Summary: A new generation of Champions are appointed. But the old Champions may not be entirely done, and Link has his day of reckoning with his dark twin.

It was five years now since Mipha became Queen and life in Zora's Domain had settled down. She had grown comfortable in the role, and her people respected her.

Link was continuing his fitness program to stay combat ready. He trained every morning and hadn't forgotten the battle he would eventually have when the time came with his dark twin. He wondered if his dark twin was training also?

Mila and Midon were fourteen years old now, and pretty self-reliant. They often liked catching their own meals. And getting together with friends was more fun than family outings now. Their friends had come to accept the presence of guards wherever Mila or Midon went. At first, everyone felt self-conscious about it. But eventually, the guards just blended into the background and weren't thought of anymore.

Lapha and little Link were five years old now and had started school. They had decided to keep little Link in Zora's Domain rather than send him to Hyrule Castle for school.

Sidon had finished school and had two years of combat training with Link. Link thought Sidon did pretty well at combat and he could handle himself skillfully with just about anyone now. His father would have been proud of him. And Sidon had gone through his growth spurt and now towered over everyone. Mipha felt Sidon was finally ready to start learning Divine Beast Vah Ruta and eventually assume the role of Zora Champion. They would begin lessons this afternoon after lunch while Mila and Midon were in school.

What was happening in Zora's Domain was being repeated in Rito Village, Gerudo Town, and Goron City. Each Champion was starting to train a successor. Not that they were too old quite yet, but it had been fifteen years since they had fought Ganon and time was catching up on the older Champions like Urbosa and Daruk. Aside from Sidon, the next generation of Champions would be people Link had never met. He had met the next generation after that in his original timeline, Teba, Yunobo, and Riju. One hundred years was a long time for any race but the Zora.

And there was also talk that King Rhoam would be stepping down soon and hand over the rule of Hyrule to his daughter. He was getting on in years now and had come to realize he lacked the energy to do what was needed.

And what of Link himself? If he was victorious over Dark Link and they could destroy the Yiga Clan, then Hyrule should have peace for many years. His job as hero would indeed be finished. What would life be like then? But maybe that wouldn't happen. What if he lost to Dark Link? Or they killed each other? He would do his best to make sure he didn't fail by training harder. But if they destroyed each other, it would at least help bring peace to Hyrule and be a fitting end to his career, though it would be painful for his family. Anyway, who knew what the future held?

It was time for Sidon's first lesson with Ruta. Mipha, Sidon, Link and four guards walked up the stairs to East Reservoir Lake. Two of the guards stayed on shore while the other two swam out to Ruta with Mipha, Link, and Sidon. Mipha opened the entrance to Ruta, and she and Sidon went inside along with one of the guards. The other guard waited outside at the entrance and Link stayed with him.

"You're not going inside, Link?" asked the guard named Lazz.

"No," said Link. "Ruta always makes me uneasy. Brings back bad memories."

"Sorry to hear that," said Lazz. "Well, it's pleasant enough out here, and I'm happy for the company."

"How are all of you getting on, with the changes I mean? I know it's been a few years now," said Link.

"Oh, we're all doing fine," said Lazz. "Her Majesty, being younger and more active, gets out a lot more than His Majesty did, so in some ways, our work is more varied and interesting but also more challenging. We in the Royal Guard all felt bad about what happened and have pledged to ourselves never to let something like that happen again. There is a lot more security around the Domain now, some of which you don't see. But it's there."

"I'm glad to hear it. I am trying my best to stay with her as much as possible too, like a bodyguard," said Link. "I hope that doesn't offend any of you."

"Not at all," said Lazz. "We don't think of it as showing lack of confidence in us. We welcome your help, and Her Majesty is your wife after all. We completely understand."

Just then Link and Lazz both jumped, startled by a sudden movement of Ruta's trunk.

"She must be showing Sidon some of the controls," laughed Link.

"Let's just hope Ruta doesn't start walking away with us," laughed Lazz.

