Summary: Link fills in some missing parts of his journal. The Forgotten Temple excavation uncovers a hall dedicated to the memory of past Hyrule heroes. Using ancient energy to restore the hall's function leads to an unexpected result for Purah and Robbie.

Two weeks had gone by since Link's last journal entry, and he had used the time to backfill some parts of his journal, as Mila had suggested. Mila herself was away for the day, but the rest of the family was home and getting ready for lunch in the dining area downstairs. Before joining them, Link shared part of his writing with Mipha.

"By the way, I updated part of my journal to describe the afternoon of our engagement day," said Link. "If you have time, could you read it over to see if it agrees with what you remember?"

"We still have some time, and I'm happy to, sweetheart," said Mipha.

Link handed Mipha the manuscript, and she read through it.

After a sunny morning in Zora's Domain, large gray clouds had rolled in from the Lanayru Sea to the east, finally bursting into a rain shower shortly after lunch. And so, it was a wet afternoon as Mipha and Link held hands and made their way from Hylia's statue down to the plaza level below. Link was wearing the complete set of Zora armor now, and it felt very comfortable.

"You look a little flush, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Let's sit down, relax, and enjoy watching the rain for a while."

"Can you blame me?" said Link as he gently squeezed her hand. "This morning has been incredible! I'm literally floating with joy, Mipha!"

"We say diving with delight, sweetheart, but I know what you mean," laughed Mipha as she pulled his hand toward her, and they shared a quick kiss. "You can gradually learn some Zora expressions. But believe me, I'm right there with you. I keep fearing I will awaken, for I've dreamed of this day for so long."

Link followed Mipha's lead as they scampered up the small waterway that led to one of the gazebo structures. Their arrival disturbed a Bright-Eyed Crab, and they watched it scurry over the side, falling into the water below and out of harm's way. Then they sat down beside each other, shoulders touching and arms around each other.

"By the way, we Zoras believe it's a good omen to have rain on a special day, like the day of a wedding or engagement or hatching," said Mipha. "I'm happy we're starting our life together blessed!"

"I do feel very blessed, and it was fitting we gave thanks to Hylia," said Link. "She is the Goddess of Time, after all. I owe her so much - we both do."

They both sat quietly for a moment and reflected on all that had happened this morning.

The high point, of course, was a visit to Veiled Falls during which they had expressed their love for each other and pledged to marry. Then, after more kisses than either could count, they had shared the exciting news with Mipha's father, King Dorephan, and sought his approval. Upon receiving it, they walked down the steps from the throne room and prayed at Hylia's statue to give thanks and ask for her blessing. Then, at Mipha's eager insistence, Link had tried on the Zora Armor.

Immediately after Link changed into the armor, Mipha had begun adjusting it slightly, tugging at it here and there, and each time stepping back for a better view. It didn't seem to Link that the armor needed any adjustment at all: it fit him like a glove as far as he could tell.

"It feels perfect and very comfortable, sweetheart," Link sighed after Mipha tugged at it yet again.

"Patience, sweetheart! I'm just double-checking the fit," said Mipha as she stepped back to admire it once more and smiled. "It does look perfect if I don't say so myself, and you wear it quite handsomely."

It pleased her that the armor fit Link perfectly. But seeing Link wearing her gift meant more to Mipha than the satisfaction of seeing how well it fit or how cute he looked in it. It meant they were going to be husband and wife. Link was hers now! His heart belonged to her just as her heart belonged to him, and she loved that long-awaited feeling of joy.

Since the Lynel encounter on Ploymus Mountain, Mipha had dreamed of this day and imagined how Link would look wearing her armor. She had first gathered all the materials and then spent hours working on it at night after Sidon was asleep and the Domain was quiet. She did not want to explain to anyone what she was doing and then have rumors begin to flow throughout the Domain. Anyway, finally seeing Link wearing her gift was a dream come true, and she couldn't get enough of it.

On the other hand, Link didn't understand why Mipha kept touching the armor here and there. But he would be the first to admit that women's feelings were often a mystery to him. Anyway, Mipha eventually seemed satisfied with how the armor looked on him and had stopped fussing with it. Then they had run up the waterway to the gazebo as the rain began falling.

