Summary: Attacks worsen as monsters increase in strength and emerge from shrines more quickly. Linky and Midon aid in defense of Zora's Domain, while Mipha returns to pilot Ruta. On the eve of Link's departure to Eventide Island, he shares his concerns with Mipha about his upcoming battle and reflects on the beautiful life he has had with her.

It was raining near the Inogo Bridge as six Zora guards took turns in groups of three battling the Lizalfos that emerged one-by-one from the Soh Kofi Shrine. They had initially worked in two teams of two guards each. But as more Blue Lizalfos took the place of the less formidable green ones, it took three guards each to be confident of destroying an enemy before another emerged.

"I can't tell you how much I detest the color purple now," said one of the guards after their latest enemy vanished in a cloud of smoke.

"Get ready," said another guard. "I think another one is coming."

As they stood at the alert, another Lizalfos materialized at the shrine entrance. But this one differed from the others. It was a Black Lizalfos, an enemy more resilient and more formidable than its Blue brethren, and it looked every bit the part.

"Zodont! Help!" shouted one of the Zora guards named Jalon to the other team of three as Jalon and his two teammates prepared to battle it. "One of you try to get behind it!".

Two guards remained ready in case another Lizalfos appeared while one guard from the second team joined the battle, making it four against one.

The Lizalfos eyed its opponents and prepared to strike, while the three Zora guards facing it kept it distracted by making stabbing motions at it with their spears. The fourth guard quietly moved to get behind it. For all their skill as fighters, Lizalfos were notoriously poor at seeing where an opponent who struck them from behind went and would blindly turn around even if their adversary had moved directly in front of it.

After a moment, the Lizalfos flung its vicious Tri-Boomerang at the group facing it. But Jalon and the others knew what to expect and ducked or dodged in time. In the few seconds that the Lizalfos watched and waited for its weapon's return, the lone guard rushed behind it and administered a sneak strike, knocking it to the ground. As predicted, when the Lizalfos rose, it turned about, at which point the three guards now behind it finished it with their spears, and another cloud of purple vapor floated away.

"Whew!" said Jalon. "I have to report this. We've been dealing with Green and Blue ones all this time, but now we have Black ones to deal with. I'm afraid we'll need reinforcements, and this may mean longer shifts."

Jalon contacted Zora Captain Larah to report the incident.

"Captain, we're seeing stronger enemies, and we need help," said Jalon. "We could use at least two more of us here."

"I'll send three more guards at once to be sure, Jalon," said Larah.

"I have to go, Captain! Here comes another one!" exclaimed Jalon, ending the call as another Black Lizalfos materialized, and the battle was on once more.

Larah ordered three additional guards to assist at both the Inogo Bridge and Ulria Grotto shrines, then reported the incident by Tab to Prince Sidon, who was conferring with King Dorephan, Mipha and Link at that very moment in the throne room.

"The monsters are getting stronger, Prince Sidon," said Larah. "We're being attacked by Black Lizalfos now, and I'm sending six more of our forces to contain them."

"Very well, Larah," said Sidon. "I will let Hyrule Command know."

"All of you heard?" said Sidon as he ended the call and turned back to the others.

"Yes," said King Dorephan. "That is bad news. I can only be grateful our injuries have been slight so far."

"It's consistent with what Zelda says is happening throughout Hyrule," said Link. "Stronger monsters are attacking more quickly, and I fear this trend will only continue. There are even stronger Lizalfos than Black ones, and we may soon have to deal with Silver ones. They are three times stronger than Black ones."

"Horrible!" said King Dorephan.

"We need Ruta again," said Mipha. "I did not expect the danger to grow like this and hoped Ruta could be used elsewhere. But at least using Ruta to contain the Ulria Grotto shrine will allow us to expand our forces at the Inogo Bridge shrine. I will pilot Ruta back to Tal Tal Peak as soon as we finish here."

"Yes, I think that makes the most sense," said Sidon.

"But, where does all this end?" King Dorephan asked. "As Link says, it may only be a matter of time before our enemies grow stronger still. And we are fortunate to be attacked from only two shrines. If other parts of Hyrule fall, our enemy will be free to divert more forces our way, and we will be overwhelmed."

