Chapter 23 - Family Changes
Summary: Link grows more comfortable with his new body, but Mipha explains there is more to being a Zora than swimming well. Tila has a joyous surprise for her family. Robbie finishes work on his more powerful guardian. And Purah's team prepares to resume excavation work in the Faron Region.
It was midday in Zora's Domain, and Mipha had spent the morning swimming with Link at Ruto Lake, helping him become more comfortable as a Zora. It reminded Mipha of their training days after Ganon's underwater blight took refuge in Lake Hylia. That was just over seventeen years ago now, and she had pushed Link to his limits back then, wanting him able to fight underwater with all the skill he could muster. It had been a grueling experience for them both, but some of that strenuous training was paying off now. She could see that Link was making more rapid progress than before. Anyway, they had spent several hours doing swimming exercises, and now they were taking a rest and floating beside one other.
"I can tell you're already swimming much better now, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Your movements are smoother, more natural, and seem to take you much less effort."
"Yes, at first, I was kind of consciously straining to keep track of what to do with fins and all. But swimming is feeling more automatic again, like before. I can do it without thinking about it. And I seem to have more energy too. Being in the water invigorates me somehow."
"That's all normal and shows you're making wonderful progress," said Mipha. "I always feel invigorated in the water, which is why I love being in it with you."
"And there's another thing I like about this change," said Link. "You know I've always looked up to you, sweetheart. But now I don't have to do it physically anymore."
"You're such a comedian. But I like seeing eye-to-eye with you, too. We should use this entire week that Father is giving us off so you can grow more fully acclimated to your new body, though it will probably take longer."
"Longer? I think I will be comfortable sooner than that. I'm a fast learner, you know."
"Don't you think I should be the judge of that, sweetheart? But there is more to being a Zora than swimming ability."
"Fair enough," laughed Link. "I love our free time together anyway, and I'm in no hurry to see it end, so that's fine. But I can't get over how much more energy I have in the water now! It's even more than I remember from my past."
"That's because water is your natural element now, and you're young as a Zora," said Mipha. "In fact, if you had done this twenty years ago, I would have been accused of marrying a minor."
"You're joking, right?"
"Well, yes, I am joking, given the circumstances that you were already a Hylian adult and of sound mind when we married," laughed Mipha as she reached out and took his hand. "Though now that I come to think of it, maybe that sound mind criteria could still be in doubt."
"Very funny! I knew it wouldn't take you long to make fun of my memory loss," laughed Link. "But I remembered enough to know I loved you, and that's all I needed to know."
"I'm teasing, of course," laughed Mipha. "But my point is you would have still been a Zora minor back then, so of course, you're still young now."
"I see. Well, I would have hated to see you get in trouble over me and accused of taking advantage of my young, impressionable mind," teased Link.
"Impressionable? Is that the same as empty?"
"I thought you would be nicer to me now," laughed Link as he squeezed her hand.
"Why? I haven't changed."
"But seriously, sweetheart, I feel wonderful, and I'm thrilled to be with you like this."
"And seriously, I'm thrilled too, more than you know. By doing this, you've washed away my deepest fear," said Mipha.
"What do you mean?"
"The fear of going through life without you," said Mipha. "You know I never liked to speak of it. But I watched other Hylians grow old, soldiers you served with retire, for example. Using Purah's rune to take fifteen years off your life helped a bit. I put aside my worries then, telling myself, you're still young and healthy - we have plenty of time together, everything will be fine. But then age started catching up with you again. Not that you didn't keep in excellent shape, sweetheart, because you did. But it can't be helped - that's just the way things are for Hylians. Anyway, now that you're one of us, I don't need to worry about losing you that way. We can live out our lives with each other the way it should be."
"And that's what means the most to me too, sharing my life with you as long as I can," said Link. "I love you."
"I love you too," said Mipha. "And I can't wait for you to become fully one of us."
"I thought I already did."
