Chapter 17 - Hyrule Castle
Summary: Mipha makes her way to Hyrule Castle to confront Calamity Ganon, reuniting with Link after a century apart.
Mipha awoke as the sun rose over Pico Pond, but she had slept surprisingly well and felt fully rested. Today was her day of reckoning, but for some reason, she was not as nervous as she expected. Was this the sword's influence, giving her some boost of confidence? She ate a fish as she floated in the pond and watched the activity at Woodland Stable.
She could see people going about their usual business, feeding and grooming the horses, cleaning the ground, cooking a meal. And things must be the same back home, she thought. The children in the domain were no doubt playing by the fountain this morning, splashing each other and laughing. To almost everyone, today was nothing special, just another day in their lives. Only a few realized what she did. Today was not just any other day. Today would decide Hyrule's future.
If she, the Princess, and Link were victorious, Hyrule would be free of Ganon's evil and finally have peace. There would be a chance to rebuild, to slowly recover from a century of Ganon's destruction. Everyone would have a future, including her.
But if they failed, Hyrule was doomed. Not immediately or all at once, of course. But eventually, Calamity Ganon would extend its power and destruction to all of Hyrule. The Royal Family would be finished for good, and Ganon's victory would then be utter and complete.
As she thought about today while eating her fish, she realized it must have been much like this a century ago on the day of the Great Calamity. She could no longer remember that day, but she knew she had lived through it. And she was sure that no one waking up that morning knew that would be the day of Ganon's attack. But now she hoped Ganon would be the one surprised by an attack.
She finished her fish, and it was time to go. She activated the Sheikah Slate and materialized outside the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. She entered, and Robbie greeted her warmly.
"Mipha! My dear Mipha! We have done well, you and I, have we not?" said Robbie rubbing his hands together. "I can tell you have appeased all four Divine Beasts. And you carry the sword that seals the darkness now too. It is time to take on the Calamity once and for all, and I am here to help."
"Yes, and you have already helped greatly," said Mipha. "I could not have prevailed without the Ancient weaponry you developed."
Robbie beamed with pleasure and seemed quite pleased with himself. Mipha approached the Ancient Oven and acquired twenty Ancient Arrows, an Ancient Bow and an Ancient Shield, which used up most of the ancient materials she had collected. But there was no point in saving them now. There would be no next time for her after this.
"You should be well equipped to deal with anything at the Castle now," said Robbie. "Just be on your guard, and don't try to take on too much at once."
"Yes, be careful," said Jerrin. "But I know you can do this."
"I won't take any chances," said Mipha. "My goal is to avoid unnecessary combat, and I think I know a way into the Castle that will achieve that. But thank you, Dr. Robbie and Jerrin. Hyrule and I both owe you a great debt of gratitude. Now I will be off."
Mipha used the Sheikah Slate to return to the shine by Woodland Stable, the location from which she would begin her journey. Mipha collected Sandy from the stable, gave her an apple, and then patted her on the neck.
"I'm going to ride you to Helmhead Bridge, Sandy, then leave you to graze in Hyrule Forest Park while I swim the rest of the way. You'll be safe there. Guardians don't attack horses. And if I survive, perhaps we will meet again. You're a good horse, Sandy, and have taken the best care of me. Let's ride now!"
Mipha hopped onto Sandy's back, and they made their way west along the road. The weather was fair, with a sunny blue sky and a few white clouds. The sound of hoofbeats and chirping crickets filled the air. They rode past a Bokoblin camp to the north, but Mipha ignored it and rode on. Then they rode through the burned-out Rauru Settlement, and its ruins were another sad testament to the destruction Ganon's servants had caused. Hyrule Castle loomed to the west, growing closer as the road curved slightly south toward Helmhead Bridge.
Mipha dismounted here and could see a Guardian Stalker on the far side of the bridge. It was likely the Blood Moon restored version of the one she already destroyed. She gave Sandy a pat and pointed her across the bridge, knowing the Guardian would ignore her. Then Mipha dove into the Hylia River and swam toward the Castle Moat.
She could see the Castle now, a cloud of purple malice swirling about its turrets. But there was something else now, something to give her hope. Four red targeting beams shone onto the Castle, a sign that the Divine Beasts were ready to do their part when the time came.
