Summary: The enormously popular Zora band, known as The Cross Currents, performs at a crowded Ruto Lake, to the delight of their mostly young fans. But some songs they perform bring back fond memories for the older crowd. Princess Tila turns heads as she joins Mila and her siblings before the concert begins. Mipha and Link reminisce about their relationship, and Link explains why Mipha made it impossible for him to move on from her. Ambassador Laray is still mourning her sister's murder by Vera, and the hope is some time away at Zora's Domain will benefit her.

It was late morning when Link finally awoke in the pool of water he shared with Mipha. She was already awake and looking over at him. She smiled when he opened his eyes.

"You certainly slept well, sweetheart," said Mipha as she reached over and stroked his hair. She liked touching his hair. Zoras didn't have any, and she never got over the feel of it. But it was a gesture of love.

Link smiled back.

"I was absolutely exhausted last night. And I already said the waterfall helps put me to sleep. I love you, by the way."

"I know why you were so tired," she laughed. "You really went all out on that race to Ruta. I love you, too, by the way. But relax, it's a light day today. We only have a meeting with Father later. You can sleep some more."

"No, I'm rested," said Link. "You know, it took some time, but I'm completely used to sleeping like this, relaxing my whole body and floating gently with only my head above water."

"What's not to like about sleeping in water? But I know you do it for me, sweetheart, and I'm very grateful," said Mipha.

"Have the children left yet?"

"Yes, but not to class. They're off today. But they all went down to Ruto Lake first thing this morning to get good spots," said Mipha.

"Sorry? Good spots?" said Link.

"You forgot, didn't you?" said Mipha.

"In my case, the correct answer to that question is almost always 'yes,' but what is it this time?" laughed Link.

"The famous Zora band from North Hyrule, The Cross Currents, is performing on Ruto Lake this evening. Their music is incredibly popular with young people, and everyone listens to them on their Tabs. And this group is popular across Hyrule, too. They're performing at the Coliseum after this, and they expect to fill it. Zelda said her daughter can't wait to see them," said Mipha.

"Don't you need tickets or something?" said Link.

"No, they rely on donations that are collected at the performance, plus whatever income they make by having their songs available on Tabs. There are no reserved places, which is why their fans arrive so early. And I'm told the audience gets so emotional that they believe they collect more rupees in donations than if they had sold tickets," said Mipha.

"Really! What kind of songs do they sing?"

"Mostly new ones you and I never heard of, but they mix in a few older ones for the older audience. And for a Zora audience, they do some instrumental songs underwater, which gives the music a different sound. Especially popular is an underwater song called 'Click On' where the audience clicks along at the right time with parts of the song. You can hear the music and feel the clicks along with it. Well, especially if you're a Zora that is."

"How do you know all this?" said Link. "Sorry if that sounded insulting."

"Mila told me. Princess Tila is joining Mila at the performance tonight. We're going to it as well, but I don't need to be close to the performers, so there's no need to get there early. You're my date, by the way," said Mipha.

"I'm flattered, Princess, thank you. So, our whole family is going? What about Father and Sidon?"

"Father said he might join us for at least part of the performance. As for Sidon, are you kidding? Three different women asked Sidon to go with them, and so he's going with all three. He said they're all just friends, and apparently none of them minds," said Mipha.

"Wow! Good for him! Being so popular must be nice. But I'm glad you only had me," said Link.

"Excuse me? Are you implying I wasn't popular? I did have other friends, you know. When we first met, you were only four years old. I didn't float alone at home every day waiting for you to grow up. I went out with friends and had fun. It was only later when you returned here all grown up that I became attracted to you romantically. And then for the longest time, I honestly couldn't tell how you felt about me."

"Yes, I know I was very reserved back then," said Link. "And I've always been poor at reading people's feelings. But I more than made up for it later. I never explained this, but it's partly your spirit's fault I stayed so emotionally attached to you. And that made your initial rejection of me when I arrived in this timeline harder to take, by the way."

"Would you care to elaborate?" said Mipha.

