Summary: King Dorephan bestows a title on Link. Young Link joins the Hyrule army and learns to take care of himself. He later enters the swordsmanship competition, which ultimately leads to an ironic assignment. Link struggles to maintain his journal as his family spends more time apart.

"I can't get over what a handsome couple you two make!" said King Dorephan as he met with Mipha and Link after lunch. They had recently returned from their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary trip, and Link was still a Zora. King Dorephan had asked to meet with them.

"I know what you're doing, Father," said Mipha. "And if you're doing it for me, you don't need to. While I do love being with Link like this, I am quite happy being with Link as a Hylian as well."

"Was I that obvious?" laughed King Dorephan. "Well, I suppose it is none of my business anyway. However, being married twenty-five years is a real accomplishment, the first significant anniversary for Zora married couples. I feel Link has finally earned the right to become a full member of our royal family. While you two were away, I consulted with the other members of the council of elders, and they agreed with me that an exception to our rules is justified in Link's case. I am going to name you, Link, as a Prince of the Zora."

Link looked stunned, and his jaw dropped.

"Father, I'm honored but ..."

He was about to say that he didn't feel he deserved it when Mipha cut him off.

"Thank you, Father, that would be wonderful! That makes me very happy!" said Mipha. "And I do believe Link deserves it."

"Link, you started to say something," said King Dorephan. "I assume you have no objection?"

Hearing Mipha's reaction made his answer easy.

"I am greatly honored, Father. I feel unworthy but have no objections whatsoever," said Link.

"Excellent!" said King Dorephan. "And the council agreed you would retain your title whether you remain a Zora or return to being a Hylian. This is all quite unprecedented for us, but you have earned it."

"That is very generous of you, Father," said Link. "I can only say how deeply honored I am. It is something I never dreamed of."

"The brief ceremony will be in one week, and with only family present," said King Dorephan. "Afterward I will announce it to the Domain."

They both thanked him again. Then Mipha took Link's hand and practically dragged him out of the throne room. When they were on the level below, she reached out, and they embraced.

"I know this means more to me than to you," said Mipha. "But I always wanted you to be one with us, to know that you are fully accepted in our family in every way. And now you shall be."

"I'm truly honored," said Link. "I don't know what else to say. Your people, I mean our people, have always been very gracious to me. This is beyond anything I ever expected. But why now?"

"I think Father was waiting until our marriage reached this point," said Mipha. "As he said, for a Zora couple their twenty-fifth anniversary is considered their first significant one. I gather Hylians attach significance to anniversaries every five years or so, but because of our Zora longer life span, every five years is way too often. So, the fact we're married twenty-five years is important to Zoras."

The ceremony was the following week. Link knelt before King Dorephan, who made a short statement that conferred the title of Prince of the Zora on him. Then Link rose and was presented with a gold aiguillette to wear over the right shoulder of his Zora Armor. After affixing it to his armor, everyone congratulated him, and they all exchanged hugs.

"So, Dad, you're finally royalty," said Midon. "Now Mom can't command you to obey her."

"I don't want to go there Midon," laughed Link. "She only did that once in all our time together. My problem is Mom always has Father to back her up. But all kidding aside, I don't take this lightly. I know the council made an exception for me and I am very grateful for the honor."

"Congratulations, Dad," added Link. "I always thought you should have had a Zora title. I'm happy they finally recognized that."

After the ceremony, there was a family dinner. And once the day ended, life returned to normal, with Link needing to get used to being addressed as Your Highness by Zora guards.

But some Zora guards carried things a bit further.

Bazz, Rivan and Gaddison waited for Link to head toward his house one afternoon and met up with him near the east bridge.

"Your Royal Highness!" said Bazz. And all three of them knelt and bowed their heads before him.

"Will you three stop it?" said Link as he burst out laughing.

"May your humble subjects rise?" said Gaddison.

"Please do before you embarrass me," laughed Link.

The three of them stood up and began laughing as well.

