Summary: Link's attempt to chip a souvenir from a newly exposed Luminous Stone goes tragically wrong.

It was a week after Link's transformation back to a Hylian, and the family had finished breakfast together. Midon, Lapha, and Linky had already left for class. Mila and Mipha remained alone in the dining room while Link was cleaning up in the kitchen.

"I meant to ask you, Mom, why you put all those pictures back up," said Mila.

"I'm sorry," said Mipha. "But do you remember why we took them down in the first place? That was something that differs from our past memory because of the timeline change for your grandfather."

"Oh," said Mila. "As I recall, you said you took them down because you thought it made Dad remember too much about the past. You wanted him to think more about the present and the future. He agreed with you. I guess he's gotten over that now?"

"I see," said Mipha. "Well, he's gotten over it to a great extent at least. I guess some things will always make him remember what happened. I think we can leave them up for now and see if it changes his mood."

"Having a keen interest in history, I'm not upset about someone thinking a lot about the past," laughed Mila. "And I've enjoyed helping Dad with his journals."

"Yes, I know," laughed Mipha. "And in your father's case, given his memory issues, it's probably a good idea to record things as he remembers them. Who knows what he will forget again?"

Mipha paused for a moment as she thought back.

"But, Mila, it's just that you don't know how your father used to be when we first married," said Mipha. "He used to suffer from nightmares. His mind was obviously damaged by the recovery process in the Shrine of Resurrection. And then, the timeline change caused additional stress on his memory by confusing the two realities. He would sometimes wake up shivering or even screaming, battling in his mind some horrible monster, or reliving the loss of someone, mostly me from what he later said. It was his subconscious mind remembering things as he slept, things he alone lived through, most of which never happened anymore. The nightmares became less frequent over time and finally went away. I always worried that too much attention to the past would trigger them again. But he's been much better for years now, so it should be fine."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Mom. Dad's always been so steady, loving, and comforting to me, and that's how I think of him," said Mila. "He used to hold me when I was small and make me feel so secure like he would protect me from everything. Sometimes he would hum a song to me as I rested my head on his shoulder. It's hard for me to think of him as a ruthless killer of everything evil."

"That's just it. He's only ruthless when he needs to be," said Mipha. "And he would give his life to protect you, or any of us. That's what's so wonderful about him."

"You're okay with Dad back as a Hylian, the way he used to be?" said Mila as she looked into her mother's eyes.

"Are you reading my feelings, sweetheart?" laughed Mipha. "Then why do I even need to answer? I can accept it. It was a wonderful experience for both of us to see what life would be like together if things were different. And knowing we can return to that world together if we want to is comforting to me. But I love him just as much either way."

"I'm glad," said Mila. "I do too."

Mila gave Mipha a hug and kiss then left for class. Then Mipha joined Link as he looked out the kitchen window and the rain splashing everywhere. Link put his arm around her as they both stared out the window.

"The rain is finally supposed to stop today. I need to get out, bad weather or not," said Link. "I've been cooped up inside all week."

"I can understand that," said Mipha. "Want company? I can let Father know and skip my meeting with Sidon and him."

"No, you should go to your meeting," said Link. "If the weather lets up, I was thinking of traveling over to Spool Bight to see where they're going to build the port and tunnel."

"So far? In this weather?" said Mipha.

"It's not really that far," said Link. "I can swim up the three waterfalls here, walk over to Ploymus Mountain and Shatterback Point, then paraglide east, and I should reach there. But I really need to stretch my legs."

"A pity it's not 'flex your fins' anymore," laughed Mipha. "But how do you get back?"

"I agree there is some climbing then," said Link. "So, I will only go if the rain stops."

"Well, be careful, and don't be too ambitious," said Mipha. "You know the rocks can get slippery when they're wet. Promise me you won't climb anywhere that it's unsafe."

"I promise," said Link. "I love you and our family too much to take unnecessary chances. Kiss?"