"I believe it ends with confronting Ganon, Father, the source of these attacks," said Link. "We need to find him and destroy him. Zelda and I are preparing to travel to Eventide Island, where I suspect Ganon is lurking."

Sidon looked at Mipha as Link spoke.

"I will assign some guards to accompany you when you go, Link," said Sidon.

"Thank you, Sidon, but I feel it is better if Zelda and I travel alone," said Link. "I want to travel in secret. Besides, we need to keep our Domain's defenses as strong as possible."

"It's alright, Sidon," said Mipha, answering Sidon's look. "Link and I already discussed this. If there is nothing else at the moment, then I should return to Ruta at once and target the Ulria Grotto shrine again, freeing up the guards stationed there."

The meeting ended, and Link held Mipha's hand as he walked with her to East Reservoir Lake.

"How soon do you think you and Zelda will be ready to leave?" said Mipha.

"I'm not sure, perhaps as soon as tomorrow," said Link. "I've urged Zelda to get a suitable Sheikah outfit. I suspect some monsters from Tenoko Island may have made their way to Eventide Island and be wandering around there. Whatever enemies are there, I want to take them by surprise if we can, and save our energy for whatever is inside the shrine."

"I know we discussed this, but I'm not happy I cannot accompany you," said Mipha.

"I know, and I also wish you could be with me," said Link as he squeezed her hand. "But after the latest news, you can see why you are needed here to defend our home. Zelda and I will deal with Ganon."

"Will you stay with me in Ruta for now?"

"Yes, of course, sweetheart," said Link. "I want to check on the Inogo Bridge shrine later, though."

Mipha and Link made their way to Ruta, and once again, Mipha piloted it to Tal Tal Peak. After being assured the shrine was clear of guards, she had Ruta open fire, bathing the shrine in blue energy.

"Let's sit and talk for a bit," said Mipha as she took Link's hand, and they sat down.

Meanwhile, the rest of Link's family was home discussing the situation.

"What's happening, Laff?" said Midon. "You have that Sheikah decryption rune on your Tab and have been monitoring communications."

"It's just as I told you before, Midon," said Lapha. "Shrines everywhere are producing stronger enemies more quickly, as if their process is evolving somehow. I would really like to study how Ganon achieves this, whether he is doing it step-by-step or it was set up to automatically evolve stronger enemies from the outset. The knowledge might prove useful."

"It's probably Dark Magic, not technology, Laff," said Midon. "And from what I know, Ganon is not inclined toward sharing his secrets."

"We've discussed this before, Midon," said Lapha. "Advanced technology always looks like magic to those who don't understand it."

"What about the two shrines attacking our Domain?" Linky asked, changing the subject. "What's happening there, Laff? Are we holding our own?"

"It's the same as other parts of Hyrule," said Lapha. "Uncle Sidon just reported to Hyrule Command that Mom is taking Ruta back to defend the Ulria Grotto shrine, and three more of our guards are being sent to the Inogo Bridge shrine."

"Have there been any reports of injuries?" asked Mila. "I can help with that."

"Nothing serious," said Lapha. "I don't know if you know this, but Mom healed a guard yesterday who was badly wounded by a Lizalfos boomerang."

The room was quiet for a moment, then Midon finally spoke up.

"I don't know about the rest of you, but I can't just sit here on my fins and do nothing," said Midon. "I was blessed with some of Dad's combat ability, and I feel I should put it to use. I'm going to join the fight at Inogo Bridge and help the guards there."

"You're right, Midon, and I'll do the same," said Linky. "We can spell each other."

Mila glanced over at Linky's wife, Tila, who was holding their daughter Tara, and they looked into each other's eyes for a moment. Then Mila spoke up.

"I'll go too, to help with any injuries there," said Mila. "And Kendal told me he might be headed there soon. I haven't seen him in a while."

"Come on, Linky, let's put all that combat training to use," said Midon as he stood up to go.

"I'll meet you outside in a moment, Midon," said Linky as Midon left.

Linky went over to Tila and Tara.

"I'll be okay this time," said Linky. "I promise."

"I believe in you," said Tila. "Remember, you carry our hearts."

Then he and Tila exchanged a lengthy kiss.

"Hurry back, Daddy," said Tara as she hugged him next. "You said it would be my turn to catch breakfast."

"I'll be back as soon as I can, sweetheart," said Linky, giving Tara a kiss.

