Chapter 10 – Astra's Day at Zora's Domain
Summary: Astra spends the day discussing Mipha and Link with Prince Sidon.
It was evening, and senior Yiga Clan officer Rohga was meeting with their leader, Master Kohga, to share the unwelcome news that one of their warriors who had infiltrated the Military Training Camp had disappeared.
"One of our spies reported that Donga missed yesterday evening's roll call, and there has been no sign of him since," said Rohga.
"Thanks for the bad news!" exclaimed Master Kohga. "This might even make me lose sleep! We haven't lost one of our warriors in what now - over twenty years?"
"That is true, Master Kohga," said Rohga. "Not since the last sign of that Link person."
"And good riddance, too! But you're supposed to be adding members, Rohga, not letting them disappear," said Kohga.
And disappeared was literally true now.
A crucial part of being a full-fledged Yiga Clan warrior was learning their teleportation magic and the ability to invoke it at will. It was one of their significant advantages. And one aspect of the magic that had been built in as a safeguard was that it induced teleportation upon suffering a fatal injury in battle. At such times, the warrior would dematerialize, abandoning everything they were carrying, such as their weapon, Rupees, and any Mighty Bananas. And when Ganon and his malice were still present in Hyrule, the warrior would then be regenerated after a short time, healed and ready to rejoin the battle for Ganon's triumph. It worked in a manner similar to the Blood Moon revival of slain monsters.
However, with Ganon and his malice no longer present, a fatal injury triggered teleportation, but not regeneration. The fallen warrior simply ceased to exist, dematerializing into oblivion. So, combat was much riskier now, as fatal wounds were truly fatal, the only difference being no corpse remained behind.
"You don't think he betrayed us, do you?" Kohga asked.
"No, I would stake my life that Donga remained loyal!" said Rohga, firmly shaking his head. "Donga has been a trusted warrior for some time now. He has many kills to his name and was eager to advance in the organization, always willing to take on risky assignments."
"Is it possible he was discovered and overpowered before he could teleport to safety?"
"I suppose it is possible," said Rohga. "But Donga was careful to maintain his disguise and avoid detection. He was also a brave and highly-skilled fighter, not easily overcome in combat. And as you said, we have not lost a warrior in battle for some time now. Anyone who didn't flee from us was defeated."
"How do you explain it then?" said Kohga.
"I cannot yet explain it, Master Kohga. The only suspicious circumstance our spy mentioned was that Donga disappeared on the same day Zelda, Purah, and her new assistant visited the Military Training Camp."
"Purah! Her name again?" exclaimed Kohga, throwing up his hands. "That Sheikah traitor is going to give me nightmares!"
"We will make every effort to rid Hyrule of her, Master Kohga."
"Good! But it's bad news when we lose such a veteran warrior as Donga," said Kohga, as he stretched his arms and yawned, ready to end their meeting. "Let me know if you learn anything further."
Rohga bowed and left.
Meanwhile, it was evening in Zora's Domain, and Astra lay in bed at the inn after her conversation with Prince Sidon, doing some thinking before falling asleep. Her talk with Prince Sidon had gone well, and she thought she should spend more time with him tomorrow. It was for both his sake and hers.
Astra recalled a conversation with her father, Link, on one of her visits to the Domain after he suspected she would eventually be sent to his old timeline. She had enjoyed dinner with the family, and then Link had suggested the two of them take a walk together to talk. She noticed he liked to spend extra time with her whenever she visited and use it to impart any guidance he could think of.
It was a cool, clear evening as they both walked along the Great Zora Bridge, looking up at the stars and down at Ruto Lake every so often.
"Take your time getting familiar with everything, sweetheart," said Link. "Hyrule will be similar and yet also different, and that can be confusing. Give your mind a chance to become acclimated to the new reality. It's going to feel strange at first, and you may even experience headaches or odd dreams while your mind sorts things out. At least, that's what happened to me. But I'm hopeful it will be easier for you since your mind wasn't damaged like mine from the Shrine of Resurrection."
"I will do as you say, Dad, and take my time if events permit it," said Astra.
Astra turned to look back at the Domain's tall fish sculpture glowing blue in the nighttime.