Ruta didn't start walking away, but they did notice its head move several times and its trunk as well. Mipha was showing Sidon some of the basic controls. It would take time to become familiar with more than that. Even Mipha had taken time getting familiar with Ruta, and she had taken a keen interest in Ruta from the time they first uncovered her. And in fact, there was more involved in piloting a Divine Beast than getting familiar with its controls. A spiritual bond had to form between the Divine Beast and its pilot. The Divine Beast had to accept you as much as you had to learn how to operate it. That would take time as well.

Link and Lazz chatted outside, Lazz talking about his family. Link could see the other two guards on the shore checking the stairway every now and then and looking around.

After two hours Mipha, Sidon and the other guard emerged from Ruta and joined them at Ruta's entrance.

"How did it go?" Link asked Sidon.

"It's difficult," said Sidon. "I think it will take time to learn."

"Don't get discouraged," said Mipha. "It does take time to learn something so complex. All of the Champions took time and some even needed help. Just don't give up."

"I won't," said Sidon. "I know you are counting on me, Sis, and I want to help."

So, they all headed home. It was the end of the first of many days of training for Sidon.

"Hi everyone," shouted Midon as he arrived home from school. Mila echoed him a moment later.

"Was school alright today?" asked Link.

"Yes," said Mila. "Mido did well in our math class when he was called upon by the teacher."

"And Mila got a great score in her history test," said Midon.

"That's wonderful," said Link.

Now that they were older they were more likely to report good things about each other instead of the tattling that often happened when they were younger. They had become close and supportive of each other now. They were growing up.

Lapha and little Link arrived home a few minutes later in the company of two other guards. They ran to Mila and Midon, eager to start playing. And they did play for a while as Mila and Midon each tickled the younger ones sending them giggling.

"When can we start learning combat?" said Midon as everyone was earning dinner. "You know I have that special gift, and Mom told us that you were beating adults from a very young age."

"Well, my situation was a little different than yours," said Link. "I could teach you a few things, but for serious training, you need to be older and taller. Why don't we spar with Zora spears after dinner? I'll shorten them and take off the heads, replacing them with something soft."

"Great! I can't wait!" said Midon.

"I want to practice too," said Mila. "I want to be as good as Mom with a trident someday."

So, after dinner Link modified three Zora spears to shorten them for the two older children and replaced the sharp heads, then he took Mila and Midon to a spot just across the west bridge to practice. Two guards came with them, and another was on duty nearby.

"Okay," said Link. He proceeded to show them how to hold the spears and make some basic moves.

"Let's do some defense first," said Link. "You try to parry my blows by angling the spear to block me."

Link took it easy on them with some gentle stabs but hitting each a couple of times so they would see what they were doing wrong. They both seemed to enjoy it and started catching on how to block the attacks. After practicing defense for a while, it was time for offense.

"Alright, your turn now," said Link. "You try to attack me."

Mila went first, and she did her best, but Link parried her blows pretty easily.

"It takes a lot of practice to get as good as your Mom, and you're still young," said Link. "Just keep at it."

"I will," said Mila. "I want to be like her someday."

Next, it was Midon's turn. Midon did some basic thrusts with his spear that Link parried pretty easily. Then Midon suddenly unleashed a flurry rush of spear thrusts that caught Link off guard. He lost his balance and fell backward. The guards were stunned. Had they just seen a Zora child defeat the Hero of Hyrule?

"Are you alright, Link?" asked one of the guards as she approached him. "We're here to protect the Princess and Prince, but maybe you need some protection too," she laughed.

"Thanks," said Link laughing as he got to his feet. "He just caught me off guard. I'm fine. You want to try that again Midon?"

Midon tried his flurry rush again but this time Link was ready. He parried every blow with a flurry rush of his own with his spear. This was actually good practice he thought. But the two guards were quite impressed.

"You and the prince looked like a blur when you fought," said one of the guards to Link.

"It's a special gift," said Link. "It comes in very handy, believe me."

After a few more rounds they finished up and headed home. Link promised he would keep coaching them as time permitted, but now it was time for bed. Lapha and little Link were already asleep when they got home. After goodnight kisses, Mipha and Link had time to talk. Link sat down next to Mipha and put his arm around her.

