Summary: Astra and Tara grow closer. Robbie uncovers some useful information from an old Sheikah document. Palan is chosen to assist in a secret mission.

"Can you please tell me that story now, Aunt Astra?" said Tara as she yawned once and let herself into the slumber pool in Lapha's room.

It was early evening in Zora's Domain after a fun-filled day spent with family. Astra was spending a week there and using Lapha's room to sleep. Lapha remained at the Royal Ancient Tech Lab next to Hyrule Castle, busy with Purah and Robbie reading ancient Sheikah documents. Astra had agreed to let Tila's and Linky's daughter, Tara, have a sleepover with her.

"Sure, let me think of one," said Astra. "And Tara, you don't have to call me 'Aunt,' unless your parents insist. I mean, we're less than seven years apart in age, and I feel young to be called an aunt."

"Okay, Astra," said Tara. "I'll tell Mommy and Daddy you like it better. They told me it was polite to call you 'aunt.'"

"It is, I guess, but I like just plain 'Astra' much better," said Astra.

Tara smiled at her and nodded.

"I know Zoras are naturally superb swimmers, Tara, but I never thought you would already be strong enough to pull me up a waterfall," said Astra. "You're amazing!"

"You're not that heavy, Astra, and Mommy said I'm big for my age," said Tara. "I overheard Mommy talking to Daddy, and she said she thinks I'm growing up faster because Daddy is a Hylian."

"I guess that's possible," said Astra as she got ready for bed. "I know what you mean, though. Sometimes I feel like I'm growing up faster too."

"Are you sure you don't want to sleep in the water with me? I don't make waves in my sleep anymore," said Tara.

"I've never done it before, Tara, trying to sleep in the water," said Astra.

"Daddy does it, and he tells Mommy he loves it," said Tara. "So, maybe Hylians like sleeping in water too? You could try it."

"Maybe your Daddy loves it because he can be with your Mommy, and that makes both of them happy," said Astra. "But if you like, I can try sleeping in the water with you tonight. I'll join you and tell you a story. And after you fall asleep, I'll try to fall asleep too. But if I can't, I'll climb out and sleep in the bed here. Okay?"

"Okay, but I think you'll love it once you try it," said Tara.

Astra finished undressing and joined Tara in the slumber pool, taking a minute to get comfortable. She eventually positioned herself, so she floated feet down with her head above the water. Then Tara hooked her arm behind and under Astra's neck, helping her head stay above water and holding her at the same time.

"I'm sorry it's not salt water," said Tara. "Mommy likes it better, and she says it's more comfortable."

"I don't think I could tell the difference unless I swallowed it," said Astra. "Are there any kinds of stories you especially like?"

"I think any kind is okay," said Tara. "Mommy tells me stories about the sea and the animals that live there and things I can see when I'm bigger. Sometimes we play a game when we take turns thinking of an animal, and the other person tries to guess it from clues. Daddy tells me stories about animals and places on land. In some stories, animals talk and act like people, so I know they're just pretending. But I still like them."

"Yes, I know some of those kinds of stories," said Astra. "I like them too. And we can play that guessing game sometimes. My sister Zelda told me a lot of bedtime stories, usually about adventures. Maybe you should be a little older for those, though. Let me think. Do you know the story of the wolf and the squirrel?"

"No, I don't think so," said Tara.

"Well, let me start it, and if you know it, just stop me, and I'll think of another story," said Astra. "It's very short, and sometimes the same story is told with different animals."

"Okay," said Tara, closing her eyes.

Once upon a time, there was a wolf who fell asleep in the woods, its mouth laying open, showing its sharp white teeth. A squirrel walking by wasn't paying attention, then suddenly noticed the wolf, and the squirrel was so frightened, it ran into the wolf's nose, awakening it. The wolf caught the squirrel with its paw, and the squirrel thought for sure the wolf would eat it, so it spoke up.

"Please, please let me go," said the squirrel. "If you do, someday I will help you."

The wolf howled with laughter hearing that, wondering how a little squirrel could ever help a big powerful wolf. But the wolf was kind, and so he let the squirrel go.

