Author's Note: Welcome back everyone! It's been a few days - I had some other projects I was working on that took a little time away from this story, but I'm very pleased with the way this chapter turned out!

Link definitely took a backseat last time to focus on Zel and Urbosa, but I promise you'll get lots of focus on him this time. That said, I won't spoil what to expect in this chapter so without further ado, I hope you enjoy the latest installment!


"I feel like I've become a crybaby lately," Zelda huffed, her messy hair flopping listlessly across her face.

"Why do you think that?" Link's gentle voice washed over her without effort. Even if the room weren't completely silent, she'd have heard him as clear as day for how easily her ears always keyed into his words.

She and Link had returned from Gerudo Desert with her other self about an hour ago. It had been hard to say goodbye to Urbosa, but she had promised Zelda she would be there to see her off before they returned home. For now, that was enough.

They had taken turns bathing, Link insisting she go first again so she would be comfortable and relaxed sooner. He was always looking out for her, whether it was in big ways or small ones. And after she returned to the room, she had done a lot of thinking about her father while Link had been in the bath himself.

Urbosa had given her a lot to think about. She didn't have to forgive him just because he was trying to be a better man? It was entirely her decision, whatever that may be? It was the first time she'd ever really been told things like that with regards to him. What did she really feel about her father?

The most she was able to come up with so far was that she was still very hurt and very angry with him for her childhood and teenage years. Even now, she wasn't sure if she actually wanted to talk to him about her feelings or not. She would probably give in and speak with him before she and Link returned home; this was an opportunity that would be next to impossible to come across again. But she didn't want to do it until she had figured out exactly what she wanted from the interaction. Did she want him to accept her? Did she want him to apologize to her? Or did she just want to unleash all her pent-up anger on him? She wasn't even close to sure yet.

Zelda sighed as Link sat down beside her on the bed, bringing her back to reality. The disparity between them was almost enough to make her laugh. While his slightly damp hair was neatly brushed back out of his face, her own created a curtain of cover across her eyes. He was upright beside her, his hand now holding hers, while she was splayed out on her back, one arm tossed carelessly above her head while she stared through strands of her golden hair towards the stone ceiling. His sonorous voice broke through her thoughts, as steady and supportive as ever.

"You're not a crybaby, Zel." She blew some air up at her face in a halfhearted attempt to clear her vision. It caused her hair to flutter lightly, but it was stubborn and refused to move. Then again, she was being the same way.

"I used to be so much more put together, though. Until recently, you were really the only person who'd ever seen me cry. But now I've gone to pieces in front of the Sages and Purah when Mineru-sama left us, Impa and Paya when we discussed what happened when I fell through time, and now Urbosa all day today. I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing to be more open about my feelings but…it just seems like I'm less in control of my emotions lately, I suppose."

The hair obscuring Zelda's vision disappeared in an instant as Link brushed it from her face, his azure eyes gazing at her, gentle and inviting. He tucked a few loose strands behind her ear as he loved to do before letting his hand trail down and rest against her cheek. The delicacy of the motion made her shiver.

"There's nothing wrong with crying sometimes, my love. I've done it too. I don't think you're losing control of anything; you've gone through a lot the last few months. I think anyone would be a bit overwhelmed if they'd survived the things you have."

"You're so sweet to me, Link. I just don't know what I'd do without you." Link leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"You'll never have to find out."

"You always know how to make me feel better, my darling. I'll try not to beat myself up too much."

"If that was you beating yourself up, I'd hate to see what you'd do if you were really angry." She giggled at last, bringing her forgotten arm back to her side and placing her hand against Link's. The gold bracelet Urbosa had given her pressed against each of their wrists as she aligned her fingers with his.

"Outside of this morning, I don't think I remember how to feel angry. I've just been so impossibly happy these last six months. It's all thanks to you."

"I feel exactly the same way, Zel. You mean everything to me and to be with you like this every day? I don't know if it's even possible to be happier than I am." Zelda gave him a playful grin.

"Hmm, I don't know…I'd take a bet that I'm the happiest person in the world when I'm with you." Link chuckled.

"You know, normally I'd let you win in a heartbeat, but I just can't admit defeat on this one."

"Then perhaps we can settle for calling it a tie? If there's anyone I'd love to share being the happiest person in the world with, it's you."

"Deal."

Link lowered himself onto his side, leaning in close and pressing his lips to hers. Zelda felt her heart skip a beat and she melted into his arms as they slowly tightened around her. It had been a long few days and they'd barely had any time to themselves. Kissing him, holding him, it all felt so refreshing…so mesmerizing. Sometimes, it even felt like she was addicted to him, but in the best way. It was almost an oxymoron when she really thought about it, but she'd long since given up trying to verbalize the depths of her feelings for Link beyond telling him how much she loved him. Somehow, he understood the true nature of her boundless love without her putting it to words.

Link slowly pulled away, each of them catching their breath. She could feel the heat in her cheeks still as she gazed into his beautiful eyes. How was he so perfect? Link was truly everything she could ever want and then some. Not just as a romantic partner either. He was her strongest supporter, her most trusted confidant, her dauntless protector, and her very best friend in the entire world.

"Link…do you believe in soulmates?" He smiled at her.

"Two people who are fated to be together? Of course I do." She smiled up at him.

"You never struck me as the sentimental type before we became romantically involved, you know."

"I blame my stoic, quiet hero act," he told her with an amused grin.

"It wasn't just an act, my love. You've always been dependable and strong."

"I'm just glad it was enough to keep you by my side."

"I'll never be anywhere but. I was just thinking, though, that you are most certainly my soulmate." Link leaned in and pressed his nose to hers.

"I believe with all my heart that you're my soulmate too. But I don't think fate or destiny had to push us together for that to be true."

"You don't?"

"I would've found you no matter what, no matter when or where. Even if it wasn't as a knight or your sworn protector, I know in my heart there was no world that I didn't find fall in love with you."

"Link…"

"I mean it. When I think about my life without you, it just feels so…empty. Like nothing matters if you're not by my side. I know what it feels like to me missing part of myself; when I woke up without my memories eight years ago, every moment felt that way. And I felt the same way when I lost you six months ago. You're not just my soulmate – you truly make my life worth living, Zel."

Zelda couldn't respond; her throat had tightened significantly as he spoke. Tears welled in her eyes yet again. She knew he hadn't meant to make her cry but she couldn't help it. The unparalleled, unbelievable happiness she felt just from looking at him was already intense enough but to hear him say things like that to her? She could never respond in any other way but to cry tears of incredible happiness.

"I'm sorry," he whispered to her, brushing her tears away with a feathered touch.

"Don't be. The fact that I'm so happy I can cry tears of joy like this is something I'll never feel ashamed of. I don't even care if it does make me a crybaby. I feel the same way, Link, and I'm not just saying that to echo you."

"I'd never think you were."

"You're the missing piece of a puzzle I never knew I hadn't completed. If my life were truly separated into small parts that all fit together, you would be the center piece that held everything in place and gave it meaning. There's an enormous hole in my life and my heart when I'm not with you. I learned that the hard way when I was lost in the past.

"I swear on all that I am, on all that I love and believe in, that I will never allow us to be separated again. And should a time come where something or someone tries to tear us apart, I will fight that cruelest of fates with everything I have, even if my opponent is a goddess or a demon. Nothing will ever stand between us again, my love, not even the divine."

Link was watching her with adoration shimmering in his eyes. She thought maybe they'd even become a little glassy. He blinked a few times before his hand returned to her cheek and stroked her skin with an intoxicating gentleness.

"I know I've said it before, but I love it when you speak so poetically like that. I swear I'll never allow us to be separated again either."

