Summary: Mipha's family deals with her absence as Mipha explores the ancient Zora temple.

It was morning in Zora's Domain, and Mila, Midon, Tila, and young Link were in the dining room together, shaken by the news Link had just shared that Mipha had left in the middle of the night to search for an artifact in an ancient underwater Temple.

"Oh no!" said Mila. "I knew something was funny when Mom asked me about the ancient Zora temple."

She handed the note back to her father.

"Wait? Mom spoke to you about this, Mila?" said Midon. "And you didn't try to stop her?"

"Don't spout that tone with me, Midon! Don't you dare!" said Mila angrily as she turned on Midon. "Do you think Mom floated her plans to me? I didn't know she would do this!

Then Mila burst into tears, and Link went over to comfort her. He embraced his oldest daughter as she buried her head on his shoulder.

"It's okay, sweetheart," said Link. "None of us knew what your mother was planning to do, and it's certainly not your fault. And please try not to worry. She knows how to take care of herself."

Then, addressing the rest of the family, Link went on.

"We need to stick together and support each other in this," said Link. "Nobody is at fault here. Your mother felt it was her duty to search for this relic, and once she makes up her mind to do something, she doesn't give up. Even if any of us knew what she planned to do, it would have been impossible to dissuade her."

"You're right, Dad," said Midon. "I'm sorry, Mila. I spoke without thinking and out of worry about Mom. Please forgive me, Sis. I never meant to blame or hurt you."

Mila let go of Link, reached out for Midon, and they hugged each other.

"All right," said Link. "We have to carry on as usual. Now I have to share the news with your grandfather and uncle. Will one of you please inform Lapha?"

"I will," said young Link.

Link left to meet with King Dorephan, and he was admitted at once.

"Link, how are you and my grandchildren doing?" said King Dorephan.

"As well as can be expected, Father," said Link. "I found this note Mipha wrote at one time and thought you might be interested in reading it."

Link passed Mipha's note to his father-in-law. King Dorephan registered surprise after reading it, then handed the letter back. They spoke cautiously out of concern they might be overheard.

"Yes, that is very interesting and very much like Mipha," said King Dorephan. "I will let Sidon know. It does remind me of how she was, Link. You don't remember her then, but she always wanted to excel at whatever she attempted and pushed herself hard, sometimes too hard, I thought. She was kind and respectful to others, and people who didn't know her took her to be timid and incompetent. But believe me, she was anything but! She very much admired your combat ability, Link, and used to practice some of your techniques in your absence. She trained hard with Seggin and learned from him as well. You never knew Seggin in his youth, but he was a terror with a spear and feared for his combat ability. So, yes, Mipha was kind and caring. But when she had her trident in hand, you didn't want to cross her. I thought you and she were very much alike in that respect: kind and caring by nature but fierce when combating evil. Anyway, thank you for showing me this."

"Of course, Father," said Link. "I admired Mipha in many ways, and I agree she was stronger and more capable than most people realized. I'll let you know if I find anything else that would interest you."

Link left to return home.

Meanwhile, back at home, young Link used his Tab to call his sister Lapha, while Midon comforted Mila.

"Mi, I'm really sorry," said Midon as they held each other.

"It's all right, Mido, you're forgiven," said Mila, wiping her eyes. "It's just that you touched a sore spot. I was already blaming myself for not suspecting something."

"And as Dad said, you shouldn't, Mi," said Midon. "I love you, Sis."

"I love you too," said Mila. "Just not your big mouth sometimes."

She kissed him gently on the cheek, and they smiled at each other as they released their hug.

Meanwhile, young Link was speaking by Tab with Lapha.

"Hi, Laff. This call is encrypted, right?" said young Link.

"Yes, you can speak plainly," said Lapha.

He explained the note they had found, and Lapha was skeptical.

"Yes, I know it sounds crazy, Laff," said Link.

"I'm in the lab right now with Dr. Purah, and I need to let her know," said Lapha. "She will undoubtedly inform Queen Zelda. So, you should tell Dad to expect a call from Her Majesty."

