Chapter 54 - Reliving Their Honeymoon
Summary: Mipha and Link decide to deal with the Lizalfos in Naydra's Lair.
It was a sunny day in Zora's Domain, three days after Raypha and Tidon narrowly escaped from Naydra's Lair, a vast, primarily underwater cave below Mount Lanayru. By now, the entire Domain was buzzing with talk of the incident, which seemed to be the only thing on everyone's mind.
"I can't imagine how frightening that must have been for those two," said one shopper as she chatted with her friend in the plaza. "
"But it shows the young prince and princess have the blood of our Champion Lady Mipha in them, as well as the courage of their hero father," said the other.
At the moment, Mipha and Link were on their way to meet with King Dorephan to discuss the incident. As they made their way, Mipha recalled her conversation with Link the day before after the children left for class.
Link had been unusually quiet the last couple of days, acting strangely, and she had caught him dusting off a Royal Bow he kept in a drawer in their room the previous evening. They had just finished cleaning up from breakfast when she decided to address the matter.
"Why were you cleaning your bow yesterday, sweetheart?"
"Oh, my Royal Bow?" said Link, blushing and in a voice so innocent I knew he was guilty. "It holds a lot of sentimental value for me, and I like to keep it in good condition. King Rhoam presented it to me after I won one of the semiannual archery contests. Years later, after we became Champions, Revali teased me about it. 'Is that some sort of participation trophy?' he mocked when he saw me carrying it. 'No, I won it - first place,' I replied. He guffawed, saying I'd be lucky even to finish a Rito archery contest, and to play to his ego, I agreed the Rito were the finest archers in Hyrule. He preened himself at that until I added, 'except at night, of course,' to tease him back. At which he glowered and walked away."
"That's a cute story, sweetheart, but you haven't answered my question. You're not planning on pulling another Lynel move on me, are you?"
"Huh?"
"You know, like when you charged off to Ploymus Mountain without any regard for your safety, and I followed you."
"Wow, that was ages ago! Well, now that you mention it, I was thinking of using a day to eliminate those two monsters while I wasn't otherwise busy," Link replied casually. "The thought of them possibly harming our children makes my blood boil. And besides, dealing with a pair of Lizalfos is easy for me."
"Yes, twenty years ago. But things have changed since then. And didn't we agree to face danger together? To support each other?"
Link hesitated and looked down for a moment before responding. "Yes, but we agreed to that before we had children. It would be … um, better for them if only one of their parents went."
"So it's child's play for you to go alone, but too risky for both of us to go together?"
"I know that sounds silly, but it's just how I feel," said Link. "And I'm quite steadfast about this. I'm going alone, and don't try to talk me out of it."
"Oh really, sweetheart? What if I told you that you would change your mind in the next five minutes?"
"I'd say you were dreaming, dearest," laughed Link. "And I love you, but you won't seduce me out of this.
*"Would I do that, sweetheart?" *
"You would, and you have - but not this time," said Link.
"Okay, if you're right that it's too risky for both of us, then I should be the one going alone. After all, most of the cave's tunnels are underwater, and I may need to swim after my enemy. So, let me make sure my trident is sharpened and ready for battle. I'll inform Father of my plans, and we can say goodbye."
"There's no way I'm letting you do that … to go off to face danger alone," said Link firmly. "Besides, if it comes to that, it's more important you be here for our children than me. I mean, you know … you can be here longer for them.
"I won't be alone, sweetheart. I can bring some guards along with me for backup."
"That's not the same thing, and you know it," Link insisted. "Guards today have no experience battling Lizalfos. You would probably end up protecting them more than vice versa."
"I'm Zora Champion, dear, and it's my duty to protect my people. I can handle this. And you really can't stop me, you know."
"Look, if you go, I'm going with you," said Link as he sighed in frustration. "I don't care how many guards you take with you."
"Has it been five minutes yet? But let me be clear as rainwater about something, sweetheart. If you thought I was upset after your swimming day with Kodah, I would have been even more furious if you had snuck off alone to fight those monsters. Trust me, you do not want to see me in that mood! It would take more than flowers to calm me down, and I'm hurt you would even consider such a dangerous idea."
Link gently grasped my hand and responded, "I'm sorry, dearest. It's just part of who I am to want to quickly destroy evil, especially when it endangers the people I love. Since the sword chose me, that desire has been a core part of my being. But you're right, sweetheart. I was being too impetuous."
"Reckless is a better word, dear, but I'm glad you've come to your senses.
"So, are we good now?" said Link.
