Chapter 166 - Picturing History - Part 2
Summary: Link's daughter Mila interviews Revali as part of her project to write the last Hyrule invasion history. Purah, Robbie, and Lapha continue to investigate the Sheikah Slate found on Eventide Island.
It was a sunny mid-morning in Zora's Domain as Mipha returned to their room and knelt beside the slumber pool where Link was still sleeping. She looked down at him, his head gently floating above the water, and smiled. He looked so peaceful, and he had grown so accustomed to sleeping in water that he would joke that now he found a bed uncomfortable. But she knew he had done all that for her, starting from back when they first married. He was a wonderful husband, and she loved him so much.
"Good morning, sweetheart," said Mipha as she gently caressed Link's cheek. "I think you should get up now."
Link opened his eyes and blinked at the sunlight streaming into the room.
"Hi, sweetheart," said Link, reaching out and pulling their heads together for a kiss. "It feels like I slept late."
"It is rather late, but you got home pretty late last night too. I guess Astra's party and travel wore you out."
"Yes, that was part of the reason," said Link as he rubbed his eyes. "The party did break up pretty late. It was fun, though, and everyone sends their love. I guess I slept so late I missed the rest of the family this morning?"
"Everyone but Mila," said Mipha. "Lapha left early for the Royal Ancient Tech Lab. She got a message first thing this morning from Purah that they found some interesting pictures on the Sheikah Slate they retrieved from Eventide Island. They were making progress investigating it and could use her help. Midon left to work by the reservoir. Linky and family are still in North Hyrule. If you get up now, you might still catch Mila eating breakfast. She's planning to travel to Gerudo Town today to interview Chief Baleria. I know you like to offer advice before our children travel so far away."
"Yes, that's true, so I had better get up then," said Link as he got up and dressed.
When he and Mipha reached the dining table, Mila was just finishing a Hyrule Bass.
"Morning, Dad!" said Mila as they exchanged hugs, then everyone sat down. "It figures we're the last ones awake as we were the last ones asleep."
Just then, Mila's Tab went off.
"Oh, excuse me, it's a message from the Hyrule Royal Secretary," said Mila.
"Is everything okay?" Link asked after Mila finished reading it.
"It looks like there is a change of plans," said Mila. "Gerudo Chief Baleria submitted a very detailed report on the invasion, so there will be no need for me to interview her in person."
"That was very thoughtful of her," said Mipha.
"Yes, I notice the younger generation is more adept at using technology, entering information directly into their Tabs or Mabs," said Mila. "No offense, Dad."
"None was taken, sweetheart," laughed Link. "I admit I'm still old-fashioned. But, as you know, when I write for my journal, I worry that I'll do something wrong if I do it on my Tab and lose everything. So, I prefer to write the old-fashioned way, by hand."
"I'm teasing you," laughed Mila as she squeezed his hand. "It's fine. Anyway, they would like me to meet instead with Champion Revali this afternoon at the Flight Range by Rito Village. I can take public transportation there."
"Please be sure to keep warm, sweetheart," said Link. "The Flight Range is pretty cold, as I recall. You would think Revali would make things easier for you by flying here."
"I don't mind going there, Dad," said Mila. "With PAT's, the travel is easy, and I find people are more comfortable talking when they are in familiar surroundings."
"And some people have trouble talking no matter what their surroundings," teased Mipha with a smile at Link. "Especially about their feelings."
"Very funny," said Link as he shook his head. "But I suspect Revali would claim he's familiar with all of Hyrule, and he never seems to have any trouble talking about himself. Just stay safe and warm. And don't let him bully you."
"Don't worry, Dad. I'll just tell him how impressed you are of him," said Mila. "He'll be floating higher than Revali's Gale."
Mipha and Mila both laughed as Link shook his head again.