"Yes, I'll tell him when I see him," said Link. "He's gone off to share the news with grandfather."

"I assume her Tab is still at home?" said Lapha.

"Yes, no one has touched it," said Link.

"Well, give my love to the rest of the family," said Lapha.

They ended the call.

"Everything all right?" said Purah seeing Lapha staring off into the distance for a moment.

"Yes, and no, Dr. Purah," said Lapha. "Can we discuss it in one of the isolation rooms?"

"When a scientist answers yes and no, I'm intrigued," said Purah. "Of course."

They made their way to a small chamber used to isolate specimens undergoing analysis. The room was too small to conceal anyone and was insulated from transmissions of any kind. It was a safe place to talk, as Lapha explained what she had heard.

"That is indeed interesting," said Purah. "This item does sound like something of Sheikah origin. I am not very knowledgeable about the history of that era, but we must inform Her Majesty. I will let her know in confidence. I pray for your mother's safety, of course, but if this ancient Sheikah relic exists, it could significantly aid our research."

Purah then called Queen Zelda and informed her of the situation. And after Queen Zelda finished her call with Purah, she, in turn, summoned the Royal Historian, Dr. Hanson. He arrived at once.

"Dr. Hanson, it's good to see you again," said Queen Zelda. "We haven't spoken since you helped us with the translation of that ancient North Hyrule seal."

"Yes, Your Majesty," said Hanson. "That was just over ten years ago now, wasn't it, and I regret our translation was a bit off since we misunderstood the word order. But may I be of service now?"

"Please don't hold any regrets, Dr. Hanson, we were all confused back then," said Zelda. "But yes, there is something I need you to research. You recall the excavations near the Forgotten Temple that uncovered the remains of a journal kept by the Hero of Time?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," said Hanson. "That was discovered back in your father's day, of course. We have carefully preserved what remains of the Hero of Time's journal. Sadly, many pages were lost or damaged beyond repair. I believe we have made some slight further progress since then recovering additional portions of the manuscript, however."

"I would like you to review that journal and look for any references to something called the Lens of Truth," said Zelda. "This is very urgent, but also confidential. I trust you will be discreet."

"I will handle this personally, and give it my full attention at once," said Hanson. "Will there be anything else, Your Majesty?"

"No, thank you, Dr. Hanson," said Zelda. "Please notify me of your findings either way."

Hanson bowed, then headed directly to the library archives where ancient manuscripts were stored. He unlocked the small room, closed the door, and locked it behind him. Then, after putting on gloves, he retrieved the journal from a sealed pouch, carefully opened it, then began to read. Over the years, he had learned the ancient Hylian dialect used in that era.

The early portions of the journal concerned the Hero of Time's personal life in which he wrote about his wife and daughters. But toward the end, there was some possibly useful information. According to his journal, the Hero of Time had journeyed from Zora's Domain to say a final farewell to his grown children and Queen Zelda. Hanson read the extract.

Zoras age more slowly than Hylians, and eventually, time caught up with me. I am getting old now. One eye has already failed me, and I need to finish for fear I lose the other. I asked Princess Ruto if she would mind my returning alone to visit Hyrule Castle one last time. I wanted to pay a final visit to my two youngest daughters and their families on the way, visit Malon's resting place one last time, and say farewell to Queen Zelda. I also wanted to secure my journal in a safe place. I plan to bury it in the great Hyrule temple. Princess Ruto wished to accompany me, but I did not want her to share such a journey and thought it better for me to do this on my one. In the end, she reluctantly agreed. She made arrangements to...

Historian Note: Some parts of the journal are missing here.

With Princess Ruto's assistance, I hid a precious artifact I had obtained during my travels within the magnificent Zora Temple. I know I will never need it again, for my adventuring days are long past. I trust it will be safe there, secure from falling into the wrong hands. Princess Ruto told me that she could retrieve it for me upon my return should I ever want it again. I am grateful for her offer, for I remember how hard I struggled to navigate that temple in my original timeline, the one before Princess Zelda used the ocarina to give me back those seven years.

