Chapter 1 - Accepting Responsibility

Summary: Mila and her siblings agree to help maintain Link's journal as Zelda and Link think about Astra. Mipha and Link enjoy a trip to Lurelin Village.

It was a little before sunset at Hyrule Castle, and a week had passed since Zelda and Link said farewell to Astra at the Spring of Wisdom. Zelda was close to finishing a necessary business meeting with her older daughter, Princess Zelda, but she had trouble concentrating on the work. Instead, her mind kept wandering back to Astra and wondering how she was. Right now, she recalled a brief Tab call she had with Link before he and Mipha left for Lurelin Village.

"We should be happy for what we have, not sad for what we do not," Link had said. "I've been told that's excellent advice, though following it is easier said than done."

She had to agree with that last part! Losing Astra was painful and hard to be stoical about. Then, suddenly, a voice drew her thoughts back to the present.

"Mother? Are you listening? We can finish another time if you prefer," said Princess Zelda, who had noticed her mother kept becoming distracted.

"No, sorry, sweetheart, I was just lost in thought again for a moment. We're almost done. Please, let's continue."

After going over a final report, Zelda spoke up.

"Well, I think that covers all we need to discuss for today," said Zelda. "And given how I know we both feel, I'm glad we got through it all."

"Yes, I find it hard to keep my mind on business, too," said Princess Zelda.

"But I'm very proud of you, sweetheart. You've shown yourself to be quite capable of accepting more responsibility and handling it well."

"I still benefit from your guidance, Mother. There is no substitute for experience."

"I agree, and I'm happy you're getting so much of it," said Zelda, who then turned and looked out her office window high atop Hyrule Castle.

Princess Zelda followed her gaze and knew what was on her mother's mind, for it had been on hers too for the past week. Her younger sister, someone she deeply loved for seventeen years, was gone. Not dead, of course. But it felt like it, as she was gone from their lives, transported to another timeline.

"I wish Astra had confided in me," said Princess Zelda after a moment. "I could have dealt with her leaving and given her a proper goodbye."

"Could you, dear?" said Zelda. "I think it was easier for Astra not to tell anyone. She was right about long goodbyes being the hardest. Better to spend the remaining time with her being happy and enjoying her company than being miserable thinking about being apart. Could anyone have enjoyed either of her birthday parties knowing it was her last?"

"No, I suppose you're right, Mother," sighed Princess Zelda. "I have to wipe my eyes every time I pass by her room. But I guess the Goddess knows what's best for Hyrule."

"I believe she does," said Zelda. "And those of us who carry her bloodline are sometimes called upon to sacrifice for the good of our people."

They both gazed out the window together at the beautiful view of Hyrule as the sun sank lower and turned orange. Then Princess Zelda spoke up.

"The official announcement about Princess Astra being called by the Goddess to a special mission seems to have been generally accepted," said Princess Zelda. "It's awkward to explain, of course, and some question what happened, what's the nature of the mission, how long will she be gone, things like that. So we have responded that all we know is what we said."

"That's fine. We really do know very little more, and I wish it were otherwise."

There was a flash of orange light as the angle of the setting sun caused its reflection from a window below, and it reminded them of the time.

"Now, I've kept you long enough, dear, and you should go spend time with your family. I just want to straighten up here before finishing."

"Please don't stay too long, Mother. I, um, I think it best if you were not alone right now."

"I won't be long, dear, I promise," said Zelda as she smiled and squeezed her daughter's hand.

They both stood up, embraced, and then Princess Zelda left.

Zelda turned and resumed gazing out the window, wondering what Astra was doing now. Well, if calling it "now" even made sense. She tried to imagine what things would be like for Astra in the Hyrule of Link's original timeline, the one he called the calamity timeline. Instead, they were living now in what he called the victory timeline. She decided that the next time Mipha and Link visited, she would make a point of asking Link for more information about the world he left behind. Knowing more details might help her work through her grief, and he was the only one who knew about it.

Of course, she realized Link had always been reluctant to talk about that part of his life. Zelda recalled one conversation she and Link had after she had asked him something about the so-called calamity timeline. It was Link's nature to first make light of her question, as that was his way of seeking to gracefully avoid it.