"We're not quite good yet. You still owe me for hurting my feelings. And we have the house all to ourselves."
And then she thought she had better stop reminiscing as she felt herself blushing over what happened next.
When they arrived at the throne room, King Dorephan came right to the point after exchanging greetings.
"Regarding the recent school trip incident, you said there were things you needed to take care of," said King Dorephan. "I've already arranged for guards to accompany students on future trips so that no one can wander off again. Is there anything else that needs to be done?"
"Nothing Link and I can't deal with, Father," Mipha responded confidently.
"What does that mean?" inquired King Dorephan.
"We're thinking of putting a warning sign at the cave's underwater entrance and then reliving our honeymoon, the first weeks after our marriage," said Mipha.
"It's a chance for the two of us to bond together again in a special way," Link added.
"To anyone who didn't know better, that would sound like a romantic getaway," chuckled King Dorephan. "But I remember very well how you two spent those early days of your marriage - hunting down all the monsters in the area. If you aim to eradicate the monsters in the cave, I must send guards along with you."
"Guards on our second honeymoon, Father?" Mipha joked before turning serious. "Yes, we want to eliminate any potential danger from those monsters. However, Link and I are the most skilled in handling such threats. We don't want others to get hurt or disrupt our plans. This is a mission of stealth. If we approach with too many of us, the enemy will scatter and hide deeper in the caves they know better, and our trip will have been in vain. Our best plan is to sneak up on them, and if we don't surprise them, let them believe they have a fighting chance to make us a meal."
"That sounds rather risky. And aside from the incident in the Gerudo Highlands on your family trip, it's been quite a while since you two have encountered any monsters. You may have lost some of your edge. But I guess it's presumptuous of me to believe I knew better than you two about battling monsters. So, I will reluctantly agree with your plan."
"Excellent, Father. Can we leave the children in your care while we're gone?" Mipha asked.
"Of course! You know I love nothing better than spending time with my dear grandchildren. Raypha reminds me a little of you at that age, dear. She has an instinct to look out for others."
"Speaking of that, would you say Mipha was at all reckless as a child?" Link asked, prompting Mipha to smile and shake her head.
"Reckless?" King Dorephan thought for a moment. "No, I would say more inquisitive, always seeking to learn new things. Energetic and quite smart, too … and caring, of course. She was, and still is, a wonderful daughter. Why do you ask, Link?"
"I'm just curious," said Link as he tried to avoid looking at Mipha, who was undoubtedly gloating and whom he would hear from right after they left.
"Well, we should go now," said Mipha. "We need to make preparations for our trip. We hope to leave tomorrow and will drop off the children and say goodbye then."
"Very well," said King Dorephan.
Mipha and Link left, and as soon as they were out of earshot, Mipha took Link's hand.
"Nice try, sweetheart," giggled Mipha. "Now you've floated yourself into even shallower water. Clearly, our children's recklessness is all from your side."
"We say I dug myself into an even deeper hole," Link sighed. "But who says things like recklessness are hereditary anyway?"
"Says the same person trying to take credit for their resourcefulness," laughed Mipha. "You're taking my teasing awfully seriously, sweetheart."
"Okay, I give up," laughed Link. "We need to focus on the mission now anyway. While I still feel very confident about battling monsters, especially lesser ones like Lizalfos, your father is right that it has been some time since I … we did it regularly."
"Want to spar with me?"
"Maybe just plan our strategy," said Link. "If I can use my flurry rush ability, I'm sure I can defeat you. And if I can't, I'm sure you can defeat me. I still remember our sparring contest by Ralis Pond."
"It's good to show caution, and we will. In the meantime, let's start gathering what we plan to bring," said Mipha. "The children will be home from class soon."
A short time later, Raypha and Tidon were walking home after classes were over with their friends, Fara and Landon. Today, everyone had read their essay aloud to the class, and clearly, theirs was the most thrilling.
"That was incredible! You truly outsmarted those monsters," exclaimed Fara.
"I know, right?" bragged Tidon. "And it was all my idea."
Raypha glanced at Tidon and wondered if he was trying to impress Fara. That was cute! But she didn't want him to get too carried away with his boastfulness.
"Yes, Ti, after I warned you about the danger. You were about to start cheering at the sight of a cave exit, and we would have ended up as those monsters' dinner," said Raypha.
"Well, that's true," Tidon conceded.
"Everyone thinks you two are heroes now," added Landon.
"Except our parents," chuckled Fara. "We both got a stern lecture about the danger of wandering off alone. I assume you two did, too?"
"Yeah," confirmed Tidon. "But it wasn't anywhere near as bad as we expected."
