Hey and welcome back to Home, and now we are finally at three chapters for this story, and well, not much else to say other than I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Side note: remember how I said no more than five thousand words chapters. yeah, well, that fell apart really quickly

Side note: this chapter takes place two years after the events of the previous one

"Link," a voice called "Link."

"mom," Link looked around

"so are going to do it, son," another voice said

"Dad"

"I know you're going to do great things." he smiled at him before fading away as Link slowly opened his eyes, he found himself turning over. He had been dreaming about his parents a lot recently. He turned over to see the sun was coming in over the Domain. He knew that he would have to get up soon. His day typically started early. However, Kiana had visited him yesterday, and the pair ended up training together all day and well into the morning. Eventually, they both decided to go and get some rest, and that meant for him sleeping in, and thankfully, he had the day off from training today.

Link turned over again, settling back into his bed 'maybe I should get up soon,' mulling it over, Link decided that he could for five more minutes of rest then get up and start his day "besides, it's not like I have anything important to do today."

Link, in his sleepless daze, failed to notice his door creep open and the slight pitter-patter of tiny feet before he felt a giant shout "cannonball" Link then felt all the air come out of his body if he wasn't up before he was now, he looked as he saw Sidon bouncing up and down on top of him.

"wake up, Link, wake up Link," he said, jumping up and down "come on, you said you'd play with me today" he let out a laugh before he felt himself being caught by Link.

"Okay," Link let out a small laugh. "I know, I know," Link smiled, "but next time knock, okay," he said, placing the boy at his side. "I'll be up in a few minutes."

"Okay," Sidon said, a slight pout on his face." you promise," he said, "cause I know that Kiana is here, and every time she comes, you end up being with her all day."

Link sighed while Sidon wasn't wrong. Apart from enjoying being to spend time with someone like him, he loved Sidon, Bazz, Rivan, and Gaddison. They were all his closest friends, but Link enjoyed Kiana's company as well. She reminded him of his mother in a way, and a part of him missed that presence. besides, this was like the third time she had come over since they had a meet, and the other two times she was here on assignment, "I know," Link said. "I mean nothing by it, little buddy," he rubbed his head, "why don't you go find the other, and we can play all day."

"Alright," Sidon shouted as he ran out of the room before stopping "oh right," Sidon stopped. "Mipha wanted to see before breakfast," he said, "later Link." before Link could ask for what Sidon was gone like the little rascal he was, Link could only shake his head.

"I wonder what Mipha wants," Link said as he stretched slowly, getting out of the bed. He found some clothes, a typical green Hylian shirt that Kiana had brought him along with some past he gave a grown as he tried to rub his eyes—trying to shake off the remaining sleep that remained in his eyes as he walked out of his room, still seeing no trace of Sidon.

"morning Linny" a voice called, throwing their arms around him. Link turned to see Kodah flashing him a toothy grin he and Kodah had to meet around the time he started to live in the Domain, and she had become a good friend ever since though these days he doesn't see much of her these days "how are you" she asked in a sing-song voice.

"morning Kodah" Link told her smiling, returning her hug. "I'm fine, and you."

"Oh, I'm doing great," she said, jumping up and down "well, I wanted to see what you were doing today." she looked nervous-looking away and trying not to look him in the eye. "I mean, I haven't seen you in a while, so I thought I'd catch up with you."

"I mean, right now, I'm going to see Mipha" Link didn't notice a saddened look on her face after he said that as he continued, "then I promised Sidon I'd play with him later," he now saw the solum look on Kodah's face "you can come if you want."

"I mean," Kodah

"we're all friends," Link told her. "I'm sure they won't mind." he smiled as a grin grew on her face 'besides, I don't think I have much time left here anyway,'

"as much as I'd enjoy that offer Linny," she gave him a wink, "I need to do some stuff with my mom dad today, so I'll have to keep an eye out when I can have you all to myself.

"what do you mean by that"

"Nothing," she said as she started to run, "later, Linny." Link could only stare in confusion as he watched his friend runoff. The smell of food rang through the air as he approached the spot where Mipha and Link would generally meet up when they would want to talk going around the corner. He noticed that there was some cooked food next to her. She, of course, had already started her breakfast. She saw him approaching and smiled, "why good morning, Link."

