Chapter 4 - Memories, Feelings and The Great Plateau

Summary: Link needs a day off, and both he and Mipha privately reflect on their feelings for each other. Next morning, as they prepare to journey to Rito Village, a message from Dr. Purah leads them on a potentially helpful detour.

Mipha had this morning to herself. Her father was taking care of Sidon, and Link had not slept well and felt he needed a day off to recover his energy. He planned to relax and catch up with his old friends, the members of the so-called Big Bad Bazz Brigade.

Mipha shook her head thinking about that group. They had been good kids on the whole, but they sometimes crossed a line. She remembered the time they put Hot Footed frogs in one of the slumber pools. One of the guards saw them hiding, waiting to watch the reaction when someone entered the pool. But Link was the only one caught. He had been silly enough to dive in the water with the rest of them to get away and was captured almost instantly. Did he think he could out swim a Zora guard? Rushing into action before thinking again! As punishment Link had to collect and safely return all the frogs to where they came from and then scrub the pool. But his friends 'volunteered' to help him. She knew who they were and had a word with them, letting them know she would not be pleased if Link had to do all the work himself.

Yes, he had been a mischievous kid, though she had loved taking care of him. But then came that day when he had suddenly stopped being a kid. She recalled the first time Link returned to the domain after reaching adolescence. It was early evening after dinner. She was telling Sidon a story before his sleep time when a guard said Link was in the plaza and was asking to see her. She thought it was odd for Link to arrive in the domain in the evening like that. He usually visited during the day. But her father told her he would finish the story for Sidon, and she should go ahead and see Link. She ran happily down the steps to the plaza, expecting to see the boy she remembered from the last time he visited.

But that boy wasn't there. Instead, she saw someone else turn and look up at her. He had the same blue eyes and blond hair. She knew at once it was him. But he wasn't a boy anymore. He was a young man who looked like someone her own age. She hadn't expected that not keeping in mind how much faster Hylians grew. And she showed her surprise.

But the funny thing was when Link turned and looked at her, he seemed just as surprised to see her as she was to see him, and she didn't think she had changed much at all. He stood staring at her and turned slightly red. Was he embarrassed about his height or something? They exchanged greetings, and she had commented on how much he had grown. And then Link had mumbled something. He seemed ill at ease all of a sudden, and they spoke only briefly.

But Link eventually got over whatever it was that was bothering him. On future visits, he seemed more relaxed with her. They had some interesting talks during their walks together. And it was then they sometimes took Sidon with them on picnics. She enjoyed seeing how well Link fit in with her family, and she could see that he was enjoying it too. He may have grown up, but when he laughed, he was still like a little boy. And when he played with Sidon, it reminded her so much of when she had played with him. He was indeed a special friend.

But then that fortune teller's prophecy about Ganon's return started circulating, and Link grew more determined about combat training with the sword that seals the darkness. He would go off alone seeking out the most powerful enemies he could find. His behavior also became more serious, as was evident when he slew that Lynel on Ploymus Mountain. He seemed invincible. But his fierce determination to fight was driven by his love of Hyrule. He wanted to help people, protect them from harm. He was strong and fearless but also kind and caring. And she fell in love with him.

But then somewhat later Link was appointed Princess Zelda's guardian knight. That news had almost ruined an otherwise beautiful day, and it seemed as though events were forever conspiring against her. After his appointment, he had even less time to visit her and spent most of his time with Princess Zelda. She wondered how close he and Zelda had grown in their time together. But Link seldom spoke of her, and his feelings for Zelda were probably just as much a mystery as his feelings for her, maybe even to him.

She wandered into the plaza and saw Kodah by herself near the market. Though she knew her, Kodah wasn't her friend. Kodah was a bit older than her, and they didn't have a lot in common. Except for Link, that is. Kodah was more outgoing and sociable than her, going to parties and doing things Mipha didn't have time for with all her training and education and the need to help with Sidon. Anyway, she knew Link had spent time with Kodah. Maybe talking with her would help reveal something.

"Hello, Kodah," said Mipha as she approached her. "It's nice to see you. Are you busy at the moment? Do you have a few minutes to talk?"

"Oh, Lady Mipha," said Kodah. "It's nice to see you, too. Yes, I have time to talk."

