Chapter 5 - Catching Up and Diving Down
Summary: Link joins his fellow Big Bad Bazz Brigade members for a reunion. Linky and family arrive to spend the weekend in the Domain. Mipha and Link spend an afternoon with Tara.
Mila smiled as she finished putting together the latest chapter of the story after getting submissions from everyone. It wasn't that hard and just took patience. Over the years, she had studied how her father wrote and doubted anyone would even notice the difference.
It was a calm and clear evening in Zora's Domain, as Link prepared to leave their Mikau Lake house for a reunion get-together with his three Bazz Brigade friends, Bazz, Gaddison, and Rivan.
"Can I have a word before you go?" Mipha asked.
"I'm all ears," said Link.
"Very funny, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Have a good time but remember Linky and his family will be here tomorrow morning for their weekend visit. We're going to watch Tara for them all day."
"Yes, I remember."
"What? Could you repeat that? I don't think I've ever heard those words pass your lips," Mipha exclaimed in mock surprise.
"Very funny yourself, sweetheart," said Link as they both laughed and then kissed. "But I'm looking forward to their visit, and I love spending time with Tara. It reminds me of when we were raising our own children."
Link then made his way down to one of the gazebo structures overlooking the plaza, where he found Rivan already waiting. After exchanging greetings, Link sat down.
"The others should both be here soon," said Rivan as he glanced at his Tab. "They got off duty a short time ago, and Gaddison was stationed by Upland Zorana today while Bazz was down at Lanayru Bay."
"Great! By the way, what's the situation with Bazz and Gaddison?" Link asked before either of them arrived. "I know they were in a relationship for a while, but I've heard nothing further since."
"I'm glad you asked ahead of time," said Rivan. "You're right. They had been seeing each other for a while. But I guess it didn't work out, and neither told me why. As you know, Gaddison left Bazz's unit when they became involved, and she's done well since, even getting promoted to Captain. Not too long after her promotion, they broke up, but that may have been a pure coincidence. That's all I know. Oh, here she is now."
"Hello Heroine!" said Link as he and Rivan stood up to greet Gaddison.
"Fluffy white clouds!" said Gaddison.
"Clear blue Zora!" laughed Link and Rivan together as they exchanged high fives with her.
"Good! You both still remember the password!" laughed Gaddison.
"Let me get some drinks while we wait for Bazz," said Rivan, getting up.
"Here, put them on my Tab," said Link as he handed Rivan his Tab. "Literally!"
"Very funny, but sure thing, Your Highness," laughed Rivan. "I'll get Bazz's drink too in case he shows up in the meantime."
Rivan left to get the drinks as Gaddison and Link sat down.
"So, how are you doing, Gaddison?" said Link. "Congratulations on being promoted to Captain, by the way. It's always great to see my Brigade friends doing well."
"I'm doing swimmingly, Link," said Gaddison with a smile. "I enjoy the work and met some new friends, even some from North Hyrule. I overheard Rivan telling you that Bazz and I broke up. It was mutual, and we parted on calm waters. Otherwise, these reunions would be a little icy."
"As long as you're happy," said Link. "It's important to find the right person."
"Or have the right person find you, right Link?" said Gaddison with a wink.
"Well, yes," laughed Link. "It can work that way too."
Just then, Rivan returned, and Bazz was with him, helping to carry the drinks.
"Here, Gaddy," said Bazz, handing Gaddison her drink and then sitting down with his own as Rivan put Link's drink down in front of him and returned Link's Tab.
"Oh, I sent some indiscreet messages from your Tab for you, Link," said Rivan. "I may have accidentally copied Mipha, so you will have to explain everything to her when you get home."
"Very funny," said Link as he took back his Tab. "My messages are password-protected, and it's not 'Clear blue Zora' either."
Everyone laughed.
"I'm glad we could all get together again. Here's to the Brigade!" said Bazz as he raised his drink.
They all clinked their glasses together, then took a sip.
"Wow! Are these drinks getting stronger?" asked Link after swallowing. "Or is it just me?"