Mipha's objective was the series of three waterfalls on the northeast face of the castle cliff, which seemed a natural way for her to bypass most of the enemies. Two Staminoka Bass fled as she crossed the moat and reached the first waterfall.
Swimming up the first waterfall led to a path that jutted over the second waterfall. There were no enemies in sight, so Mipha consulted her Sheikah Slate, and was amazed to see a detailed map of Hyrule Castle already available, and with the position of Calamity Ganon marked. She had not accessed a Guidance Stone. But perhaps Princess Zelda had downloaded a map of the Castle during the time she had lived there. Or maybe the Castle map was already built into the Sheikah Slate. In any case, it showed Calamity Ganon was near the top of the Castle, so that was her objective.
Diving into the water and swimming up the second waterfall led to a small pool at the base of the third waterfall. And swimming up the third waterfall led to a stone ledge and a path. A Guardian Skywatcher flew in the distance to her left, but it was well out of range. But closer at hand to her right was a stationary Guardian sitting tilted upon a rock slide. She hid behind part of a wall as she prepared herself. She did not have time to waste, so when she stepped out of hiding, and the Guardian targeted her, she put an Ancient Arrow into the Guardian's eye, clearing her way.
Ganon was still some distance above, and she would have to climb now. The area was quite open here, and with the rock slide, climbing looked too hazardous. Dead, withered trees and globs of purple malice covered the ground. But ahead along the path was a tunnel of sorts that could provide shelter from Guardian Skywatchers. She made her way to the tunnel without incident and navigated around the disgusting globs of malice that covered the path. As she reached the far end of the tunnel, she noticed a tower connected by a bridge ahead and above. A Guardian Skywatcher swept the skies, and a Guardian Turret was positioned along the castle wall. Heading for the room at the top of the tower would give her a chance to rest and provide some cover.
She made her way up a flight of stairs and then activated Revali's gale to elevate her partway up the tower. By positioning herself along the outer rim she was successfully able to climb up to an open window whose wooden shutters had been badly damaged. She climbed through the window and landed on the floor of a room that could only be Princess Zelda's study.
Manuscripts and books littered the heavily damaged room, but amazingly a single Silent Princess flower bloomed there. Walking to the workbench, she noticed Zelda's Research Notes lying open and began to read. Whatever she learned might be helpful toward recovering her memory.
The notes described Zelda meeting Impa, and then Purah and Robbie as she began her research into ancient technology. The notes went on to describe excavation work, and the discovery of the Sheikah Slate that they hoped could be used to access Guidance Stones. Then they discovered its ability to take pictures. The notes went on to describe how they started training the Champions to pilot the Divine Beasts. Mipha laughed and shook her head at Zelda's entry that she was surprised Mipha was able to master Ruta's controls with ease. She knew she came across as shy and retiring. That was her nature. But she was quite capable, and was sure Zelda realized that by now. The rest of the notes went on to describe Robbie's work with Guardians and the discovery of the shrines. Zelda's notes ended with her prayer that the Shrine of Resurrection would not be needed.
Mipha closed the book and stared out the door. There was another one of those golden lights signifying a memory was there. But Mipha doubted she was ever here, so the memory would not be hers. Moreover, it would be dangerous to pause on the bridge. A Guardian Skywatcher was aggressively scanning back and forth between Zelda's study and the Castle.
Timing her exit to avoid the roving Skywatcher, she made it to the far end of the bridge and activated Revali's Gale once more. It led to a landing where a Guardian Turret targeted her, but she was able to run behind some masonry as shelter. And then before her was an entrance into the Castle. And as she peered into the room before entering it, she suddenly had a flashback.
She and the other Champions were standing in a semicircle in this very room. Link stood on her left and Daruk on her right. Princess Zelda stood separate and in front of all of them, facing forward. Hylian guards were everywhere, and she had a Zora bodyguard standing behind her who had accompanied her on her journey to Hyrule Castle. They were all facing King Rhoam who was addressing them from a high balcony.
"Welcome warriors! I'd like to thank you for joining me here today and for your bravery in accepting this … fateful task. I officially appoint you Hyrule's Champions and bestow upon you this sacred garb. That blue is a symbol of the Royal Family, one that has been passed down for countless generations. Those garments you now wear were all crafted by my daughter, Zelda. Zelda, I trust you with the task only a daughter of the royal family can fulfill. Lead our Champions, Princess. And together, protect our kingdom from the threat of Calamity Ganon."