A few days later, while the wolf was wandering in the woods searching for food, the wolf got caught in a net that some hunters had set as a trap. The wolf struggled to free itself and howled over and over when it couldn't. But the squirrel in the woods recognized the wolf's howl. The squirrel came running over and chewed through the net, freeing the wolf.

"You laughed when I told you I would help you," said the squirrel. "But now you know that even a squirrel can help a wolf."

And so the kindness of the wolf was rewarded.

"That's the end of the story," said Astra. "It shows how being kind can make things better for everyone."

"That was a nice story," said Tara, opening her eyes. "It also shows how help can come from someone you don't expect, doesn't it?"

"Yes, that's true too, it does," said Astra. "You're very smart, Tara."

"Good night, Astra. I love you," said Tara as she leaned toward Astra and kissed her on the cheek.

"Good night, Tara," said Astra, kissing her back on the forehead. "I love you, too."

Tara closed her eyes and soon fell asleep, her breathing stopping as her gills took over. Astra closed her eyes too, for it had been a long day. A few moments later, she was asleep.

It was an hour later when Tila and Linky quietly peeked into the room and saw Tara asleep with her arm around Astra, who was also sleeping in the slumber pool. Tila and Linky smiled at each other, then gently closed the door.

"That's sweet of Astra to sleep with Tara in the water like that," said Tila as they walked back to their room, holding hands.

"I guess the Hylians in my family have a hidden love of water," laughed Linky. "That probably explains why we married."

"Oh, really, sweetheart?" Tila said as she looked up, gave him her sweet smile, and caressed his hand. "It was just a love of water, that's all?"

Linky took a deep breath, squeezed her hand, and then they both laughed as they ran back to their room. As soon as they closed the door, they fell into each other's arms and began kissing.

Meanwhile, Mipha and Link were holding hands and strolling across the Great Zora Bridge just past the waterfall and enjoying a calm moonlit night together.

"You certainly looked like you had fun today," said Mipha. "You're still like the kid I knew when you play."

"I know," laughed Link. "Despite what you think about Hylians growing up fast, I feel like I never did. I still have fun playing, and I'm not just doing it to entertain others."

"I can tell," laughed Mipha. "You put your whole heart into it, and you still don't like to lose. Except for those pretend battles you wage. But you're a good sport about it when you do lose."

"It happens so seldom I'm simply not used to it," laughed Link. "Well, except for water games, of course, though your armor helps a lot."

"And your sense of humor hasn't changed much either," laughed Mipha as she squeezed his hand. "I put a lot of work into that armor, so take good care of it. It's held up very well, hasn't it?"

"You know I do, and it has," said Link.

Just then, they heard some laughing from Ruto Lake below them and looked down. Mila and Kendal were swimming back to the Domain, laughing and splashing. Kendal looked up, saw Mipha and Link, spoke to Mila, and she, in turn, looked up and waved. Mipha and Link waved back. Then Mila shouted.

"Wait, I'll be right there!" shouted Mila.

Mila hugged and kissed Kendal goodnight, then they swam up the waterfall, and Kendal went to see his family while Mila made her way to the bridge and joined Mipha and Link.

"Hi Mom and Dad, you okay?" said Mila as she reached out and hugged them both.

"Yes, just taking a stroll after a busy day. You're back early," said Mipha.

"We both work tomorrow," said Mila. "But it was nice getting away together."

"Kendal and his family are well?" said Mipha.

"Yes, fine," said Mila.

"And how was Lake Hylia?" Link asked.

"The fish were all delicious," said Mila. "And the lakebed has recovered quite well from the incident with that blight creature ten or so years ago. It wasn't crowded there either. You and Mom should revisit it."

"Perhaps we will," said Mipha. Then she noticed Mila yawn.

"You should rest, sweetheart," said Mipha. "You had a long swim home. Midon's due back tomorrow. Oh, Astra and Tara are sleeping in Lapha's room, so be extra quiet near there."