"I have a feeling it's going to be very lonely for me there without family," sighed Astra. "And especially so when I visit the Domain. I've gotten used to cheerful times with the family here."
"I know, sweetheart," said Link as he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. "One thing that can help is getting to know people we know here, like Prince Sidon. I used to visit the Domain whenever I felt lonely, and he was excellent company and a comfort to talk to. He loved talking about his sister and grew to treat me like a brother. Given a chance, I believe he will treat you like family, too. You can tell him all about how Mipha is doing. And trust me - you will not be able to tell him enough! And you can also even tell him about me if he remembers to ask."
"I will, and I'm pretty sure he will ask about you too, Dad," laughed Astra. "Don't be so modest!"
"Made you laugh, right?" said Link, and then he kissed her on the cheek, and they resumed their walk.
"You could also strike up an acquaintance with my friends Bazz, Gaddison, and Rivan," said Link. "They should be in the prime of life there now, say mid one hundred's or so. They'll probably notice your resemblance to a younger me, anyway. If they ask you for proof that you know me, give them the password to the Big Bad Bazz Brigade. It's clear blue, Zora."
"Thanks, Dad, I'll keep that in mind too," said Astra.
Astra turned over, closed her eyes, and fell asleep.
The following day, Zelda, Purah, and Astra met for breakfast with Prince Sidon.
"I wasn't thrilled when Astra told me this morning that she informed you of Link's time travel, Prince Sidon, but what's done is done," said Zelda.
"I'm thrilled she did," said Sidon. "It's comforting for my father and me to know that Mipha is alive and happy somewhere, even if we cannot share it with her. Would you not wish to know your father and husband are at peace in the afterlife, Zelda? So, with your permission, I would like Astra to join me after breakfast and tell me everything she can about my sister. And perhaps share any more pictures she may have of her too."
"Pictures?" said Purah. "What pictures? You have a Sheikah Slate, Astra?"
"No, not exactly, Dr. Purah. But I will explain some other time."
"Very well, Prince Sidon," said Zelda. "I suppose you're right. Aside from Purah, Paya, and me, you and your father are the only ones in Hyrule who would care so deeply about such matters, personally knowing a relative who was alive at the time of the Calamity. If possible, while you speak with Astra, I would like to spend time with your father to discuss some defense measures and reconstruction projects. Dr. Purah, I could use your advice on some matters, so would you please accompany me?"
They finished breakfast, and King Dorephan was available to meet with Zelda and Purah, leaving Astra with Sidon. After informing King Dorephan of their plans, Sidon and Astra parted company from the others.
"Let's take a walk," said Sidon as they began walking up the western path toward Veiled Falls.
"I appreciate you taking a high dive, as we say, by defying Queen Zelda's wishes and telling me what you did about the other timeline," said Sidon.
"My father suggested I do that, and I agreed with him," said Astra. "But I will respect Zelda's wishes about keeping secret who my mother is."
"Yes, of course, and that is fine," said Sidon. "Anyway, I was hoping we could spend some time together, and you could tell me whatever you can about my sister. There will be fewer interruptions for me if we sit by Veiled Falls. We can have lunch there later."
"Of course," said Astra. "I learned a great deal from Mipha's oldest daughter, named Mila. She's the historian of the family and helped Link organize his journal. She shared much of his journal with me, and together with family conversations, that was how I learned some of what happened before I was born. But let me start at the beginning."
They sat by Veiled Falls, and the entire morning passed by as Astra spoke. First, she explained how defeat from the Calamity was averted through Link's time travel. And then shortly afterward, Mipha and Link married, eventually having four children together and even a grandchild. Astra described each person in detail. But she avoided mentioning North Hyrule, simply saying Link's Hylian son married a Zora and had a Zora daughter.
"Amazing!" said Sidon. "I imagine something like that might have happened here had things not gone so badly. And my sister is well and happy, you said?"
"Very happy. Mipha often laughs, especially when she is with Link," said Astra. "And when she and Link are together, you can feel the love between them. You can see it in the way they talk to each other, look at each other, and tease each other."
