Summary: Life goes on, but with more hints at future developments.

A solitary figure, a warrior, stealthily approached a Bokoblin camp, then hid behind a tall rock outcropping within arrow range. The figure had already eliminated two Moblins found in the nearby woods, dodging and striking them with a sword. This Bokoblin encampment was a little way down the road from there and was a threat to the nearby village. It needed to be dealt with.

The warrior peeked out from behind the rock, careful to stay hidden. Three Bokoblins were having a conversation around a campfire, and two others perched on nearby lookout platforms. The lone figure threaded an arrow, moved slightly to the right from behind the rock, aimed carefully, and sent an arrow straight into the head of the closest lookout.

Then they quickly slid behind the rock again, waiting for a reaction. But there was none. Bokoblins were not the most alert of foes. The figure threaded another arrow, moved to the left this time, took careful aim, and fired at the second lookout. The arrow fell short. The Bokoblin lookout jumped, startled by the noise, and turned to scan the area. But seeing nothing, it did not sound an alarm. That gave the warrior time to thread a second arrow, raise their bow a bit more this time, aim, and send a clean shot into the head of the second lookout. Again, there was no reaction from the others around the campfire, as they continued their animated discussion.

Now it was time to deal with those three remaining Bokoblins. Two were Blue Bokoblins, and one was Silver. All were more dangerous than the Red ones, the Silver one most of all. As usual, the Bokoblins had left their weapons lying against a log and carelessly stored kegs of explosives amid their camp. The warrior climbed to the top of the tall rock, and a well-aimed fire arrow blew up the explosives, setting the Bokoblins dancing in place to douse the flames. While they did that, the warrior jumped into the air. Time seemed to stand still and enabled them to send two arrows into each of the Blue Bokoblins before the warrior landed on the ground. That finished those two off.

But by now, the Silver Bokoblin had recovered and spotted its enemy. With a snarl, it picked up a wooden club and a wooden shield, then strode into battle. The warrior raised their shield, and backed away at first, then finally stood their ground. The Bokoblin grunted, swung its massive wooden club, and missed. It recovered its balance and swung a second time. But the warrior dodged this blow perfectly. Again it seemed as if time stood still as the warrior administered a swift flurry of blows that staggered the Bokoblin. Then, sensing the advantage, the warrior pressed forward and struck blow after blow with their sword before the Bokoblin could recover. With a last groan, it vanished in a cloud of purple smoke. The camp was clear, and the village was safe now. The warrior sheathed their sword and smiled.

Astra removed an item clipped to her belt and pressed a rune. Suddenly everything vanished, and she was standing in a small room within the Royal Ancient Tech Lab. She opened the door.

"I did fine, didn't I?" said Astra.

"Yes, you handled that simulation perfectly," said Dr. Purah. "You suffered no injuries at all this time and finished your enemies off quite efficiently."

"I think I'm ready to move up to stronger enemies like Lizalfos," said Astra. "Maybe soon even a Lynel."

"Perhaps, but let's check with your Uncle Link first," said Purah. "He has experience in these matters, and you agreed to follow his guidance. Your Uncle Link thought it important to take your training step-by-step, though I may throw in a surprise enemy or two on occasion to make it more realistic. But I agree, you're doing an outstanding job, and I will let him know how well you are progressing. Now, you've been at this all morning, Princess Astra, so that's enough for today. That was part of the agreement with Her Majesty, to limit your hours of training to no more than half a day."

"That's fine," said Astra. "Thank you, Dr. Purah, and I'll be back tomorrow morning then. Bye, Dr. Robbie and Cousin Lapha."

Everyone waved goodbye as Astra left the lab, and Purah shut down the simulation device.

"She is certainly dedicated to her training," said Purah. "She's progressing through it faster than Link expected. I can't wait for the final contest, though that's still some time off."

"Why? What is the final contest?" said Robbie.

"Astra versus Link," said Purah. "They will both wear devices and enter the simulation together. Link said that when she can hold her own against him, she's ready for anything."

"I would certainly think so! I wonder how Link would feel if she actually beats him?" said Robbie.

"I doubt that will happen. But if I know Link, he would be nothing but proud of her," said Purah. "He's not Revali, you know, and doesn't need to prove anything. By the way, have you double-checked my anti-aging rune parameters? We can't afford any mistakes!"