And then the flashback ended.
As she peered into the room, but it bore little resemblance to the elegant vision of it from her flashback. The room was in a shambles now, badly damaged from Ganon's attack. Consulting the Sheikah Slate one last time, it was clear that Ganon was straight ahead and slightly above her position. Mipha strode into the room.
A noise drew her glance upward, and she saw a pulsating purple sac hanging from the ceiling above. But as she looked at it, a golden glow shone threw it, and she heard the voice of the Princess in her head.
"Mipha … I'm sorry. But my power isn't strong enough…I can't hold him."
And then a blinding beam of powerful white energy moved every which way, cutting through the sac and slicing through the Castle masonry, dividing the floor into pieces. A hideous monstrosity emerged from the blob and crashed onto the floor. The weight of the beast collapsed the broken floor, and Mipha found herself falling amidst the debris. She made use of her paraglider to slow her descent, letting the dangerous chunks of masonry fall ahead of her. She then glided safely to the floor below. She was in a massive room with an almost spherical curved wall and a large hole in the ceiling through which she had just fallen.
The monstrosity that had landed ahead of her resembled some enormous malice infected insect crusted with Ancient weaponry and Gerudo like red hair. It was reminiscent of the blight creatures that had corrupted the Divine Beasts but more extensive and more animal-like. The monster faced her, its red eyes glowing with hate, and slashed its fiery sword in the air.
And then two things happened almost simultaneously.
A glowing ball of golden light appeared, and then someone materialized nearby her. It was Link dressed in a Sheikah outfit! He looked over at her and called out.
"Mipha! Thank Hylia!" said Link.
And then, at the same time, Ganon looked up as a wave of blue Ancient Energy cascaded down from above and rained upon it. The four Divine Beasts had attacked, and the force of their attack hurt Ganon badly as it cried out in pain. As Ganon writhed in agony, Mipha ran to Link's side.
"This is yours, Link," said Mipha as she handed Link the sword that seals the darkness. "It's ready for you now."
Link took it, held it aloft, raised it to his lips, then slashed it once in the air.
"Thanks, Mipha, I have this now," said Link as he turned to face Ganon, sword in hand.
"No, Link," said Mipha. "We both have this now."
Link looked back at her, then nodded agreement. She was a Champion too and had earned her way here. Mipha stood next to Link as Ganon collapsed in a cloud of dust. Then, as the dust cleared, Ganon struggled slowly to its feet, eyed the two of them, and then raised itself higher, letting out another frightful screech.
Link held out his sword, and it glowed a bright white in the dim light of the room.
Ganon swiped at them with its fiery blade, but both of them backflipped, and then Link rushed forward, landing six blows with his sword, while Mipha hit Ganon with two Ancient Arrows. Ganon slammed his weapon into the ground creating a wave of energy that knocked Link back and triggered Daruk's Protection from Mipha. Link was not hurt and recovered his balance.
Then Ganon drew out its energy weapon and targeted Link, who did not have a shield. His shield had broken long ago battling Guardians at Ash Swamp. But in a scene that reminded Link of the moment Zelda uncovered her power, Mipha pushed him aside, jumped in front of him, and using the Ancient Shield she had acquired from Robbie, reflected Ganon's beam, momentarily stunning it. Link then rushed forward and slashed Ganon three more times with his sword while Mipha again targeted Ganon with two more Ancient Arrows.
Ganon was weakened now and changed its tactics. It enveloped itself in an impenetrable orange glow, climbed the wall, slowly circled part of the way around, and then launched a Magma Bomb their way. Mipha managed to hit the ball of fire with an arrow, exploding it before it got too near. Then Ganon reversed direction, began crawling along the wall in the opposite direction, and threw a massive blue spear in Link's direction.
Mipha's heart was in her throat as the giant spear approached Link, but he managed to dodge to the side and avoid getting hit.
It was apparent that Ganon was concentrating its attacks on Link, no doubt recognizing the sword that he bore and identifying him as the hero he needed to destroy.
