Summary: As Mipha and Link return home, Zelda learns of Link's situation. In a call with Link later that day, she stresses her belief that his duty as the hero is to be a Hylian, but leaves the decision to his conscience. After a vote by the former Champions and a discussion with Daruk, Link reluctantly accepts Zelda's view and agrees to return to a Hylian before his physical blueprint expires. As their dream of a happy Zora life together ends, Mipha and Link are both heartbroken. Not even Sheikah Technology can mend a broken heart. Can it?

Mipha and Link awoke early and boarded the boat that would travel from Lurelin Village to Lanayru Bay, the first step on their journey home. They sat with their arms around each other, and as soon as they were seated, Link leaned over and kissed her. For the sixth time that morning.

"You still can't stop doing that, can you?" laughed Mipha. "I love the affection, but I hope you will have those impulses under control before we get back to the Domain. I really worry about you!"

"Don't worry," said Link. "I only have impulses for you."

"Such a romantic turn of phrase!" laughed Mipha. "You sound like Dr. Purah."

The boat filled with tourists, Hylians returning to Hateno Village, or stopping there first on their way home.

"Any thoughts about where to go next?" said Mipha.

"Well, there needs to be water nearby," said Link. "How about the Lake Floria region? There are some very picturesque waterfalls there and tropical forests. We just need to be mindful of thunderstorms and keep out of Farosh's way. But I have experience there and know what to do."

"Alright, that sounds interesting," said Mipha. "I've never been there."

"Have I told you how completely happy I feel now, being with you like this? I want this never to end," said Link.

"Yes, I've gotten that distinct impression," said Mipha. "Both verbally and physically. And I'm happier than ever, too."

They shared a seventh kiss as they waited for departure.

Meanwhile, at Hyrule Castle, Zelda was having her regular staff meeting with key members of her government. After Dr. Purah, as Chief Scientist, gave her report on current scientific activity, Zelda had a question.

"Dr. Purah, thank you for your report," said Zelda. "That was all very clear. But I just remembered something. I have been meaning to ask if you knew how Link's transformation back to a Hylian went? I was a bit concerned about his safety but assumed everything went well since I hadn't heard anything. And also, I was hoping to honor Mipha and him for their courageous efforts when they were both available."

"Link is still a Zora, Your Majesty," said Purah. "When the Sheikah reminded him of the one-year deadline for a simpler reverse transformation, he replied that he had not yet decided if he would be returning to a Hylian at all."

"What? You're not serious!" said Zelda. "He is considering remaining a Zora? That's ridiculous! Mipha or her family must be influencing him in some way. He's the Hero of Hyrule and can't be anything but a Hylian. Alright, thank you, Dr. Purah. I will speak to him about this as soon as possible."

After her meeting ended, Zelda sent like a Tab message. The boat was already underway when Link's Tab notified him of the message.

Zelda @Link: Dr. Purah informed me you have not yet reversed your transformation. I would like a private call with you as soon as possible to discuss your intentions.

Link @Zelda: Of course, Zelda. Mipha and I will be home in a few hours. We are on a ferry at the moment. Will that be acceptable to you?

Zelda @Link: Yes. Let me know when you are home and can talk.

"What is it?" said Mipha.

"Zelda wants to have a private call with me about my intentions," said Link. "She must have just learned I am still a Zora."

"Oh!" said Mipha. "I wonder how she feels about that?"

"If I had to guess, she would want me to return to being a Hylian," said Link. "She was reluctant after we first married even to give me a chance for Zora citizenship, remember?"

"Oh, yes, you're right," said Mipha.

The message from Zelda left both Mipha and Link concerned. This was something neither of them had considered. They held hands and stared at the water quietly most of the way home. The trip was uneventful, and when they arrived back, the house was empty. The children were all at class.

"I'll go see Father and tell him about our trip. That will give you some privacy for your call," said Mipha.

"Alright," said Link. "I'll let you know what Zelda says when you get back."

Link messaged the Royal Secretary that he was available whenever Her Majesty was free. And after a few minutes, Zelda's call came through.