"Isn't the rain beautiful?" said Mipha after they had watched it in silence for several minutes. "I love it. And I hope you will learn to love it too, and all things water for that matter."

"I've always loved the sound of rain, and I never minded it unless I had to climb somewhere. But I guess that's why the seats here don't offer much shelter. Zora's must enjoy sitting in the rain. I don't mind it either, as it feels refreshing."

"We do enjoy it, but at least the matching helm you're wearing keeps your head dry. Though it also keeps me from running my fingers through your cute long hair. I'm still not used to the feel of it. Do you wish I had hair? Hylian females seem to attach a great deal of importance to it."

"No, sweetheart, you're absolutely perfect just the way you are," said Link as he caressed her shoulder.

They watched quietly for another moment, and then Link spoke up.

" This rain reminds me of ... I mean, are you sure this rain isn't Ruta's doing?"

"No, you can't blame Ruta for this, sweetheart," laughed Mipha. "Though I'm sure she's happy for me and will do something like squirting me on my next visit."

Link was to learn that Mipha thought of Ruta more like a person, a friend even, than a giant machine. And Mipha expected that Ruta would even know her feelings somehow, and apparently, Ruta did. That closeness was undoubtedly true of the other Champions as well, as each had bonded with their Divine Beast in their unique way.

Link smiled, then leaned over, and they kissed, a prolonged, more passionate kiss that lasted until both of them were breathless.

"That felt so good! But be careful of your tongue, sweetheart," said Mipha after their kiss ended. "I mean, I can heal it, but better not to cut it in the first place. My teeth are very, very sharp!"

"I know, but getting a cut or two might be worth it for how thrilling that felt," said Link, and then they leaned toward each other and kissed again.

"Mm," Mipha sighed as their kiss finally ended, and she rested her head against his. "This is making me very eager for our wedding."

"Me too," said Link as he pulled her closer. "I love you."

"I love you, too," said Mipha. "And I've never felt happier!"

They paused again for a moment to watch the rain splashing across the plaza below as well as all around them.

"By the way, I'm glad your father accepted me as your fiancé so readily. But thanks for scaring me by pretending not to know his feelings about it!"

"Get used to a little good-natured teasing in your life, sweetheart," laughed Mipha. "It's fun, and feel free to tease back."

"I'll get there eventually," laughed Link. "I'm still a bit in shock at all that's happened."

Link paused for a moment and then resumed in a more serious tone.

"I know I don't always behave the way you expect, but I'll eventually get back to being the Link you remember - which is sadly the Link I don't remember. It just might take me a little while because so much has happened to me. You told me you've dreamed of this day since we slew the Lynel. But I've been dreaming of this day for four years, not knowing if it would ever be possible. For you, my visit at East Reservoir Lake was a few weeks ago. For me, it was over a year ago."

"Yes, you're right, and I understand," Mipha sighed as she caressed his forehead. "In convincing myself that you're the same person I fell in love with, I keep forgetting that you're really not."

"But I would rather you think of me as the same, sweetheart. It's just that I took a detour in life before we found each other," said Link.

"That we found each other is what matters most, and that we love each other. I'll help you, sweetheart, and I know everything will work out," said Mipha.

"Sorry for casting some gloom over our special day. I swear I will be the best husband in Hyrule!"

"You didn't cast any gloom, and I know you will, sweetheart," said Mipha as they kissed once more, another long romantic one.

"Do you know how I know you will be the best husband?" Mipha asked after their kiss finally ended.

"How?"

"Because it's your nature. You have to be the best at everything you do," laughed Mipha and Link laughed too, then he tickled her in the ribs.

"I still have a good deal to learn about you," laughed Link. "But it's going to be a lot of fun!"

"I think it's time for a swim and to test out my gift on a waterfall or two," said Mipha. "And don't say you don't want to get wet!"

"It's sweet and reads well," said Mipha.

"I plan to continue it, but I guess we should join the family for lunch. I already hear everyone talking," said Link.

