Chapter 16 - The Korok Forest
Summary: Mipha retrieves the now restored sword that seals the darkness from the care of the Great Forest Spirit.
When Mipha awoke, her dream was still fresh in her mind, and she recorded that along with some other items in her journal.
Extract from Mipha's Journal - #21
I awake each day giving thanks to the Goddess for her blessings, and especially do so today. With her aid, I have fulfilled Lady Impa's and Princess Zelda's wish to free the four Divine Beasts, and they are all on our side once again. It saddened me, though, to meet my fallen colleagues as spirits. I remember them only a little, but I can still hear Daruk's hearty laugh, Urbosa's strong yet caring voice, and Revali's humorous sarcasm. We were all bound together by a sacred trust, and I wish they could be here with me now. But there will be time enough to mourn them properly once my quest is over. Speaking of which, I am uncertain what my next task is. I must meet with Lady Impa to find out. I hope Paya has gotten over her infatuation with me. I must be kind to her but not encourage her feelings for me, feelings I can never return. Speaking of feelings, I had a dream last night of being with Link and urging him to visit so I might give him something. I must ask my father if he knows more about this. The many recent dreams I've had of times I spent with Link makes him feel more real to me now. I begin to feel I know him, what kind of person he was - and hopefully still is. I must admit that I feel drawn to the Link in my dreams. He is kind, caring, brave, and quite handsome too. I hope the real Link is the same as I remember him. Does that make any sense? Am I only setting myself up for heartbreak by developing feelings for someone in a dream? But I can't help how I feel. I must follow my heart where the current takes it.
As Mipha made her way from the slumber pools, she met the woman she recognized as the greeter at the Seabed Inn.
"Lady Mipha, I am happy to have this opportunity to welcome you back personally. Our domain is overflowing with joy at your return!" said Kodah. "
"Thank you for your kind words," said Mipha. "I'm sorry. If I knew you, I have forgotten. I suffered a severe memory loss."
"Oh, yes, I heard about that, and I'm so sorry," said Kodah. "My name is Kodah, and seeing you are looking as young as you do, it reminded me of when I was young. I wanted to express how sorry I am for your loss. He was a truly remarkable person."
"Sorry? My loss?" said Mipha.
"I mean Link, Lady Mipha," said Kodah. "Do you not remember him?"
"I remember him a little," said Mipha.
"Then you must not remember when we competed for his attentions, though I don't think I offered you much competition," laughed Kodah.
"Kodah, I am trying hard to recover my memory," said Mipha. "Anything you can tell me would be very helpful."
"Very well," said Kodah. "This was, of course, a long time ago when we or I should say I was still young. It's all water over the falls by now. Link, or Linny as I used to call him, and I were friends back then. We sometimes swam or played together. But, of course, he also did the same with you. One time when he and I were together, he even outright told me that you were unavailable. I realized then that I was always his second choice, that he visited me only after first checking if you were available. I was jealous of that, and a little upset about it too. I told Linny that he needed to choose between us. He seemed surprised at my reaction but told me that he could never give up his friendship with you. And then later, of course, the Calamity struck, and I never saw Linny or you again. Since then, I have married and have a daughter now. Given how close you and Link were, I thought perhaps you might be grieving for him. But I suppose your memory loss has been a blessing in that respect and spared you that sadness."
"Oh, I see, what you mean now," said Mipha. "But Link and Princess Zelda were not killed. They are both still alive inside Hyrule Castle."
"What!? Are you serious? Are they alive all this time as well? Will wonders never cease! That is wonderful news!" said Kodah. "Then, there is still hope for the two of you yet."
"Yes, I suppose so," said Mipha thoughtfully. "I must be going now. Thank you again for your kind words and for sharing some memories."
"Of course, Lady Mipha," said Kodah.
Mipha made her way to say goodbye to her father and Sidon but thought she should ask her father about Link.
"Ah, good morning, dear daughter!" said King Dorephan. "I can never tire of saying that, and I still can't believe how you miraculously returned to us."
"I am overjoyed as well, Father," said Mipha. "Is Sidon not here?"
"No, he is inspecting our defenses," said King Dorephan. "After assisting you to recover Ruta, he has asked to play a more active role in that."
"I hope he's careful!" said Mipha.
"He's grown up now, sweetheart, and no longer the little boy you remember," said King Dorephan. "But he promised me he would stay safe."
