Last time on home

It was the day of Mipha's birthday, and Sidon had a special surprise for his big sister. he and the bazz brigade had managed to send a letter to an old friend inviting him to come over to the Domain even. Links' return leads to a tear-filled reunion as he can reunite with his old friends and return to his childhood home, but how much has Link's time away has changed the boy find out in the next exciting chapter.

Let's continue the story.

The Domain was quiet that morning as the sun into the view. Many were still sleeping in, seeing as yesterday was the princess's birthday, and many would want to get as much rest as possible. The Domain was pretty much empty that morning, all except for two people the tiny pitter-patter of Zora's feet ran across the inn as he found the room where a particular old friend had been visiting. He stopped, however, when he saw an empty room.

"where Link," Sidon asked as he peered into the empty room. "I wanted to ask him to play with me today."

"I know," the other Zora said it was Kodah. "I was hoping to snag Link away today, seeing as he was back."

"prince Sidon" a voice called the duo turned to see Muzu approaching "you have your morning studies, young man," he said as he approached them," and seeing as your so energetic, we can get started right away."

"Aww," Sidon's head fell, "but I wanted to play with Link."

"you will have plenty of time to bother the Hylian after you study," Muzu told him as he guided Sidon out of the inn.

"umm, master Muzu," Kodah called to the old Zora as he turned to face her greeting her with a warm smile. "If not too much trouble, I was wondering if you have seen Link today," she asked.

"Hmm," Muzu looked away. She could see the hint of dissatisfaction in his eyes "if I recall, I remember seeing him walking around the Domain with the princess earlier, where they went, I do not know."

"oh," Kodah said, "thank you," she said, trying to hide the hint of sadness in her voice Muzu nodded as he continued to walk out with Sidon as he complained that Mipha would end up hogging Link for the whole day. And how he didn't want to study Link was finally back and to hear about what he had been doing for the past three years.

Link and Mipha had woken up pretty early that morning as Mipha had wanted to show Link something. And Link thankfully had brought the necklace that Mipha had gifted him, so after setting up, the two were off taking a quick swim that was longer than usual. Eventually, the pair would find themselves at shatterback point. the air between them was quiet as they were enjoying each other company as they watched the sunrise

"Link," Mipha said, breaking the silence they had as he looked at her, "tell me, how is your training going"

"it's going fine," Link said, looking in the distance. "I am making friends," he told her quickly, "if that's what you're wondering." he smiled "how have things been here," he asked.

"Link," Mipha laughed, "we spent the entire day yesterday focusing on what we have been doing here," she told him "come on, I'm curious," she smiled "how are things between you and Kiana, have seen any exciting places."

"Sorry," Link muttered, "it's just," he looked, overseeing the Domain. "I guess coming back here made me realize how homesick I was" he looked down. "seeing the Domain again just made me nostalgic," he smiled, "though the view from here is still the second-best view to of all of Hyrule, though"

"second best," Mipha said, trying not to sound offended but still wanted to know where the best view came from "might I ask where the best view is"

"well," Link started, "I think about a year ago Kiana and I went up death mountain, and a few Gorons helped us to get to the top, and I have to say that is single-handedly the best view of Hyrule I've ever seen" the sparkle in Links eyes caused a feeling to stir in her chest. She didn't know why, but hearing about how his traveling made her want to see it.

"I don't think I'll ever see that," Mipha said

"I'm sure we can find a way," Link told her "besides, if anything, one day, maybe I could show you there, Hot springs."

"I'm going to hold you to that Link." Mipha joked, "you make traveling sound so fun," Mipha started, "of course, father tells me that I will have to start one day," she looked away, "but a part of me is nervous."

"Only scary thing out there is monsters." Link told her, "other than that, Hyrule is a peaceful place, though I've never been to the desert" Link let out a laugh, "men can't go to Gerudo town, so I don't think I'll be heading. Out there to visit."