"I love you, too," said Mipha as they kissed. "See you for lunch after my meeting."

Link put on his Zora Armor and got ready to face the rain. As soon as he stepped outside, the rain struck him full in the face, and he had to turn around to avoid its force. But it did seem somewhat less forceful than earlier. He swam up the three waterfalls that originated at Mikau Lake, then began walking to Ploymus Mountain. The rain lessened even more as he walked, the path muddy from the week-long rain. And as he finally reached the peak and Shatterback Point, it slowed much more. He waited there for a few minutes, enjoying the view. Then the rain stopped completely. Perfect! Luck was with him. He looked east to where the cliffs met the seacoast. Then he positioned himself and jumped, his paraglider unfurled.

He glided all the way across to the cliffs as he enjoyed the scenery below and landed gracefully. He was a pretty experienced paraglider. Then he used his paraglider again to reach a ledge on a lower level of the cliff face. This was near the location they would excavate a tunnel and then build a port. There was a beautiful view of the sea from here. But it was something else that caught his eye as he looked around.

The heavy rain of the last week had apparently hollowed out a small crevice in the side of the cliff near where he stood, and he could make out a soft glow from within. A Luminous Stone must have been exposed by erosion. Mipha loved Luminous Stones, and a chip off a new one for good luck would make her happy.

He had brought his sword but did not want to waste it on breaking a stone. So, he looked around for a rock to chip off a piece and found one not far away. It was a bit awkward to reach the stone, as it lay in the very back of the crevice. He had to squeeze under a part of the cliff, but he couldn't quite reach it. The sword on his back was in the way. He backed out, took off his sword and scabbard, and placed them on the ground. Then he squeezed back into the crevice, reached out to the stone, and struck it with the rock in his hand. But instead of a piece of stone breaking off as he expected, the entire stone shattered into pieces, there was a flash of white light, a sound like thunder, and he collapsed on the ground, unconscious.

Mipha had finished her meeting with her father and Sidon and had sent Link a message she was on her way home. He hadn't answered, but he sometimes didn't. And if he were still out walking on the wet ground, she would prefer he pay attention to where he was going than stare at his Tab to answer messages. She arrived home, and the house was quiet. She put away a few things, straightened up, then sent Link another message about lunch.

And this time, she saw that both her messages to Link had bounced back with an 'undeliverable' notice. Could the weather have caused a problem with signals? She sent a test message to Sidon, and he answered at once. So, the signal strength seemed good. Something was wrong. Even if he couldn't answer, the message should have gone through. He wasn't that far away. She tried sending another message, with the same result. It showed the message was undeliverable. She was starting to worry now. She contacted her father.

"Mipha: Father, Link went out for some exercise toward Spool Bight but hasn't returned and is not answering his Tab. Can you please send some guards to look for him?"

King Dorephan: At once. Try not to worry.

Mipha stepped out of the house and looked around. She called his name, but there was no reply, the only sound that of the waterfall nearby. She decided she would retrace the path he told her he would take. She swam up the three waterfalls and made her way to Ploymus Mountain and Shatterback Point. There was no sign of him. She couldn't paraglide across, so she would have to rely on the guards her father had sent. She could already see five guards in the distance making their way to where Link had said he was traveling. Then they disappeared from view as they moved further down the cliff. All she could do now was wait.

She made her way back home and was surprised to see the Captain of the Royal Guards approaching her house from across the west bridge. Her heart was in her throat as she stood in front of their home, and the Captain arrived.

"Yes? You have news?" said Mipha.

"Lady Mipha, perhaps you should come with me. We found Link's sword on a ledge above Spool Bight. But there is no sign of him. We are continuing to search the ground and the sea below. We thought you would want to be there and be ready to heal any injuries he may have sustained."

Mipha's hands flew to her mouth.

"Of course, I must go at once. He may have hurt himself falling," said Mipha.