"Would you mind talking in Ruto Lake," said Mipha. "It's more private."

"No, not at all," said Kodah.

They dove down to the lower level of the domain, then swam to the rim and dove over the side into the lake.

"Sorry to be so dramatic, but I wanted to speak to you about Link," said Mipha.

"Oh, Link, yes," said Kodah. "What can I tell you?"

"I'm trying to understand him," said Mipha. "He never speaks about his feelings. Was he like that with you?"

"Well, if it's any consolation, he was exactly like that with me," laughed Kodah. "He could be a fun person sometimes. We went to a couple of parties together, and he seemed to enjoy himself. Music and a group of people around seemed to put him in a good mood and help him relax. But when we were alone together, it was like a wave came between us. He would grow distant, distracted as if his mind was floating away somewhere."

"Why do you think that was?" said Mipha.

"I don't know," said Kodah. "I thought that it might have been because of you actually, but maybe it was all his responsibility that was on his mind."

"Because of me? What makes you say that? I know this is very personal, Kodah, and I am grateful to you for telling me," said Mipha.

"No, it's fine," said Kodah. "I'll tell you why I said that, and it may make you feel a little better. I was also getting frustrated not knowing how Link felt. One day we were alone together, and somehow it came up that he had been with you earlier that day. I guess that put me in a bad mood, so I confronted him about it and said he really needed to choose between us. And then, embarrassing as it is to say, without so much as a moment's hesitation he said that he was sorry, he had a good time with me, but he could never give up seeing you. And that was the end of our relationship, such as it ever was. He still says hello, of course, things like that. I gather from all you've said he hasn't shared what his feelings for you are? And you obviously have feelings for him."

"That's it in a clamshell," said Mipha. "Thank you for sharing all this Kodah. I appreciate it."

"Not at all," said Kodah. "I've moved on. But Link is a mystery, no doubt about it. I wish you well."

They went their separate ways. Mipha was happy to learn that Link had felt so strongly about seeing her. But that could just mean he valued her friendship. It didn't prove much more than that.

Meanwhile, Link was meeting with his three friends from the Bazz Brigade, Bazz, Rivan and Gaddison. They were knight trainees now and had been on duty during the evening shift. They were having what was dinner for them and getting ready to get some rest but had time to meet with Link while they ate.

"I know you guys are tired, so thanks for seeing me," said Link. "I just needed to relax a bit."

"Not at all," said Bazz. "In fact, we wanted to see you. We heard some stories of what happened but thought you would know best of all. So you can fill us in while we eat and then we can talk."

Link summarized everything that had happened while his three friends finished their meal. They interrupted with questions here and there, but he finally finished.

"That is all such tragic news, Link, all the lives lost and so much destruction," said Gaddison. "I'm so sorry. We should give thanks the domain has not suffered, and also for being so fortunate Lady Mipha herself avoided harm in Ruta."

"Yes," said Link. "I do give thanks for that."

They talked a bit about Link's upcoming plans, and then the conversation turned to Mipha.

"So, come on Link, we're all Brigade members here," said Bazz. "What is the situation between Lady Mipha and you? People see you two together a lot."

"What do you mean?" said Link. "We've been friends for ages. Why wouldn't I spend time with her?"

"Just friends?" said Gaddison. "You're blushing, Link. She must mean more to you than that."

"I'd be crazy to talk to you guys about my feelings," said Link.

"Afraid of being teased? Well, all I can say is don't over think things," said Gaddison. "I'm sorry, I'm starting to feel pretty tired now."

"Oh, and I'm sorry for keeping you up. By all means, get some rest," said Link. "

They said goodbye, and the three of them headed to the slumber pools. Link decided he would take a walk. He thought back to the years he had known Mipha. But he already knew the answer to how he felt. Thinking back just reminded him of how he got there.

As a child, he had thought of Mipha as something like an Aunt. He was an orphan from a young age, and she was a grown-up who must have sympathized with his situation and was kind enough to take care of him and use that incredible magic of hers to make bruises go away. And she used to help him swim and play with him then, too.

But then he grew up. And the first time he returned to the domain after reaching adolescence they were both surprised when they met.

He was a Hyrule knight by then and had been busy on duty and unable to visit the domain. So, he had not seen Mipha for quite some time. He could tell from her reaction when she saw him that she expected him to still be the boy she remembered. And it took her by surprise.