Mipha laughed. "If I do find a way to get out to the desert, I'll let you know how it looks" she smiled at him. "I would love to get some jewelry from there. they say to they are the most beautiful thing ever," she held the necklace that Link gave her the other night. "not that what you gave me last night isn't beautiful, but I always wanted to see how they look." she smiled as she the thoughts filled her mind with glee "to see its sparkle on the Domain."

"knowing you," Link said, "you'd find a way."

"Why, thank you, Link," Mipha laughed as she leaned her head against his shoulder once again, a silence coming over them as they continued to watch the sunrise. A small part of Mipha wanted to stay in this moment forever, but she knew they couldn't eventually. Link would have to return to his training, and who knows how long it would be until they had another moment like this. speaking of which, "if you don't mind me asking Link," she said, "how did you manage to get here yesterday" she said, "I'm happy you're here, but I'm curious."

"well," Link started, "there was an incident at the training grounds," Link said, not wanting to retread those memories "and well they were going to give some time off anyway," Link said, "then I got Sidon's letter, so Kiana pulled some strings, and I was able to leave a little early" he smiled at her.

"an incident," Mipha asked.

"a monster attack," Link told her, "nothing we couldn't handle," Link said, "We took care of it quickly," Link said

"Link," Mipha's voice was quiet, "how long have we known each other," she told him.

"at this point, I'd say nine years," Link answered

"yes, and in that time," Mipha started, "you have become my best friend," Mipha said, "and I can tell when somethings bothering you" she looked him in the eyes "please tell me so that I can help you."

Link looked away "during the attack," Link looked away "there was a Lynel, it was there," Link said, "it was there the last night I saw my parents" Link frowned "it led the monsters that killed my mother," he said, "I fought it, and ever since I've felt numb."

"Link"

"I guess that's why I got to go so early," Link said "ever since that happened, I don't know what to feel" he stopped when he felt Mipha hug him "it had a grudge against my father. So that's why it roused monsters into attacking my village. Should I feel happy that I was able to ease the pain of others, sad that I know the truth, I'm just lost?"

"I'm sorry, Link" Mipha stopped him as she looked at him." I honestly can't tell you what to feel," she said, "but I do know that this pain will pass" she smiled at him. "You're a strong person, Link, and you always hold your head high no matter what comes your way," she smiled. "I always envied that about you."

"I'm weaker than you think, Mipha," Link admitted

"and the very fact that you can admit it," Mipha told him, "is what makes you so strong."

"thank you," Link told her "it feels good to get all this off my chest," he admitted, "honestly, it sucks," Link smiled, "but it does feel good to be home" he looked at her and smiled.

"well, I too am glad to have you back," Mipha said. They soon fell back into their silence, the only sound being the winds as they blew across the mountain. Mipha let out a sigh she had honestly lost track of time, and she knew that holding Link here would be unfair to Sidon, Bazz, Gaddison, and Rivan, and Kodah, all of which were probably looking for the Hylian and wanted to catch up "we should get back" Mipha whispered.

"you're sure," Link asked.

Mipha nodded "as much as I enjoy this," she said as she started to stand up, "it would be selfish of me to keep you here" she smiled at him. "I'm sure the others want to catch up with you as much as I do," she said

"I guess," Link said as he stood up and looked towards the edge of shatterback point.

"don't even think about it, "Mipha said "we are walking back," she said as she turned to walk down the mountain. Link laughed as he started to follow close behind his best friend.

Once, he and Mipha soon greeted the big bad bazz brigade members who surrounded him and started, filling them with questions. Some were aimed at Mipha. Others were at him. Link could only smile as his friends shot question after question at him.

"where you all morning."

"how is knight training."

"what were you two doing."

"How could you go to shatterback point without us."

"Link," a voice called, pulling them out. They noticed Muzu approaching them a few back in fear of what the elder might say to the Hylian.

"master Muzu," Link said as he gave a quick bow Muzu eyed the Hylian, clearly looking for something whatever he was looking for, he found as he shook his head.

"the king has requested your presence," he looked to Mipha," you as well, lady Mipha."