"Morning, Mipha," he said, sitting down. "Sidon told me that you wanted to talk."

"yes," she said, scooting a little closer, "I didn't see much of you yesterday, so" she looked away, "so I wanted to see if you were alright," she asked. Link smiled, forgetting that he had, in fact, spent the entire day with Kiana, and he then realized the fact he didn't even see Mipha yesterday, something that hasn't happened since he came to the Domain.

"oh yeah," Link smiled as he sat down, "Kiana was in the Domain yesterday, so we spent a few hours sparring and such," he admitted, "sorry if I made you worry."

"oh," Mipha said," no, I just was curious, is all," she smiled, "so how is she," Mipha asked ."I had no idea she was back in the Domain again."

"yeah, well, you were busy yesterday, and I didn't feel like disturbing you," Link told her, "so we ended up sparring. I guess we ended up losing track of time, and well," he smiled.

"I guess," Mipha said

"But enough about that," Link said, getting her attention "we need to have a chat about Sidon," Link told her.

"what do you mean? "Mipha asked, a bit scared Link and Sidon didn't always have the best relationship, though over the years they have warmed up to each other she always feared that one thing could cause them to not be on the best of terms, and that would be a lot of trouble "what happened"

"nothing bad, it's just" Link looked up "he's not the lightweight he used to be; he needs to stop jumping on me like a crazed cannonball." Mipha let out a loud laugh as Link looked at her. "I'm serious. I'm in bed the next thing I know. I'm the kid's trampoline," Mipha continued to laugh, nearly falling over.

"in that case," Mipha said, a small smile forming on her face." I'll be sure to talk to him about that" she smiled at him as Link finished his food, placing it on the side "also, there something I want to show you."

"you are sure," Link said, "cause I did tell Sidon I'll play with him today."

"oh, don't worry," she said, "the day is still young" she smiled "besides, it'll be quick," she said as she stood up, motioning for him to follow to put his plate away after Mipha had started to lead him out of the Domain.

"where are we going," Link asked.

"Just wait and see," she said as the pair soon found themselves at the east reservoir lake. They came over a narrow ridge that leads to a cliffside over it. Link was able to see all Zora Domain. the light blue that presents while the sun was rising gave it a beautiful glow, one that you just couldn't see anywhere else, no matter where you went

"Woah," Link muttered, "I can see the entire Domain from here."

"yes, it is quite Lovely, Mipha muttered. "I always appreciated that fact," she smiled. "it's one of the things that I've always taken for granted."

Link smiled, looking over the area as he sat next to Mipha "thank you, Mipha."

"for what," Mipha asked, puzzled.

"for bringing me here," he smiled, "for always healing me and watching over me and wellbeing, my friend."

"Link"

"I mean it" he looked at her, giving her a wide grin "thank you, Mipha."

"you're welcome, Link."

Link and Mipha walked back into the Domain. As they did, it was nearing late morning. The air was fresh as the sounds of children playing sounded through the Domain "Link" a voice called "there you are" the pair looked to see Sidon running up to them "you said you'd play with me" he shouted as he looked at Mipha "you can hog Link all you want another time sis" he called which made Mipha laugh a bit."

"I know, I know," Link told the young prince, "but hey, I'm here now, aren't I."

"I guess"

"Hey, Link," a voice called. They turned to see Kiana walking up to them "can I borrow you for a sec" Sidon let out a small groan as Mipha giggled.

"yeah," Link said, "you guys go on ahead. I'll catch up."

"Okay," Sidon muttered as he sulked away.

"don't worry, I'll be quick," Kiana told them as they walked oof as she turned back her attention to Link "so about what we talked about yesterday."

Link looked away, going to stand on the edge of a railing. He looked over the mountain. "I don't know," Link said. "I mean, I understand where you're coming from, but."

"you don't want to leave your friends," Kiana said. "I understand," she said, walking up to him "really I do," she said as she leaned against the railing," but you know that eventually if you want to follow," she stopped herself, "if you're going to become a knight, you will have to leave them behind." Link said nothing as he continued to stare into the distance "look, I'm not here to put pressure on you to do something you don't want to," she looked away " when you told me that," she frowned, "that Banzetta was your father," she looked away "I said to myself that I would make sure you could grow into a knight he could be proud of"

"do you think that's what he wanted me to do," Link asked

"I can't tell you," Kiana said, "but what I will tell you" she looked at him, "he would want you to follow your heart," she smiled, "And besides, even if you leave, it not like you're going to be forgotten, home isn't a place Link."

