Summary: Impa's son, Palan, infiltrates the Yiga Clan. Zelda requests the archive of material the Gerudo retrieved years ago from the Yiga Clan hideout be examined and translated if relevant. Link and Mipha continue simulation training.

It was early morning in the Royal Ancient Tech Lab, and Purah was catching up on some reading when her Tab buzzed. The screen identified the caller as her sister, Impa, which was unusual this early in the morning.

"Are you okay, Sis?" asked Purah, answering the call.

"I'm worried, Purah," said Impa. "Our call is encrypted, right?"

"Yes, of course, what's wrong?" said Purah.

"It's Palan. He went off to the Faron Woods on a mission for Zelda to investigate whoever is collecting Luminous Stones. We haven't heard from him in two days, though he had been reporting in once a day for the prior two weeks."

"Okay, hold on, I can locate his Tab," said Purah as she moved to a piece of equipment in the lab. A few moments later, Purah spoke up.

"His Tab signal is coming from a small cave near the edge of the Faron Woods," said Purah. "I'll send you the exact coordinates. His Tab is not moving at the moment. Do you want me to contact Zelda for you and ask if she will send someone to investigate?"

"No, Kalan will want to go himself," said Impa. "The fewer people who know about this, the better."

"Understood. I'll let you know if I detect any movement, and please let me know if I can do anything else to help," said Purah.

"You heard?" said Impa to her husband Kalan as she ended the call.

"Yes, and I'm on my way," said Kalan. "Send me the coordinates when you get them."

They kissed, and Kalan left at once. His instinct was to hurry to the location, but at the same time, he did not know the situation there. He did not want to compromise Palan's mission. So, he traveled quickly until he neared the cave, then cautiously from there on out.

It was night when Kalan finally crept closer to the cave. He had watched it for over an hour, and there was no sign of activity. He had messaged Purah, and she had messaged back that Palan's Tab was still there with no sign of movement. He drew his blade, crept to the entrance, and peered inside the cave.

It was empty, and he put away his knife, then began a quick search. There were some old barrels at the far end, and behind one was Palan's Tab. When he picked it up and touched the screen, a message appeared.

To unlock use my nickname

Kalan knew his son's nickname, the one they used to joke about. It was "shadow boy," and he entered it.

A screen with a message popped up.

Mother and Father, I am fine and leaving my Tab behind to inform you and because I dare not keep it. I am heading to the Thyphlo Ruins. I have captured two Yiga Clan collecting Luminous Stones but substituting some Mighty Bananas for personal profit. I will turn them in as traitors for defying orders and am hoping this will secure my admission to their organization under the name Linpa. I overheard that the Yiga are searching for a certain spirit captured in a Luminous Stone, but that's all I know so far. I will report when I safely can. Please don't worry! I love you both!

Then the message disappeared. Kalan messaged Impa at once with the news, not wanting to say anything out loud, then began the trip home. Meanwhile, Impa placed a call to Zelda.

"Impa, is anything wrong?" said Zelda.

It was rare for Impa to call her.

"Palan is attempting to infiltrate the Yiga Clan and journeying to the Thyphlo Ruins," said Impa. "He is probably already there by now. Apparently, our enemy is collecting Luminous Stones in search of someone's spirit."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, Impa!" said Zelda. "That is very brave of him, but I had no idea this assignment would prove so dangerous. Can I do anything?"

"No, thank you, Zelda, I think we just need to guard his identity," said Impa. "Who knows where Yiga spies may be hiding? I consulted my sister, and she helped track his abandoned Tab. Aside from her, only Kalan and I know about this. And don't feel bad, Zelda. It was Palan himself who expanded his mission beyond what was asked of him, something his father Kalan was prone to do as well."

"I understand," said Zelda. "Only my elder daughter and I know about his mission, and I will stress its secrecy with her. My prayers go with all of you."

They ended the call, and Zelda paused to think. This was yet another confirmation that the Yiga Clan was behind some plot. She wondered whose spirit they were searching for and to what end. But perhaps with a spy in their midst, they would soon learn something useful. Her heart went out to Impa and Kalan, though, for it was a great risk that Palan was running.

