Author's Note: Here is the next chapter. I thank you all who have been patient and continue to read this wonderful story. Please enjoy.

In Zora's Domain, Rhomson told Sidon, Rivan, and Dorephan what she was able to about what transpired on Death Mountain as Link was being treated down below. Heavy rainfall continued to pour outside due to Vah Ruta.

A heavy, tired sigh escaped Dorephan. "I knew many people were going to disagree with Mipha's plan. But to think most of the stables would side with the Gorons in this matter."

Sidon closed his eyes. "It is disheartening to hear."

Rivan gritted his teeth.

"I fear that this will only complicate matters," Dorephan stated. "Things have gone badly so quickly."

"I would have to agree," said Rhomson. "While I do believe Chief Riju won't go to war, this will make working with the Gorons more difficult."

Sidon took a long, deep breath and slowly exhaled. "The Gorons themselves are not united in that mind set. Their elder is with some guards, but you said that two Gorons fought off both an Ignis Talos as well as Pyle, who was a Goron trying to retake Link back to the city."

Rhomson nodded. "Yes. I do not know their names though. One though was able to manifest a shield around him with his aura."

"That sounds like Daruk's power from one hundred years ago," Dorephan stated. "If that is the case, it is most likely his descendant Yunobo."

Dorephan couldn't help but to smile. Seems like your spirit carries on to this day, Champion of the Gorons.

"Going back to the stables," Rhomson continued, "they did give us some trouble on our journey even refusing to give Mipha shelter. She had to camp outside."

Rivan's face scowled. "Thinking about that still makes me mad. Not to mention another stable try to over charge us for the horses."

Sidon lowered his head. "At a time when all races should be united, we are divided. We should be working together against the forces of the Calamity. Even our own people are trying to rush the process. Perhaps the influence of the Calamity is causing them to behave in such a way?"

Dorephan shook his head. "Not directly no."

Sidon, Rivan, and Rhomson turned their attention to Dorephan.

"What do you mean Father?" asked Sidon.

"The Calamity is involved in this yes but it is indirectly," Dorephan replied. "The people of Hyrule have suffered due to the events of one hundred years ago. While they haven't been infected by the Malice, it still influences their choices."

"I don't get it," Rivan stated. "What do you mean?"

Dorephan looked towards the reservoir to the east. "Vah Ruta has the power to produce clean water and rain without end."

Rivan blinked. "Yes?"

"It can only be slowed with everything we have done," Dorephan stated. "It will only truly be stopped when Mipha takes control of it again. But what would happen if that reservoir reaches its limit?"

Sidon rubbed his chin, pondering. A few seconds later, he gasped. "It would burst. The sudden surge of water would wipe our domain off the map and flood the central plains of Hyrule."

Dorephan nodded. "Yes. People are living in the path of the flood and so many lives would be lost."

Rivan's face paled. "I don't want to think about that."

"That is what the Zora's want to prevent," Dorephan stated. "Yet it isn't being done quickly like they want. So they panic, in different ways, but this leads to them lashing out. The Goron's Divine Beast erupts fire, the Rito's Divine Beast has canons."

"Vah Naboris manifests lightning," Rhomson interjected. "All of them are dangerous in the hands of the Calamity."

"This panic people feel makes them afraid," Dorephan continued. "Thus they act out negatively. In this case, Link took an oath to protect Hyrule. As did Mipha and the other Champions. Indirectly, the Calamity is bringing out the worst in us due to the fear. That fear makes one do things they normally wouldn't do. Meaning it is our own weakness that has allowed such acts to manifest."

Sidon stared at his father in awe.

Dorephan sighed. "I am no exception to this either. I was so happy that my daughter was spared a dire fate and lived. She trained hard, fought bravely, all without anyone to tell her to. Yet I could have told her it was alright to take a break. Even if it was through an order."

"That isn't your fault Father," Sidon protested. "I couldn't have told her the same thing. I could have talked to our people as well yet I didn't."

Dorephan looked at his son and smiled.

Rivan rubbed the back of his head. "I...could have acted...well better at the start too. Wrapped up in my own childish view of the world."

Rhomson looked to the side. "I could have done more too. I could have not left Link alone which allowed him to be captured."

"Why did you have to leave him alone to begin with?" asked a familiar voice.

Rhomson, Rivan, Sidon, and Dorephan looked towards the entrance of the chamber to see Riju and her four bodyguards.

Rhomson smiled. "Chief Riju."

Riju's expression wrinkled with sorrow. "Due to our traditions that we clung to, you had to leave Link alone. That blame falls onto me. Not you. I should have made an exception."