"Thank you again for sharing all this. Knowing my sister is alive and happy somewhere helps ease the pain of her loss somewhat," said Sidon. "And hearing how you speak of everyone, I realize you must also feel the loss of your family, Astra. Know that you are welcome here anytime. I thought of Link as my brother because he should have been. And I consider any relative of his to be my family too."
"Thank you, Prince Sidon," said Astra.
Just then, their conversation was interrupted by a Zora guard carrying a basket.
"Forgive the interruption, Prince Sidon, but I was asked to check all was well and to deliver this lunch basket to you and your Hylian guest."
Then the guard looked at Astra, and he stared as his jaw dropped.
"Blessed Nayru! Forgive me, but for a moment, I thought Link had returned once again from some slumber that preserved his youth."
"This is Captain Bazz," said Sidon as he and Astra stood. "And this is Link's daughter, Astra."
"Link had a daughter? No wonder the resemblance is so remarkable!" exclaimed Bazz. "But forgive my manners, Astra. I am pleased to meet you. Link and I were good friends, and he taught me some combat skills that greatly helped me."
"Yes, he spoke of you, Captain Bazz, as well as Gaddison and Rivan, as his friends," said Astra.
"But what about Link?" said Bazz. "Is he…?"
"He is no longer with us, I'm afraid," said Astra.
"I'm very sorry for your loss then, and may he rest in peace," sighed Bazz. "We suspected as much after not hearing from him all these years. And apologies for bringing up what must be painful for you."
"No need to apologize," said Astra. "I understand."
Then Bazz noticed the sword on Astra's back.
"But is that not the sword your father carried, the sword of evil's bane?" said Bazz. "Legend has it that only one chosen by the sword may wield it. Is that not so?"
"Yes, it is so," said Astra.
"Astra has apparently inherited more than her father's looks, Bazz, but his spirit and swordsmanship as well," said Sidon.
"Indeed!" said Bazz. "Would it be impertinent of me to ask you to spar with me, Astra? Link sometimes used to do that when he visited, and I could see if I made any progress with my combat skills."
"Do you mind Prince Sidon?" Astra asked.
"No, not at all," said Sidon. "I am intrigued to see how well your swordsmanship compares to Link's. I still remember when Link first visited here after his long slumber. I had people search for a Hylian to help us calm Ruta with Shock Arrows, and I didn't know who Link was at first since I last saw him as a young child. But I met him at Inogo Bridge, and then I followed his progress along the path to the Domain from the water. There were still a great many monsters about back then, and I watched Link take on some Moblins and Lizalfos along the way. He could counter an enemy's attack with his shield or dodge it perfectly and then pummel his adversary with such rapid blows that the fight was over in no time. And he was no slouch with a bow and arrow either."
"Very well," said Astra, who drew her sword. "You may come at me whenever you're ready, Captain Bazz."
Bazz readied the spear he carried, then lunged at Astra with the handle, ready to knock her down. But what happened next happened quickly. Astra jumped aside and, in one continuous movement, swung her sword upward, striking the spear with such force that it flew from Bazz's hands, and he fell backward, landing on the ground. When he looked up, he saw Astra standing over him, smiling, and her sword pointed at his chest.
"Well, I guess I still have a lot to learn!" laughed Bazz. "I yield, and I won't even ask for a rematch! It would be futile."
"It's no reflection on your skills," said Astra as she returned her sword to its scabbard and extended a hand to help Bazz rise from the ground. "I inherited my father's ability and have worked at perfecting it most of my life."
"Indeed, you have!" said Sidon. "It very much reminds me of Link. Your movements were so smooth and fluid that they're beautiful to behold. The trick is not to blink!"
Astra laughed.
"If there is nothing else, Prince Sidon, I will return to my duties," said Bazz. "And I will let Gaddison and Rivan know you are here, Astra. If you have time and are willing, we would all love to spend some time with you and perhaps share some stories about Link."
"I would like that as well, and I will make the time someday," said Astra.
Bazz bowed and made his way back to the Domain.
"Shall we have lunch?" said Sidon. "I trust they included something suitable for you. I can always catch a fish here."
There was some cooked fish for Astra, along with some fruit, and Sidon spoke up as they ate.