But was there anything they could do in the meantime while waiting for information? Zelda recalled it was over 15 years ago now that the Gerudo had searched the Yiga Clan Hideout in the Karusa Valley and collected numerous documents. They had transferred all that material to Hyrule Castle, and most were written in an ancient Sheikah dialect, which few knew today. The large assortment of material had never been fully translated once they thought the Yiga Clan threat was eliminated. Besides, when they translated a sample of the documents, they found that many were routine records of daily life, like quantities of supplies ordered, repairs that were made, organizational changes, births and deaths, things like that. These were of no current interest. But perhaps it would be worth doing a more thorough review now. She should call Purah.

"Your Majesty?" Purah answered Zelda's call.

"Good morning, Dr. Purah, and I'll get right to the point," said Zelda. "Remember all those documents we recovered from the Yiga Clan hideout? I think it might be worth examining them. Who do we have who can read them?"

"Well, very few, Zelda. Robbie and I can," said Purah. "Oh, and Link's younger daughter Lapha taught herself the language as well when she was researching shrine construction."

"Perhaps you three could start looking through the material," said Zelda. "See if there is anything related to restoring lives from spirits or, well, anything that might be useful to us."

"Very well," said Purah. "As I recall, there were a substantial number of documents, so it will take some time. Are they stored in the library?"

"Yes, I'll have the head librarian send them to your lab," said Zelda. "And thank you. I know this is not the work you would usually do, Dr. Purah."

"Anything we can do to help is our work," said Purah. "We will start as soon as the material arrives."

Zelda ended the call, and Purah messaged Lapha to meet her at the lab. Robbie was busy working in the room next door, and would not appreciate the interruption to his research. But they needed to do this.

Meanwhile, Mipha and Link were busy training.

"Was that the wind or wolves?" Mipha asked over her shoulder as she and Link drove on a motorized cycle through the freezing Tabantha Snowfields, snowflakes blowing in their faces. Their destination was the North Lomei Labyrinth to their west, and Mipha was driving the cycle with Link sitting behind her and holding onto her very tightly.

"It's hard to tell, but I'll keep a lookout," said Link. "Wolves often travel in groups of three or so, but if you attack one with an arrow or weapon, the rest will all flee. But we should be easily able to outrun them on this. I would feel better, Mipha, if you keep your eyes on where we're going. You just missed a Tabantha Moose a little way back."

"I didn't just miss it. There was plenty of room," laughed Mipha. "You're a very nervous passenger, aren't you?"

"I'll admit I'm more used to driving," said Link. "But my question is, why in Hylia's name am I wearing your Zora Armor in this bitter cold blizzard?"

"Maybe because you love me?" said Mipha.

"Very funny," laughed Link. "You know very well I had to wear whatever Purah programmed into the simulation. I think the actual reason is that Purah enjoys making me drink that foul-tasting Spicy Elixir. She has fun creating these simulations, and she didn't even upgrade the drink to the newer, better-tasting variety."

"You know we lose points if we treat this as a simulation," said Mipha. "Purah hates when people do that, and expects us to act completely in character as if it's real. So, you should have just said yes, you wore the armor out of love."

"Yes, I know, and fine," said Link, shaking his head. "And I do love you, even in a simulation."

"And I simulation love you too," said Mipha. "We're getting close. I can see the Labyrinth entrance up ahead. And don't worry, sweetheart. I also see the Great-Horned Rhinoceros on the road."

Mipha maneuvered around the large animal, and when they reached the entrance, she parked the cycle. Then they entered the massive labyrinth, Mipha holding her Lightscale Trident. They walked down the long entranceway, then had not gone much further, taken two turns perhaps, when suddenly four Yiga Blademasters emerged from behind a corner.

"Ice Arrows!" shouted Link as he jumped aside and launched one at each of the closest Blademasters, freezing them in place. Mipha slung her Trident over her shoulder and was able to freeze one attacker with an arrow, but the other rushed at Mipha with his blade as Mipha quickly switched back to her Lightscale Trident. She parried the attack with the handle, as Link glanced her way, making sure she was okay. Link turned and finished off the two frozen Blademasters with his sword, and was about to come to Mipha's aid when he saw her knock the sword from the Blademaster's hand, then plunge her spear into him. The Yiga bodies disappeared.