Mipha moved closer to Link and prepared to use Ancient Arrows whenever Ganon was vulnerable. But as long as it glowed orange, nothing could harm it. Then Ganon paused and energized its beam weapon again. Link knew to let Mipha deflect it back with her shield. And after Ganon lay stunned for a moment, Link ran forward, attacking Ganon again with his sword. Mipha used Stasis on Ganon's fallen body to prolong Link's attack.
Then Ganon recovered, reared up, and struck the ground with his fiery sword, sending a wall of fire toward them. Daruk's Protection shielded Mipha from harm, but Link was too slow dodging aside, and the edge of the flames caught him. Link fell to the ground from the force of the strike, rubbing his arm where the fire had burned him. But he managed to get to his feet again.
Ganon energized its beam one more time, but Mipha stepped forward and kept her shield trained on Ganon, then parried the beam perfectly.
Ganon collapsed again, and Link ran forward to slash at it while Mipha launched two more Ancient Arrows into it.
And suddenly that did it!
Ganon collapsed on the floor, spewing liquid malice, struggled to pull itself up, then collapsed again, and with a long wail exploded into a purple ball of seeming nothingness.
Mipha and Link both thought the battle was won, but before they could express congratulations, they were buffeted by a strong wind, and then stared as a cloud of malice escaped through the ceiling. And suddenly, Mipha and Link were each enveloped in a golden glow, dematerialized, and then materialized in Windvane Meadow.
An enormous malice covered boar-like creature was rampaging about the field. It was clearly, another form Ganon had taken. The beast was covered in malice and turned this way and that. Surprisingly Sandy was there as well and stood near Mipha as she wondered how her horse had managed to find her way there.
Link was still holding his arm from the burn he received, and it was then that they heard Zelda's voice saying she was entrusting them with the Bow of Light, a powerful weapon to combat evil.
"You're hurt, Link, and I have a horse," said Mipha. "Let me handle the bow."
Link nodded agreement, and Mipha mounted Sandy, then retrieved the Bow of Light. Zelda's voice urged her to attack any glowing points on Ganon's body. She kept moving until three bright glowing points appeared on one side of the beast. She then destroyed them with arrows, and galloped to the other side of her enemy. Eventually she destroyed three more glowing circles that appeared there. She maneuvered her horse to keep its distance, and when a bright mark appeared on the beast's underbelly, she destroyed that one as well with a well-aimed Light Arrow.
Zelda had been encouraging her and had exclaimed they were almost there! Finally, using an updraft and her paraglider, Mipha jumped from her horse and rose into the air facing the front of the creature. She then put a Light Arrow into its newly exposed eye.
The next thing she knew, Zelda appeared in spirit form surrounded by a golden Light. Zelda paused for a moment, then raised her right hand, summoning her sealing power as Ganon rose high in the air and circled about. Then Zelda absorbed Ganon with her energy and sealed it away, as it disappeared into a point that vanished from sight.
The battle was finally over! They had won! Mipha felt such a wave of joy and relief as the weight of the world fell from her shoulders!
Purple clouds disappeared, and a clear blue sky emerged. The Princess returned to normal and approached Mipha, who had glided back to the ground by then. Sandy had galloped off somewhere, but Link ran over to Mipha as well and stood next to Zelda. Then Zelda spoke.
"I have watched your progress, Mipha, and I never lost faith in you, that you would find a way to defeat Ganon," said Zelda. "Thank you, Mipha. You are truly the heroine of Hyrule."
"Yes," said Link. "All of Hyrule owes you a great debt of gratitude. You were magnificent in every way."
"I thank the Goddess for aiding me," said Mipha. "But I have never felt more relief than I do at this moment. It's finally over!"
Then Zelda reached out and hugged Mipha, and then Link did the same.
"Link, let me see that burn on your arm," said Mipha after they separated from their hug.
Link held out his arm, and Mipha proceeded to use her healing magic to cure the injury. She held Link's arm with her left hand and healed the wound with her right.
And as she looked at Link and recalled their battle together, she realized that he indeed was the same Link from her dreams, the kind, caring, brave and handsome Link she had known. And suddenly, her past feelings for Link flooded her heart. She loved him and would do anything to protect him. She felt herself blushing, and looked up to see if Link noticed. But he was watching her healing magic as it restored his injured forearm. And when she finished healing it, she gently let go of his arm.
"Good as new," said Link. "I'm glad you have not lost your touch."
