Summary: The search for useful information from ancient Sheikah documents continues. While staying in Zora's Domain, Astra grows close to Tara. The Luminous Stone containing Dark Link's spirit is finally located and extracted by the Poe Collector.

"This has got to be the most boring reading ever!" exclaimed Robbie as he threw down a document and picked up another.

"Well, remember that when you write up your research notes," laughed Purah. "Think of the poor researcher who may read them years from now."

"At least my notes are in our common language," said Robbie. "But whatever. I'll keep reading."

"How are you coming along, Princess Lapha?" said Purah.

It was late morning at the Royal Ancient Tech Lab near Hyrule Castle, and Purah, Robbie, and Lapha were gathered around a large table while boxes of documents lay on the floor behind them. For the last few weeks, they had been reading through the material recovered from the old Yiga Clan hideout for anything that might prove useful.

"I have to agree with Dr. Robbie," said Lapha. "So far, most of what I've read are everyday items one might find in a newspaper. Now and then, I find something technical. But obviously, we still have quite a bit to go."

Lapha nodded her head at the untouched boxes on the floor behind them.

"I wonder when we Sheikah converted to the common tongue?" said Robbie. "I was never big on history."

"I would imagine those of our ancestors who remained in Hyrule and swore allegiance to the Hyrule Royal Family adopted the common language around that time," said Purah. "And the Sheikah who emigrated to North Hyrule adopted it as well after pledging their allegiance to the Zora Kingdom already there. Those Sheikah, who eventually formed the Yiga Clan, collected some of the research papers that those Sheikah who foreswore technology abandoned. And the Yiga retained our original language for a much longer time."

"Another reason to hate them," said Robbie as he threw down one page and then picked up another. "You would think the materials would be better organized."

"Well, the Gerudo who gathered them couldn't read them, and they may have inadvertently contributed to the disorganization," said Purah. "Let's all keep at it, but a break now might be good. As usual, I'll have lunch brought in for everyone, as I don't want us to have to eat rune made food. Any preference for the type of fish Princess Lapha?"

"I'll just go out and catch my own again if it's all the same to you, Dr. Purah," said Lapha. "It's fresher that way. Back in a few minutes."

Lapha left the lab, dove into the nearby water, and caught a Hyrule Bass. After finishing it with a few tasty bites, she consulted her Tab. There wasn't much, but there was a new message from Linky along with a picture of Tara playing in the water.

Link_NH:To:Lapha_ZD::Hope all is well, Laff. I wish you were here. See you soon. Love from all of us.

She smiled at the cute picture, Tara splashing her Dad. She had always been close to Linky, her little Hylian brother, and taken good care of him growing up. And he remembered that. Even after getting married and starting a family, Linky thought to message her often. She answered she was fine, just busy reading old manuscripts, and hoped to see them soon. Give Tara a kiss for her.

She put away her Tab and rejoined Purah and Robbie in the lab.

Meanwhile, in Zora's Domain, Mipha, Link, Astra, Tila, Linky, and Tara were having a picnic at the foot of the lower level of Mikau Lake near their house. Astra had returned again and was staying in Zora's Domain for another week. At the moment, Astra was playing in the water with Tara.

"Show me how you do that loop dive again, Tara," said Astra as they swam together. "It looks really cool!"

"Just jump and curl and then swim, Aunt Astra," said Tara. "Watch me again."

Tara demonstrated one more time, and then Astra tried but didn't quite get it.

"Almost, really close," said Tara. "But don't feel bad. My Daddy can't do it either. Come on, let me pull you up the waterfall again. That's more fun anyway."

"Hold on tight, Astra!" said Mipha as she and Link floated in the water and watched them play. "And don't be too long. It's almost time for lunch."

"It's cute seeing Tara playing with someone closer to her own age for a change," said Link.

"It is, and I think Astra is having fun, too," said Mipha as she and Link left the water and walked over to where a picnic blanket was spread out. Link dried himself off, then took Mipha's hand. She smiled at him, and they kissed.

