Summary: Mipha and Mila heal injured Hylian soldiers. Purah, Robbie, and Lapha head to Eventide Island to research how shrines were corrupted. Zelda hosts a small celebration with the Champions and family.

It was early morning at the Command Center in Hyrule Castle as Princess Zelda finished speaking with her mother on Eventide Island, then turned to General Haston.

"My mother just confirmed what we both suspected, that she and Link were victorious. This means we can be sure that no more monsters will emerge from shrines," said Princess Zelda. "Please notify the military leaders of the other races, as this will free up their Divine Beasts to destroy the remaining monsters at large."

"At once, Your Highness," said General Haston, who issued the order to the communications officer.

In Gerudo Town, Captain Kodda relayed the information to Baleria inside Divine Beast Naboris in the Gerudo Highlands.

"That's wonderful news, Kodda," said Baleria. "We will be home soon."

"Did you hear that, Naboris?" said Baleria after ending the call. "We can go home now. But we need to destroy every monster we see along the way, and I'm sure you won't mind doing that. And neither will I."

Naboris let out a loud cry that would freeze the blood of any nearby adversary. Then Baleria turned off the energy beam containing the Kema Kosassa Shrine, and the giant mechanism began making its way down from the Risoka Snowfield and back towards the Gerudo Desert.

It wasn't until they reached the desert that Baleria began seeing monsters, and she used Naboris to destroy them as they walked. When the warriors in Gerudo Town saw Naboris in the distance, they all cheered, and it filled them with resolve.

For monsters, though, it had the opposite effect. For the sight of Naboris looming ever closer, shaking the ground as it walked, and crackling with electricity, was terrifying to them. By midday, all but isolated monsters were destroyed, and Gerudo warriors were eagerly hunting those down as well. Baleria left Naboris outside of Gerudo Town, then prepared to shut it down, but took a moment before leaving.

"Thank you, Naboris, for being our defender once again," said Baleria. "And thank you, Lady Urbosa, for all you taught me. I know you are looking down on us."

Then Baleria left Naboris and made the short walk into town, nodding at the two guards by the entrance who welcomed her back.

"How bad were our losses, Kodda?" asked Baleria after Captain Kodda reported to her.

"Sadly, we lost seven warriors to enemy archers, Chief," sighed Kodda. "Other than that, we suffered only mild bruises and scrapes."

"Everyone truly lived up to their duty and bravely defended our home," said Baleria. "We will have a service for those who fell in battle this afternoon. I received a message that Queen Zelda would like me to attend a small gathering this evening at Hyrule Castle with the other Champions, so I will leave after the services."

"Very well, Chief," said Kodda.

Meanwhile, it was midday at the Ancient Tech Lab to the west of Hyrule Castle, and two Hyrule Guards along with Link's younger daughter Lapha had arrived there. The Captain knocked on the door and spoke up.

Dr. Purah, the battle is over, and it's safe to open the door now," said the Captain. "Zora Princess Lapha is here with us as well, and she said you were expecting her."

"Yes, yes, that's right. Just give me a moment," said Purah. "Everyone, please stand well clear of the door."

Then she turned to Robbie and spoke softly.

"I'm not sure how much kinetic energy has built up since I used a Stasis Rune to seal the door shut," said Purah.

"I hope your idea doesn't end up blasting a hole in something," said Robbie as he stepped away and to the side, then crouched down behind a table. "Or someone, for that matter."

Purah picked up her Sheikah Slate and released the Stasis spell on the door. It flung open rapidly with a loud bang as it crashed against the lab wall but did not fly off its hinges or cause any damage.

"See, nothing to worry about," said Purah with a smile, putting down the Sheikah Slate.

"Then why were you also crouching behind a table?" laughed Robbie.

"Ah, Princess Lapha, welcome back!" said Purah, ignoring Robbie's comment with a wave of her hand as Lapha entered the lab. "And thank you, Captain. I'm glad the battle is over, and we were victorious."

"So are we, Dr. Purah," said the Captain as he saluted and then left with the other guard.

"Well, we should all head to Eventide Island at once," said Purah, rubbing her hands together in excitement. "We need to investigate that shrine and learn what we can from it. Also, Princess Lapha, your father, in his call, described the traps within the shrine and also that Ganondorf had been using what looked to him like a Sheikah Slate. We need to take possession of that device as well."

