Chapter 25 – Twilight Princess
Summary: The Yiga Clan are causing trouble and Urbosa needs Link's help in the desert. In the course of dealing with the problem Link plays a role in reuniting two who spent much time together.
Life for Mipha, Link, Mila, and Midon had returned to normal for a month or so after Link completed the simulation challenges from Dr. Purah. Then a letter marked urgent from Urbosa arrived.
Dear Link,
We have a problem here and need your help. Our scouts have noticed some strange dark creatures in the desert. They only appear at night and are sensitive to light. So far only a few of these creatures have been seen, and they have not attacked anyone, but they are a matter of concern. A historian here thought perhaps the Master Sword would be of use against them, and since you are the only one who can wield it, we are turning to you for help.
Please give my love to Mipha, though I know she will be unhappy with this request.
Urbosa
"It looks like Urbosa needs my help," said Link. He passed Mipha the letter.
"Another crisis in the desert where I can't help you?" said Mipha. "You know I'm not happy about this. But I understand you're still the keeper of the Master Sword, so I guess I will have to live with it. Promise me you'll be careful."
"You know I will," said Link. "I want nothing more than to return safely here. I had better start arranging for travel. It's a pretty long journey."
Using a combination of rafts and horseback he was able to shave some time off his journey as compared with following the roads. His last raft trip brought him to Gerudo Canyon Pass. From there he followed the trail as it curved beneath Koukot Plateau and turned south to Gerudo Canyon Stable. He spent the night there, and after a quick breakfast headed into the desert toward Kara Kara Bazaar, about an hour away on foot. Urbosa was there expecting him.
"Sav'aaq," said Link. "It's good to see you again Urbosa, but can you explain the trouble?"
"Sav'aaq," said Urbosa. "We don't know much, Link. As I wrote, our scouts have noticed these strange creatures in the desert at night in an area southwest of the Southern Oasis. They have not proven hostile to us. Attempting to communicate with them has proven fruitless. We have no idea where they are coming from or what they want."
"Is there anything of interest in the area southwest of the Southern Oasis?" said Link.
"Only some ancient ruins," said Urbosa. "There were Molduga there at one time, but we destroyed them."
"It sounds like I should investigate," said Link.
"And I will accompany you," said Urbosa. "I want you to return to Mipha and your family safely."
Link restocked some food and Hydromelons from the bazaar. Urbosa secured two Sand Seals for them.
"I suggest we head for the Southern Oasis," said Urbosa. "We can camp there, and it affords a good view of the surrounding area."
They hitched onto their Sand Seals and were soon heading south across the desert. The desert was scorching hot, but he was wearing his Desert Voe armor and was reasonably comfortable. Finally, they reached the oasis and climbed up onto it. Food and water were here as well as a cooking pot. And as Urbosa noted, the elevation provided a good view.
"Since these creatures only appear at night, I suggest we rest now and wake up in the evening," said Link. They lit a fire and cooked some food, then lay down to rest. He drifted off to sleep.
He awoke to the sound of a wolf howling in the desert below the oasis. He rubbed his eyes. It was late at night and a crescent moon faintly illuminated the surroundings. Urbosa was already up. The fire had gone out, and it was cold.
"Can we risk a fire?" said Link
"Perhaps not," said Urbosa. "You brought warm clothes?"
"Yes." Link switched into his Snowquill armor to fend off the cold. They sat and waited, scanning the area from time to time for any activity. Suddenly they noticed a blue flash to the southwest. It was hard to make out, but it appeared a large structure had suddenly appeared in the desert there. They watched quietly. There seemed to be some activity around the building. They needed to get closer.
Urbosa and Link climbed down from the oasis and slowly and as quietly as they could, made their way closer to the structure. It looked like it was only a partial structure. There was a round object of some kind and a portal behind it. Now and then a dark creature would emerge from the portal, then slink away into the night. None were headed their way, however. They noticed now there was also a single Yiga Clan warrior. As they continued to watch, eventually the sky started to brighten, and the creatures stopped arriving. The Yiga warrior approached a glowing blue stone and struck it. Suddenly everything disappeared save some ruined pillars and the Yiga warrior. The warrior was apparently from this time. He picked up the stone and left toward the south.