"I guess"

"I'll be here for two more days, and we both know this will be my last time before I'm transferred," she informed him. "if you decide to go with me," she looked at him and smiled, "let me know, and I can get you into training" as she stood up, "in the end, it's your choice." she walked away leaving Link with his thoughts he knew that he couldn't remain in Zora's Domain forever and if he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become a knight so he could in a way find some sort of purpose in his life.

"you could always join the Zora guard," Link joked "it would make Seggin happy" he smiled as he stood up 'shouldn't keep Sidon waiting," he muttered 'I know what I have to do," Link muttered, "but do I have the strength to do it." he walked away as Sidon ran up to him.

"Link can we play now," he said impatiently.

"well," Link said in a teasing tone. Seeing Sidon squirm made him laugh a bit as he nodded.

"alright"

Link walked up to a remote location, looking around, making sure no one followed him. He sighed as he walked up to a lone door before knocking three times. To say he was nervous would be an understatement, but he had to go through with this even if it caused a few tears. "white fluffy clouds," a feminine voice came from the other side.

"Clear blue, Zora," Link said back in the correct tone. The door then opened to reveal Gaddison. She smiled as she pulled Link into a hug "good to see you, Gaddison, sorry I'm late, I had to take care of some things."

"it's alright," Gaddison told him, "though you are the last one here," she said, "so expect some bragging from Rivan" she laughed as they walked into a room it was a small fort-like area with pillow scattered across the ground. With small bean bags in four corners of the room, each one a different color Bazz was sitting in the one colored black Rivan was in a green colored one on the left there was valet bag that Gaddison moved towards as Link went towards the blue bean bag before taking a seat.

"alight," Bazz said, "now that Link has finally arrived, we can begin

"took you long enough," Rivan said, "everything okay, Link, you're typically the second one here."

"yeah," Link said, "just had a late start, is all."

"well, I have good news," Bazz said, "my dad said we could apply to start our royal guard training," he said with glee. This got a lot of jumps as they all smiled "as you already know, this has been a goal of the brigade ever since we started training together," he said

"yes," Gaddison, "soon the heroine will be as known as the demon Sergent."

"I can't wait," Rivan said "soon, I will be able to put all my training to good use," he smiled "man, I'm going to be so cool."

"I'm happy for you guys" this got everyone on in the room to stop celebrating to look at him "what."

"you're going to join the guard to aren't you Link," Bazz asked

"of course, he is," Gaddison said, "he wouldn't be training with us if he wasn't."

"yeah," Rivan added, "right Link."

Link looked away "guys. I wouldn't make it in the Zora guard," Link told them "you guys know that"

"so, what," Bazz said, "we're a team, so we help our members," he smiled "no matter what, we look out for each other that is our creed." he smiled as he stood up. " We look out for others.

"Together, we fight to protect," Gaddison shouted.

"no matter the danger," Rivan continued.

"We are hero's" Link finished smiling. He valued all the things in the Domain. He spent the time with the bazz brigade that he loved as much as his time with Mipha and Sidon. "I know that, guys," Link said, "but" he looked away.

"what's the matter, Link," Rivan asked.

"I've made a decision," he said. "I've decided to become a knight of the royal guard," he said, letting the words sink in. "I'll be leaving with Kiana tomorrow."

"what" they all screamed

"you can't" Gaddison screamed

"yeah," Rivan said, "you can't go, Link."

"I know," Link said, "but" he looked away. "I gave it some thought. You guys all have your place here," he told them, "and in a way, I need to find mine."

"but you belong with us," Bazz said

"I do," he smiled "don't take this wrong way" Link smiled at them "you guys are some of the closest friends I have," he smiled at them, "but this is something I need to do for myself." H smiled he knew this was going to be hard on all of them, "and this is the only way" Link had a fire in his eyes, one that they all knew too well, one that meant he was going through with this

"I understand," Bazz said. He was one of the few that knew who Link's father was. A part of him could understand where Link was coming from "just promise us one thing, Link," he held a smile, "that while you're training to become part of the royal guard, you'll represent the Big Bad Bazz Brigade," he said.

hearing this, Link stood up smiling "you bet I will" they all started laughing as they once again to take their seats again

"do Mipha and Prince Sidon know," Rivan asked, looking over,

Link frowned. "I haven't told them yet," he said, "that's a conversation I'm dreading, though," Link said

"why," Gaddison said, "Mipha will understand"

"I know it's just," he looked, away "it's nothing, just we've been together ever since I came to the Domain," he smiled, "so I guess a part of me scared how she's going to react."

