Though they took turns taking watch that night, neither Kass nor Link saw any sign of Kilton attempting to make good on his threat, for which both were grateful. The confrontation had left the duo feeling ill at ease, serving as a reminder of the all-but-lawless land in which they traveled.

It did not take long for previous night's concern to give way to the new day's task. Though he had already given his word, Kass was not eager to guide Link to the fairy whose help he required.

"I must be frank, Link," the Rito began as he shouldered the last of his belongings and the pair set out, "if I thought there was another way for you to reach Goron City, I would have you take it. Dorephan was not keen to share his knowledge of the Great Fairy with me, and if something troubles as great a Zora as he, it is not to be taken lightly."

"I have no intention of brushing aside Dorephan's caution, nor yours, my friend," Link said grimly as he buckled his sword belt across his chest. "If it is within my power to pay this fairy's price, I will. At the very least, I know the limits of her request. She cannot ask me for what I do not have."

"That is true," Kass said warningly, "but she can remind you of those things you treasure most."

"How could I need reminding of such things if I already treasure them?" Link asked dubiously.

"Simply because you will have never considered selling them," Kass softly answered. "That is the pain of the decision she will force upon you - for she knows the need of the seeker is great, and he or she comes prepared to give almost anything to see it fulfilled. It is the 'almost' she tests, and with a pleasure that, in its own way, is as cruel as a Ganonspawn's."

Link went silent at the Rito's poignant warning. What did he treasure that the fairy would desire? His sword? True, it was a stout blade, but one more or less easily replaced. Going weaponless until they reached the stable would be uncomfortable, even dangerous, but hardly heart-rending.

The Sheikah Slate? That payment would be harder to meet. Its map of Hyrule was more than useful to one who had forgotten it. More importantly, its ability to travel to the Sheikah's ancient shrines and towers would be of immense value as he rallied Hyrule for its ultimate assault against Ganon. Did he dare part with a tool left specifically to aid him in that regard?

Link's worried thoughts continued to circle as Kass led him across the eastern road and closer to Lake Akkala. Its tranquil surface lay far below, its northern shores ebbing against sheer walls of the higher land on which the companions now trod. The lower fens west of the lake, which lay in the overrun citadel's shadow, were as sodden as the Lanayru Wetlands to the southwest. To his alarm, Link glimpsed the sinuous metal legs and bell-shaped body of a Guardian slowly making its way along the swamp's edge before disappearing back into the early morning fog.

"We are not in danger so close to the citadel?" Link asked worriedly.

"Our vantage point makes them seem closer than they truly are," Kass reassured him. "Even if they were lucky enough to spot us at this distance, they would not find us before we reach the fairy's dwelling."

"Ganonspawn fear her that much?" Link asked, surprised.

"The Great Fairy Mija fosters life, even if it is her own interpretation of it," Kass explained. "Ganonspawn deal in nothing but death, and for that reason alone Mija is opposed to them. Given how powerful she is, I dare say Ganon's minions have great reason to fear her. It is best I say no more. We enter her forest even now."

Indeed, the Rito had no sooner spoken than the sun was blotted out by an alarmingly sudden treeline. One minute Link was surveying the lake and the land beyond, the next it was hidden by enormously twisted trees he did not recognize. Exotic flowers in full bloom hung on long vines extending from the leafy canopy, their scent heavy in the air and cloying in its thickness. Kass' feathers dampened almost immediately, while sweat sprung to life on Link's face and the back of his neck.

Link was about to remark on the abundance of life within the forest when he realized a flaw in his own observation: there was no trace of another living creature, human or animal, anywhere. Either that, or they were keeping themselves hidden. Link took comfort in neither possibility, for both increased his unease of whatever awaited him.

A blue-feathered wing reached out, recalling Link's attention to his now laboring companion.

"I… will go no farther, Link," Kass panted through the dense air. "Her abode lies not far in that direction. Go and ask. I will wait for you here."

Link looked in the direction Kass had signaled, then back at his friend.

"I do not fear this creature, but I would sooner have you at my side," Link said kindly. To his surprise, Kass vehemently shook his beak.

"I will not," the Rito breathed, albeit firmly. "As I said, I learned of this fairy's ways from Dorephan's own tale. He was too generous in sharing it with me. I say that because such a personally painful experience should never be known by another. I would not violate your own privacy, not in the way Mija will seek to expose it."