"yes," the pair said as Muzu started to walk away, "and your brother is already present in the room in case you were wondering"

"We should get going," Link muttered, "wouldn't want to keep the king waiting."

"yes," Mipha muttered as they bid farewell to the brigade, telling them they would catch up later.

as they entered; Dorphan smiled at Link "aww, Link," he said, a large smile on his face, "I must say it is good to see you, my friend" a devious grin formed as he eyed the Hylian "now I hope you didn't think showing up on my daughters' birthday would prevent you from receiving a proper welcome."

"Kinda," Link sheepishly replied. He wanted to avoid making a scene, and showing up on Mipha's birthday seems like the perfect cover, but it looks like Dorphan was wise to his plans.

"Also," Dorphan started, "Kiana was here earlier," he began, "she had to leave but wanted to make sure you made it to the Domain safely. She has already left but informed me that you had a special announcement for us. Regarding your return."

Link felt his face warm up. He did intend to tell them, but he thought he would be able to put it off again looks like he's not as secretive as he thought he needed to work on that "well," Link started, "I'm going to be knighted soon" he began.

"really," Mipha's voice cut in, "that is amazing, Link. Why are you so embarrassed about it."

"yeah," Link said, " the youngest Hylian to ever reach the rank of knight," Link said they could tell there was a hint of sadness in his voice but choose not to address it "it's part of the reason why I was able to get here so early."

"Congratulations," was all Seggin said though Link noticed the smile on his face. "you have done us proud you should know that, Link."

"I couldn't agree more," Dorphan "well, I must say this is quite the accomplishment. You should be proud of yourself."

"thank you," Link said, still embarrassed about all this

"well, there goes my asking how your knight's training was going" he smiled as "if anything, I expect you to do great things, Link."

Link nodded while it was true that he was embarrassed. The king's words eased his worries. He had been quite shocked when Kiana had informed him of this promotion and what it would mean though a part of him wasn't worried. "I just wish" Link stopped.

"I'm sure," Dorphan told him, reading his thoughts, "they would be very proud of you, Link" he smiled. "I'm sure wherever they are, they are smiling at you. at the feet you've accomplished, my boy."

"thank you," Link's voice hitched as he held back the tears "it means alto to hear that.

Dorphan smiled as he nodded while it wasn't the welcome back he had planned. He felt that it was the one Link needed. He looked at Mipha, a smile on her face as she approached Link, asking if he was okay with whatever was troubling the Hylian. He knew that he would be able to handle it.

"make them proud, my boy," he said. As Link nodded, he could tell he was holding back tears.

"thank you," he said

"no problem, my friend," Dorphan smiled. Link had grown up, and as such, he had watched the boy grow, and in a way, he felt a connection with him, and he felt there was a way to help him on his special day.

"Link, may I borrow you for a sec" Seggin's voice cut in, "if that's alright you. my king" Dorphan waved his hand as Seggin and Link walked outside

"my dear," Dorephan said, getting his daughter's attention, "I know that look."

"I wish I could be there," Miph admitted. "I want to be there to support him. It's not like he has a family to be there to cheer him on," she smiled, "and we're the closet thing he has to that," she said

Dorphan mulled over his daughter's plate while sure he could allow her to go. Still, in the end, it could cause a political nightmare as to why the Zora princess was attending a knighting ceremony and could cause problems for both down the line if unwillingly. a thought came across his mind "Mipha," he said das Mipha looked at him

"yes, father"

"I think I have away," he smiled, a plan coming across his mind "to make this as easy as possible."

Link felt nervous. He felt out of place. hell, he could feel the stares, and he hated it though a part of him felt prideful, he had made an accomplishment one that Hyrule would remember for all time, he smiled as Kiana approached him

"you ready Kid," she asked.

"no," he admitted, "are you sure I'm ready for this."

"Link," Kiana said, he could hear the wear and tear in her voice, "you fought a white-maned Lynel. You've bested knights who have been in service for years" she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder "you're ready for this."

Link let a breath of fresh air. "I just wish they could see me."

