Chapter 42 - Ancient Energy Miracle

Summary: A striking turn of events leads to an unexpected reunion and implications for Lapha's research on cures.

It was a calm, moonlit night over the gently rolling waves of the Akkala Sea to the northeast of Hyrule. But, of course, you couldn't tell from deep below the surface where all was blackness, save for the occasional flashes of light from luminescent sea creatures.

On the seafloor, a young female Zora stirred and opened her eyes, her gills pumping life-giving water through her body. It was utterly dark, and she felt disoriented, struggling to understand where she was. She quickly realized she was lying flat on her back inside an oblong container that was not much bigger than she was. What was going on?

Then she felt a sharp pang of hunger that drove away other thoughts, and she began feeling for a way out of whatever it was she was confined in. She couldn't find a way out at first, but as she pushed on whatever was overhead, she felt it give slightly. Perhaps being in the sea had loosened whatever adhesive held it in place. She pushed harder, and then what must be the lid fell away and floated to the sea floor beside her. But, of course, it was still pitch black, and she sensed she was in deep water.

Her sight was of little use at the moment, but her other senses were returning now. She could hear the sounds of the sea, the scraping of sand pushed by the waves, and the occasional noises of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures. A fish would taste delicious, but she felt too weak to chase one. However, she could hear some crabs nearby scouring the seafloor for food. A few clicks of her echolocation found them, and she eagerly consumed two of them, her sharp teeth making short work of their shells. Then she began to rise toward the surface, but slowly. Somehow, she instinctively knew it was wise not to surface too quickly from such deep water.

As she did so, the Zora tried to remember things but found her mind was mostly blank. What little she did remember was sitting in the back of a ferry at night and then feeling herself thrown overboard against her will. She had been thrown into the ferry's Ancient Energy propulsion system. And as she hit the water, everything went blue as she was immersed in a strange fluid. She sucked some of it in through her gills, then felt a blow to her head, and everything went dark.

She continued rising into shallower, slightly warmer water but still had a ways to go before reaching the surface. She kept trying to remember anything else. Who was she, for instance? She instinctively understood she was a Zora but couldn't even recall her name. And why was she in a container at the bottom of the sea? Then, suddenly, a chilling realization hit her. She knew what the container she had just emerged from must be - a coffin. Her people must have thought she had died and given her body back to the sea. But how could anyone make such a mistake? Then she felt a momentary sickness in the pit of her stomach, but not from the crabs she had just eaten. Had she really died? She did not feel at all like a spirit. It all made no sense!

Her head finally broke the surface to the sight of a crescent moon shining overhead. Then she turned about to orient herself and saw an outline of land in the distance as cliffs obstructed the horizon. The crab nourishment had given her more energy, and she began swimming toward land. Hopefully, someone there would know who she was and what had happened. She took her time, not over-exerting herself and letting the current help her along as it pulled her diagonally toward what must be the southwest.

After some time, she sensed another humming noise that sounded artificial. And soon afterward, lights were visible not far away. A boat of some sort was approaching, and with some effort, she could get closer to it before it passed her by. She pushed herself to swim faster, then stopped and tried to shout when she was as close as she could get. At first, her voice failed her, and no sound came out. She swallowed and tried again, this time managing to cry out for help as she frantically waved her hands overhead. Then she tried to swim closer, pushing herself to her limit.

On the slow late-night ferry heading south, there were only a few passengers tonight, some tourists returning from North Hyrule to Hateno Village. It was one of the Hylian passengers who saw and heard the cry, then sprang up to notify the first officer.

"I see it now," said the officer, who promptly called it to the captain's attention. They steered the boat toward the Zora floating in the water, then helped her aboard.

"Thank you," was all the Zora said, and then they caught her as she collapsed, unconscious.

I'll call it in, "said the first officer to the captain as he took out his Tab.

"This is ferry run 23. We recovered an unconscious female Zora from the water not far from Spool Bight."

"Understood. Proceed at once to the Spool Bight ferry landing. We will notify a Zora doctor to meet you there. Does the Zora have any visible injuries?"

"No obvious external injuries," said the first officer. "She was able to swim and call out. Then she collapsed after we helped her on board."

"Understood."

The captain at once picked up speed and steered the ferry toward Spool Bight.

Meanwhile, at Zora's Domain, the officer on duty received the call and notified the night physician, doctor Andora.

"Do you know the extent of her injuries? I'm trying to decide if I should awaken Princess Mila or Lady Mipha for their assistance," said Andora.

