Summary: Over four years have passed, and Astra reaches adulthood as she celebrates her seventeenth birthday in Zora's Domain. The next day, Zelda and Link accompany Astra to the Spring of Wisdom. Finally, Link concludes his journal with a personal statement.

It was morning in Zora's Domain, as Link took his journal down from its shelf, needing both hands to lift it. He noticed some dust on the cover and took a moment to wipe it clean, then returned it to the shelf. He stopped to think. How long had it been? It must be over four years now since his last written entry. He had spent those years enjoying his family and performing his duties as Zora Ambassador. But there had been no dramatic adventures to pull him away and send Mipha and him to Hylia knows where. Life had remained uneventful, and whatever noteworthy events that happened were someone else's story, not theirs. In short, there had been nothing worth writing about.

Of course, it wasn't as if nothing happened in Hyrule all this time. Purah and Robbie kept busy researching Sheikah technology, the fruits of their stream of discoveries at the Forgotten Temple. Public transportation continued to improve, and even the Gorons stopped complaining about the lack of tourist access after work there was finally completed. Revali and Daruk were still Revali and Daruk. And Princess Zelda took on more of her mother's duties while she and Randall raised their cute son Horwell.

However, this year was different and a noteworthy one for Link's family. Linky would turn thirty in another month, and Mila and Midon had both turned forty almost two months before. But most importantly, Astra was about to turn seventeen. Ironically, the ages of forty and seventeen were considered the age of adulthood by Zoras and Hylians, respectively.

For Zoras, the age of adulthood was a relatively informal affair unless some legal matter was involved. Zoras were usually considered adults somewhere between the ages of forty and sixty, depending on the person.

But for Hylians, turning seventeen was a significant milestone, and especially so for Hyrule princesses. They were expected to complete their spiritual training by praying at the Spring of Wisdom, the last of the three sacred shrines.

After Astra turned twelve, she had asked if she could alternate future birthday celebrations between Zora's Domain and Hyrule Castle, the odd ones occurring in the Domain. And so, her seventeenth birthday celebration was to be held in Zora's Domain, and the family had planned a large party complete with some top-rated musical talent. Afterward, Astra would make the customary pilgrimage to the Spring of Wisdom, and Queen Zelda and Link had agreed to accompany her there.

As had become Astra's custom on odd age birthday years, she had celebrated with her sister Zelda, Prince Randall, and her nephew Horwell at a small private dinner and party the night before.

"Thanks for a fun time," said Astra as she hugged everyone goodnight after finishing a piece of birthday cake. "I should go so Horwell can get to bed before it's too late."

"Congratulations again," said Randall.

"Happy Birthday, Aunt Astra!" said Horwell.

Astra hugged Randall and Horwell goodnight and then prepared to return to her room.

"I'll walk you back to your room," said Princess Zelda, then they left and walked down the hallway to Astra's bedroom. Zelda took Astra's hand, a habit neither had outgrown.

"I guess you're too big to tuck in and tell a bedtime story to now," said Zelda. "I still remember how cute you were, so excited each night to hear an adventure story. It's hard to believe you'll be seventeen!"

"I know, and I'll never forget how much fun you made those stories, Zel, and for spending that special time with me. You've been a wonderful sister - the best!" said Astra.

"I've been a wonderful sister? Just because you're turning seventeen, I still am your big sister, and don't you forget it! Or are you saying I am no longer wonderful?" Zelda teased, and they both laughed.

Then Astra reached out, and they hugged goodnight upon reaching her room.

"I love you, Zel, so very much! You've made me very happy. And thanks for the bracelet. I'll cherish it."

"I love you, too, but why so dramatic?" said Zelda. "Enjoy your party tomorrow and keep warm on Mount Lanayru. You can tell me all about it when you return."

Astra smiled, and they kissed goodnight. Then Zelda returned to be with her family while Astra closed the door, undressed, and lay down in bed. She stared at the ceiling as she wiped away tears. Suddenly, a voice filled her mind.

"You are upset, Mistress? And you chose not to tell her?"