"I know you won't. And with both of us working together, there's no chance we'll fail to keep our promise. We'll be together forever."

"Yes, we will, my darling. Speaking of," Link began, smiling at her, "where would you like to go together tomorrow? Zelda said she'd be happy to take us anywhere."

"…it was strange to hear you call her 'Zelda.'" Link laughed lightly.

"I'm sorry; I figured it might be better than calling her 'the other you' the whole time we're here. But I won't do it if it makes you feel strange." Zelda shook her head and smiled.

"It's okay! I've called her that too. I just wasn't expecting it."

"Well no matter what timeline we're in, you're the only Zelda for me." She felt her face heat up again hearing her full name directed at her.

"I've been 'Zel' for so long now it actually catches me by surprise when you call me by name that way."

"Do you not like it?" She shook her head, her eyes sparkling.

"I love it. Any version of my name I get to hear in your voice will always make me happy. It does feel a little more…intimate to hear you call me 'Zelda' though. Perhaps that's why it always makes me blush so…"

"We can certainly arrange for a more intimate evening," Link whispered to her, his eyes shimmering as he met her gaze. Zelda felt her blush creep up her ears.

"L-Link! How scandalous of you; here, in the Castle?" Link's cheeks twitched as he tried not to grin. It didn't work.

"My love, I didn't say I'd arrange it tonight. It seems like you're the one who had something in mind." If the heat in Zelda's face and ears had rivaled Gerudo Desert in temperature before, it now surpassed even Eldin Volcano. She raised her hands and covered her face, doing her best to sink into the bed beneath her and vanish from sight.

"I…rather, you…um…" Link gave a light laugh before leaning in and kissing her forehead.

"I'm sorry, my love, I just couldn't resist. You okay?" Zelda took a few seconds to recover before finally letting her eyes meet his again, her cheek puffing out.

"You've certainly gotten comfortable teasing me lately…" He leaned in again and kissed her on the cheek this time.

"Only because I'm so relaxed with you compared to where we started." Zelda slowly sat up in bed, Link's curious eyes following her. She laughed just a bit before sighing, a grin on her lips.

"I can hardly be upset about that now, can I? But you know…you're not the only one who knows how to get the response they want!"

Without warning, Zelda turned and grabbed Link's shoulders, pushing him down on the bed and throwing her leg across him. As she settled into his lap and gazed down at him, she delighted in the fiery blush that had exploded to life across his own cheeks and ears this time. She giggled before leaning down and kissing his nose.

"See? I know what being assertive like that does to you, my darling." Link was avoiding her eyes.

"Z-Zel…that wasn't…that…"

"Ooh, it's not often I get to be the one making you stammer! Perhaps I went a little too far though; I'm sorry, Link," she sang, her devious smile never fading. Link shook his head almost imperceptibly.

"N-no…don't be. I…don't mind."

"Well, perhaps for now I've proven my point." She moved towards her left, intent on lying down beside him and cuddling, but felt him catch her wrists gently. A bit surprised, she looked towards him and saw his bright, blue eyes locked onto her.

"Link? Are you okay?" Despite the heat that hadn't dissipated from his cheeks yet, a mischievous grin was what answered her as his grip vanished, quickly replaced by the strong embrace of his arms as he pulled her down atop him.

"Where do you think you're going, my love?" Zelda's own blush returned full force. For as much as she knew being assertive affected Link, it never failed to make her swoon when the shoe was on the other foot.

As their lips pressed together again, Zelda felt herself melt into his arms entirely. Perhaps the fire raging in her cheeks helped that along, too.


Zora's Domain was as pristine and welcoming as Link had ever seen it. He'd been here many times before and witnessed it under all manner of misfortune. Before the Calamity, a Lynel had appeared to terrorize the Zora as they ascended Ploymus Mountain. A century later, he had witnessed it all but drowning beneath Vah Ruta's relentless deluge. And most recently, a rain of sludge and slime had all but poisoned the beautiful home of the Zora before he and Sidon had rid the contamination from the Water Temple.

But today, there was no wayward Lynel, there was no rampaging Divine Beast, and there was certainly no Water Temple raining pollution from the skies. Zora's Doman seemed to sparkle as the sunlight glinted from its silver surfaces and the people themselves were filled with vigor and energy as they went about their daily tasks.

Zel had insisted they visit Mipha next, intent on giving Link a reunion with his childhood friend the way he'd done for her with Urbosa the day before. They had proposed it to the Zelda of this era and while she said she trusted them completely to keep their relationship a secret from the Zora, she had also seen fit to leave the Sheikah Slate in their hands.

Neither Link nor Zel asked any questions when she said she had some responsibilities to attend to that day so she wouldn't be able to take them to Zora's Domain herself. Both knew exactly why she didn't want to be there even if she weren't actually busy and so accepted her offer to travel without her.

As such, Zel was walking near Link as they crossed the long bridge to the Domain's main gate, though she didn't hold his hand or cling to his arm the way he so enjoyed. The Zora, of course, didn't know they weren't from their world and seeing someone they believed to be Mipha's betrothed behaving romantically with someone who was clearly the Princess of Hyrule would cause a political scandal of the highest magnitude.

Link found himself quite curious how Mipha would react to the news that they were from another world. There was plenty of proof they could provide, not the least of which was the fact that they were quite literally older than the Link and Zelda she knew. He was mostly just hoping to avoid any unpleasant interactions while they visited; it would be nice to see his oldest friend again, but the less attention he drew while here, the better.

As they approached the main gate, the Zora guard's serious gaze immediately gave way to a wide smile. He snapped into a deep bow before returning to his full height and addressing them with a voice that barely concealed his excitement.

"Zelda-sama, Link-sama, welcome back to Zora's Domain. Please, come in and make yourselves at home."

Link fought the urge to grimace. He hated being 'Link-sama' to anyone, even if he had earned their respect. In this time, though, the Zora revered his other self because he was engaged to their beloved Princess. It wasn't even through any action of his own that they respected him so highly. Luckily, Zel responded before he even had to gather his thoughts.

"It's wonderful to be back; thank you for such a warm welcome. How are things faring here lately?" The guard relaxed, Zel's irresistible charisma drawing him into a state of ease. It always made Link marvel when she did that.

"Things are excellent, Zelda-sama! Since you, Link-sama, and the Champions felled Calamity Ganon, not a day goes by that darkness threatens the Zora. We owe you so very much and you will always be welcomed here as our honored guests." Zel shifted uncomfortably next to Link; no doubt she felt the same sense of reluctance to accept praise that wasn't hers. It was just easier to allow the Zora to believe they were from their era rather than explain it to everyone they met.

"Thank you for your hospitality."

"Of course! I must ask, Zelda-sama, did you cut your hair recently? I seem to remember it was longer when last we met."

"O-oh, I did, yes! Ah, but my hair does grow extremely quickly, so I wouldn't be surprised if it was long again sooner than later!" Link stifled a chuckle as she tried to invent a reason her younger self would have her normal hair the next time she came here.

"Understandable; it's quite the marvel to we Zora actually, the way Hylian hair grows even after being cut off completely. However, I've kept you with idle small talk for far too long. Please, come inside and enjoy your time here! Mipha-sama should be at the pools beneath the throne room. Sidon-sama had a bit of a fall earlier so she's healing him right now."

"That sounds exactly like Sidon," Link murmured, a grin spreading across his face.

Thanking the guard, the two headed inside the Domain at last. Link fought the urge to grimace with every Zora that greeted him as 'Link-sama' and bowed to him. He tried insisting they didn't have to do it but after the fifth time he just decided to ignore it as best he could. Zel's hand twitched next to his. He could feel how much she wanted to reach out and hold his hand for support; he'd be lying if he said he didn't want the same thing. But they couldn't do that here.