And what about him? Why was he so surprised? Mipha looked the same. She hadn't changed at all. But what had changed in his now adolescent mind was how he felt when he saw her. She was definitely not his Aunt anymore! He was a teenage boy suddenly looking at a beautiful teenage girl.

He thought he must have turned red, as he knew his face felt flush, embarrassed to be thinking about her that way. They had stared at each other for a moment, and then Mipha had said something about how much he had grown. And he couldn't recall how he answered her, he felt so tongue-tied looking at her. They had spent a little time together that day, but he was quiet and felt uneasy. Maybe she did, too.

So, he had a crush on her from early on. But his feelings for her only deepened with time. As he grew older they would take walks together during his visits, and not only did he find her beautiful, he could talk with her about almost anything. She was quite intelligent and well educated, knowledgeable about much more than you might expect. And she was also fun to be with. She had a great sense of humor, though often at his expense. She loved to tease him. And she could always make him laugh and feel better, not only physically through her healing power but emotionally as well. At some point, he fell in love with her.

So, why had he never told her how he felt?

Because he thought nothing could be gained by it, and something might be lost.

First of all, his time in the army had made him more conscious of rank and position and made him understand something he had never thought of when he was a child. Mipha was royalty, a member of the ruling class. She was a Princess of the Zora and next in line to their kingdom's throne, their future Queen in fact. And what was he? A simple knight. Yes, he was unique because of the sword, but that didn't make him royalty. Mipha was someone who was way above his station in life. He was sure she would be expected by her family and her people to do better than him, to marry someone like a high-ranking Zora official perhaps, a person worthy of sharing life with a Zora Queen.

Secondly, he was a Hylian. He might not even live long enough to see Mipha become Queen, never mind sharing that life with her. Why would she want to be with someone who would grow old and die while she was still in the prime of her life?

So, any future with her was hopeless. He needed to remember that in whatever he said and did. Nothing could be gained by sharing how he felt.

What about the risk of something lost?

Well, his life was already pretty lonely, and he had hardly any friends. Mipha was his oldest, dearest and most trusted friend. He couldn't afford to lose that. So, it was safer to keep things as they were, as friends. He did not want to cross a line with her and risk losing her friendship over a misunderstanding.

He was often accused of acting before thinking, and he guessed he had done the same dumb thing with his feelings, letting himself fall in love with someone he could never be with. But, to be fair, it would have been almost impossible not to. He had spent so much time with her and gotten to know her so well as the intelligent, sincere, caring person she was. Combine that with how attractive he found her, how much fun she was to be with, and how lonely his life was, and what would anyone expect? He could imagine Dr. Purah explaining it all scientifically, it seemed so inevitable.

So, there it was. He was in love with Mipha, but he could not let her know.

And where did Princess Zelda fit into all this? He had grown to love her too, but it was not romantic love. There seemed no right word to describe it. He just loved her for who she was and would do anything for her. And based on her actions, she must have felt the same for him.

Anyway, right now he had a critical job to do, and he needed to focus on that. Tomorrow, he and Mipha would tackle the next part of their mission.

He walked to Hylia's Shrine near the steps to the throne room and said his daily prayer, giving thanks for all he had and praying for the success of his mission as well as the well being of all those he knew. And he had recently added a prayer that the spirits of his fellow Champions would rest in peace. Then he ate alone and booked a bed at the inn.

Next morning, Mipha and Link met in the plaza to discuss their upcoming trip to Rito Village. Mipha had earlier insisted on accompanying Link, and he had agreed. He had trouble saying 'no' to a princess, and he enjoyed her company anyway. His only concern was her safety.

"Have you had much to do with the Rito?" said Mipha. "You don't talk about them much."

"Not too much," said Link. "I admire them, though. They are similar to Zora in many ways. They're very family oriented, and their children are so cute when you see them playing or flying on their little wings. But they are a proud people, proud of their mastery of the skies just as you are of the water. After I was named one of the Champions, the Village Elder there gave me a paraglider as a gift. You can see it has the Rito symbol on it. Giving someone a paraglider is the Rito's way of letting them share an experience close to flying."