"Marvellous work, but it would help if you were a little quicker with your bow. It makes things easier if you freeze enemies first," said Link.

"Yes, I'll work on that," said Mipha. "It's tricky to switch to a bow when you're carrying a spear."

"Our objective is the shrine at the center," said Link. "I know a shortcut, but we have to climb to the top."

After a slow climb, they reached the top out of breath and walked to a spot Link remembered where they could drop down onto a ledge. The shrine was a short walk up some stairs and then a jump down from there. When they reached it, they suddenly found themselves standing inside Ruta.

"That was it," said Link. "Not too bad this time. I guess I should be glad I didn't have to drink another elixir. I can still taste the last one."

"Make a drink from your Tab and wash away the taste," said Mipha. "I don't mind the flavor, but then my taste differs from yours."

"Don't I know it!" laughed Link as he created a sweet drink and drank it down.

"So, you never thoroughly explored the real North Lomei Labyrinth?" asked Mipha.

"No, not once I figured out the shortcut," said Link. "I was eager to finish it and avoid enemies."

"I wonder if anyone has then," said Mipha thoughtfully.

"Probably not," said Link. "It's easy to get turned around in there."

"Let's sit on Ruta's trunk and get some fresh air," said Mipha. "It looks like a beautiful day today."

"Love to," said Link, taking her hand.

Mipha lowered the trunk so they could reach it, then raised it up to a horizontal position. It was a bright sunny day, and the blue cliffs glistened like ice in the sunlight. They sat down, kissed once, then held hands.

"Are you excited over Astra's visit tomorrow?" said Mipha. "Tara and her family will be back here too, so we'll have a full house. Astra can stay in Lapha's room as Lapha is staying at the Castle."

"Yes, you know I love having family here," said Link. "The more, the better."

"And tomorrow is our first three-person simulation," said Mipha. "I'm curious to see how well Astra performs."

"According to Dr. Purah, she's quite skilled already," said Link. "I'm looking forward to it too."

They were both quiet for a few minutes as they enjoyed the view. You could see so much of Hyrule from atop Ruta, even from the relatively low elevation of East Reservoir Lake.

"Are you enjoying working together with me now?" said Mipha finally. "I know you used to be quite the loner in combat."

"Yes, I definitely like it, sweetheart," said Link. "I think we complement each other's skills very well. I mean, you can hold your own in combat, but you're also a healer, and that's valuable. If they paired me with any other Champion, for example, I would overlap with them too much. Except perhaps for Revali. He would probably argue I was only slowing him down."

"I thought you two made up at his landing dedication," said Mipha.

"Yes, we did," said Link. "He even offered to visit us here one day. I should remind him of that and invite him. But he's still very proud of his archery skill. Can you believe it's coming up on thirty-five years since our big victory?"

"And thirty-five years since our wedding, sweetheart," said Mipha as she touched his cheek, and they leaned toward each other and kissed.

"Yes, that too, of course," said Link. "Thirty-five of the happiest years of my life. But when I go over my journal with Mila and look back, I'm amazed at all that happened. My journal started out as my personal story, a way to keep track of recovered memories. But then it became our story, and I'm so glad it did."

"And I have a feeling our story has a good deal to go," said Mipha.

"Me too," said Link as they kissed again, then looked over the beautiful view of Hyrule as they held hands, and Mipha gently caressed the back of his hand with her thumb.

"I love you very much, you know," said Mipha.

Link glanced over at her and smiled.

"I know, and I love you, too, sweetheart," said Link. "Very, very much."

They held hands as they watched the sun move across the sky.

Meanwhile, somewhat later and deep below the Thyphlo Ruins, after having gotten some sleep, Palan under the name Linpa was speaking to Captain Kaplan.

"I don't have to tell you we value loyalty above all else," said Kaplan. "Once you join our organization, it's for life."

"I understand, Sir," said Palan.

"Where are you from, Linpa, and why were you wandering around the Faron Woods at night?" Kaplan asked.

"I'm originally from Kakariko Village," said Linpa. "My parents were killed doing some excavation work for the Hyrule Royal Family when I was a boy. I've been on my own once I completed some training and was old enough to leave. I prefer to travel by night and live off my skills if you know what I mean. I became intrigued when I saw those two collecting Luminous Stones and Mighty Bananas and overheard their scheme."