"You want me to talk about things that didn't happen to us anymore? You know how confused my memory gets, Zelda, and all the trouble I have keeping things straight. Talking about those days only makes it more confusing. I make mistakes, and then Mipha teases me," said Link.

"You don't want to talk about it just because Mipha teases you?"

Link paused and looked away from her for a moment, then sighed and turned back.

"I'll talk about it if you insist, of course," said Link. "But no, it's not just because of Mipha's teasing. She has no trouble finding plenty of other things to tease me about. It's that those were bitter years, Zelda. Our victory was a hollow one, as so many innocent people had perished from the Calamity, and much of our land lay in ruins. All our Champion friends were long dead, of course, as was your father. My memory was gone, and when I had one of those flashbacks, it only made me feel worse, filled with regret for all we had lost. My life felt lonely and purposeless a year after the victory. I hope you can understand why I prefer not to relive those days."

But things became different with Link after he suspected Astra's destiny was to return to that timeline. She knew he spoke privately with Astra about what to expect, everything he could remember about the world he had left behind. Love of children did that to you. It made you willing to deal with your own pain if it could somehow aid them. Anyway, perhaps now Link wouldn't mind reminiscing a bit more with her as well.

Zelda straightened up her desk, then left to have dinner with her family.

Meanwhile, in Zora's Domain, it was early evening at their Mikau Lake residence as Mipha's and Link's oldest daughter Mila awaited the return home of her three siblings, Midon, Lapha, and Linky. Mila had requested a brief family meeting while their parents were enjoying themselves at Lurelin Village. She wanted to discuss their father's journal, a topic that meant a great deal to her. And she was not about to let barnacles grow on her fins, or let the grass grow under her feet, as her Hylian father would say.

As an experienced historian with two well-respected publications to her credit, one on the history of North Hyrule and the other on the most recent Hyrule Invasion, Mila understood the value of preserving information. And since her parents were both important people in Hyrule and Zora history, she felt strongly that the story of their lives deserved to be preserved and told.

Mila had actually been quite upset when she learned that her father was ending his journal. She recalled her parting conversation with him before he and her mother left for their brief vacation. The discussion was a bit stormy, or heated, as Hylians would say.

"For real? You're scuttling your journal, Dad?" Mila asked, her fins curled.

"Scuttling it? That's a little harsh, isn't it, sweetheart?" said Link.

"What else would you call it? And why now, Dad?"

"Didn't you read what I wrote? I explained my reasons in my last entry. You know how much I love my journal, Mila. I spent many long hours on it over the years. But everyone's grown, and I can't keep track of what all of you are doing anymore. Besides, I don't think there is anything more for me to write about. Hyrule is safe and at peace now, and Mom and I are spending our days with you and the rest of the family. People don't care about our personal family life."

"You don't honestly think that's all that's left of your life, do you, Dad? And Nayru willing, Mom will be Zora Queen someday. You don't think that's important enough to record?"

"Of course, it's important, and it deserves to be written about. But when the time comes, I believe that should be Mom's story, not mine. Mom keeps a diary too, you know. And given I'm a Hylian, who knows if I will even live long enough to see her become Queen."

That hurt and Mila's eyes at once welled up with tears. Link realized he had gone too far, especially with her, for Mila had always been very sensitive about losing him. He instantly regretted his words as he reached out, and they embraced.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, forget my last remark," said Link as he held her close and comforted her while she clung to him. "I have faith that Dr. Purah can get her rune to work for me again, and I'll be around for a long time yet."

They held each other until Mila regained her composure, and then Link spoke again.

"I know you're upset about all this. Why don't we talk some more when I return home in a week. Mom's waiting for me, and we need to catch the next ferry to arrive in time for our reservation."

Mila nodded, and then they kissed each other on the cheek goodbye.

"Enjoy your time with Mom. But this conversation is not over, Dad," Mila said as they ended their hug.

"I love you, and I'll remember sweetheart," said Link.

Then her father left.

Mila had honestly never expected her father to end his journal, and it felt like a part of her own life was ending along with it.