"That was a thoughtful gift," said Mipha. "It was pretty obvious Revali did not get along with you though. Revali's sniping about you during your appointed knight ceremony got on my nerves. It feels sad to talk about this now, but I was glad Urbosa told him to give it a rest."

"Yes, that's true, and it was too bad," said Link with a sigh. "I liked Revali, but he always resented my role in the Ganon battle plan. He was a proud warrior and felt he was more skilled than me in combat. He thought he should be the one leading the assault on Ganon, not playing a support role. I was just lucky, he said, because I was chosen by the sword that seals the darkness. In fact, he always thought I was more lucky than good. I understood how he felt and just held my tongue. But despite his feelings, he did do his duty in the end and gave his life for our cause. We should never forget that."

"I won't," said Mipha. "But speaking of Rito, I see one coming our way now. They don't visit here very often!"

A Rito was indeed flying toward them. After looping around the giant fish sculpture, he landed in the plaza and approached the two of them.

"I've been looking everywhere for you, Link!" said the Rito. "Good day, Lady Mipha. My name is Ralan and we Rito have been trying to help out while Hyrule gets things in order again. Some of us have been carrying messages, and I have an urgent one for you from Dr. Purah."

He handed Link the message.

"Will you stay and rest a bit, have something to eat?" said Mipha to Ralan.

"A couple of your fish might be nice," said Ralan. "We don't have the same kind by us."

"Give this to the shop," said Mipha handing him a card. "The fish are fresh there, and it will save you the trouble of catching them. Thank you."

Ralan was about to go off to get his fish when Link spoke up.

"Ralan, another minute if you please," said Link. "We are headed to Rito Village soon. Is there some way you could get us both some warmer clothes? We need two sets. If we could pick them up somewhere along the way, that would be fine. We don't need them brought here."

"Well, let me see," said Ralan. "The village is in a bit of a state right now with Revali gone and Medoh acting up for a couple of days, though it's quieted down now. I can check with the shop. Where would you want the clothes delivered?"

"Tabantha Bridge Stable would be fine," said Link. "I haven't had time to exchange these for rupees, but please take these as payment. I picked up these jewels in the Eldin Region on my way back here. I can settle up with the shop if I owe more or they owe me when I get to Rito Village, but I think this should be pretty close. Link handed over four diamonds, three sapphires, three rubies, three topazes and six opals to Ralan.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do," said Ralan. He went off to get his fish.

"You know, speaking of fish at the shop here, if you cook and eat the Sizzlefin Trout it can help keep you warm. At least it works for Hylians like me. If you need to keep warm until we get the clothes for you we could always try that," said Link.

"Yuck!" said Mipha. "Eat burned fish? It's disgusting! Would you eat some raw?"

"Well, I would if my life depended on it," said Link.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," said Mipha. "Can you look at Purah's message now?"

Link opened Purah's message and shared it with Mipha.

Link,

I trust this message will find you well. I have some critical information for you that you need to act on at once.

During one of our searches of the Great Plateau area to look for injured survivors and assess damage, a Sheikah Guidance Stone was discovered. It was apparently exposed by the ground movement caused by Ganon's arrival and the giant columns that arose.

I entrusted you with the Sheikah Slate, so you are the one who needs to visit this Guidance Stone as soon as possible. We never uncovered one of these in all our years of research. It is undoubtedly important and may even assist you in some way.

The location is directly north of the Eastern Abby and west of the Forest of Time.

Please hurry! Dr. Robbie and I are very excited about this discovery!

May the Goddess protect you.

Dr. Purah

"This sounds important! I should head there before journeying to Rito Village," said Link.

"Yes, WE should certainly do that," said Mipha.

"Oh, yes, of course. I'm too used to adventuring on my own," said Link. "I mean 'we.' Sorry, Princess."

"Excuse me?" said Mipha.

"'Sorry Mipha' I mean," laughed Link. "This isn't my day for speaking, is it?"

"I can tell you're too excited," said Mipha. "Calm down and take a couple of deep breaths. I'm told that works wonders for Hylians."

Link did as she asked and he did relax a bit.

"Alright, so we have a change of plans," said Link. "We need to head back to the Great Plateau before we go to Rito Village. Can you ride a horse, Pr... Mipha?"

"I can if I have to," said Mipha. "We Zoras don't like to domesticate other living things. You won't see any pets here. But if it's necessary, I can ride a horse. Do we need horses?"