"Congratulations, Link," said Rivan. "It's nice to see a brigade member do well. But a Hylian becoming Zora royalty? Amazing!"

"Thanks," said Link. "Do you have time for some celebration? Let me buy us all some drinks."

"Of course, let's go," said Bazz. "If our captain says anything, we'll just tell him a prince commanded us."

After Link got drinks, they all made their way to one of the Gazebo structures, sat down together and toasted Prince Link.

"I sometimes ask myself if wonders will never cease," said Bazz as he took another drink. "I still remember that little Hylian boy we invited to join our group. First, he becomes the hero of Hyrule, and now he's a prince in our Domain."

"It doesn't matter what they call me," said Link. "You three will always be my good friends. And if I can ever help you, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you Your Highness, and here is to you," said Gaddison as she raised her glass and everyone took another drink.

"Just remember we should all kneel whenever Prince Link approaches," said Bazz. "It's our brigade's new show of respect."

"You three never give up, do you?" laughed Link. "Let's have another round. And let's toast the brigade and our long friendship, not my title."

"Whatever Your Highness wishes," laughed Rivan. "But being a Prince, I think all the drinks should be on you, Your Highness."

So, life went on for the rest of the year. Mila continued teaching and spending time with Kendal. Midon continued to work on coding and spending time with Larena. Lapha excelled in the Sheika Technology class. And young Link kept up with his schoolwork and made time to play with Lapha when he wasn't seeing Tila. Link spent most of the year as a Zora, but then returned to his Hylian form shortly before the year was out and before his Hylian blueprint expired.

Nothing of any significance happened until the end of the school year when young Link surprised everyone. He spoke with his father while they were together outside their house.

"Dad, I've been thinking for a while about what I wanted to do after the end of school this year," said young Link. "I know we spoke of it a little, but I've finally made up my mind. I've enlisted as a Hyrule knight. I am expected to report for duty in one week at Hyrule Castle."

Link had expected he might have this conversation at some point but was hoping it would be later rather than sooner.

"Oh, I see," said Link. "You already enlisted? Well, I can hardly argue with your career choice since I did that myself. I know you wanted this to be your decision, and I respect that. But Mom will take this a bit hard. She's not used to children growing up so fast and leaving home since Zora children take longer and then almost always work here in the Domain. So, please be sensitive to her feelings."

"I will, Dad," said Link. "It was her feelings that have been on my mind. Should I tell her, or will you?"

"Which do you prefer?" asked Link.

"I think it might be better if you do it if you don't mind," said young Link. "Part of me says I should do it, but I don't think I can bear it if she starts to cry. I love her so much, and it would kill me to think I was making her unhappy. But I feel I need to do this in my life. I promise I will return home as often as I can to see all of you."

"Alright, I'll speak to her for you," said Link. "Mom will get over it, and realize it's what you feel you must do. You should tell your siblings at dinner tonight. And I think you know Lapha will take it the hardest."

Link went inside and found Mipha. He was not sure how to break the news but thought the best way was just to come out and tell her.

"Sweetheart, can we talk for a minute?" said Link.

"Of course," said Mipha looking up. "Is anything wrong?"

"It's about Link," said Link. "He has enlisted in the Hyrule army. I know this is going to be hard for you, hard for all of us. He is to report for duty in one week."

"Oh no!" said Mipha as her hands went to her mouth. "You can't be serious! He is still too young. Can you not talk him out of this? I thought he could be a knight here if he wanted that career path."

"He is young, but not too young," said Link. "I was already a knight at his age. You're used to Zora children. We have to accept he's grown up, sweetheart. As for working here, I think he wanted to prove himself and be more on his own. But he knows this is going to be hard for you and it bothers him that he may have hurt you. That's why he asked me to tell you."

Link could see tears welling up in Mipha's eyes. He reached out and held her, patting her gently on the back.

"I guess I always knew this day would come soonest for my littlest boy," said Mipha sobbing. "But it doesn't make it any easier."

