Summary: Mila returns home from her outing and learns what happened. Mipha and Link begin to search the world of the Hero of Winds for Purah and Robbie.

It was evening on the northwest border of Lanayru Bay as Link's oldest daughter Mila prepared to say goodbye to her boyfriend, Kendal, and return home.

Kendal was a Zora guard and busy training at Lanayru Bay. But he had some free time today, and so the two of them had enjoyed it swimming and laughing together. They finished the day with a tasty dinner of Armored Porgy and Hearty Blueshell Snails as they floated near shore and watched a gorgeous orange sunset that reflected off the waters and snow-covered Mount Lanayru to the east.

Their time together had passed quickly, and as a member of the Royal Family, Mila could have asked Kendal's commander to extend his free time. But Kendal had always insisted he be treated no differently because of their friendship, and Mila understood and respected that.

"You should go before it gets too late," said Kendal. "And I wish you hadn't traveled alone."

"I'll be fine, and the route home is quite safe," said Mila. "But I'll be glad when this training exercise is over, and you're back home yourself."

"I know, me too," sighed Kendal. "My sister Kenra is still away studying science in North Hyrule, so my parents are alone for a change. It'll be nice when our family is back together again. We'll probably celebrate!"

"I know what you mean," said Mila. "My entire family is home now, and my parents love it when that happens, as do I, of course. My young niece Tara is adorable but mischievous!"

They both glanced up as some late birds flew overhead, making their way to a safe place to spend the night.

"Anyway, I have time to escort you as far as the Rutala River before I have to report in," said Kendal. "That makes me an unofficial member of the Royal Guard for now."

"Funny, but thanks," said Mila as they swam to shore. "But someday, I'm sure you will earn a real promotion."

It was a short walk across the Samasa Plain, and when they reached the river, they prepared to say goodbye.

"Goodnight, sweetheart," said Mila as they embraced. "I had a great time. Love you!"

"Goodnight, sweetheart. Love you, too. And thanks again for coming," said Kendal.

After several kisses, Mila dove into the Rutala River, waved once to Kendal, and then began the swim home. The freshwater was refreshing, and it washed off the last traces of salt from her skin. Not that she minded the feeling of salt, but it felt more natural without it. Her sister-in-law Tila would feel just the opposite, of course. It was a quick swim to the Rutala Dam.

"Wet fins and clear water, Princess Mila!" greeted one of the two guards on duty at the Rutala Dam.

"May your fins always be wet!" answered Mila using the current fad in Zora greetings.

Mila paused to Tab her Mom that she was almost home, but did not get a response. That meant her Mom was probably busy with family, and Mila didn't need an answer, anyway. It was just to let her know.

East Reservoir Lake was calm on this windless night, and the moon's reflection in the water had been flawless until Mila dove in and began swimming north. She glanced up at massive Divine Beast Vah Ruta as she swam by. Ruta stood silent and empty that night.

Occasionally, her parents spent evenings at Ruta. It was a private place, somewhere to get away and spend time together when they did not want to be home. Her Hylian Dad needed to breathe after all, and so they could not find privacy underwater like Zora married couples did. Anyway, Mom was glad her Dad was comfortable inside Ruta now. She had said he used to feel chills whenever he visited Ruta, and afterward even had nightmares, both lingering reactions to a painful memory. But time and love had apparently healed that wound their magic couldn't.

The Domain's architecture glowed pale blue as she glanced down toward the plaza where small groups of people were chatting or doing late night shopping. But as she continued on up the path toward the house by Mikau Lake, she noticed it seemed unusually dark. The only light came from Linky's room and the entrance, which was odd given that the entire family was staying there now.

Inside the house, their young daughter Tara had just gone to sleep, and Tila and Linky were with her in their room. Everyone else had traveled to the Forgotten Temple earlier that day. Tila and Linky had been expecting Mila's return that evening and heard her open the front door.

"I'll go down and talk to her," said Linky. "Though I'm not looking forward to it."

