Summary: Mipha chafes at inactivity and decides to act on her own.

It was a week later and a stormy evening in Zora's Domain. Mipha and Link had made love and were now preparing to sleep in their slumber pool. Sudden gusts of wind blew the rain hard against the house, now and then splashing against the windows.

"I know I'm just as wet here as I would be outside in the storm, but it's much cozier in the water here with you, sweetheart," said Link as they held each other.

Mipha leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"You're funny!" laughed Mipha. "I know you don't remember, but I still recall the time we got caught in the rain, and you had to sit with me while your tunic dried off. You were so shy about it, yet we went swimming so many times together."

"Yes, I don't know how much I remember, but you've told me about it before," said Link. "Sadly, I don't expect any more flashbacks. Whatever I've forgotten about our time together back then is probably lost forever to me. I only have you to tell me about it. But thankfully, we've made plenty of new memories together, and those I will never forget."

"So sweet," said Mipha as she caressed his cheek. "You know, you're very much the same kind-hearted person you always were. But you've become more outspoken now, not afraid to say how you feel anymore. I would say that's the single biggest change I see in you, and it's a good one."

"I think having you and a family helped make me what I am today," said Link. "I do recall how much of a loner I was. Life here with you has fulfilled me in a way I never thought possible. I love you so very much, sweetheart, and I always will."

Mipha smiled, and they kissed again.

"You already know how much I love you," said Mipha. "And I always will too."

A gust of wind blew another splash of rain across the window. They kissed goodnight one more time, then fell asleep in each other's arms to the sound of the storm.

But Mipha had a dream that evening. She began dreaming that she was out swimming, perhaps a consequence of her mind rebelling against her enforced confinement over the past week. She had not been able to leave the house since the attack almost two weeks ago, and her only water contact was the slumber pool. For someone as active as her, it was almost unbearable.

In her dream, Mipha was swimming in Cephla Lake. She hadn't been there in some time, but something had drawn her there. She dove under the water, and before her lay the entrance to an underwater cave, a cave she had visited more than once. She swam through the opening, and the cave shone blue, illuminated by Luminous Stones that lined the two walls. She navigated the twists and turns, finally reaching the end of the cave where a tomb stood. She bowed her head in reverence, for this was the tomb of the famous Zora Princess and Sage, Princess Ruto, whose body had been interred here many ages ago.

And then she imagined she heard the voice of Princess Ruto, and her voice sounded so kind and loving, affectionate even.

"My dear, dear cousin, you have not visited me in some time by your reckoning," the voice of Ruto came into her mind. "I sensed your spirit almost returned to me, and I was prepared to welcome you back. But it seems your time has not yet come."

"No, Princess Ruto, my health recovered," thought Mipha. "But I was harmed by an unseen enemy, and I fear for our people."

"Yes, and it is of that I wish to speak," said Ruto. "In my time, there was a relic called the Lens of Truth. This relic had the power to reveal the invisible, and it now lies deep within an ancient temple. Hyrule and its lands have changed much since my time there, and the temple I speak of is now far away in what you call the Akkala Sea. Seek it, find the Lens of Truth, and much that is hidden may be revealed. Only a Zora can retrieve it. May blessed Nayru continue to watch over you, sweet cousin, and may you have many years of happiness before I welcome you back with me again."

The dream ended, and Mipha suddenly awoke. It was still the middle of the night, and Link was fast asleep by her side. The sound of the heavy rain continued to beat against the house.

She thought about her dream. Was such a thing real? Mila was a historian, so perhaps she could shed some light on it. She kissed Link gently on the neck, closed her eyes again, and fell back asleep.

Mipha slept late the next morning, and when she awoke, Link, Mila, and Midon had all left. However, her son Link, Tila, and baby Tara were at home in the dining room. After saying good morning, Mipha picked up Tara.

"You are such a cutie!" said Mipha as she hugged her granddaughter, then gently stroked her tail fin and kissed her on the forehead. Tara lay her head on Mipha's shoulder then and put her arms around her neck.