Link and Urbosa went over to examine where the structure had stood. There were only several ruined pillars left.
"I recognize the blue stone," said Link. "It's a Sheikah Timeshift Stone and allows one to travel through time within a limited area around the stone. We need to understand what stood on these grounds in the past."
"I'm sorry I can't help you with that," said Urbosa. "But we can check with a historian in Gerudo Town. Her name is Kaidu, and she may be able to help."
They returned to the oasis, and he changed back into his Desert Voe armor. After a quick breakfast, they mounted their Sand Seals for the ride back to Gerudo Town.
"Sorry I can't invite you inside, but you know the rules," said Urbosa. She approached one of the guards on duty.
"Barca, would you please ask Kaidu to join me here?" said Urbosa.
"At once Lady Urbosa," said the guard. She ran off into Gerudo Town.
A few minutes later an older Gerudo appeared and approached them.
"Sav'otta Lady Urbosa," said Kaidu. "How can I be of service?"
"Sav'otta," said Urbosa. "This is Link. We have some questions about what structure stood where the ruins now lay just southwest of the Southern Oasis."
"Ah, yes," said Kaidu. "That place is called the Arbiter's Grounds. It had a tragic history and was a prison at one time. Is there something more specific you need to know?"
"Was there ever a means of travel housed there? A portal of some kind?" said Link.
"Now you are talking about something from many years ago," said Kaidu. "And the history of that is more Hylian than Gerudo. I know something about it, but you should consult a Hylian historian for more information."
"I am sorry Kaidu," said Urbosa. "We don't have time to consult anyone else. Please tell us what you know about it."
"Alright," said Kaidu. "The story as I have come to learn it happened many years ago. At that time there was a parallel world to ours called the Twilight Realm because it was a land of perpetual twilight. A race of creatures lived there, called the Twili, and it was said they were highly advanced in magic and technology, but cannot abide light. The Twili are believed to share some ancestry with the Gerudo and Sheikah. At one time there was a portal referred to as the Mirror of Twilight that was a means of traveling between our two worlds. But an evil enemy named Ganondorf, someone who I am sad to say claims Gerudo lineage, managed to take control of their realm through a puppet ruler and launched an invasion of Hyrule. The Hyrule hero of that era together with the princess of the Twilight Realm and the princess of Hyrule managed to defeat Ganondorf. It is said that thanks to the power of the Master Sword, the Hero of Hyrule could travel safely to the Twilight Realm. Afterward, the Twilight Mirror was destroyed as the princess of the Twilight Realm returned to her domain. No means of communication between our realms has existed since."
That explained a lot, thought Link. The Yiga Clan had used a Timeshift Stone to travel back in time to a point where the Mirror of Twilight still existed. Then they had somehow convinced the Twili to come to Hyrule. They would flip the Timeshift Stone on and off every evening since the Twili could not tolerate light. The Twili did not seem violent. Nevertheless, they could not be allowed to roam Hyrule and the fact the Yiga Clan was involved bode only ill.
"Sarqso, Kaidu," said Urbosa. "That is helpful information and explains who these beings must be and where they came from. But we still have no idea why they are coming here."
Kaidu said she was happy to be of service and returned to Gerudo Town.
"If the Yiga Clan are behind this then perhaps the Gerudo could investigate further," said Link. "The warrior we need to defeat will be missed. We should leave the Timeshift Stone alone as if it was unnoticed and make it look like a Gerudo patrol just waylaid the warrior. Perhaps his replacement could be followed. However, since I possess the Master Sword it seems I may be able to visit the Twilight Realm and perhaps get some answers there."
"Link, that sounds very dangerous, almost reckless," said Urbosa. "Are you sure you wish to do this? What if you cannot return from that realm? I could never face Mipha if that happened."