"What do you mean?" Link persisted, but even the question seemed difficult to ask. The air was almost stifling. His clothes felt drenched with sweat, and he wildly entertained the idea of removing them for whatever relief he could find. Maybe just my tunic?

Link shook his head. Had he voiced that sudden impulse? Feathers gripped his shoulders.

"Do not…" Kass rasped, "Do not yield, Link of Hyrule. Ask, then pay or leave."

"I won't," Link replied irritably. But why was he bothered by Kass to begin with? Because he's talking nonsense, the voice within snapped back. There's nothing to fear here, save this blasted heat. Surely I can remove my tunic…

Arguing with himself - it was himself, wasn't it? - Link started off again in the direction Kass had pointed. He looked back once. The Rito had knelt onto the moist forest floor, his beak pointed down toward the ground. He was either praying or sleeping. Fine. I don't need him anyway.

The way forward emphasized that sentiment. The trees had all but retreated, arching over an open path a blind man could have traversed with ease. Flowers of brilliant white and rich gold adorned their vines and trunks, while the floor itself was bedecked with autumn's richest offerings. Surely, this was the most beautiful place in all of Hyrule. I could stay here forever, Link thought. At least, he thought it was him.

Then the path opened onto a scene that made the previous seem a pittance. Dozens of sprites no bigger than Link's hand flitted about in lethargic beauty. Link could just make out heads, arms and legs outside their glow, but those were more than enough to hint at grace no mortal could ever achieve. Those not flying rested on open flowers or large leaves unfurled from the surrounding trees.

The small creatures seemed to show no surprise at his coming. Roughly a dozen floated near him, tinkling softly as they guided him forward. Link could almost understand them, but it was like trying to remember a dream already flown. His efforts to discern their words were distracted by his destination, which could only be what lay at the grove's center.

From a bed of oversized fronds rose an enormous flower bud the size of a house. Its green petals, still tightly closed, were adorned with large red thorns that appeared as sharp as any spear. Mushrooms far larger than normal formed a stairway up to the top of an immense toadstool. The entire setting was, in its own wild way, as grandiose as any audience chamber.

Link allowed the fairies to guide him up the mushroom rise. Then the sprites dispersed to the edge of the grove, as though eager for a full view of what was about to transpire.

The bud shuddered. From within both it and Link's mind sounded a female voice.

"Sweet boy."

The words did not matter to Link nearly as much as their tone, which was low and longing. She sounded as though she were on the verge of something wonderful, and Link found himself wanting desperately to help her find it.

"Do you come to my spring in hopes of remaining? Do you wish to be at my side until time itself is spent and all that remains is our… legacy?"

Link's blood burned, and he very nearly cried out "yes" to satisfy the voice as only he could. Surely no other could perform such a duty as he.

"Do not yield, Link of Hyrule."

Kass' words fought to penetrate the thick fog that wrapped Link's mind. Part of him - most of him - wanted to swat them away like the annoying bitemes they were. It is a miracle there are no insects in this place, Link thought waspishly. I should take off my tunic.

The sprites observing from the edge of the glade fluttered slightly upon seeing Link unbuckle his sword belt. He did not even look when the sheathed blade and belt clattered to the leafy floor. His hands reached for the collar of his tunic… and grasped the Zora scale pendant resting just beneath.

Like a bucket of ice water, a cold washed over Link and left him shivering in the previously stifling copse. The sweat beading his body left immediately, and he was suddenly very aware of the question that had now been hanging in the air for moments.

"No, I have not," Link declared loudly, if still somewhat shaken. He pulled his hands away from his collar, and the sprites around him seemed to wilt in disappointment. "I come to ask for help, if it can be given."

The flower bud shuddered again, then opened. Magnificent petals revealed bright blue interiors edged in gold. Pistils of gold emitted a soft dust of the same color, and Link could feel the powder try to submerge his mind in thoughtless pleasure once more.

That was nothing, however, to the creature that emerged from the bud's center. She was large, larger even than a fully grown Zora. Jewels formed her only garments, and they scarcely served as that much. Clusters of tear-shaped diamonds left the minimum of her ample breasts and curved waist to the imagination. Her hair spilled over her naked back in waves of vibrant purple, matched only by paint of the same color on her lips and equally strong turquoise on her eyelids.

Link felt his skin flush and blood race at the sight of her, and he once again grasped Mipha's pendant to focus on the task at hand. Oddly enough, the fairy seemed to note the gesture and interpret its intention.