"I think it's just you," said Bazz. "But that's good. It won't take as long for you to loosen up."
"I don't know," said Rivan, as he shook his head. "Link can be wound up tighter than a crooked snail."
"Come on! Not anymore," laughed Link. "I'm easygoing now."
"Let's drink to that!" said Bazz, and everyone took another sip. "Now, as usual, we take turns in alphabetic order to recount one of our adventures, and last time, I was the one who told a story. So, it's Gaddison's turn this meeting."
"I'm ready," said Gaddison. "And knowing Link would be here for this meeting, I chose something he would enjoy hearing about."
"Uh, oh," said Link as he took another sip.
"Don't worry, Link, this was actually a time we tried to help you out, and it didn't end with either you or us getting in trouble," said Gaddison. "It happened when you were older and maybe a little more mature than us, you know, being a fast-growing Hylian and all."
"I would just stick to older," joked Bazz. "Link was never more mature than us."
Everyone laughed, then Gaddison continued.
"Anyway, the word was Mipha was pretty sweet on you, and we wanted to help things along for you and our Princess's sake. We knew you two were planning an evening walk to Veiled Falls, so we got the idea to pick a whole pile of Blue Nightshade flowers and scatter them on the water there beforehand, then hide."
"I remember that night," said Rivan. "I think it was your idea, Gaddison. But we picked so many flowers my back ached the next day! Luckily they grow back."
"Yes, and so, that's what we did, and they looked so beautiful floating on the water and glowing a soft blue in the moonlight!" said Gaddison. "We could see Mipha was thrilled when she saw them, as she loved those flowers. I think she hoped at first maybe you had something to do with it, which would have been a sweet thing to do. Anyway, we all thought for sure you two would kiss, having set the mood and the scene being so romantic. But nope. You two just sat and talked for a while, with her doing most of the talking. Then when it got late, you walked her back home. What a letdown!"
"Yeah, we felt like throwing a frog at you," said Bazz.
"Wow, I don't recall any of that," said Link as he furrowed his brow and scratched his head. "But I suppose that's not surprising with all my memory issues. I'll have to ask Mipha about it."
Link paused and took a sip of his drink, then spoke up again.
"You know, on second thought, maybe it's better that I don't mention it to Mipha. She'll probably just get upset remembering that I should have kissed her then."
Then Link stopped and took another sip.
"But I don't want to have any secrets from her, and it shows you guys could be nice and not always the delinquents she thinks of you as," said Link. "I'll mention it to her when the time is right."
"Whatever you think best and lets you sleep at night," said Gaddison.
"You know, speaking of sleeping, I can't stay too late," said Link. "Our son Link and his family are arriving tomorrow morning from North Hyrule and staying the weekend. So I don't want to oversleep."
"We won't keep you long, Your Highness," teased Bazz. "But the night is still young. Another round?"
"Sounds good!" said Rivan.
"I'm in," said Gaddison.
"Okay, I'll buy again," said Link, handing Rivan his Tab after checking the message feature was locked.
"Ha! Made you look!" laughed Rivan. "You know I would never intentionally get you in trouble with Mipha."
"Maybe not intentionally. But I would be surprised if you guys didn't get me in trouble with Mipha one way or the other," laughed Link.
Rivan went for more drinks, and Bazz went with him to help carry them.
"That was a good story, and thanks for trying to nudge Mipha and me together," said Link to Gaddison. "As a Goron might say, I was a tough boulder to get rolling."
"Anything to make you and our Princess happy," said Gaddison. "We were glad it eventually worked out."
"Me too!" laughed Link. "And believe me, it wasn't easy!"
"Here we are," said Bazz as he and Rivan returned with another round. "They sure taste good after a day spent in saltwater."
"At least you were in the water, Bazz," said Gaddison. "Only a Goron would love patrolling where I spent the day among all the rocks."
"Then let's drink to getting off duty!" said Bazz as everyone raised a glass.