"I don't see what other choices we have," said Link. "It might also be a good idea to get a message to Dr. Purah. She understands Timeshift Stones."
"Very well," said Urbosa. "But when the Yiga retrieves the Timeshift Stone here you will have no way back. How will you know when it is safe to return?"
"I'm hoping I can tell if I see any Twili accessing the portal or Purah figures out something."
They made their way back to the Southern Oasis and camped there. They thought their best opportunity was when the lone Yiga Clan warrior was finishing up. Evening came, and they again saw the flash of light from the Timeshift Stone and the structure emerge. More Twili were coming to Hyrule and heading who knows where. They waited until dawn was approaching and crept closer to the structure. The last Twili had passed through the portal, and the Yiga Clan warrior was getting ready to leave. Link stood up from where he had been crouching and froze the warrior with an Ice Arrow. Urbosa finished him off with her scimitar.
Now came the part he had no idea of what to expect. The portal was still in place, glowing black and white and swirling. Stairs were leading up to it. He felt over his shoulder, and his Master Sword was still there. He walked into the portal.
He emerged into a strange environment. It was peaceful and the sky did indeed look like it was twilight. The light was dim but he could still see clearly. And there were Twili evident throughout the area. But for some reason, no one paid him any attention. This was very odd. Was he invisible? He took a few steps forward, and while the view ahead of him was unchanged, everything behind him disappeared, including the portal. And he was anything but invisible. Two tall Twili guards approached him.
"Halt! You are from the Light World," said one of the Twili. "We have standing orders from Her Highness to bring any Light World visitors directly to her. Please come with us."
A Twili guard stood on each side of him, and they escorted him into a building. They spoke to one of the guards inside the structure, and after receiving permission, brought him to an empty room.
"Wait here," the guard said. "Her Highness wishes to speak to you privately. Two guards will be right outside so do not attempt anything."
Link waited for a few minutes. And what happened next was nothing like he expected. The door opened, and a tall, slim woman entered the room, then turned to face him. Her skin was pale bluish green, her lips a light shade of purple, and her hair and eyes both fiery red. Her eyes were especially penetrating as she looked at him. She wore a green and black outfit that revealed almost as much as it covered. But above all, she was stunningly beautiful! He was awestruck.
"Hello, I am Princess Midna, the ruler of this realm," she said.
He was still mesmerized by her appearance and stared with his mouth open.
"This brings back memories!" she laughed. "Do all you Light World Hylians lose your words when first seeing me? You look a bit like someone I knew, but your hair is lighter and eyes a bit bluer."
"My name is Link, Your Highness," said Link. "I apologize. But I think the person you knew lived way before my time. I came from your future and traveled to today using what we call a Timeshift Stone."
But wait a minute, he thought. Was this situation even possible? The story he heard indicated the Twilight Princess destroyed the mirror just as she left Hyrule. The Yiga Timeshift Stone must transport one to a time before the mirror was damaged. But then either she would not have met Link by then, or she would still be in Hyrule at that point. So, how could Midna be here and still have known Link with the Mirror intact? If she knew Link and was back in the Twilight Realm then the Mirror was already destroyed. This didn't make sense.
Then he remembered the view disappearing as he walked forward and realized how they did this. They used two Timeshift Stones. The one in Hyrule took that location back in time to when the Mirror of Twilight still existed. And then the Yiga Clan had somehow brought a Timeshift Stone to the Twilight Realm and activated it here to propel the area he was now in into the past as well, but not quite so far: instead to a time slightly after Princess Midna had returned to the Twilight Realm. So, in effect, they had partially restored the Mirror of Twilight's functionality. But why?
"You seem lost in thought," said Midna. "But I am curious what brings you to our realm and even more curious how you got here. I destroyed the Mirror of Twilight when I left."