"I've double-checked them, Dr. Purah, and they're fine," said Robbie. "Is Her Majesty going through with the procedure?"

"I don't know," said Purah. "She's probably doing some soul searching about it."

"If she asks my opinion, I would say to do it. What's the harm?" said Robbie.

"There would be no direct physical harm," said Purah. "But there could be indirect harm if being younger encourages her to take excess risks, attempting something she shouldn't."

"I can see that," said Robbie. "On the other hand, maybe Hyrule needs her to take those risks. Princess Lapha, do you remember how your father felt after using the anti-aging rune?"

"I was only five years old then, Dr. Robbie, so I don't remember much," said Lapha. "As far as I know, he was fine."

"Oh, yes, I forgot how young you would have been," said Robbie. "Anyway, the rune is ready whenever Her Majesty is, Dr. Purah."

Meanwhile, Queen Zelda and Princess Zelda were waiting in the family dining room for Astra to join them for lunch. Randall was away with his unit.

"Ah, here she is," said Queen Zelda upon Astra's arrival. "How did your combat practice go? We can't take too long for lunch since you have academic lessons this afternoon."

"I did great, Mom!" said Astra. "Hi, Zel. I think I'm a natural! And it's so realistic."

They all sat down for lunch.

"Since you're both here, there's something I want to discuss with you and get your feelings on," said Queen Zelda. "I think I may be needed to deal with a threat to Hyrule, and I'm considering using Dr. Purah's anti-aging rune to lower my age to be more physically fit."

"What?!" exclaimed Princess Zelda. "Sorry, Mother, but I'm a little shocked."

"Please go on, Zelda," said Queen Zelda.

"Well, I mean, whatever it is you think you are needed for, Mother, why can't I deal with it?" said Princess Zelda. "I've trained for that possibility since I was a child. Frankly, if you recall, you couldn't wait for me to grow up. And now that I am grown up, you don't trust me to deal with whatever this threat is?"

"That's not it at all, Zelda," said Queen Zelda. "I do trust you. But for one thing, I pushed your training for fear I would not be around when my power might be needed. I am still around, so there is no need to put you at risk. Secondly, I have more experience than you. Also, it's possible I will need to work with your Uncle Link, and I know him better and how to work together with him."

"Forgive me for speaking, Mother, but are you sure you're not doing this because of what happened, that Father is gone now?" asked Princess Zelda.

"I am doing it because of what happened, but not in the way you're implying, Zelda," said Queen Zelda. "I have a funny feeling there is more to the enemy who was behind the attack than we yet realize. Something Uncle Link overheard in their hideout concerns me, and I've learned over the years to trust my feelings on matters such as this."

"What age did you plan to be?" said Princess Zelda.

"Twenty-eight," said Zelda.

"Well, of course, it is your decision, Mother, and you may well know what's best," said Princess Zelda. "But it will feel weird to have a mother only six years older than me."

"I think it would be cool to have a young Mom!" said Astra. "Oh, maybe I shouldn't have put it that way."

"It's fine, sweetheart," laughed Queen Zelda. "I know what you mean. Anyway, I haven't made up my mind yet. Perhaps I shall wait for a clearer sign. I just wanted to share my thinking with you and get yours."

"Of course, Mother, and I'm sure I speak for Astra too that we both love you, and whatever you decide, we will fully support you," said Princess Zelda. "I only want to do as much as I can for you and Hyrule. Keeping Hyrule safe is my duty as well, so please let me help you if I can."

"I will, and you may well be needed to help," said Queen Zelda. "Now, we had better finish lunch, or Astra will be late for her lessons."

"Don't hurry on my account," said Astra, grinning.

Meanwhile, in North Hyrule, Tila, Link, and Tara were meeting with Tila's sister, Faray.

"Are you sure you can handle her, Fa?" said Tila as she prepared to leave Tara in Faray's care for a few hours.

"Don't be silly, we'll have fun together," said Faray as she held Tara's hand. "We'll do some swimming and play some games, right, Tara?"

"Right, Aunt Faray!" said Tara as she squeezed Faray's hand.