Mipha and Link made their way down to the dining area, where the rest of the family were getting ready for lunch.

"I'm cooking Hyrule Bass for both of us, Dad," said Linky.

"Thanks!"

Soon everyone was eating together.

"It's wonderful having you all here," said Mipha, smiling.

"I guess Lapha and I being here is an example of being careful what you wish for, not that Laff or I mind, of course," said Midon.

"Sorry?" said Mipha.

"What Midon means, and Mila would say he expressed so poorly if she were here, is that we both wanted to come home anyway, and events floated into place for us," explained Lapha. "When they uncovered the underground chamber at the Forgotten Temple, all the workers in the Faron Region were reassigned to work there instead, and the excavation we were overseeing was suspended for now. So, we're not needed there and were free to come home."

"Have you learned any more about the chamber they discovered?" Link asked. "I know you said the room was called the Hall of Heroes."

"Dr. Purah has been keeping us informed by message," said Lapha. "At first, it seemed like a museum dedicated to the past heroes of Hyrule, and in a way, Dr. Purah still thinks it is. But there seems to be more to it. There are statues of heroes, and before each statue is a Guidance Stone, though so far, only one statue has been fully restored. Dr. Purah said they need to supply ancient energy to the Guidance Stones by lighting the furnace they uncovered there."

"Sounds interesting," said Link. "Perhaps I can pay it a visit when the work is further along?"

"I'm sure that would be fine, Dad," said Lapha. "After all, you belong there too. In statue form, I mean."

"Thanks!" laughed Link. "If they restore it, maybe someday I will."

Meanwhile, at the Forgotten Temple, Purah and Robbie were examining one of the Guidance Stones.

"I know the area is far from fully excavated yet, but at least this statue and Guidance Stone and the Guidance Stone near the entrance are all clear of debris," said Purah. "I think we can safely light the furnace now."

The statue they were standing before depicted a young boy holding a baton as if conducting an orchestra. There was also a circular emblem with a baton symbol on the floor in front of the statue and ancient Hylian lettering around the rim. The lettering spelled out "Hero of Winds."

"Fine, let's just be careful," said Robbie.

Once the Guidance Stones had been uncovered during excavation, it was clear that ancient energy would eventually be needed to power them. In anticipation of that, they had transported a lantern that was lit with the blue flame of ancient energy to the excavation site. It sat nearby, still burning. Robbie took a torch, lit it from the lantern, then brought it to the furnace.

At once, the furnace ignited and burned with bright blue flame, and the Guidance Stone in front of the statue came to life and glowed orange. Purah rubbed her hands together in excitement.

"An old-fashioned procedure, but effective," said Robbie as he put out the torch and then returned to Purah's side in front of the statue.

"Wonderful! Everything still works!" said Purah. "The ancient Sheikah really knew how to build devices that could last for ages!"

"I notice the Guidance Stone at the entrance didn't light up yet," said Robbie.

"Yes, we should look into that," said Purah. "Perhaps its connection to the furnace needs repair."

"Anyway, Tabs won't work with a Guidance Stone," said Robbie. "We need an original Sheikah Slate."

"Which I just happen to have with me," said Purah, taking out a Sheikah Slate. "It's important always to be prepared. I don't suppose it can hurt to see what this Guidance Stone in front of the statue does to it."

Without waiting for an answer, Purah inserted the Sheikah Slate into the terminal. The Guidance Stone activated, sliding the slate fully into the slot, flipping it over, rotating it 90 degrees counterclockwise, and then testing it with a flash of orange.

"Energy Activator authenticated. Downloading runes," the Guidance Stone indicated.

There was an increasing crescendo of high-pitched sounds as the energy built up inside the portion of the Guidance Stone above the terminal, culminating in a drop of blue ancient energy splashing onto the Sheikah Slate and being absorbed by it. Then the terminal reversed the process and ejected the slate. Purah took it back, and Robbie looked over her shoulder as she examined it.

"There are two new runes here, both with the same baton symbol like the emblem we're standing on," said Purah. "The rune labels are written in ancient Hylian. One is labeled 'Guide' and the other 'Experience.' Fascinating!"