He squeezed Tila's hand once and then went outside to join Midon.

"I'll look out for him, Ti," said Mila standing up after Linky left.

Then Mila left and caught up with the other two as they headed to Ruto Lake.

"Is everybody leaving?" said Tara as she watched Mila leave.

"They have some work to do with Daddy," said Tila.

"Come on, Tara, why don't we all have some fun in the water," said Lapha, coming over and taking Tara's hand. "I'll teach you a game I used to play with my friends."

"A new game?" Tara asked.

"Yes, and I don't think your Mommy knows it either," said Lapha.

"Then Aunt Lapha can teach both of us, right, Tara?" said Tila, taking Tara's other hand.

"Yay!" said Tara as they headed for Mikau Lake.

Meanwhile, at Dig Dogg Bridge, Hylian archers with Electric Arrows were destroying Lizalfos in the water from above, clearing enough space so soldiers could lower themselves on ropes to the shrine below.

"Keep firing! It's doing the job!" shouted Lieutenant Ragon.

After the waters were clear of enemies, he ordered a dozen soldiers to slide down ropes and secure the shrine.

"Well done!" cried Ragon once they were in place.

Then Ragon reported their success to headquarters. But he realized that most of the Lizalfos from this shrine had swum to the western cliff and continued along the Gerudo Canyon toward Gerudo Town. If they ever returned, it would be impossible to hold the location.

Meanwhile, at Hyrule Command, Zelda was speaking by Tab with Impa in Kakariko Village.

"I will have a Sheikah outfit sent to you at once, Zelda," said Impa. "But is what you are planning something you must do yourself? We have many Sheikah here who are highly skilled in the arts of stealth and combat. We are ready to help all we can."

"Thank you, Impa, and I appreciate that," said Zelda. "But this is something I must do myself, and you may well need all your warriors for your own defense. I can certainly use your prayers, though."

"You are always in my prayers, Zelda, and always have been," said Impa.

"And please look out for my daughter Zelda if she needs help in my absence," said Zelda. "I will do all I can, but in case I don't..."

Zelda's voice trailed off into silence.

"Of course, Zelda," said Impa finally. "You know we have been and always will be your family's loyal supporters."

"I meant to ask, how are things in Kakariko Village?"

"The good news is that we have not been attacked," said Impa. "But we have posted archers on the surrounding hills. The geography here lends itself to our defense."

"Yes, that's true," said Zelda. "But unless we stop the invasion, your safety won't last. I must return now to learn the latest news, grim as it might be. I will await your Sheikah outfit and thank you."

"May Hylia bless you and look after you," said Impa as they ended the call.

Impa sighed as she glanced over at her husband, Kalan and son Palan, who had been listening with her. Then she went to get the best Sheikah outfit she could.

Zelda put away her Tab and turned to get the latest report from General Haston.

"Sorry for the interruption," said Zelda. "What is your report, General?"

"Good news, Your Majesty! We've captured the Dig Dogg Bridge shrine at last," said Haston. "There are a dozen troops stationed there to hold it."

"That is good news!" said Zelda. "But I know you well enough that you like to start your reports off with good news. What else is happening?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, it is true the news is more bad than good," said Haston. "Forces throughout Hyrule report stronger enemies, the issue we've already discussed. We've had to send reinforcements to every shrine in Central Hyrule. Capturing the Dig Dogg Bridge shrine should help the Gerudo somewhat, who are also hard-pressed."

"I see," said Zelda. "Well, that only strengthens my resolve and makes my decision easier. Please ask Daruk to engage Rudania again on the shrine at Crenel Hills. That should free up some forces for other duties."

"At once, Your Majesty," said Haston as he prepared to call Daruk.

When Daruk received the call, he was still standing on Rudania, admiring the view.

"I figured you might need help again, General," said Daruk. "Let me know when it's safe to open fire and anything else I can do."

Meanwhile, as Mipha sat with Link inside Ruta, Link's Tab buzzed. It was a message from Zelda.

"Zelda expects the Sheikah outfit will arrive this afternoon," said Link. "She is hoping we can meet in Hateno Village tomorrow to start our mission."

"That's fine," said Mipha. "I know you need to do this, and the sooner, the better for Hyrule's sake."

"I'll let her know it's fine, then," said Link.