"Father, lately, I have had more dreams about Link, including one where I was thinking of giving him something. Do you know what that might be about?"
"Oh! I see. But is that all you remember about it, sweetheart?"
"Yes," said Mipha.
"And how do you feel about Link now?"
"I feel like I am getting to know him again through these dreams or flashbacks. I appreciate that we were good friends," said Mipha. "And I think perhaps I felt more than friendship toward him. I'm beginning to think I was in love with him."
"I see," said King Dorephan. "You and he were indeed very close, but that was a century ago, Mipha. Do you trust my judgment in this matter?"
"Yes, of course, Father," said Mipha. "I know you always have my best interests at heart."
"I do, sweetheart, and that's why I think it would be best to finish your quest first and then see how Link feels about you before we discuss this further. Is that acceptable to you?" said King Dorephan.
"Yes," said Mipha. "You are correct that I do not need any distractions at this point."
"I am glad you agree," said King Dorephan.
"I will say goodbye, then," said Mipha. "I am off to Kakariko Village to see Lady Impa."
They hugged each other, then Mipha activated the Sheikah Slate and arrived at her destination, the Shrine just outside Kakariko Village. It was morning as she made her way to Impa's residence, and the guards admitted her at once.
"Mipha!" said Impa excitedly. "You have done marvelously! I sense all the Divine Beasts are free from Ganon's control now. That is a great victory and a blow to Ganon. But though this has weakened Ganon's power, I do now know how much longer the Princess and Link will be able to hold out. You must not stop now."
"But that is what I wish to discuss," said Mipha. "Is my next task to go to Hyrule Castle?"
"No, not yet," said Impa. "You will need Link's sword to combat the Calamity, the sword that seals the darkness. The princess hid the sword in the Korok Forest under the care of the Great Forest Spirit. Like you, it also needed time to heal itself. You must go and retrieve the sword first. I believe you will be able to do so, given all the Shrines you have conquered and Spirit Orbs you have attained. Something of the soul of the hero must reside within you by now. To find the sword, you must travel through the Lost Woods north of Hyrule Castle, and remember the secret is the wind."
"Very well," said Mipha. "I will attempt to retrieve the sword, keeping the secret to finding it in mind."
"After that, you will need to go to Hyrule Castle and prepare to combat Ganon," said Impa. "I do not know what will happen then, whether Link will be able to aid you or not. I believe you have everything you need now to confront Ganon. But even with the blessings of the Divine Beasts on your side, you must be careful. Calamity Ganon will be well protected. Be prepared for anything."
"Very well," said Mipha. "I may visit Dr. Robbie before making my way to the Castle for some Ancient weaponry."
"That would be wise. Oh, I have something of Link's that you can give him. His Champion tunic is ready now. Will you please retrieve it? Paya is out, but she told me she left it on the small table to the left of her bed."
"Of course," said Mipha.
Mipha made her way upstairs, and Link's tunic was on the table as Impa said. However, Paya's diary lay open again on her desk. Mipha glanced at it and noticed it had some new entries. She flipped back to where she had left off and read quickly.
Extract from Paya's Diary
When I asked Grandmother for some medicine, she just sat there with a grin on her face. I went to Cado and Dorian to ask them what that meant, but they just grinned at me too. In the end, I wasn't able to get any medicine.
I spoke to Grandmother about what's been weighing on my mind lately. For the first time, my heart knows what it means to love. Though it may be a love that is never shared or returned, just having it for myself is gift enough. Seeing her brings me great joy. I bet she has that effect on everyone. I have only gratitude toward her for showing me what it's like to feel this way about someone.
That was the end of her diary, and it seemed Paya had come to terms with her feelings. Mipha hurried back down.
"I have the tunic," said Mipha.
"Thank you," said Impa. "Paya and I will continue to pray for your success. Farewell, then, and do not lose hope."
"Farewell," said Mipha.
She went outside, and after consulting the Sheikah Slate, decided that Woodland Stable was a good starting off point for her journey to the Lost Woods. Activating the transport feature brought her to the Mirro Shaz Shrine just across Pico Pond from the Stable. It was time for a ride with Sandy again.
Mipha spoke with Kish, the stable master, and he produced Sandy for her. Once again, she gave Sandy two apples and petted her gently.