"Why not? What happened?" asked Fara.
"I can retell the story for you," offered Raypha. "The day following our misadventure, after a breakfast so late it could pass as lunch, we recounted the whole event to our parents. They asked us a lot of questions, particularly about the monsters, and suggested there should be a warning sign about the dangers of entering that particular cave. Then, we were expecting to be grounded until Lake Hylia froze over. But instead, this is what happened."
"Well, that was quite an adventure," my Dad said. "You two had a very close call, and I hope you learned your lesson."
"Don't worry, Dad. We did," I reassured him as Tidon nodded in agreement.
"But you also remained calm and used resourcefulness to handle the situation. Your father and I are proud of both of you for that," my Mom said with a smile. "I know there's recklessness in your blood, so some mischief was to be expected."
"I assume you're alluding to me, sweetheart?" my Dad asked playfully.
"Who else, dearest?" my Mom replied with a laugh. "Luckily, our children have a ways to go before they reach your level of misbehavior, like with those Bazz Brigade troublemakers."
"Well, if I'm responsible for their recklessness, can I take credit for their resourcefulness? That's also a trait I possess," my Dad said with a grin.
"Are you suggesting I don't?" my Mom replied.
"Mom, Dad, Ti, and I should work on our essay now. It's due soon," I interjected as I stood up and took Tidon's hand, sensing an opportunity to escape while our parents were swimming down another stream.
"And that's it? No punishment?" Landon exclaimed.
"Not exactly," Tidon said, a grin spreading across his face. "Later, we were handed the important task of designing a warning sign to be placed in front of the cave. They said it was the right thing to do after what happened."
"But that's not really a punishment," Landon reasoned.
"No, it was a lesson," Raypha replied. "It was our parents' way of making us take some responsibility for our actions and do something positive. And honestly, I think it does more good than any real punishment could have."
Their conversation continued until Fara and Landon reluctantly said goodbye, heading off to join their parents while Raypha and Tidon went home. Upon entering, they found Mipha organizing some supplies, including a bow and arrows, while Link studied a map on the Sheikah Slate on the table.
"You're back," Mipha noted, giving them affectionate hugs. "How was school?"
"Great," answered Tidon. "Everyone loved our essay about the cave incident."
"I bet," Mipha chuckled. "Just remember to heed the lesson you've learned."
"We will, Mom," promised Raypha.
"Are you and Dad going somewhere?" Tidon asked.
"Yes," said Mipha. "For one thing, we want to place that impressive warning sign you both designed at the underwater cave entrance. So, you'll be staying with your grandfather and uncle while we're away."
"Try to keep your enthusiasm in check, Tidon, and not cheer too loud," chuckled Link. "I think it hurts Mom's feelings."
"I won't," laughed Tidon.
"But anyone could put up that sign," Raypha remarked. "Surely there must be more to your journey than just this."
"We were hoping for a second honeymoon afterward," Mipha explained. "Your father and I wanted to relive some of our early days as a married couple."
"But with weapons?" Raypha questioned, her tone filled with concern. Then, after a pause, she continued. "You and Dad are going to fight those monsters, aren't you?"
"Yes," Link conceded, realizing it was hopeless to disguise their intentions. "They are two of Ganon's evil minions who managed to survive and are a potential threat to anyone traveling past or fishing near their hideout."
"I don't like the thought of you two going alone against those things," Raypha exclaimed, tightening her grip on Mipha's hand. "They looked so frightening!"
Mipha's eyes softened as she reached to caress her daughter's cheek. "We have faced far greater dangers before and come out victorious," she reassured her.
"But why can't Grandfather send guards to deal with those monsters?" Raypha persisted. "Why do you both have to go?"
"Your father and I have the most experience dealing with them," Mipha said. "Sending only inexperienced guards would put them at risk."
"Besides, your mother and I were given special gifts, and with them comes the responsibility to use them for the safety and well-being of our people. It's who we are, sweetheart," added Link.
Raypha's heart clenched at the thought of losing either one of her parents. Tears welled up in her eyes as she embraced Mipha tightly. "Please promise me you'll both return unharmed," she pleaded.
Mipha held her close, feeling a pang of guilt at having to put her through this. "We promise, sweetheart."
As dawn broke over Zora's Domain the next day, Mipha and Link began their journey toward the monster-infested cave. After saying their goodbyes, Raypha and Tidon watched from the throne room as their parents made their way to East Reservoir Lake and finally vanished amidst the shrubbery while Sidon kept them company.