The two of them made their way to the scene where another guard was keeping watch. Others could be seen searching the water below and the rest of the nearby area. The guard on duty explained the sword was found on the ground where it still lay. But there was no sign of Link.

The Captain of the Guards kept King Dorephan informed of their progress, and more guards were requested to search everywhere they could. King Dorephan went to the house to stay with the children while Sidon traveled to be with Mipha at the location Link's Sword was found. The search continued all afternoon, and even through the night, the Zora guards using echolocation to try to detect any trace of Link in the water. Mipha huddled with Sidon by a campfire all night, hoping for news, while Sidon did his best to keep her hopes alive.

By the afternoon of the next day, everyone but Mipha was beginning to accept what must have happened. Somehow Link must have fallen and been swept out to sea by the surge currents prevalent after a storm. But no one could explain why he had removed his sword. Mipha continued to hope he would be found alive floating at sea perhaps, too tired or hurt to swim back. Vessels crossing the sea were alerted to be on the lookout for him. Mipha wanted to stay there, still hoping she could heal an injury when he was found. But finally, King Dorephan and Sidon insisted she go home. There was nothing she could do, and she was exhausted after a full day and night of nothing but anxious worry, unable to even think of eating.

Mipha went home with Sidon, who insisted on staying with her there. King Dorephan hugged her when she arrived, and then she finally broke down, all the feelings she had been holding inside her breaking through. She cried as she had never cried before. And when finally exhaustion set in, Sidon helped her to the pool and to sleep.

Zelda had been informed after the first day what had happened and offered whatever help she could. But there was really nothing she could do either, other than pray.

The search for Link continued for another two weeks, but finally, King Dorephan had to call it off. The inevitable conclusion was that Link had died at sea. There was nothing more anyone could do.

King Dorephan had arrangements made for a royal funeral for Link one month to the day he vanished. Zelda would be attending, as would the former Champions he had known so well. Zelda also needed to retrieve the sword that seals the darkness and return it to Korok Forest under the watchful care of the Forest Spirit, the Deku Tree. There it would await the day a new hero would emerge.

Mila and Sidon were the two who comforted Mipha the most back then. Not that Mila didn't need comforting of her own, but she understood better than anyone how Mipha felt. As she waited for the day of the funeral, Mipha was like a shell of her former self. She never smiled and was quick to come to tears. She stubbornly refused to believe Link was really dead. Unless she saw his lifeless body, Mipha said, she would hold out hope.

Mila called a private meeting of the four children and spoke to them about what they needed to do.

"I know we are all hurting," said Mila. "A lot! But Mom is hurting even more, and we need to do what we can for her. Let's be sure to be around for her. She should not be by herself. I know Uncle Sidon has promised to stay with her, but he can't be here all the time. We need to do our part. Agreed?"

"Yes, of course, Sis," said Lapha. "We don't need to be told that. We will all do what we can for Mom. And for each other, too."

When the day of the funeral finally arrived, everyone was present in the plaza. There was no casket, of course. Link's body had not been found. Mipha and her children stood to one side with Sidon and King Dorephan. The former Champions were standing on the other side with Queen Zelda.

Revali insisted he be the one allowed to speak on behalf of the old Champions. Daruk and Urbosa agreed and thought he wanted to take this opportunity to make some amends for all he had said before Link's death. After Revali, Zelda would speak and finally King Dorephan.

So, Revali spoke first, and no one was quite sure what to expect. But he showed his true feelings for the first time.

I speak for all the Champions in expressing our deepest condolences to Mipha and her family for the loss of our dear friend. I never admitted it to Link's face, but I greatly admired him, and I think he knew that. When I used to tease him that he was more lucky than good, he would just laugh. He knew better. And, so did I. It's my nature to be arrogant, but I can say to all of you what I never said to him: he was a true hero, the greatest Champion of us all. I will miss our competition and all the back and forth with him. And I hope I will have the chance to battle it out with him in the next world when our spirits meet again. Knowing him, he will probably still win. Rest in peace, Link. We all love you and miss you.