After Mila finished breakfast, she kissed everyone goodbye and then headed toward the nearest PAT stop to begin her journey. She would have to switch vehicles twice, so it would take until the early afternoon to reach the Flight Range. And since she was using public transportation, there was no need for a security guard to accompany her. Kendal was busy with his family today, anyway.
After cooking an omelet for breakfast, Link returned to the table and sat down with Mipha.
"Can you tell me anything further about the pictures Purah found?" Link asked. "That sounds interesting."
"Not really, except they are apparently quite old," said Mipha. "Once Lapha has a chance to see them, we can learn more."
"So, it's just the two of us together today?" said Link after swallowing a bite.
"Mm-hmm," smiled Mipha. "You can tell me all about Astra's party."
"Sweet," said Link as he smiled back at her. "I can use a relaxing day together with you here in the Domain."
"Think of it as if you're visiting me again, like you used to," said Mipha. "Only now you can say all the things I wanted you to back then."
Link laughed, reached out, and squeezed her hand.
"Are you still complaining about that after all this time? It all worked out in the end, sweetheart. And do you still remember all those visits?"
"Like it was yesterday," said Mipha. "Come, if you're done, let's go for a walk. You can tell me everything that happened at Hyrule Castle."
Meanwhile, Mila's PAT journey was uneventful, and it was a typical cold early afternoon in the Hebra Mountains as snowflakes floated past the Flight Range. Flames from two lit torches by the entranceway flickered in the breeze, and the whooshing sound of the strong updrafts that arose from the target area filled the air. Mila sat on a cushion beside a fire while Revali stood near the flight deck entrance and strode back and forth as he spoke. Over the years, Revali had insisted the Flight Range remain just as he had it first built. So, there were no modern amenities, and the small cooking fire was the only source of warmth.
Mila had explained she was there in her capacity as a historian to interview Revali about Rito involvement in the last Hyrule invasion. She had already met with her mother, Mipha, and Goron Champion Daruk and no longer needed to interview Gerudo Champion Baleria. Thus, Revali was the last Champion she would interview before concluding her research with some key Hyrule leaders. Given Revali's notorious ego, Mila had been anxious at first about his reaction to being the last Champion interviewed. But it turned out she needn't have worried.
"I can certainly understand why you would conduct my interview last of all the Champions, Princess Mila," said Revali as he paused walking and tilted his head as he cast her a sidelong glance. "No doubt you wished the benefit of my unique perspective on the matter and the chance for me to correct any errors or oversights from your earlier interviews."
"Yes, all that would be very helpful," said Mila with a smile.
It seemed there was no need for her to stroke Revali's ego, as Daruk had suggested. Revali was perfectly capable of stroking it himself.
"Excellent!" said Revali as he strode back and forth, waving his wings about. "As you doubtless already know, the Rito and I played the key role in repelling this invasion. We sent archers to the defense of Gerudo Town, or it would have most certainly fallen into enemy hands. That reminds me of how we Rito saved Gerudo Town once before. It was some years ago now when the Yiga Clan attacked. Did your father ever tell you about that? But I digress. We Rito also flew throughout Hyrule to determine which shrines were the source of these terrible monster attacks. And we Rito contained our enemies at the most distant shrines, even the Hia Miu Shrine in the far northwest, locations it would have been impossible for others to reach in time. So, yes, it is no exaggeration to say that without the Rito's help, the entire kingdom of Hyrule might well have fallen."
"Yes, the Rito's help certainly proved invaluable," said Mila. "With your permission, Master Revali, I have some specific questions I would like to go over with you."
Mila went through her list of prepared questions and noted Revali's responses. By the time she was done, it was late afternoon, and the sky was turning red.
"That was very helpful, Master Revali," said Mila. "I think I have all I need for now."
"Should you need more information, Princess Mila, I am happy to help," said Revali. "By the way, please remind your father that I still conduct archery classes here, and he could benefit from some additional tutelage."
"I will be sure to tell him," said Mila. "He has often spoken highly of you to his family and praised your unique combat ability."
