Summary: Link's daughter Mila interviews Daruk as part of her project to write the last Hyrule invasion history. Purah's examination of the Sheikah Slate Ganondorf used to corrupt shrines indicates it may yield some helpful information.

It was a sunny afternoon as Link's oldest daughter Mila sat behind her boyfriend Kendal on a motorized cycle cruising along the road southeast of Trilby Valley. They were driving past the Foothill Rest Area and onward toward the Maw of Death Mountain.

"I have to watch out for Eldin Ostriches on the road now," said Kendal.

"Please do!" laughed Mila. "If you hit one, we'll have to eat it. Ugh!"

It had been a pleasant ride from Zora's Domain, the weather fair and the roads clear. But this was not a pleasure trip. Zelda had asked Mila to write the history of the last Hyrule invasion, and Mila planned to interview all the major participants. Right now, she was on her way to meet Daruk at Lake Intenoch to discuss the Goron involvement, and Kendal had been assigned as her security guard for the journey. When they reached the lake, Kendal stopped the cycle, and Mila dismounted.

"Are you sure you don't need me to stay with you?" Kendal asked.

"No, I'll be fine. Why don't you go relax at the rest area or Cephla Lake," said Mila. "Daruk should be here any minute, and it is quite safe. I'll Tab you when we're finished."

"Very well, Princess," said Kendal, then they kissed. "I'll report to headquarters that we arrived safely."

Kendal made his way back to the rest area, and Mila waded into the hot bubbly waters. Steam clouds surrounded her, and the water was soothing from the first moment. After a few minutes of soaking, a person felt utterly revitalized. An unwary Sizzlefin Trout swam a bit too close and ended up being a tasty snack. Then Mila settled down into the water, and a few minutes later, she saw a massive Goron rolling down the path.

"Ah, here we are at last!" said Daruk as he unrolled himself and waded into the water, making waves that caused Mila to bob up and down. "Oh, that feels good! I hope you weren't waiting long, Mila."

"I just arrived only minutes ago, Lord Daruk," said Mila. "Thank you again for meeting me here. Making my way to Goron City would have been difficult for me, but I would have willingly done it."

"Please, just call me Daruk, or better yet, if you don't mind, Uncle. It's no trouble at all to meet my Goro bro's daughter," said Daruk with a big smile. "In the old days, I would have gladly rolled all the way to Zora's Domain. But, well, my rolling is slower now, though I still like to get out and see the countryside. This is a magnificent spot to meet, right? It's got water, which I know you Zoras like, and it's about midway between our two homes. It's also far enough away from that annoying dog at the stable. Don't you love soaking here?"

"Yes, I do. It's very revitalizing," said Mila, who smiled as Daruk still called them stables, probably because he never rode a horse. "And the fish I ate while waiting for you was a tasty treat for me too. Shall we begin?"

Mila went over her questions and recorded Daruk's comments. By the time they finished, it was late afternoon.

"Thank you, I think you have answered all my questions about the Hyrule invasion from the Goron perspective," said Mila.

"Yeah, as you can tell, we Gorons saw little action. It was mostly just me helping with ol' Rudania, blasting away at Crenel Hills. But I was happy to do what I could. Do you still need to talk to others for your project?"

"Yes, you were the first, outside of the Domain, I mean," said Mila. "I still have the Rito and Gerudo to interview, and then I will finish my research by meeting with the Hyrule Royal family and General Haston."

"Great! Just a word of advice when you visit the Rito. Be sure to overdo it a bit with Revali, like what an honor it is to meet with such a great Champion, stuff like that. He's a good person but quite proud of himself. Hearing praise from one of Link's children will make him happy. There was a long-standing rivalry between Revali and your Dad, at least in Revali's eyes, though I think he's gotten over most of it by now."

"Thank you, and I don't need to pretend," said Mila. "I am truly honored to meet with Champion Revali, as I am to meet with you."

"That's really nice of you. Now, if the business part of our talk is over, let me ask you how the family is doing?"

"Everyone is doing well," said Mila. "We all just returned from a fun family trip to the North Hyrule shore. My brother's daughter Tara is so cute and fun to play with, though clever and mischievous too. We were all surprised Tara remembered some star names from a lecture she and my Dad fell asleep at after a busy day at the beach."