"I can come with you," said Tila. "Tara's fine."

Tila and Linky made their way downstairs and met Mila near the entrance.

"Hey!" said Mila as she hugged Linky and then Tila hello. "Everyone asleep early or out swimming late? There was nobody at East Reservoir Lake."

"Hi, Mi," said Linky. "No, not exactly. Something unusual surfaced."

"What?"

"There was an incident at the Forgotten Temple around lunchtime. Apparently Dr. Purah and Dr. Robbie activated something and vanished, entering some kind of simulation. Lapha got a call about it, and the rest of the family went there to help sort out what happened and see what can be done about it."

"Vanished? And everyone's there now?" said Mila as she sat down.

And then, after a moment's pause, she added, "Why in Nayru's name didn't you Tab me, Linky, and let me know?"

"There was no reason to ruin your time with Kendal, Mi," said Linky. "There's nothing any of the rest of us can do at this point."

"Do you know any more details about what happened?"

"I spoke with Lapha before Tara went to sleep," said Linky. "Apparently, part of the structure built to honor the legendary heroes of Hyrule enables you to enter a simulation of their world and experience it for yourself. Purah and Robbie must have activated it and entered the simulation of the Hero of Wind's world."

Linky paused for a moment and took a deep breath while looking down and avoiding eye contact.

"Please go on," said Mila. "I can clearly see there's more to this."

"And, well, Mom and Dad entered the same simulation to find Purah and Robbie and bring them back."

"What!?" Mila exclaimed. "So, Mom and Dad vanished too?"

There was no need for Linky to answer as Mila took a deep breath. After a moment, she continued.

"But wait. I don't understand something, the vanishing part. These simulations are just in their minds, right?"

"No," said Linky. "Unlike the simulations Dr. Purah developed, these are apparently more advanced. Your physical body actually enters the simulation. It's not just played out in your mind."

"Seriously? That sounds very dangerous to me," said Mila.

Mila was quiet as she thought things over, so Linky continued.

"Lapha said they don't fully understand it, but she thought the purpose of these simulations was educational. She said we should all take comfort that the Sheikah who created these simulations would be unlikely to risk harming their visitors. There must be some built-in safeguards to prevent any harm from coming to them. And Midon thinks there should be a way to end simulations from the Guidance Stone, but he needs to study it more thoroughly before doing anything risky while people are still inside the simulations. Anyway, we know Mom and Dad can take care of themselves. Dad's the best at combat, and Mom is no slouch either. Plus, Mom can heal any injuries."

"If her magic even works in a simulation, which I would doubt, and I suspect you doubt too," said Mila. "I know you mean well, Linky, in watering down the risks for my benefit. But these devices haven't been used in Nayru knows how long. They could be defective or even corrupted somehow. So, I'm not sure I would rely on any possible safeguards. This is terrible news! I should go there."

Mila began sobbing, and Linky reached out and hugged her.

"Everything is going to be alright, Sis," said Linky as he tried to comfort her. "Lapha told me that time passes much more slowly in the simulation. Midon figured out that a full day and night in the simulation is only about ten minutes here. So, they could return anytime, and probably much sooner than we expect, maybe even before you would get there. I think we should just sit tight, Mi."

"You mean float frozen," Mila said instinctively as they held each other.

"Did you eat, Mila?" Tila asked. "I can catch you something."

"Thanks, Tila, but Kendal and I ate some porgies and snails at Lanayru Bay, and I don't think I could eat anything now anyway," said Mila, who then grew quiet again.

"I think the best thing, for now, Mila, is to rest and be ready to help if we're needed," said Tila after a moment.

"Yes, I suppose so. I guess I'll go to my room, but let me know if you have any news," said Mila as she wiped her eyes.

"Of course, Sis," said Linky as they ended their embrace.

"Either or both of us can stay with you, Mi," said Tila.

"No, I'll be okay," said Mila. "It just takes me a little while to recover my composure whenever Mom or Dad go off on some adventure."