"A picnic was a great idea," said Link.

Tara pulled Astra up the waterfall to the second level of Mikau Lake, both laughing all the way up. When they reached the top, they saw Tila and Linky sitting on the rock in the middle of the water with their arms around each other.

"Hi Astra and Tara," said Tila. "Are you two having fun? It looks like it!"

"Yes, a lot, Aunt Tila," said Astra. "Tara is such an amazing swimmer, and so clever."

"She can definitely be clever," laughed Tila.

"What are you and Daddy doing?" Tara asked Tila. "Why aren't you playing?"

"We're just spending some quiet time together and playing in our own way, sweetheart," said Tila. "We'll be down to eat lunch in a minute. Be careful and help your Aunt Astra back down the waterfall, all right?"

Tara nodded, then took Astra's hand, walked to the edge, then they dove off the top of the waterfall, Tara controlling their descent through the water, and Astra screaming with delight the whole way down. They landed with a splash, both giggling.

"We're about to have lunch, you two. Why don't you dry off, Astra," said Mipha as she reached out and handed Astra a towel."

Tara lingered by the water a moment longer, then joined them. A few moments later, Tila and Linky dove from the top of the waterfall and landed with a splash.

"You're diving is much better, sweetheart," said Tila. "That was smooth and fast."

"I had a good teacher," laughed Linky taking Tila's hand. "And I was hungry."

Tila and Linky joined the rest, and Linky picked up a towel to dry off.

"What the ...!" exclaimed Linky as he jumped back and dropped his towel.

A frog had squawked and hopped out from his towel, then escaped into the lake, startling everyone. Well, almost everyone.

"How did a frog get in there?" said Linky as he picked up the towel and shook it carefully.

"Tara! Did you do that?" Tila asked, looking at Tara, who was giggling. "Honestly, Tara, what..."

"It's okay," laughed Linky as he picked up Tara and hugged her. "I guess there's a little bit of my Dad and his Bazz Brigade mischief in our darling daughter, right Dad?"

Tara giggled, and they kissed.

"Well, we did have some fun with frogs," said Link. "Did I ever tell you about the time .... Well, maybe I had better not. I don't want to give the children any more ideas."

"Tara is pretty good at coming up with her own anyway," laughed Linky.

"Yes, please, sweetheart, no Brigade adventure stories right now," laughed Mipha. "Now let's all choose what we're eating. We have cooked and raw fish, some snails, and fresh fruit. And I made a special sweet treat for dessert."

"Hooray!" shouted Tara.

"But only if you finish your fish, Tara," added Linky.

"Don't worry, Daddy," said Tara. "I'm starving."

Linky put Tara down, and everyone selected something to eat and sat down.

"Where is everyone else?" Tara asked after swallowing a bite of Hyrule Bass.

"Well, let's see," said Link. "Uncle Sidon is visiting North Hyrule. He's touring the coral gardens there with your Aunt Arana. Aunt Lapha is busy working at Hyrule Castle. Aunt Mila is visiting Lake Hylia with her boyfriend, Kendal. And Uncle Midon is in Castle Town with his girlfriend Larena, visiting Larena's sister Karena. I think I covered everyone who lives here in the Domain."

"The lake here would be pretty crowded if everyone was home, Tara," laughed Linky. "But you'll see Aunt Mila and Uncle Midon tomorrow, sweetheart."

"How is your nephew Howell doing, Astra?" said Tila.

"He's getting big and really cute," said Astra. "My Sis was so nervous at first, wouldn't let anyone but my Mom hold him. But now she lets me play with him. I'm still teaching him to say my name."

"He is cute," said Link. "And I'm sure he loves playing with you, Astra."

"I like the bedrooms in your house," said Astra. "I see they designed them with room for a bed and a slumber pool."

