Chapter 42 - Progress

Summary: After a breakfast meeting with Zelda, Purah visits Robbie at the Forgotten Temple to check on his progress. The threat of the Yiga Clan requires more security at Zora's Domain.

The early morning sky was a blanket of grey clouds as Chief Scientist Purah sat hunched over a cluttered work table in the Royal Ancient Tech Lab, diligently recording her latest measurements. Suddenly, a series of sharp beeps filled the room, causing her to jump and quickly retrieve her Sheikah Slate to silence the alarm.

"Uh oh! Time to go," she sighed as she put away her notes and made her way to the door, nodding to the two guards stationed outside before locking it behind her.

As she stepped out into the brisk air, Purah could feel a slight breeze rustling through the trees as she hurried along the path toward the Moat Bridge. Crossing it easily, she continued towards the castle for her breakfast meeting with Queen Zelda. The guards recognized her and admitted her with a friendly greeting, and she easily navigated her way through the halls until she reached the small family dining room where Zelda was already waiting.

"Good morning! I hope I haven't kept you waiting, Your Majesty," greeted Purah as she sat at the table.

"Good morning. No, I only just came down," replied Zelda with a warm smile. "Please help yourself to the eggs and tea."

As they ate their breakfast, Purah eagerly shared her progress with her experiments on age reduction and discussed some of the challenges she faced in her research. However, Zelda's attention seemed to wane, and Purah could tell she was losing her.

"I sense you must be more intrigued by the work at the Forgotten Temple," said Purah as they finished eating.

"Forgive me, I suppose I am," sighed Zelda apologetically. "I know your research is crucial and may prove invaluable for our future. But I find it difficult to follow all the technicalities and calculations you describe. I hope I haven't offended you."

Purah shook her head and smiled reassuringly. "Not at all, Your Majesty. I got too deep into the details and should have kept my discussion to a higher level."

"Can I pour you some more tea?" asked Zelda, filling Purah's cup before refilling her own. "I absolutely love this tea you gave me last month. It always gives me a mental boost and makes me feel invigorated afterward."

"I receive regular shipments from my sister Impa in Kakariko Village," answered Purah. "I will be sure to bring you more. We Sheikah highly value it for its ability to improve mental acuity and physical health. Robbie and I both drink it regularly."

Zelda chuckled, "I can see why, with all the complex research that you both do! But speaking of Robbie and the Forgotten Temple, if it's not too much trouble, I would like for you to check on his progress."

"I can do that immediately after we are finished here," assured Purah. "I am curious myself about what, if anything, he's found."

"And I will send two of my Royal Guards to accompany you," added Zelda.

Purah raised an eyebrow, sounding slightly hesitant. "Do you think that is necessary? I am perfectly capable of protecting myself."

"I know that Purah," replied Zelda softly. "But I still believe it is necessary. I received word from Gerudo Chief Ryla that the Yiga Clan may be resurfacing, which is news I have shared with the other rulers and our guards. That is why they insist I not personally visit the temple, as much as I would like to, and I want you to have some protection during your travels."

"Of course, if that is what you wish," agreed Purah.

"My cheeks still flush when I think back to a conversation with Link about staying safe," said Zelda, pausing to take another sip of her tea before continuing. "Link was typically very quiet and respectful of my royal status. But in this instance, he spoke to me like a concerned parent talking to a disobedient child."

"Really?" said Purah after taking another sip of her tea.

"Royal Guards are only useful if you let them guard you, Zelda," Link said earnestly. "I don't want to lose sleep worrying you might wander off alone someday like you did in the Gerudo Desert. I had nightmares over that incident. I know you're not helpless, but you can be taken by surprise before you have a chance to react. So, promise me you won't travel alone. Do you understand me, Zelda?"

"My heart raced, and my face flushed, I was so surprised by his stern tone. "Yes, Link," I stuttered in response, "I understand, and I promise."

"That behavior is indeed very unlike Link," Purah commented, her voice filled with understanding. "But it shows how much he cares about you."