"I'm sure they're proud of you, Link" Kiana smiled as she ruffled his head; she stopped when she, as her eyes grew wide, Link, turned to see what could cause such a face as when he saw the pair soon dropped to their knees.

In front of them was the princess of Hyrule herself, Zelda. She was wearing a formal dress as she approached them. she had a neutral expression on her face, one which Link couldn't read "princess," Kiana said quickly, "how may we help you."

"Kiana," she looked, overseeing Link next to her. "I take it this is our young knight," she asked.

"yes," Kiana answered. "Link"

Zelda looked him over. Link couldn't tell why but he felt small, like a cold presence in the air. Still, he chooses to ignore it as he continued staring at the ground keeping up his facade of being the silent knight as Zelda eyed him "well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Link," she turned to walk away. " The ceremony is about to begin."

She soon left. The air was gone as the two rose. Kiana looked at Link, nodding as the pair started to head out. Several others were being knighted, so he wasn't alone in this, but it was still nerve-racking. He felt like he would hyperventilate as he walked out, led by Kiana, his charge. As she put it, Link looked over the crowd. He noticed something he could see the King of Hyrule himself watching him with a smile on his face though that who had the young boy's attention next to him giving him the warmest smile was Mipha she nodded to him.

"clever girl," Kiana muttered.

He had no idea how she did it. no idea what's going to happen from here, but he knew one thing as the person in front of him he didn't even hear his name, but the event became a tad bit enduring for him

Flashback

"Alright," Bazz said as they approached the throne room, "commence operation get into Link's knighting ceremony so we can support him."

"Bazz," Seggin's voice cut in, "stay focused. Just because I let you and your friends come doesn't mean you can act any way you want to."

"Sorry, father," Bazz muttered.

"Sometimes, I wonder how the two of you are related," Gaddison muttered as they entered a room where King Rhoam stood. He turned, seeing the Zora. He smiles as the guard next to him bowed.

"the Zora princess Mipha," he said, "she has arrived with a letter from his majesty King Dorphan."

"I see" the King's voice was stern, harsh, yet it had a calming and fatherly aura that was hidden Mipha could see it reminded her of her father the way he would smile, yet King Roam seems to conceal his caring nature behind a mask why she couldn't tell.

"my father wanted me to deliver this," she said as she approached, giving a short bow, "he said that you would know the details and apologizes he could make the trip himself," Mipha said, "He wishes you well."

"it good to hear my old friend is doing well," Rhoam said as he took the scroll. "I thank you, princess," another guard came up and whispered, "forgive me," Rhoam said, "but we have knighting ceremony; if I had known you would arrive today, I would have planned it out better."

now was her chance "umm, actually," Mipha said, trying to sound more curious than anxious, "I was wondering if it would be any trouble for me and my guard to attend," she said. "I figure that I should expose myself to the other cultures if I want to be a firm ruler one day."

RHoam stroked his beard much like her father. He seemed to have an ability to see through simple requests and could see what the person was looking for, but Mipha had planned for this. She intended to hide the fact behind a thick wall, much like Link would

"I would see no trouble in it," Rhoam spoke. She could feel the relief from the other brigade members "besides, the Domain is an ally. We should have nothing to hide from each other"

"thank you" Mipha flashed a smile as she stood. "I look forward to such an experience

behind her. The Bazz brigade look impressed at how well Mipha had managed to pull that off, unaware of the mental battle going on in princess through her head at the moment though they were one step closer to greeting Link in his knighting ceremony

End flashback

Mipha smiled as the Ceremony ended as princess Zelda had arrived. She greeted her father as she took place next to her, "greeting princess Mipha."

"Greetings, Princess Zelda," Mipha said quickly. Link had been called up, so she wanted to pay attention; however, she could see something in the princess's eyes it looked like jealousy. She wondered what it meant. as they gave a closing speech, Mipha sighed as she glanced as the brigade this part was in their hands know

"Alright, commence phase 2," Bazz muttered

"can you stop that" Gaddison muttered

"Hey, I'm trying to be a good leader."