"That is smart!" laughed Daruk. "Gee, speaking of Tara makes me realize I'm a Goro great uncle now too! Please tell your Dad to send me some pictures."

"I will. By the way, my Mom and Dad would have liked to join me to see you today, but Mom had meetings she couldn't get out of, and my Dad is visiting Astra at Hyrule Castle for her twelfth birthday. How is your son, Darno?"

"Darno is doing great, growing up fast like all of you," said Daruk, shaking his head. "He's gotten more confidence in himself, and I'm very proud of him! But gee, Astra is twelve already? That's really something, and so is she, from what I hear. A chip off the old block, so to speak. Your Dad eventually told me her story in confidence, Mila. Goro brothers don't keep secrets from each other."

"Yes, Astra's growing up too and is quite the skilled warrior. Um, if you have a little more time, I was wondering if you would mind telling me anything you can remember about my parents, I mean before they married. It's not for Hyrule history, just my curiosity."

"Hmm," said Daruk as he scratched his head and looked a bit puzzled. "Lemme think a minute, Mila. That was quite a while ago now, almost forty years. I barely knew your Mom back then, and both she and your Dad were on the quiet side. I don't know that I can tell you much."

"It's fine if you can't remember anything," said Mila. "It's just my curiosity and wanting to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with you."

"Just hold on another moment," said Daruk. "I still remember a few things, though you may already know about them by now."

Mila waited, and then Daruk finally spoke.

"I first met your Dad when he was still just a regular Hylian soldier. He was part of a squad the Royal Family sent to protect the Sheikah while they were digging up Divine Beast Vah Rudania at the base of Death Mountain. I used to roll over there sometimes for the tasty rocks and to see what was happening. It was amazing watching them uncover big ol' Rudania and how excited the Sheikah were about it. Little did I know at the time I would end up being its pilot. Anyway, I could tell your Dad was very serious about his job, very business-like, always on the lookout for monsters. And it was on one of my visits to the dig site that your Dad saved me from a monster, and color me impressed! Your Dad was some amazing fighter, Mila, slashing away so fast it was like his enemies were frozen still! Anyway, we grew close after that, even shared some meals. But then I didn't see your Dad much until we spoke after the Champions Inauguration ceremony at Hyrule Castle. I didn't know about either of your parents' feelings for each other before then. It was right after the ceremony though, when we were all relaxing together, that I first noticed your Mom must have been sweet on your Dad. She asked Zelda to have a picture taken of all of us with Zelda's Sheikah Slate, and then your Mom glanced over at your Dad standing next to me. It was easy to see who she really wanted a picture of, because it sure wasn't me!"

"Yes, thank you, I heard that story," said Mila. "And about how you brought everyone together for the picture."

"Yeah, that was fun, and boy did it ruffle Revali's feathers," Daruk chuckled, thinking back. "Revali wasn't happy about the group picture in the first place. He felt he should be in the center next to the princess, or rather, the princess should be next to him was how he looked at it. Afterward, he was even less happy, asking if I would ever grow up. The rest of us all had a friendly laugh, though your Mom was flush and out of breath. Maybe it was because of her smaller lungs."

Daruk thought for another minute, then spoke again.

"You know, I remember another occasion I gave some advice to your Dad when he and Princess Zelda visited Goron City. He was her appointed knight by then, you see. The princess was off meeting with the village chief, and we were alone together at Rudania. He helped me out a bit with it, kind of forced me to learn it on my own. I asked him if he was still visiting your Mom. He said yes, he was and that he and your Mom were terrific friends. So, I gave him a little Goron advice. I said, don't miss the jewel on your left because you're too busy digging on the right. I'm sure that helped him out."

Then Daruk glanced up at the sky as it had turned red, the sun sinking lower in the sky. Mila noticed his glance.

"Well, thank you again, Uncle Daruk, and I know you are doubtless eager to return home," said Mila.

"Yeah, that's true. I don't like to travel after dark, though I know it's silly of me," said Daruk as he made his way out of the water. "It's just an old habit with me to avoid travel at night. Not that I was ever afraid of the dark, mind you, but it was a nuisance dealing with those night creatures, scattering their bones everywhere. Ugh!"