"Alright. Ruta was the first Divine Beast I tackled, and after I freed her, and your spirit gave me your healing power, I felt united with you. I even told your father that, and he took some comfort in it. The other Champion's gifts that came later felt more external. It was like they gave me their powers to use, then left me alone to use them. Yours was different. I had to invoke the other Champion's powers deliberately. Yours happened completely on its own whenever I needed it. I didn't even have to think about it. It was inside me, a life-giving expression of your love and promise to take care of me. And that's why it felt like you were there with me, my companion, healing me like you always did. I wasn't invoking your power, you were. I wandered Hyrule alone, but I wasn't really alone. You were always with me, whether I was in the midst of battle or sleeping at some remote stable or huddled freezing beside a campfire. I didn't feel that way about the others. After our victory, I lost all the Champion's powers when their spirits departed Hyrule. But even though your healing power was gone, the experience of having been united with you all that time affected me at a deep level. The more I remembered you, the more I felt that you were still there somehow. All of which made getting over you impossible for me, despite people like Zelda and Impa urging me to move on with my life. And, well, you know the rest."

"Yes, I do," said Mipha as she leaned over and kissed him. "I'm sorry. I do need to remember that you went through a lot that never happened to the rest of us. But you can't entirely blame me for what you call my initial rejection. How would you feel if you woke up this morning and the person next to you looked like me but remembered nothing about you or our family or all your time together with her? Are you telling me you wouldn't be confused about your feelings and wonder about that person's feelings for you?"

"I probably would," said Link. "But if she was as cute as you, I might give her the benefit of the doubt."

"Very funny," said Mipha. "And before you give another smart answer like that, if I were you I would remember we're still in water together, and I know how ticklish you are."

"Okay, okay," laughed Link. "But seriously, I understand what you're saying. It's just that I didn't expect it. I should have realized you might have trouble accepting me as the same person and be more prepared for it. Anyway, are you hungry? I'm starving. I'll fix us breakfast. I'm thinking of a fish omelet."

"I'll join you," said Mipha. "But please don't overcook the fish."

"So, what's our plan after this?" said Link as they finished breakfast.

"We can take a stroll over to Ruto Lake to see how busy it is. If we walk slowly it will be time for our meeting with Father by the time we get back," said Mipha.

Meanwhile, Mila, her boyfriend Kendal, Midon, his girlfriend Larena, Lapha, and Linky were all down by Ruto Lake and had gotten there early enough for good seats on one of the rock formations. When the show started, they could dive into the lake to hear the few underwater songs, but most of the songs were performed in the air, and this was more comfortable, especially for Linky. The area was already starting to fill up, and latecomers would have to stay in the water or sit far away. Zoras didn't mind being in the water, but the view from there wasn't as good.

"We'll have a good view of the band from here," said Midon. "Larena, are you happy with our spot?"

"Yes, it's great," said Larena. "I am so looking forward to this! I love their songs. I think I have every one of them on my Tab."

"Linky, remember to leave room for Tila between us," said Mila. "Don't let anyone make you slide down. I'm holding a spot for her there. She should be here soon."

"Fine, Sis," laughed Linky. "I'll be tough. So, Princess Tila is sitting next to me? She's always very nice to me when I see her."

"Yes, she is," said Mila. "And just wait to see how nice she'll be when you're older."

"What do you mean, Sis?"

"Never mind," said Mila. "Laff, are you okay down there?"

"Yes, fine," said Lapha. "I'm glad we came early. We have a great view from here."

Lapha was sitting on Linky's left. Then to Linky's right was the saved seat for Tila, then Mila, Kendal, Larena and Midon.

"Let me know if anyone gets hungry," said Midon. "I can bring something back. Some vendors are already starting to open their stands. The snails from the Mussel Bar are especially tasty. And I can have an order cooked for you, Linky if you want."

"Linky, are you sure you're comfortable sitting there?" said Lapha.

"Yeah, I'm fine, Laff," said Linky. "I'm excited to see them. Everyone in class talks about them. I'm sorry I won't get to hear the underwater songs, but I don't mind."

"I can skip them and stay with you if you want," said Lapha.

