They had spent a week in Kakariko, as intended. Zelda had found it to be very enjoyable connecting with the townsfolk. The task wasn't too difficult, for Link had already made good connections during his journey, that fact made the process of people warming to her quicker. She learned of the unfortunate past of one of Impa's guards, Dorian, and she had met the lively personalities of his two children. She had come to learn some details about Paya over the course of the week as she seemed to become more accepting of her presence. The village brought hope that Hyrule could be rebuilt, the spirit of the people was unbreakable after a century of hardship and now that she was welcomed by the newer generation, she was certain that if she reclaimed the throne, she wouldn't be despised as she had initially feared.
However, they were currently travelling to Zora's Domain, Zelda wondered if the place had changed all that much, and how many new faces she would be greeted by. They had been already travelling for well over a day at this point, the terrain was harder to traverse in these times due to the paths not being well looked after. There were multiple holes and patches of overgrowth which slowed down progress much to her annoyance. She checked the Sheikah Slate once again, the image of Vah Ruta was still missing, it puzzled her as to why it had just vanished, she was aware that the travel points had deactivated, which seemed to be a universal thing, but for the entire icon to just disappear without reason was absurd.
Nonetheless, she was excited to explore the issue and furthermore, meet the Zora. Part of her was anxious about her arrival, Link had explained of how unwelcoming they had been towards him, they had originally blamed him for the death of Mipha, which she found more than upsetting. Mipha had been Link's childhood friend, and the entire Domain had shunned him and placed all the blame onto his shoulders, she didn't want such a weight to be passed onto her, she was more to blame considering it was her who recruited her as a Champion. "We should be coming up to Inogo bridge if we continue straight on at the next crossroads." She frowned at his knowledge of the kingdom. "How did you know that? You don't even have the Sheikah Slate." He seemed rather confused by her comment at first before he began to explain as to why he had such good knowledge of the map. "During my journey, after I arrived at a new tower, I would make sure to memorise as much of the map as I could. That way I could determine which routes were safest, and where I could use the terrain to my advantages against enemies, it just so happened that most of the place names stuck with me." She nodded at his reasonable explanation, he was clever about how he went about things, though it had increased the amount of time it took for him to defeat Ganon, she was grateful that he took his time rather than blindly rushing into things and risking his life.
Sure enough, they came to a split in the road and continued straight ahead before arriving at the bridge which Link had stated earlier. It was a fine work of Zora architecture, it was primarily built using luminous stone like the rest of Zora's Domain. The path seemed rather dangerous, it was littered with enemies, for that reason Link had rode in front of her whilst firing arrows at the foul creatures, allowing Zelda to pass safely through, out of harms way. At times, she wished that she could wield a sword or fire arrows from a bow, it would prove to be quite a useful skill. Even though Ganon was defeated, there was still the pressing threat of the Yiga and the various monsters that inhabited Hyrule. The pathway to the homeland of the Zora snaked around the terrain, there were multiple points where bridges crossed over large bodies of water, one such bridge stood out for its magnitude, Luto's crossing. The structure gave off an eternal glow, a property which had been inhabited from the gems that were used to construct the magnificent work of art. From that point, their journey didn't take much longer, Zelda could see their destination upon passing Ruto Mountain.
A short while later they stopped just in front of the Great Zora Bridge and dismounted their horses. They tied them to a tree nearby before beginning to cross the rather intriguing structure. It had arches which were dotted along the entire bridge, the sight was mesmerising. "It's so beautiful.." She whispered gently, she had forgotten just how captivating the entire area was, she had been too stressed in her youth to appreciate the sheer beauty of Hyrule. "Isn't it?" Link responded as they kept travelling. They were about halfway across when Zelda heard a splash somewhere below them, she looked up as a flash of red appeared, at first she was nervous that it could be a Yiga Clan soldier, however such was not the case.
Instead, the prideful figure of the Zora Prince stood in front of them. "Sidon?" She almost laughed with an overwhelming sense of joy. The Zora turned around to face them, a wide grin resting on his face, the same one he smiled a century ago. "It is good to meet you once again, Princess." He responded as he approached them. "I must commend you both for your victory, though I always knew you two were capable of succeeding. From the moment Link first arrived, I knew there was hope yet." Zelda smiled softly at the Zora's praise, it sparked hope that the people of the Domain would accept her after all. The trio walked in tandem towards the Domain, Zelda noticed that there was now a large statue which marked as the centre piece, it was a construction of the late Princess, Mipha, she had been captured so well, the Zora certainly had a good memory if they could recreate the figure so perfectly.