"it's Mipha," Bazz said "besides, as you said, this is something you said you need to do," he smiled at him. "besides, I know she of all people will want "

"I guess," Link said "yeah," he smiled "well, now that we have that out of the way, let's focus on something else" he smiled at them." we have a full day before Mipha and Sidon are done with their lessons, so we have."

"well," Bazz said, "this will be the first time we have a farewell ceremony for a member," Bazz said. "so, in honor of Links service, I know exactly what we will be doing today." he smiled as the others nodded Link felt a warm feeling in his heart even if he had to leave the bazz brigade would always have an essential part of his life.

Later Link walked to where the throne room knowing that he would need to see Dorphan at some point, and he had put off far too long. However, he decided to go hang out with Kodah seeing as he would be leaving tomorrow. With decided to ask where Mipha and or Sidon was and well tell him that he would be leaving. He let out a breath of fresh air as he walked into the throne room. He noticed Dorphan was saying goodbye to one of the elders as they walked by; Link pretended not to notice the glare they gave him. At this point, he had gotten used to their glares.

"ah Link," King Dorphan greeted with a giant grin "good to see you," he smiled "is there anything I can help you with"

"umm yes," Link "have you seen Mipha or Sidon"

"well," Dorphan said, "Mipha is in her room last I heard " he looked at him, "something to talk with my daughter about," he asked, noticing Link's expression. The boy refused to look him in the eye. "what troubles you."

"I," Link stopped, " I have decided to go with Kiana and join the Hyrule royal guard," he said in one breath.

"I see," Dorphan said, observing Link over before letting a smile form on his face. "do not worry," he told him, "follow your heart go to whatever's out there, and find whatever's pulling at ya, and don't let it go."

"thank you, your majesty."

"Please, my boy," he smiled, "no need for such formality" he smiled at him as Link turned to leave intending to talk to Mipha about his conversation, "and one more thing," he said as Link turned to face him one more time. "know that no matter what happens to you. know that you always have a home here," he smiled "as Long as I'm king, you will have a place to call home," he smiled at him, "that I can promise."

Link paused the king's words struck a chord with him there were times when he felt that the Zora kept him because they felt pity for him losing his parents; however, the king's words made him realize that he did indeed have a place here "thank you" he said, "you have no idea how much that means to me."

"I think I do," he said, "now get going, you have a long conversation ahead of you" Link nodded as he started to leave 'my dear Mipha,' he wondered to himself. "I do hope you take this well after your mother,' he sighed 'this will only make them both stronger. My only hope is that I get to see the day that comes to fruition.

Link walked up to what he assumed was Mipha's study. His heart was beating so much he was afraid that it would come out of his chest though this was something he needed to do as he knocked on the door.

Mipha paced around the room Link was sitting in a chair he had since told her about his decision. The look of sadness on her face would be something that would be burned into his memory for as long he lived. He promised himself never to be the cause again; however, now Mipha was looking for a solution to make him stay.

"Maybe I can talk to father," she went on, still not stopping. "I can probably get him to rain back Muzu and the other elders a bit" it was safe to say that over the years, for reasons beyond nearly everyone in the Domain, Muzu and the other Elders have yet to warm up to Link.

"Mipha," Link said, but she ignored

"We can design you a new bed," she said

"Mipha," he tried again, only for her to continue to ignore him.

"We call it water beds," she smiled. "I'm sure they won't mind putting one in your room."

"Mipha"

"and I think we can start trading more so we can get more and more meat coming to the domain."

"Mipha," Link shouted, pulling the girl out of her tired he hated to speak so loudly, but he needed to tell her this "I'm going through with this"

"Link," Mipha said, "I'm sure" she stopped fighting back the tears "please, there has to be something we can do" she looked at him 'something I can do to help you."

