to catch some fresh fish for the whole family while Linky and Tara hugged for a few more minutes.

"We had better get up, sweetheart," Linky said finally. "Mommy is pretty fast at catching fish, and she'll be waiting for us."

"I'm pretty fast, too," said Tara.

"I know you are," laughed Linky. "Maybe tomorrow you can catch our breakfast."

After making their way to the dining room, Tila was already there.

"This will help you feel better," said Tila as she gave him a Hearty Bass.

"Great, I am pretty hungry," said Linky.

Linky cooked his fish and then sat down to eat.

Mila was the next to arrive, followed closely by Midon. They exchanged hugs all around, with longer than usual hugs reserved for Linky and Tara.

"Thanks for the fish, Tila," said Midon. "You saved Mila some work this morning."

"Wait? You think it's my turn again, you lazy snail?" said Mila. "Laff caught fish last time, and I caught fish the time right before that. Maybe you should create a Tab rune to help your selective memory."

"Maybe you should create a history book of which of us caught fish," said Midon.

They made faces at each other as Tara giggled, then both sat down to eat.

"Did you like riding here last night, Tara?" asked Mila. "I understand you were on a special boat."

"Yes, and wow! Was it super-fast!" said Tara. "I wished we could ride longer, but Mommy said we had to hurry home before it got too late."

Just then, Lapha arrived for another round of hugs.

"Thanks for staying with me last night," said Linky as he hugged Lapha.

"Of course, little brother," said Lapha.

Lapha sat down to eat, and several minutes later, Mipha and Link arrived. They were late because they had been conversing with Zelda on the state of the conflict. This led to yet another round of hugs, with Mipha holding Linky longer, then they all sat down again.

"In the face of all that's happening, it's comforting to see everyone together at home," said Mipha as she looked around the table.

"Yes, you certainly found one way to bring the family together, Linky," said Midon.

"Very funny. But I'd rather we didn't say too much," said Linky, gently nodding his head toward Tara, who was sitting next to him.

"Oh, yes, I understand," said Midon. "But if Ruta is available, maybe after breakfast, you and I should get in some combat training on the simulator."

"That's a good idea," said Linky.

"I can make Ruta available," said Mipha. "Our Domain's defense is holding as of now."

They changed the topic of conversation after that. After breakfast and before meeting Mipha and Midon at Ruta, Linky walked Tila and Tara to the lake. Then Tara turned to Linky.

"Did you do something wrong, Daddy?"

"Why do you ask, sweetheart?"

"Because everyone treated you extra nice and gave you big long hugs," said Tara.

"They gave you big long hugs, too, sweetheart," said Linky.

"They always give me big long hugs," said Tara, not willing to accept his answer.

"Well, maybe I did, sweetheart, but there's nothing for you to worry about now," said Linky as he picked her up and hugged and kissed her. "Daddy is fine, and he's going to stay fine to be with you and Mommy."

"Promise?"

"I promise," said Linky. "And I'm going to spend some time with Uncle Midon to help me keep that promise. Okay, sweetie?"

Tara smiled and kissed him on the cheek, and then he put her down.

"Come, Tara, let's get in some swimming," said Tila as she took Tara's hand.

"I'll be off with Mother and Midon at Ruta then," said Linky.

"Join us when you're free, sweetheart," said Tila as they kissed.

Linky returned to his room and took out the Zora Armor Tila had made for him. He held it out and admired it for a moment. Tila had spent considerable time learning how to make it and then putting it together, as it was not her people's custom. She did it out of love for him. Wearing it would serve as an extra reminder to be victorious, but also to be careful and safe. He took off his Hylian outfit and put on the armor and then headed to East Reservoir Lake to meet Mipha and Midon at Ruta.

When he arrived, Midon was at the pier waiting for him.

"Mom used her new rune to teleport and get Ruta ready," said Midon. "You look pretty sleek in that armor. Tila did a great job!"

"Yes, she really did," said Linky. "Let's go."

They swam out to Ruta, and Mipha met them at the entrance.

"I guess this is the first time inside Ruta for both of you," said Mipha.

"Yes," said Midon, glancing at Linky. "I think we both probably wondered why you never took us here."

"It was mostly out of consideration for your father, not bringing the rest of the family here," said Mipha. "Your father acts like he's completely over his past, but when we come here together, I notice he gets quiet sometimes. From his expression, I can see that he's thinking back to what happened, how we lost each other once in another time, and that he spoke to my spirit here. Then either I try to keep the conversation going, or he shakes himself out of it. So, I did not want visiting Ruta to become a family activity."