"Physically, yes, but there is so much more," said Mipha. "You enjoy being in water now and feel you've mastered swimming in it. But you don't feel one with water spiritually yet. If you concentrate, can you hear Nayru's song, the music of the waves?"
"No, I admit I can't," said Link. "I can hear the waves, but they don't feel like music to me."
"It will take you longer, I can't say how long, and then you will feel it," said Mipha. "You will sense the music of the water, and you will fall in love with it. It will fill your heart with joy. Hylians believe they have long ears so they can hear the voices of the gods. But did you think the gods would neglect the other Hyrule races? We Zoras hear the song of Nayru in the music of the waves. It's impossible to describe. But when you hear it, you will know it and understand. And then your conversion to a Zora will be complete."
"You never told me of this before."
"There was no reason to," said Mipha. "Your earlier Zora conversion was a partial one. As the scientists said, you were still more Hylian than Zora. But now you are truly one of us, all Zora. And we Zoras are musical to the core of our beings. Our legends tell of a time when our remote ancestors lived, and magical music notes called Tadtones flowed through the water under the command of the great water dragon. Why do you think we name our royalty after musical scales? We believe it is a sacred thing to do and shows respect for the goddess."
"I hope that happens to me soon," said Link. "I want to experience what you told me about."
"It will happen. Just give it time," said Mipha. "And when it does, you will understand. Then you will be a true servant of Nayru, for her song will fill you with a love of her and all things water."
"I guess I should have realized there was more to being a Zora than I thought," said Link. "For now, all I know is I am filled with love for you and am happy to be sharing your world."
Then Link put his arms around her, and they held each other close as they kissed several times. After a few moments, Mipha spoke up.
"How about one more swimming exercise? Race you to the bottom and back! And bring back a handful of sand to prove you reached the bottom!"
"You don't trust me? You're on, Princess!" laughed Link as they broke their embrace and dove as fast as they could into the depths of the lake. Mipha won, of course, but it was close.
"You're getting faster," said Mipha after they surfaced, and she reached out to take his hand. "But now we both deserve a break. So, grab a fish if you want on the way, and let's spend some romantic time together on the lakebed."
"I like that idea - very much!" said Link as they kissed, then both laughed and dove to the bottom of the lake.
Meanwhile, in North Hyrule, young Link was waiting for Tila to return from a meeting while Tara was still at school. Tila had asked him to wait for her at Crimson Grove, which was a short walk north of their Domain. It was a special location for them, for it was where he had asked Tila to marry him twelve years ago. He wondered why she was so insistent he meet her there, but he didn't mind. The beautiful red flowers that gave the location its name were still in bloom. And being sentimental around Tila was always sweet and brought out her affectionate side, which gave him goosebumps just thinking about it. And so, he strolled about the grove waiting for her and was naturally curious upon her return.
"Hey, sweetheart! Did your meeting go well? Everything okay?" said young Link as they kissed hello.
"It went swimmingly, dearest," said Tila as she kissed him back. "It ranks third now among the happiest meetings in my life."
"You keep track of such things?" laughed young Link. "Is that the mathematician in you? Now you'll definitely have to tell me all about it, as well as the other two."
"I was planning to tell you anyway, sweetheart. So here, sit beside me," said Tila as she took his hand, and they sat on a fallen log. Her golden eyes seemed to shine, and he loved gazing into them. He felt goosebumps again.
"You remember this place, right?"
"Of course! How could I ever forget it? I felt so thrilled when you agreed to marry me. But I've had so many happy moments with you I haven't tried to enumerate them."
"Well, I have more good news for you, sweetheart," said Tila as she held his hand. "Congratulations! You're going to be a father once again."
"What!? Are you serious? Blessed Nayru, that's wonderful!"
They embraced and kissed again.
"No wonder you were so mysterious about today's meeting."
"Yes, it was with the doctor," said Tila. "I had a feeling this might be the case for the past week and needed to check. I'm carrying an egg for a Zora child, but they can't tell the sex until it hatches."