So, she didn't know about the portal. It must be just outside the range of the Timeshift Stone here. This was getting confusing. There were three zones with different times. Everything outside the range of both Stones was his present. The Stone in Hyrule's time zone area encompassed the Mirror in Hyrule and the Portal in both worlds. Then as you walked forward from the Portal in the Twilight Realm, you entered into the second Stone's time zone area, which was slightly later than the first Stone's.
"Yes, Your Highness, that is what I heard," said Link. "But I fear there is some trickery by enemies of the Hyrule Royal Family we call the Yiga Clan. They have developed Timeshift Stones which can control time travel within a limited area. I suspect they have used two stones to in effect bridge the past and future between our worlds. So, the Mirror of Twilight is restored in my world, and you are back here in your world."
"So, the portal exists? If I were to travel through the portal now I could visit the Link I knew?" said Midna.
"No, Your Highness, because the Timeshift Stone only affects a small area around it," said Link. "The time you are interested in would exist only near the Mirror, and the Link you knew is not there. Besides, I suspect that the Link of that era had not yet met you at the point the Timeshift Stone is programmed."
"And what about the Timeshift Stone here?" said Midna. "What do they look like? I gather if that were deactivated I would cease to exist and your world's time and mine would coincide again?"
"No, Your Highness," said Link. "If the Timeshift Stone here was deactivated you would not notice anything. I am the one who would disappear and emerge in this location in my time since I am the one who is only here in what is my past under the Timeshift Stone's influence. And they look like a bluish glowing stone, not too large, small enough to carry."
"But what if I were to walk outside the Timeshift Stone's range?" said Midna.
"Then I believe you would suddenly appear in the future before the Timeshift Stone was struck, which would be my time, Your Highness," said Link.
"So, if the Link of my era were to join me here, we could be together in our time, or leave this Timeshift Stone range and be together in your time?" said Midna.
"Yes, I believe so, Your Highness," said Link. "But I don't know how we could get the Link of your era to the Mirror of Twilight. Your time in my world only exists in a small area around the Timeshift Stone."
What was this obsession of hers with the Link of her era? He needed to discuss the problem.
"Your Highness, if I may, I would like to discuss the reason I am here? "said Link.
"Yes, of course, forgive me," said Midna. "I was guilty of being lost in thought as well."
"As I said, Your Highness, the Yiga Clan are allowing some Twili to travel to my time in the World of Light as you call it," said Link. "They have not harmed anyone to my knowledge. But we are concerned about this. I assume you are unaware of this and would not approve of it?"
"No, I was not aware of it," said Midna. "And of course, I do not approve of it. I destroyed the Mirror of Twilight to prevent this kind of thing. Though I sometimes feel regret over that."
"Then, Your Highness, perhaps we can work together to stop this? Also, it would be helpful to learn why the Yiga Clan are so interested in this," said Link.
"Yes," said Midna. "I will help you, but I have two conditions. First of all, I would like to see my subjects in your world returned safely to mine. And secondly, I wish to see the Link of my time."
"We can certainly do our best to safely return any Twili who are in my world Your Highness," said Link. "But as I said earlier, I am not aware of any way to get the Link of your time to the Mirror of Twilight."
"Perhaps you have not thought hard enough about it," said Midna. "Or perhaps I haven't. We have some advanced technology as well. I do not wish to treat you as a prisoner, but rather as a guest. I apologize, however, but I cannot let you leave until I understand what is happening. I will have some food brought to you. Meanwhile, I will ask my guards to investigate the Twili disappearances. We will speak again soon." She turned and left the room.
So now he had to sit and wait for whatever Princess Midna decided. If he was the Link who knew her, he mused, he could imagine him being very happy in her presence and inconsolable at losing her. Besides being beautiful, there was a hint of something dark and mysterious in her eyes, something very tempting. She could make you come to love the twilight, he thought. But he had better snap out of it. He was in love with someone with beautiful eyes that were equally tempting. He hoped Urbosa was having some luck.