"Tara's sleeping with Astra? That's cute," said Mila. "Okay, I'll head home and see you in the morning. Good night."

They hugged and kissed goodnight.

"You notice how the first thing Mila does is check how we are?" said Mipha. "I'm sure that's why she came up to see us."

"Yes," said Link. "All our children are wonderful, but Mila has a lot of your caring instinct. Perhaps it comes from inheriting your healing ability."

"Perhaps," said Mipha. "It's a lovely night out, isn't it?"

Link looked up, and the stars were shining brightly while a crescent moon had just arisen. They put their arms around each other and kissed.

"Yes, it is a beautiful night," said Link. "Though I thought you preferred rain."

"We prefer rain during the day," laughed Mipha. "We like the moon and stars at night. I think maybe you should take that citizenship test again."

"It still won't help my swimming," laughed Link.

"Let's go home, and I'll test you on some of your Zora knowledge," laughed Mipha.

Then they walked arm-in-arm back home.

Meanwhile, at the Royal Ancient Tech Lab, everyone was tired from a long day of reading ancient Sheikah manuscripts.

"Maybe we should call it a night," said Purah, rubbing her eyes.

"Agreed," said Lapha.

"Wait, I finally found something interesting," said Robbie as he waved a document in his hand.

Purah and Lapha went over to him.

"A Sheikah archeologist wrote it as a warning, but of course, the Yiga Clan would find the information useful," said Robbie. "Here, read it for yourself."

The document read as follows.

My name is Kandor, and I am an archeologist by training. I write this to preserve what I have learned regarding a matter of great importance, but a matter of great secrecy as well.

There are many mysteries in Hyrule, and I must sometimes remind my colleagues that science alone cannot explain all of them. Often times ancient tales believed to be legends turn out to have more basis in truth than we know. I have found in my research that such stories of old often portray their events as happening in an imaginary or far away land. Adventures take place in a world amidst the clouds or an island far across the sea, or even in a dream. I believe one reason this is so is to make such tales less frightening by making them more remote in both time and space. In any case, let me describe what I have learned and what I have persuaded my fellow Sheikah to do about it.

I shall start by referring to the well-known tale of an ancient hero who strove to prevent the return of Ganon by defeating Onox, the General of Darkness, Veran, the Sorceress of Shadows, and Twinrova, a pair of evil witches of Gerudo lineage who had the power to unite into one. The hero struggled through a long and perilous quest, and before he succeeded, the evil creatures named above managed to light the flames of destruction, sorrow, and despair. The last step to Ganon's return was the sacrifice of Hylia's descendant, she who carries the blood of the Goddess, but the hero prevented it. The tale is well known and set in unknown lands called Holodrum and Labrynna.

However, in my research, I believe I have uncovered the locations of the three vessels where these evil flames once burned. These vessels cannot be destroyed, since some dark magic, perhaps of Ganon's making, prevents it. And when I found them, I realized I was by no means the first in Hyrule to discover these vessels.

The ancient warrior civilization that once lived in our land also knew of these vessels and attempted to hide them. The nature of these mysterious people is unknown to me, whether they were good or evil. I do not know if they hid these vessels to prevent their use or to preserve their use. I would like to believe the former, but their civilization vanished, leaving no record, and so that must remain a mystery for now. In any case, whether for good or ill, these people concealed these vessels by building mighty labyrinths over them. No doubt they intended these labyrinths to thwart any who would seek what was hidden within and did not know the way.

However, I did not deem these labyrinths sufficient protection for something so dangerous, and our leader agreed. Accordingly, we Sheikah have taken further steps to improve upon their security. We first created shrines in the heart of each labyrinth for a future hero and placed armor from these ancient warriors within as a reward for its exploration. In that way, all will believe that the challenge of reaching the shrine was the labyrinth's sole purpose and look no further. But if by chance any would attempt to explore deeper, we have stationed Guardians to repel any such person and protect what is hidden within.

I can rest easier now knowing this. For though it was many ages ago, I deem it still possible that these vessels could be used for Ganon's return sooner than the Demon King could do so itself. I pray that will never come to pass, and may the Goddess smile upon us all.