"What brings you two here?" Sidon asked after some time. "I noted that there seems to be a problem with Vah Ruta, so I suggested that we come and take a look. I also figured I should visit all the major towns and cities in Hyrule to put my mind to rest of the well being of my people." Sidon gave her another grin as they entered the plaza. "Well, I would love to stay and chat but I have some errands to run, do feel free to make yourselves at home, we're happy to accommodate you in any way we can." Zelda nodded at his friendly offer before watching him dive off the side of the Domain. "He's certainly a good candidate to lead the Zora next." She commented before glancing at Link. "I agree, as far as I can tell, he always puts the Zora before himself." The two began to explore the Domain, Zelda made it her goal to first meet the King, Dorephan. They ascended the arced stairs as the gentle rushing of water filled the air.
They entered the throne room, the floor of which had a soft layer of water which soaked Zelda's boots. "Ah, Princess Zelda. It is a pleasure." Zelda smiled up at the large figure. In the past, Dorephan had been significantly smaller, she was aware that the Royal Family of the Zora had unique genes which prevented their growth from ever stopping, such a truth was still present in the appearance of Dorephan. "As is it a pleasure to meet you too, King Dorephan." She curtsied in front of the large Zora before gazing up at the wise old figure. "If I may, would you mind if I discussed what happened to Mipha?" She saw a pained look shoot across the King's face for a brief moment before he nodded. "Any information about my daughter is always welcomed." He boomed before shifting himself in his seat. "Well, I wish to inform you that her spirit is finally at rest. She lived on in Vah Ruta for a number of years, and assisted Link by passing her healing powers onto him. Whilst we were visiting the castle, we saw her spirit fade, along with the rest of the Champions and my Father."
The King nodded quietly, seemingly glad to hear that Mipha was of assistance and that she could finally rest peacefully. "Your Father was a strong man, Zelda. And though I am aware that his methods of raising you weren't the best, he dearly loved you. I recall many visits from my dear friend where he told me his struggles of being your father. Eventually, he decided it was best to be your King, rather than your Father. It was a tough decision, but it was the only thing he ever knew." Zelda nodded softly, she didn't expect to hear about her own Father in return, but she appreciated it. "Link actually presented his diary to me, I saw his struggles for myself, I just wished that I had been kinder towards him, I was too selfish to see how hard this all was on him." Dorephan glanced at Link, a smile resting on his face. "You decided it was best to go snooping around and finding diaries, did you?" Zelda turned to face Link, who's face held a look of embarrassment on it. "I'm afraid so, your highness." The King chuckled softly before nodding, "Knowledge is power, remember that." Link nodded before Zelda turned to face the King. She opened her mouth to speak before hearing a somewhat familiar voice behind her.
"If it isn't the Princess herself." She turned around to face Muzu, she recognised the shape of his head from the last time she was here. He seemed shorter now, and he seemed to have trouble with his back. "Muzu, it is lovely to see you again." She could see conflicted emotions in the Zora's eyes, but he seemed to keep his wishes at bay in place of better judgement. "Likewise, it is good to see you in good health." She gave him a soft smile before nodding. "Dorephan, is it alright if I take some of the children to the various stone tablets surrounding the area, I believe it is good if they learn of their heritage." The King nodded at his request and Muzu promptly left. "Well, I believe you two have better things to be doing for now, it was nice talking to you, Princess." The King seemed tired, which was most likely why he seemed to be in a hurry to send them off. "It was nice, yes. I hope to meet with you again soon." The King gave her a smile before seemingly falling asleep. "He does that often, we'd better get going." Link explained to her, with a soft nod she turned and led the way out of the large room, her boots once again being soaked by the water on the surface of the floor.
After a short journey through the mountains, they arrived at the deactivated Divine Beast. It was odd to see it in this form, it was always lit up in one way or another, whether plagued by malice or proudly donning its blue lights, signalling the work of the Sheikah. It was rather cold up here, though Link was well accustomed to harsher weather, that the cold barely even bothered him, though he could tell that Zelda was somewhat annoyed by the chill. He removed his tunic, leaving his plain white vest on as he handed the clothing to Zelda for her to use for warmth. She gratefully accepted it before putting it on, seemingly satisfied with the warmth it brought.