They finally made their way back to the pools, dodging as many overly-polite people as they could. And once they were hidden away beneath the throne room, Link's eyes once again fell upon the sight of his oldest friend, Mipha.

He had met her spirit back when his memories were lost. She had gazed at him through eyes wrought with guilt and longing, so pained she couldn't have hoped to hide it. He only had a few short memories of her at the time, though. It took many more weeks for him to amass most of his missing time preceding the Calamity; some memories had kept returning to him for months after rescuing Zel as well. But for the first time since she had been lost to Ganon's soldier, Mipha was alive and he remembered their time together.

She was standing with her back to them, her hand pointing at her tiny younger brother in one of the recovery pools. Blue light spilled from her palm, washing over the excitable Sidon. He wasn't injured that badly, of course, but Link could see the scrapes on his arms and legs being mended right before his very eyes.

"Sidon, you have to be careful, okay?" her gentle voice rang out. "I'll always heal and protect you for as long as I live, but I don't want to see you hurt. Make sure you take care of yourself while you're playing and exploring, okay?"

The tiny form of Sidon gave her a thumbs up and an enormous grin. His teeth even seemed to sparkle in the muted light. Link and Zel each had to stifle a laugh. Though they were quite familiar with him in the future – the newly crowned King of the Zora alongside his bride, Queen Yona – his childhood self was impossibly adorable. He was still unable to form real words but his personality was just as charismatic and amiable as always.

It was Sidon's eyes that fell upon Link and Zel first. He glanced over and, recognition clear on his face, he pointed. Zel couldn't help herself and waved at him, an enormous smile on her face. Her love of children was something that never failed to warm Link's heart. A moment later, though, Mipha followed his finger and saw them at last.

She still wore her Champion's wrap with pride, the blue sash contrasting with her red and white skin. She looked every bit the kind protector of the Zora people she always had, though her signature Lightscale Trident was nowhere to be found. Her amber eyes looked upon the two for just a moment before a calm smile spread across her face.

"You must be the Link and Zelda-sama from the future." Zel made a small noise of surprise and Link blinked several times. She already knew? Mipha laughed lightly and began walking towards them, stopping just a few feet away.

"I'm sorry to surprise you like that – the Link of this world explained the situation to me yesterday. He said it was likely the two of you would come here to visit and didn't want me to be taken by surprise." It was Link, himself, who answered her.

"Wow, I'll admit I wasn't sure if my other self would be the type to offer information if he wasn't asked for it. I certainly wasn't back then." Mipha laughed lightly.

"Just hearing you say that much is enough to prove to me you really aren't the Link I know. You seem so familiar but the way you speak tells me that so much is different about you."

"The opposite is true for me – you seem exactly like the Mipha I used to know in my world." Her eyes glazed over with sadness.

"Then it's true…you really do come from the future Terrako tried to prevent for all of us here. A future where myself and the other Champions were felled by Ganon…"

"It's true," Link admitted. "Zel here is the one who created the Terrako that jumped through time to this world." Mipha's face softened again as she smiled.

"Hearing that, I believe it's safe to assume what I was told about your relationship with Zelda-sama was true as well?"

"Hearing what?" His partner giggled to his left and turned towards him.

"You called me 'Zel' a moment ago." Link's eyes widened.

"I didn't even realize it. It's just so automatic for me these days." Mipha's soft voice spoke again.

"I really appreciate the two of you for hiding things while you're here. Explaining all of this to everyone would be a mess. But even though you're in a bit of an awkward position here, I'm still very happy you came to visit me today, both of you. How long has it been since last we met in your world?" Link met her eyes.

"More than one hundred years." She hung her head, casting her eyes downward.

"A century…hardly a third of a Zora's life but such an impossibly long time for so many others. Forgive me for bringing it up." Link just shook his head.

"Don't feel bad; it's sad, of course, but we had to accept the truth of our world long ago. I consider it a gift that Zel and I get to meet you here again. It's been a lifetime." Mipha raised her gaze once more, instinctively reaching out for a hug before drawing back as if she'd been shocked by electricity.

"Oh, um, perhaps I shouldn't…with things in this era the way they are, I wouldn't want to make you or Zelda-sama uncomfortable…" Zel was the first to speak up, though, a serene smile on her lovely face.

"Nonsense, Mipha. Even if we've both accepted our past that doesn't mean we haven't both missed you terribly. And you and Link all but grew up together. The only thing that would make me uncomfortable is feeling like you were holding back for my sake."

"Are you…sure?"

"Certain. I trust Link with all the I am and I trust you as my friend too. I feel nothing negative at all about you treating him like the close friend you always have. I want you to."

Mipha eyes her with wonder for a moment. Despite Zel's words, though, it didn't look like she was getting through to her. A moment later, a smile crossed Zel's face and she opened her arms wide.

"Okay, I'll get things started then!"

Link grinned as his partner stepped forward, pulling Mipha into a hug. The Zora gasped and looked around in surprise before settling into her embrace, hugging her back.

"It's been a long time, Mipha. I'm so thrilled to see you alive and well," Zel murmured. Mipha nodded against her.

"After everything you've been through, I'm so glad you have the chance to at least meet your old friends again here. Thank you for trusting me, Zelda-sama."

"Zelda."

"Hm?"

"Just call me 'Zelda,' please. I don't consider myself Royalty anymore in my time and you're far too close a friend to be addressing me formally anymore."

"Um…it might take some adjusting, but if you insist, I'll do my very best…Zelda."

"Thank you! That feels so much better to hear."

At last, Zel released Mipha and stepped back, a satisfied smile on her lips. Link couldn't get over just how easily she was able to draw people to her and win them over. Mipha looked much more comfortable just for that short conversation.

The Zora Princess turned back to Link and gave him a warm look. This time there was no sadness or hesitation in her gaze. She approached and pulled him into a hug. It felt a bit strange at first – Zel was the only person who'd hugged him in as long as he could truly remember, much less that he'd hugged back. But Mipha's embrace was familiar in a calming way.

Hers was an embrace that reminded him of simpler times, long before he'd ever become a knight of the Kingdom. It reminded him of when he had been a young boy, running around Zora's Domain with his best friend as they played all manner of games and went on all sorts of adventures together. A friend he hadn't seen for more than a century in his own world.

Link finally hugged her back, a sense of tranquility overcoming him. Mipha, his oldest friend, the person he had once been inseparable from, was still alive in this world. She would get to live out her life instead of having it stolen from her. It was something that made him truly happy, deep in his heart.

"It's so good to see you again, Mipha," Link told her, an easy smile on his face.

"It's wonderful to see you too, Link. Somehow it feels as if I really haven't seen you for a century. I'm so glad fate gave us the chance to be reunited here."

Nearby, Zel watched with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling as she sniffled lightly. It seemed their reunion with Mipha, too, was off to an emotional start.


"Sidon, be careful!" Mipha called out.

"Don't worry, Mipha! I'll make sure he's okay!" Zel's confident voice returned.

Zel was running around a short distance away, playing with the young Prince of the Zora while Link and Mipha looked on from the grass nearby. They had decided to leave Zora's Domain to spare Link the attention of the rest of the Zora people, something he was very grateful for. Zel and Mipha had decided they should head up to Ploymus Mountain and relax for a while. Sidon, of course, hadn't wanted to be left behind and started to follow along. Mipha had tried to convince him to stay but Zel insisted it was okay. She loved children so much and it was just impossible to resist that winning smile the young Prince had. She had quickly volunteered to be his playmate for a while.