They hugged goodnight and returned to their rooms.

Meanwhile, Mipha and Link found themselves at a location called Outset Island on a sunny morning. Sky and water were bright blue, and palm trees dotted the island. They could hear a pig squealing in the distance, and the only other sounds were the gentle wash of the sea and the cry of seagulls. Link was speaking to a young woman who was balancing a giant water jug on her head.

"Excuse me? A water Rito?" Link asked. "She's a Zora."

"Sorry, I don't understand," said the woman. "If you will excuse me, though, I need to be on my way. Monsters have begun appearing in town at night. It's awful out there!"

"Just one more second, please," said Link. "Have you seen two other strangers here, a woman and a man who probably look as confused as I do?"

"Sorry, I don't understand."

"Thanks anyway," said Link, and the woman went on her way.

Link returned to where Mipha was standing near the shore.

"We should check around further, but if they were here, I would think they would stay put and wait for help. The woman wasn't much help except to warn us of monsters at night."

"You realize she's not real, right?" said Mipha. "She probably has only a few limited responses that apply to this location."

"That's true, though she adapted her response a little," said Link. "She thought you were a Rito, by the way. But it feels very real, doesn't it?"

"Why don't you climb that tower, the one with all the seagulls flying around it, and look around," said Mipha. "I'll do a quick swim around the island and check what's there and for any sign of Purah and Robbie. Though it sounds from what Midon told us, they're on a different island altogether, island number three point five. This is apparently Island number one point zero."

"Yes, that's true, but perhaps the log was defective," said Link. "We can just take a quick look to make sure."

They kissed, and then each went their way.

Link walked out onto the pier that led to the tower Mipha had pointed to and climbed onto it. A few seagulls flew by, and one even landed on the railing, perhaps looking for food. Link didn't have any, and it soon flew off. The view was indeed excellent, but there was no sign of Purah and Robbie, though he could see a strange-looking boat on the water nearby. He watched Mipha disappear around the eastern side of the island, and a short time later, she reappeared on the other side. Link used his paraglider to descend from the tower and joined Mipha on the beach.

"There was an enormous cavern on the other side of the island that looked interesting," said Mipha. "But there was no sign of Purah or Robbie, and I didn't want to linger. Another thing - I didn't notice any fish in the water. We may have to live on crabs."

"Maybe we don't get hungry in the simulation," said Link. "What a terrible thought! But I think we're going to need one of those boats on the beach to reach the other islands. I wonder if they are free for the taking?"

"I would think so," said Mipha. "Keep reminding yourself it's a simulation."

"I do, but if I pinch my arm, it hurts," said Link. "I wouldn't want to rely on the simulation aspect too much. We need to be careful. But I agree, we should just help ourselves to a boat and hope it comes with a sail."

They made their way over to the three boats on the beach and selected one. Underneath the seat was a sail, and close by lay a mast, which could be secured to the deck. While Link attached the mast and then tied the sail to it, Mipha looked in a compartment near the front of the boat.

"This looks like a map, but it's blank," said Mipha, holding it up. "Why would someone save something like this?"

"Who knows?" said Link. "But I suppose we should start. Maybe we can reach another island by lunchtime."

"Do you always measure time by meals?"

"Very funny," said Link. "By midday then."

"You're lucky you have me along," said Mipha. "Who knew this world had so much water? And I can help push the boat if there's no wind."

They dragged the boat into the water, adjusted the sail, and were soon sailing north. Mipha sat at the front of the boat and Link at the rear, managing the tiller.

They had not gone far at all when a large fish could be seen leaping out of the water, and then it approached their boat and poked its head above water.

"Maybe I was wrong about fish," whispered Mipha.

But this fish was no ordinary fish, as it spoke up after stopping.

"Hoy!" said the fish. "You need information? Usually, I only help those who offer me bait, but I see this is your first time on the water. You can buy bait from Beedle's Shop Ship over there. Here, let me fill in some of your chart."