"I know, I know," said Link as he comforted her. "If it makes you feel any better, he promises to visit often, and I'm sure he will. And thanks to Tabs we can all keep in touch. I know it's not the same as him living here with us, but it will help."

They held each other a few more moments. Mipha was thinking back to the cute little Hylian boy she had held in her arms and whom she loved to cuddle with and care for. But Link was right. He was grown up now. She wiped her eyes.

"You're right, of course, about all of it," said Mipha. "Life has to go on, and all our children are growing up. One just suddenly grew up a little sooner than I thought. But I imagine this is an exciting moment for our son. We should not turn it into something sad. And I don't want him to feel badly over me. It's not his fault."

Despite their best efforts, though, it was still a somber and emotional family dinner that evening when everyone received the news that young Link would be leaving next week for Hyrule Castle and joining the guards.

"I promise I will come home every chance I get," said Link. "And I'll message all of you all I can. I will miss all of you, too. But I feel I need to start doing something with my life, and this feels right to me."

Lapha listened to what Link said, then got up from the table wiping her eyes and went outside. Young Link followed her, caught up to her, bent down and hugged her. She held onto him, sobbing.

"I'm going to miss you," said Lapha. "Playing won't be the same now."

"I will miss you, too, Laff," said Link patting her. "But I promise I'll message you every day and come home to see you every chance I get. And when I'm home, we will play together, just like before. If someone older is willing to go with you, you can even visit me sometimes. That would be fun too."

"You had better keep your promise to me," said Lapha sobbing.

Then Link held her until she got over her sobbing, took her hand, and they went back inside to finish dinner.

When the day came to say goodbye, Lapha first stopped by Link's room as he was packing some things.

"I made this for you," said Lapha handing Link a holder for his Tab. "It looks better than the one you're using now. I'm hoping you will remember to think of me when you see it and send me a message."

"It's perfect, Laff, I love it!" said Link taking the gift and hugging her. "But I don't need a gift to remind me of you. I love you, and you're the best sister any brother could want."

Then Lapha and Link went outside, and Link hugged everyone else goodbye.

"Take care of yourself and keep in touch little brother," said Midon. "Don't let anyone pick on you."

"Let us know how you are," said Mila. "We will be thinking of you."

"You know we will all miss you very much," said Mipha. "Be proud of who you are and do your best. I know you will do well. I love you, sweetheart."

"I'll miss everyone," said Link. "And I love all of you. I will be home again soon."

Link had offered to drive his son to Hyrule Castle, and the rest of the family waved goodbye. Then father and son headed off, Link driving the motorized cycle and his son riding behind him.

"You know I don't want to receive any special treatment because you were my Dad," said young Link as they made their way.

"I understand," said Link. "And I don't think you will get any. I haven't told Zelda or anyone else that you enlisted, precisely for that reason. But your name will give away who you are. And you may even run into people looking to challenge you to prove a point. But please remember you don't have to be me. Just do your best, and be a good person. That's all I ask."

"I will, Dad," said Link. "And I never thought I could be you. But I think I can still be somebody."

"You can, son," said Link. "And you already are. You have my combat gift, but remember only to use it for good. And pray to Hylia each day. She is a very kind and merciful Goddess, and I believe she will listen to your prayers."

Link's father tried to keep the mood light during their journey by talking, recounting stories of things that happened to him near the places they were riding by, be it monsters he had battled or people he had met there. It made the time together pass more quickly.

When they finally reached the castle, Link hugged his son goodbye, then waved to him as he entered the castle. Link wiped his eyes, then began the journey home. Usually, he would have called upon Queen Zelda if he was near the castle. She always made time for him when he visited, and they had fun reminiscing. But he did not feel in the mood this time, and he did not want to lie to her about why he was there. So, he headed back at once and was glad when he arrived back at the Domain.

"Did everything go well?" said Mipha upon his return.

"Yes, going there was a nice ride," said Link. "The roads keep getting better and better. I saw him off at the castle. Coming home I just wanted to get back here as soon as I could and be with you."