"I could have also made him a disguise," Rhomson argued. "Female Gerudo attire for him to hide in plain sight."

Riju couldn't help but chuckle. "That would be a sight to see. Still though, I am to blame for his capture."

Dorephan straightened himself. "Despite our own weaknesses, Bludo and those that align with him have gone too far."

Riju straightened her expression. "I agree. Not just because they attacked my people, but pushing things to be at this point."

Sidon nodded. "I agree. But the begs the question, what can be done?"

"For starters, we will need the Rito's help with Vah Ruta again," Dorephan stated. "This is the first time it has ever resumed its function before the Blood Moon."

"That is an ill omen for the time we have left," said Riju.

"Not to mention that monsters are getting stronger with each passing day," Rhomson stated.

Kodah walked into the chamber. "Oh...sorry is this a bad time?"

Dorephan shook his head. "Not at all Kodah. How is Link?"

"Better now," Kodah replied. "His whole body was pushed to exhaustion and was having a heat stroke as well. The rain actually helped along with the Zora's carrying him through the river. He was treated and is in stable condition now. He is resting at the inn."

Dorephan sighed. "That Bludo. Must have put him through some Goron training."

"That works for them, but not Hylians," Sidon stated.

"Link could have died from what they did," said Riju. "We need to change the plan on how to proceed."

"We can't trust most of the stables," Rhomson stated. "Also, Chief Riju, there is a merchant named Beedle that helped me. I owe him money."

Riju nodded. "Understood. We will pay him back at the first chance we get."

"Bludo is letting the fear really get to him," Rivan stated.

"For Bludo there is more to it," Dorephan replied. "He bares a grudge due to past events. Right now, we have to prepare. The Blood Moon is seven days away. We must prepare."

Riju nodded. "Yes. I must return to the desert. Rhomson, will you return with us?"

Rhomson shook her head. "No. I am going back to Lureline Village. Check on our allies that we left there."

"Understood," said Riju. "Travel safely and be cautious."

Riju turned to leave.

"You aren't going to check on Mipha?" asked Dorephan.

"No," Riju replied. "I am certain that she doesn't want to see me right now. Besides, she should focus on Link right now."

"Chief Riju, what happened isn't your fault," Dorephan stated.

Riju turned to look at everyone present. "It sure feels like it."

Without another word, Riju left with her bodyguards.

"Should we talk to her?" asked Kodah.

Sidon shook his head. "No. Only my sister will get Chief Riju to change her mind."

"Do you think those Gorons are going to try something?" asked Rivan.

"I know who was there at Death Mountain and can give you a description so you know who to look for," Rhomson stated.

A roar boomed through the domain and the rainfall stopped.

"Someone already calmed Vah Ruta down?" asked Rivan.

"I haven't sent word to the Rito," Dorephan stated.

Harth flew into the audience chamber and landed in the center. Something small, and familiar, hopped off of his back, holding an ancient bow.

Sidon blinked. "Purah?"

Purah smiled. "Yes and we need to talk about a certain stubborn rock back moron."

WwwwwwW

Warmth had engulfed Link. The intense, uncomfortable heat that hold of his body faded gradually. Bit by bit, the gentle warmth covered his entire body. A memory came to mind: Link, Mipha, Daruk, Urbosa, and Revali fighting a horde of monsters. Daruk slamming his large weapon into a crowd, Urbosa parrying a blow and swiftly slicing through the enemy, Revali keeping to the sky and firing a volley of arrows at ground and flying monsters, and then finally Link and Mipha fighting side by side. Link switching back and forth between sword and shield to his bow swiftly for adaptability, while Mipha attacked from the side when Link was using his sword and shield or dashing from foe to foe piercing their vitals.

His fellow warriors in arms. An incredible team.

Unaware of how much time had passed, Link opened his eyes. A blue and white ceiling came into focus, the ambiance of flowing water calmed his mind.

Link blinked. Where...am I? I was...being pushed around by the Gorons...and then...an eruption? And then...a red glow around me-

A monstrous shriek rang in his mind.

"Daruk," Link said as he sat up.

His sudden movement startled the one next to him. Link looked over and saw Mipha, bandaged up looking at him in relief.

"Link," she said happily.

"Mipha?" Link asked. "How?"

Mipha hugged him. "I am so sorry that I couldn't protect you. I am so sorry that happened to you."

Link, still wrapped in confusion, slowly wrapped his arms around Mipha. "It wasn't your fault."

"I should have been there," Mipha stated.

"You were injured and needed to recover."

Silence.