And so later that morning, Purah felt the crisp breeze that swept through the Tanagar Canyon, carrying a chill from the nearby Tabantha Snowfield. She pulled her cloak tighter around her as she made her way to the entrance of the Forgotten Temple. Flanked by two Royal Guards, she couldn't help but shiver slightly in the cold air.

"Whew! That wind was colder than I expected," exclaimed Purah upon reaching the temple entrance as she rubbed her hands together for warmth. Pausing for a moment, she surveyed her surroundings.

The once desolate and abandoned structure now buzzed with activity as dedicated workers tirelessly labored to clear away centuries' worth of debris and neglect. The sound of hammers smashing stone echoed off the temple walls as they worked to uncover possible secrets within the ancient structure.

Purah turned to the two guards, "I should be fine now that I'm safely inside the temple. I need to talk privately with Dr. Robbie when I find him."

One of the guards responded dutifully, "Our orders are to protect you throughout your travels, Dr. Purah. We will stay close but give you space when needed."

Purah sighed, understanding their commitment to their duty. She had accepted the guards' presence to ease Zelda's mind. However, people often forget that she was not just a scientist but also a Sheikah. Growing up, she and her sister studied the ancient Sheikah arts and trained in their use. They were both capable of defending themselves if needed.

After a long walk past dormant Guardians and busy workers, Purah reached the archway at the back of the temple and finally spotted Robbie, his back turned to her as he surveyed the scene before him.

"There he is," Purah said to her guards, nodding toward Robbie's location. "Now I need a private word with him."

"We'll watch you from here then," said one of the guards.

Robbie was thoroughly immersed in surveying the progress made. He rubbed his hands together in satisfaction, pleased at the impressive strides achieved in such a short time. Suddenly, he jumped in surprise at the sound of a voice behind him, the noise of the excavation having drowned out Purah's approach.

"Any luck with your findings?" Purah asked, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and excitement.

"Purah! You startled me!" exclaimed Robbie as he turned around to face her. "Hello to you, too."

Pausing a moment to recover his composure, Robbie continued.

"There are no major discoveries yet, but there are some interesting spots we're checking out. The Goron workers are making impressive progress in clearing the rubble - much faster than I could have imagined. Plus, they seem content living off the land with all the rocks they dig up - although their colleagues also bring them Rock Roasts as a treat. What brings you here, Purah? Is the lab too boring and quiet with only insects and lizards for company?"

"Huh? Oh, no, not at all. The lab is fine - I don't mind working alone," replied Purah. "It was Her Majesty. She asked me to check your progress and see if you were alright."

Robbie sighed, a mixture of disappointment and understanding in his voice. "She did? I must admit I'm disappointed she didn't come to see for herself. I know she has a keen interest in the project."

"She does, and I'm sure she would have, but …" Purah's voice trailed off as she lowered it out of habit, even though it was unlikely anyone could hear them over the loud noises of excavation.

"There are rumors from the Gerudo about the Yiga Clan becoming active again," Purah said solemnly, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "The Royal Guards advised against her travel and even assigned guards to escort me here. You should be wary of any potential spies in your midst."

"Spies among us?" Robbie asked, his eyes quickly scanning the workers around them. "It would be nearly impossible to tell if someone was spying, and there isn't much to spy on yet anyway. But I'll be on the lookout for any suspicious behavior."

"Now, you say you haven't found anything yet, but some areas seem promising. I want to learn more," said Purah.

"I'm not sure I should say anything. Are you sure you're not a spy yourself?" Robbie teased playfully.

"I find your sense of humor very juvenile and ill-chosen," Purah scolded him disapprovingly. "I could ask the same of you."

"Lighten up, Purah - I was just teasing," Robbie said, trying to smooth things over. "Come on, let me show you."

With a nod, Robbie led the way toward the very rear of the temple, where the giant statue of Hylia stood tall and imposing.

"The Guardians from long ago were all stationed outside this part of the temple, so I presume it likely that whatever they were defending was somewhere here," Robbie explained as they walked. "Some older walls are coming into view below the rubble, and I am optimistic we may find something there. When I'm not inspecting progress or consulting with workers, I've been busy translating more of the documents we discovered in hopes of finding more clues."