The next portion of the journal discussed the resting place of the Zora's Sapphire and was not relevant to Queen Zelda's inquiry. He skipped ahead to the final journal entry.

I know I fulfilled my duty as a hero and hope I have also been a good father and loving husband. Certainly, I tried my best. I regret I never had a son, or grandson old enough, to whom I could pass on my secret combat skills. But I was blessed instead with three daughters, all of whom I am very proud of. I should be grateful for all that Hylia gave me in life, not regretful for the few things she did not. Farewell.

That was the end of the journal. Hanson returned the manuscript carefully to its container and placed it back on the shelf. There was no mention of the Lens of Truth, but there was mention of an artifact, and perhaps this Lens of Truth was what he meant. He sent a Tab message to Queen Zelda informing her of his findings, and she thanked him. Upon receiving Hanson's message, Queen Zelda called Link.

"Your Majesty?" answered Link. "My son told me you might call."

"It's Zelda to you, remember? But I have some important information," said Zelda. "Our Royal Historian, Dr. Hanson, researched the Hero of Time's journal, and it mentions that an artifact he collected was hidden for safekeeping within the Zora temple of that age. So, there may be some truth to what you found in that note."

"Really? That's quite interesting," said Link. "Thank you, Zelda, for researching this. I suppose this is good news, though I could also wish it wasn't true. All we can do now is pray."

"Which I am doing as well," said Zelda. "Please contact me if I can do anything for you or your family, Link. You know I am always here for you as you always were for me."

"I know, Zelda, and I will," said Link. "And, thank you again."

They ended the call. Link thought for a moment, then went to inform King Dorephan and the rest of the family.

After dinner, it was early evening, and Link decided to take a stroll by himself. He walked through the plaza, nodded to the guards who greeted him, told them he was fine, and walked across the bridge and up the embankment to Veiled Falls. It was empty there, and he had it all to himself. The sun was setting now, and the sky glowed orange, a few gray clouds floating in an otherwise clear sky. The sound of the waterfall drowned out most other noises, save that of nearby birds chirping the end of their day. He made his way to the rock that jutted out into the water and sat down.

Then his thoughts turned to Mipha, though in reality, she had been on his mind every minute since he woke up. But this was their special place, where they first kissed. Who knew back then all that would happen. His mind wandered from memory to memory, the picnics with little Sidon and the pretend battles, the quiet walks together holding hands, the playful swims where they teased each other first and then made love, the joy of having children and raising them. Not even counting his childhood visits, he had spent so much of his life with her. He could not imagine living without her now. He had once, of course, a long time ago. Please, Goddess, don't make me go through that again, he prayed. Just then, he heard a noise and looked up.

"Hi, Dad," said Mila as she approached where he sat. "Would you like some company, or do you prefer to be alone? I thought I might find you here."

"Your company is always welcome, sweetheart," said Link. "Here, come sit down next to me."

Mila climbed onto the rock, and they sat side-by-side as the sky darkened, and Sunset Fireflies began glowing near the trees.

"I guess it was pretty obvious where I would go," said Link.

"Yes, we know you and Mom liked to come here every anniversary," said Mila.

"Yes, it was our lucky spot," said Link.

"Tell me what happened between you two back then," said Mila. "If you don't mind."

"Is this professional historical interest?" laughed Link.

"Maybe a little," laughed Mila. "You two are famous, you know. But I was thinking more personally, Dad."

"I'm joking," said Link. "I don't mind telling you, though I thought you already knew about it from my writings. I still don't remember everything, and Mom would remember all of it. I was kind of shy with your mother once I learned she was a princess. I was in love with her, but I guess I had courage in everything but matters of the heart. I thought I might lose a friend by pushing things, wasn't sure how she felt and thought her father might disapprove of a Hylian husband anyway. Then it all just happened one morning. I had a little time off from my appointed knight duty, and I had arrived late in the afternoon the day before. Mom and I spent some time together on Ruta, but it was too late for me to travel anywhere afterward. I was usually pretty tired back then and didn't sleep well. Monster attacks were getting worse and worse, and guarding the princess was quite stressful. Anyway, I stayed at the Seabed Inn that night, and agreed to meet Mom the next morning. As usual, I had trouble sleeping, but we came here anyway. We sat side-by-side, and the sun glinting off the water and the sound of the waterfall and me being so tired, I just fell asleep. The next thing I knew, I woke up with my head in your mother's lap, and she was smiling at me. Anyway, I don't know what got into me, but I just couldn't resist her anymore. I sat up, leaned forward and kissed her. And, to my utter surprise and joy, she kissed me back. That was it."