"I understand, and thank you again," said Mila.

"Will you be okay? Are you alone?" Daruk asked.

"A Zora guard is waiting for me nearby," said Mila. "I'll be fine, thanks."

"Farewell then, and say hello to your family for me, and especially remind your Dad to send me more pictures," said Daruk. "I know you act like I was doing you a favor by meeting you here like this, but always remember I'm your Goro uncle, Mila, and you are family to me. If you or anyone in your family ever needs some Goron help, you just let me know, okay?"

"Okay, I will, Uncle Daruk," said Mila.

They exchanged a brief hug. Then Daruk waved once and began rolling on the path that would take him back to Goron City. Mila waved back and then watched him disappear from view as he rolled into the tunnel that curved under the mountain.

She Tabbed Kendal she was on her way, then turned and began walking back to the Foothill Rest Area. Upland Zorana's tall plateau was visible straight ahead, and some stars appeared in the sky above it. The road was empty, and Mila petted the friendly dog that approached her upon reaching the rest area. Then she smiled and waved to Kendal, who came over, and they embraced and kissed.

"All done? How did it go?" said Kendal.

"Very well," said Mila. "I can see why my Dad and Daruk grew so close. Daruk has a big heart, and he's a true Champion. I was happy to spend time with him and get to know him a little better."

"That's great. Oh, do you want to eat something or go home at once?"

"Go home at once," said Mila. "I know my family will be eager for me to return home before it's too late. And I want to be there to make sure my Dad arrives home safely from his trip to Hyrule Castle."

"Whatever you say, Princess," said Kendal. "I was thrilled the Captain gave me this assignment. Speaking of which, I need to report in."

Kendal pulled out his Tab and sent a message.

Kendal_ZD:To:RGHQ_ZD::Leaving Foothill SA for home now.

And an instant later came the reply.

RGHQ_ZD:To:Kendal_ZD::Road shows as clear. Safe travels. We will monitor your position.

"Very formal," said Mila as she looked over his shoulder.

"I'm traveling with one of our Domain's beloved princesses," said Kendal as he squeezed her hand. "Of course, our Royal Guard wants to know all is well. It's growing dark, so I need to drive slower."

"More time together is fine with me," laughed Mila as she sat behind Kendal on the motorized cycle and put her arms around him.

"Now, hold tight," said Kendal.

"Don't I always?" laughed Mila.

Kendal started the cycle, and they began heading down the path toward home.

"You don't mind driving at night?" Mila asked as they rode.

"No, I just need to go slower," said Kendal. "Why do you ask?"

"It's just an interesting observation to see the difference between generations," said Mila. "You and I don't mind being out at night. But people of our parents' generation, like Daruk, or Alana, the librarian at Hyrule Castle, all still worry about traveling at night and try to avoid it. I guess their experience growing up permanently affected them. It must have been horrible back then to live in fear of being attacked by skeletal monsters arising from the ground. It's no wonder that people back then feared to venture out at night."

"No kidding. My parents are still a bit that way, too," said Kendal. "But being Royal Guard members, they've accepted it better now. Lean left for this next turn."

They paused their conversation as Kendal steered along the curve. Then he continued.

"But you know, seeing monsters for the first time during this invasion made me appreciate what our parents must have gone through, having to deal with those terrible things," said Kendal. "It was horrible."

"Yes, I know what you mean," said Mila. "My Dad, in particular, has some stories that would curl your fins. The monsters we dealt with were not the worst."

"I notice you worry about your Dad probably as much as he worries about you," said Kendal. "And I mean, that's fine. I just wondered why. Oh, lean right now, please, Mila."

Mila leaned to the right as they negotiated the curve in the road.

"Well, aside from the fact that I love him so much, I think it's because he's a Hylian," said Mila. "I never talked about it, but when I was small, I used to have nightmares about my Dad drowning. It scared me so much when I first learned that he couldn't breathe underwater. You probably think it's silly now. I mean, my Dad is undoubtedly the one person in Hyrule best able to look out for himself. But Hylians just seemed so vulnerable to me. I finally outgrew it...mostly."

"It makes sense, and I never thought of it that way," said Kendal. "We're almost home. How about a goodnight kiss before we're on camera?"