It was late in the evening when Link finally made his way back to a dark house. He found his room, undressed, climbed into the slumber pool alongside a sleeping Mipha, and then fell asleep at once.
The following day was sunny, and Tila, Linky, and Tara had arrived home for the weekend. They had all just finished breakfast, and Tila and Linky were planning to give Mipha and Link some alone time with Tara, as well as spending some alone time themselves.
"Is Dad okay, Mom?" Linky asked. "He's still sleeping?"
"He's fine, just up too late last night drinking with his Bazz Brigade friends," said Mipha. "I knew that would happen! But I'll wake him up soon."
"Well, if everything is okay, Tila and I will be off now," said Linky, and then he turned to Tara.
"Have a fun time, but behave, okay?" said Linky as he kissed Tara on the forehead.
"Yes, be good for your grandparents, Tara," said Tila as she kissed her, too.
"Aren't I always good for everyone?"
"Most of the time, sweetheart," laughed Tila. "Dad and I will be back for dinner."
"Enjoy yourselves, and don't worry," said Mipha. "Tara is always well behaved with us, and we love having her."
Tila and Linky left the house holding hands.
"Now I'm looking forward to some waterfall fun," said Tila as she squeezed his hand.
"Swimming? I should have worn the armor you gave me then."
"Well, swimming too," said Tila. "But I was thinking more of spending time together behind the falls. I can always pull you up them."
"Even better!" said Linky, as he tugged her hand, pulling her closer for a brief kiss. "I guess I won't be needing the armor after all."
"Mm-hmm," said Tila. "Besides, me pulling you helps save your energy."
They both laughed as Linky tickled her in the ribs, and then they made their way to the lower level of the Domain, dove into the water there, and let its current carry them over the falls into Ruto Lake. Then they reversed direction and swam behind the large waterfall there.
"Perfect!" said Tila.
They turned and gazed into each other's eyes for a moment, smiled, then fell into each other's arms and began kissing passionately.
Afterward, they sat on the small plot of ground behind the falls, holding hands and leaning with their backs against the cliff face.
"Love you," said Linky.
"Love you too," said Tila.
They kissed again, then quietly watched the falls for a few minutes as the water sparkled in the morning sunshine.
"You make me feel like I'm still eighteen," said Linky. "And you're as beautiful as the day we married."
"Thanks, sweetheart. But it's only been twelve years."
"Which is like three for a Zora, right? But they are twelve of the happiest years for me," said Linky.
"And for me too."
They kissed once more, and then Linky spoke up again.
"By the way, I'm glad nobody interrupted us," said Linky.
"Well, you shouldn't worry about that. A Zora would never interrupt us."
"Why not?"
"We can sense the vibrations in the water," laughed Tila.
"Even with the splashing of the falls?"
"Yes, it's a distinct vibration. The splashing from the falls is just background noise. That's why Zora couples can have privacy underwater. Any other Zora would respect their privacy and keep their distance. Your brother or sisters never mentioned that?"
"No, but we never spoke about such things," said Linky. "I think until I got engaged, they still thought of me as a little kid. But it makes sense, I guess."
"I hope you weren't nervous about being interrupted. It didn't seem that you were."
"No, I kind of got lost in the moment, sweetheart," smiled Linky. "I can't think of anything but you when we're together."
They kissed again, a longer one this time.
"Hold the thought then! I'm ready to explore the next falls downriver. You?" said Tila as she took his hand.
"I'm ready, too," laughed Linky. "I guess catching me a Staminoka Bass for breakfast was a smart idea."
"We both ate one, remember?"
They both laughed again, hopped into the water, and then swam, letting the current carry them toward the next large waterfall along the Zora River beyond the Oren Bridge and scaring away several Bright-Chested Ducks along the way.
Meanwhile, back in the Domain, Mipha decided Link had slept late enough.
"I'll be right back, sweetheart," said Mipha as she left Tara at the breakfast table to go to their room.
Link was still asleep, and she gently shook him awake.
"Huh? Did Linky and his family arrive yet?" said Link as he rubbed his eyes.