"that a pretty high bar you're setting there."

"excuse me, princess," Rivan not feeling like listening to his two friends' typical arguments. "I was wondering if we may greet the young knight down there," he asked "he is an old friend from back in the domain, and I would like to congratulate him" he smiled.

"I see," Mipha said as she looked at Link "we can give a few minutes but not a second more," she said "we have many things to attend to while we are in Castle town," Mipha said. At the same time, she wanted to spend as much time as possible with Link while here. She did have her duties to attend to, and Link wouldn't want them to shake them to spend time with each other could come later.

"so, it is true," Zelda cut in as Mipha looked over. Silently cursing herself for being so careless. "he was raised in Zora's Domain" however, she looked past Mipha and at Rivan, who stood at attention, thinking back to all the training Seggin had given him.

"yes," Rivan said, "he was trained alongside us at one point in time" he admitted not a total lie "when we were younger and before we become of age to join either royal guards," Rivan explained, "so it quite the surprise to see my friend being knighted so soon."

"I see," Zelda said Mipha couldn't tell, but the feeling of contempt was coming from her made her curious she wondered what was going through the young princess's head.

Link and Kinana pushed their way through crowds of congratulations until they came face to face with Bazz, Rivan, and Gaddison Princess Mipha close behind.

"you guys," Link muttered, "how did."

"the princess had a letter to deliver to the king of Hyrule," Bazz said, "and well, we decided to stop and watch" Bazz smiled "congratulations, my friend, I have to say I'm jealous."

"thank you," Link said

"you guys will make it one day," Link told him. He looked towards Mipha and gave a quick bow "it's good to see you as well."

"yes," Mipha said, "congratulations, Link," she smiled, "you have grown so much."

"thank you," Link muttered, "you guys made this a little easier."

"it's no problem," Mipha said, "we can catch up later, though," she said "we do have to finish my father's message," she smiled.

"congrats, Link," Gaddison said as they started to leave

"you'll do great," Rivan said as he followed

"make them proud, boy," was all Seggin said as he started to leave Link wondered if he was uncomfortable being here, but he smiled and nodded. the old Zora had a unique way of showing praise, and he knew that

"thank you" was all he said.

Later in the night, after all, the celebrating and festivities ended, Link had decided to take a late-night stroll Seggin at one point informed him that Mipha had requested he show her and the others around Castle town. So, he would take him up on the offer to was clear that they had this all planned out, and Link had to admit he was impressed.

'so, I can spend a few hours with the guys, ' Link muttered. 'Kiana told me not to stay up to date, so I'll respect her on that, but what are we going to do.'

The Link has pulled out his thoughts as he noticed Mipha also without her guard. She smiled as she ran up to him and hugged him. "sorry about that," she whispered, "but I need to remain formal. I didn't want people to suspect I came here to see one Hylian be knighted."

"it's alright," Link said

"Father wanted me to tell you that," she stopped as she pushed back, "tell you that we will always support you."

"thank you," Link said. "I don't think I could've gotten this far without you," he admitted

Mipha smiled. "I know you could have," she said "now come," she smiled "what do you say you show me around Castle town while we have the chance" she smiled. "Bazz, Gaddison, and Rivan are waiting for us.

"Alright," Link smiled, "let's go" Link smiled as they ran to catch up with the others. They all gave their greetings as they soon began to walk around Castle town, seeing as many shops and other Hylian delights as they could.

Elsewhere deep in a mysterious forest under the cloak of darkness, a single sword stood etched in the ground. It gave off a single glow light shining throughout the forest as several creatures appeared from the sight.

"I see," a voice called it, voice filling the air.

"your master has indeed returned."

And with that, we have an end to this two-parter. I know this one was shorter than all my other chapter, but as I said in the last chapter, this one is freer than having it focus on Mipha and Sidon,

and with this, the end of act one of this chapter next up is act II, which will start to be more connected and less big-time skips at most being one year, of course, there will be one after this chapter, but I'll tell you all that in next time

stay-the-unique