"I'm ready to leave whenever you are, Dr. Purah," said Lapha. "After I received your message, I made arrangements with my sister-in-law Tila for a high-speed vessel. It's waiting for us in the Castle Moat."

"Excellent! It will be nice to get out of this lab finally," said Purah. "Let's go then."

"Don't forget your Sheikah Slate, Dr. Purah," said Robbie as he pointed to the table.

"Right," said Purah as she retrieved it.

Then Purah, Robbie, and Lapha made their way to where a boat with two North Hyrule Zoras were waiting to transport them to Eventide Island.

"Welcome aboard," said the pilot. "Please settle yourselves in your seats, and we will be underway. Mistress Tila instructed us to remain on the island with you to make sure it was safe."

After getting settled, the other Zora guard cast off the rope mooring the boat, and they proceeded around the north side of the Castle and then down the Hylia River.

Meanwhile, in Central Hyrule, a large crowd had gathered by the Sacred Grounds for several reasons. For one, most had never seen a Divine Beast up close and did not want to miss the opportunity. Others came to celebrate victory and enjoy the buffet the Castle had provided. But some were there for more personal reasons.

"Wow, Mommy, it's so big! And what a giant nose!" exclaimed the little Hylian boy holding his mother's hand.

Divine Beast Vah Ruta was kneeling there, its trunk raised high, and the little boy was staring up at it from a short distance away.

"It's called Vah Ruta, and it's one of Hyrule's four ancient defenders, sweetheart," said the little boy's mother. "But it's who came with Ruta that means the most to us right now."

"Daddy's going to be okay, right?" asked the little boy.

"Yes, he will be, sweetheart," said his mother as he squeezed his hand. "Daddy is waiting his turn along with other injured soldiers to be healed by one of the two Zora princesses who came here. They have magic healing power."

"Wow!" said the little boy.

Mipha and Mila were both busy now healing injured Hylian soldiers as quickly as possible, as Link and Zelda stood nearby.

"You and your family have done so much for Hyrule, Link," said Zelda as they watched Mila and Mipha cure one soldier after another. "I don't know what to say or how I can ever thank you enough."

"You know there is no need to thank me, Zelda," said Link as he smiled at her. "We all played the part fate gave us, and mine came with the sword that seals the darkness. Don't forget all that you and your daughters did as well. Victory needed all of our efforts. But I'm sorry there were so many casualties among our forces. The Hylian army endured the brunt of the attack and suffered more than any of the other peoples."

"Yes, that saddens me too, of course," sighed Zelda. "We were taken by surprise and had to deal with more corrupted shrines than anywhere else in Hyrule."

They stood silently for another moment, then Zelda spoke up.

"Are the rest of your family coming later to join our small celebration?" Zelda asked. "The Champions all said they would be here."

"Everyone but Lapha is coming," said Link. "Lapha said she was leaving at once with Dr. Purah to investigate the shrine on Eventide Island."

"That's Purah for you!" Zelda laughed. "She can't wait to research anything she doesn't fully understand and would rather do that than relax and socialize. And I think she chided herself a bit for not anticipating that shrines could be corrupted. But I look forward to seeing your family again, Link. Your granddaughter Tara must be getting cuter than ever."

"Cuter than ever and more mischievous than ever, too," laughed Link. "Watch out for hidden frogs."

"Well, we all know where she gets mischievous from, don't we?" Zelda laughed. "But I'm looking forward to seeing your grown children too. I can still remember when you first brought Mila and Midon here as youngsters. Where has all the time gone, Link?"

"I know," said Link, shaking his head. "As the Zoras say, a lot of water has gone over the falls since we first met. But, Hylia willing, we both still have many more years ahead of us than behind us."

They turned back to see soldiers being healed, then rushing off to reunite with anxious families and then head off together for some refreshment at the extensive buffet table nearby.

It was late afternoon by the time Mila and Mipha finally healed the last of the soldiers. Then they both sighed and smiled at each other.

"I feel drained, Mom," said Mila. "But nothing made me happier than to help these brave soldiers."

"We were given this gift to help others, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Let's get in some water time now and catch some fresh fish. I'm starving."

"I see Dad over there talking with Zelda," said Mila, pointing.

"Yes, we can let your father know where we're going," said Mipha.