"Let me give your tongue a rest and do some of the talking now," said Sidon as Astra ate.
"I am interested to learn whatever I can," said Astra.
"I guess I could begin by sharing what I knew about your father," said Sidon. "After he and Zelda defeated the Calamity, I didn't see much of Link for a while. I believe he was busy helping Zelda and still serving as her knight. But, I don't know, maybe a year after the Calamity's defeat, Link began traveling here more often. He was living alone in his house in Hateno Village by then. We talked about Mipha whenever he stopped by, and he was always eager to recover memories of her. I could tell he was lonely, and my father and I did what we could to comfort him and make him feel welcome."
Sidon paused to swallow a bite of fish.
"Anyway, that went on for a couple of years, and then something must have happened. Link's mood suddenly changed, and he seemed very excited about something. He refused to tell me what had happened, but he became even more obsessed than ever about being with my sister somehow. And he spoke of her as if he suddenly remembered her in great detail, describing how she spoke, how beautifully she swam, and even how sweet her kiss was. I began to worry about him then. For nobody knew how badly his mind had been damaged by his ordeal in the Shrine of Resurrection, and I wondered if he was becoming delusional."
Sidon paused again to take another bite, then resumed.
"I began to fear Link might even take his own life, thinking he and my sister could then be together as spirits. I actually confronted him about that idea: had he ever considered doing such a terrible thing? But he just laughed. He said not to worry, that he only wanted to be with Mipha in the flesh. I felt some relief, though how that could ever come to be, I had no idea. And then it was about a year after that when Link finally disappeared. When my father and I inquired, Zelda said he had gone off, and she did not know where."
Sidon paused for another moment.
"Anyway, they turned his Hateno Village house into a museum not long after that, and you can see a replica of Mipha's Lightscale Trident on display there. They returned the original to us, and Dento provided them with a copy. And when they cleaned out Link's belongings before opening the museum, they found the Zora Armor my father had given him. They returned that to us as well. So, we began to fear the worst then, for Link always wore that armor whenever he visited here."
"He received the armor again from your sister, of course, and seldom wears anything else," said Astra. "And we know from his journal what excited him three years after the Calamity's defeat. He was able to use a TimeShift Stone to visit Mipha at East Reservoir Lake for a day, and that rekindled his hope that time travel was possible, and he could save Hyrule, allowing him and your sister to be together."
"I see," said Sidon. "I guess he was sworn to secrecy about such matters."
They finished lunch, and it was afternoon when they returned to the Domain to find Zelda and Purah eager to return to Hyrule Castle.
"Until next time," said Sidon as he wished them farewell. "And Astra, I hope you will return often. I will share all you told me with my father, and I'm sure we can discuss more. "
Sidon walked them to the Great Zora Bridge, where they rejoined their guards and horses. Then, with a wave, he watched them ride off and returned to be with his father in the throne room.
"Did your meeting with Zelda go well, Father?" Sidon asked.
"Yes, I had our royal secretary take minutes to share with you," said King Dorephan. "How was your meeting with Astra?"
"Enlightening and gratifying," said Sidon. "Let me tell you all I learned."
Sidon relayed all that Astra had told him, and King Dorephan enjoyed hearing it.
"Well, I don't pretend to understand things like alternate timelines, but it makes me happy to believe our dear Mipha is alive and well somewhere," sighed King Dorephan. "And I will respect Zelda's desire for secrecy. I know if Muzu ever heard about it, he would throw a fit, furious at the Hylians again for keeping a secret!"
"That he would!" laughed Sidon. "And we certainly don't want that at his age!"
Meanwhile, Zelda, Purah, and Astra kept their horses at a brisk, steady pace on the way back to the castle. Their guards were insistent, eager for them to return safely home before dark.
"I agreed with Colonel Lorton to follow whatever his officers recommended," said Zelda. "It's only fair to them as there is no need to put their lives in jeopardy because of me."
"Of course," said Astra. "It's always wise to avoid danger if possible."
And so, they did not slow their horses to converse with the lone traveler who stepped aside and out of the roadway to let them pass. And they did not turn around to see the traveler stop to watch them with great interest, then wave his arms and disappear in a puff of smoke.