"As I spend time with the children and watch Sidon learning Ruta I sense our time is passing," said Link. "I know we may still have many years ahead, and two little ones to raise, but it seems the next generation is starting to take our place."

"Yes, that is the nature of things," said Mipha. "The Champion trainees still have a way to go, but in a few months, they should be ready. I don't see any new hero of Hyrule on the horizon though. You're going to have to carry that burden a while longer."

"I guess so, though I don't mind," said Link. "I would like to finish up my fight with the Yiga Clan at least. I worry what they are up to."

It was a week later that the expected news arrived: Zelda was to be crowned Queen of Hyrule. Invitations went out to Mipha and Link, but the Zora Royal Guard said they felt uneasy about Mipha attending. The Zora Royal Family had been a Yiga Clan target and they did not like the risk such a trip posed to Mipha. Mipha might have argued with them, but as mother now of two children who were only five, she thought it wiser to follow their recommendation. And Link refused to leave her side for something like this. But aside from her safety, Mipha also thought this would be a good opportunity for her brother to play a bigger role and get some experience on the diplomatic side of things. So, Sidon would attend as the Zora representative. Link wrote to Zelda explaining matters.

Dear Princess Zelda,

It's hard to believe that this is the last time I will address you as Princess. You have been my Hyrule princess for so long the words just come naturally to me. But congratulations on becoming our next ruler. I know you will be an outstanding Queen and you will always have my support both as a loyal subject and your friend.

I wish Mipha and I could attend your coronation, but circumstances here make that difficult and Mipha's safety is my primary concern. Much as I guarded you all those years ago, I am now trying to stay close to Mipha. So, we both regret we will be unable to attend. But Prince Sidon will attend as Zora representative.

Please give our best wishes to Prince Rudin, and we hope someday to meet your beautiful daughter. I am sure you are very proud of her. And please also give our best wishes to your father. We hope he has a long and happy retirement.

Your loyal subject,

Link

Link received a reply a few days later.

Dear Link,

I am sorry you and Mipha will be unable to attend my coronation as I always look forward to seeing you both. I do count you both as dear friends. I still recall the good times Mipha and I had with you at Hyrule Castle. You were so much fun to tease!

I hope when the time is right you and Mipha will be able to visit. I would love to have you here and introduce you to my little princess. She is growing up and is 5 years old now. I cannot believe the time has passed so quickly!

Thank you for your wishes and support, and I do hope to see you soon.

I look forward to seeing Prince Sidon at the ceremony. I imagine he has grown considerably since we last met.

Sincerely,

Zelda

Princess of Hyrule.

When the time came, Mipha met with Sidon before he left for his trip to Zelda's coronation.

"Do you feel alright, Sidon?" said Mipha."Don't be nervous. Just be yourself."

"I am a little nervous, Sis," said Sidon. "Do I need to do anything special? I've never been to anything so important."

"Neither have I. But no, just say congratulations when you meet Zelda and apologize I couldn't attend. She's a very nice person and will be happy to see you. Relax. You'll do fine. Ah, here are you escorts."

Two guards arrived to accompany Sidon to Hyrule Castle.

"Are you ready Prince Sidon?" asked one of the guards.

"I think so," said Sidon. "Bye, Sis."

They headed to the water and dove in. They would swim all the way there.

When Sidon arrived at the castle he found it decorated with pennants and Castle Town was crowded with people who had traveled from all over Hyrule for the big occasion. Merchants were busy selling souvenirs and there was a generally festive atmosphere. Zelda's coronation was not tinged with the sadness that sometimes accompanied such occasions since her father was still alive.

As Zora representative Sidon was admitted to the area closest to the ceremony. He still felt very awkward, as he didn't see anyone he knew. And his height made it hard to blend in with the crowd. He wandered around until he heard someone calling his name.

"Sidon, over here!"

It was a huge Goron waving to him, and then he remembered Daruk from his father's funeral.