"Yes, your father is quite an honest person," said Revali. "And very fortunate."
Revali paused for a moment as if thinking back, and Mila did not want to interrupt him.
"You know, over time, I came to better respect your father," said Revali finally. "At first, I thought he was more lucky than good. But eventually, I realized we had a good deal in common, he and I. We both pushed ourselves to the limit, worked hard, and trained long to be the best we could at what we do. Not everyone is willing to do that, to dedicate so much of their life to their training. In fact, very few are."
Revali paused again, then turned to Mila.
"It surprised me that the Zora people accepted him so readily, though."
"My father has always done his best to fit in with us and adopt our ways as best he could," said Mila. "He even sleeps in the water now. No doubt he did all that out of love for my mother and his family."
"Yes, no doubt," said Revali. "I do envy him that aspect of his life a bit. For me, my work has been my entire life, and it still is. But when you're the best, like I am, that can happen."
Revali paused yet again and stared silently out at the mountains as Mila wondered what he was thinking. But it was getting late.
"I need to return home before it's too late," said Mila finally. "Thank you again, Master Revali."
"Oh, yes, of course," said Revali as he emerged from his silent reverie. "Let me save you some time and fly you to the Tabantha Bridge Rest Area."
"If you don't mind, that will save me one leg of the trip," said Mila.
She climbed onto Revali's back and held on as Revali soared into the air and headed south.
"What a magnificent view!" said Mila as she admired the scenery from high above. "I guess you Rito take it for granted, though."
"We sometimes do, but I know we really shouldn't," said Revali. "Just as I'm sure there are underwater views that are also magnificent and that Zoras eventually take for granted. I guess we each have our unique perspective on Hyrule."
Revali landed gracefully, and Mila climbed down, then thanked him once again. With a nod, Revali soared back into the sky and flew north toward Rito Village. The silhouette of Divine Beast Vah Medoh was visible in the darkening sky as she watched him recede. Then she turned to the rest area and waited inside out of the chilly night air. Four Hylians were waiting as well, and it was only a short time before the next PAT arrived that began her journey back home. As she sat down and looked out the window, she thought her interview had been quite helpful. Now it only remained to meet with General Haston and perhaps Queen Zelda. She tabbed her parents she was on her way home.
Meanwhile, earlier that morning, Lapha had arrived by ferry at the Royal Ancient Tech Lab. She didn't mind working at the lab, though it had been difficult being shut in there during the entire length of the invasion. Purah was quite excited when she arrived.
"Ah, Princess Lapha, I'm glad you're here!" said Purah. "We're making some excellent progress analyzing the Sheikah Slate we recovered. Wait until you see all the pictures! We could use your help, though, as we cannot access some of them."
Purah led Lapha to where she had set up a screen, and Robbie, who was already sitting there, nodded hello.
"Let me start over from the beginning," said Purah as she began to scroll through the pictures. "We can take a quick look first and then go back and document what we see in detail."
"Yes, it's helpful to get an overview first," said Robbie.
"That's Hyrule Castle," said Lapha. "It looks smaller, though."
"Yes, there are quite a few locations we can identify, but the structures look quite different in some cases. Others we cannot tell the location. And you'll see there are some pictures of Sheikah technology that we have no idea what they might be."
They all began to look through the pictures one-by-one.
"That's Lanayru Road," said Purah. "It's amazing to see how it looked before all the deterioration."
There were pictures of the three sacred Springs of Courage, Power, and Wisdom. Then there were pictures of some locations they didn't recognize as well as some devices of unknown purpose. There was a picture of a massive temple with a collection of monks assembled before a giant statue of Hylia. One monk seemed to be addressing the group.
"This looks they are inside what we refer to now as the Forgotten Temple," said Robbie. "And there are over one hundred monks assembled here doing what looks like praying to Hylia."
"These could be the monks who volunteered to create the shrines, the trials for the hero," said Purah.