Kendal stopped. They kissed goodnight, then Kendal drove across the Great Zora Bridge and left to report back while Mila made her way to their house by Mikau Lake. Mipha was alone in the kitchen when she arrived, the others already asleep.

"Hi, Mom," said Mila as they kissed hello. "Dad's not home yet?"

"He's on his way," said Mipha. "Did your meeting with Daruk go well?"

"Yes, fine," said Mila. "The Goron role in the conflict was not too extensive. The other races will take longer to interview."

"You're very thorough on this project," said Mipha.

"You and Dad always taught me to do my best," said Mila. "If possible, the historian needs to record events while they are still fresh and from the perspective of the actual participants."

"I agree, and we're both very proud of you and the fine work you do," said Mipha.

"You're going to wait up for Dad?"

"Yes, sweetheart, especially today, on Astra's birthday," said Mipha. "You know your father is tough on the outside but vulnerable on the inside. I know deep down he still feels guilty about the whole Astra situation, though we both agreed it wasn't his fault and was even a way for the Goddess to turn evil into good. But I want to be here to make sure he knows I am completely accepting of it. I love him too much to let him worry about how I feel."

"I didn't think of that, Mom, but you're right," said Mila. "Mind if I keep you company?"

"I was hoping you would, sweetheart," said Mila as she smiled and caressed Mila's cheek for a moment.

It was about a half-hour later when Link arrived home and entered, quietly closing the door behind him.

"Oh, hi, you're both still awake?" Link said, surprised to see Mipha and Mila sitting together at the table.

He went over and kissed them both hello, then sat down.

"Astra's party go well?" Mipha asked.

"Yes, fine, I can tell you all about it tomorrow," said Link. "How was your meeting with Daruk, Mila?"

"Fine, I can tell you all about it tomorrow," laughed Mila. "Daruk says hello to both of you, and he wants more pictures from you, Dad. Now I think I'll head to my room. I'm glad you're safely home, Dad. And remember, don't miss the jewel on your left because you're too busy digging on the right!"

"Yes, Daruk told me that, sweetheart, and I found the jewel he meant," laughed Link as he took Mipha's hand.

Mila left, and then Mipha stood, she and Link kissed once, then they walked to their room holding hands and closed the door.

It was early the following day at the Royal Ancient Tech Lab, just west of Hyrule Castle, as its Director, Dr. Purah, was busy examining the Sheikah Slate they had recovered from the shrine on Eventide Island. She was exceptionally cautious in her approach to this device because no less an evil being than Ganondorf himself had used it. Who knew how dangerous it might be? Link's daughter Lapha had reviewed some of its internal code. She had isolated the section used to corrupt shrines, turning trials of strength for the hero into monster production facilities. But their research had been cautious and slow, and they had gone only a little further than that.

"Are you making any progress?" Robbie asked once again. "Not that there is any rush. I trust you are cautious."

Robbie could annoy her sometimes, but this time she accepted his warning.

Purah was the trial-and-error type of researcher, willing to take chances to achieve rapid progress. But Robbie preferred a more structured approach. He liked to analyze a situation before trying anything new. Like the time they were given sample Tabs along with plans to build them, and Robbie insisted on building his own Tab from scratch and understanding every component. That had been smart, as it uncovered Sopha's evil plot.

And in this instance, Purah also agreed with Robbie's approach. The stakes were simply too high should something go wrong. She did not want to unleash something destructive upon Hyrule because of her impetuousness. So, they had attached the device to an isolated Guidance Stone, separated from everything else in the lab. However, Purah had made some progress and was eager to share it.

"Here, look," said Purah. "I accessed the pictures, and I think they're amazing."

Robbie came over and stood by her side as Purah used the controls to cycle through the pictures.

"These pictures look quite old," said Robbie. "Look how different things are!"

"Yes," said Purah. "If nothing else, these will have some historical value."

"So, as we suspected, Ganondorf must have gotten this device from someone, perhaps a Sheikah or Yiga Clan scientist. I can't see Ganondorf sightseeing around Hyrule and taking pictures."

"No, not as you put it," said Purah. "But as you said, someone could have been his ally, and they might have taken pictures that would be of use in developing a strategy for attacking Hyrule back then. We need to study these pictures. They could be over ten thousand years old."