"No, you go ahead and enjoy them," said Linky. "I'll be fine."

An hour or so later Mila saw someone swimming over to them followed by a guard.

"That looks like Tila," said Mila as she waved to her. "Oh, I forgot to save a spot for her security guard. I hope that won't be a problem."

Tila made her way over to the group. Her guard said she could watch Tila from nearby, so didn't need to sit with them. Tila was wearing a gold headdress with bright red coral insets, a matching gold and red necklace but with rubies that glowed bright red in the sunlight, and a pair of red coral bracelets. All of it complimented her light blue pigment and bright gold eyes. She looked stunning.

"Hi everyone," said Tila waving. "Mila, is that my seat to your left?"

"Yes. My gosh, Tila," said Mila. "The boys here are still staring at you with their mouths open. You look fantastic."

"Thanks," said Tila. "I thought I should look my best. I wanted some people to notice me and not tease Link anymore about wishing he had a princess in his life."

"Tease him?" said Mila. "They'll be begging him now to help them meet you. But thanks. I hope you enjoy the concert."

"Thanks for inviting me. I know I will," said Tila.

"Hi Lapha and Link, how are both of you," said Tila as she sat down and turned to them.

"I'm fine Princess Tila," said Linky. "Your jewelry is beautiful."

"Please, call me Tila, and thank you," said Tila. "Are you a fan of The Cross Currents?"

"Laff shared their songs with me, and I like them," said Linky. "But I'm nowhere near as big a fan as she is, right Laff?"

"Hi Tila," said Lapha. "I love their songs, or at least the new ones, like 'Click On' and 'Tide Together.' I'm not that crazy about the old ones."

"I know what you mean," said Tila. "So, Link, tell me about what you're doing these days? You get bigger every time I see you."

The conversation went on. And Ruto Lake near where the performance would be held was filling up.

Meanwhile, Mipha and Link wandered over to Ruto Lake.

"There's our family over there, sitting on the rock to the left," said Link pointing.

"Yes, and Tila is already with them," said Mipha. "Tila certainly looks striking. I wonder whom she's trying to impress?"

"What makes you think she's trying to impress anyone?"

"Never mind," said Mipha. "You can see how crowded it's getting. But we should head back for our meeting with Father now."

King Dorephan greeted them as they arrived for their meeting.

"How are you both? I hope you're getting re-acclimated to your house," said King Dorephan. "Our meeting is a short one today. I'll skip the routine matters, you can read about them later. But I did receive a message from Queen Faray that Princess Laray, her ambassador, will be here today. She should arrive very soon, in fact. I received the official communication, but Faray added a personal note, and I think maybe you two can help with that. Faray writes that Laray is having a tough time getting over the death of her sister, Tiray. She goes on to say that Laray was always driven by her strong work ethic to put in a lot of time and effort, but she had her sister to unwind with. Now she has no one, and Faray thinks she is working too hard to keep her mind off of what happened. She is wondering if we could let Laray stay here for a while, hoping the change of environment will help her somehow. What do you two think?"

Link looked at Mipha.

"We'll do what we can, Father," said Mipha. "She can join us at the concert tonight and stay at our house for as long as necessary. We have a guest room."

"That's splendid!" said King Dorephan. "I'll let Faray know, and she can ask Laray to extend her stay here with us. As her counterpart here, Link, and the person she knows best, you should probably meet privately with her at some point. I do feel sorry for her. Laray was always such a sincere person the few times I met with her, always trying to do her best for Queen Faray. It's terrible she should suffer the loss of someone so close."

"Yes, Vera managed to hurt many people along the way, and all just as a means to her own ends," said Link. "I was quite pleased to rid Hyrule of her."

Meanwhile, at Ruto Lake, Midon offered to get snail snacks for everyone. He headed to the Mussel Bar and while waiting on line was approached by three boys from one of his classes.

"Hi Midon, excited about the concert?" said Lindon.

"Of course," said Midon.

"Um, we were wondering who the girl sitting next to your sister is?" said Lindon.

"She's Princess Tila from North Hyrule," said Midon. "Her older sister is Queen there. You never met her during one of her visits? She's good friends with Mila and swims with us a lot."