"Have I ever told you about my father?" Link asked Mipha to freeze her, and Link talked about many things from their mothers to the small stuff Sidon did that would have them both on the ground laughing, but Link never mentioned his father. He hasn't said anything about his father since he arrived in the Domain, not since he told her that he never knew his name.

"once," Mipha said, "when we first meet," she said, "you told me that he was a knight."

"he was a captain," Link told her "he was considered the best knight in the royal guard," he told her. "and according to Kiana, he still is regarded as such," Link frowned. "I have to, no, I need to follow in his footsteps," Link told her. "I have to do this."

Mipha just turned around. "I" Mipha failed to find the words shaking her head. "I understand, Link," she said, "just" she sighed, "I need time to process this," she said, not facing him.

"Mipha"

"Please," she said, "give me some time."

Link reached out, but he could tell Mipha was done with this conversation. He turned to leave. He felt pain as he walked to the door that leads out of his best friend's room. "I'll be leaving tomorrow," he muttered before walking out. "I'll see you around, Mipha."

Once the door was closed, Mipha had to wipe her face a part of her; a tiny part of her knew this day would come, the day when Link would have to leave; however, another part of her had prayed that it would never come.

Outside, Link had found himself standing near one of the many fountains in the Domain, looking over the edge the night's cool air hitting his skin.

"you're really leaving Link" a voice called Link turned to see Sidon looking at him again with the look sadder than the one he saw on Mipha.

"yeah," Link said, "I going to join the Knights of Hyrule."

"oh," Sidon came over and sat on the ground next to Link. "I mean, I guess that's cool," he said, "do you have to go."

"Yeah, I do," Link said, " who told you this."

"I heard you and Mipha," Sidon said

" you heard that," Link asked

"are you two mad at each other" Sidon asked

"I don't know," he said ."I guess it's just a lot for her to take in."

"I'm sure she understands." Sidon smiled "she's probably just worried about you" Sidon looked at him,

"ya think so," Link asked.

"uh-huh" Sidon flashed his signature smile as a royal guard came up to the pair telling Sidon it was time for bed, "guess I need to go later, Link," and just as quickly as he appeared, he was gone leaving Link alone with his thoughts.

"so, I'm really going through with this," Link said to himself. "I guess so," he smiled, taking in one last look at the Domain as the bright lights that filled the air smiling at the place he called his home he walked away, knowing tomorrow he would have to leave it all behind.

The next day late afternoon, Mipha had to hide her grin as Bazz read of some farewell speech to Link; apparently, since Link was leaving the Domain, he also left the brigade. She smiled as Gaddison and Rivan stood next to him; she could tell that they were all trying to fight back the tears Mipha pretend not to notice the slight smile on Seggin face. Though, she would admit she was surprised when he and a few other adults had come to see Link off. According to Sidon, when he came to get her this morning, this was supposed to be a small goodbye. She never realized how many people actually had come to enjoy Link's company.

"and you should know that" Bazz let out a sniff, "no matter how far you go, you will always have a place among the big bad bazz brigade." he took a breath of air in as he placed the paper down "so as the official leader of the brigade, I would like to say goodbye Link. "

"Thanks, Bazz" Link smiled though cheesy. He could tell Bazz put his heart into that speech as they came in for a group hug. Mipha could hear the slight sniffles of crying. "I'm going to miss you guys."

"We know," Rivan said, "we'll miss you too, buddy."

as they separated, Seggin approached Link with an unreadable expression on his face as Link bowed, "master Seggin I."

"no," he said, cutting Link off, placing a hand on his shoulder giving him a warm smile, "ever since the day you arrived here. I knew that you would one day have to leave to follow in your father's footsteps," he smiled "that is one the many reasons I decided to train you. so, you could become a knight that he could be proud of" he looked up to see Kiana flashing him an innocent smile "good luck out their young man," he said as he gripped Link's hand and shook it "as the King said you will always have a place here."

"I," Link smiled, "thank you for everything." he shook his hand

Kodah came up next, giving him a goodbye hug. "I guess this is goodbye, Linny" she smiled at him, "please be safe out there."

"Yeah, I will," Link told her.

Sidon rushed up and hugged him. "I guess this will be goodbye," he said

"yeah," he said as he patted him on the head, "be sure not to drive your sister too crazy without me," he told him.