"And I'm glad you're home," said Mipha. "I was thinking of the two of you while you were gone. I think our son will do fine. We have both raised him well, and he is a fine person. Do you agree?"

"Yes, I do," said Link. "Don't worry about him. I know he can take care of himself."

After arriving at the castle, young Link made his way to where he had been instructed to present himself. He was given a uniform to change into and then assigned to a unit. The lieutenant in charge of the unit was named Arsham, and he welcomed Link.

"I should be honored to have the son of such an illustrious individual in my unit," said Arsham. "And I gather you are also a cousin of Her Highness. But I hope you don't expect any special treatment because that is not my way."

"I certainly don't, Sir," said Link. "I want to prove myself, not depend on others."

"That's a fine attitude, Link, and you will certainly have the chance to do that," said Arsham. "Come, let me introduce you to the rest of our unit."

Arsham took Link to where the others were gathered, and there were about a dozen soldiers there. All were cordial and welcomed him, and Link felt he would have no problems fitting in with them.

Meanwhile, back in Zora's Domain, some further news arrived that left Mipha and Link beginning to feel like what the Rito refer to as empty nesters. It started with Mila.

"Mom and Dad," said Mila at dinner. "Queen Faray has invited me to North Hyrule while school is out of session to do some research on North Hyrule history. I'm very excited about this opportunity and hope to publish a more extensive history of their area after completing my research. I will be leaving tomorrow."

"That's a fine opportunity," said Mipha. "I hope that works out for you, Mila. That land has been something of a mystery since Dad, and I first visited it and it would be good to know more about it."

Next morning Mila said goodbye and headed for the Lanayru Bay ferry. She was traveling alone but was quite comfortable with that, and after boarding the boat, she found a seat on the starboard side. The ferry service was outstanding and had an excellent safety record, save for the unfortunate fatality of Princess Tiray. But of course, as Mila knew from her Dad, that had been no accident. What a horrible creature Vera had been!

Mila settled down in her seat and watched Mount Lanayru slide by as the ferry left port and made its way east out of Lanayru Bay. She tried to imagine what it must have been like for her Dad all those years ago, keeping Zelda company all day on that cold mountain top. Of course, hardly anyone knew about that or the many other things he had done. Many of them never happened anymore to anyone but him. But the historian in her wanted to record everything he could remember when they had time. She settled back for now and enjoyed the ride as the ferry picked up speed and turned north toward the Akkala Sea.

When Mila arrived at the North Hyrule pier, she made her to their Domain and waited on the slumber pools level until Queen Faray was free. This was one of the historical mysteries she wanted to explore, how their two domains came to be so alike and when theirs was built. She knew Faray's people had descended from sea Zoras and she had descended from freshwater Zoras. But there had been an intermingling of their peoples and many unknowns about what happened afterward. She hoped her research would help. A guard broke her thoughts telling her that Her Majesty was ready to see her now.

"Mila, you are becoming a regular visitor here these days," laughed Faray. "I'm happy you accepted my invitation and look forward to helping you with our history this summer."

"Thank you, Faray," said Mila. "I am very excited about it."

"And I hope you and Tila can have a good time together, though for obvious reasons my sister said she plans to spend every weekend at Hyrule Castle," said Faray.

"Yes, my little brother's news took all of us by surprise," said Mila. "But I am sure he will welcome her company. When and where can I start work?"

Meanwhile, back in Zora's Domain, two days after Mila left, Midon and Lapha had some excellent news. Lapha was like a puffer fish ready to pop with excitement.

"Mido and I are going to Hyrule Castle!" shouted Lapha. "We're both invited to attend Dr. Purah's summer class this year. I'm so excited! And besides the class, I will get to see Link now! We leave next week."

As Lapha indicated, Midon and Lapha had both been invited to attend the special summer session Dr. Purah taught on Sheikah technology. This class was quite competitive to gain admission to, and it reflected an assessment that both of them had a strong aptitude in aspects of that technology.