"You're certainly keeping busy, I see," Purah remarked with a hint of admiration.

"You know, it would help if you could pause your research on longevity long enough to build a Sheikah Slate for me," Robbie suggested. "Only you, Link, and Zelda have one now."

"Good thought! I might do that," Purah agreed with a smile. "We have enough spare parts at the lab."

"Thanks for being so thoughtful," Robbie said gratefully.

"Oh, I was only thinking of myself - saving a trip here if Zelda wanted me to check on you again," Purah replied playfully. "And you could send us pictures of anything interesting."

Robbie shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips as he caught on to her jest.

As they ventured closer to the towering statue of Hylia, Purah caught sight of a tent nestled along the wall, complete with a cooking pot and lanterns.

"Is that where you sleep?" Purah inquired, her voice laced with concern. "Do you stay here all night?"

"Yes, it may not be luxurious, but it allows me to remain close to the work and provides much-needed quiet during the night after the Hylian workers have gone home. I can focus on translating more of the ancient manuscripts," Robbie explained.

"Then I will make sure to request guards remain here at night. It's far too risky for you to sleep here alone," said Purah firmly.

"I'm not alone. The Gorons remain here overnight as well," Robbie assured her.

"Hah!" Purah scoffed with a playful smirk as she replied, "We both know Gorons can sleep through the blast of a volcano. It would be best if you had guards who are alert and conscious. Now, show me what you've uncovered so I can inform Her Majesty."

Meanwhile, Link and his family had just finished breakfast earlier that morning in Zora's Domain.

"You're very quiet this morning, Mom," observed Raypha, her voice filled with concern. "Everything okay?"

"Oh, yes, just a bit distracted, sweetheart," assured Mipha. "But you and Tidon should leave for your lessons, or you'll be late."

"I think I'll walk you to class," suggested Link.

"Let's both go," agreed Mipha. "I want to speak with Father anyway."

"Wow! A full family escort to class. You must be worried we'll skip our lessons,' laughed Tidon.

"I think they should only worry about you doing that, Ti," Raypha teased playfully. "I enjoy learning."

"So do I, Ray!" Tidon exclaimed.

The siblings stuck out their tongues at each other before bursting into laughter.

"Our company has nothing to do with suspicion over your self-proclaimed thirst for knowledge," chuckled Mipha. "You're both excellent students. But enough talk - we need to go."

After dropping Raypha and Tidon off with their tutors, Mipha and Link walked through the bustling courtyard at the heart of the domain. Small children laughed and played, splashing water at each other, their joy filling the air.

"You know we must tell our children eventually," Link remarked quietly. "Escorting them back and forth from classes and keeping watch while they're with friends is too big a change."

"I know," Mipha sighed. "I just hoped to spare them any worries."

As they approached the grand staircase leading to the throne room, they were greeted by one of the guards on duty, Rogan.

"Good morning, Lady Mipha and Link," Rogan greeted them with a respectful nod.

"Good morning, Rogan," Mipha replied warmly. "I hope you're well."

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you," Rogan assured her. "His Majesty is meeting with two of his advisors, Seggin and Muzu, at the moment. But of course, you are always welcome to go right on up if you wish."

"I think we will," said Mipha with a nod. "I suspect they're meeting about what we want to discuss anyway."

As Mipha and Link ascended the stairs, they could overhear Muzu's raised voice in a heated discussion.

"I can't help but think this is another crisis stirred up by Hylian meddling in things they don't understand," Muzu argued passionately. "I'm sure any Yiga Clan resurgence was precipitated by news of unknown secrets waiting to be discovered. Every time the Hylians dive into uncharted waters, they stir up a wave of misfortune for the rest of us. Remember the Divine Beast disaster where we could have easily lost our beloved princess?"

Link tensed at the mention of their past failure, his grip on Mipha's hand tightening. Sensing his unease, Mipha squeezed his hand reassuringly as they continued climbing the stairs.

"Calm down. And I think it will go better if I speak first," Mipha whispered, and Link nodded in agreement.