After Link entered the Twilight Realm, Urbosa returned to the oasis, hid behind a tree and watched the area from a distance. After an hour or so two Yiga Clan warriors arrived. Apparently they had been sent to investigate. They looked around the area, then struck the Timeshift Stone. The structure and Portal vanished, and they headed south with the Stone. Urbosa followed carefully at a distance until she saw them enter a cave in the sand and disappear from view. So, the Twili must be there as well, sheltered from the light. But for what purpose? She would need help to investigate further. She made her way back to the oasis and rode back to Gerudo Town in her Sand Seal.
Urbosa went directly to the throne room and summoned the Captain of the guards.
"Captain, I need you to assemble a squad of warriors and be ready to surround a cave in the south about an hour's walk from the Southern Oasis," said Urbosa. "But we will need to do so secretly and stay hidden for now. There are Yiga Clan in that cave. Also, would you please ask one of the Rito who is visiting here if they could take a message to Hyrule Castle for Dr. Purah? I will give you the message shortly.
"Yes, Lady Urbosa," said the Captain. He left to do as requested.
Dr. Purah,
We need your assistance in Gerudo Town. We have discovered the Yiga Clan has gained access to a Timeshift Stone and has used it to restore the Mirror of Twilight. We do not know the purpose of this, but Link has journeyed through the Portal to the Twilight Realm. We need your expertise to deal with this and any unforeseen events.
Urbosa
A Rito agreed to fly the message at once. With any luck, Dr. Purah could be here by tomorrow. The Captain returned a while later.
"Lady Urbosa, I am not sure what to do with this but thought you should be aware of it."
She handed Urbosa a letter. It was addressed to Link care of Gerudo Town and bore the Zora Royal Insignia. It was from Mipha.
"Leave this with me, and Sarqso," said Urbosa. The Captain bowed and left. Great, she thought. Poor Mipha is worried about him, and if she knew where he was right now, she would probably collapse. There was nothing more she could do and hoped Link was safe. She decided to head back to the oasis and camp there. She left word with the Captain where to find her.
Link was indeed safe and eating a meal of mushrooms. He guessed growing food here was difficult and he should be grateful anything was edible. He kept thinking of a way to get Midna's Link here and kept coming up empty. He needed Dr. Purah's help. He finished eating and knocked on the door. A guard took his plate and told him Her Highness would be revisiting him soon.
A short while later the door opened, and Princess Midna entered. He rose at once and bowed his head.
"Your Highness," he said.
"Thank you for being so respectful," said Midna. "Please let's sit."
"After you told me what was happening it didn't take long to get to the bottom of things," said Midna. "All the Twili who have disappeared were working on a project to restore life to the dead. They were not done with the project but felt they were close. We also identified a Twili who confessed to helping the people you call the Yiga Clan in return for the ability to live in the Light World. So, we know how to stop things at this end. But what about in your world? Have you given more thought to my requests?"
"I have Your Highness, but I cannot think of a way yet. However, there is an expert on these things in our world, and I have asked her to be available. She may have a suggestion," said Link.
"And I may be able to help as well," said Midna. "We can create Twilight Portals. If you can locate Link, I can supply you with the ability to create a portal to the Mirror of Twilight's location. I could even teleport him right to the Twilight Realm, but I was hesitant because of all the time travel issues."
"Alright, Your Highness," said Link. "If you allow me to return to my world I give you my word I will do everything in my power to achieve your two requests. But we must act quickly. Since you captured their agent, the Yiga Clan will become suspicious if no more Twili travel through the portal."
"Very well," said Midna. "Here are two devices you can use to create two Twilight Portals. I recommend you create one at the Mirror of Twilight and the other where Link is found. Also, you may have trouble communicating with the Twili. Not many speak Hylian. But if you show them this note from me, they will follow you. It contains my royal insignia. And if you meet Link, please give him this. He will know it's from me." She handed him a tiny golden figure of a wolf with her royal insignia.
"Thank you, Your Highness," said Link.