From a young age, she could remember seeing her father sitting at his desk some early mornings, or what to her were late nights, eager to record what had happened before too much time passed. He used to joke he couldn't wait too long to write things down as his memory was unreliable, something her mother would never fail to tease him about. When she was still small and wandered into where her father was busy writing, he would never mind the interruption. Instead, he would stop and lift her onto his lap, kiss her on the cheek or forehead, and then cuddle her with one arm while he resumed writing with the other.

"Maybe someday you can help me with this, sweetheart," her father would sometimes say as he smiled and squeezed her in a hug.

And she would smile back, close her eyes, and snuggle against him, sometimes even fall asleep if it was nighttime. She always felt secure in her father's arms. He gave you the feeling that he would protect you from anything.

Just then, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of voices as Midon, Linky, and Lapha all arrived.

"Ah, here's our Princess Mila, acting head of the family," joked Midon as they all gathered. "You summoned us, Your Highness, and we dutifully came."

"Thank you. I'm glad you're all here now, so let's begin," said Mila.

"If I recall, the last time we had one of these all-sibling meetings, it was to talk about who Astra's father was after Lapha's startling discovery," said Midon.

"I'm glad you remembered that, Midon," said Mila. "Because I felt like smacking you with a wet fin back then for your sarcastic remarks. I hope you'll be more serious this time, though this meeting is not about anything as unsettling as that."

"Okay, calm down, Sis," said Midon.

"So, what's floating, Mi?" Lapha asked.

"I had a brief talk with Dad before he and Mom left for Lurelin Village," said Mila. "As you know, Dad ended his journal and closed it out with a farewell message. And so, I asked him why. I wanted to hear what he had to say in person, not just read what he wrote. He said it was getting to be too much for him to keep track of what all of us were doing. Also, he said that he and Mom had done nothing worth writing about in over four years, and he wasn't sure that would change."

"Well, don't spout steam at me, Mila, but I do see his point," said Midon. "Everything he said is true. And I know he took Astra's departure very much to heart. That was one reason Mom wanted to take a vacation with him."

"Yes, I see his point too, but I don't think the story of their lives is over and should end now," said Mila. "It's way too soon!"

"So, what did you tell Dad, Mila?" Linky asked. "And what are you asking us to do?"

"I didn't have time to discuss it with Dad as he and Mom were getting ready to leave. But since then, I thought about suggesting we all agree to contribute to his journal so he won't have to do all the writing himself. I want to know if all of you are riding the same wave with me on this and will do your part."

"I don't mind," said Lapha. "I already keep notes about what I do. It was valuable advice from Dr. Purah."

"Me either," said Linky. "And Tila is also good at recording things we do as a family as well as her royal duties in North Hyrule."

Midon was quiet for a moment.

"Midon?" said Mila finally. "You seem hesitant. But I think we owe this to Mom and Dad and to Zora history."

"Well, okay, sure," sighed Midon. "I assume we can just get you the information, and you can swim with it from there?"

"Yes, I will collect whatever you submit and work it into story form," said Mila. "And I'll interview Mom and Dad for what they have to say and include that as well. I think with all your help, I can persuade Dad to cooperate. I'm pretty good at convincing Dad about things."

"Yes, you and your pretty golden eyes could always make Dad melt inside like ice in a hot spring," laughed Midon. "How many times did you get me in trouble?"

"How many times did you throw frogs at me and deserve it?"

"Okay, come on, you two," laughed Linky. "You're supposed to be adults now. So then we are all in agreement?"

Everyone nodded.

"Okay, Mi," said Midon. "I'll work to develop an efficient process to help you collect and organize the information."

"Great!" said Mila happily. "I'll start getting things ready from my end and discuss it with Mom and Dad when they return home. Now, let's catch some dinner!"

Everyone stood up and headed to Mikau Lake, where Tila and Tara were already swimming.

Meanwhile, visitors to Lurelin Village that day were treated to a magnificent sunset that colored the sky a delicate shade of pink and orange, and the sky's reflection in the Necluda Sea only enhanced its beauty.

Out in the water, Link rose to the surface and exhaled, then laughed between deep breaths. He and Mipha had been swimming and playing together and had just shared a long underwater kiss while he held his breath as long as he could. Mipha arose beside him and wrapped her arms around him, helping him stay afloat as they faced each other.