"We were all up early, and she's pretty tired from swimming, Mom," said young Link. "She's the only one of us who can act the same in public as before. "

"Yes, I know that it's difficult for all of you to act the part of a bereaved family," said Mipha as she gently rocked Tara, who was getting sleepy.

Mipha hummed an old Zora lullaby as Tara closed her eyes and then finally fell asleep on her shoulder. Then Mipha quietly handed her to Tila to place in their slumber pool. Tila took Tara, put her in their pool, then returned to the dining room.

"My sister Faray wants us to stay in North Hyrule so we'll be safe," said Tila. "I've been resisting her, saying my place is here with all of you, my husband's family. So far, I've been able to dissuade her. But..."

"I understand, Tila," said Mipha. "Your duty is there, and it may call you back. And your family should be with you, of course."

"I am still hopeful it doesn't come to that, Mother," said Tila.

Just then, Link returned, kissed Mipha and greeted everyone.

"Hi! Where's Tara? Did I miss her?" said Link looking around.

"She fell asleep in Mom's arms," said young Link.

"I know from experience how easy that is," said Link as he smiled at Mipha. "It's how Mom and I became engaged."

Mipha smiled back at him, remembering a sunny morning at Veiled Falls over 30 years ago when a stressed Hylian knight fell asleep in her lap and awoke with the courage to finally kiss her.

"Anyway," said Link. "I've come from a meeting with Father and Sidon, ostensibly to help Sidon take over Mom's duties. The guards on our house are leaving after today since there was no further justification for their presence. We had an update from Queen Zelda. It seems Robbie has been working on developing goggles that could render these invisible warriors visible by combining a rapid wave transmitter with a built-in receiver. So far, he has had only limited success, however."

"But how can such goggles even be tested?" said young Link. "Testing it would give away what we are up to."

"Yes, well, that's another problem to be resolved," said Link. "But the North Hyrule Sheikah are also researching how this invisibility process might work. If they figure it out, that would be a big help. Are Mila and Midon out?"

"Yes," said young Link. "We saw them both leave earlier."

"How are Father and Sidon?" said Mipha.

"Playing the part just as we are," said Link. "Sidon may drop by later for some advice, pretending he's visiting the rest of us. He's truly trying to make things look realistic."

"And that's how it should be if everyone is keeping up appearances," said Mipha.

Meanwhile, Midon was meeting with his girlfriend, Larena, at East Reservoir Lake.

"I'm so sorry for your loss, sweetheart," said Larena as she and Midon floated together at East Reservoir Lake, their arms around each other. "I wish you would have let me see you sooner. I didn't care if you were moody or bad company. I wanted to be there for you."

"I know, and I appreciate it, sweetheart," said Midon. "But I felt I needed to be there for my father and my siblings."

"How are your father and the rest of your family taking it?" said Larena.

"About as well as can be expected," said Midon.

"It's just so tragic that this ancient Sheikah relic would end up killing its pilot," said Larena, nodding at Ruta sitting silently in the middle of the lake.

"I know," said Midon. "My Mom loved Ruta. But there are probably many things we don't understand about it. I guess the moral of what happened is that, like any complex piece of ancient technology, there may be more to it than meets the eye."

"You mean a click can be a trick? You've picked up a lot of Hylian slogans, haven't you?" said Larena.

"I guess it's my Dad's influence," said Midon. "But now I need some exercise and could use some swimming. I'll race you to the southwest pier and back!"

"How big a head-start do you need, sweetheart?" laughed Larena as she prepared to swim.

"Very funny," said Midon as he prepared to race. "We'll see who's laughing at the finish."

Meanwhile, Mila was meeting with her boyfriend Kendal at the Domain entrance near the Great Zora bridge. Kendal was on guard duty at the time.

"I'm so sorry for your loss, Mila," said Kendal as he reached out and embraced her. "We're all so heartbroken over what happened. There isn't anyone in our Domain who didn't love your mother."

They held each other close, and Mila was glad they could. Kendal has been doing extra guard duty, and they had had no time to be together.

"Are you and the family holding up well?" said Kendal finally. "I'm sorry that I couldn't be there for you more. Everyone is doing extra guard duty these days."