"Hello, Link, I hope you are well," said Zelda. "I don't have much time at the moment, but I wanted to speak with you because I think it's important. We've been friends for many years now, even more than friends. And I would like to think this meeting is between two friends. Can you please explain to me why you are still a Zora? I was surprised to learn today that you had not transformed back to a Hylian right after you destroyed that evil thing. Is Mipha trying to force you into staying a Zora or making you feel guilty about wanting to change back?"

"No, Zelda, not at all, quite the opposite," said Link. "It's entirely my doing, and I am the one delaying transforming back. She has said many times this is my decision."

"Alright, if Mipha isn't influencing you, can you please tell me what you're thinking?" said Zelda.

"After my transformation to a Zora, I wanted to have an open mind about staying a Zora," said Link. "After all, most of my family are Zora's. So, I thought I would live six months as a Zora and experience what life is like that way. I felt I owed that to myself and to Mipha. More than anything, I want her to be happy, Zelda. And I've gotten much more comfortable in this body, and my feelings for Mipha have grown as well because of it. This was an unexpected opportunity for me, for us, and I'm happier than ever now. My feelings now are that I want to stay this way."

"I don't mean to be unkind, Link," said Zelda. "I am sure this is an emotional time for you. But I think you're being unrealistic. You're the Hero of Hyrule, and the hero has always been a Hylian. The real you a Hylian. What if Hyrule needs your help someplace like the Gerudo Desert or Eldin Region. The way you are now, you can't go there."

"I understand, and that could be a problem," said Link. "But unless the problem relates to Ganon itself, you don't need the sword that seals the darkness to deal with it. You've got better technology now, and new Champions. I believe our days of battling Ganon are finally over, Zelda. Ganon is done for, at least in our lifetimes. That underwater thing was the last of it. And in the unlikely event that I'm wrong, I'll do whatever is necessary at that time. But I don't think I'm wrong. And now, I want to live out my life in a way that makes Mipha and me happy. I would hope, after everything I've done, you would understand that and grant me that."

"I can see you're really serious about this," said Zelda. "I don't know what to say. The idea of you staying a Zora never occurred to me. But let me ask you something else. Could Rudania's pilot be a Rito? Or Medoh's pilot a Goron? Each Divine Beast is designed for a specific race to pilot it. Similarly, I believe you, and I must be Hylians to defeat Ganon."

"Maybe so," said Link. "And we were at the time. But Ganon is not coming back anytime soon. I don't believe we have to be in a constant state of readiness for such an unlikely event. And I can transform back if the need really arises."

"Alright," said Zelda. "I see I'm not getting anywhere with you with this approach, so I need to try a different one. You agree you are still the Champion of Hyrule?"

"Yes, of course, Zelda," said Link.

"And who do the Champions serve?" said Zelda.

"Unless delegated to someone, the King or Queen of Hyrule," said Link. "I hope you are not taking this conversation where I think you are."

"So, you admit that as Champion you serve me, right?" said Zelda.

"Yes," said Link. "Do you want me to start calling you 'Your Majesty'?"

"There's no need to be flippant, Link," said Zelda. "We're friends. But I think you've grasped my point. As Champion of Hyrule, you serve me, and I expect the Champion of Hyrule to be a Hylian. You cannot renounce your Champion status as long as you wield the sword that seals the darkness. You are still the sword's chosen one. So, since it is in your power to become a Hylian again, I believe the only path to doing your duty is to become a Hylian again. Have I made myself clear?"

"I'm sorry for being flippant, Zelda, and your message is unambiguous," said Link. "But may I speak frankly?"

"Yes, but I hope it will be respectfully," said Zelda.

"I will be respectful," said Link. "But I think commanding me like this is unfair of you. What makes you so sure the Hero of Hyrule must always be a Hylian? I know it's written that the sword always chooses a Hylian hero, but you don't think Hylia can change that? With all due respect, I think you are letting your prejudices as a Hylian affect your judgment and sacrificing my happiness in the process. Can you not be more open-minded about this, for my sake? I want to spend my remaining years with Mipha in a way that will make us both the happiest."