Link answered Zelda that he would meet her in Hateno Village tomorrow mid-morning.

"If you're fine here, for now, let me check on things at the Inogo Bridge," said Link. "I can get in some Lizalfos combat practice and spell the guards there a bit."

"Be safe," said Mipha as they kissed.

Then Mipha opened the entrance, letting Link out and closed it again. The weather had cleared by now, and Link stopped to pick up a motorized cycle. Soon he was racing across the Great Zora Bridge and then along the winding road through Tabahl Woods. He passed some guards on the way, and they waved at each other, then he continued on.

When Link reached the Inogo Bridge, he slowed down, and as he stared up at the shrine on the hillside, he thought his eyes were deceiving him. But after parking his cycle and walking closer, he realized it was true. Mila, Midon, and Linky were all there, and Linky was battling a Lizalfos.

Link rushed forward, and none of them saw him coming as all eyes were on the battle.

Linky was engaged in combat, and the Lizalfos fingered its weapon, then swung at Linky. But Linky performed a perfect dodge and then unleashed a series of six sword attacks. The Lizalfos collapsed in a cloud of smoke, and everyone cheered.

"Your turn next, Midon," shouted Linky.

"What are all of you doing here?" Link interrupted as he reached them.

Mila nearly jumped as she turned around to see him, and then the others noticed him as well.

"Hi, Dad," said Mila. "We're all helping in our own way."

"Why didn't you tell Mom or me?" said Link.

"I feel like we've had this conversation before, Dad," said Linky. "Because you and Mom would try to talk us out of it."

Just then, another Lizalfos appeared, and this time Midon took over. For those who knew about combat with a spear, watching Midon battle the Lizalfos was a thing of beauty. The speed and fluidity of Midon's movements were breathtaking, and the enemy was stunned senseless by the rapid succession of spear thrusts that appeared as a blur to all who watched. Midon got in eight hits each time with his Silverscale Spear and repeated the maneuver three times, finally destroying it.

"I think I did that almost as fast as you," said Midon to Linky as he caught his breath. "What are you doing here, Dad?"

"I came to help out and had no idea the three of you were here," said Link. "Let me deal with the next one."

It was a few moments later that another Black Lizalfos appeared, and Link instantly hit it with an Ice Arrow. Then he drew the sword that seals the darkness, and it glowed bright white. Before the Lizalfos recovered, Link struck it with six blows from his sword, destroying it.

"Wow! You're the best, Dad!" said Linky. "That was efficient."

"Having you here is giving us some much-needed rest," said the Zora officer in charge of the squad as they cheered again.

"Remember, the goal is to destroy your enemy quickly and safely, not show off," said Link. "Let me see how you do it again. What sword are you using?"

"My Royal Guard sword," said Linky.

As another Lizalfos appeared, Linky took over. He did not rely on his shield at all but did a perfect dodge as the Lizalfos swung its weapon, enabling him to rain down six full blows in what seemed like an instant. Again, the enemy was destroyed.

"That's fine and very well done," said Link. "Just be careful in case the enemy throws its weapon. That's why I favor having my shield ready. But I recommend you use Ice Arrows to minimize the risk. Let me see you battle once again, Midon."

When the next Lizalfos appeared, Midon struck out with his Silverscale spear, then both he and the Lizalfos jumped back. Link had quietly threaded an Ice Arrow in case the battle went badly, but Midon's practice in the simulator had paid off. When the Lizalfos rushed him, he too could sidestep just in time to unleash a vicious series of eight stabs. The Lizalfos staggered to its feet, hissed, and threw its weapon. Midon ducked, then rushed forward and struck while his enemy was weaponless. The Lizalfos swung out with its tail, almost catching Midon, but he jumped back in time. Link held his fire but continued to aim. He did not want to embarrass Midon by interfering if he didn't need to. Finally, Midon charged and delivered eight more blows in rapid succession, destroying the enemy. Link lowered his bow.

"You and the guards here should start helping each other now, work together," said Link. "Midon, your spear is not as powerful as Linky's sword. It will take you more strikes to destroy your enemy. And don't be afraid to use Ice Arrows. I will repeat what I said. The goal is to destroy your enemy quickly and with as little danger to yourself as possible. But in case you miss with an Ice Arrow, let me battle the next one and show you another method."