"Long goodbyes are the worst and telling my sister now would only make it harder for both of us. Is not that the very reason you did not tell me sooner, though my father suspected it some years ago? Perhaps you don't understand our emotions, Fi, but it's very sad to leave those you love."

"It is true that Her Grace did not wish this burden to weigh too long on your mind, Mistress. And it is also true that I do not fully understand your emotions. But I have experienced a sense of loss when bidding farewell to my masters. So perhaps that is similar."

"Perhaps, Fi. But I need to rest now and keep up a brave face," said Astra as she closed her eyes, rolled over, and was soon asleep.

The following day there was a small family breakfast, and then Astra began the brief journey to Zora's Domain with her mother. Princess Zelda would remain behind at Hyrule Castle to attend to affairs in Queen Zelda's absence.

The weather was bright and sunny on the afternoon of Astra's birthday, and the festivities at the Domain were in full swing with plenty of food, music, and dancing. Link was having a great time, thrilled at having so many of the most significant people in his life gathered together at one time. He stopped at the snack table for some cooked snails and then turned to watch the dancing.

The music was fast, and the rhythm was catching, perfect for the younger generation who were having the time of their life. Mila and Midon were laughing while having a sister and brother dance. Then Link laughed too as he saw ten-year-old Tara dancing with Astra, and they performed a fancy dance move that drew applause from those nearby.

Mipha was talking with Zelda across the way, and Mipha waved to him and blew him a kiss, and he did the same back to her. He realized that Mipha knew this was an emotional day for him as his youngest child reached adulthood. She wanted to make sure he was alright, and that was just like her, always looking out for him. Finally, the song ended with a round of cheers and applause from the dance crowd.

Then the family was interrupted for a group picture, which took some little time posing, given how many of them there were.

"I'm ready," said Link as he took his place.

"Sidon! Picture time!" called Mipha.

"Coming, Sis!" said Sidon as he rushed to join the group. "Father said he was too tired, and we should just go ahead without him."

Mipha stood on Link's left and Sidon on Mipha's left at the far-right side of the picture.

"You can stand close to me right away this time, sweetheart," said Link. "No need to inch your way closer."

"Very funny," said Mipha as she tickled him in the ribs, and they both laughed.

Astra stood to Link's right, and Zelda stood next to Astra.

"You look so beautiful, sweetheart," said Zelda as she hugged Astra.

"Thanks, Mom," said Astra. "So do you."

"Tara, no funny faces, okay?" whispered Tila, who stood on Zelda's right. "This is Astra's special day."

"Mom!" said Tara. "I'm not a baby anymore! I'm ten already!"

"Lapha, come stand here on my right," said Linky, waving to his sister as Tara stood on his left.

"Be right there, Linky," said Lapha, getting into position.

"Can you put your Tab down for a moment and look up, Midon?" said Mila as she stood on Lapha's right.

"Oh, yeah, sure thing, Mi," said Midon, putting away his Tab and standing next to Mila.

"Okay, squeeze close and big smiles, everyone!" said the photographer. "Here we go!"

Several pictures were taken in hopes at least one would turn out well.

"And how about one last picture with everyone smiling and waving at me," said the photographer as they took a final picture.

Then the music and dancing resumed.

"May I have the honor, Your Majesty?" said Link to Zelda with a bow when they announced a song Link felt he could dance to.

"The honor is mine, Hero," laughed Zelda as they embraced and began dancing.

"Astra has grown into such a wonderful person," said Link. "You should be proud."

"I am, and so should you," said Zelda. "We've certainly come a long way together, haven't we, Link? Who would believe all our children are grown, and we're both grandparents?"

"Yes, we've come a long way, and I hope we both still have a long way to go," said Link. "But speaking of together, I love it when all of us are together like this. Maybe for Astra's nineteenth, you can bring Horwell and the rest of the family here too?"

"You're certainly thinking ahead!" laughed Zelda. "But yes, of course. Horwell will be ten by then, and I'm sure my daughter and her husband would love to attend."

They danced quietly for another moment, and then Zelda spoke up.