"Alright, Link," said Zelda. "Let's say you're right, and I am too influenced by my Hylian background. Let's seek some other opinions by other than Hylians. Let's put it to a vote of the former Champions, the ones who defeated Ganon with us. They know you, and they know the situation. I will take a vote by Tab. If it's tied, I will cast the deciding vote."

"And I am expected to accept the results of the vote?" said Link.

"No," said Zelda. "Out of consideration for you, and because of our long-standing friendship, I won't even make the vote binding on you. I won't force you. I will leave the decision entirely to your conscience and sense of duty. I want you to decide what is right. I am only trying to offer you an objective viewpoint. If you decide to stay a Zora after everything, so be it. But the decision will be on your conscience. You need to believe you're doing the right thing for Hyrule, not yourself, and I trust you will in the end."

"Alright, thank you, Zelda," said Link.

"No, thank you, Link," said Zelda.

Zelda ended the call.

Link sat there, thinking about what Zelda had said. Was it really his duty to be a Hylian? Had he let himself become too wrapped up in his own feelings to be objective?

"Well?" said Mipha when she returned.

"It's as I expected," said Link. "Being Hylian is the real me, and it's my duty. She agreed to put the decision to a non-binding vote of all the old Champions, with her breaking any ties. You can expect a message on your Tab sometime soon. Let me know how it turns out."

A few moments later, the message came. Mipha voted to let Link remain as a Zora. Shortly afterward, the voting results came back. Mipha put the Tab down.

"What's the result?" said Link. "I can already tell by looking at you."

"Revali abstained, saying he didn't care one way or the other what you did. Urbosa voted that you should convert back to a Hylian, I voted that you could stay as a Zora. Daruk apparently couldn't figure out how to cast his vote, so Zelda cast the deciding vote to have you return to a Hylian. So, that's the vote. What do you plan to do?"

"Give me a chance to think," said Link. "I never expected this. I would like to talk to Daruk and find out how he would have voted and how he feels. I trust his opinion more than the others. Urbosa will always take Zelda's side. I will make up my mind after hearing what Daruk has to say. If he supports me staying a Zora, that's what I will do. If not, then I have to think that maybe it really is my duty to be a Hylian."

"Alright, I'll give you some privacy again," said Mipha. "I'll be outside waiting to learn your decision."

Once Mipha left, Link placed a call to Daruk, and he answered at once.

"Daruk, I need your advice. I have to choose between staying a Zora or reverting back to being a Hylian. Zelda is pretty firm I should be a Hylian, and Urbosa voted that way as well. I'd like to know how you feel about it."

"Yes, I saw Zelda's message, but I did something wrong with my Tab and couldn't respond. And I gather she was too busy to start over with me, so I never got to vote. I'm trying to understand things. Tell me how you feel about it?" said Daruk.

"Up until I spoke with Zelda, my mind was made up to stay as I am," said Link. "But Zelda said it's my duty not to, and that's why I'm seeking your advice. I know it's up to me in the end, but I respect your opinion. When I'm with Mipha there is no doubt in my mind about it: I want to stay as I am and share her world as she puts it. But Zelda feels that I'm shirking my duty, that I'm expected to be a Hylian. But is it really my duty to be a Hylian? Isn't our time as Champions over now? You, Revali, and Urbosa have all passed the Champion's mantle on to someone else. I benefited from Purah's rune, so I'm still young enough, and the sword still wants me. So, I remain the Hyrule Champion. But Ganon is gone now. What difference does it make if I am a Hylian or a Zora? And if it doesn't matter, why do I have to give up the happiness Mipha and I have found together?"

"Has Mipha said anything?" said Daruk.

"No, she wants it to be my decision," said Link. "But come on, is there any doubt she would want me to stay a Zora? She voted that way. We have had happiness together that I never dreamed possible. I want so much for her to be happy. And is it too much to ask for me to be happy with her?"

Daruk scratched his chin and thought for a moment.

"Well, I'm hardly a deep thinker, Link, you know that," said Daruk. "And you know I've always liked you and want nothing but happiness for you. But as long as you are still the Hyrule Champion, I think you need to be available as a Hylian if you're ever needed. I'm sorry. That's probably not the answer you were hoping for. But that's what my gut tells me."