"She's so good with him," Mipha noted, a warm smile on her face as she watched her baby brother having the time of his life. Link nodded, a smile of his own impossible to conceal.

"She really is. Back in our world, we live in Hateno Village together and she had a school built for all the children there. We go to that school every morning we can and she teaches them all sorts of things. They just adore her."

"That sounds exactly like her. She's always been so thoughtful and selfless." Link shook off the creeping dread that began to surround him as thoughts of the last time she had been selfless began to surface. This wasn't the time to be dwelling on that particular event, though; this was meant to be a happy occasion. Besides, there were plenty of other examples of her being that way that didn't involve horrible memories.

"She really is, isn't she? Sometimes she can be a bit too selfless; those are the times I have to convince her to take care of herself. Or I just take care of her myself, instead."

"You really love her, don't you?" Mipha's voice was soft, a gentle smile on her face as a cool breeze danced across the mountainside. Link watched Zel for a moment before answering. She was running just slowly enough that Sidon could almost catch her, making a show of it as he tried to tag her. The young Zora was laughing and enjoying every moment. Zel was too.

"With all my heart, yes."

"I can tell. I can hear it in the way you speak about her. I can see it in the way you watch her. I can't tell you how thrilled I am that you've found your happiness, Link. As your oldest friend, it truly warms my heart." Link turned his gaze back to Mipha.

"Thank you. I'm glad we haven't made you feel awkward or anything today." She shook her head quickly.

"Not at all! The Link of this era prepared me for the fact that the two of you were engaged to be wed well in advance. Besides, we're all from different worlds. Nothing that happens here influences your world, just as the opposite is true."

"I wouldn't say nothing influences our world; Zel got to meet Urbosa again yesterday and I get to meet you again today. Those are memories we can both hold onto and treasure long after we've gone back to our world." Mipha smiled and brought her knees up towards her chest, leaning against them.

"You've really come out of your shell, Link. I haven't seen you be this open with me since we were much younger." Link gazed wistfully down towards Zora's Domain.

"It's been a long time since then. Once I became a knight and was chosen as the hero to fight Ganon, I closed everyone out. I was under such pressure that I shut down and stopped speaking to basically everyone. It's something I've come to regret over the last few years."

"How so?"

"You already know all the Champions are gone in my world. But I was almost killed by an army of rampaging Guardians and Zel saved my life. I spent a century recovering in the Shrine of Resurrection while she pulled Ganon into a battle within magical stasis. And when I woke up I'd lost all my memories." Mipha gasped and sat up straight again, her eyes sad.

"You suffered something like that without anyone to support you? That must've been so…lonely…" Link nodded, a somber smile on his lips.

"I suppose it would've been if I even remembered I used to have people who supported me. But as I went around Hyrule, I started to piece together my missing memories again. These days, I remember everything that happened before. But at the time it was like looking through a gap in a wall – I could see familiar scenery, faces I had a feeling were important to me, but I couldn't grasp the whole picture. You were like that too…"

"I was?"

"I met your spirit aboard Vah Ruta."

"Oh…"

"You said such kind words to me, showed me such sympathy. You were so clearly heartbroken by what happened but I…didn't know what to say. I couldn't remember everything about you yet, just the little flashes of recognition I'd started to have. So I didn't say anything, just like before the Calamity."

Link let his gaze fall, sadness overtaking him. That was one thing he truly did regret from his past and it was something he couldn't make amends for. Mipha leaned forward, though, and gave him a profound look, her eyes intense.

"I'm sure the other version of me knew you cared, Link. There's simply no world in which she would ever think you cold enough to cast her aside. Not if she and I are the same person in any meaningful way." At last, Link felt his lips twitch and a small smile appeared.

"Thank you, Mipha. Maybe it's just this place that's left me feeling a bit somber for the moment."

"Ploymus Mountain? How come?"

"See, Zel and I have lived almost eight years since we destroyed Ganon. And since then, the Zora have completely remodeled this mountaintop in honor of you. They call it Mipha Court. There's an enormous statue of you overlooking the Domain. Everyone feels better with you watching over them, I think."

"That…must be quite jarring. Would you rather go someplace else?" Link shook his head.

"No, it's okay. Besides, in this time period, you're alive and well. You get to live your life and watch Sidon grow up by your side." Mipha smiled again at the mention of her brother.

"Link? Would you tell me about Sidon and my father? What are they up to in the future?" Link grinned over at her.

"Well, your father has officially stepped down as King."

"He has? That's surprising! I didn't figure he ever would if I wasn't there to succeed him."

"It took some time, but he managed to line up a perfect successor that even you would approve of. Sidon is the new King of the Zora." Mipha lit up, her eyes sparkling as an enormous smile blossomed to life across her face.

"He is? Oh, I'm so proud! I always knew he would grow into a dependable leader that everyone could rely on. His sense of justice and desire to protect this place even now are unrivaled."

"He's really something. He helped me a lot on my last journey, just like he did when I first woke up. I really couldn't have done it without him. I wish you could meet the Sidon I know; I think you'd be even more proud than you already are."

"Actually," she began, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow, "there's a chance I have."

"That's right! Urbosa said something about Terrako bringing a future Chieftain of the Gerudo through time to save her life during the Calamity. The same thing happened to you then?" Mipha nodded, her eyes unfocused as she remembered the event.

"It did. Ganon's soldier had my back to the wall. I was making my peace with death when a blue portal appeared and my brother from the future charged out of it. He fought gallantly by my side. We were both on the brink of defeat and yet he still refused to succumb. He would have fought until he keeled over to protect me. Luckily, you came to save us in time…rather, the you of this world. It's no exaggeration to say you and Sidon saved my life that day."

"I'm so glad they got to you in time, Mipha. You deserve this chance to live your life. Can I ask something about that day?"

"Of course."

"Did the Sidon that came to save you say anything about where he was from? I'm just curious if he was the same one I've come to know so well in my world." Mipha giggled lightly.

"I can't tell you if you know him, but he certainly knew you. He recognized you immediately when you stepped aboard Vah Ruta. He trusted you with his life and sang your praises at every moment. He even argued with Revali-san about you." Link couldn't help but laugh.

"He did?"

"Many times, in fact! You should have seen it; Revali-san wasn't used to speaking to someone as stubborn as himself. Sidon refused to hear a word of slight against you, though. Actually, he got you caught up in settling a dispute between the two of them once or twice."

"…that sounds exactly like those two."

"I also remember that Sidon seemed very sad when he looked at me. He couldn't meet my eyes after our battle together without very nearly crying. He never told me directly that he'd lost me in his time, but I once heard him shouting on the battlefield when he didn't know I was near. He said 'you'll never again take my dear sister from me. This time, I can protect her.' I think it's quite likely the Sidon I met six months ago is the same one you know." Link nodded, considering her words.

"It certainly sounds like it. And that's exactly the kind of thing he'd say in my world too. I have to wonder though, if Sidon really came from my world to yours, how come he never mentioned it to me? Or Riju? She might've done the same; it makes sense that if Sidon was from our world, Riju likely was too."

"I remember Riju-san as well. She was so young but so reliable and strong. She and Urbosa-san were truly cut from the same cloth."

"You can say that again. Either way, sounds like I have to have a chat with her and your brother once I get back home again." Mipha laughed lightly.

"If he gives you a hard time, tell him the sister he so gallantly saved would love for him to be honest with you." Link grinned at her again.

"I don't think he'd ever give me a hard time about anything. Though I certainly gave him a hard time about not telling me he was engaged."

"Engaged!?"