Then Link returned to Zelda's side, and Mipha felt a sudden pang of jealousy. Were they a couple now? What were Link's feelings? She guessed she should not be surprised if they were a couple. They must have grown close after all their time together, even back to when Link was her appointed knight. Daruk's spirit had told her that Link was in love with her, but that was a long time ago. And it was before Link had spent so much time with the Princess.
"Come, I would like to take a moment to visit the Castle," said Zelda. "It was my home my whole life, and I would like to pay my respects."
This day was a moment of triumph. But it was tinged with sadness for all the lives that had been lost before achieving it. The three of them walked silently to the Castle and then stared up at it. The sun shone over the Castle spire, and Zelda was no doubt thinking of her father, who had lost his life there.
But as they turned to go, something seemed to call to them, drawing their gaze back to the Castle. And as they looked up, they thought they could see the spirits of King Rhoam, Daruk, Urbosa and Revali looking down at them, their duty to Hyrule fulfilled, and their last chance to share this moment of victory. And then the four spirits vanished, departing Hyrule for the spirit realm.
The three turned to begin walking away, but Mipha stopped. She felt out of place with Link by Zelda's side. And she wanted the comfort of being with her family.
"Princess, let me return your Sheikah Slate," said Mipha handing the Sheikah Slate to Zelda. "It was invaluable. With your permission, I would like to return home now to be with my family. I will take the path through Hyrule Forest Park here to the Hylia River and swim the rest of the way. The Guardians are all dormant now, and it should be quite safe."
"Of course, Mipha," said Zelda. "You are free to do whatever you wish. Link and I will be going to Kakariko Village together next, but I'm sure we will meet again soon. I am eternally grateful to you."
"Then I will bid you both farewell and safe travels," said Mipha.
All this time she spoke, Link seemed unsure of himself, as if he wanted to say something but was uncomfortable doing it. He looked at Mipha, looked at Zelda, and then looked back at Mipha. Mipha turned and took the road to the west, making her way for the park. Suddenly she heard footsteps hurrying after her. It was Link.
"Mipha, please wait a moment," said Link.
"Doesn't the Princess need you?" said Mipha.
"Not much longer, I would think," said Link. "But I need to speak with you. Zelda said your memory was damaged by your recovery, so you may not remember, but I wanted to thank you for saving my life. You healed me just before they placed you in the chamber."
"I don't remember, but I'm happy to hear that I lived up to my promise to protect you."
"Yes, you did," said Link. "But, although your memory was damaged, you do remember me, right? I mean, remember us, that we were, are, well…"
Link grew tongue-tied and didn't seem to know what to say next.
"I'm sorry, Link, I don't remember much," said Mipha. "But I do remember we were good friends. Is that what you mean?"
"Well, yes," said Link, and then he paused. "Well, and no too. I mean we were, are, good friends. But to me at least it was more than that. When I saw you placed in that chamber, I felt, I mean I regretted I had not been more forthcoming. And now I'm afraid it may be too late since you've forgotten so much about me."
Mipha could barely breathe as she wondered what Link was trying to say, and hoped it would be what she wanted to hear.
"I haven't forgotten you, Link. But what are you trying to say?"
Link looked into her eyes, looked down, then looked back at her. She had such beautiful golden eyes, so warm and expressive. He adored them and could look at them forever!
"I understand you probably don't feel like you know me well anymore," said Link. "But now that this whole thing is over, I was hoping things could go back to the way they used to be. You know…perhaps I could visit, and we could spend some time together?"
"I would like that," said Mipha. "But your memory is fine, Link, and the only one damaged is mine. What are you feeling right now?"
Link took a deep breath and realized it was now or never. He looked back into her eyes.
"I…, I love you," said Link.
And then he looked for how she would react, fearing she would respond kindly but explain she thought of him as only a friend. And now, having said it, he almost regretted it. What was he thinking? She was Zora royalty, and her family would want a worthy husband for the future Zora queen, not a Hylian knight. It was only an instant, but he could not stand the silence, even the tiniest wait. He felt he had to continue.
"But you don't need to say anything. I understand if you…"
But Mipha interrupted him and smiled as she finally heard the words she needed to hear.
"Sometimes, dear Link, you don't know when to speak, and other times you don't know when to stop," laughed Mipha, her heart filled with joy. "I love you too. So, stop talking and kiss me."