"It doesn't sound from the call like she has any wounds, if that's what you mean, doctor," said the officer on duty. "Our information is that Princess Mila is away at Hyrule Castle tonight."

"I had better awaken Lady Mipha then, just in case," said Andora. "She never minds doing this, and better to be safe than sorry."

The ring of Mipha's Tab shattered the house's silence by Mikau Lake, where she and Link were asleep in their slumber pool. The noise awakened them both, and Mipha rubbed her eyes and answered her Tab.

"I'll be right there, and it is no trouble at all, Dr. Andora," said Mipha after she heard what had happened.

"Trouble?" said Link.

"A ferry recovered a female Zora from the Akkala sea, and she fell unconscious when they took her aboard," said Mipha as she climbed out of the pool. "I'm meeting the ferry at Spool Bight in case my healing power is needed. It's still too early to get up, sweetheart, so you can go back to sleep."

"I thought we agreed to share all our adventures. Don't tell me my memory is better than yours now, sweetheart, after all the teasing I put up with these years," said Link as he climbed out of the pool as well."

"Very funny. My memory is fine, dearest, and I was just being considerate. I'll be sure to remember to tickle you later for that remark," said Mipha. "Let's go!"

They made their way to the northwest pier of East Reservoir Lake, nodding hello to guards they passed on the way, then dove into the water and swam to the eastern shore. Ruta stood silently in the middle of the lake and knew enough not to bellow a greeting at this late hour. When they reached the shore, they made their way through the Luminous Stone-lit passageway under Tal Tal peak to the Spool Bight ferry landing. Dr. Andora was already there, and they could see the ferry's lights as it approached.

"Lady Mipha, Prince Link," said Andora in greeting. "Thank you for coming. It is unclear what the nature of the person's injuries are, but just in case…."

"I am always available to help, Dr. Andora," said Mipha. "I was given this gift to aid others, and I will never forget that."

The ferry docked, and then Andora, Mipha, and Link boarded, Link standing back to keep out of the way.

"I don't see any injuries, though the light here isn't the best," said Andora as she examined the unconscious Zora, then lifted her head slightly. "Let's get her off the ferry."

"I can help with that," said Link as he approached, lifted the Zora into his arms, and carefully climbed back onto the pier.

"Lay her back down," said Andora, and Link gently lowered her to the ground but kept staring at her as he did so. "You can go, captain, and thank you."

The captain saluted, then the first officer undid the moorings, and the ferry resumed its route, turning south.

Just then, the Zora stirred and opened her eyes, staring into three anxious faces peering down at her.

"Please stay still," said Andora. "I'm a doctor. Do you feel well enough to talk? Do you have any pain?"

"No, no pain. I must have collapsed from exhaustion," said the Zora.

"May I ask who you are and what happened? You were found swimming alone in the sea, then fainted when the ferry crew brought you aboard," said Andora.

"I … I'm afraid I don't know who I am," said the Zora. "My memory is almost a blank. I think I must have died."

"What?" exclaimed Andora.

"Wait, a minute!" Link said as he continued to stare at her. "But no. That's impossible!"

"What is it?" said Mipha.

"She looks just like Princess Tiray of North Hyrule, Ambassador Laray's younger sister," Link whispered to Mipha. "But she died over twenty years ago!"

"Is it possible your name is Tiray?" Link asked.

"Maybe," said the Zora. "It does sound familiar. But I can't remember if that was my name or someone I knew."

"Link, we need to take her back to the Domain and look after her," said Andora. "There will be time enough for questions and answers once we know she's physically well."

"Yes, of course. Sorry, Doctor," said Link.

"We can take her to our house," said Mipha. "Mila's room is empty tonight."

With some support, Tiray felt well enough to walk to East Reservoir Lake and then swim across it. After reaching the northwest pier, they returned to the house.

"Do you feel up to eating anything?" said Andora.

"A fish would be nice," said Tiray. "I'm actually pretty hungry."

"I'll go get her a Hearty Bass," said Link, who left to look for fish near one of the nearby waterfalls, then returned a few moments later.

"Eat slowly," said Andora after Link gave her the fish, which Tiray did.

"That was good!" said Tiray. "I'm starting to feel much better."

Just then, Andora's Tab buzzed, and she answered.

"Yes? Alright, I understand. I will be right there," said Andora, then ended the call. "Sorry, a new mother is about to pass two eggs and could use my help."

"Please go, Doctor," said Mipha. "I think we can manage now."

"Then I will leave her in your care," said Andora. "Please call me if there is any change or if you need me."

Andora left at once, then Tiray spoke up.