"It would make travel a lot faster and easier if we had them," said Link.

"I'll ask the guards to obtain two horses from Foothill Stable and meet us at the mouth of the Zora River," said Mipha. "Just give me a moment."

Mipha went to speak to one of the guards and then returned.

"We need to give them a little time, of course," said Mipha. "Is there anything else we need?"

"No, I think that's it for now," said Link. "You'll bring your trident of course, and I have my weaponry. We should stop at Kakariko Village. It's almost on the way, and we can see if we can learn anything from Impa. Should we start out soon and wait for the horses there?"

"Yes," said Mipha. "Just give me a few moments to say farewell to my father and explain our new plans."

Mipha walked to the throne room and explained their plans to King Dorephan.

"That is interesting news," said King Dorephan. "I hope the newly discovered Sheikah artifact is helpful."

King Dorephan paused for a moment. Then he reached out, and Mipha went to him, and they hugged each other. He spoke while he held her in his arms.

"Dear, dear Mipha, you know I love you so very much. I worry about you whenever you are away, and you have never gone so far before. You may be a skilled Champion, but you will always be my beloved daughter first. You and Sidon are all I have now. I know you can take care of yourself, but I still take comfort that you will be traveling with someone King Rhoam trusted to protect his own daughter. I pray you and Link will both be safe and return soon. And I also pray that you may find happiness together some day."

"I pray that also, Father. I love you and promise I will stay safe," said Mipha.

Sidon had been playing in the water nearby, and Mipha walked over to him.

"Be good," she said as she gently touched the top of his head. "I'll be back soon to play with you."

Then she kissed him on the head, and he gave her a smile.

Mipha joined Link back at the plaza, and they were ready to leave.

"If you don't mind getting wet, I recommend we swim together to the mouth of the Zora River," said Mipha. "The current flows that way, and it's faster. Agree?"

"Yes, that makes sense," said Link.

They swam together, and the trip was indeed more comfortable as the waterfalls flowed downward and the current was in their favor. When they reached the shallow area past the mouth of the Zora River, two guards were waiting for them holding the reins of two horses.

"Lady Mipha, Link," said one of the guards. "Here are your horses. Is there anything else we can do?"

"No, thank you," said Mipha. "Safe travels home."

The guards bowed and left. Link helped Mipha mount her horse then mounted his own.

"Are you ready?" said Link.

Mipha nodded, and they were on their way. They rode slowly, keeping to the roadway linking the chain of islands there. It was close to midday, and the warm sun reflected off the shallow water. The village there had been entirely destroyed by the advance of Ganon's forces. All the inhabitants had fled or been killed, and damaged structures dotted the landscape. Link was wary and kept looking back and forth for any sign of trouble. It was when they were crossing from Kincean to Molida Island that a Lizalfos noticed them. They both saw it rushing toward them, hissing angrily on the way.

"Wait here, Princess!" said Link.

Link dismounted, grabbed his bow, and positioned himself. The Lizalfos was hopping back and forth, hissing and squawking, waiting for the right time to strike. But a well-aimed ice arrow froze it in place. Three stabs with the Drill Shaft from Goron City finished it off.

"You handled that very nicely," said Mipha.

Link nodded his thanks.

"But you know I am not helpless in combat, right?" said Mipha.

"I understand," said Link. "It's just my instinct."

"If we encounter a group of enemies I am going to join you in battle," said Mipha. "I just want you to know that."

"Yes, fine," said Link.

They resumed riding until they reached Goponga Island. They kept close to the shore, but then Link raised his arm and indicated they should stop and stay still. An Electric Wizzrobe was doing its airborne dance near one of the ruins.

Link was especially sensitive to this enemy being nearby due to Mipha's weakness to electric attacks. On his own, he might have tried to make a run for it, but not with her here. He couldn't risk it noticing them. Link dismounted and signaled her to stay still. He crouched and stealthily approached closer to the Wizzrobe. It was still busily skipping through the air and hadn't noticed him. He quietly strung an ice arrow to his bow, then aimed as he followed the pattern of its movements. When the time was right, he hit it squarely with an ice arrow, struck it several times with the Drill Shaft until it stirred, then hit it again with an ice arrow. He repeated that process three times until the Wizzrobe vanished with an eerie scream. Link picked up the Lightning Rod it dropped and put it away. Then he returned to where Mipha was waiting.