"Thank you, sweetheart, and I understand," said Mila. "We're all doing well, and my sister Lapha has even returned to work to take her mind off things."

"You know, I used to think of Ruta as our savior, but now I hate it for what it's done to you and all of us," said Kendal.

"Don't feel that way about Ruta, Kendal," said Mila as they continued to hold each other. "My Mom loved Ruta, and she used to tell us stories about how close the two of them were, that Ruta used to even play tricks on her, surprising her by dousing her with water. Whatever happened was not Ruta's fault. Ruta would never hurt my Mom."

"Well, I suppose you're right," said Kendal. "Please give my condolences to the rest of the family and tell them they are all in my prayers."

"Of course, sweetheart," said Mila. "And please be safe. I love you."

"I love you too," said Kendal.

They kissed once, then Mila left. She hated having to deceive Kendal, but caution was paramount. When she returned home, she found Mipha sitting alone in the dining room, obviously lost in thought.

"Mom, are you okay? Can I get you anything?" said Mila as they hugged each other hello.

"No, I'm fine, sweetheart," said Mipha. "I was just thinking. Can we sit down and talk for a bit?"

Mila suddenly got an unsettled feeling in her stomach, and she looked into her mother's eyes. These kinds of one-off conversations were often the precursor to some terrible news, and that frightened her.

"Sure, is, uh, is Dad, is everyone okay?" said Mila.

"He's fine, sweetheart, and so is everyone," said Mipha as they sat down together. "I just wanted to chat a bit, perhaps discuss some Zora history. With all of this extra time on my fins, I've taken a renewed interest in such things."

"Oh! Is that all? Of course, Mom," said Mila, visibly relaxing.

"How is your history of North Hyrule book doing?" said Mipha.

"It did well given the kind of book it was," said Mila. "I was surprised it sold as well as it did. But sales have pretty much dried up now, just a few purchases now and then."

"You're probably the expert on North Hyrule history now," said Mipha. "I know we are all very proud of your scholarship and the thorough research you did, including spending so much time there."

"I didn't mind," said Mila. "They were very gracious to me in North Hyrule and extended me every courtesy. It probably didn't hurt that I was good friends with their queen's sister, Tila."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," said Mipha. "It's amazing how long a history our people have had and how much has changed. I recall reading in one of your early chapters that at one time, our ancestors worshipped in an underwater temple."

"Yes, that's what the earliest records show," said Mila.

"Is it known where it might be, this ancient structure?" said Mipha.

"It isn't certain," said Mila. "It is reputed to be east of the Lomei Labyrinth island far out to sea. But why do you ask, Mom?"

"I was just ... oh, here's Tara! She must have awoken from her nap!" said Mipha as young Link, Tila, and Tara entered the room.

"She had a nice nap, and she's full of energy. I'll catch lunch for everyone now," said Tila.

Tara ran to Mila, and Mila picked her up, hugging her and kissing her.

"Mila! Mila! Mila! Mila!" said Tara as she hugged her back.

"Oh, you are such a charmer!" said Mila. "I think you're going to be even worse than your mother, and that's a deep dive."

"Very funny," laughed Tila. "Be nice, or you'll be eating frog for lunch."

Tila left to catch lunch for everyone, while the rest gave their attention to Tara.

After lunch, everyone but Mipha left for a swim, while Link prepared to meet with Father and Sidon again.

"You going to be okay alone for a short while, sweetheart?" Link asked.

"Fine," said Mipha. "Tara and her family will be back soon, and I have things to keep me busy. Mila loans me her Tab when she's not using it so I can follow events. I'll be okay. You go to the meeting."

They kissed, and Link left.

Mipha sat alone and began thinking. She was worried about these invisible assailants and whether Robbie and the others could find a way to combat them. She believed her dream was more than just a dream. It would be great to confirm it. She could sneak away and journey to Cephla Lake, hoping Princess Ruto's spirit would communicate with her. But going inland risked discovery. Perhaps it was better to slip away unseen and search for this mysterious underwater temple and the lens of truth. If the legend were true, it might be a huge help. If not, well, she was supposed to pretend to be dead anyway, so her absence should not cause a problem. Except for her family, of course. But they would have to trust her, that she was doing what she believed she should do. After all, who else could do it? She was the Zora Champion, the combat leader of her people. She had a duty like no other to do what she could to protect them.

