Summary: Despite misgivings by his family and the risks involved, Link agrees to Dr. Purah's outrageous plan. But concern over how his family will react makes Link wonder what he may be losing in life. He briefly ponders a decision he will have to make in several months. Mipha does her best to prepare the children and avoid hurting Link, with surprising results.

"Link will have to become a Zora," said Purah.

Dr. Purah's last words had stunned everyone on the call into silence. The idea someone could transform from one race to another was unheard of. As Purah waited for a reaction, the scientist in her made her refine the preciseness of her statement.

"Well, that's not entirely accurate, so let me elaborate," said Purah. "Link won't become identical at the genetic level to a Zora as if he had been born one. His genetic structure will be something of a hybrid. In being efficient, the transformation process will only convert the part of his genetic structure that is needed, which is the part used to maintain his Zora body, keep it healthy, and in working order. That works out to be probably less than a quarter of his entire genetic structure. The transformation process will leave the rest of his genetic structure unchanged since it serves no useful purpose. Therefore, a genetic test would show that Link is part Hylian and part Zora, and by the percentage of genetic material, actually more Hylian than Zora. But he will possess all the physical characteristics and attributes of a Zora and can live life as a normal Zora. Unless someone performs a genetic test on him, they could not tell he wasn't one hundred percent Zora, hatched from an egg."

"That is actually possible?" said Zelda. "I have never heard of this process. It seems a pretty drastic step. Putting aside your genetic technicalities, Dr. Purah, for all practical purposes Link will become a full-fledged Zora? And is this process reversible? Can he return back to his Hylian self afterward? I would imagine that's an important consideration for Link."

"Yes, he will be physically indistinguishable from a normal Zora. And yes, in theory, the process is reversible," said Purah.

"In theory?" said Zelda.

"Well, it's never actually been done, a person going back and forth," said Purah. "As you can imagine, this process has seen only minimal use, perhaps a handful of times over the years. But every attempt has been successful, although the Sheikah limits its use because of the high risk involved. That is why I hesitated even to bring it up."

"Speaking of risk," said Link. "What is the risk?"

"As you can imagine, this is a very complex process, completely rebuilding an individual's body structure while keeping them alive. If something were to go wrong, well, the resulting organism would not be viable in our existing environment."

"In other words, I would die horribly?" said Link.

"Well, that's another way of putting it. But we would put you out of your misery as quickly as possible to minimize your suffering," said Purah.

"That's very considerate. How long does the process take?" said Link.

"I don't have a precise number," said Purah. "But I would put it on the order of three weeks."

"So, for three weeks, I would lie in a chamber while this process transforms my body into a Zora body. Is that correct?" said Link.

"Yes," said Purah.

"Would I feel anything?" said Link

"No, you would be unconscious the whole time," said Purah.

"Will this affect my memory?" said Link. "I'd hate to go through all that again!"

"It shouldn't," said Purah. "It's not like that other shrine you told us about. But please be careful what you talk about, Link. Remember, everyone's experience here is that the circumstance you are referring to never happened, and knowledge of that event is purposely limited. Not everyone on this call knows what you are talking about."

"Yes, sorry, I forgot," said Link. "And the reversal of the process would work the same way?"

"Yes, perhaps even slightly faster since the scientists there would have the blueprint of your former structure stored. As I said, the process should be reversible," said Purah.

"Is there a way to tell if the process is working correctly, that nothing is going wrong?" asked Mipha.

"Unfortunately, not," said Purah. "I know this transformation process sounds risky, and it is. But nature does even more dramatic transformations. Have you ever considered a caterpillar turning into a butterfly? The caterpillar seals itself into a chamber and then, when the time is right, emerges as an entirely different looking organism. It's amazing how that happens. This process is not as drastic as that. But I won't say it isn't risky."

"Alright, it's getting late, and it's been a very long day for some of us," said Zelda. "Let's sleep on things and get a good rest. We can have a call at ten o'clock tomorrow. Is that suitable?"