"You and Link go right ahead," said Faray. "It's your own fault you have to do it today, Ti. You kept putting it off, and you plan to leave for their domain tomorrow."

"I know," sighed Tila. "Well, Link and I are off, back in a couple of hours. Be good, Tara!"

Link and Tila each kissed Tara, then left and made their way to a driverless vehicle. Tila entered something into her Tab, and after climbing in, the vehicle began driving toward the large bay on the north shore that adjoined the sea.

"Ever been in a Divine Beast before, sweetheart?" said Tila.

"No," said Link. "Mother never took me inside Ruta. I was never sure if that was because my Dad felt funny about it after what he went through the first time there, or my Mom did."

"Well, I think you'll enjoy it, and we won't take too long," said Tila. "Whenever we change codes, I have to confirm my ability to pilot Vah Kani. When I was growing up, my sister Sopha used to be its pilot, and Faray piloted Vah Kachta. When Sopha was deposed, Faray stayed on as Vah Kachta's pilot, and I inherited Vah Kani."

"I seem to remember you telling me you needed Sheikah approval to access your Divine Beasts," said Link as the vehicle sped across the plains.

"Yes, Chief Saldon is meeting us there," said Tila. "He only needs to approve my entry, and then I can pilot it alone. And Faray will get an alert when we attempt to enter, and I need to transmit a code for her approval too. As you can see, the Sheikah here were a bit paranoid and put extra safeguards on their creations. They wanted to assure they could not be used for ill. Growing up, I thought they intended to prevent someone from within, like my oldest sister, from abusing their power. You needed a good reason to access a divine beast. But later, when I learned of Hyrule's history, I realized perhaps the Sheikah also feared an external enemy gaining control."

The vehicle slowed as it neared the shore of the bay, and looking out the window, Link could make out the giant divine beast. It was shaped like a massive crab with two claws in front, four massive legs, and two devices where antennae would be on a real crab that looked as though they could emit blasts of energy.

"Wow! It looks even bigger than Ruta," said Link. "It reminds me of a crab, is that right?"

"Yes, that's its design," said Tila. "And it can operate on land or in water."

Finally, the vehicle stopped, and they both got out. Chief Saldon was already there at the pier and greeted them.

"Princess Tila, Prince Link, I trust you and your family are well?" said Saldon.

"Yes, fine, Chief Saldon," said Tila. "Shall we begin?"

They made their way to the side of the divine beast, and Tila used her Tab to lower an entrance. Before them stood a door with a device like a guidance stone that glowed orange. Then Tila's Tab went off.

"I'm ready. Go ahead and transmit the code, Tila," said Faray's voice.

Tila touched a rune on her Tab and thought of the code sentence. Her Tab transmitted it to Faray's Tab, which acknowledged it as correct. Faray pressed a rune on her Tab, and the device by the door changed from orange to blue.

Then Tila and Saldon each pressed their Tabs against the door mechanism, and the door slid open. They could now enter the Divine Beast.

"I'll leave you two then," said Saldon. "I have some things I need to attend to."

"Of course, and thank you," said Tila.

Then Tila and Link entered the Divine Beast together.

"The main control unit is this way, to the right and up a few levels," said Tila. "I remember how scared I was when I first had to learn this twelve years ago. But Faray kept encouraging me, and I kept at it. I actually think Vah Kani is better than Vah Kachta, more versatile. It can move quite fast on land and is comfortable in the water as well, able to swim on the surface or crawl along the bottom. But my sister loves her whale, especially underwater."

"This has never been used in combat, right?" asked Link.

"Right," said Tila. "At the time it was built, the Sheikah feared it would be needed. They carried their knowledge of ancient technology with them from Hyrule."

"Are you sure it works?" said Link.

"Pretty sure, sweetheart," laughed Tila. "But that's why we test it. And test me."

They had made their way up ladders to the third level, where the main control unit resided. Tila attached her Tab to the unit, and Link could hear the hum of machinery activating. A series of lights glowed blue on the control unit.

"Ready?" said Tila. "We'll take her out from the bay into the sea, but I'll keep her on the surface. It should be comfortable for you."

Tila made some movements, and Link could feel the divine beast turning to face the direction of the sea and then could feel it surge forward as it used its legs as flippers. It moved remarkably fast for such a huge device, and they could watch its progress through windows on the front and side. When they reached the open water of the sea, Tila oriented it to face a deserted rock outcropping.