Link hung his head. "I am sorry that I worried you."

"You don't need to apologize," said Mipha. "None of this was your fault."

Mipha broke the hug. "I am just...so happy that you are alright."

"How about you?" Link asked as he looked at her bandages. "Are you alright?"

Mipha nodded. "I did...push myself to try and get to you."

"But you should have been resting though."

"I couldn't just sit by knowing you were in trouble. I had to do something."

"...if the roles were reversed, I would have done the same."

Mipha stared into Link's eyes. "Link."

"I remembered some of the fights we had with the other champions. We made an incredible team. We covered each others backs. So, I would have done the same for you."

Mipha smiled.

Link returned the smile.

Both staring into each others eyes, not realizing they were leaning in towards each other.

A flash filled the room for a brief second. Link and Mipha looked over to see Purah on Sidon's shoulders, with Purah holding the Sheikah Slate. Sidon was smiling at the scene.

"Going to lock that picture in," Purah said happily.

Link and Mipha both were blushing brightly.

"B-Brother," Mipha stammered, "how long have you two been standing there?"

Sidon cleared his throat. "Since Link sat up."

"And I told him to wait so that you two could have a few moments to yourselves," Purah added. "And I am so glad that I told him that. Such a wonderful moment. I thought about waiting for you two to kiss, but that felt like it was too much."

Sidon nodded.

Mipha and Link looked away, faces still blushing brightly.

"Aw," Purah said. "You two are so adorable."

Mipha stood up, took several deep breaths and turned around to face Sidon and Purah.

"Is there something that has come up?" asked Mipha.

"Yes," Sidon replied. "Father needs to talk to you and me."

"Father?" asked Link. "We are in your home Mipha?"

Purah nodded. "Yes. Zora's Domain."

Again, the monstrous shriek rang in Link's mind.
Link removed his covers and tried to stand. Mipha quickly placed her hands on his shoulders.

"Link don't push yourself," Mipha pleaded. "You are still recovering."

"She is right," said Purah. "The training the Gorons put you through was intense and not meant for Hylians. Your body still needs to recover."

"But I have to go help Daruk," Link stated. "He is in trouble."

Mipha, Sidon, and Purah's expressions saddened.

Mipha now stood in front of Link. "Link, Daruk...he isn't with us...anymore."

"What do you mean?" asked Link. "I saw him on Death Mountain. He shielded me from the debris from the eruption. And he spoke to me."

"What do you mean?" asked Mipha.

"He apologized to me for how some of the Gorons have been," Link stated. "He told me to come back and that he could wait. Then, a roar rang through the area and I blacked out."

Purah rubbed her chin. "Anything else that you can remember?"

Link stared down at the floor. "I think...a red eye. Followed by purple and black flames. Maybe."

Purah looked away.

"But how can that be?" asked Mipha.

"He has been under a lot of stress and is exhausted," Sidon replied. "It could be a hallucination."

Link shook his head. "It wasn't."

Purah jumped off of Sidon's shoulder onto a near by bed. "I think I know what you experienced."

"What do you mean?" asked Sidon.

Purah looked at Mipha. "I've had a theory about this for awhile but nothing to back it up. Impa sent me a letter. In this letter, she mentioned that Link told her that he met Rhoam."

Sidon and Mipha gasped.

"What does he have to do with what I said?" asked Link.

"He was the last king Hyrule had," Sidon replied.

Link nodded. "He told me that too."

"He died one hundred years ago when the Calamity attacked," Purah said. "He isn't alive but his spirit, his soul, remains here in Hyrule because his land is still in peril."

Mipha's pupils shrank, the realization hitting her. They...They are trapped. Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa.

"So it was Daruk's spirit that came to my aid?" asked Link.

Purah shook her head. "No. Daruk's descendant Yunobo was the one who helped you. He has the same ability as Daruk did. But you heard Daruk because his spirit is on Death Mountain."

"More specifically inside the Divine Beast he once piloted," Mipha said with no emotion.

Link's expression now one of concern grabbed Mipha's shoulders. "What do you mean?"

"How could I have not seen that?" Mipha asked, oblivious now to her surroundings. "How could I have not make that connection when I met Rhoam? That my friend's souls are trapped on their Divine Beasts."

Link gently shook Mipha, she quickly looked at him.

"Our friends," Link stated. "They are our friends. And we are going to save them."

"Whoa there," Purah interjected. "You currently need to rest. Even if you were back at full strength, you aren't ready to take on a Divine Beast."

"Plus Vah Rudania is on Death Mountain," Sidon added. "We just got you out of there. The Gorons aren't just going to let you go if you go back there."