Everyone agreed and said good night.

"We can sleep inside Ruta tonight," said Mipha after the call ended. "I've done it many times. We'll be quite safe."

"Yes, fine," said Link. "Are we going to talk about this now, or wait until the morning?"

It was dark out by now, and stars filled the clear night sky. The moon was a slim crescent.

"Wait until the morning," said Mipha. "I want to relax and enjoy our night together here. It's a nice view from here, isn't it? Not as beautiful as the Domain, but not bad."

They sat together quietly enjoying the night sky and the view of the lake.

"Yes, it is pleasant here. We never came here together, did we?" said Link.

"No," said Mipha. "It was a little too far for us. It would be hard to go back and forth in a day without rushing things. But it is a beautiful lake, the largest in Hyrule, and has some different varieties of fish. I came here a few times with friends. You know, during those years, I was popular before you grew up."

They sat a bit longer watching the moon make its way across the sky. It started to get a bit chilly.

"I feel like this decision will mark a turning point in our lives, Link, and I am frightened for us and our future together. If this process goes badly, I lose you. But if it goes well, I may still lose you. I don't know how our relationship will change afterward. We've built such a wonderful life together all these years, and if you come back changed, it feels like we are starting over. Will you truly be the same person? I struggled with that concept when you lost your memory of me. This feels even more drastic. Will we still love each other the way we do now? How will this affect your mind and your feelings? We don't know, and the chance of losing what we have makes my heart shiver. Anyway, that's how I feel, but I know you and know what you will decide. It's getting cold. Let's go inside, and I'll seal Ruta up for safekeeping in case our enemy tries something," said Mipha.

They went inside, and Mipha closed Ruta. Then they sat down together near the main control unit.

"I'll raise the water level here so we can sleep comfortably," said Mipha. "Get some rest. You need to decide tomorrow. I don't want you to do it while you're tired."

They kissed goodnight and then rested in the water. They were both soon asleep.

They both slept late, the sense of peace and quiet inside Ruta letting them. When they awoke, Link ate some food he had packed while Mipha caught some fish in Lake Hylia. After breakfast, it was time to discuss things.

"So, what is your decision?" said Mipha.

"I need to do this, Mipha," said Link. "I owe Hylia, and the sword spoke to me in a dream. I think I should trust her. It seems like the only way I can get close enough to this thing to strike it with the sword and hopefully destroy it."

"I knew that would be your answer," said Mipha. "You know how stressful this is going to be for the children and me, right? Their father is sealed away for three weeks, not knowing what will happen. Mila was already crying over what happened last time. I love you the way you are and have done so for many years now. And if it really is the same 'you' at the end, I will still love you, no matter how you look. But I told you last night that I'm scared. I don't know how changed you will be inside by this. Will you still love me, Link?"

"I know," said Link. "I won't pretend I'm not scared, too. But if it's still me inside, I believe I will love you as much as always. And if it works, I can share a different part of life with you I never could before. My concern is my abilities. When I emerge will I be able to fight like I used to? Can I still perform a flurry rush? I will have a totally different body that I am not used to. How long will it be before I feel capable of doing what I need to?"

"If you go through with this, you are going to train with me and the best Zora knights I can find," said Mipha. "Even if it takes six months, I am not going to let you face this creature untrained in combat. And don't even think about arguing with me. I will have my father command you if necessary. And we won't let Zelda pressure you into battle before you're ready."

"I understand," said Link. "And I agree with you. I don't want to face this thing unprepared. And I trust Zelda wouldn't want that either. I expect I won't be ready to face this thing for at least a couple of months. It took me a while before I felt comfortable enough with the sword after I drew it. This is a similar situation. My only fear is this creature starts causing problems before I'm fully ready."

"Alright, if that's your answer you know I will support you," said Mipha. "And I will do my best to deal with the children."