Mipha's voice was a high yelp as she sat bolt upright and stared intensely at Link. Her mouth was slightly agape and her hands were drawn into excited little fists in front of her. Link glanced to his left and saw Zel looking towards them in confusion, though the little Sidon hadn't noticed anything. Link smiled and pointed subtly to the young Zora Prince. His partner laughed and nodded before turning her attention back to him.

"That's right; he's married now!" Link explained, turning back towards her.

"To whom? For how long? You have to tell me these things! Is she good enough for my little Sidon? What's she like? You've met her right!?" Link laughed before holding his hands up.

"Don't worry, I'll tell you. Her name is Yona, a Zora from further east. Apparently she used to live in the Domain but left when she was very young. She's very kind and supportive of Sidon; she helped him find his way when he had all but lost himself during the last struggle that befell our Kingdom."

"What happened to him?"

"He was afraid of losing her, of losing someone else important to him like he lost you."

"Oh, Sidon…"

"But Yona reassured him that she wasn't going anywhere, that she would stay by his side and help him with everything. That he didn't need to shoulder all the burdens of the Zora people alone." Mipha's eyes were sparkling with approval.

"She sounds like a wonderful match for my little brother. And if you have such high praises to sing about her, then I know I can trust that she's a truly good person."

"She really is. She'd move heaven and earth for him. Their wedding was beautiful, by the way." Mipha's eyes shot open even wider.

"You were there!? Tell me all about it!" Link grinned before laughter overcame him.

"I was always going to, don't worry. Well, a few months ago, just after we managed to save Hyrule again, Zel and I were invited out to Zora's Domain…"


Zelda wasn't trying to listen in on Link's conversation, even though she knew he wouldn't mind. She had been quite happy Sidon had wanted to join them because it gave her an excuse to let Link have some time alone to chat with Mipha in a way that wouldn't truly separate them. They were friends long before he'd become a knight and she wanted him to have the chance to reconnect with her. It sounded like things were going very well, too. Mipha was more animated than she'd ever seen the Zora Princess and Link was laughing and having a great time telling her about her brother's wedding. Zelda remembered that day well – it was a beautiful ceremony that had brought tears to her eyes. It was clear how much Sidon really did care for Yona.

It was also the first time all the Sages had been together in one place since Mineru-sama had departed for the afterlife. That alone had led to all manner of ridiculous antics following the ceremony, especially between Tulin and Sidon himself. The two had a playful rivalry that resulted in Sidon very nearly entering into a water-versus-air race with the young Rito to see who was faster.

Riju put a stop to that plan rather forcefully, climbing onto a confused Yunobo's shoulder and poking Sidon in the chest while she made him promise not to ruin Yona's special day with a hard-headed contest like that. Unfortunately for her, Yona actually encouraged and even insisted they go through with it, so the two had raced each other to a dead-even tie. Riju had grumbled about the Sidon and Tulin for a while after that to Zelda but she did so with a smile on her face.

Mipha had delighted in hearing the stories about her brother's wedding, her eyes sparkling the entire time. Link was very relaxed speaking to her too; it warmed Zelda's heart to witness. He had opened up to more people in their world – Impa, Riju, and Sidon chief among them – but he was still never as relaxed with them as he was with her. To see him be completely at ease while he spoke with someone that wasn't Zelda herself brought an enormous smile to her face.

It wasn't long before the young Sidon had exhausted himself completely. Their game of tag had eventually turned into an impromptu treasure hunt and, though they didn't find anything interesting, the search had been delightful. Now the tiny Zora had flopped to the ground and fallen asleep, his mouth wide open and his arms splayed out to his sides.

Zelda began to approach Link and Mipha, hoping she wouldn't make the Zora Princess feel uncomfortable with her presence. It felt a bit too awkward to stay so far away with her charge now sleeping soundly, though. As she drew closer, Link reached out and offered his hand, a warm smile on his face.

"I just finished telling Mipha about Sidon's wedding – why don't you come join us, my love?" Her hesitations vanished as Mipha gave her a bright smile and an eager nod.

"Yes, please! Thank you for entertaining Sidon for so long but you must be quite exhausted yourself after taking care of him; he's very energetic." Zelda placed her hand in Link's before sitting down slightly in front of each of them, forming a small triangle.

"He's a delight, don't worry at all! I love spending time with children."

"Link was telling me you opened a school in Hateno Village. That's so wonderful!" Zelda grinned at the Zora Princess.

"Did he also tell you that he helps me teach the children too?" Mipha's eyes widened a bit.

"No, he didn't mention that." Link laughed lightly.

"It just didn't come up then. I'm not as good with the kids as Zel is, but they seem to enjoy having me around too."

"Oh come now, they love you," Zelda insisted. Mipha giggled before turning her attention to Zelda again.

"I was telling Link before that I really do feel the intensity of your love just from seeing the two of you together. It warms my heart so very much, Zelda."

"Thank you! What about you, though? I know you haven't mentioned it yet, but we've heard that you're engaged yourself!" Mipha shifted awkwardly, rubbing the back of her head and looking away.

"Um…yes, I am. I figured you were probably aware but I wasn't sure if bringing it up would make either of you uncomfortable…" Zelda shook her head, smiling.

"Not at all. More so than anything else, you're our friend, Mipha. You're Link's best friend. I promise we're both happy for you."

"T-thank you, really. I…I'm not really sure what to say, though. You probably know everything about it already." Was Mipha being evasive? Link spoke up before she could assess the Zora further.

"But not from you. Here – if you tell us about your proposal, we'll tell you about ours. That way, nobody has to feel awkward for divulging personal things like, especially when it concerns our other selves." Mipha smiled but it seemed to be a bit forced.

"I'd like that. P-perhaps you can start?" Link grinned over at Zelda.

"We've told this story a lot now, haven't we? The good news is you'll get the best version of it so far." Mipha finally seemed to relax again.

"I can't wait to hear it."


For the third time in as many days, Link and Zel recounted the story of their engagement – the way Riju helped Link prepare the ring, the picnic at Lover's Pond, and the actual proposal itself. Mipha's eyes were sparkling with joy as she listened, even gasping and giddily drawing her hands to her mouth at several points. Zel's favorite part was detailing her own feelings during his proposal. She never repeated his exact words – she believed them a special memory for just the two of them – but she loved recounting the way she was overcome by tears and how she had collapsed to the ground in front of him before throwing her arms around him by the end.

Once they finished their story, Zel showed Mipha her ring up close, earning an awe-inspired gasp from the Zora Princess. She smiled so brightly the sun reflected from her teeth for just a moment – it seemed eerily similar to the way Sidon smiled – before looking at Link once more.

"What a beautiful proposal, Link. You both deserve the world and I'm so happy you have each other."

"Thanks, Mipha. It was honestly a stroke of luck that everything worked out as well as it did."

"So," Zel interjected, her own eyes alight with curiosity, "can we hear your story now? I've been curious for a few days now, but…well, the other Link isn't nearly as talkative as my Link is these days." Mipha laughed lightly.

"You're right, he's still quite reticent. He's gotten to a point that he'll speak to me somewhat freely again but not to the same level as the Link before my eyes. Nor to the same level he used to when we were much younger."

"Mipha," Link began, his voice soft. She met his gaze though with some hesitance.

"Y-yes?"

"How come you don't want to tell us?" Her eyes widened and she waved her hands quickly.

"I-it's not that I don't want to!"

"I've known you for a long time, Mipha; that may work on some people, but not me. You're clearly trying to avoid the topic. Is everything okay? Is there a reason you don't want to talk about something that should make you so happy?" Mipha sighed and hung her head as Zel gave him a worried look. The Zora Princess finally spoke in a soft voice.

"I…it does make me happy; I don't want you to misunderstand. It's just…I feel such miserable guilt over it too."