Link took a deep breath and slowly rose to his feet.

Mipha was ready to catch him in case he fell.

"If the rolls were reversed, they would come to my aid," Link said, his voice shaky but confident. "I WANT to rescue them. They are my fellow warrior in arms. I HAVE to rescue them."

Sidon and Purah were silent.

Link's legs buckled.

Mipha quickly caught him and sat him down on the bed. "Easy."

Purah shrugged. "First off, you need to recover. That is step one is saving them."

Sidon nodded his head.

Link nervously smiled. "Yeah."

"Lay down and rest," Sidon stated. "If you want to save their souls, then you will need to be at your best. Sis and I still need to have a word with Father about some things. There is also a dire event approaching that we have to prepare for."

"Can I help?" asked Link.

"Yes you can by resting," Purah replied. "No complaints."

"How about when I am better?" asked Link.

"One step at a time," Purah replied. "Mipha, you and Sidon go talk to your father. I will watch Link. Plus, I want to ask him somethings."

Link's face paled. "You...You aren't angry at me right?"

Purah laughed. "No. I am not angry at you."

Link sighed in relief.

Mipha stood up. "Alright. Let's go see Father Sidon."

Sidon nodded.

Link held Mipha's hand. Mipha looked down at Link. They both smiled and gave each other a hug.

Mipha broke the hug and left with Sidon.

Purah watched the two leave before standing on the bed.

"What did you want to talk about?" asked Link.

"...are you seriously considering going back to Death Mountain?" asked Purah.

Link nervously chuckled. "I mean...I have to find save Daruk."

"But?"

"No buts. I have to save him. Urbosa and Revali too."

Purah sat down. "Link, earlier when I said you aren't ready, I meant it. These Divine Beasts are difficult to get near. Plus, with the Calamity's influence having infected them for a century, we don't know what is inside."

"I do. The souls of my friends."

"I get that, truly, but you are not ready. You don't have your memory back yet."

"If we don't know what is inside, why do I need my memory to rescue them?"

Purah sighed. "You do have a point there. Memory isn't the issue here. From what I was told, you are getting better at fighting too. If it was just those two things alone, then it wouldn't be an issue."

"Then what is the other issues Purah?"

"The Gorons. You go back to Death Mountain, they are not going to let you go. They will put you through their training, which is not meant for Hylians."

"I know that Purah."

"We need to at least have some cooperation with them so that we can get you some of fire proof armor they have."

"I already have the set."

"We aren't just going to be able to...I'm sorry what?"

Link looked around. "Where is the Slate? It should be stored in it."

Purah took out the Slate and looked through it's inventory. Quickly her eyes widened as she spotted the armor in question.

"Okay...okay that is great and all, but still we aren't going to be able to just walk past them."

"How about fly over them?"

"Not a single Rito is going to be able to fly with you on their back while wearing this armor?"

"Then what about using them as a decoy?" asked Link.

"That might work if they had a way to protect themselves from the heat."

"Is there a way besides the armor?"

"Yes Fireproof Elixirs and we have two."

Purah gasped, having spoke without thinking.

"So this can work then."

Purah's eyes dart back and forth. "Um...yes but having you go by foot and we don't have many allies on that mountain."

"That means we do have allies up there though. Like Yunobo. If he helped me escape, then he can help with the Divine Beast."

"Look Link, this is not a bad idea but it is still a no go."

"Why Purah?"

"Because reasons okay."

"But I have countered every one that you have said. So what are the other reasons that prevent me from saving a friend?"

Link held his gaze, unflinching at Purah. Purah couldn't help but stare back until her resolve cracked.

"Look Link, I think that plan could work, but you could very well perish on this. And we don't know if there is a safe path back for you. On top of that, if you succeed in reclaiming the Divine Beast, there is no going back."

"What do you mean by that?"

Purah's expression hardened. "Calamity Ganon. It sent creatures to each Divine Beast to take claim and make them fight for it. Meaning there is a powerful monster you will have to face and defeat to fully reclaim the Divine Beast. And when you defeat that monster, the Calamity will know instantly about it."

"Doesn't it already know that I am here though?" asked Link.

"Right now it is being held back because of Princess Zelda," Purah replied. "So there isn't much we can do. However, every month the moon turns red and monsters that were slain arise again. Recently, they have been coming back stronger. Meaning, if you best one of the monsters that the Calamity sent and don't beat the others AND Calamity Ganon in thirty days, those monsters will come back and they will most likely be stronger."

A few minutes of silence pass.