"Now that is one enemy you definitely need to be wary of," said Link. "It's electric attacks are quite potent, even for me. Please stay clear of them."

Mipha nodded her agreement. They continued riding until they reached the Millennio Sandbar, then took a long way around and eventually reached the western road that led directly into Kakariko Village. It was mid-afternoon as they dismounted and paused to give their horses a rest and to take in the view.

Much of the Hyrule they could see below them lay in ruins. Smoke rose in places where fires continued to burn. Hyrule Castle lay straight ahead and was surrounded by a swirling mass of purple, the color of the corruption Ganon spawned. In the distance behind it, you could make out the Hebra Mountains, where they would eventually need to travel to free Medoh. The Death Mountain volcano glowed a fiery red to their right.

Amidst all the ruin and defeat they could make out only two beacons of hope. On the far right, they could see Ruta, its targeting beam locked onto Hyrule Castle. And they could see Rudania's beam locked on as well. Daruk's spirit had positioned Rudania for its attack by now.

"It's a beautiful spot for a view, it's just the view itself that is so heartbreaking," said Mipha. "So much has been destroyed and so many lives lost. It truly breaks my heart to see this, Link. We were the Champions tasked with saving Hyrule, and we utterly failed so many people!"

They both gazed across the landscape.

"Yes, we did," said Link. "We relied on things we did not fully understand, using prophecy and legends to guide us. Nobody thought Ganon would learn from its mistakes and use what we hoped to defeat it with against us. It was probably laughing at us the whole time as it saw our plans crumble and everything go its way. I know Princess Zelda blames herself most of all. But it is fruitless to wallow in blame now."

"You're right, of course," said Mipha. "Our job now is to give people hope and finally rid Hyrule of Ganon."

Link nodded.

"Yes, we still have a chance to finish this," said Link. "It's true that Ganon won a major battle, and inflicted casualties on our side beyond measure. But Ganon will learn the war is not yet over. The tide is turning. I am sure Ganon's rage is boundless now as Princess Zelda holds it at bay. And we are recovering the Divine Beasts one by one. When they are back on our side, and my sword is ready, it will be time for our showdown. That cannot make up for all the harm Ganon has caused. But it is all we can do now, and it will prevent more harm."

They stood in silence looking over the destruction for a few more minutes. Then Link finally spoke.

"Shall we go into town?" said Link. Mipha nodded.

By the time they reached Kakariko Village and dismounted to leave their horses to graze it was late afternoon.

"Are you hungry? I'm starving!" said Link. "Shall we get something to eat before we meet Impa?"

"You go ahead and get your lunch," said Mipha. "I remember there are some tasty Hyrule Bass here. I'll catch my own food and meet you at Impa's house."

Mipha went over to the water just beyond Impa's house, dove in and caught her fish while Link went to the shop and cooked some food for himself. Afterward, they met at Impa's house as agreed.

The guards at the entrance knew Link and waved them in after a brief exchange of greetings. When they reached the front door, Link knocked, and he heard Impa's voice indicating they could enter.

"Ah, Link, I thought I heard your voice," said Impa. "And Lady Mipha it is good to see you again as well. We are making progress! Two Divine Beasts are back under our control. And the Princess's power still seems strong. But, Link, you must never let down your guard. Our Princess gave everything to save you, and our whole land is depending on you. I am happy Lady Mipha is with you. She can continue to help you as she has already done."

"I, I mean we, had been planning to free Medoh when we received Dr. Purah's message about the newly uncovered Guidance Stone on the Great Plateau," said Link. "She urged us to investigate it."

"Yes, I heard of that as well," said Impa. "There is so much we don't know about ancient Sheikah technology. All those shrines you see across Hyrule, we have never been able to access them. Legends say they were designed to aid the hero in some way, and the Princess spent many hours seeking to uncover their secrets. This newly discovered Guidance Stone may be the key."

"We can only hope," said Link. "Though I feel I have been pretty successful so far without any additional aid."

"True," said Impa. "But challenges remain, and overconfidence does not suit you, Link. Be thankful for any help you can get. We need this victory. We cannot afford to fail again. If we do, then Hyrule is lost."