"Well, your stealth skills must be exemplary to escape notice," said Kaplan. "And I assume living off your skills means living by theft. Your stealth may prove invaluable to us at some point. In the meantime, I'll need you to help us gather Luminous Stones."

"Very good, Sir," said Palan.

Kaplan stared at Palan for a moment.

"I'm surprised you haven't asked me why," said Kaplan.

"I assume if I needed to know why, you would have told me, Sir," said Palan.

"Good answer," said Kaplan. "Once we get to know you better, Linpa, and build up some trust, we can share more information with you. You understand?"

"Perfectly, Sir," said Palan.

"Then, your first assignment is to meet up with Larson near the Spring of Courage and collect the stones Kona and Salon left behind plus any others you encounter," said Kaplan. "Larson is traveling from the south and should get there by nightfall tomorrow. Once you're ready, the guard at the entrance will let you out. There's a horse waiting for you after you leave the Thyphlo Ruins. Our recognition signal is putting your left hand behind your neck. Can you find your way out of the ruins in the dark? Or do you need help your first time?"

"I remember the way posts, Sir," said Palan.

Kaplan left, and a few moments later, Palan prepared to leave. He nodded to the guard at the secret entrance, who opened it for him, then closed it behind him. Palan remembered the path they had taken relative to the lit flame lanterns and followed it back to the Thyphlo Ruins entrance north of Lake Mekar. As Kaplan had said, a horse was waiting for him there, and he petted it, then mounted up and began the ride south.

It was nighttime, and Palan made his way slowly and quietly through the Minshi Woods, his horse's hoofbeats the only sound. And then he smiled as he heard what he had been listening for - the very soft sound of hoofbeats way behind him. As expected, they had sent someone to follow him and to check on what he did. He would pretend he was unaware that he was being followed until the time was right, then reveal he knew it all along. He wanted this Captain Kaplan to appreciate how good he was and give him more important assignments so he could learn something useful. But for now, he would continue on toward the Faron Woods.

Meanwhile, Captain Kaplan was speaking to Lieutenant Gallum.

"What do you think of our newest recruit? You looked through his things while he slept?" said Kaplan.

"Yes, I found nothing suspicious, Sir," said Gallum. "He doesn't have a Tab, but that figures if he was living as a thief. You don't want the authorities tracking you. And he worked alone, so there was no need for him to stay in contact with anyone."

"You're having him followed?" said Kaplan.

"Yes, Randor is following him," said Gallum.

"All right, we'll see what happens," said Kaplan. "In the meantime, we could use his help to gather stones. Our leader is growing very impatient."

As he rode, Palan thought about all he knew concerning the Yiga Clan. His father had spoken of them, of course, taught him a good deal. They were vicious and unprincipled, filled with hatred for the Hyrule Royal Family for what had happened all those years ago. They were most dangerous when Ganon was alive if that was the right word. For then, they could be resurrected from death to fight over and over again. Since Ganon had been sealed away, though, they had lost that ability. Therefore they fought less recklessly now. The lower echelon was not the brightest, as witnessed by Salon and Kona. That level generally did what they were told without knowing why. But as you moved up the organization, they became smarter and more dangerous. He needed to tap into the higher levels to learn what their ultimate goal was, their endgame.

Palan had rested along the way, and it was after he crossed the Bridge of Hylia and reached the Finra Woods that he decided to confront his follower. Just past a fork in the road where the path curved slightly, Palan hopped off his horse and urged it forward with a slap, then waited behind a massive tree. Sure enough, a few minutes later, a Sheikah rode by on a black horse. Palan jumped out from behind the tree and grabbed the horse's reins before the Sheikah in the saddle could react.

"What the..." cried the rider.

"I gather you're following me on behalf of the organization," said Palan. "There's no need. I'm off to meet Larson as ordered."

"Well, aren't you the clever one? Very good!" said the rider. "My name is Randor. And you're correct. We need to be sure we can trust our recent recruits."

"So, what happens next?" asked Palan. "Do you want to keep following me, or do we ride together, or what?"