"I don't think it's fair to … oh, here are Mipha and Link just in time to join our discussion," King Dorephan announced as Mipha and Link entered the throne room.

"Yes, Father, it does seem we are just in time to calm the waters," Mipha replied. "I think it best to discuss what we should do now, not waste time seeking blame. We all knew there would come a time when Hyrule needed to deal with the unfinished business of Ganon's followers."

"I concur that we must prepare for the future," King Dorephan agreed solemnly. "And to me, that means safeguarding our people. Seggin, what are your thoughts?"

"While there has never been a Yiga Clan attack within our domain, it would be wise to ensure we are well-protected," Seggin suggested firmly. "I also recommend against traveling alone outside of the domain."

"All excellent advice," Link chimed in. "But defense is not enough. At some point we will need to go on the offensive, take the fight to them."

"And I believe that is a responsibility for you Hylians to bear," Muzu interjected sharply. "The Yiga Clan only exists because of the Sheikah's persecution long ago by the King of Hyrule. And now, I venture their resurgence is fueled by Hylian curiosity for ancient secrets. Besides, it seems they reside in the harsh desert where we Zoras cannot survive for long. But you, Link, should be more than capable of leading the charge. Or is such a task beyond you now?"

Link's expression hardened with determination, his voice filled with resolve. "It would be my honor to finish this once and for all."

"But without a specific target, we should focus on protecting each other," Mipha added softly, her tone laced with caution. "Link and I have been staying close to our children since receiving the warning."

"Very wise," agreed King Dorephan. "I will assign guards to your home from now on."

"We should also keep an eye on visitors staying at the inn," Seggin suggested. "We need to know everything."

"Of course," replied King Dorephan gravely. "We will do everything in our power to protect our people. And before Mipha and Link arrived, I was about to say that blaming Hylians is unjustified, Muzu. Let us not speak of it again."

When the meeting adjourned, Mipha and Link headed back toward home.

"We can explain things to our children when they get home," Mipha suggested gently.

"Agreed," said Link. "But the thought of our children, or anyone here for that matter, being a Yiga Clan target makes my blood boil."

"Remember your promise to me and your family," Mipha reminded him lovingly, her voice soft yet resolute. "You seem way too eager to wade into battle."

"Yes… I spoke too hastily in my anger at Muzu's attaching so much blame onto Hylians," admitted Link. "I wanted to show we Hylians are willing to clean up any mess he blames us for. But don't worry sweetheart; I'll be careful about anything I do. I love you and our family too much to risk our time together by being reckless."

"That's what I needed to hear," said Mipha as they approached their house near Mikau Lake. "And I never want you to forget it. Because I love you so, so much."

"And I love you with all my heart," said Link.

Then, their lips pressed together in a passionate kiss. Mipha's voice was teasing after their kiss ended but also full of longing as she suggested, "Let's take a swim before lunch, my brave yet cautious husband. I crave some water time with you."

"I would love nothing more than to spend some water time with my beautiful and wise wife."

Mipha's laugh was like music as she led him towards the lake, excitement brewing inside her.

"Then let's not waste another second. I want nothing more than to be alone with you. The second level is more private, so we should swim up the falls here."

"Oh! I'm not wearing the armor you gave me. I can run in and change," said Link.

"No, you can't because I can't wait that long," said Mipha as she pulled Link close. "Let me pull you up."

Their eyes locked, and they shared another heated kiss before Mipha effortlessly lifted Link up the waterfall. As they reached the second level of the lake, they waded into the water, their bodies pressed together. With every touch and embrace, they lived only for each other now, forgetting everything else in the world. It was here they could lose themselves in each other without any inhibitions or distractions. And so at that moment, nothing else mattered except for their love for one another.

It was late afternoon when Mipha and Link finally returned home and then went to pick up their children after class.

"I hope your classes went well," said Mipha.

"Yes, fine," said Tidon.

"Are you and Dad okay? Why the escort home? We usually travel home on our own," Raypha asked, concern in her voice.

Mipha and Link exchanged a glance before responding.

"We just wanted to find the right time to tell you," said Mipha.