"It is you, right?" said Daruk. "I figured it must be since what other Zora could be here but you or Mipha. And you're definitely not Mipha! You're almost as tall as me now. How are you? And how's the family?"

"Hello Daruk, it's nice to see a friendly face. Everyone is fine. You heard about my new niece and nephew, right?"

"Yes I did," said Daruk. "I bet my little guy friend and your sister must be busy, huh? But come on, you're sitting over here with me and the other Champions. And don't let anything Revali says bother you. He'll probably just make some sarcastic comment about Link. For some reason Link just ruffles his feathers."

Daruk walked Sidon over to where Urbosa and Revali were sitting and everyone said hello and commented on how much he'd grown.

"I gather the Hero of Hyrule is not gracing us with his presence?" said Revali.

"No, our Royal Guard was not comfortable with my sister attending and Link said he wanted to stay with her. They are still concerned after what happened," said Sidon.

"Tell him I have a new bow and am ready for a rematch of our archery competition," said Revali. "Last time he won by cheating when he slowed time. But my new bow makes up for that."

"I'll tell him," said Sidon.

An announcement was made for everyone to be quiet, the ceremony was about to begin. After the crowd quieted down another announcement was made.

"Please rise for the King and Princess of Hyrule."

Then everyone stood and King Rhoam accompanied by his daughter made their way to the platform. King Rhoam would speak first.

People of Hyrule, it has been my honor and privilege to serve as your king for many years and through difficult times. My promise was to always do my best for you. But I no longer feel my best is as good as you deserve. Therefore I am stepping down as your king and handing over the rule of Hyrule to my successor, someone who's shown her courage and wisdom and whom I am confident can lead Hyrule to a glorious future. Thank you for your loyalty and support. My final request of you is that you show the same loyalty and support for my daughter. Farewell.

At this everyone rose and applauded. Then the master of ceremonies asked the crowd to be quiet.

Princess Zelda then rose, walked in front of her father and knelt down. Her father then asked Zelda to repeat the oath.

"I, Zelda, Princess of Hyrule, and next in the line of Hyrule royal succession, do swear before Hylia and all present to faithfully govern Hyrule according to its laws and customs and to defend and protect its people against all enemies. I accept this responsibility with all humility and pray that Hylia will grant me the strength, courage, and wisdom to fulfill my obligations to her and her people as Queen of Hyrule."

And Zelda having taken the oath, King Rhoam removed the crown from his head and placed it on his daughter's.

"I know declare you Queen of Hyrule," said King Rhoam.

Everyone applauded. After a moment the master of ceremonies asked for silence and Zelda prepared to address the crowd.

People of Hyrule, I stand before you in gratitude and love, ready to assume my responsibility as your ruler. My gratitude to you is deep for all you have done for my father and all I know you will continue to do. And my love for you is sincere. My duty to you will always come first in my heart. I pray we may work together to make Hyrule the great kingdom you deserve for yourselves and for your children. And I ask you to pray for me that I may live up to your hopes and dreams and be the ruler you deserve. May the grace of Hylia shine down on all of us.

And with that her speech was over and the crowd applauded and cheered. Then Zelda and her father moved into the area reserved for the reception. The Champions joined the rest of the special guests on the line forming to offer personal congratulations. Sidon started feeling nervous again.

The usher in charge of the line told everyone Zelda had asked people to not kneel or bow but simply speak with her. Urbosa was the first Champion to reach Zelda and Zelda embraced her.

"I'm so proud of you," said Urbosa. "Your mother's little bird has spread her wings wide. I will pray to her for your success."

"Thank you, Urbosa," said Zelda. "I am grateful for your prayers. And I hope I will see you often."

"Congratulations Your Majesty," said Revali. "You have my support and that of all Rito. May your rule be long and successful."

"Thank you, Revali," said Zelda. "And you and the Rito have my support as well."

"I'm not one for speeches," said Daruk. "But you know you can always count on me and the Gorons if you need us."

"Thank you, Daruk," said Zelda. "I know that and appreciate it."