"The entrance is a little of the ground, I'll jump up and pull myself up before assisting you." She had her arms wrapped around her as she spoke. "Do what you must." She commanded before he approached the machine. He hopped up before latching onto the ledge using his hands, he slowly heaved himself up onto the platform before turning around and laying down on his front, extending his arm down to help Zelda up. She reached up and took hold of his hand, she kicked her feet off the ground and he began hauling her up onto the Beast. His arm ached slightly from supporting her weight, but he pushed through and eventually got her up onto the platform. They both got to their feet and brushed themselves off before looking around themselves.
"Let's head inside." Zelda instructed, and with that they entered the first room of the Divine Beast. "So, I assume there may be a problem with the main terminal, we should most likely go and check it out." Link nodded at her suggestion before they walked into the terminal room. It served as an arena for Link to combat the Blight which infected the structure in the past, now it was simply a large, open room which was extremely dull now. Zelda approached the terminal, and Link followed her to watch. She pressed the device up to the pedestal, and upon contact the device beeped and a message appeared on the screen. 'Opening sealed chamber.' Link and Zelda exchanged confused glances before the sound of scraping could be heard to their right. They turned to face the origin point of the sound, witnessing a receding slab of concrete which revealed a stairway which descended into the belly of the beast.
It seemed to be dark down there, so Link went to grab a torch before setting it alight and making his way to the stairs. He felt Zelda's hand on his arm. "Be careful, we don't what's down there." She paid heed to her warning and carefully made his way down inside. Their footsteps echoed through what appeared to be a large hallway. The only light which was present was the illumination from a blue box at the end of a corridor, inside the box sat a Sheikah Monk. "What is that?" Zelda whispered, bewildered. Link made his way towards the box as he explained what it was that they were looking at. "The monks seemed to have found a way to trap their bodies in stasis inside of each of the shrines, they are the Sheikah from 10,000 years ago. Most of them faded moments after being revealed to the air, I don't know if that's a result of breaching their stasis or if it was their will to fade away since their purpose was fulfilled." Judging by the look on Zelda's face, she was more than confused, further explanation would likely be needed later that day.
Zelda stayed back as Link ascended the small steps up to the box which contained the slumbering monk. He tenaciously reached out and tapped the eye of the Sheikah, feeling the familiar cold at his fingertips before the box shattered, and the voice of the monk filled the room.
"I am Vah Ruta, the ancient monk which guards this Divine Beast. I acknowledge that the two of you have successfully vanquished the Calamity, however your destinies are not yet fulfilled in the eyes of the goddess Hylia. I was forced to make the structure of Vah Ruta to seem deactivated in order to attract your attention here. There is another threat to the future of Hyrule, one which looms beneath our feet. Go to the other Divine Beasts and locate the other monks. They will reveal more of the task which you must go through. May the goddess smile upon you.." The monk began to fade away into embers of green, the room was then lit up by various torches which illuminated the room.
Link glanced at Zelda, unsure of what information they had just gotten, what was the next task that they had to undergo, and which threat loomed beneath their feet? Zelda shrugged without a word passing between them. "I don't see what the monk was referring to, the prophecy only stated that the sure signs of a resurrection of Calamity Ganon were clear." She stated quietly, Link silently recalled the King explaining the prophecy. "Wait a minute.." He paused and looked at Zelda. "The power to oppose it, lies dormant beneath the ground." Zelda nodded, seemingly unsure of what he was getting at. "Yes, that prophesied the Guardians and Divine Beasts." Link shook his head, theorising and recounting facts he had come to know. "But what if that isn't what the prophecy referred to. I mean, when that prophecy was created 10,000 years ago, the Guardians, nor the Divine Beasts, were buried beneath the ground. Maybe this threat is the reason why Ganon is reborn time and time again, perhaps we simply need to destroy it?" Link hoped that Zelda would put her current knowledge behind her and at least humour his theory, it couldn't be confirmed, but it seemed to make sense, to Link at least.
"Maybe there is truth in your words, but we will need to do as the monk commands for the time being." Link smiled lightly before giving Zelda a nod. "Now let's get out of here, it's getting colder and I'd rather return to the warmth of the Domain." Link chuckled at her words before complying with her request, making his way over to the stairwell. "How many tunics are you going to need?" He turned around and rested his hand on the wall for a moment. She hummed for a few moments as she paused. "I'd reckon at least 15." She giggled before making her way towards them, and with that the two promptly exited the Divine Beast, signalling the beginning of the end.