"Yes, that's possible," said Robbie.
They continued scrolling through the pictures.
"Here, it shows a group of people building a Sheikah Tower," said Robbie. "And this next picture shows them installing the terminal pedestal on the platform that ends up at the top of the tower. Look at the construction equipment, though! They had some impressive machinery back then."
"Yes, but there's something odd here," said Purah. "This picture shows the floor of the Sheikah Tower with three travel gates. But as far as I know, there is only one."
"Well, if I remember the building plans we recovered, there are three possible travel gates. They are initially sealed or covered," said Robbie. "Registering the Sheikah Slate at any one Sheikah Tower unseals one of the travel gates at all the towers, making that travel gate ready for activation at its own tower's terminal. Perhaps a specific travel gate is linked to a specific Sheikah Slate once it's registered."
"So, registering this Sheikah Slate, for example, could unseal a second travel gate at all the Sheikah Towers in Hyrule," said Purah. "I wonder if that's true?"
"Yes, and it's fine to continue to wonder for now," said Robbie. "We agreed we would not be interfacing this Sheikah Slate with anything until we fully explored its capabilities. It may unseal other things as well as travel gates on Sheikah Towers."
"Yes, of course," sighed Purah. "Let's keep looking at the pictures. If I remember, pictures of Divine Beast construction come next."
There were quite a few pictures of Divine Beast construction at various stages of completion.
"Look how shiny and new they look!" said Lapha. "My mother would love to see how Divine Beast Vah Ruta looked when it was brand new."
"Yes, we can share that with her," said Purah.
The later pictures showed Divine Beasts and Sheikah Towers all completed. But then, when they attempted to scroll beyond that, instead of an image, there was a message.
Please enter the passcode to continue.
"This is where the pictures we can access ends," said Purah. "We are hoping that perhaps reviewing the internal code can help you unlock whatever pictures come after this. They were sensitive enough for the Sheikah Slate user to hide them."
"I will certainly try," said Lapha. "If they used standard Hylian words as the passcode and I can determine the encryption process, then I can try to reverse it through trial and error. But if their passcode is completely random, it may be hopeless."
"Yes, I understand," said Purah. "Just do your best and don't feel you have to work night and day on it. There are other aspects of this Sheikah Slate we wish to investigate too. And we can go back and catalog the pictures we can identify in the meantime."
Meanwhile, in North Hyrule, Tila's and Linky's daughter Tara was sitting under a tree with Linky as Tila was away conferring with her sister Faray. Linky was holding Tara in his lap, and she was leaning her head against his chest. Then she looked up at him.
"Don't you miss your parents, Daddy?" Tara asked. "We've been here such a long time."
"Yes, I do, but Mommy needs to be here sometimes," said Linky. "We will be returning there soon."
"I would miss you and Mommy if I were away from you for so long," said Tara.
"Well, when you're smaller, that's normal," said Linky as he caressed her tail fin. "And we would never be apart from you that long, sweetheart. But when you're older and have a family of your own, you think more about your new family. You still love and miss your parents. They're just not your whole life anymore like they are when you're growing up."
Tara was quiet for a moment, then spoke up.
"Do you miss your brother and sisters?"
"Yes, but it's the same thing," said Linky. "I miss them, but it's different now. I have you and Mommy to love and care for."
"I think Aunt Lapha is especially nice to you," said Tara. "She's always asking if you're okay."
"I was the brother she played the most with growing up, and she always looked out for me when we were with her friends," said Linky. "I couldn't play in the water as well as they could. But I learned to swim pretty well for a Hylian."
Tara was quiet for a moment.
"I think having a little brother or sister would be fun," said Tara. "Can you talk to Mommy about it?"
"Yes, I certainly will," said Linky with a smile.
Tara leaned her head back down, closed her eyes, and soon dozed off to sleep. Linky gently kissed her on the forehead and hugged her. She was so adorable!