Link took the devices and note. The guards escorted him back to where he appeared. Then he took a few steps, and the scene behind him changed. But the portal was not visible yet. He needed to wait for the Yiga Clan to activate their Timeshift Stone. The time passed slowly, and there was nothing he could do except be prepared for battle when he emerged. Finally, he noticed a change and a swirling black and white spiral took form. He waited for it to stabilize then stepped into the portal. He emerged on top of some steps in the Arbiter's Grounds structure. A surprised Yiga Clan warrior was below. Link was ready and dispatched him with an ice arrow and a blow from his sword. Now he had to find Urbosa. But that turned out to be easier than he thought. He saw her rushing forward from the oasis on a Sand Seal.
"Link, thank Hylia you're safe," said Urbosa.
"We need to rescue the Twili from the cave," said Link. "I can tell you more information later, but it is one of the promises I made to the ruler of the Twilight Kingdom."
"Very well," said Urbosa. "My soldiers are already in position surrounding the cave. They know not to harm any Twili, assuming they even can. They will attack upon my signal."
"I need to consult with Dr. Purah on the other part of my promise," said Link. "But we have an idea what the Yiga Clan were up to. The Twili they brought here were working on a method to revive the dead. I am sure we know who the Yiga Clan would like to see revived somehow."
"Yes, Ganon as well as any other enemies of ours. Purah should be in Gerudo Town later today," said Urbosa. "I had a Rito fly a message to her yesterday."
"Alright," said Link. "You take out the Yiga Clan, and I will show the Twili this note from their ruler and lead them back to the Mirror. But we need to finish before daybreak. Are we ready?"
"Yes," said Urbosa. She gave the signal to the hidden squad of Gerudo warriors, and they rushed into the cave. It turned out there was only a handful of Yiga Clan present, so the Gerudo quickly dispatched them without any losses. Link then rushed into the cave.
The cave was dark and lit only feebly by a torch here and there. Link finally got a good look at the Twili. They varied in size, but many were small. They were all dressed in a bluish green outfit, and most had red eyes. They didn't look very intimidating at all. Link showed Midna's note to one of the Twili, who then apparently communicated its contents to the others in their language. The Twili then all looked to Link. He led them out of the cave and back to the Mirror of Twilight. They followed along behind him like a family of ducks. Then they walked into the portal one-by-one. When the last one was safely through the portal Link struck the Timeshift Stone, and he was back in the present. He packed the Stone in his satchel. The hard part of his promise remained.
They all journeyed back to Gerudo Town or Kara Kara Bazaar. Link booked a room at the Inn with instructions to let him sleep until noon. He was exhausted. When he awoke, he found Dr. Purah and Urbosa already there, meeting together in the lobby of the inn. After exchanging pleasantries, he got to the point.
"Dr. Purah, I promised Princess Midna I would try to arrange for the Link of her time to meet her," said Link. "Can you think of any way to do this? She gave me two Twilight Portal devices which she said could transport someone between two locations."
"I wish I could study these devices, Link," said Dr. Purah. "Their technology is beyond ours. But the only way I can think of doing as you wish is to use two Timeshift Stones and put one by the location of the Mirror of Twilight and the other by Link. Then use the Twilight Portal to transport Link to the Mirror. We can figure out the proper time duration to use from the TImeshift Stone you took from the Yiga. I can take a reading from it using the Sheikah Slate I keep. But how can we tell where Link might be? Using trial and error could take a very long time."
"Well, according to the historian he would have been at the Arbiter's Grounds when Midna left. Where would he go after that?" said Link. "If I just lost someone like her I would be an emotional wreck. I think I would head home first and then wander around."
"So, she made a strong impression on you?" said Urbosa.
"You could say that," said Link. "She is pretty hard to forget."
"Well, I hope you have not forgotten the other people in your life," said Urbosa sharply. "By the way, Mipha wrote you a letter." She handed the letter to Link. He tore it open and read it.
Sweetheart,
I hope you are well. I miss you terribly and worry about you every day. And the children ask when daddy will be home. Be safe. I pray Nayru will protect you!