-Kandor

"This is quite important information," said Purah. "So, these ancient labyrinths hide a secret still hidden from us. I, too, thought the shrine at their heart was their sole purpose. Unfortunately, the document does not show how to find the secret location. But that's understandable, since the writer's intent was merely to warn of their existence, not reveal how to find them."

"So, what do we do next?" said Robbie. "Notify Her Majesty, I assume?"

"Yes, of course," said Purah. "This assignment came from her in the first place, and I will let her know. But after a night's rest, we should resume reading this material. There may be other useful information here."

Meanwhile, deep below the Thyphlo Ruins, Captain Kaplan was on his way to a meeting he generally dreaded, having been summoned by their Master. Their Master was the son of Dark Link and liked to be referred to as Shadow Link, though everyone called him Master to his face. His two fiery red eyes were creepy, even for Kaplan, and he was unpredictable as well. You never knew if you were being summoned to receive praise for a job well done or a dressing down for an incompetent subordinate. So Kaplan nervously made his way to where Shadow Link awaited him.

"You sent for me, Master," said Kaplan upon arriving.

Shadow Link stared at him for a moment, looking into his eyes. Those who harbored ill will toward him often flinched under his gaze, but the Captain returned his stare, though it made the hairs on the back of Kaplan's neck stand up.

"Yes, Captain," said Shadow Link finally. "I'm thinking of taking two people along with me to Hateno Village to serve as cover and scout ahead. Whom do you recommend for this mission?"

"I would happily go, Master, as, I am sure, would Lieutenant Gallum," said Captain Kaplan.

"No, I need some leadership to remain in charge here until I return," said Shadow Link. "This is a mission of stealth, not combat. Keeping that in mind, whom do you recommend?"

"I think Lieutenant Gallum is still a strong candidate," said Kaplan. "He has been well trained in the arts of stealth. And his associate Randor is also quite skilled."

"I agree with your choice of Gallum, Captain. But wasn't Randor spotted by that new recruit when he was trailing him? What is his name?"

"Linpa, and yes, that's true," said Kaplan.

"Then perhaps Linpa would be a better choice as the second person. Is there any reason not to choose him? Are you uncomfortable with him in any way?"

The question put Kaplan on the spot since he himself recruited Linpa and could hardly speak less than enthusiastically about him now.

"Linpa does excel at stealth, Master. He took Salon and Kona completely by surprise, and Randor too, as you know. The only thing against him is that he has not had his first kill with us yet. We have all been too busy collecting Luminous Stones."

"I see," said Shadow Link. "Well, if he is as good as you say, it could prove useful to me. Let both him and Gallum know we leave for Hateno Village tomorrow after sunset."

"Very well, Master," said Kaplan.

Then he bowed and left, wiping his brow, and headed to where Gallum was on duty.

"Yes, Sir?" Gallum asked upon Kaplan's arrival.

"Our Master wants you and Linpa to accompany him to Hateno Village. You leave tomorrow at sunset," said Kaplan.

"Linpa? The new recruit? Why not Randor or one of the others?" Gallum asked.

"Because Linpa is apparently stealthier than any of the others," said Kaplan. "He took Randor by surprise, remember? And never mind how easily he surprised those two traitors."

"I don't know," said Gallum, shaking his head. "Taking a new recruit on a mission with our master is risky, isn't it?"

"Just keep an eye on him," said Kaplan. "So far, he has done nothing to hint at any disloyalty. And I'm the one who recommended him, remember? Do you expect me to disavow someone I personally recruited when I have no reason to do so?"

"I understand, Sir," said Gallum. "I'll let Linpa know."

Gallum passed the word down to Linpa, and so Palan began organizing his things for the journey next evening. His Sheikah skills were apparently paying off, and this was a great opportunity. But of course, he would need to be especially on his guard. He was not dealing with fools like Kona and Salon. This was the top echelon of the organization. Yet this might also be a chance to communicate with his family and update them on what he knew. And of course, he could even hope to learn more along the way.