"Yes, and we put a bed in Lapha's room for you," said Mipha. "I hope you're comfortable there."

"It's very comfortable, Aunt Mipha," said Astra. "And the sound of the waterfall is so soothing. It's easy to fall asleep at night."

Mipha looked at Link and smiled, and he smiled back.

"Oh! Can I please sleep in Aunt Astra's room? I can sleep in the water, and she sleeps in a bed anyway. And we can tell each other sleep time stories," said Tara.

Tila was about to object when Astra spoke up.

"That would be fun if it's okay with your Mom and Dad," said Astra. "We can take turns. I'll tell you a story one night, and you tell me one of your favorite stories the next."

"Are you sure you don't mind, Astra?" Linky asked.

"No, not at all, I think it would be fun," said Astra. "I'd love to do it."

"Yay!" Tara shouted.

"And you behave yourself, Tara, and don't give Aunt Astra any trouble, or you'll be back in our room faster than a Hot-Footed Frog, do you understand?" Tila said.

"Yes, of course, Mommy," said Tara.

Then Tara exchanged a glance with Astra and giggled.

"All right, is everyone done with their meal?" Mipha asked as she reached in the picnic basket and unwrapped a tray of small bite-sized cakes with chocolate frosting.

"Oh, wow!" Tara exclaimed.

"They look delicious, Aunt Mipha," said Astra.

"They're Aunt Mipha's specialty," said Link as he passed the tray around, and everyone took one.

"That's sweet of you to say, dear," laughed Mipha. "But they're actually the only pastry I know how to make. I learned to make it right after we married, remember, sweetheart?"

"I do indeed," said Link. "It was a wonderful surprise."

"It's delicious, Mother," said Tila. "Sweet, but not too sweet."

"After lunch, let's all take a walk," said Link. "It's only fair to us Hylians that we get some exercise on land too."

"Come on, Aunt Astra," said Tara standing up, taking Astra's hand. "We can walk together."

"I'd like that, Tara," said Astra as they held hands and walked ahead of the others.

"Tila and I will clean up, you go on ahead, Mom and Dad," said Linky as he and Tila started putting away the picnic items.

Mipha and Link held hands and began following Astra and Tara down the hill toward the eastern overpass that led to the slumber pool level of the Domain. They could see Astra and Tara talking excitedly with each other.

"You know Astra's a lot like you were at her age, sweetheart," said Mipha quietly. "She's kind, caring, sweet, a perfect playmate. But don't pick a fight with her or challenge her. She's very competitive, just like you were. Still are, actually."

"Yes, I can see that," said Link. "Of course, you remember my childhood better than I do. But I can see the similarities. Astra has a good heart. And she is already quite proficient in combat simulations. I guess she has what it takes."

"Like you do," said Mipha.

"Yes, like I do," said Link. "Very much like I do, I guess."

Mipha and Link stopped at the small Hylia shrine, closed their eyes, bowed, and each said a silent prayer to the Goddess. Then they continued walking past the slumber pools and then across the western overpass and finally up the grassy slope that led to Veiled Falls. A Blue-Winged Heron took to the sky with a flap of its wings, while up ahead, they could see Astra and Tara chasing butterflies.

"I love it here in the Domain so much," said Link as he admired the beauty of the location.

"I'd like to think I had something to do with that," said Mipha.

"Well, a little," laughed Link. "Maybe a lot."

Then they both laughed and kissed.

Meanwhile, Impa's son Palan had been keeping his eyes and ears open while working for the Yiga Clan in the past few weeks. Since first joining, he had sworn loyalty to Ganon, but he held such an oath worthless as he did not ascribe to any of their underlying beliefs, and he swore the oath under an alias. Normally, his rite of passage to membership would include killing someone. But fortunately, gathering Luminous Stones was of the highest priority, and they were short-handed as well. So, no time could be spared for his kill, which would involve both him plus a witness.