She knew Link and her father would never approve of her doing this. So, she made up her mind to act secretly. Tonight, when the guards were no longer present at their house, she would slip away and head to the Akkala Sea. She couldn't use her Tab anyway, so she would leave it here and leave Link a note to share with her family. She went back to her room to see what she might need to bring.

After the family dinner, Mipha said she felt tired and wished everyone goodnight, including a special hug and kiss for Tara. Then she went to her room.

"I hope Mom's okay," said Mila. "It's not like her to want to sleep so early."

"Maybe she's bored," said Midon. "It must be hard staying home all the time, and no Tab either."

"I hope that's all it is," said Mila.

After a bit more family time, Link went in to check on Mipha. She was resting in the slumber pool, not quite asleep yet.

"Want company?" said Link.

"No, you go have fun with the family," said Mipha. "But I could use a goodnight kiss."

Link joined her in the pool, and they embraced, then kissed.

"It was nice that you remembered our first kiss," said Mipha as she stroked his hair. "I'll never forget it either. You were so stressed back then from the burden placed on you. But on that visit, I had a feeling it was now or never for us. I was so thrilled you summoned up the courage to express your feelings."

"So am I, sweetheart," said Link as he kissed her again. "Life is so full of situations like that. A small difference in what you do can change your life so much. What if I had still been too shy to act that morning?"

"Well, at that point, I would have probably just given up," said Mipha.

"What? Given up on our whole relationship?" said Link.

"No, given up on your courage!" laughed Mipha. "I would have reached out and kissed you first. I was too much in love to give up that easily. But it felt so much better that you acted first."

"I'm glad to hear that," laughed Link. "But even though I forgot all about that incident, I still fell back in love with you. I remember you giving me the armor the second time. That was a difficult time for me, not knowing if you could accept me as the same person. But you had a kind heart, you always did. You were willing to give us another chance, and it all worked out in the end."

"Yes, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Now, I need to rest. You know whatever I've done in life has been out of love for you, my family, and our people, right?"

"Yes, I know that," said Link. "You're the most wonderful person I've ever met, and I love you so much. I can't wait for our lives to return to normal. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, my one true love," said Mipha.

They kissed goodnight, and Link rejoined his family. Later, when everyone was tired, Link returned to their room, and Mipha was sound asleep. He kissed her gently on the forehead and fell asleep.

It was a calm, clear evening when Mipha awoke to see Link sleeping soundly next to her. She quietly slipped out of the water, took her Lightscale Trident, and the few things she had prepared for travel, then left the note she had written on their dresser.

Mipha walked out of the house and took a moment to look up at the sky. It was a clear night, but moonless. She entered the water of Mikau Lake, swam up the waterfalls there, then traveled on foot to South Lake Akkala, where she dove into the water again. She swam quickly to the northern end of Lake Akkala in case Zora security had noticed anything. But their security was designed more to keep intruders out than to prevent someone from leaving. She came ashore at the northern end of the lake, and everything was quiet and peaceful. Then she headed east to Marin Bay and disappeared into the vast Akkala Sea.

The Zora security forces did pick up the fact a single Zora was swimming away at Mikau Lake. But they had no reason to be concerned about it. The event was routinely entered into the security logs.

When Link awoke the next morning, he found himself alone. Well, he knew Mipha had gone to sleep early, so it was natural she would get up early too. He climbed out of their slumber pool and prepared to get dressed when he noticed a note on the dresser. He picked it up and read it.

My dearest husband,

I know you will find this difficult to accept, sweetheart, but I believe it is for the best. I have reason to believe there may be an ancient relic that can aid us in dealing with our unseen enemy. The relic is far away in a lost temple somewhere in the Akkala Sea, and I have decided I must search for it. If there is any chance it can aid us, then I owe it to all of us to try.