They approached where Link and Zelda were standing.

"Thank you seems so inadequate for all you both did," said Zelda as she stopped speaking with Link and addressed Mipha and Mila. "But it's all I can say. You've made many families happy today."

"We were glad to help, Zelda," said Mipha. "Mila and I are going to get in some water time now. We'll be back soon."

"Yes, by all means," said Zelda. "You must both be exhausted."

Link and Mipha kissed, then Mipha and Mila headed toward the Hylia River. Just then, Link's stomach growled.

"Sorry," said Link.

"No need to apologize," laughed Zelda. "I remember how hungry you used to get on our travels together. Please, help yourself to the buffet. I'm going to talk with General Haston I see over there."

Link made his way to the buffet table and began looking over the assortment of food. After a few minutes, he heard a familiar voice.

"So, you were lucky enough to pull it off again?" said Revali. "Is this the second or third time now? I guess we should have expected nothing less, given all the practice you've put in. It should have come easier by now, I would imagine."

"You never give up, do you, Revali?" laughed Link as he turned to see Revali and Daruk standing behind him. "But, you know you can't rile me anymore. I've outgrown it."

Revali laughed and patted Link on the back.

"Seriously, nice job, Link," said Revali. "You saved us all again, which was good because I was too busy to do it. Oh, excuse me, I want to talk with Zelda about something."

Revali headed off to where Zelda was speaking with General Haston.

"Yeah, good job, bro, and glad you still have it in you," laughed Daruk. "Way to pound down that Ganondorf guy!"

"I'm glad too and happy it ended well," said Link. "Nice to see you again."

"Yeah, but hey, is that all you're eating, Link? One Hyrule Bass?" Daruk said as they both helped themselves to food from the buffet table. "You used to have a much bigger appetite than that!"

"Don't worry, it's just for now, and I'll have more food later when my family gets here," laughed Link. "Remember we have dinner at the Castle tonight. But as Mipha told me, living in Zora's Domain all these years has refined my palate."

"Yeah, well, it sure hasn't hurt your fighting," laughed Daruk.

"Thanks for Rudania's support, by the way."

"Oh, that was nothing," said Daruk. "I didn't even have to leave Death Mountain. You know, I thought at first we Gorons weren't attacked because they feared our fighting skill. Later I learned it was all just an accident of where some shrines were located."

"True," said Link as he and Daruk moved down the line, and Link helped himself to some side dishes. "But the Goron's turn would have come, eventually. Are the rocks here any good, by the way? Not that I want any."

"Not too bad," laughed Daruk. "Zelda knows my taste by now. They're not Death Mountain quality, but still tasty. You said you're waiting for your family?"

"Everyone but my daughter Lapha will be here," said Link. "Lapha's off to Eventide Island with Dr. Purah and Robbie, helping with their research. Purah said she's eager to understand how those shrines could have been corrupted."

"Yeah, that sounds like Purah. I heard that once she gets rolling on something, there's no stopping her," said Daruk as he and Link finished getting food and searched for a place to sit. "It was smart of you to figure all that out, remember that shrine and all. I thought maybe your memory loss would have caused you problems."

"Remember, I completed the shrines after my memory loss," said Link. "And Eventide Island was a trial I didn't easily forget. It looks like there's a place to sit over there. Is your son Darno here or coming?"

"Yeah, he's over there talking with Princess Zelda," said Daruk, nodding. "I'm encouraging him to get acquainted with the others of his generation."

"That makes sense," said Link. "I see a place to sit over there. I'll even save a seat for Revali."

It was evening when the Champions and their families gathered in the Hyrule Castle Dining Hall. After everyone was present, Zelda stood and asked for their attention.

"Thank you all for coming on such brief notice," said Zelda. "I wanted to share this moment of victory while it was still fresh. But first, let us have a moment of silence for all those who lost their lives defending our homes and families and pray that they will rest in peace."

Everyone bowed their head and silently prayed for a moment. Then Zelda spoke again.

"I don't intend to speak long at all, but simply want to thank you and your people for all you did," said Zelda. "We all needed to work together to achieve this victory. Now, let's enjoy this special moment when all of us are gathered here."

With that, Zelda sat down, and they served dinner.

"Remember your table manners, Tara," whispered Tila as a dish of fish was placed before Tara.