"Do you miss being a Zora yet?" said Mipha, as she caressed his cheek with the back of her hand, keeping her sharply, pointed nails well away from his skin. "That kiss could have lasted a lot, lot longer, sweetheart. Among other things."

"Among other things like being a Zora would make me taller?"

Mipha gently tickled him in the ribs.

"I'm joking," laughed Link. "If anything makes me miss being a Zora, it's romantic underwater moments with you."

Then they kissed again above water as they held each other in their arms.

"I love you," said Link after their kiss ended, and they looked into each other's eyes.

"I love you, too," said Mipha. "And I forgive you already, sweetheart."

"What? Forgive me for what?"

"For taking so long to share your feelings with me, of course," said Mipha as she stroked his hair.

"I would hope so! That was over forty years ago!" said Link as he burst out laughing.

"Feels like yesterday to me," said Mipha, and then they both laughed and kissed once again as they bobbed up and down together in the gentle waves.

After their kiss ended, Link spoke up.

"I know I was too quiet back then, but not for lack of feelings for you. I would clam up because I floundered finding enough nerve to tell you."

"Funny, and you know I'm just teasing you," laughed Mipha as she brushed some hair from his face. "But it's cute when you use fish expressions. I think you're still part Zora inside."

"Maybe so," laughed Link.

"I also think you've had enough swimming for today," said Mipha. "Let's head to land where I know my handsome Hylian hubby will feel more comfortable."

They laughed and splashed each other in a small water fight as they waded back to shore after their afternoon swim. Then when they reached the beach southwest of the village, Link knocked a Palm Fruit down from a nearby tree, and they sat down beside each other to share it.

"Bite?" said Link as he offered Mipha the fruit, and she tasted it.

"Sweet," said Mipha as she handed it back, and Link took a bite.

They alternated bites as they watched the waves roll onto shore, then Link yawned.

"You can rest your head on my shoulder, sweetheart," said Mipha as she reached over to cradle Link's head against her. "I appreciate all the time you spent swimming with me, but I can see that it tired you out."

"Yes, it must be a defect in your armor," said Link, and then they both laughed again.

Link rested his head on Mipha's shoulder, closed his eyes, and let out a sigh of contentment. Mipha leaned down and kissed him on the forehead, then smoothed away some of his hair, which was still quite wet from their swim.

"I'm kidding, of course," said Link through closed eyes. "Your armor is as good as new, sweetheart, and as you can see, it still fits me perfectly."

"I think you're bragging more about yourself and how well you stay in shape than the quality of my armor."

Link laughed, and then he let out another sigh and felt his body relax. He was in his early forties now, thanks to using Purah's anti-aging rune once. He was still in excellent shape, looked, and felt great. But he had to admit he wasn't in his teens anymore.

"You're nice to lean on," said Link. "I can never get used to how smooth your skin is."

They were both quiet as Mipha let Link rest, and the only sounds were the rhythmic swish of waves rolling onto shore, the rustling of leaves from the nearby palm tree, and the occasional cry of a seabird. A flock of seagulls circled offshore looking for their last meal of the day while crabs and herons scoured the shore.

After several minutes, Link opened his eyes and stared out to sea again, his head still resting on her shoulder. He did feel an attraction to water now, an urge to wade back into it and enjoy its feel. He knew Zoras never outgrew their desire to play in the water, and for a brief time, he had been a Zora himself, lived in Mipha's world. Some of that Zora love of water must have remained inside him even after transforming back to a Hylian. And so he felt drawn to watch the sea and the waves as he let his thoughts wander.

"What are you thinking about?" Mipha asked after several minutes of silence and noticing Link's eyes were open. "Here, you can finish the fruit."

"Thanks," said Link as he took the Palm Fruit from her. "I was just daydreaming. I remember spending some very romantic times with you here."

"I'll never forget that trip either," said Mipha.

She leaned down, and they kissed, then Link resumed speaking.

"If you can stand taking a break from swimming, maybe tomorrow we can hike up to Lover's Pond," said Link. "There's a magnificent view from the top of Tuft Mountain. And they say you can find the love of your life there."

"Yes, I'd like that," said Mipha. "I'm curious who will show up for each of us."