Mipha retrieved the chart and held it out, and the fish jumped up and drew an image of the island they had just left. Then he went on to talk about Triumph Forks and other things that Link thought had no relevance to their mission. Afterward, the fish plunged back into the depths after saying they needed to sprinkle bait on the water in the future if they wished to speak to others like him. They couldn't fight evil on an empty stomach, after all.

"Hey, I like that expression, can't fight evil on an empty stomach," said Link as the fish swam away. "I wish I had thought of it!"

"At least you lived it," laughed Mipha, and Link laughed too.

"I guess we need to get some bait, and from someone named Beedle, no less. I used to deal with a character of the same name. But let's look at the chart first."

Link and Mipha examined the chart together and could see where one square had been filled in.

"Hm," said Link. "There are 49 sections here on this chart, and the one we're in is on the bottom row, the second column from the left. But Midon said the Guidance Stone register showed we would arrive on island number 1."

"But did you notice how Midon made a point, no pun intended, of saying the register showed one point zero, not simply one," said Mipha. "Though he did also say this was the default starting island, appropriately named outset, and being number one would make sense in that case. But then why would they use decimal numbers like island three point five?"

They both stared at the chart for another moment.

"Wait a minute, I think I have it," said Link. "The Guidance Stone system must start counting at zero. We are at position one to the right on the bottom row, so that's what one point zero means. East and West are the first digits, and North and South, the second digits."

"That's very smart of you!" said Mipha. "Maybe you really should come back to this simulation and try being the hero if Midon can ever figure out how to do it. Though I imagine you would prefer the Twilight Princess simulation so you could get another memorable kiss from Princess Midna."

"Oh, for the love of Hylia!" laughed Link. "You can't still be upset about that, can you? It was ages ago, no pun intended! Besides, from what I learned of that legend, I think Princess Midna was a rather unattractive imp most of the time, not her true, beautiful form."

Mipha stared at him.

"Um, anyway, that means Purah and Robbie being on island number three point five would be two chart positions to the east and five chart positions to the north. So, that's where we need to sail. It looks quite far."

"Yes, so let's first stop at Beedle's ship for some bait," said Mipha.

They made their way to Beedle's ship, and he was excited to see customers.

"OHHHHH! Customers! Welcome to Beedle's Shop Ship! I deal in pretty much anything and everything! Do you have anything you don't need? If you do, show it to me! I'll pay top Rupees for your junk!!! Or do you see anything you'd like to buy?" said Beedle.

"You look different," said Link as he studied Beedle's features. "But of course, you're not the same person."

"Huh? I don't have anything to say. Just buy something! Buy! Buy!" said Beedle.

"We're looking to buy some bait," said Mipha.

"All-Purpose Bait, three servings, 10 Rupees. Good things happen to those who feed this stuff to animals! Do you have a bait bag, oh fine customers of mine?"

"No, I guess we don't," said Link.

"Bait Bag, 20 Rupees. This holds the bait. It's quite useful. You can't buy bait if you don't have a bag like this!" said Beedle.

"Fine, then we'll take the Bait Bag," said Link. "And give us three orders of the bait as well."

"So, 50 Rupees," said Beedle. "But I trust you. If you don't have it, I can collect it from you later. I'm sure we will meet again."

"Um, we have enough Rupees," said Link, and the Rupees he carried still worked.

"Thank you! Bye!" said Beedle as they completed the purchase, left his boat, and boarded theirs.

"Well, let's be off and see how far we get and what we find on the way," said Link as he adjusted the sail, and the wind took them north. "I can't believe how much water there is here! It stretches as far as the eye can see. I guess it was brilliant of me to marry a Zora!"

"And it took a simulation for you to harvest that pearl of wisdom?"

"Come on, sweetheart," laughed Link. "You think you're the only one who can tease?"

Then they both laughed and blew a kiss to each other as they sailed north across the sea.