"Guilt?" Link asked, not sure he fully understood. Mipha nodded.

"Yes. I…I feel like I stepped between he and the Zelda-sama of this world. I know that's the reason she doesn't come to Zora's Domain anymore. I know the few times I've seen her since Link and I became engaged that she's hidden a deep pain behind a friendly smile and hollow eyes. I…" she trailed off, unsure how to continue. It was Zel who spoke first.

"Mipha, I know you've always been closer with Link, but the version of you I met and became friends with in my world was hardly someone who would take an opportunity to separate two people she supported. And I know you're the same way. I get the sense you're being far too hard on yourself. What actually happened?" Mipha took a slow breath before looking up at the couple again, her eyes swimming with uncertainty.

"Well…after we defeated the Calamity, everyone was thrilled. The heroes Terrako brought through time to help us, my brother included, were sent home. But just before he disappeared, Sidon knelt down and whispered something to me. He told me that I shouldn't be afraid to seize what I wanted, that if I loved Link I should ask him to marry me.

"I was so shocked that he said something like that out of nowhere, I couldn't even blush. But as we said goodbye, he began crying. I knew he was returning to a world where I was gone, a world where he blamed himself for not being strong enough to save me. So I decided…I wanted to take his words to heart, to try living the happiness he so dearly wanted for me."

"I think that's beautiful," Zel assured her.

"I do too. What happened next?" Link prodded her gently, hoping she wouldn't stop now.

"Well, I felt like it was too sudden to make a decision like asking Link to marry me right after the dust had settled. There was so much we all needed to do first following the Calamity, so many feelings of euphoria that might have been clouding my judgment or his. So I returned home and discussed things with my father. He was incredibly supportive and even had our finest craftsman set about creating matching bands to symbolize our engagement. That's more of a Hylian tradition than a Zora one, but we thought he might appreciate it." For the first time, Link noticed a small silver band on her fourth finger.

"Finally, after about three months, I worked up the nerve to do it. I called him up to the top of this mountain, actually, to the spot where you can look out over all of Lanayru. And I…I finally asked him if he would marry me." She hesitated for a long moment.

"And he said yes, obviously," Link supplied.

"He didn't even hesitate. But I couldn't tell if his words were for his own sake or if they were simply for mine." Zel leaned in a bit, her eyes worried.

"So you think he might've only said yes to make you happy? That his true feelings are different?"

"I…worry about that at night sometimes, yes…"

"I promise that's not what happened," Link assured her. Mipha's eyes widened and she met his gaze quickly.

"How can you be so sure?" Link gave her a gentle smile.

"Your Link and I are basically the same person, just with a different set of experiences. I've met him a few times now and our personalities are almost identical, even across different worlds. He would never have accepted something that monumentally important to you if he was just doing it to make you happy. Even I had enough social tact back then not to do something that dumb." His words finally earned a light giggle from Mipha before her face fell again.

"Even if that's true…I also can't shake the feeling that I stole him away from Zelda-sama. I know she cares deeply for him; I can see it in the way she looks at him. I wonder…if I took advantage of the opportunity and robbed her of her happiness…forced Link to settle for less than he deserves…"

"Mipha," Link began, earning her sad gaze again. "I think you're forgetting something here; you deserve to be happy too." Her eyes widened and her mouth fell agape.

"Link…" Zel leaned forward next and took her hand.

"Mipha, he's right. It's not like you proposed right after the Calamity was over and he got caught up in the moment – you took your time and thought things through. You didn't take advantage of any situation that I can see."

"But…even if Zelda-sama didn't propose to him herself, or even Link to her…isn't seventeen a little young for a Hylian to be considering marriage? I worry I stole the opportunity from her before it was fair to do so, like I took a head start in a race before she even had a chance to start running…" Zel considered her for a moment.

"I suppose it depends on the situation, but it's not exactly uncommon for Royalty to be betrothed to someone before they turn twenty. Sometimes an engagement can even be planned for the future as early as fifteen if it's an arranged marriage for political gain. Marriage was never something my father cared about before the Calamity; we were facing down total destruction, after all. I suspect my other self had never really thought about it either." Mipha sighed again.

"Then I really did take advantage of things…she hadn't ever been in a position to consider something like marriage. And then I ran off and stole away someone so important to her…"

"Can I ask you something?" Link began, drawing her gaze yet again.

"Of course."

"You keep saying you stole him from the Zelda of this world. I won't pretend she doesn't love him; we all know she does. But Mipha…don't you love him too?"

"Deeply. With all my heart and soul." It was the most direct thing she'd said with regards to Link's other self so far.

"Then maybe you should focus on your own happiness a little too. I'm not saying you should ignore your conscience or anything, but why propose to someone you love if you aren't going to be happy with them?" Mipha gazed at him with wonder in her eyes.

"I'm…I'm sorry, Link. I've just…never heard you be so sentimental before." Zel giggled nearby before grinning.

"I think I said something yesterday about how sentimental he really is too. He really does wear his heart on his sleeve these days, don't you think?" Link laughed lightly before taking his partner's hand again.

"It's all thanks to Zel, honestly. I've opened up more to her in the last few years than maybe anyone else, ever. I'm a lot more in tune with myself, I guess you could say. And somewhere beneath that stoic exterior, my other self has these kinds of thoughts and feelings too. That's why I'm certain he didn't just say yes to you out of obligation. He must feel the same things you do; he wouldn't give you false hope like that and then break your heart. No matter how quiet and withdrawn he is, you're still his oldest and best friend." Mipha's eyes suddenly became pained and she chewed her lip.

"But what if he only said yes to me because he wasn't sure Zelda-sama would ever be able to marry him? She's Royalty, after all; that must present difficulties. Even with the difference in our lifespans, the fact that his life will end so long before my own…perhaps he looked at things objectively and decided I was a safer bet…that the odds that he could be with Zelda-sama weren't good and that being with me was good enough."

"Mipha," Link began in a steady tone.

"Y…yes?"

"Don't ever say things like that about yourself."

For the second time in as many minutes, Mipha's mouth fell open again. Link hadn't spoken in anger nor had he raised his voice, but there was an undeniable intensity to his words that hadn't gone unnoticed. Even Zel was watching him in wonder, her eyes wide as she ran her thumb across the back of his hand.

"Link…" she murmured.

"I'm serious. He's lucky to have someone like you who cares for him so deeply. You've always loved with your entire heart and soul; that's worth far more than just being 'good enough.' I come from a world where you're gone, Mipha. You never had a real chance to be happy, to live your life. But in this world, you can. I don't want to see someone so important to me be given their life and live it drowning in regret, wishing things had turned out differently."

"Link…you…" His voice softened again.

"That's what you'd do, isn't it? You'd live your life alone, suffocating in sadness because the person you love chose someone else, right?"

"…probably. But what makes my happiness more important than Zelda-sama's? What right do I have to force that same life of suffocating sadness onto her…?" Zel leaned forward this time, meeting Mipha's conflicted gaze.

"Mipha. I've spoken to my other self about this quite a bit. I know she's sad, just the way you're well aware of it. But please listen – you're our friend too. Just as much as I don't want to see my past self sad, I don't want to see you sad either. It's a hard situation; there really isn't a way for everyone to get what they want here. And as much as I'd like to, I don't think there's a way I can fix things for the three of you myself. But I can promise you this much – you haven't done anything unfair to her or Link.

"You waited until the excitement after the Calamity settled. You planned what you wanted to do and made certain it was the right choice for yourself. You took him to a place where the two of you were entirely alone, where he wasn't pressured to say yes by having an audience. You didn't do anything wrong; you simply laid bare your heart for someone you love. That takes an immense amount of bravery. I should know; I once did that with Link in our world."