They both smiled at their kidding.

"But somehow, if the prophecy is true, I suspect it will be just the two of us there," Mipha continued. "And it would be especially romantic if it rains."

"Yes, it would be. It rains a good deal here, so there's a decent chance of that happening," said Link. "And I know your favorite flower, Blue Nightshade, grows by Yambi Lake. So, we can definitely have a romantic time there."

They were quiet for another moment, then Link spoke again.

"It was a great idea coming here, to get away together for a while, just the two of us. I mean, I love the fun of being with our family, of course. But seeing our children growing up reminded me of how important it is to make time for each other. The children have their own lives to live now."

"Don't feel unneeded, sweetheart. The children all love you and will always be a part of our lives," said Mipha. "By the way, speaking of children, I know Mila said she needed to speak to you before we left. Did she catch you?"

"Indeed, she did!" said Link. "As you suspected, she was quite upset about me ending my journal. I said I would speak with her about it after we return."

"I predicted that," said Mipha. "Your journal means a lot to her, dear, both personally and professionally. She used to love sitting on your lap while you wrote. There were nights I found you both asleep at your desk, her arms wrapped around you, and your arm still gripping her. It was so cute!"

"I remember," smiled Link. "I sometimes pushed myself too hard to get everything written down by the end of the day. But I loved having her with me. She never interrupted my writing, just wanted to keep me company."

"You know, as a young child, Mila was closer to you than to me. And it makes me laugh to remember how worried you were that our Zora children would have difficulty accepting a Hylian father. But, of course, I kept telling you it would be fine."

"I know," said Link, shaking his head. "And you were right."

"Then later, you worried about them accepting you after you transformed into a Zora. And that was fine, too. Somehow you managed to worry no matter what you were!"

"Yes, I guess I was pretty insecure when it came to our children, wasn't I?" laughed Link. "And you were right in both cases, of course. But ever since I was a child, it's been my nature to anticipate trouble and avoid surprises. So, I sometimes end up worrying needlessly."

Link paused again for a moment as the offshore breeze picked up, and the waves grew taller. Some clouds were rolling in from the east.

"I was also thinking about Astra, and I hope she's doing well," Link added. "She's been on my mind a good deal since she left."

"I know how much you love her and how deeply you feel her loss," said Mipha as she caressed his forehead. "But if I had to guess, she's doing as well as you. You helped raise her well."

"She may be doing even better than me," said Link. "She's incredibly skillful. Her reflexes are outstanding, and I think her flurry rush may even be a bit faster than mine. Plus, she's not at all reckless. Instead, she carefully thinks before she acts, something it took me some time to learn."

"I'm sure you're right," said Mipha.

Mipha knew how much Link wanted to believe Astra was well. And she probably was, as everything Link said was true.

The sunset faded, darkening the sky as the sun sank lower, and night insects added their buzzing sounds to the evening. If you looked toward the village, you could see the orange glow of flaming torches. Lurelin Village worked hard to maintain its rustic fishing village character, one of its charms and enduring appeal to tourists. A moment later, you could hear the faint sound of someone playing music.

"We should head back to the hut," said Mipha as Link yawned once again. "I've had plenty of water time, and you need to rest."

"Fine," said Link. "But I'm not that tired."

"We'll see," laughed Mipha as she squeezed his hand.

They both stood up and held hands as they began walking along the water's edge back to the village and the hut they had rented for the week, stepping around some brightly glowing Hearty Blueshell Snails. Some villagers were busy cleaning their boats and putting away their nets for the night, having returned from a full day of fishing. They nodded in greeting as Mipha and Link passed. Just then, they felt a drop of rain.

"What a perfect day!" exclaimed Mipha. "Don't you love the rain?"

"You know I do," said Link as they finished their walk back to the hut and squeezed each other's hands. "But most of all, I love you."

Mipha looked over at him, and they smiled at each other.

"It's a good thing," said Mipha. "Because I love you, too."

The rain became heavier just as they entered their cozy hut, and you could hear it beating against the thatched roof and rustling the nearby palm tree leaves.

"Shall we watch the rain?" Mipha asked.

Link didn't answer but took her in his arms, and they kissed.

This was a perfect day!