"Amazing!" said young Link. "I've said this before, but no matter how happy I am with you, you always can make me happier. So, when is the egg due?"
"In about six weeks," said Tila. "Then you remember what happens? The egg has to be kept in clean water and will hatch three days later."
"Yes, of course, I remember from our experience with Tara," said young Link. "This is so exciting!"
"It is, isn't it?" said Tila. "But you know it means we will have to remain in North Hyrule until the child is old enough to travel."
"Yes, yes, of course, and that's fine," said young Link. "Whatever is best for our family. But I'm still trying to take all this in and catch my breath."
"I know what you mean. I have small lungs."
"Very funny! But now we have to think about names," said young Link.
"I was thinking of Lanka if it's a boy, and Tala if it's a girl."
"That's fine. You know more about such things than me. But, wow! I'm having trouble realizing what this means, getting it to sink in. I wonder how Tara will feel about it?"
"I think she will be excited and happy," said Tila. "She has even dropped hints occasionally that she wished she had a younger sibling. So, I wouldn't worry about Tara. We just have to make sure she realizes we love her just as much as her new sibling."
"Yes, of course, I understand. Does anyone else know yet?"
"Only the doctor, silly," laughed Tila as she tickled him in the ribs. "I thought you should be the next to know, given your role in the process."
"Yes, silly me," laughed young Link, shaking his head. "But now I'm curious. What were the two other happy meetings?"
"You have to ask? You can't figure it out?" laughed Tila. "When you asked me to marry you and when I learned about Tara, of course."
"Oh, right. I guess your exciting news has my head in a fog," laughed young Link, and they kissed again.
"Now that you know about it, we can talk to Tara when she returns from class," said Tila. "Then we can tell the rest of the family."
"Yes, and I'm sure they will be thrilled, too. This is so amazing! I love you so much!" said young Link as they embraced and kissed once more.
"We should head back to the domain before Tara finishes class," said Tila.
They held hands as they made the short walk back to the Domain, then sat and waited for Tara as they talked about what they would do. When Tara arrived a short time later, she saw her mother and father sitting across from each other, holding hands and in deep conversation.
"Hey, Mom and Dad!" said Tara. "Did you two have a fight or something?"
"No! Why would you think such a thing, Tara?" laughed Tila.
"The way you both look, sitting there and holding hands, like you just had a fight and were having a deep talk about making up," said Tara.
"Well, we are having a deep talk, but it's not because of a fight," said Tila. "When do you ever see us fight?"
"You're right, Mom," said Tara. "Dad always does what you want."
"Very funny, but come here, sweetheart," said Tila.
Tara walked over, and Tila put her arms around her.
"We have some good news to share with you. You're going to have a baby brother or sister in about six weeks," said Tila.
"Really, Mom? Oh yay! I've been hoping for that!"
"I thought you would be happy," said Tila.
"I am! Thanks, Mom! Oh, and thank you too, Dad."
"You already understand that, I mean, that it took both of us to accomplish this?" said young Link.
"Duh?" said Tara, giving her Dad a look. "I'm not a baby, Dad. But this is great! I promise I'll take good care of him or her, play with them and teach them things."
"I hope so because we need your help. And being a big sister is very important," said Tila.
"It is," laughed young Link. "And that's coming from two people who both have big sisters. Speaking of which, are you going to tell Faray? I can share the good news with my parents while you do."
"Yes, of course," said Tila.
Link and Mipha had already returned home by the time young Link's call came in.
"That is wonderful news!" said Mipha. "Your Dad and I are both thrilled."
"We think the names will be Lanka or Tala, depending upon whether it's a boy or girl," said Young Link.
"Both are fine names," said Mipha. "We will pass along the news to the rest of the family here and can celebrate in person on your next visit. And give Tila our love and congratulations."
"I will, Mom," said young Link. "Tila's telling her sister Faray at the moment. Oh, Tara says Hi and looks forward to playing with you next weekend."