"You obviously feel you know me, but forgive me - I have no idea who any of you are."

"My name is Mipha," said Mipha.

"Mipha? Mipha? Wait a moment," said Tiray as she stopped to think. "That name sounds familiar. Is it possible you are Queen Mipha?"

"You remember me as Zora Queen?" said Mipha as she glanced at Link.

"That's what popped into my head. But I must be wrong."

"I'm actually Princess Mipha."

"Sorry, I must still be very confused," said Tiray.

"No, you're not confused. It's just complicated," said Link. "The fact you think Mipha was Zora Queen makes it more likely you are indeed Tiray. By the way, I am Mipha's husband, Link."

"Yes, I heard the doctor mention your name, and I thought I recalled that name too," said Tiray. "But the Link I seem to recall was the Hylian hero of Hyrule, not a Zora. Are you a different Link? Sorry, my mind is still not working."

"No, not at all," said Link. "I am the same Link, and I was a Hylian when last we met. I'm more and more convinced you are indeed Tiray. But everyone thinks you died. Do you know what happened?"

Just then, someone appeared at the doorway.

"What's going on? I thought Mila must have suddenly come home in the middle of the night," Lapha said, having been awoken by the conversation.

"This is our daughter Lapha," said Mipha. "And Lapha, we think this is Princess Tiray of North Hyrule, who was believed to have died twenty years ago. She was just about to tell us what she remembers."

Tiray relayed what she could recall about the night she fell off the ferry and then added, "But do you know anything more about what happened to me?"

"Yes. You were possessed by an evil creature named Vera, who tried to kill you and then moved on to a new host, a Gerudo woman, as it turned out. Vera is destroyed now. But aside from the few of us who knew otherwise, your death was considered an accident due to falling into the ferry propulsion system. Some of your memory loss may actually be a blessing in disguise, given all that happened to you. But the mystery now is how you can possibly be alive - unless there was some divine intervention by the Goddess."

"There is no need to seek a spiritual explanation, " said Lapha. "It must have been the Ancient Energy you ingested. The fluid must have worked on you as it did in the Shrine of Resurrection. It restored you to life, but your memory was damaged in the process. And it took twenty years instead of the hundred years you said it took you, Dad, so I guess you were more seriously injured. But this is fascinating news and gives us a new area to explore! Purah will be so excited as well! I can't wait to run some tests and conduct experiments."

"Wait a moment, Lapha. You may be right, but let's put aside the scientific aspects for the moment," said Link. "Tiray, you may not remember, but you have an older sister named Laray. Do you remember anything about her? You and she were very close, and she was quite grief-stricken by your apparent death."

"Laray? The name sounds familiar too, but it's so much like mine I may be confused," said Tiray. "Sadly, I remember nothing else about her. It's so horrible to lose your memory like this!"

"Don't I know it!" said Link.

"We need to tell her sister at once," said Mipha. "She will want to come here to see her and confirm it truly is her."

"Of course. I'll call Laray right now," said Link.

Link placed the call and, a moment later, heard a sleepy voice.

"Ambassador Link? Is something wrong?"

"No, just the opposite, Ambassador Laray," said Link. "I don't know how to prepare you for this. But it seems your sister Tiray is alive and here with us."

"Sorry, could you say that again?"

"Your sister Tiray is alive and here with us," said Link.

"What? Are you serious? Can I talk to her?"

"Yes, but her memory appears to be damaged," said Link. "She does not remember much."

"How do you know it's really her?"

"She looks like how I remember her, and her story of what happened aligns with what we know," said Link. "But here, you can speak with her."

Link handed Tiray his Tab.

"Hello?" said Tiray.

"Hello? Ti? Is that really you?"

"They tell me I may be your sister Tiray," said Tiray. "I honestly don't know who I am. I can't remember much."

"It sounds just like you, Ti," said Laray, her voice betraying her excitement. "Oh, blessed Nayru, if this is true, it's a miracle! I will be there as fast as possible, Ti, to see you and take you home."

"She's coming here now," said Tiray as Laray ended the call and she handed the Tab back to Link.

After Laray ended the call, she contacted Queen Faray. Faray was incredulous but felt it was no harm to investigate and agreed to provide a fast transport ship to take Laray to Zora's Domain. It was not long before Laray was speeding south toward Spool Bight.

"This opens up some new ideas about restoring health," said Lapha. "I hadn't thought about ingesting liquid Ancient Energy. But it makes some sense since the Shrine of Resurrection saturates the subject in it to heal them both inside and out."

"Well, please be careful with any experiments," said Mipha. "And promise us you won't experiment on yourself like Dr. Purah is prone to do."