"Yes, some time ago," said Mipha. "I knew you would do this - let your delinquent friends keep you out late. Tara is waiting for us."
"Oh, sorry, I'll be right there," said Link as he pulled himself out of the water and prepared to get dressed.
After Link cooked a quick breakfast, Tara spoke up.
"I'd like to dive off Shatterback Point today," said Tara.
"Have you done it before?" Mipha asked.
"Yes, with my Mom and Dad," said Tara. "It was fun!"
"Well, we can head to Ploymus Mountain, but I will double-check with your parents by Tab to make sure it's okay for you to dive from there," said Mipha. "It's a rather long dive, Tara. Maybe I can hold your hand and dive with you?"
"That's fine, I don't mind," said Tara. "What about Grandpa?"
"Perhaps if he had spent less time with his friends last night, he would be in better shape for a dive," said Mipha. "I'm afraid he'll fall smack flat into the water."
"I'll be fine, trust me," said Link.
"Maybe we should all dive together then?" said Tara.
"Maybe," laughed Mipha. "Let's go."
"Yay!" shouted Tara as she took each of their hands, and they made their way toward Mikau Lake and the first of three waterfalls that led to Ploymus Mountain.
"You holding up okay?" said Mipha to Link after they made their way up the last waterfall.
"Yes, fine," said Link. "The sleep helped."
They walked along the path to Ploymus mountain, and the midday sun cast shadows from the pine trees along the route and glistened off the icy blue rocks atop some cliffs.
"This is gonna be fun!" said Tara as they passed the sign showing Shatterback Point was to the left, and Mipha received a Tab reply that Tara was okay to dive.
The grass was thick amidst the scattered pine trees on the plateau where a ruthless Lynel once roamed over forty years ago, and Mipha and Link exchanged a smile as they walked across it. Whatever Shock Arrows had been there once were long gone by now. Then they continued up the path past the purple shrubs that waved in the gentle breeze.
"They're pretty and remind me of the coral back where Mom grew up," said Tara, as she pointed to them.
When they reached Shatterback Point itself, only a lonely pine tree and a sign saying you jump at your own risk stood there.
"Can I take a moment to enjoy the view," said Link. "And steady my nerves. I would feel better if I brought a paraglider just in case."
The view was indeed magnificent, with snow-covered Mount Lanayru straight ahead, Death Mountain and Hyrule Castle to the right, and the Necluda Sea to the left as far as the eye could see.
"Ready?" said Tara, as excited as ever.
"Let's all hold hands," said Mipha. "Tara, you stay in the middle and help your grandfather."
"Okay," said Tara. "Ready? One, two, three, jump!"
They jumped off the cliff, and Tara yelled with excitement the entire way down while Link just screamed, closing his mouth in time when he hit the water. But with three simultaneous splashes, everyone made a good landing in the water below.
"Wow!" said Link as he rose to the surface and caught his breath. "It's been a while, but that wasn't too bad."
"Can we go again?" said Tara excitedly.
"Sure, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Maybe just you and me this time. We can climb this small embankment and then head back up the waterfall."
"Is anyone hungry yet?" said Link. "I was thinking of a picnic soon."
"Maybe some games too, like hide and seek?" said Tara.
"Yes, I think we could manage that," laughed Link. "I'll go get a picnic basket."
"Mostly pack for yourself, plus maybe some fruit," said Mipha. "Tara and I can catch our own fish for lunch."
"Fine," said Link. "And meet you where? Veiled Falls?"
"Sure," said Mipha. "You remember where it is?"
"You're such a comedian," laughed Link. "I think you kissed me there once."
Link swam to the northwest pier and then walked to the Domain while Mipha and Tara made their way back up to Shatterback Point and dove together several more times. When Tara finally had enough diving fun, she and Mipha met Link at Veiled Falls, where Link had already spread a picnic blanket.
"Let's eat first and play later Tara," said Mipha. "I think you'll sleep well tonight, by the way."
Mipha and Tara each caught a fish in the pool of water at the foot of Veiled Falls, then returned and ate it while Link ate a salad.