"no promises," Sidon said, which got a laugh from everyone there as Mipha finally decided to step forward, locking eyes with Link. Their conversation from the previous night still fresh on their mind. The air started to go quiet as Link stood up to face her.

"Mipha I" she held a hand to tell him to stop.

"Link, you should know that I am also representing my father," she said, trying with everything she had to hold her composure, "seeing as he has duties to fulfill, he couldn't attend to see you off."

"Yeah, I kinda figured." there was a hurt in his voice, and Mipha didn't like it though she simply shook it off.

"he wanted me to tell you," she said, "as you are already no doubt aware that we will always welcome you back here," she said, "that no matter how far you go, remember that you ever need anything to remember don't hesitate to ask us for help."

"I," Link stopped himself, "thank you, Mipha," he said, but before he could bow, he was nearly toppled over as she tackled him with a hug "there she is," he let out a small laugh.

"did you really think that I would say goodbye to you of people so formally." she laughed. "I know you need to do this." she sighed, looking him in the eye "it just may be a part of me is afraid you'd forget me."

"Mipha," Link said, placing a hand on her cheek, making her look him in the eye, "ever since I came here, you've been with me," he told her "you've healed me every time I'd hurt myself doing something stupid" he laughed at the memories "you've been there for me ever since I lost my parents" he smiled "Mipha how could I ever forget you."

Mipha smiled, "doesn't make this any easier, but know that I could never forget you either" she hugged him one more before pushing him away. " I Brought you something," she whispered as she pulled something out, it was a small scale attached to a small string to fit around Links' neck. "I, well, that is to say, I had this made for you" Mipha smiled as she placed it over his head, seeing that it went around his neck perfectly. "it will allow you to breath underwater."

"Mipha," Link said, holding the scale in his hands "thank you," he said as he brought her in for a hug. He smiled.

"Please don't mention it, Link," she said. "I was planning on giving it to you at some point," she said as she hugged him one more time as she looked at Kiana, who had stayed quiet all this time "please keep him safe," she asked, "he has a habit of getting himself into more trouble than he can handle." She let out a small laugh "if anything happens to him, I get your head deal" she flashed a smile

"I understand, ma'am," Kiana said, letting out a small laugh walking up placing a hand on Link's shoulder "come on, kid," she smiled at him, "it's time we get going; we got a long walk ahead of us." she smiled at him "don't you all worry I'll be sure to keep your boy safe" she then bowed at them.

"Alright," Bazz said

"Goodbye, Linny"

"I can promise that you'll see him again," Kiana looked at them all as she smiled. "I can't say when, but I can promise that you see each other again."

"thank you," Mipha said soon; the pair turned around to leave they wanted as they got further and further away until they could no longer be seen a part of her wanted to accompany him out of the Domain. Still, she felt that would make it harder than it already was, so she had to trust that he would get there safely. As time went on, the adults started to leave, leaving her, Sidon, Bazz, Gaddison, and Rivan. She didn't know how long they stood there. It felt like hours. Maybe they were hoping to see Link come back across the bridge. Still, they all knew that wasn't going to happen.

"come on," Mipha said, "we need to head in" she smiled

"do you think we'll see him again," Bazz asked

"I," she wanted to tell him, yes, but a part of her knew. "I can't say when I can't say how," she smiled, "but I believe that one day we will see him again" she smiled "so for now, let's be strong Link would never forgive himself if he knew that his departure tore us down so much."

"Yeah, your right, Mipha," Bazz said as he looked into the distance '. Don't worry, Link. We'll be here when you come back," he smiled. "I promise"

Link smiled as he finally came out of the long path. He took a long look. He was now in the Lanayru Wetlands "wow," Link muttered.

"I know," Kiana said, "you think this is a sight" she smiled as she pointed him in a direction "wait till we hit Hyrule castle," she smiled, "you ready."

Link smiled as he nodded, looking back. His friends from the Domain and all his friends still fresh on his mind 'no turning back now," he said to himself.

"come on, we got a long walk ahead," Kiana said, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"don't worry, dad," Link said to himself, "I'll make you proud."

Next chapter, we finally get to be Hyrule castle and all the fun there. it's honestly one of the parts I was looking forward to the most when writing this, so I'll tell you when I get there