"A pity," Mija replied with a sultry pout. "You are small, but strong. Young. Healthy. Vigorous. I would have enjoyed you - and you me, to be sure."

"I do not come for enjoyment, fairy!" Link shouted, as much to himself as at her. He was not sure what was worse - that she was praising him as a farmer would his stock or that whatever spell she was trying to cast was making him enjoy it. "I need the means to survive Death Mountain's fire as well as any Goron! Can you provide it?"

"So quickly to business?" Mija asked, as she tilted her head. Then her painted eyes widened, enhancing the alluring effect of her gaze. "Aaahh, I see. So you come to us again, do you, Link of Hyrule? Does Ganon's shadow truly enshroud us once more?"

"What do you mean, again?" Link demanded. "I have no memory of you or any fairy."

"So you don't," Mija agreed as she closed her eyes. "Mmm...no memory of me or much else. My, but this one of you with the Zora girl is a tasty morsel…"

Link was sorely tempted to retrieve his sword from the ground, but was loath to incite this creature's wrath. If she could see his mind, what else was she capable of doing at her leisure? Link stamped down the part of him that clamored to find out.

"What does this have to do with why I have come?" he challenged. Mija, who had been licking her lips as though savoring whatever she was seeing, abruptly opened her eyes.

"Why, everything," the fairy returned languorously. "Even had you all your memories, you would recall nothing of me. No, I refer to your previous incarnations, Hero of Hyrule. Always, you have sought my people's help when evil manifest nears its return. Why, once one of my little sisters even accompanied you. That was long ago."

Mija closed her eyes once more and bit her lip.

"On one of your sojourns you were especially forthcoming to a sister of mine," she breathed, her lips parting as though in anticipation. "How I wish I had been her."

"Enough!" Link gasped. The fingers of his right hand were now firmly wrapped around the silver pendant, exacting every ounce of will they could to combat the fever threatening to overcome him. "I care not for ages past nor their actions! Help me ascend Death Mountain, or I will seek another way!"

Mija's vivid eyes opened once more, and her painted lips slowly spread into a smile.

"Oh, there is no other way," the fairy crooned. "You discovered other means to scale Dinraal's domain in the past, true, but those were temporary, long since destroyed. No, I am afraid I am your only path this time, Link of Hyrule. But worry not. I will supply you with what you need. I would sooner see you made a woman than see Ganon triumphant."

"Thank you," Link sighed, relieved for more than one reason. Mija's eyes had turned a vivid shade of red upon mentioning Ganon. Clearly, she was on his side, if only after a fashion.

"Not so fast, little hero," Mija laughed. "We have yet to discuss the matter of payment. I am sure Dorephan told you, my gifts are hardly free."

"Dorephan told me nothing," Link said cautiously. Whatever indignity he must suffer at the hands of this creature, he would not let it taint his friends.

"Didn't he?" the fairy said lightly, as though amused. "Perhaps he was embarrassed. I don't know why he would be. Any father would want his daughter returned to her, I would think."

Link's breath caught, his neck tightening with rage at this imp so callously referencing Mipha's death. His hand gripped the silver pendant until his knuckles were white.

"You would take advantage of him, knowing what he lost?" Link demanded. "Mipha died trying to stop the very thing you yourself claim to oppose."

"On the contrary," Mija corrected him, tilting her head as though confused by Link's anger, "I thought I was rather generous with my counteroffer. Dorephan wanted his daughter returned to him. I simply asked for his son in exchange."

Link's vision swam, rage nearly robbing him of his senses. The fairy's smile seemed to deepen, as though she found amusement in Link's fury. Mija was no longer intoxicating. She was revolting.

"How could you possibly confuse cruelty for generosity?" Link rasped.

"Cruel?" Mija repeated innocently. "I offered him Mipha's life without exacting that of Sidon. He would live, you see - with me, of course."

The fairy's gaze shifted away from Link, gazing afar at something only she could see.

"I knew the strong bull he would become," she said caressingly. "It would have been magnificent. He would have been magnificent, and, of course, I would reward him thoroughly with my own… gifts."

The fairy's falsely embarrassed laugh only emphasized her barely restrained bosom, but this time Link's blood ran cold. Kass' warning rang clearly in his memory.

"... she knows the need of the seeker is great, and he or she comes prepared to give almost anything to see it fulfilled. It is the 'almost' she tests, and with a pleasure that, in its own way, is as cruel as a Ganonspawn's."

Mija's eyes immediately refocused on Link. They were longer seductive. Anger creased their corners, and red began swirling within the dark irises.