The call happened on schedule, and Link said he agreed to the process. It was a short call. Purah told Link he would need to report to the Sheikah in North Hyrule, and she would alert them to his arrival to allow time to get the shrine ready.

Link planned to spend the rest of today at home saying goodbye, then head to North Hyrule tomorrow morning. Mipha agreed it made sense to leave Ruta at Lake Hylia, so they journeyed back to the Domain by swimming and hiking. It was around dinner time when they arrived. The children were home, and Sidon was with them.

"I'll tell the children and fill Father in later," Mipha told Link.

"Mom, Dad, you're home!" said Lapha.

Hugs were exchanged all around.

"Has everyone eaten yet?" said Mipha.

"Yes, we just finished. You should have sent us a message," said Sidon. "We could have waited."

"It's alright," said Mipha. "We'll grab something from the kitchen later. Now I need your attention to something that I know will worry all of us but that we need to hope and pray turns out for the best."

"Oh, no, not again," said Mila.

"One of Ganon's creations has made its home at the bottom of Lake Hylia, and we feel we need the sword your father wields to destroy it," Mipha continued. "The creature is in very deep water that only a Zora can reach. But only your father can wield the sword. The Sheikah in North Hyrule have a special shrine that can change people. Your father has agreed to change into a Zora to fight this thing."

"Oh, for the love of Nayru," said Mila. "This is crazy, Dad! You can't do this! We want you to stay the way you are now. How can they ask you to do something like this?"

"It's the only way we came up with to combat this thing. It takes three weeks or so to transform me, two or three months to train and destroy this thing, and three weeks or so to transform me back. In a few months, this will all be over, just a memory."

"When are you going to do this, Dad?" said Linky. "I agree with Sis. This is a lot to take in. Will you still feel like our father?"

"I should be the same inside and love all of you as much as always. But we need to move as quickly as possible, so I will be leaving early tomorrow morning," said Link. "Mom will still be here with you. I'm sure everything will be fine. Let's say goodbye now."

They all hugged and kissed. Mila took an extra moment to hold him and look into his eyes.

"I want you to stay safe, Dad," said Mila. "I know you can't control the shrine process, but all the rest of the time remember we love you and need you back here."

"I always remember that, sweetheart, and I promise I will be safe," said Link. He kissed her on the cheek and gave her an extra hug.

When the children were all asleep Link joined Mipha in their pool.

"I don't know what else to say," said Mipha. "You know my fears, but I will pray for you every day and trust in the Goddess. I keep telling myself things will all work out. But you have never done something so extreme before. Contact me the instant you can."

They kissed goodnight. Link had trouble sleeping at first but concentrated on the sound of the waterfall. It soon worked.

Early next morning he kissed Mipha goodbye then quietly left the house for his journey to North Hyrule. He would take the first early ferry from Lanayru Bay and be there well before lunch.

When the ferry arrived in North Hyrule, he was greeted by a Sheikah at the pier assigned to escort him to the shrine.

"Hello Link, my name is Alson," he said. "Dr. Purah said time is of the essence, so we will go at once. The shrine is not far, about a thirty-minute walk."

"Are you experienced with this process?" said Link.

"We haven't done it very often, but we know what to do," said Alson. "I know you must be apprehensive. But we wouldn't do this if we weren't confident of success. It has not been done often, but it has never failed. Please take some comfort in that."

They arrived at the shrine, Link undressed as directed, and lay down in the chamber. He had left his sword at home as well as his Zora Armor and had worn a simple Hylian outfit.

"Alright, just relax, and close your eyes," said Alson. "The first step will put you to sleep, and you will feel nothing afterward. When the process is complete, the chamber will open, and you will wake up."

"Alright, I'm ready," said Link.

They closed the lid of the chamber, and a moment later Link was unconscious. The process had begun.