Link felt a hollow feeling in the pit of his stomach as he sensed the dream he and Mipha shared as recently as this morning disappearing. He was quiet.

"Link, are you still there?" said Daruk.

"Alright, thank you, Daruk," said Link softly. "You did what I asked, and I respect your answer. I guess you and Zelda and Urbosa must be right. I don't know how to tell Mipha, though. I think she is going to be heartbroken, and frankly, so am I. But I suppose not all dreams come true, and I shouldn't really complain. I've had my share come true already."

"Are you going to be alright, Link?" said Daruk. "I've never heard you sound so depressed."

"I'll be fine," said Link. "Well, no, I won't be fine, but there's nothing you can do. I just have to get over it for the sake of my family. And I don't look forward to seeing Mipha. I told her I would decide after talking with you, and she is going to expect my answer now. One look at my face will tell her all she needs to know, and then I won't be able to bear looking at hers. I know I owe Hylia everything, and if she wants me to carry her sword, I will. But does Hylia really need me to be a Hylian? She let me carry out my mission with her sword as a Zora. Would she really care if I stayed one? It's times like this I wish Fi would speak up and tell me what Hylia wants of me. But, of course, the Goddess rarely involves herself in our affairs. She leaves the choices in life up to us. So, I have to make this choice now based on what my conscience tells me."

Link ended the call and walked outside. He saw Mipha waiting for him. It broke his heart even further to see the happy, hopeful look on her face disappear as she saw his expression.

"I guess while I am still a Champion it's my duty to be available to support Hyrule as a Hylian," said Link. "That seems to be the consensus. I would be much happier staying a Zora. The time I spent as a Zora with you opened my eyes to a new world, one I would love to share with you. And I'll never forget it. But it's apparently my fate to put duty above happiness. I'm sorry. For both of us."

"I understand," said Mipha. "And I told myself I would accept your decision, so I won't try to change your mind. We will always have our memories, and in the end, that's all anyone has. And we still have each other, and our family, and that's what's most important. I know this was hard for you, too. I'll go tell father now. I know he is anxiously awaiting your decision as well. We can tell the children when they come home from class."

Mipha left to tell her father Link's decision, but she needed to be alone for a few moments first. She certainly didn't want Link to see her cry. She had told him this had to be his decision and it did. But after everything they had done together and his new found feelings for her, she thought for sure he would stay with her as a Zora. He was so happy! They were so happy!

But his sense of duty called, and Link would always put responsibility above his own happiness. This hurt, but maybe it was too much to ask. She should be happy they were together at all. But she couldn't pretend this wasn't going to be hard for her. She had gotten used to them doing so many Zora things together. Now they never would again. Some tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. She never wanted to show how much she hurt over this, especially to Link. He would feel even more terrible. Mipha finally made her way to the throne room.

"Father, Link has made his decision," said Mipha. "He will return to being a Hylian."

"Oh, Mipha, I'm so sorry," said King Dorephan. He opened his arms, and she went to him, and he hugged her and patted her gently on the back. All of a sudden, he felt like she was his little girl again.

"I'm so sorry," said King Dorephan. "And I know nothing I say now will help. Just let your feelings out."

Mipha sobbed, then brought herself under control.

"I don't want him to know, Father," said Mipha. "I know it was hard for him, but he feels it is his duty. And I understand. Thank you for the hug. I needed it."

"I'm always here for you, my darling daughter," said King Dorephan. "And I won't let Link know how you're feeling. Something tells me he may already know, though. And if he thinks it is his duty, then I know nothing would dissuade him. But please come to me anytime."

"Thank you, Father," said Mipha. She wiped her eyes and went home.

At their family dinner Link brought up his decision with the children and looked for their reaction. Midon spoke up first.

"Dad, I think all of us have learned by now that this is anything but a normal family," said Midon. "One day, you return younger than when you started. Another time you and Mom return with ten years of different memories. And another time, you leave as a Hylian and return as a Zora. But I think I speak for all of us that no matter what happens, you're our Dad, and we love you. We understand you have a special role to play for Hyrule, and you need to do what's needed. But we will always support you."

"That's right, Dad," said Lapha.