The call ended, and Link sat thinking for a moment.
"What's the matter? What are you thinking?"
"Oh, nothing important. It's just that the name Lanka sounds vaguely familiar, but I don't remember why."
"Come, let's go tell Father and Sidon in person," said Mipha as she took Link's hand. "Father loves good news and seeing you with me as a Zora."
Meanwhile, at the Royal Ancient Tech Lab near Hyrule Castle, Robbie felt quite pleased with himself.
"Finally finished!" exclaimed Robbie as he rubbed his hands together and admired the special guardian he had assembled.
It was a larger guardian than the normal ones, with thicker armor and a more powerful energy beam. And it responded perfectly to the commands Robbie gave it through the special rune he had placed on his Tab.
"I have to admit it looks very solid and well made," said Purah. "But now that it is built, what good is it? What can we use it for?"
"It was useful for improving my knowledge of Ancient Technology and Guardians," said Robbie. "For example, it's one step closer to understanding how to create a Divine Beast from scratch, not simply digging one up. I know our colleagues in North Hyrule know more about such matters. But I have always preferred to figure things out for myself and not trust others. And you have to admit, my attitude paid off with the booby-trapped Tabs that their former Queen Sopha was trying to flood us with."
"Yes, all very true," said Purah. "That was good work."
"Here, let me turn this off," said Robbie as he deactivated it.
"So, shall we go celebrate?" asked Purah. "You've been working on this for some time."
"Celebrate? Do you know how?"
"Very funny," said Purah. "Um, how about an enjoyable meal in Castle Town? I'll even pay."
"Whoa! Let me steady myself. You will pay, Dr. Purah? So, this is coming from the cheapskate who worried about imaginary Rupees at the Café Bar on Windfall Island during the Hero of Winds simulation? I'm touched and will never forget this moment!"
"I can see success has made you quite the clown. Let's go before I change my mind," said Purah.
Purah and Robbie left the lab and waited for the next ferry to Castle Town.
Meanwhile, in a separate part of the lab, Lapha and Midon were meeting with North Hyrule Sheikah scientist Aldora.
"I gather we are resuming excavation work in your Faron Region tomorrow?" Aldora asked.
"Yes, that's right, now that we think we've uncovered most things of significance at the Forgotten Temple," said Midon. "I miss the Faron Region. They have some spectacular waterfalls there that are incredibly fun to swim up. I mean, when we weren't working, of course."
"But be honest, Aldora," said Lapha. "You're there to keep us out of trouble, right?"
"I'm there to keep us all out of trouble, Dr. Lapha," said Aldora. "As you know, I represent the North Hyrule Sheikah, and we feel strongly we need to be careful of any ancient technology we uncover. That our ancestors hid something and left it behind could mean either of two things: what they left behind was deemed not worth taking with them, or what they left was felt to be too dangerous to take with them. Remember, they did not know who inhabited the land they were fleeing to and would want nothing dangerous to fall into the wrong hands. And by the time our ancestors discovered the land we now call North Hyrule was ruled by a friendly race of Zora's, they could not return here to Hyrule to retrieve anything. The King of Hyrule's soldiers actively hunted down and persecuted Sheikah scientists. So, my point is we don't know what we may uncover. And you have to admit your Dr. Purah has a reputation for being on the reckless side. So, I am here to help ensure we are all being careful. You catch my drift, right?"
"Yes, and a nice Zora way of asking," said Lapha. "As you said, we leave tomorrow for the Faron Region."
"In the meantime, shall we all head to Castle Town for a good meal?" said Midon. "Starting tomorrow, we won't be close to restaurants, and it will be back to Hyrule Bass."
"Or rune made meals," laughed Aldora. "Yes, let's go! I'm enjoying being here and working with you both. Perhaps you could fill me in on what's new in your Domain?"
"And we can catch up with you on what's going on up north," said Lapha.
"Fair enough."
The three of them headed off to dinner together.