Link took a deep breath and exhaled. "When is the next time the moon goes red?"

"We call it a Blood Moon," Purah replied. "And four days. Why?"

"Then after that, can I save my friends?"

Purah held her gaze at Link. "You aren't going to let this go are you?"

Link shook his head. "No. I get that I might not be ready. But I have to be. My friends are in trouble. Plus, this way, the Gorons will leave me alone. And Mipha and I can actually spend time together without worry."

Purah listened.

"I have to be ready," Link continued. "You said yourself that the monsters are getting stronger with each revival. By the time I actually get ready, they might be too strong. More than anything though, I want to rescue my friends. They have been waiting for me for a century. I want to save them. Not for the kingdom but for myself. For Mipha as well. Please Purah. Help me."

Link bowed his head.

Another stretch of silence.

"Link, if we go after the Beasts, Mipha won't be able to help you besides with Vah Ruta."

"Why can't she help with the other Beasts?" asked Link.

"Because of their abilities and terrain. Vah Rudania is on Death Mountain, an active volcano with intense heat. Bad for Zoras. Vah Medoh is in the skies of the snowy mountains. Too high and she won't be able to fight properly. Vah Naboris manifests lightning, which Zora's are weak too. Even with proper protection, she wouldn't be able to accompany you."

"So how about we do Vah Ruta first so I know what to expect from the other Divine Beasts?"

Purah shook her head. "Once Vah Ruta is retaken, she will have to stay on it to pilot it for the battle against the Calamity."

Link hung his head. "She can't help me fight the Calamity?"

"She will in other ways but not in person. Knowing all that, do you still want to go take the Divine Beasts?"

Link stared up at the ceiling. Images of Daruk, Urbosa, Revali, and Zelda flowed into his mind. What he remembered about them, not much, but enough to know they were his friends, comrades in arms. A mental image of Mipha smiling came into his mind.

Link smiled sadly. Sorry Mipha. But I want to and have to do this. For them. For you. For me.

Link looked at Purah and nodded his head.

Purah sighed. "Mipha isn't going to like this."

Meanwhile in the audience chamber; Sidon and Mipha were talking to Dorephan. Discussing about defenses for the approaching Blood Moon.

"We can also guess that the monsters are going to be stronger than the last Blood Moon," Dorephan stated. "Not only that, Vah Ruta started up on its own before the Blood Moon for the first time."

"That hasn't happened before in the one hundred years since the Calamity first appeared," said Sidon.

Mipha nodded. "Yes. This is troubling. As soon as the Blood Moon is over, Link and I will continue our journey."

Sidon and Dorephan looked at each other.

"My daughter, I fear that the time we have is not going to allow your plan to work anymore."

Mipha turned to face Dorephan. "Father, I thought you approved of my plan?"

"I still do," Dorephan replied. "And I wish that you could in fact continue it. Yet we do have to consider the omens that have presented itself."

"It'll be fine Father," Mipha stated. "We finished the lower regions of Hyrule and can now work on the central area."

Sidon placed a hand on Mipha's shoulder. "Sister, the monsters have gotten stronger of late. Plus Vah Ruta reactivating on its own. This next Blood Moon might be fine, but the next one the Calamity could very well break free of its prison that Princess Zelda has made."

Mipha's clenched her fists.

Dorephan's expression saddened. "Even without the interference from the Gorons, these terrible omens point to the Calamity breaking out soon."

"But Link isn't ready to take on the Divine Beasts," Mipha argued.

Dorephan's body tensed, eyes full of regret and sorrow. "I fear we might not have a choice."

Purah walked into the audience chamber.

"How is Link?" asked Dorephan.

"Resting," Purah replied. "Kodah is watching over him."

"Purah please talk sense into them," Mipha pleaded. "Link isn't ready."

Purah nodded. "Oh I completely agree."

"Thank you," said Mipha.

"But Link wants to take on the Beasts any way," Purah added.

Mipha's mouth hung open. "What?"

"He wants to rescue his friends," Purah replied. "Not just for himself but for you too Mipha."

"He isn't ready," Mipha argued. "And I won't be able to help him except with Vah Ruta."

"I told him that and he said he still wanted to go," Purah replied.

Mipha's expression saddened. "Really?"

Purah nodded. "He isn't going to back down. He is determined to save them."

Silence.

Mipha turned away from Purah, Sidon, and Dorephan. "Then there isn't anything else to be said."

Mipha slowly walked out of the room.

Sidon reached out to her, but Purah held up her hand, shaking her head. Sidon retracted. Dorephan turned his gaze down at the ground.