"You did…?"

"Yes! We were already living together after we destroyed Ganon; I had nowhere to go since the Castle was all but destroyed. And while we shared that little house in Hateno, it became painfully obvious to me that I was deeply in love with Link. When I finally confessed to him, I felt like my heart would burst out of my chest. It takes a lot of courage to do something like that, even more so when you're proposing I'd imagine." Link laughed lightly, earning each woman's gaze.

"I felt like I was going to pass out the entire time I proposed to you, Zel. My hands were shaking so badly I couldn't manage to get the ring out of my pocket until the very end." Zel giggled at the memory and, to their delight, Mipha laughed a little herself.

"Part of me does wonder what it would have looked like for Link to propose to me instead," she pondered aloud.

"Awkward," was Link's immediate reply.

"Probably," Zel agreed.

"Fair," Mipha conceded. As the three laughed together again, Link was glad to see some of the sparkle return to his friend's eyes. He spoke again before she could go back to a darker place.

"Really, though. You're not a horrible person for following your heart, Mipha. It was your choice to propose to my other self but it was his choice to accept it. I don't know what he would have done if you'd never asked for his hand in marriage. For me personally, I know I'd always have wound up with Zel; there's not a doubt in my heart or mind. But even before the Calamity, your Link and I have had very different lives. I happened upon the Master Sword when I was a child but he didn't draw it until the Champions had already been assembled. If something that monumental can change across our worlds, who knows what else might be different."

"I never thought of it like that…"

"Listen, I don't want the Zelda of this world to be sad either. But I can't let you sit there and speak so badly about yourself. You're one of the most genuinely good people I've ever known in my entire life. You shouldn't convince yourself you're actively hurting someone else by trying to be happy. I meant what I said before – you deserve to be happy."

"Link…Zelda…I don't know what to say…"

"You don't have to say anything," Zel assured her. "Whatever ultimately happens, we both just want you to enjoy the life you have in this world, whatever that may look like." Mipha managed a tiny smile at last.

"Thank you both so much. I should be so much happier than this that Link accepted my proposal. I've dreamed about something like that for so long, wished for it to come true every night before bed. But I've become so caught up in worrying about everyone and everything else that I haven't been enjoying that happiness at all. You're both right. I know you are. But…it may still take me a little time to accept that I haven't actually done something wrong."

"You haven't," Link promised her.

"I think I'm finally starting to believe you a little."

"I'm glad for that. The Sidon that saved you would be too."

"Thank you."

"Now, why don't we start all this again?" Mipha tilted her head in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Link grinned over at Zel who immediately clapped her hands together.

"Tell us about your real proposal without worrying that you've done something terrible. I want to hear how amazing it was and how thrilled you were about it! I know you weren't sad and worried after he said yes to you that day, right?" Mipha watched them in awe for several moments before she finally managed to find her voice.

"The two of you are so wonderful. Thank you, truly. I'd be more than happy to tell you the story!"


As night fell at last, Mipha led Link and Zel down the long bridge that connected Zora's Domain to the rest of Lanayru. She wanted a private spot to say goodbye to the two of them without the entire population of the Zora staring, something Link was particularly grateful for. It was just the three of them; King Dorephan had seen fit to entertain Sidon so his daughter could see them off.

They had met with the King earlier in the day, Mipha deciding it was prudent to explain the situation to her father and Muzu. They were both incredulous that Link and Zel weren't from their world, but it only took a few moments for them to accept the truth. Well, King Dorephan accepted things much more easily than Muzu ever did; Link was more than used to the stubborn Zora's tendency to deny the more fanciful aspects of life. Eventually, Mipha had convinced him as well by reminding them of the Sidon that had come from the future to save her life.

For the remainder of the afternoon, they had spent time telling Mipha the stories of their own world and relaxing around the Domain. She had even taken them aboard Vah Ruta again like old times. Perhaps it should have been more bittersweet, but Link found himself smiling the entire time. He had spent plenty of time with Mipha there in his own world and it was nice to see that the Mipha of this world would be able to share the same experiences and more with her own Link. Her life was hers to live going forward.

They finally arrived at the end of the bridge, far from any prying eyes, and the Zora Princess came to a stop. She turned and gave the couple from the future a smile.

"Thank you both so much for visiting me here today. I know you're from a different world entirely, but even still it feels as if I've known you forever. I'm truly glad we were able to spend time together like this." Link gave her a smile of his own.

"I am too, Mipha. I never really got to say goodbye to you properly in my own world and it's been wonderful to see you living your life in this one."

"I don't believe we'll be saying goodbye forever this time, either," she insisted. "It doesn't matter what world we're in – you're my very best friend Link and that will be true forever. And even though you're from the future Terrako came back to prevent, it warms my heart to know that you and Zelda are somewhere out there, happy and together despite all the hardships you've endured." Zel gave her a nod.

"The same is true of us. Knowing there exists a world where you, Urbosa, and the other Champions can live their lives peacefully does more to bring me joy than anything else I've seen here."

"We'll probably be heading back to our time in a few days," Link continued. "Urbosa promised she'd come see us off at the Castle. I know it might be a little uncomfortable for you to be there right now, but we'd love to see you again before we leave." Mipha smiled and nodded.

"I wouldn't miss seeing you both off for the world. Please have someone let me know before you return home and I'll make sure to be there." Zel pondered her words for a moment.

"Couldn't be just send word with the Link of this world? Where is he anyway? I'd have expected he'd be spending more time with you since the world is at peace now." Mipha offered a serene smile.

"I believe he was escorting Zelda-sama on a short expedition today. He mentioned something about a set of underground ruins to the south that might provide more insight as to the history of the ancient Sheikah." Zel's eyes lit up.

"Link, remind me to ask my other self about this place later! If she really did learn something more about them, I must know! It's possible those ruins have decayed to nothing in our own world after a century; this might be the only chance I'll ever have to hear what she learned!" Link chuckled and nodded, squeezing her hand.

"I won't let you forget, Zel."

"It's delightful to see your love of history is still so prominent even after all these years, Zelda," Mipha noted with a smile on her lips.

A comfortable silence fell over the group for several moments before a brisk wind rustled the trees around them, causing them to shiver. It must be fairly late for the air to have chilled so compared to the early evening. Mipha gazed up at the moon, her eyes shimmering beneath its silver light.

"Link, Zelda," she began. "Thank you again for listening to me earlier. Thank you for supporting me and helping me. I…of course I don't want Zelda-sama to be sad; my heart aches for her, knowing the pain I've unintentionally caused her. But I also don't want to spend the fleeting moments of my happiness regretting that I have it. Hylian lives are…so short compared to that of a Zora. So I'll do what you said – I'll embrace this joy and do my very best to share it with the person I love. It's the least I can do to honor the life Sidon and Link gave to me."

"I'm very happy for you Mipha. You deserve this happiness," Link assured her. Zel gave a firm nod of agreement nearby.

The Zora Princess stepped forward and pulled Link into another hug, this one noticeably tighter than the one he'd received earlier that day. This time, though, Link felt completely comfortable hugging her back. Even after all the time they'd spent separated, she was still one of his dearest friends, someone incredibly important to him. In fact, she was probably more important than anyone else in his life, not counting Zel of course.

"I am truly glad I was able to meet you again, Link. Thank you for always being my best friend, no matter what worlds we hail from."

"Thank you for being my friend, Mipha. I'm so glad I finally got to see you again with all my memories intact."

At last, she pulled away, a wide smile on her face. Glancing over towards his partner, Link was pleased to see Zel sporting a soft smile of her own. Her eyes were swimming just slightly. The Zora Princess went to her and gave her a hug of her own, thanking her for her support and friendship too. When at last Mipha stepped back and seemed prepared to say goodbye, a thought occurred to Link, one that had floated through the back of his mind hours before.