"I remember them, Mommy," said Tara. "And I'll even use them."

"That's what I meant, sweetheart," said Tila, shaking her head and smiling at her husband Linky, who was sitting on Tara's other side.

Queen Zelda sat at the head of the U-shaped table. On Zelda's right, Link was seated next to Mipha, and to Link's right sat Mila, Midon, Tila, Tara, Linky, and Astra. On the other side of the table sat Princess Zelda, her husband Randall, Revali, Baleria, Daruk, Daruk's son Darno and General Haston.

"I'd go easy on that Noble Pursuit if I were you," said Baleria to Revali. "They're stronger than they taste."

"Yeah, we don't want you flying in circles," laughed Daruk.

"Hilarious," said Revali, taking another sip. "I'm more than capable of handling a Gerudo beverage."

Baleria shrugged her shoulders.

"Mom and I are planning to return to the Domain after dinner," said Link to Mila. "Are you returning with us?"

"No, Dad, I'm meeting Kendal here after dinner, and we're going to spend some time in Castle Town," said Mila. "We'll return home tomorrow."

"Same here, Dad," said Midon. "Larena is meeting me. And Linky said his family was staying here for the night as well."

"Well, I think that's nice," said Link. "I wanted to say how proud Mom and I are of all you did. You stepped up and helped preserve our home, and without your work, my victory would have been a hollow one."

"It's how you and Mom raised us, Dad," said Mila. "And we're proud of both of you as well."

After dinner, there was time for some conversation as everyone mingled. Daruk and Baleria were staying overnight, but Revali planned to fly home.

"I'll be fine once I get in the air," said Revali as he staggered a bit. "It's walking that's difficult."

"If you say so," laughed Daruk. "Just don't fly into Death Mountain!"

"I told you those drinks are strong, Revali," said Baleria.

Linky, Tila, and Tara were speaking with Princess Zelda and her husband, Randall.

"Tara, you are so adorable!" said Princess Zelda as she bent down and hugged Tara. "Your eyes are hypnotic."

"Is that good?" Tara asked as she returned Princess Zelda's embrace.

"It is good, and I meant they are lovely to look at," said Princess Zelda.

"I guess Horwell is still a bit too small to bring here?" said Linky. "From the pictures I've seen, he's pretty adorable himself."

"Yes, he's still too small and would be asleep by now anyway," said Zelda. "But if you don't have plans tomorrow, perhaps we could all have lunch together?"

Linky looked at Tila.

"We'd love to, Zelda," said Tila. "Until tomorrow then. We need to leave, as Tara needs to rest soon too."

Link and Mipha prepared to say goodbye to everyone and first approached Revali, Daruk, and Baleria.

"Take care of yourselves," said Link. "I hope we can see each other again soon."

"You may see Revali here sooner than you expect," laughed Daruk. "Keep an eye out for him over the Domain."

"Don't be asinine," said Revali. "But yes, it would be nice to see everyone again. Even you, Daruk."

"Stay well," said Baleria. "Perhaps I will visit your Domain one of these days."

"You are always welcome," said Mipha.

"Keep on rolling, big guy," said Link to Daruk.

"I will, and you too," said Daruk. "It was great seeing you and your family again."

Then Mipha and Link went to say goodbye to Zelda and her family.

"Mipha and I are headed home," said Link.

"Thank you again," said Zelda as she and Link embraced, and then Zelda hugged Mipha. "Let's meet again soon."

After saying goodbye to Princess Zelda and Randall, they spotted Astra saying goodbye to Linky, Tila, and Tara. Astra looked up as they approached and ran over to them.

"I'm sorry I didn't get to spend much time with you," said Astra. "I'm hoping I can stay at the Domain for a while after things get settled here."

"The Domain is your home too, dear," said Mipha. "You are welcome there any time."

Mipha and Astra embraced, then Link reached out, and they hugged each other.

"I'll see you soon then," said Link. "We have a lot of catching up to do."

"Yes, we do, and we will," said Astra. "Love you, Dad."

"Love you too," said Link. "And you know how much."

"I think of it whenever I see the stars at night," said Astra, kissing him.

With that, Mipha and Link held hands and made their way back to the Sacred Grounds.

"It was nice of Zelda to do this, to bring us all together. But I'll be glad to be back home," said Mipha.

"Yes, same here," said Link.