Palan had been unable to find an opportunity to communicate with his parents. Doing that was a risk, and he really had nothing new to communicate anyway. He had learned something of their routine, but nothing anyone could act upon. So he bided his time and learned what he could.

His partner, Larson, had gotten friendlier over time. And fortunately, Larson was one of those people who much preferred talking to listening. So, Palan could get away with vague answers to questions, because Larson's questions were usually his way of bringing up a topic he wanted to talk about himself. Right now, he and Larson were on their way back to the hideout with two more sacks of stones.

Meanwhile, in the depths of the Yiga Clan hideout, a shadowy Hylian figure with two red eyes made his way to the room where the Poe Collector had been working.

"You sent for me?" said the dark figure.

"Yes," said the Poe Collector. "I have finally found what you seek. It's in the jar over there. I believe that concludes our business arrangement, and I expect payment now."

The dark Hylian figure glanced at the jar. It looked empty at first, but if you stared carefully, you could just make out some wispy blue flames floating there.

"How can I be sure you're telling me the truth?" said the dark figure.

The Poe Collector burst out in what must have been a fit of laughter, but to anyone who heard it sounded more like cackling.

"You're just asking yourself that question now?" said the Poe Collector after finally recovering his composure and shaking his head. "It's no wonder you need the one in the jar back. I imagine you will just have to trust me."

"Trust you?"

"Think for a moment, little Shadow Link," said the Poe Collector. "If I wanted to cheat you, would I have worked all this time in these luxurious quarters of yours? Besides, our interests are aligned. I welcome the return of the same person you do. It should benefit me."

"I suppose that's true," said the shadowy figure.

"And from what I see, it looks like we will need someone more knowledgeable than you to accomplish that person's return," said the Poe Collector.

"Very well," said the dark figure. "I'll get your payment. What will you do with all that money anyway?"

"That's none of your concern, is it? Oh, and be careful not to break the jar," said the Poe Collector. "It's strong and made of special material, but not unbreakable. If it breaks, I'll have to start all over. And that will take time and money."

"I'll be careful," said the dark figure. "I think everyone here is pretty sick of collecting stones. By the way, I meant to ask you something. Do only those with an evil heart have their spirit contained in Luminous Stones? Or it can happen to anyone?"

"I can't tell if a spirit's heart was pure or evil in life," said the Poe Collector. "Next time I have a chat with Hylia, I'll be sure to ask her. Now, can I have my Rupees?"

The dark figure left and returned with payment. The Poe Collector quickly counted the funds, then chuckled.

"Nice doing business with you, and good luck," said the Poe Collector. "If you need me, you know how to find me."

Then, without another word, the Poe Collector made his way out of the hideout.

As luck would have it, Palan and Larson were returning with stones when they saw the shadowy figure of the Poe Collector leaving the hideout, its solitary red eye looking this way and that. So, they found whatever spirit they were looking for, Palan thought. That was interesting.

"We should still dispose of these stones inside," said Larson, thinking ahead. "We don't want to illuminate our secret entrance."

"Yes, of course not, that's good thinking," said Palan as they entered and dropped off the stones. "This is exciting news that we found the spirit we were searching for. Do you think there will be any celebration or at least an announcement?"

"Oh, I tend to doubt it," said Larson. "Communication from the top is frequently late or non-existent."

Meanwhile, the dark figure picked up the jar and stared into it. It was true. He had to trust the Poe Collector. For all he could make out in the jar were wisps of blue flames floating inside the jar. If that was a spirit, he had no way of telling who it was. But if the Poe Collector was truthful, that jar contained the spirit of his dear father who was taken from him when he was still a boy.

Now, he had to deal with the Horned Demon in Hateno Village to restore his father to life. He wasn't sure how that process would work. But if it succeeded, then his father could take over from him. He thought his father would surely know what to do to proceed to the next step. The question now was how to get to Hateno Village without attracting attention. And should he go alone or bring someone? It was something to think about.