His Future Is In The Past

Chapter 1 - Remembering

Summary: Two years have passed since Ganon's defeat, and Link ponders his future.

A sudden flash of lightning and a resounding thunderclap jolted Link awake, immediately followed by the rhythm of heavy rain drumming against the window above his bed. Although the thunder was unwelcome, the soothing pitter-patter of raindrops brought a sense of tranquility. Ever since he was a child, Link had cherished the sounds of water, be it the majestic roar of a waterfall or the gentle patter of rain against a stable rooftop. As he glanced up at the window, he could see the first light of dawn beginning to seep into the sky.

"Too early to get up," Link muttered to himself.

So, he took a deep breath, rolled over in his bed, and closed his eyes again: not to sleep but to think.

Today held particular significance for him as he had an important meeting scheduled later that morning with Dr. Purah at the nearby Hateno Ancient Tech Lab. And despite the soothing sound of the rain, he didn't think he could fall back asleep: he had too much on his mind. So, Link lay there, his thoughts wandering.

For one thing, he needed to mentally prepare himself for the upcoming encounter. Dr. Purah was a brilliant but eccentric Sheikah scientist whose actions were often unpredictable. Even those who knew her best, like her younger sister Impa or her research colleague Dr. Robbie, were frequently caught off guard by her surprises.

What initially sparked the thoughts he wished to discuss with Dr. Purah?

His curiosity was piqued after reading one of the ten Zora monuments dispersed throughout the land surrounding Zora's Domain. This particular monument was located in the Zodobon Highlands, just a short distance northwest of where the imposing Divine Beast Vah Ruta stood sentinel atop a plateau. He recalled it happened one sunny afternoon while hiking with his old Big Bad Bazz Brigade friend Rivan.

"Whew! Made it!" said Rivan as he struggled to catch his breath. "Why couldn't you choose swimming instead of hiking today, Link?"

"Because I wanted to visit this monument," laughed Link. "I'm grateful for your company, Rivan. But things are safer now, and I can manage on my own. You didn't have to come with me."

"Tell that to King Dorephan," laughed Rivan. "All of us guards have standing orders to report if you're seen. And Captain Bazz has standing orders to assign someone to look after you. King Dorephan thinks of you as a member of the family, Link. And I volunteered to go when Bazz asked for one. I'm happy to spend time with my old friend, even if he's forgotten all we did as kids."

"Thanks, Rivan, and I didn't mean to sound ungrateful. I'm glad you're here, and your company certainly makes the trip more cheerful. King Dorephan has been wonderful to me, treating me like family," Link agreed, nodding. "But now that we're here, let's read the monument."

They both turned to read the inscription concerning the famous Zora Princess Ruto.

History of the Zora, Part Five

The Sage Princess Ruto

As told by King Dorephan

Long, long ago... In a past more distant than even the Great Calamity or the creation of the Divine Beast, Vah Ruta... There was a Zora princess named Ruto. We know that she was an attendant to the Zora patron deity and that she was a fair and lively girl, beloved to all. Around that same time, an evil man with designs on ruling the world appeared, bringing disaster upon Zora's Domain. It is said that Ruto then awoke as a sage, facing this foe alongside the princess of Hyrule and the hero of legend. Her achievements are remembered not only by the Zora, they are also forever etched into the history of Hyrule. The Divine Beast Vah Ruta, built ages later to face off against Calamity Ganon, was named in honor of Ruto. That the Zora princess—my sweet daughter Mipha —was chosen to pilot Ruta is surely the work of fate.