"I understand," said Midon. "I'm sorry Dad still hasn't gotten fully over it."

"I don't think he ever will," said Mipha. "Now, just follow me."

Mipha led the way to the main terminal, as Linky and Midon looked about. When they arrived, Mipha explained the process, then attached a small device to each of them and asked if they had any questions.

"No, I think we're ready," said Linky, and Midon nodded.

"I've selected simulations around our Domain," said Mipha. "The simulations are a bit random, but I'm sure there will be plenty of Lizalfos among the enemies. You will get the most out of it if you treat the combat as real and try for a good score. I will activate it now."

When Mipha activated the device, both Linky and Midon froze in place, and their eyes closed. But in their minds, they were in Zora's Domain and seeking out Lizalfos to destroy. The simulation started out with single enemies until they handled them efficiently. Then it started throwing two enemies each their way and with smarter and more potent attacks. Midon's weapon of choice was a spear, and Linky's a sword, and both of them were capable of performing flurry rushes as well as using arrows. As they worked their way through what seemed like hours to them, their skills and muscle memory improved until they could handle three Lizalfos at a time, each using a combination of Ice Arrows and rapid attacks. After a particularly ferocious battle, the simulation suddenly ended, and they found themselves back inside Ruta.

"The simulator indicates you have both done well and progressed far enough for one day," said Mipha. "Trying to push your skills beyond this point in a single session is counterproductive."

"Were we gone long, Mom?" said Midon. "It felt like we spent the whole day battling."

Linky nodded.

"You were gone for less than two hours," said Mipha. "Here are your scores, by the way. Linky, you got 870 out of 1,000, and Midon, you got 790. But those scores reflect some early difficulties you both had. By the end of the simulation, you were both scoring much better."

"I guess you and Dad trained a lot with this," said Midon.

"Yes, we did," said Mipha. "And you can return tomorrow if you wish to train further."

"I think we should," said Linky looking at Midon. "We should also move on to stronger enemies, perhaps."

"As long as Ruta is available, I'm happy to let you train," said Mipha. "Now, I have a meeting with Uncle Sidon soon, so we should go."

They left Ruta, and Mipha closed the entrance, then they all swam back to the western pier.

Meanwhile, at Hyrule Castle, Randall had some time off from combat to rest and visit his wife, Princess Zelda, and their son, Horwell. Zelda's sister, Astra, was there with them as well.

"How about another hug?" said Randall as he held Horwell, then tickled him on the belly, making him giggle.

"What's the situation at the docks?" said Princess Zelda.

"We're holding our own," said Randall. "As soon as an enemy emerges, we destroy it."

Randall looked down and away for a moment.

"Are you not telling me everything, are you sweetheart?" said Princess Zelda.

"I should know by now not to hide anything from you," said Randall turning back to face Princess Zelda. "You read me like a book. I reported it to headquarters, and they're not sure if it's just a quirk or a trend. But now and then, a slightly stronger enemy appears, the same kind but more powerful. And another thing we noticed is that occasionally an enemy emerges very soon after an earlier one, arriving more quickly than in the past. So, we are keeping extra guards on hand at all the shrines under our control."

"You're worried that this is a trend?" said Princess Zelda.

"Frankly, yes," said Randall. "If so, it will take more resources to hold our own. Destroying more powerful enemies takes longer, and if another enemy emerges before we finish the first one, suddenly, we have two to deal with at the same time. And then later perhaps three. And so on. If that happens, our containment will fail."

"What did headquarters say?" said Princess Zelda. "I haven't seen any reports about it."

"They are taking it under advisement for now, " said Randall.

Then Randall laughed as Horwell put his little hand over Randall's mouth.

"I guess I'm doing too much talking and not enough playing," laughed Randall as he tickled Horwell again.

"If monsters need to be destroyed more quickly, or they're getting stronger, I can help," said Astra. "I have a special talent that enables me to strike blows very rapidly. You know what I mean, Zel."

"You know Mother won't want you doing that, Astra," said Princess Zelda.

"I know that Zel, but I feel just as frustrated about not helping as you did before Mom started sharing information with you," said Astra. "I trained hard for combat. I bet I can easily beat anyone in your squad, Uncle Randall."

"From what I know of your swordsmanship, Astra, I bet you can, too!" said Randall. "If we start losing our ability to contain the shrine, I promise to let you know."

Horwell reached out and covered Randall's mouth again.

"Okay, okay," laughed Randall. "No more talking for now."

Meanwhile, at command headquarters, Queen Zelda was conferring with General Haston.

"Where do we stand now, General," said Zelda.