"We would have remembered, believe me! Any chance you could introduce us?" said Lindon.

"I could, but if I get your drift, it would only be setting you up for disappointment," said Midon. "According to my sister, Tila only has long-term eyes for my little brother. She thinks he's going to grow up to be like my Dad, and maybe he will. As a Hylian, he'll be all grown in only seven years, hardly any time at all. She doesn't seem interested in going out with anyone here. Some of my other friends already tried. Sorry."

"Oh well," said Lindon. "Thought we would ask. Enjoy the show."

When he reached the front of the line, Midon ordered seven snail snacks, one of them cooked. Everyone agreed they were a delicious snack.

Meanwhile, Mipha and Link left for home after the meeting, and it was an hour or so later when a guard knocked on their door and informed them Princess Laray had arrived and she would be escorted here after she finished meeting with King Dorephan. And not long afterward Princess Laray was at their door.

"Princess Laray, please come in," said Link. "Your journey went well? We are hoping you will be able to stay with us here for a while. We have a room all ready for you."

"Lady Mipha and Master Link, yes, thank you so much," said Laray. "His Majesty informed me of this, and I am very grateful."

"Now we're all friends here, so please let's drop the titles," said Mipha.

"Yes, of course, Mipha," said Laray.

"We want you to come with us to The Cross Currents concert tonight," said Mipha. "I think you'll enjoy it."

"I've heard some of their songs," said Laray. "My sister Tiray was a big fan of theirs. Are you sure I won't be in the way? I mean, you two should have some private time together there."

"Not at all," said Mipha. "And, believe me, there will be nothing private at Ruto Lake. It's already packed with people. I have some things I need to do, but Ambassador Link here can go for a walk with you, and you two can catch up."

"That would be very nice," said Laray. "I'll just be a few minutes. I brought some small gifts to give to your children, I can give to them when I see them. I hope you don't mind."

Laray left to put away some things she had brought with her, then met Link, and they went for their walk. Laray was very quiet at first, and Link wasn't sure how to begin the conversation. He asked about progress on the sea channel and some other items. Finally, he thought the best thing was just to attack the issue head-on.

"Laray, this is personal, not a diplomatic matter, so just tell me if you think it's out of line and prefer not to discuss it. I know you're having trouble getting over what happened to your sister. And I can't blame you. What happened was terrible. I wish there were something I could say or do to help. But we're all hoping some time away will help you feel better somehow."

"No, I don't mind talking about it, and yes, you're right. It has been hard for me. Tiray and I were very close. She was such a fun person, much more outgoing than me, and we did so many things together when I wasn't working. But tell me, Link, how do you get over the murder of someone you love?"

And that question touched on something Link had accidentally learned since they had changed the future by saving King Dorephan. None of Link's stories or memoirs had been published yet. Apparently, Zelda had asked him to refrain from releasing them, as she wanted to keep the timeline incident secret until more time had passed. So only Zelda, Purah, Robbie, the Champions, the village elders and a few others knew the whole story.

"How do you get over the murder of someone you love?" said Link. "I'm probably the worst person to pose that question to. But my answer is you never really do. I think all you can do is find something or someone to fill the void. But the hurt of their loss leaves a permanent scar. So, all I can suggest is to find something or someone to help fill the emptiness Tiray's loss has caused in your life. And while you search for that, take some time to relax and enjoy yourself. I'm told the concert tonight is supposed to be very exciting, so that may be a good start. Maybe you will even make some friends here."

"Thank you, I'll try," said Laray. "I know you and Mipha are doing this for me, and I will always be grateful."

"Now let's head home, get something to eat, and then find a spot on Ruto Lake to listen to The Cross Currents," said Link.

They went home, and the three of them had dinner together. Then Mipha left to get her father, and the four of them plus two guards walked over to Ruto Lake.

"My goodness, isn't this the crowd?" said King Dorephan when the lake came into view. "I've never seen so many people here at one time. And I notice some Gerudo, Gorons, and Hylians here as well, sitting on the rocks."