"That is twice you have dubbed me cruel in my presence," Mija said coldly. "Take care that you do not insult me again, else I may add your Rito friend's life to the balance of your request."

Link swallowed hard as he tried desperately to clear his mind. Half-formed thoughts of fear regarding Mija's omniscience were the last to be pushed away, and only just at that.

"Much better," the fairy said approvingly. "You cannot expect to ask favors and offer insults at the same time. It's rude."

Link said nothing and did his best to think as much. Mija almost looked disappointed.

"As I said, it is a pity," the fairy observed petulantly. "I can only assume it is a fault of the spirit, for you have always been this way, hero of Hyrule. Very well. As I said, I will grant you the magical means to withstand Death Mountain's wrath - for a fee."

"And what fee is that?" Link asked warily.

"Oh, something that lies near and dear to your heart," Mija said gaily. "Very near your heart. Nearly on top of it, actually."

At first, Link did not understand. "Near my heart?" he murmured as his hand wandered to his chest… and rediscovered the pendant.

"No!" Link snarled, his rage rekindled to a blind inferno. "Even you would not be so harsh as to demand this for payment - as if you truly wanted it to begin with!"

"Ah, but I do," Mija replied lazily. "The magical scale of one of Hylia's servants? Such a prize is highly desirable, and short in supply, I might add. Surely a mere object is but a candle to Hyrule's survival?"

"I could ask the same of you," Link returned desperately. "Would you exact this from me knowing what I face and the consequences if I fail? You know why this was made and how it came to me."

"I know more of it than that," Mija said smugly. "Did Dorephan truly not tell you? Or perhaps he did not know?"

"Enough riddles!" Link roared. How could this creature make light of the sacrifice she asked of him? "Why do you want the scale?"

"Temper, temper," Mija tisked, albeit with a small flare of red briefly appearing in her eyes. "I am surprised you have not realized its value within these last few moments. Surely you noticed my… influence lessened the moment you touched the pendant?"

Link's jaw hung agape, wondering at what now seemed obvious. He recalled the wounds he suffered aboard Vah Ruta — and how quickly they had improved overnight. Link's fingers convulsed against the pendant as though to ward off any attempt Mija might use to further prove her point.

"Mipha's scale… protects me?"

"Heals would be the more appropriate term," the fairy corrected him. "That was her gift, after all. She was quite skilled, particularly for a mortal. I must admit she was at least part of the reason so few came to see me in those days. People simply won't pay for what they can have for free, not knowing they miss out on knowing themselves better than they otherwise would."

"I already know what this means to me," Link said quietly. "Yet you demand it just the same."

"Because it is the very thing you are unwilling to pay," Mija said simply. For the first time, Link felt she was not toying or flirting with him. The dark-lashed eyes gazed at him with sad honesty. "By bringing such things to the attention of those who come to me, I help them see their own sickness. All too often they assume to gain much while giving little in return."

Have I not given enough already? Link thought desperately. He was not completely surprised when the fairy answered his unspoken plea.

"Like so many in this world, you feel only you can accurately measure your sacrifices," Mija said disapprovingly, her arms now crossed under her ample bosom. "In truth, you are the least qualified to do so. So you tell me, hero of Hyrule - is the trinket of a dead girl worth restoring the kingdom she died to save?"

Link's hand was still clenched, the pendant now warm against his palm. In a very real way, it had become part of him in the short time since acquiring it. The token of Mipha's love, of her desire to marry him, had restored one of the most precious parts of his past. More than that, even. As a means of healing him from sword and spell alike, it was as if Mipha had found a way, even in death, to extend her healing hands to him once more.

Now, to be asked to pawn it away so soon after gaining it…

"I… I need time," Link swallowed, pushing down the rising bile in his throat.

"A maybe is worse than the answer you must ultimately give," Mija said knowingly. "It extends hope's withering flower for but a little while, and its passing is all the uglier for it. Take your time, hero, but know that my price will not change."

"I… I understand," Link nodded. His voice did not feel like his own. His heart was stone.

"Very well," Mija said as she gazed one last time upon her audience, though what she considered Link neither knew nor cared. "Return here when you are ready - if that moment comes."

The great fairy of Akkala began to fade, as did her flower abode. The pixies also dissolved, until the last of their small lights winked out. The trees darkened, their flowers shriveling in a trice even as they fell to the ground. Several fell on Link's bowed head, which shook with the strength of his silent weeping.