"Our time together is drawing to a close, Sandy," said Mipha. "But we still have some riding ahead of us, you and I. I will truly miss you. But now it's time to go."
Mipha hopped on Sandy and headed west, then turned right, taking the road north toward the Minish Woods. A gentle rain was starting to fall, and it felt soothing to Mipha. Sandy didn't seem to mind it either, and they made their way up the gentle slope as a deer raced across their path. Mipha took the left fork, as more deer scampered alongside them through the woods. To the west was the ruins of a Military Training Camp that was now overrun with Bokoblins, Moblins, and Lizalfos. There was no need to confront them, so she continued as the path took her through the narrow woods. Thick green grass grew on either side of the road, and the trees were also a healthy green. More deer could be seen grazing on the side of the path, and the occasional Woodland Boar and Mountain Goat foraged near some trees.
Sandy maintained a slow but steady gallop and kept to the road without having to be steered. They encountered no enemies, and the road curved to the west through a rocky ravine. A light fog permeated the air now despite the rain, and the woods seemed quieter, almost ominous. Mipha pulled up at an ancient stone gate, scaring away a flock of crows, and dismounted as Sandy snorted. Mipha pet her horse, fed her another apple, then spoke.
"I need to go on foot now," said Mipha. "You'll be safe here, and I will return soon."
Sandy nuzzled her hand and snorted once more. Her horse seemed a bit skittish, but Mipha thought she would be fine. Then Mipha proceeded past the gates where she could make out lanterns burning to the right. Follow the wind was the clue, so she followed the direction of the sparks from the flames. To say the forest was creepy was an understatement as the fog was everywhere, and black crows fluttered out of her way. She finally reached a pair of lanterns with a torch lying alongside them.
Lighting the torch and holding it aloft, she paused now and then to sense the direction of the wind by watching the embers that blew from her flame. The trees looked even more frightening in this part of the forest as they seemed to grin with hungry mouths, some of which were sealed shut. Mipha shuddered to think that these trees might have swallowed something, a monster perhaps. She breathed a sigh of relief as the fog lifted slightly, and she made her way through a small clearing. And then the mist disappeared entirely, and she put out her torch. She had reached the Korok Forest, as was evident from the Koroks that poked their heads out here and there to watch her.
But what finally drew her attention was the pedestal ahead. She could see the hilt and part of the blade of a sword embedded in the stone. And she knew at once this was the legendary sword that seals the darkness. As she approached closer and stared at it, she suddenly had a flashback.
It was a rainy afternoon in Zora's Domain, and she was sitting with Link in one of the sheltered structures that overlooked the plaza. They were younger in this memory, and it seemed to have taken place several years before they became Champions.
"At least I can stay dry here," laughed Link as he brushed some water off his arms. "I know you don't mind getting wet."
"No, I love it!" laughed Mipha. "But I am so proud of you, Link. Being chosen by the legendary sword that seals the darkness means you are a true hero."
"Thank you," said Link. "All that swordsmanship practice paid off, I guess."
Then Link paused.
"But I know there was more to it than that," said Link. "When I attempted to draw the sword, I felt it was testing me, probing both my physical strength and my spirit."
"How do you mean?" said Mipha.
"It's hard to describe," said Link. "You know I'm not gifted with words. But I felt a great sense of reverence when I lifted the blade. The Goddess herself created this sword, and countless generations of heroes have wielded it before me. I was conscious of all that, and it filled me with awe. I suddenly felt unworthy, and that I needed to work hard to live up to all it expected of me. I also began to feel a deeper love of Hyrule and its people. I felt as if the Goddess wanted me to love her people as she did, and that she was lending me her sword to protect them from a great evil. I felt in a way as though the sword was wielding me as much as the other way around."
"It is awe-inspiring," said Mipha. "But the Goddess must feel you are worthy of it for you to have it."
"I just hope being the keeper of this sword doesn't change me too much," said Link. "I still want to be myself."
And then the flashback ended. So, that must have taken place shortly after the sword first chose Link.
Mipha approached the sword. And then she was startled by a deep voice that came from an enormous tree that looked older than the hills.
"Who is that? Did I doze off again? ... Well, well, it's you. You were finally able to come here. Better late than never."
The voice paused as Mipha stared at the tree.