"Mipha tells me you have decided to end your journal? She said you hadn't written anything in some time now, anyway."

"Yes, I think so," sighed Link. "I've been tempted to end it before, but every time I do, something happens, and I need to continue it. But we've had years of peace with no sign of trouble and no adventures of mine to report on. Mipha and I have been living a quiet life, and, as you said, our children are all grown now. I can't keep track of them, and all they're doing, and those things are really their stories, not mine."

"I suppose you're right," sighed Zelda. "My older daughter is already quite capable of handling all that I used to do. We're both blessed with wonderful children, aren't we?"

"We are indeed!" laughed Link.

The music ended, and they embraced. Then, when Link heard the musicians announce their next song, he hurried off to find Mipha. The next song was 'Waves of Love,' which was Mipha's favorite song and the one she and Link first danced to at their wedding.

"Just in time," said Link as he took Mipha into his arms, and they held each other close, moving to the music as it started.

"I'm glad you remembered," said Mipha. "You dance much better now than you did at our wedding. Maybe your warm-up dance with Zelda helped?"

"Very funny," laughed Link. "I know you've been very patient with my dancing, but I've had quite a long time to improve."

"Not that long, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Just long enough."

Link laughed again.

"I love you so much! You always have a way of making me feel better."

"It's what I do, you know!" laughed Mipha. "And I love you, too. So, after you return from the Spring of Wisdom, I'd like for just the two of us to go away again together, perhaps back to Lurelin Village."

"Great idea," said Link as they resumed dancing and then ended their dance with a kiss.

They could both see Astra across the way talking with other family members, and Mipha spoke up.

"Astra looks so much like you did at seventeen. The resemblance is remarkable," said Mipha. "But it goes beyond appearance. She carries herself with poise and shares your kind and caring disposition. The big difference is she knows how to speak."

"I know you're teasing me, but I agree with you," said Link as he admired Astra from a distance. "She's grown to be everything one could hope for, and I'm very proud of her."

Upon the next slow song, Astra came over to Link.

"Ready, Dad? We always dance on my birthday," said Astra.

"Of course, I'm glad you still like to," said Link as they embraced and began moving to the music.

"Thanks for another fun party," said Astra. "I love having it here, and I can see why living here is so happy for you."

"We're all happy you love to visit," said Link. "And we always want you to consider this your home too."

They danced quietly for several minutes, and when the song ended, they hugged.

"Happy birthday!" said Link as he kissed her on the cheek. "You know how much I love you."

"I do," said Astra as she kissed him back on the cheek. "Love you too, Dad!"

Then Astra went off to speak with her mother.

The party went late into the night, well after the time Zelda, Mipha, and Link retired for the evening.

The following day, after a late breakfast and some family farewells, Zelda, Astra, and Link began the journey to the Spring of Wisdom. The trip was uneventful at first, though Astra seemed quieter than usual. Link attributed it to her late-night partying or perhaps her thoughts about the solemn event that was soon to take place.

It was as cold as ever when they finally reached the sacred Spring of Wisdom near the summit of Mount Lanayru, and each of them consumed a warming elixir. The visit brought back memories of past visits there for both Zelda and Link. They stood together and watched as Astra walked into the spring and stopped to pray at the giant statue of Hylia. Suddenly the figure glowed, and the massive stone door to the ancient Sheikah Shrine slid open.

"What's going on?" said Link.

"It's time," said Astra as she turned back to face them. "It's time for me to return to the timeline you left, Dad. Goddess Hylia's servant says I am needed there. I know long goodbyes are the hardest, and this one is especially so for me. So, I thought it best to keep this secret until now. Please forgive me."

"No! This can't be happening!" Zelda cried out. "I don't want to lose you, Astra!"

"I feared this would happen," sighed Link as tears welled up in his eyes. "I spoke of it years ago but hoped I was wrong."