Meanwhile, back in Zora's Domain, life went on over the next three weeks. There was no way to tell how well the process on Link was working, and all anyone could do was offer prayers for its success, which Mipha did every day at Hylia's statue. Zelda called every few days to see how Mipha was. She understood how stressful all this must be for Mipha and wanted to do what she could. Mipha wasn't sure her calls really helped all that much but recognized it was kind of her to do it.

As expected, Mila was the most outwardly emotional about all this. She and Link had been very close since she was a baby. As a small child, she had run to him for comfort more often than to her mother. And whenever she had run to him, he had picked her up and held her securely in his arms, hugged and kissed her, made her feel safe and, most importantly of all, made her feel loved. She remembered burying her face in his shoulder and how he would gently pat her on the back and rock her. He used to call her his little princess. And then much later, when she was older, she felt it was her turn to look after him when Mipha couldn't.

Now Mipha could see tears in Mila's eyes sometimes, and then she would reach out and take Mila in her arms, patting her gently and telling her not to worry, everything would be fine. And Mila would look back into Mipha's eyes with her penetrating gaze and read the worry Mipha herself carried. Then Mila would hold onto her mother, telling her that she was right, of course, that all would indeed be well. They were emotional support for each other.

The other children worried as well but didn't show it so openly. Lapha tried to make sure she and Linky kept busy, and Midon spent time working on the rune he was developing when he wasn't keeping busy with friends.

Mipha counted the days. The time seemed endless. But when the three weeks were finally up, she kept continually checking her Tab for news.

Back in North Hyrule, three weeks had passed without incident. Shifts of Sheikah scientists had been on duty monitoring the chamber day and night. There was every indication nothing was wrong, but only examining the chamber's contents at the end of the process would prove that. It was the morning of the twenty-third day when the chamber started beeping, alerting those present it was about to open. One of the scientists quickly got ready. She carried a hypodermic syringe with a fast-acting lethal drug. If the process had gone wrong, out of mercy, they would terminate whatever life existed in the chamber as soon as they could and spare it any suffering. Then the chamber lid slowly opened, and the scientists peered anxiously into it. To their relief, they were met with the image of an adult Zora male with blue pigmented skin lying fast asleep in the chamber. They congratulated each other as they waited, and the syringe was quickly disposed of.

A few moments later, Link stirred, then opened his eyes. He blinked once or twice. Everything looked blurry.

"Link, don't move yet," said the head scientist on duty. "Take a few minutes to wake up. You've been asleep for three weeks, and your entire body structure is new. But you look fine, perfectly normal. Don't worry."

Link did as asked. He blinked and took some deep breaths. His vision cleared, but he noticed his breaths were not as deep as he remembered. His lungs must be smaller.

"Alright, if you feel up to it, and only if you feel up to it, sit up very slowly now," said the scientist. "In fact, do everything very slowly for now."

Link slowly sat up, then looked down at himself and caught his breath. He had fins on his arms, his skin was all blue, and his fingernails were sharp and pointed. He looked down at his feet and their webbing of skin. He felt quite a bit taller. He noticed he was breathing through his mouth, but when he closed it, he couldn't breathe. He slowly remembered everything. The process had obviously worked. He was, for all practical purposes, a Zora.

He looked around at the Sheikah scientists in the room as they stared back at him. Their coloration seemed off, slightly different, with less blue tint and more red. But they also appeared sharper as if he saw them more clearly than before. His eyesight was apparently different, presumably more adapted to a water environment.

His hearing was different too. Far from having less sensitive hearing, he found it was somewhat more sensitive. He could hear the shuffling of feet on the floor, even the sound of someone swallowing too loud and clearing their throat from across the room. Hearing was apparently an important Zora sense, which was logical given their echolocation ability.

"Do you feel strong enough to get up now?" said the scientist. "Let me help you."

The scientist took his arm and eased him out of the chamber. He was wobbly on his feet but steadied himself.

"The process looks to be a complete success, Link. I have your Tab here. Do you wish to contact anyone?"