"That look on your face tells me you have no idea who I am. I have watched over Hyrule for time immemorial. Many have referred to me over the ages as the Deku Tree. Before you sits the weapon created by the ancient Goddess, the sword that seals the darkness—that only the chosen one can wield against Calamity Ganon. Believe it or not, you may be able to pull that sword from the pedestal, just as Link did all those years ago. But I must warn you to take caution. The sword stands as a test to anyone who would dare attempt to possess it. As you are now, I cannot say whether you are worthy or not. If you sought to free the sword in any sort of weakened state, you would surely lose your life where you stand. Best of luck, young one."
Mipha paused to consider. She had acquired considerable vitality and strength from her experience, completing numerous shrines plus freeing the Divine Beasts. She had never felt more capable than she did right now. She planted her feet, took hold of the sword, and began pulling it with all her might.
She could feel her life force draining away as she tried harder and harder to withdraw the blade. If she got too weak, she would have to stop. But just as she thought she would need to give up, the sword moved, then moved some more, and finally, she pulled it free.
The sword shone with a blinding white light as she held it aloft. Then she felt the same reverence Link must have felt, as she bowed her head and pressed the sword to her lips, saying a silent prayer to the Goddess who created it.
"One hundred years ago, the princess placed the sword in that pedestal," said the Deku Tree. "After Link was separated from the sword, Princess Zelda thought to bring it here where she knew it would be safe under my watch. They both continue to fight deep within the confines of Hyrule Castle, and their hearts cascade with faith that you will return to aid them."
"I will do all I can," said Mipha.
"I know you will, Mipha," said the Deku Tree. "You have responded to all the challenges you faced with courage and resolve. Now one more challenge awaits you. You must go to Hyrule Castle, save Princess Zelda and Link, and help to destroy the Calamity."
"Yes, I understand," said Mipha. "Farewell, then, Deku Tree."
"Farewell, young one," said the Deku Tree.
Mipha's Sheikah Slate indicated a Shrine was nearby. If nothing else, that would serve as a convenient travel point should she ever need to return. Making her way under an arch, she found the Keyo Ruug Shrine, which involved counting the number of constellation patterns by placing orbs in the correct receptacles. Having completed the Shrine, she made her way back out of the Lost Woods, where Sandy was patiently waiting.
She petted Sandy and gave her two carrots, then mounted her and began the journey back to Woodland Stable. As she rode, Mipha thought about the honor she now had of holding the legendary sword, even if only for a time until Link returned. No Zora she had ever heard of had ever had such an honor. She thanked the Goddess for her faith in entrusting her with such a heavy responsibility.
When they arrived back at Woodland Stable, it was growing late, and both she and Sandy needed to rest. She boarded Sandy at the stable, then made her way to Pico Pond and prepared to rest there for the night. It started raining again, but it was a gentle rain with no lightning. The pond was quiet and peaceful, the raindrops making a soft splashing sound as they landed on the water.
Looking to the southwest beyond the stable, you could see the turrets of Hyrule Castle and the purple malice that swirled around it. After a visit to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, that would be her next destination. She did not want to journey home again and cause more worry for her family with another goodbye. She also feared time might be growing short. Before she slept, she updated her journal once again.
Extract from Mipha's Journal - #22
I had a wondrous experience today that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I pray that will be a long time. I met the great Forest Spirit and was permitted to draw the legendary blade of the hero. The Goddess must have granted me this favor because of all the Shrines I have completed as well as perhaps my freeing of the Divine Beasts. At least I assume that is the reason. But in any case, I can now understand why Link loved this sword so much. Possessing it fills your spirit with new hope, that you hold power to destroy evil. I thank the Goddess for granting me the wondrous gift of experiencing that, and I will do my best to fulfill all that's expected of me. I realize my long quest is now nearing its end. First thing tomorrow, I will stock up on whatever weaponry I can acquire at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Then I will swim my way into the Castle using the Castle Moat and the waterfalls I noticed there. I do not know what I will find inside the Castle, but I pray my courage will not fail me. I wonder too what the Princess and Link will be like after one hundred years together? I imagine they will be unchanged physically, just as I am. And they may well remember more about me than I do about them, given my memory loss. In any case, I will rejoice to the heavens if we can finally rid Hyrule of this evil presence that has caused so much suffering and harm over the past hundred years. Sprits of the Champions aid me when the time comes! The pond is restful now, and the rain a gentle one. I feel sleep coming on. Goddess, please continue to watch over me.