"I was in too much of a hurry to cook," Link explained to Mipha.
"I know!" said Tara. "I can't wait to play too!"
Afterward, everyone had an apple for dessert.
"How do you like school?" Link asked as they all ate their apple.
"It's interesting," said Tara. "The science and math instructors are all Sheikah who explain things well. And we're using parts of Aunt Mila's book for North Hyrule history. It seems strange to read about my Mom and her family in it and my other grandparents that I never got to meet."
Then Tara paused for a moment.
"I feel bad about Aunt Sopha, though, that she would do all those terrible things," said Tara. "Mom said she got sick because of some magic jewels and never recovered."
"I suppose that's true," said Link. "Maybe she will get better someday. Now, are you ready for some hide and seek? I'm pretty good at hiding, you know."
"Me too!" exclaimed Tara. "And I'm pretty good at searching."
"Who wants to go first?" said Link.
"I'll hide first!" said Tara.
"You two go play," said Mipha. "I have to answer some messages about council business."
"Close your eyes and start counting!" said Tara.
Tara ran off while Link counted to one hundred in his head and kissed Mipha in the meantime.
"She's so cute!" said Link after they broke their kiss. "Yet another blessing in our lives."
"Make you feel young playing with her?"
"It does," said Link. "But you know me. In some ways, I never grew up, and I still like playing like a kid."
Then Link stood up and shouted, "Here I come, ready or not!"
Link began searching and found Tara hiding behind a rock on the path to Ralis Pond. Then they took turns. Tara eluded Link one time by hiding behind a waterfall. And Link won one round by climbing up a tree. By late afternoon, they were ready to call it a day, and they held hands as they walked home for dinner.
"I had fun!" said Tara. "I enjoy coming back here."
"And we love having you, sweetheart," said Mipha as she kissed Tara on the forehead.
"And I had fun too," said Link. "Next time, we can play at a different location with some better hiding spots."
"I think you'll have even more fun tomorrow when your uncle and aunts are home," said Mipha.
"Yeah, and it must be nice to have a brother or sister," said Tara. "I wish I had one."
"Well, you never know," said Link. "Sometimes wishes come true."
Meanwhile, Midon had just returned to the Royal Ancient Tech Lab, and Lapha called out to speak with him.
"Are you coming home with me for dinner tonight, Midon? Linky and his family are there for the weekend, and I'd like to see them," said Lapha.
"Sure, Laff," said Midon. "I'll leave when you do. Mila messaged me she would be there, too. She's working at the Hall of Heroes in the Forgotten Temple today. By the way, have you figured out how the simulations at the Forgotten Temple prevent harm to guests? I know you were hoping it might help with your disease curing research."
"I figured it out, but it won't help me. The Guidance Stone stores a copy of the guest as they were when they entered the simulation and always restores them to that same condition when they emerge, save for their memory, of course. So, they can experience anything in the simulation without harm and can remember what happened, but they return no better or worse physically than when they entered."
"That's too bad, but kind of what I expected from the code I saw," said Midon. "Any word from Dr. Purah about returning to excavation work in the Faron region? I miss the waterfalls."
"She would like to, but she said it depends upon funding," said Lapha. "I miss the falls there too. So how's your side work on Mab adventure gaming?"
"Still very much a work in progress," said Midon. "It's harder than it seemed, though downloading a simplified version of the simulation world is a good start. I got the idea while helping Mila update her history work. But I will need to convince some more people to help me. I know Larena's sister Karena will, at least. Anyway, back to my day job now. What are you working on now, by the way?"
"I realize to do the things I want requires a deeper understanding of Ancient Energy," said Lapha. "I'm researching whatever I can find about it, and the more ancient devices we uncover that use it, the more examples of how it can be used, the closer I think we can come to a better understanding of it."
"Just don't blow us all up in the meantime," laughed Midon.
"Don't worry," said Lapha. "And Robbie and I make sure Purah doesn't either."
"Okay, Dr. Lapha, back to work," laughed Midon.