"Hey," said Sidon, hoping to distract them from their worries. "Let's hop into the lake, and I can teach you a new game. I think you'll enjoy it."
"Sure, Uncle Sidon," Tidon managed to say, forcing a smile onto his face. He glanced at Raypha, who only nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
For the next few hours, they indulged Sidon in numerous rounds of the game, which he called 'Echo Tag. ' Echo Tag was an underwater game of tag but played with everyone's eyes closed. Raypha and Tidon had never played it as a family since their father, Link, simply couldn't. But despite their best efforts, neither sibling could fully immerse themselves in it. Their minds were consumed by worry for their parents.
Afterward, they joined their grandfather, King Dorephan, for lunch. Seeing his grandchildren worried tore at him as much as worrying for his daughter and son-in-law.
"Your mother and father are both seasoned warriors, and together, they are virtually invincible," he reassured them as they ate some Hyrule Bass. "Both are outstanding fighters, and your mother can heal wounds. Don't you recall the famous story of them defeating Waterblight Ganon? They have faced and conquered many challenges before."
Tidon and Raypha nodded silently; they were well-versed in these legends of bravery and triumph, but it did little to ease their worries. Unspoken was the fact that those legendary victories were decades ago now. Who knew if their parents still possessed the same strength now?
Meanwhile, Mipha and Link made their way across East Reservoir Lake and then down to the Rutala River toward the Samasa Plain, Mipha pulling him through the water.
"At least I'm saving my energy with you pulling me, dear," said Link. "But are you going to be okay?"
"Pulling you through the water isn't tiring, sweetheart," Mipha laughed. "I'm going slowly."
"It seems fast to me, but that's fine," said Link. "As we discussed, once we reach Wintre Island, we approach the cave from land on the Afromsia Coast."
"Yes, we have a better chance of surprising them that way," said Mipha.
Their journey continued without incident as they traversed the Samasa Plain on foot, the thick green grass bending beneath their steps. They then navigated the frigid currents of Lanayru Bay, the icy water lapping at their bodies. Mipha separated from Link briefly to place the warning sign at the cave's entrance beneath Lanayru Bay, then returned to continue east together.
As they neared the mist-shrouded shores of Wintre Island, Mipha slowed her pace even more, her graceful movements barely disturbing the water's surface. Carefully maneuvering around the jagged rocks jutting out from the water like ancient teeth, they eventually reached the rocky curves of the Afromsia Coast. They hauled themselves onto the rough, pebbled shore as the afternoon sun cast long, eerie shadows from the peak of Mount Lanayru.
Shivering violently, his teeth chattering, Link remarked, "I w-wish I could be more like you, love, then I w-wouldn't be freezing like this."
Mipha chuckled softly under her breath before wrapping her arms around him.
"I sometimes wish that too. But let me warm you, sweetheart," she said tenderly as she held him close, her body radiating a soothing heat, and rubbed her hands up and down his back. "Just remember we're on a mission."
"Thanks, I kind of wish we weren't now," Link whispered, still shivering but starting to feel the warmth seep into his bones. "Isn't this supposed to be another honeymoon?"
"Very funny," said Mipha as she planted a soft, warm kiss on his cold lips. "Save the thought for later."
"The cave isn't very far from here, according to what Raypha and Tidon indicated when I showed them the map," said Link, his voice growing stronger. "It should be at the water's edge just a bit further south."
They moved quietly, their footsteps barely audible on the rocky shore, until Mipha stopped him with a gentle touch and whispered.
"I think it's just below us," said Mipha, her keen eyes scanning the water. "I can see some turbulence where the current flows in and out, creating small whirlpools on the surface."
They stealthily approached the mouth of the cave from above, hearts pounding in their chests. As they drew closer, they could hear a strange, haunting murmuring sound echoing from within, the eerie noise of waves colliding with the cavern walls amplified by the cave's acoustics.
"Here we are," said Link quietly, his voice barely audible over the sound of the Lanayru Sea's waves.
"And so we begin," Mipha murmured back, her voice barely louder than a whisper. She was filled with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, thinking back to the many times she and Link confronted danger together.
"As we discussed, I will jump down first and try to shoot whatever I see with Ice Arrows," whispered Link. "The children said those creatures lurk by the entrance."
"And if you miss or don't see them, your splash will certainly attract their attention," said Mipha, her eyes glinting with determination. "I can take care of them in the water before they know what happened, my trident ready to strike."
Link nodded, an understanding look passing between them. He held onto Mipha's hand for a moment, then let go and took out his Royal Bow as he prepared to jump. He took a deep breath, then lunged into the air before the entrance.