Link's heart leaped too as he took her in his arms, and they kissed. And kissed, and kissed, and kissed, as they held each other close. Then they finally pulled back and looked into each other's eyes, and both laughed. Then they kissed again.
"I'll never forget today," said Link finally. "Ever! I have never felt so happy!"
"Me either," said Mipha. "And we destroyed Ganon today, too."
Then they both laughed again, happy holding each other in their arms, knowing they had finally found each other.
"I love you so, so, much," said Link. "I feel so stupid, not having told you sooner. I guess I lacked courage."
"I love you with all my heart," said Mipha. "But I was never sure how you felt; you were always so quiet."
"I know," said Link. "I felt too much pressure. You handled the pressure better than me. But I need to get back to the Princess now. I'll come to see you as soon as I can."
"And I need to go home to be with my family," said Mipha. "But I can't wait for your visit."
They embraced and kissed one more time. Then Mipha made her way to the river while Link returned to be with Zelda.
"Everything all right, Link?" said Zelda. "You seem distracted."
"Oh, yes, I'm fine," said Link.
"Then let's go," said Zelda. "We need to get horses."
Mipha spun in the Hylia river as she swam with joyful abandon. Link loved her! And she loved him! She couldn't wait to get back home and share the good news with her father. She swam as fast as she could, her gills pumping furiously. When she finally arrived back in the domain, she swam up the last waterfall and ran straight to her father.
"Link loves me, Father! And I love him! I am so happy!" said Mipha.
"And I am so happy for you, dear daughter!" laughed King Dorephan. "But didn't something else important happen today? Word has traveled quickly that Hyrule Castle is free of malice now, Guardians lay dormant, and monsters are fleeing."
"Oh, yes, Ganon is destroyed," said Mipha. "We were victorious!"
Then she rushed to her father, and he hugged her.
"You have done wonders, sweetheart," said King Dorephan. "And that Link has returned your feelings makes me very happy for you."
"I don't know if Link will be ready for this," said Mipha. "But I must start collecting the materials for a set of armor. I want to offer it to him as soon as I can, but it will take some time to make. I am so excited, Father! I believe he will accept my gift."
"But you already made him a set of armor, sweetheart," said King Dorephan. "I have been waiting to tell you about it when the time seemed right."
"Oh! May I see it?" said Mipha.
King Dorephan asked a guard to retrieve the bundle, and Mipha unwrapped it and held it out.
"I did a fine job, didn't I? And it looks like it would still fit him," said Mipha. "Speaking of that, I forgot to return his Champion tunic. But he plans to visit soon and I can give him both then. Now I want to visit Ruta and thank her."
"You look so happy, Mipha, it brings back fond memories," said King Dorephan. "Go and enjoy yourself. You're safe, and you're home now."
"Yes, it's wonderful to be home," said Mipha. "I have seen so much of Hyrule now, more than I ever expected. But there is nothing so beautiful as our domain."
It was a week later, and Princess Zelda and Link were preparing to leave Kakariko Village together. Zelda had her travel clothing back on and had taken time to get settled. And they had both spent time with Impa, thanking her for all she had done. They left the village by the west road and paused to look out at the beautiful view of Hyrule that stretched out before them, leaving their two horses to graze nearby.
"Although Ganon is gone for now, there is still so much more for us to do," said Zelda as she looked out across the beautiful but damaged landscape. "And so many painful memories that we must bear. I believe in my heart that if all of us work together we can restore Hyrule to its former glory. Perhaps…even beyond. But it all must start with us."
Zelda paused for a moment.
"I had a letter from King Dorephan," said Zelda. "He invited us both to Zora's Domain. I feel I owe King Dorephan an explanation of why they kept his daughter's survival a secret, and I hope he understands how necessary it was."
"I'm sure he will," said Link. "He has always been a reasonable person and knows you acted in the best interests of Hyrule."
"Oh, King Dorephan also wrote that Mipha had some important clothing she needed to give you," said Zelda.
"Oh, yes, of course," said Link. "Impa told me she gave Mipha my Champion tunic. In all the excitement of our victory, Mipha must have forgotten to return it to me."
"Yes, that's probably it," said Zelda. "Well, let's be off."
They made their way to their horses and began the journey to Zora's Domain.