"It's a cute story, Dad," said Mila. "And yes, I read about it, but hearing you talk about it is special. I can see this is a nice romantic spot. Mom was smart to take you here."

"Mom is smart in many ways," said Link. "She never ceases to amaze me sometimes. And I know she will this time too."

They sat quietly together a bit longer as the moon began to rise.

"We should head home. But I miss her so much, sweetheart! I miss her so very much," said Link as he wiped his eyes.

"I can stay with you if you want, Dad," said Mila as she put her arm around him.

"No, I'll be okay," said Link as he sniffled once, leaned over, and kissed her on the cheek.

They hopped off the rock, and made their way back down the hill to the western bridge and then home. Everyone else was already asleep.

"Goodnight, sweetheart," said Link. "Thanks for keeping me company and letting me talk. It helped."

"I was happy to, Dad," said Mila, hugging him. "And I won't tell Mom you kissed another girl at your special place."

Link burst out laughing.

"Somehow, I don't think she'll mind it was you, sweetheart," said Link. "Good night."

Link undressed and entered their slumber pool. He said a prayer to Hylia, closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Meanwhile, earlier that day in the Akkala Sea, Mipha said a silent prayer to Nayru and then swam into the ancient Zora temple. She was in an exuberant mood now and eager to explore. The dream had proven correct, and there was indeed an ancient temple. Perhaps then there was also a Lens of Truth.

Upon entering the temple proper, she paused to get her bearings. The temple was illuminated, presumably by Luminous Stone material built into the masonry. In any case, she could rely upon her vision. From glancing at the structure and the doorways at various levels, it appeared she had entered on a middle level.

From nearby activity she detected, it was also evident a variety of possibly dangerous sea creatures had made their home here. Below her, she could make out the sandy bottom of the structure, and strange spiked shaped creatures rolled about. She could also see two giant crab-like animals with single red eyes swimming in the water.

There was nothing to do but start exploring, and she kept her Lightscale Trident at the ready. She decided to work her way from the bottom up and swam down to the floor of the structure. One of the Spike creatures sensed her and began rolling her way. She struck it with her trident, and it retracted its spikes and formed what looked like a stone. After a moment, its spikes emerged again, and it resumed pursuing her. She struck it again, and when it retracted its spikes, she hit it once more. That destroyed it.

She began exploring each passageway as far as she could, and it was evident someone had been here before her. Shattered pots lay here and there, as did open treasure chests. At one point, a wall had been blasted open with a bomb. It seemed from instructions on the wall that there was a way to raise and lower the water level. But since she was perfectly comfortable in the water, such actions seemed unnecessary to her.

She wandered down corridors as far as they went, then turned back or dove through openings to other levels. The water was clear and calm in most places. So far, she had not found anything unusual, save another variety of sea creatures, a clam-like animal that would pursue her if approached. She deflected their attacks with her trident, then plunged her weapon into their muscles whenever they opened their shells. The crab-like creatures were also aggressive if they sensed her, but she kept them at bay if they leaped at her, and a sharp blow from her trident finished them off as well. She was the Zora Champion, after all, and was not about to be defeated by simple sea animals.

She was taken by surprise, however, in one room when several enemies dropped down all at once from a higher floor. But by keeping her back to the wall and attacking the nearest one each time it approached, she defeated them one-by-one and cleared the room, allowing her to continue.

Mipha swam from level to level and had to admire the architecture, including the carved dragon heads in several locations. They were presumably built in honor of Naydra, the servant of the Goddess Nayru.