"I understand," said Link. "And you're right. I should be more humble. Who knows what awaits us in the remaining two Divine Beasts?"

"I will keep Link's pride in check Lady Impa," said Mipha. "A few words from me will suffice."

"I don't doubt that!" laughed Impa. "I know Link has great respect for you and will listen to what you say."

"Is there anything else we should know?" said Link.

"No, that is all the news I have," said Impa. "Be wary of those traveling alone. The Yiga Clan know of your importance, Link, and I am sure they are very anxious to eliminate you. The Princess is beyond their reach now, so you are their only target."

They left and went off to dinner and then to sleep, Mipha in the water and Link at the inn.

Next morning, after a quick breakfast, Mipha and Link collected their horses and made their way out the East road from Kakariko Village. The path curved around the Pillars of Levia and it was an hour later that they reached the Kakariko Bridge. Then they followed the path south. It was another hour ride to the Dueling Peaks Stable where they stopped to rest for a few minutes and water their horses.

As they waited, Link recalled that not far from here was the last time he had seen Princess Zelda. He had almost died in her arms, and it was a miracle he was still alive. Mipha saw him gazing to the East toward Ash Swamp, and she walked over to where he stood.

"You remember what happened here, don't you?" said Mipha.

"You're a mind reader, but yes," said Link. "It was a strange feeling. I felt my life was ending, but I wasn't frightened. I was sad because I was leaving everyone, but at peace, because I thought I had done my best. It's hard to explain. Anyway, we should be going now."

When they were ready, they crossed the Twin Bridge and turned West to follow the road between the Dueling Peaks. There was a Bokoblin encampment on the other side of the Squabble River, but they ignored it. A bit further a pair of submerged Lizalfos swam up and down the river. Link kept an eye on them, but the Lizalfos did not notice the two of them riding past. They continued to follow the road northwest not far from the bank of the Squabble River. You could make out Hyrule Castle off in the distance to the right.

As they entered the East Post Ruins area, two Bokoblins who had been hiding in the grass jumped out at them.

"I'll take the one on the left," shouted Mipha. Link jumped off his horse and launched an arrow into the Bokoblin's head who had attacked from their right, killing it instantly. Mipha jumped off her horse and jabbed the Bokoblin on their left twice with her trident, and it was finished as well.

"We need to keep alert," said Link. "But nicely done! I'm not used to a traveling companion who can handle themselves like that."

Another short ride took them through the ruins of Outpost.

"This used to be quite the busy place," said Link sadly. "You can tell there was a battle here. See the destroyed Guardians? But the people here never had a chance."

"Yes, it hurts to see things like this so close at hand," said Mipha. "It makes everything that happened feel more personal. You can imagine the terror the Guardians caused as they swept over everything here. It's horrible!"

It was shortly after 1 pm when they finally pulled up at the walls of the Great Plateau. The roads into the area were blocked with debris. They dismounted from their horses.

"I think the best way in from here is to leave our horses and climb," said Link. "That should bring us very close to where Purah's message said we would find the Guidance Stone. If we climb on the wall, there are places we can stop and rest along the way. Are you ready."

"Yes, but remember that my lungs are not as large as yours," said Mipha. "So I will need to rest along the way. You lead."

They made their way up the wall, and when they reached the top, there was a small hill straight ahead of them. As they approached, they could make out where the ground had been disturbed.

"It must be around here somewhere," said Link as they searched the area. They worked their way to the other side of the hill and then they saw it: a small alcove with a pedestal visible. A single Bokoblin was near the entrance, but Link dispatched it quickly with an arrow.

The face of the pedestal glowed orange as they approached it and it looked similar to the Guidance Stones on the two Divine Beasts. Link pulled out the Sheikah Slate as Mipha stood beside him. Then he inserted it into the mechanism and as before the device locked on to the Sheikah Slate, rotated, and inverted it as the pedestal glowed a brighter orange. But instead of at once distilling a map as before, the space above the pedestal glowed blue, and then the ground shook knocking them both off their feet. They were suddenly being lifted into the air as a giant tower rose beneath them.

"For the love of Hylia, what is happening?" exclaimed Link.

