Note: Sorry for the late post, got caught up with online exams and forgot to post over the weekend. I'm posting two chapters to make up for it, hope you enjoy!
CHAPTER 7: New Purpose
Zelda had warped to the side entrance of Vah Ruta which sat just above water level. By the time she rematerialized, Sidon and Mipha had made it to the deck and Link climbed off of Sidon's back, who offered to carry him over. The group followed Zelda as she went to the main terminal. She had found out from Mipha that control over the divine beast was lost, but it had gradually come to a halt. Ever since the defeat of Ganon, it seemed as if Vah Ruta was shutting down and Mipha could no longer control it. The Sheikah Slate did not make any difference either but it did report signs of malice within the internal components. However, Zelda was at a loss as to how she could cleanse the beast. If she could not see her target, she could not accurately remove the malice, and her power wasn't nearly strong enough to enshroud the entirety of Vah Ruta's enormous size. They were all sitting on the entry deck discussing their solutions, Link had suggested getting fresh air to think it over.
"But how exactly are we supposed to cleanse Vah Ruta if I can't locate the malice specifically?" Zelda asked just as much to the Goddesses as she asked the other three.
"I'm not entirely sure, maybe you could try harnessing your power in a different way? When you first used your power, what did you think about?" Mipha asked.
Her response immediately came to mind, to protect Link, but instead she said, "To protect the people of Hyrule."
Mipha didn't say anything afterwards and got lost in her thoughts as well. Sidon had quietly fallen asleep on the side of Vah Ruta, much like his father, he was unfamiliar with the Sheikah Tech and had already offered up all of his suggestions. Link decided that maybe a meal would help them think it over, it certainly helped him think things over when he was cooking. "I'll catch us something to eat." He said but neither of the women replied.
Link started a fire before began to take off his tunic, undershirt and boots, were it him alone he would have removed his pants as well but that was too improper in front of the Princesses. So he settled for at least keeping his tunic and boots dry. Unbeknownst to him, Mipha had been staring at his toned chest. He was lean but there was clearly enough muscle on him visible. Mipha started to blush as her eyes ran over the taut muscle but as her eyes fell upon his various scars, a few of which she had healed herself, an idea formed in her head. Link leapt into the water swimming after a few of the fish that swam near the surface.
"Princess, a long time ago I began to tell you what I thought about when I used my powers. When I'm healing, it helps me to think of… of those whom I care about. But more particularly I think about restoration rather than protection. Have you tried maybe thinking in that way when you use your powers?"
Could it really be that simple, Zelda thought, "No, I have not but it would be worth a shot, perhaps Vah Ruta really is a creature that needs healing."
They were startled as Link splashed out of the water with three Hyrulian Bass and a childish grin on his face. He crouched over the fire and began to cook the fish doing his best to at least season them without a cooking pot. They eat ate their meals in silence, Link eating as if he hadn't eaten in years while the Princesses ate with a bit more sophistication. Or as best as they could manage with skewered fish. After their meals, they returned inside the beast with renewed motivation.
They approached the main terminal and Zelda laid a hand above the center. She tried to think over the suggestion Mipha had given her, less as if she was protecting the beast and more like she tried to heal it. Closing her eyes, she called forth her power and tendrils of golden light began to flow into the terminal. The gold light began to replace the blue glow that covered the terminal and eventually spread to the rest of the chamber. The gold light then faded, being replaced once again by the normal blue of Vah Ruta and Zelda opened her eyes once again. Mipha stepped forward and asked "Did it work?"
But before Zelda could look at the at the Sheikah Slate Vah Ruta began to rumble beneath their feet. Almost instantly, Sidon, who had been woken up from his nap, was in the doorway trying to figure out what was going on. Vah Ruta stopped once it was facing in the North Western Direction and the Sheikah Slates chime rang through the chamber.A notification appeared on the screen that simply said Vah Ruta positioning complete. 1/4 Divine Beasts remain for access. Zelda's brow furrowed as she read the notification out loud, confused as to what it might mean. Sidon was still trying to wake up but none of the 3 could come up with an answer.
"I suppose this means you'll have to investigate the other 3 divine beasts anyways." Mipha said.
"Yes, the Divine Beasts have yet to complete their tasks it seems." Replied Zelda
"When do you plan to leave the domain?" It was Sidon this time who asked.
Zelda looked over to Link who only smiled and offered her a trusting glance, "I guess taking a break for a day wouldn't cause any setbacks. She smiled back.
Sidon was practically already planning out their day, "Link could take up that sparring match with Mipha after all" his smile a tad bit more mischievous than usual.
Link was unreadable as ever but Mipha shied away from the thought and changed the subject by suggesting they head back to the domain for the day since it was almost sundown. Concluding it had been a successful day, Zelda agreed and led them back to the entrance of Vah Ruta. A day to relax wouldn't be bad, she could maybe learn a thing or two from Mipha who clearly had some ideas as to how to use her powers.