"I promise," said Lapha.

Everyone was quiet for a moment, and then Tiray finally spoke up.

"I feel nervous about meeting Laray," said Tiray. "I don't want to hurt her feelings, but I can't pretend I remember her."

"I know this will be difficult for both of you," said Link. "My advice is to give it time. Being together with Laray and visiting places you once went or doing things you once did together may trigger flashbacks and help you recover your memory."

"I hope so," sighed Tiray. "Not knowing anything about my life is horrible."

"And I'll remind Laray she needs to be patient," said Link. "Memory recovery can take time."

"But trust me, it's worth the wait," said Mipha as she took Link's hand.

It was not long before a guard accompanied Laray to the house, and she was admitted at once. Everyone stood.

"Tiray? Do you remember me at all?" said Laray as they looked at each other.

"I'm sorry," said Tiray as she shook her head. "Seeing you makes me think we knew each other. But I wish I remembered more."

"Let me confirm it's really you," said Laray. "When you were small, I was watching you at the shore one day, and a crab bit you on the left ankle, leaving a small scar. I felt terrible that I had let that happen. But, it's quite a small scar, just a faint mark on the inside of your left ankle."

Tiray examined her ankle; sure enough, there was a tiny scar there.

"Look, it's here," said Tiray as Laray bent down to examine it.

"Blessed Nayru, it is you, Ti!" said Laray as she embraced Tiray, and her eyes filled with tears while Tiray awkwardly returned her hug.

"Laray, this is a wonderful moment but try to be patient," said Link.

"I will, and I understand Ti does not remember me yet," said Laray as she brushed away some tears. "But you will. I'll help you, Ti, and we have the best Sheikah doctors in North Hyrule. Do you feel up to traveling back home with me yet?"

"Yes, I think going home with you would be best," said Tiray. "Thank you, Mipha and Link, for your help. And I'm sure I'll also be talking with you, Lapha, about my experience. Farewell for now."

"Farewell, and we will pray for your speedy recovery," said Mipha.

Laray took Tiray by the arm and led her to where a high-speed boat was waiting to transport them back to North Hyrule.

"Quite an amazing experience," said Link.

Just then, Midon arrived, sleepily rubbing his eyes.

"Why is everyone up so early? Did I miss anything?"

"No, Mido. Nothing important. Only someone returning from the dead," said Lapha.

"What?!"

"Come, let's all have an early breakfast, and I'll tell you all about it," laughed Link. "And we can fill in Mila later."

"I'll catch breakfast this time," said Mipha. "Any preference?"

"First fish is fine," echoed Link, Lapha, and Midon.

"What a wonderful easy-going family! " laughed Mipha, who left to catch their fish.

Later that evening, as Mipha and Link floated in their slumber pool and prepared to sleep, they spoke about what had happened.

"It's wonderful that one of Vera's evil deeds was undone by sheer luck," said Link. "Had she killed Tiray in any other way, this could not have happened."

"Maybe it was luck or maybe something else," said Mipha. "But it was certainly fortunate."

"Now, if only Tiray recovers her memory," said Link. "We both know it can be done, at least partly."

"Yes, I have deep hopes for it," said Mipha. "You recovered a good deal of yours - at least the parts important to me."

"Well, those are the memories I had your help with, of course, taking me to locations around the Domain where we spent time together," said Link. "And it was kind of a joint voyage of discovery. You had to also convince yourself I was truly the same person. I remember how excited I was when you finally called me Link once again."

"I still don't know if I should forgive you for playing that trick on me at Ruta," laughed Mipha. "Only later did I understand why you acted so strangely."

"It was Purah's experiment, and I was under strict orders to keep things a secret. Without it, I might not even be here. By the way, thanks for the love bite. I blushed when I had to explain that to Zelda, who thought I got bitten by a Keese or something."

"Good! That's just what I wanted!" laughed Mipha. "I felt I had to mark what I owned before you returned to duty guarding your oh-so-precious princess."

"You were my precious princess, sweetheart, and you already owned my heart," said Link. "You didn't need to mark my shoulder."

"Oh, you can be so sweet sometimes," said Mipha as she reached out, and they kissed.

Then Link burst out laughing as Mipha tickled him.

"What?!" Link exclaimed after he stopped laughing.

"You don't remember? I owed you a tickle from this morning when you insulted my memory," laughed Mipha.

"You're just too cute!" laughed Link as they embraced and resumed kissing. "And you always seem to get the last laugh."

"Mm, mm," said Mipha as she pulled him below the surface.