When the tower stopped rising, they picked themselves up from the tower floor and looked around. Other similar towers had appeared in the distance all around them. But their attention turned back to the Sheikah Slate as the Guidance Stone distilled a drop of ancient energy onto the slate. And when the pedestal finally released the Sheikah Slate, and Link examined it he could see a map of the nearby area had been installed onto the device.

"Mipha, look at this," said Link "It gave us a map."

"Amazing," said Mipha. "This is clearly a significant find."

They took a few more moments to look around from their high vantage point. They could see Ruta to the East and Hyrule Castle directly to the North. But what also caught Link's eye as he gazed toward the Northeast and the ruins of Gatepost Town was that one of the shrines similar to the ones the Princess had been trying so hard to access now glowed orange.

"And the shrines!" said Link. "This somehow activated them. We have been trying to find a way into them for some time. I see one shrine just down below here. Let's look to see if we can find any more."

They walked around the tower and looked in all directions. In the end, they could make out a total of four shrines on the Great Plateau.

"We should visit all of those," said Link. "But it's getting late. It looks like it's safe up here. Do you mind camping up here for the night? I can build a fire to keep us comfortable. Or do you need to stay in the water?"

"I can sleep here but need some time in the water first," said Mipha. "I see some water just below us."

"Yes, and I also see a few Bokoblins have wasted no time making a camp down there," said Link. "Shall we clean that out so you can relax in the water without worrying about an attack? You can hang onto me as I paraglide down, or climb down. I don't mind climbing down with you if you're more comfortable with that."

"I'll paraglide down with you," said Mipha. "Think of it as paying me back for all the times I pulled you in the water."

"That's fine," laughed Link. "When we land I'll take out the lookout, and you target any of the others. Hold on tight!"

Mipha didn't mind holding onto Link. She wrapped her arms around his chest as he unfurled the paraglider and jumped off the tower, gently gliding down and landing near the Bokoblin camp. Link and Mipha both drew bows when they landed. Link targeted the lookout as agreed, and Mipha one of the Bokoblins near their campfire. After that, there was some simple hand to hand combat which was easy for both of them. Bokoblins were no real threat unless they took you by surprise.

"Now you can enjoy the water without any worry," said Link. "But I'll still stand guard."

Mipha dove into the pool and swam around, refreshing herself in the water. Then she plunged underwater and came back to the surface holding two Hyrule Bass.

"Dinner!" said Mipha. "One's for you."

"Thanks! There's a pot at the Bokoblin camp I can use. Let's head over that way," said Link.

They made their way back to the now empty Bokoblin camp, and Link lit the pot and cooked his fish.

"I can't wait to share the news with Dr. Purah," said Link between bites of fish. "Though the fact we can see other towers in the distance makes me think she may already be aware of what happened. I wonder what it all means?"

"It is clearly an important discovery," said Mipha. "It will be worth hearing how Dr. Purah interprets it. I think it is probably wise to explore the nearby shrines to see if they have anything useful, but remember our ultimate goal is to recover the other two Divine Beasts and help complete Ganon's destruction."

"I understand," said Link. "I'm hopeful whatever I find in the shrines can help us."

Link finally finished his fish.

"Are you sure you can sleep in the tower?" said Link. "I think it might be safer. We don't know what's in the area here."

"Yes, I can do that now," said Mipha. "Shall we climb back?"

After making their way back to the top of the tower, they looked out over the area again.

"It's quite the view, isn't it?" said Link.

You could see the orange glow from the nearby shrines even more clearly in the dark. A half-moon had risen and illuminated the landscape below.

"I really do hope you don't mind sleeping here," said Link. "I have an extra blanket and something to sleep on if you're not comfortable."

"I'll be fine," said Mipha. "I brought a blanket as well, knowing water wouldn't always be available. And it's cozy by the fire. I am the one who insisted on coming with you, so I expected some inconveniences. Don't worry about me."

"This is the first time I ever stayed out this late with you," said Link. "Though I know this is hardly a fun camping trip. I remember we used to stay out after dinner sometimes, talking and watching the stars come up. But you always needed to get home early."

"Yes, but that wasn't because I didn't like staying out with you. It was because I never liked to worry my father," said Mipha. "He always worries when I am out. I hope you can understand that."

"Of course I can, and it was absolutely the right thing to do," said Link.

"I'm getting sleepy now," said Mipha. "Goodnight."

They both soon fell asleep.