"Perhaps we should analyze those runes before we do anything further," said Robbie.

"Yes, I agree," said Purah. "Here, hold this for me while I examine the Guidance Stone."

Purah started to hand the Sheikah Slate to Robbie, but in the process, inadvertently pressed her finger against the Rune labeled 'Experience.'

Purah and Robbie froze in place, glowed blue for an instant as their figures lifted slightly off the ground, then they dissolved in a sparkle of blue light rays. The process then reversed, and they found themselves standing on a strip of sand inside a large, open cave. Before them was a vast blue sea, and seagulls flew overhead.

"What did you do now?" Robbie exclaimed.

"It was an accident!" said Purah. "Let me press the rune again."

Purah pressed the Rune. But nothing happened.

"It would be nice to know where we are and how to get back," said Robbie. "But at least we seem to be in no immediate danger. And our arrival in this secluded area went unnoticed."

"Besides the sound of the birds and the sea, I hear voices," said Purah.

They made their way out of the cave and walked up a grass-covered slope. They were obviously in a large town. There were brick walls and several tall stone buildings shaped like towers with moss-covered roofs. And standing prominently in the center of town was a giant windmill. They passed several small pigs and continued onward past two young girls playing until they were noticed by a man in a striped shirt. He walked up to them and spoke.

"You two don't look at all familiar. Are you two some kind of tourist or something? If you are, I'll show you around. Why don't you join me for a little stroll? Our Windfall Island may be a little cozy, so to speak, but people from all over the world come here. The town's always lively. Why just walking around and having a look at things is quite fun. THAT'S the mark of a great town."

"Thank you, we prefer to find our own way," said Robbie, and the man bade them a good day.

"Keep telling yourself this is only a simulation, like the ones I created to train Link and Astra," said Purah. "It has to be, right?"

"I agree, but how do we get out of it?" Robbie asked.

"I suppose we could just kill ourselves," said Purah after thinking for a moment. "I suspect that would end the simulation process."

"It might end more than just the simulation process," said Robbie. "I prefer that as a last resort if you please!"

Back in Zora's Domain, Link's family had just finished lunch when Lapha's Tab buzzed, indicating an urgent call. It was from the supervisor of the excavation site in the Faron Region, who was now working at the Forgotten Temple.

"Princess Lapha, something terrible has happened!" said the supervisor. "Dr. Purah and Dr. Robbie just disappeared!"

"Disappeared?" said Lapha.

"They were working on one of the Guidance Stones we just activated, and the next thing we knew, they were gone. I need to inform Princess Zelda, of course, but thought you might be able to offer some help from a technical perspective."

"I'll be right there, and please don't do anything in the meantime," said Lapha as she ended the call.

"What is it Laff?" said Midon.

"Purah and Robbie disappeared after activating a Guidance Stone," said Lapha. "I'm headed to the Forgotten Temple now. But if a Guidance Stone is involved, it means I will need a Sheikah Slate."

"I'll go too in case there is a coding issue involved," said Midon.

"I think I should go with you as well," said Link. "I can meet you there and pick up a Sheikah Slate from Zelda on the way."

"If you go, I go," said Mipha. "Remember our agreement."

"Fine," said Link. "Let's go. I can message Zelda on the way. By now, she may have already heard about it from her daughter."

"What do I tell Mila when she gets home, and everyone is gone?" Linky asked as they prepared to leave.

"Just that we're investigating things," said Link. "And tell her not to worry."

"Yeah, good luck with that," said Midon.

"Be safe and let us know if we can help," said Tila.

They exchanged goodbyes, and then Lapha and Midon headed directly to the Forgotten Temple while Mipha and Link made their way to Hyrule Castle. The trip was uneventful, and Zelda was waiting for them when they arrived and holding a Sheikah Slate.

"I heard the news from my daughter, and I hope things are not as serious as they sound," said Queen Zelda. "Here's the Sheikah Slate you requested. It took me a little while to find it. With Tabs, I never use it anymore."

"Thanks," said Link. "We will be on our way at once since time is pressing. And I will let you know what we learn."