Time seemed to slow as he fell toward the water below. His eyes scanned the entrance for signs of a Lizalfos, and he spotted one - its eye snapping open as it sensed his movements. It took three Ice Arrows in rapid succession, but Link was sure it was finished when he plunged into the icy water. His splash was loud, ripples echoing off the cave walls.
Mipha waited for a few heartbeats at the edge of the cliff above, focusing on the water below for any signs of movement. When nothing seemed to be stirring, she dove in gracefully after Link.
"I got one of them but didn't see the other," said Link as they swam toward the cave.
"I better go before it gets away," said Mipha as she rushed into the cave ahead of him and disappeared from view.
Link followed her as fast as he could and found the water by the entrance came only up to his waist, making it easy for him to stand. He looked all over the cavern, but there was no sign of Mipha. The only things out of the ordinary were a Lizalfos tail and horn floating to his right, the remains of his kill, which he instinctively collected before the current washed them out to sea. The cave was dimly lit by the afternoon sun and eerily silent, save for the sound of the waves against the cavern walls.
"Mipha?" he shouted but heard only his voice's echo in reply.
Now, he was beginning to worry. Had she pursued their enemy into one of the tunnels? He dove underwater and swam about the cavern, looking for any sign of her. But he saw only seaweed swaying with the current in the murky water. He surfaced and made his way back to the entrance. He didn't know where the other Lizalfos was - it could reappear anytime, for it might have eluded Mipha, and he needed to be ready.
Link's heart thumped in his chest as he paced in the shallow water at the cave's entrance. As the shadows grew longer, his worry only increased. Mipha was strong and capable, but danger still lurked in the unknown.
"Why did I let her come with me?" he muttered, scanning the water's surface for any signs of movement. He should have insisted on going alone; that way, she wouldn't be risking her life against these creatures. She may not be as skilled as she once was.
Suddenly, he saw movement deep within the cave, and his heart skipped a beat. Drawing his sword, he braced himself for an attack. But what he saw made him sick to his stomach and made him cry out in despair.
"Oh no!"
Mipha's Lightscale Trident floated to the surface, bobbing gently with the waves. Link felt nauseous at the sight and fought back the urge to throw up. His first instinct was to swim over, retrieve her weapon, and see if he could find her. But then a thought crossed his mind - what if the Lizalfos returned while he was in the water? He couldn't fight it there, but if given the chance on land, he would rip it apart.
"Mipha!" he called out desperately, hoping she could hear him.
Maybe she was just injured in one of those tunnels along the walls. But all he heard was silence echoing back at him, intensifying his grief and despair.
Then, without warning, Mipha emerged from beneath the water, retrieved her trident, and held it high above her head.
"Got it!" she exclaimed triumphantly.
Relieved beyond belief, Link sheathed his sword and rushed to her side, wrapping her in a tight embrace. Tears of relief filled his eyes as he embraced her.
"Thank the Goddess," he said, holding her close. "I was so worried when I saw your trident. Why did you let it go?"
Mipha pulled back slightly, gazing at him with concern in her eyes.
"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I know you collect Lizalfos tails, and I needed to put down my trident to retrieve it. I didn't consider how seeing it would affect you. The Lizalfos led me into a tunnel as it tried to escape, but I swam faster than it did underwater. The tunnel eventually circled back here, and the battle was over quickly once I caught up with it. Are you alright? You look distraught."
"Distraught?" Link scoffed, wiping away his tears. "No, nothing's wrong. I'm just trying to get over the feeling that I lost you, that's all."
Mipha smiled lovingly at him and shared a long and passionate kiss.
"I'm sorry," she whispered after their embrace. "I guess I owe you big time now."
Link grinned at her playfully. "Yeah, you do." He leaned in for another kiss.
"Shall we head home?" Mipha suggested softly. "It'll be dark soon, and this place gives me the creeps. Plus, our family must be worried about us."
"Lead the way," Link replied, gratefully taking her hand. "I'm just glad we're both safe." A mischievous glint appeared in his eye as he added, "And I'm still waiting for the honeymoon part of our mission."
Mipha chuckled, playing along. "I thought defeating the Lizalfos was our honeymoon?" Her coy smile turned into a warm one as she continued, "But I'll make it up to you by cooking dinner tonight. You must be starving."
"I am," Link admitted, squeezing her hand. "But dinner can wait, my love." He leaned in to kiss her forehead. "I love you so very much."
"I love you too," Mipha whispered, returning his affection. "And you're right - dinner can wait. This might be even better than our first honeymoon. Let's go!"