Next, it was Queen Zelda's turn. She had trouble controlling her emotions as she spoke and had to pause to control herself and wipe her eyes several times.

First of all, may I express my deepest sympathy to Link's family. I cannot imagine what they are going through. When I think of Link, I don't really know where to begin. I first met him when he was only about 13 years old, an adolescent so skilled he had just won the Hyrule swordsmanship competition. And right after that, he was chosen by the sword that seals the darkness, and eventually, he and I formed a bond that was unique and one I will never forget. He saved Hyrule and will forever be remembered in history as the hero of his era. But I will remember him as the quiet knight who traveled with me everywhere and always protected me with no thought to his own safety. I will remember him as the friend who sat with me by a stable fire at night as we shared our thoughts: thoughts about our lives and our worries about Hyrule's future. I will remember him as the bravest person I have ever known. And I will remember him as the kindest, most unselfish person I have ever known. He was there for me every time I needed him, so much so that I still have trouble accepting he is really gone. I loved him. May the blessings of Hylia be with him, and may his spirit rest in peace. Farewell, Hero of Hyrule, and my dearest friend.

Finally, King Dorephan spoke.

I know we are all gathered together here to honor and pay tribute to what history will remember as a great hero. But I would like instead to pay homage to the person I will remember as a loving husband to my dear daughter, a loving father to their four children, a son, and a friend to all. He brought much happiness to our family. From the times he played pretend battles with a young Prince Sidon to his years raising his lovely children, a kinder and more loving person, you could never hope to meet. I will miss our talks, and I know many here will miss his friendly smile. I never thought a Hylian could bring such joy to our Domain, nor his absence such sadness. But he did both. May the blessings of Nayru be with him and may his spirit rest in peace. Farewell, dear Son.

Then the speeches were over, and the ceremony ended. Everyone came over to offer personal condolences to Mipha and the children. The whole affair was something of a blur to her. She went through the motions of thanking everyone. And at the end, Sidon put his arm around her and walked her and the children home. Mila and Midon did their best to comfort Lapha and Linky. And Sidon said he would stay with Mipha at her house until she didn't need him anymore. She looked at the Champions Inauguration picture hanging on the wall. It was a bitter irony that now Link was the only one gone.

"Thank you," said Mipha to Sidon as they sat together. "I know you think I'm ridiculous, but I can't accept he's gone. I believe in my heart that someday he will return. I only pray it will be soon."

Mipha felt it all made no sense. Could life really be that unfair? That the hero who could face down any foe would die from slipping and falling off a cliff? He had promised her he would be careful, and she knew he would have been. And why had he removed his sword and left it on the ground? If it was someone else, they might have even thought it was suicide. It almost looked like that. But that was absolutely ridiculous in his case. His love for her and his family would never let him do something like that, and he had no reason to in any case. It just made no sense to her.

They say time heals all wounds, and to some extent that was true. The hurt never really healed, but Mipha had a family to take care of. So, life went on in Zora's Domain, and the reality of life without Link eventually became the new normal.

Mila helped organize her father's notes and journals, and Mipha enjoyed helping her fill in gaps in Link's narrative, where she had shared the experience. Mila found her mother enjoyed these talks, reliving her past with him. But Mila was careful never to word anything as if Link was gone for good.

So, Link's children went back to their lives, grew up, and started leading new lives of their own. King Dorephan grew old and passed. Then Mipha became Queen of the Zora and devoted herself to the care of her people. Her reign was long, and she was honored and loved by all. But every year on their wedding anniversary, Mipha would make time to pay a visit to Veiled Falls. She insisted on going alone. Then she would sit on the rock where they first kissed and remember some of their life together. And after a short time alone with her thoughts, she would compose herself and get back to work.