"Oh, Mipha?" he began, earning her curious gaze. "Something you said earlier on Ploymus Mountain got me thinking and I wanted to tell you something. But you have to promise not to spread it around to everyone, okay?"

"Of course, I'll keep anything you trust me with quiet." Link gave Zel a quick wink before leaning closer to Mipha and speaking in a hushed tone.

"Sometime in the next century, Purah will learn how to reverse aging. A few years later, she'll learn to control how much she alters it. If you were to, say, push her in the right direction a bit earlier, she'll probably get there a lot sooner. Isn't that a nice thought, your Link aging at the same pace you do?"

He stepped away, a satisfied smile on his face. The poor girl was destined to be alone eventually just by virtue of her birth as a Zora and his past self's as a Hylian. But maybe Purah really was the solution. She had certainly proven herself capable in their time. Maybe it wasn't set in stone, but it gave Mipha some real hope that she could have her happiness for the rest of her life. She didn't have to lose it halfway.

Mipha's amber eyes were alight with wonder, shimmering beneath the starlight. She looked like she might burst into tears for a moment before the biggest smile he'd seen all day stole her lips. She nodded and clasped her hands together as a single tear broke through the hold she had on her emotions and rolled down her cheek.

"T…thank you. Thank you, Link, thank you so much. I know you're not promising a perfect solution but…I can't help but feel so grateful that you've given me this hope to hold onto. And I promise I won't live my life obsessed with that eventuality either. I'll live each and every moment I can to the fullest so no matter what may come to pass I won't regret it again. After all you've done for me, it would be selfish to do anything less."

Zel stepped close to Link and threaded her fingers between his, giving him a knowing smile. They had discussed telling her this during a lull in the day earlier. It had been the right choice, without a doubt.

"Don't just live your life to honor myself or Sidon, though," he cautioned her with a smile. "Live your life for you, Mipha. Promise?"

"I promise. Thank you for being the best friend I could ever wish for."

"Thank you for being the same." After taking a few calming breaths, Mipha finally took a step back.

"I should let the two of you return to the Castle now; it's been a long day and I'm sure you're both exhausted. But I promise I'll be there to see you off in a few days, no matter what." Zel smiled at her.

"We'll look forward to seeing you again then, Mipha. Take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will. Look after each other, you two." Link nodded and tightened his hold on Zel's hand.

"Always."

"Goodnight Link, goodnight Zelda. I'll see you in a few days."

"Goodnight Mipha, see you soon," Link reassured her.

"Oh, tell Sidon goodnight for me as well!" Zel called out suddenly. Mipha giggled before nodding.

"I will!"

The Zora Princess turned around and jogged lightly back down the bridge that led to the Domain, glancing over her shoulder once more and waving. Link couldn't help but smile as he and Zel returned the gesture with their free hands. It was wonderful to see her so full of energy and vigor and life. He had lamented the way she'd died for years, alone and scared. That his other self and her future brother had spared her from such a terrible fate warmed his heart. The situation she was in wasn't the simplest in the world, but he was glad to see her smile again, really smile.

"It's hard to know just what to feel, isn't it?" Link murmured. Zel leaned in a bit closer.

"About Mipha and your past self?"

"Yeah. On the one hand, of course I don't want your other self to suffer and be sad. I would never wish that on anyone, much less another version of you. But…I just can't wish that sadness on Mipha either." Zel's head nestled against his shoulder and she nodded.

"I feel exactly the same way, my love. I'm not sure if there even is a way for everyone to end up happy in this scenario. But what I will tell you is seeing you support Mipha today the way you did was one of the most beautiful sights I've ever witnessed."

"You really think so?"

"I've known you for so long, Link, and I don't think I've ever heard you be that open with someone aside from me. It makes me really happy to know there's someone else in the world you feel comfortable enough to be your entire self with." Link turned and kissed her forehead.

"You know, I wouldn't be comfortable with myselfif it weren't for you, Zel. Thank you."

"Always. Did you enjoy seeing your best friend again?" Link pulled her in closer.

"Zel, you're my best friend. You always will be. But yes, it was wonderful to see her again."

"I'm so glad to hear that."

"Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Anything at all."

"Did I make you feel uncomfortable at any point today? Was I too close with Mipha for you at all? She's my oldest friend but you're my life partner; I never want to make you feel bad." Zel's eyes sparkled beneath the moonlight as she met his gaze.

"You did nothing to make me feel uncomfortable today, my love. I would never doubt you for even a second. Seeing you with Mipha brought me nothing but joy, truly." Link's face relaxed.

"I'm glad. I just wanted to make sure; it's not like this is the simplest situation for us to navigate either." Zel giggled before nuzzling him again.

"You're right about that. It's strange to both be involved and be outsiders, isn't it?"

"Almost too strange. I think we need some time to decompress together after all this is said and done."

"Oh? Are you proposing one of those 'more intimate evenings' to me?" she teased, a grin stealing her lips. Link couldn't help but laugh.

"Only if that sounds agreeable to you, my darling."

"I think you already know that the idea of any kind of evening with you is more than agreeable to me. But…you know what sounds best tonight?"

"What's that?"

"A nice warm bath and hours of cuddling with my betrothed." Link leaned in a kissed her softly.

"Now that can be arranged just as soon as we return to the Castle."

"I was hoping you'd say that."

"Shall we head back then? Mipha's right – it really was a long day." Zel giggled before straightening up again, plucking the Sheikah Stone from her belt.

"Let's. The sooner we're back, the sooner I can snuggle with you all night. It wasn't easy staying so far away from you all day, you know." Link grinned at her.

"I feel the same way. We have some lost time to make up for, huh?"

"That we do, my darling. Ready?"

"Ready when you are."

A moment later, the familiar swirling blue light began to engulf them again. A sensation of weightlessness washed over Link's body and he instinctively reached out to hold Zel against him. It had been wonderful to see Mipha again, delightful to chat and joke with his childhood friend the way he used to. It warmed his heart to see her alive again and filled him with a calm sense of satisfaction.

But when all was said and done, nothing warmed his heart more than returning home with his beloved Zel. It was just the perfect way to finish any day.


6/27/2023


Post-Chapter Note: Thanks for reading the new chapter everyone! I appreciate your support so much!

I feel like this is a real make-or-break moment with the story I'm trying to tell here. Do people sympathize with Mipha? Do they hate her? Do they hate me for pulling their emotions in two very different directions? I dunno, but I'm very curious to see the response this chapter gets. I've considered rewriting this whole story and changing huge parts of it for some of the...let's just say "very vocal dissatisfaction" I've encountered lately. But I'm at the point where I'll judge based on this chapter I think. Ultimately, I write these stories to make people happy and because I have fun making you all smile over characters I adore and if I'm not accomplishing that with a plot then it's harder to invest myself in continuing it. That said, I'd never abandon the entire story, so don't worry about that.

Mipha was a delight to write. She's so gentle and kind and a character I really came to love during my AoC playthrough. I certainly don't see her as a replacement for Zel personally, but the initial inspiration for this specific plot was to place the two relationships in a sort of dichotomy that really explored the complexity of love and the depths of emotion that different characters could feel about the same subject. Aside from Zel's relationship with her father (which I'll definitely be delving more into soon), that was the big thing I wanted to focus on and explore with this story from the very beginning.

Anyway, I hope you had fun reading this latest chapter. More to come, one way or another! Either way, I'll be updating this story again regardless so please stay tuned here for more! Until then, take care everyone and I'll see you next time.