"Try not to cry because our time is over," said Astra. "Be happy that it ever happened. I will cherish the days I spent with you both. You were the ones who could teach me what I needed to know. I learned how to be Hyrule's ruler from you and Zelda, Mother. And I learned how to be its hero from you, Father. That was the Goddess's plan, to give me a life in this timeline and to turn Timela's evil intentions into good. I will take good care of all those you left behind, Dad. And I'll tell them you're doing just fine."

Astra embraced each of them in turn, and both Zelda and Link kept wiping away tears.

"I understand the Goddess's purpose, but it does not make our parting any less bitter," said Link as he held her in his arms and kissed her. "I will always love you, Astra, as much as there are stars in the sky."

"And I will remember that each night I gaze at the heavens," said Astra as she smiled and kissed him back. "I may not have said it as often as you, Dad, but I love you just as much."

"And I will always love you too, sweetheart," said Zelda as she embraced Astra in turn. "You brought such great joy into my life, into all our lives. Does your sister know about this?"

"No, Mom, I said nothing to Zelda either," said Astra. "But tell her I love her and why I could not bring myself to tell her. I hope she understands."

"I'll explain everything, sweetheart, and I'm sure she will," said Zelda.

They held each other close for another moment and kissed. Then Astra and her mother ended their embrace, and Astra spoke.

"Though from now on I will be called by my true name of Zelda, the name Astra will forever remain in my heart and remind me of our time together. But now, I must go."

Astra smiled one last time, then she turned and walked through the entranceway where the ancient Sheikah Shrine lay. She turned back briefly to wave as the door sealed shut behind her, and then she was gone.

Zelda and Link looked at each other for a moment, and then each bowed their head and said a silent prayer to Hylia to keep Astra safe. After that, there was nothing left to say or to do. They made their way quietly back down the mountain, lost in their thoughts, and each returned home after embracing goodbye. Link explained to Mipha and his family what had happened when he arrived home, and afterward, Mipha comforted him as best she could.

"I should have prepared myself better for this day," said Link sadly. "I suspected it would happen but kept hoping I was wrong."

"I know you will dearly miss her. We all will. But now we must trust in the Goddess that this is what's best for Hyrule," said Mipha.

"I know," said Link as he took her hand. "Let's get some sleep."

And then life had to go on.

Several days later, Mipha joined Link as he sat at his desk and prepared to update his journal for the last time.

"You're handling finishing your journal very well," said Mipha. "I'm proud of you."

"I've had more time to prepare myself for this at least, though it still isn't easy for me," said Link. "But I'm glad you're here with me as I write my last chapter. I think I will title the end of my journal the same way I started it."

Link began writing.

Summary: Link ends his journal with a personal statement.

This is Link, and though my eldest daughter Mila has taught me to "never say never," I expect this will be the last chapter I write in this terribly long story. Therefore, I will depart from my usual practice and write in the first person for a change.

I thought it fitting to title my last journal entry "Remembering," the same as my very first, the opening chapter of "His Future is in the Past." Way back then, I struggled to recover memories I had lost, especially memories of Mipha after learning of her love for me. Now, as I write this, I'm also remembering, but in a much happier way. I'm remembering the wonderful life that Mipha and I have shared and continue to share even as she sits here beside me as I write this.

As you may know, this story began from notes that I kept to help organize my recovered memories after I awoke with amnesia from the Shrine of Resurrection. The memory flashbacks I had back then were erratic and by no means in order of their actual occurrence. They jumped haphazardly from one period to the next, and I had to place them in order as best I could. It was like assembling a jigsaw puzzle from pieces chosen at random, and all the while not knowing what the finished picture looked like. Keeping notes of what I learned along the way helped me to make some sense of it all.

Afterward, this story grew way beyond my expectations to include many happy moments spent with Mipha and our eventual family, as well as the many fantastic adventures that took place along the way.

This story has had its ups and downs, of course. And I know not everything that happened was to everyone's liking. But I love Mipha, and she loves me, and that has stayed constant throughout this story of our lives together and always will.

"Sounds like the right time for a kiss," said Mipha as she leaned over, and they kissed.

"That was sweet," said Link as their kiss ended. "And thanks again for sitting with me as I write this. Prepared or not, it still isn't easy for me to end my journal."