"There's a threat looming," said Link. "A group of very bad people called the Yiga Clan, adversaries from before your time, may emerge from the shadows. They possess elusive magic, making vigilance essential. So your mother and I need to accompany you when you are not otherwise protected."

"Oh! Wow, that is terrible news!" said Tidon.

"I know this is difficult," said Link. "But … well, I hope we can soon do something about these people once and for all. But until then, we need to be extra cautious. We need to keep you safe from harm."

"Have you ever faced these bad people, Mom and Dad?" Raypha asked as they continued their walk home.

"Yes," Link confirmed, his tone resolute. "I've bested them in past encounters, and together, your mother and I stand prepared to do so again. Our priority, though, is ensuring your safety without letting fear overshadow your daily activities and learning."

"But we want you to be safe as well," Raypha voiced, the sentiment echoing in her brother's nod. "Please be careful."

"Don't worry. We will be," said Mipha.

"So, I guess Ray and I won't be taking turns catching family meals on our own, huh?" Tidon asked.

"You truly are your father's son, Tidon," laughed Mipha. "He was always prone to consider events in terms of how they affected meals."

"Very funny, dearest," laughed Link. "But yes, that's right, Tidon. No more fish catching for the family unless we all go together."

"Speaking of which, let's all catch dinner when we reach the lake," said Mipha.

Meanwhile, as dusk settled over the Forgotten Temple, the last echoes of clanging tools faded into silence. The Hylian laborers, their faces smeared with dust and sweat, exchanged weary smiles and nods.

"Enough for today," declared one worker, stretching his aching back. "Impressive how those Gorons can tear through the bedrock, isn't it?"

"Indeed, they're naturals at excavation," his companion replied, wiping his brow. "But precision digging and cleanup? That's where we come in. It's a balanced team effort."

The first worker nodded in agreement. "Hard work, but well compensated by the Hyrule treasury. I seized the opportunity for this work when the job offer arose."

"Out of curiosity, what was your trade before?" inquired the second worker.

"A blacksmith's apprentice," the first replied. "Valuable skills, though the income was meager. Becoming a full-fledged blacksmith would have taken years. Anyway, it's time to return home, freshen up, have dinner, and rest. Regards to your family."

"And to yours."

Nearby, the Gorons, their labor concluded, savored their peculiar rocky repast, then sprawled out to sleep.

Also exhausted from his day's endeavors, Robbie retreated to the seclusion of his tent and prepared a simple yet nourishing meal. Once finished, he eagerly unfurled an ancient, time-worn manuscript, its pages yellowed and brittle with age. Beside the manuscript, he placed a sheet of crisp paper and a freshly inked pen, tools to aid in his translation.

"This portion appears to be of Sheikah origin," Robbie whispered to himself, his finger hovering over the manuscript's title where the distinctive Sheikah eye symbol was prominently featured. "Intriguing."

Robbie at once immersed himself in the translation. The task was arduous, and the ancient script resisted easy interpretation. The manuscript, victim to the ravages of time, bore sections where the text was completely illegible, the words eroded away. Robbie's method in such cases was to translate the visible, transcribe it faithfully, and later attempt to reconstruct the missing portions from the context. The document's title, however, remained boldly legible, its characters apparently reinforced through repeated retracing.

Time Shift Stones, the Temple of Hylia, and Gates of Time.

In a distant past… the lands transformed… time shift stones… refined by robots… excavation in Lanayru… mining facility… These stones, as legends … localized… distortions in time. Utilized not merely for … but as an energy source…

Discovered unexpectedly… forsaken tunnels… beneath … Hylia … relics from … when dwelled in the sky… labyrinthine corridors… ancient mechanisms … Encountered therein… stones … still pulsated with energy… perilous … legends… sacred energy … Hylia …sword … skyward strike…

But as the night deepened, Robbie's eyes grew heavy and he felt weary. With reverent care, he stowed the manuscript and his notes. Then he lay down on his cot, his mind still reviewing what he had read, and soon drifted off to sleep. Outside his tent, the vigilant presence of two Royal Guards, dispatched earlier to ensure his safety, stood sentinel.