"You might want to cover your sensitive Hylian ears, sweetheart," said Tila. "I'm going to test the firing mechanism now."

Link covered his ears, then Tila first activated a red targeting beam, and then two massive blasts of blue energy poured forth from the device and surrounded the rock outcropping. After a few moments, Tila stopped the firing.

"It didn't destroy the rock, and there were no living things harmed on this setting," said Tila. "But anything evil that was vulnerable to ancient energy would have been vaporized."

"Very impressive," said Link. "Was that full power?"

"That's somewhat classified information, sweetheart," said Tila. "But from what I said, you might reasonably conclude no. Want to ride on the outside and enjoy the view? I can thought control it through my Tab."

"Sure, whatever you think best," said Link.

They made their way up another level, and then Tila opened a hatch, and they climbed out onto the head of the crab. Tila had oriented Vah Kani to face the shore, and it floated peacefully now in gentle waves.

"What a beautiful view!" said Link.

They were some distance from shore in deep blue water, but you could make out the sandy coastline dotted with palm trees and the green surf rolling and splashing onto the beach. Seagulls flew near the coast searching for food, and you could hear their cries above the sound of the waves. Beyond the beach were the hills of North Hyrule. To their left in the distance were the sharp teeth-like cliffs near the Lomei Labyrinth. And far in the distance, you could even make out the glowing red peak of Death Mountain.

"I'm glad you like it," said Tila.

Link looked over at her, and she smiled.

"Of course I like it," said Link. "It's your home, and I love you. If you ever wish to return here, just say so, sweetheart. My heart is happy wherever yours is."

Then they embraced and kissed several times.

"You're sweet," said Tila finally. "Maybe when Tara is older. I love your side of the family too, and I'm happy where you're happy. Now we just need to be careful we're not making each other unhappy thinking we're making the other party happy."

"Sounds almost mathematical," laughed Link. "But thinking about what's best for Tara may help resolve it."

"Speaking of Tara, we should get back," said Tila. "My sister is inclined to spoil her terribly! But I'm glad we could share this time here. I love you very much."

"You know I love you too," said Link.

They kissed once more, then made their way back inside, and Tila secured the hatch. They returned to the main control unit, and Tila steered Vah Kani back into the bay, finally parking it at the pier they found it. Tila shutdown the main control unit took back her Tab, and they made their way down to the entrance and left, Tila having sealed the door and entranceway behind them.

Link turned and took another look back, the giant crab-shaped mechanism floating peacefully at the pier.

"You never cease to amaze me, sweetheart," said Link. "I'm impressed at all you can do."

"It's part of my responsibility here. Come, let's get back to Tara now," said Tila, taking his arm and walking to the vehicle waiting for them. "And we can share a kiss or two on the way back, of course."

"Of course," laughed Link.

Meanwhile, back in Zora's Domain, Mila was meeting with her boyfriend, Kendal.

"It's nice you're finally off double guard duty," said Mila as they held hands and sat on one of the small islets in Lake Ruto.

"Yes, I missed you," said Kendal as he leaned over and they kissed. "And I felt terrible I couldn't be with you and offer more comfort when your mother was ill. Thank Nayru, she fully recovered."

"Thanks, sweetheart, but I understood you had your duty," said Mila.

"Anyway, we learned about some holes in our security, and our Domain defenses should be better next time," said Kendal.

"How's your sister, Kenra, by the way?" said Mila. "I haven't seen her around in a while."

"She's doing fine," said Kendal. "She's spending a year in North Hyrule as a post-graduate student. She took an interest in science and dove at the chance to study there. She Tabbed me that she saw your brother Link's family there this past week."

"That's wonderful and good for her!" said Mila. "And yes, my little brother and his family have been spending time there lately. But they're due back tomorrow."

"You ready for some underwater time, sweetheart?" said Kendal.

Mila pushed him into the lake and then dove in after him.

"My Dad says actions speak louder than words," laughed Mila as she grabbed his hand, and they started swimming.

"Yes, catching is better than clicking," laughed Kendal.

"Now see if you can catch me," laughed Mila as she let go his hand, dove underwater, and darted off.