All my love forever,
Mipha
He missed Mipha and the children too. He would send a note back that he was fine as soon as their meeting ended.
"So, all we know is that the Link of that era did not stay at his home in Ordon Village, but set off wandering Hyrule," said Purah. "That is not very helpful."
"But would it not be likely he returned home first?" said Link. "Why not leave him a message in his home to wait there? Or better yet I can wait there for him."
"Yes, we can try that," said Purah. "But try to minimize any timeline anomalies. The less you do, the better. Just wait inside Link's house and bring enough food, so you don't have to leave. I will program this Timeshift Stone I brought with me to a time shortly after the time of the Yiga Clan Stone. If it turns out I am too late, then we can try again. You should leave the Yiga Timeshift Stone with us as well as one of the Twilight Portal devices. Since we have no idea when you will find Link, we will activate both the Stone and Portal as soon as you leave and station Gerudo guards there. We will be ready whenever you are."
"Great! Now we have to figure out where Ordon Village stood way back then," said Link.
"Well, I am sure the geography is all different. But we do know it was in the south Faron Woods," said Purah. "Probably your best bet is to start at the Highland Stable and take it from there."
"Alright, wish me luck," said Link. He finished a note to Mipha and asked Urbosa to please send it.
Dear Mipha,
Seeing your note filled me with joy. I am well and miss you and the children. I have been a little distracted by the mission but hope to be with you soon. Give Mila and Midon a kiss for me.
Love always,
Link
It was a long journey to Highland Stable. When he got there, he walked to a secluded spot nearby and placed the Timeshift Stone down. Then he struck it. The scenery changed and he was in a wooded area, but a road and bridge were nearby. Walking over he found a sign said Faron Bridge and another sign said Ordon Village and pointed south. He must be close. He struck the Stone and returned to his present. Then he headed south to where he guessed he would be closer. He struck the Stone again, and he was lucky. There was a building just down the road, and the sign said Link's House. He went back, retrieved the stone, and carried it back with him. It was late evening, and no one was around. He climbed the ladder up into his house and settled down for the night. He soon fell asleep.
He awoke in the morning to some children playing outside the house, but of course, he kept out of sight. He had packed some food but found there was also some in the house. He hoped his namesake wouldn't mind sharing. The day dragged on, and there was still no sign of Link. He was wondering if they had already missed him. Soon it was early evening, the sun was setting, and he heard the children leaving to go home. It was very quiet, with the occasional hoot of an owl. Then he heard the gentle hoofbeats of a horse. The sound came closer, and he risked a look out the window. It was Link. Link tied his horse to the post then began to climb to his room. The Link waiting for him got up and backed away. He knew a surprise visitor would not be welcome but wasn't sure what else to do. The owner of the house entered, then saw Link. He drew his sword.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?"
"I'm a friend. Princess Midna sent me."
"What do you know of Princess Midna?"
"I know she wants to see you and I have a way to do that."
"I saw her break the Mirror of Twilight with my own eyes. How can she see me again?"
"There is a way, but you have to trust me. She sends you this. Probably in hopes it will help you trust me." He put down the golden wolf figure. Link picked it up and looked at it. It was definitely from her.
"Alright, I am inclined to believe you. I won't deny I've been miserable since Midna left so suddenly. I was planning to pack a few things from home and head out. What do we need to do?"
"We have to activate this Twilight Portal. It will take us to a time when the Mirror of Twilight still exists. When you enter the Mirror of Twilight, you need to walk forward, and you will enter a time when Princess Midna has returned to her realm. The rest will be up to you."
"This is a lot to take in," said Link. "So, you are not from this time? Who are you?"
"The less I tell you, the better," he said. "Just think of me as a friend you will never see again."
"I am familiar with Twilight Portals," said Link. "But we need to go outside. Let's do it while no one is around."
They climbed down the ladder, and he activated the portal. A black, purple swirl appeared above them. They entered the portal and the next thing he knew they were standing in the Arbiter's Grounds. Dr. Purah was there as well.
"Ah, you're finally here," said Purah. "The less we talk, the better. I think you know what you need to do now."
"Yes. We both do. I would like to say goodbye to Princess Midna," said the Link of the present.
They entered the portal together and emerged in the Twilight Realm. A few steps forward and they were among the Twili. The guards saw both of them and escorted them to the Twilight Palace as before.
But this time Princess Midna seemed to be expecting them. She walked forward and upon seeing her Link they each ran into each other's arms kissed and hugged.
"I thought I would never see you again," said Link.
"And for that single tear I shed that broke the Mirror I have shed hundreds more regretting it. I missed you my little wolf," said Midna.
He thought it was time to go, but Midna looked up and stopped him.
"You have fulfilled your promise to me, and I am more grateful than you can know," said Midna. "Here is a little something to remember me by."
She handed him a small box and then leaned down and kissed him on the forehead.
"Goodbye, Your Highness," said Link. "I hope you will be happy."
"And my thanks as well," said Link as he held Midna. "You have made a dream come true for me. May the blessing of Hylia follow you."
He turned around to head back to the portal but took one last look back. Link and Midna were in each other's arms again. He wondered what they would do with their lives now. He entered the portal and was soon standing with Dr. Purah.
"Time to close things up," said Link. "But first let me retrieve that Timeshift Stone I left at Link's house." He entered the portal. It was still evening, and no one was around yet. He climbed back into Link's house, retrieved the Timeshift Stone, then headed back outside. He entered the portal again and was back at the Arbiter's Grounds. He deactivated the portal using the device Midna had given him. Then he struck the Timeshift Stone, and he was back in the present surrounded by a squad of Gerudo soldiers.
He finally had time to look at Midna's present. It was a small painting of the Twilight Palace, the black building floating in air. He turned it over, and there was an inscription: "To Link for his help filling my heart with joy. Twilight Princess Midna."
They headed back to Gerudo Town. Urbosa came out to thank them.
"I know you are anxious to return home," said Urbosa. "Give my love to Mipha and my apology for taking you away from her."
"I'll ride part of the way back with you," said Purah.
The journey with Dr. Purah went well. They had some interesting conversations.
"By the way, you didn't think I cheated on the last Trial of the Hero did you?" said Link.
"No, not at all," said Purah. "In fact, I hinted more than you could enter the trial in my postscript. The point was to accomplish the mission using any resources at hand. You did very well on the trials."
"Was there another way to accomplish that last one?" said Link. "I tried over 30 times."
"Yes," said Purah. "You didn't notice that Zelda was closer to the exit than you and you run faster than her. You could have run to her, protected her with ice arrows and your shield, and backed her out of the room. But your timing would need to be quick."
Eventually, Purah and Link parted ways as their paths home diverged. He was happy when the blue cliffs of the Domain came into view. The Zora guards greeted him as he headed toward home. Mipha was alone when he entered.
"Link!" she exclaimed and rushed into his arms. They hugged and kissed.
"I missed you so much," she said. "Are you alright? Any bruises needing healing?"
"No sweetheart, I'm good," said Link. "Just happy to be home. The children are in school I assume."
"Yes, but they will be thrilled to see you're back," said Mipha. "Can you tell me about your adventure?"
"Sure," said Link. He described all that happened in as much detail as he could remember.
Where is the gift the Twilight Princess gave you?" said Mipha.
Link handed Mipha the small painting.
"So, this is where she lives?" said Mipha. "It's amazing they have the technology to have buildings float in the air."
She turned the painting over and read the inscription.
"So, you filled her heart with joy?" Mipha said. "What is it with you and princesses? Can't you get enough of them? How many am I competing with?"
"It's not what you think," said Link. "She means she is joyful because I helped bring her Link and her together."
"I see," said Mipha. "How about filling my heart with joy now for all the time you were gone and worry you caused me?"
"I would love to," said Link leaning over as they kissed.