Summary: Midon and Linky begin their classes at Hyrule Castle, and it gives them a chance to grow closer. Linky shares his feelings with Midon about his place in the family. Princess Zelda shares some thoughts of her own with Linky. Mipha and Link briefly discuss their plans.

It was their first day of class at Hyrule Castle, and Midon and Linky briefly wished each other good morning as they prepared to go their separate ways. Midon was headed to breakfast with the other trainees in a room set aside for that purpose. Linky was getting the royal treatment, joining Princess Zelda and her family for breakfast.

"I'm feeling a bit nervous," said Linky. "I'm not used to being alone with such important people."

"Take a deep breath, Linky," said Midon. "I understand that works to calm Hylians. And let me help you think about this. Dad is one of the most important people in the recent history of Hyrule. Don't you realize that? And Mom is next in line to be Zora ruler and a Champion. You've been living among important people your whole life. Don't feel intimidated. And besides, Linky, everyone here likes you. Just be yourself, and you'll do fine."

"I guess you're right," said Linky.

They hugged and then headed off.

When he arrived, Midon was the only Zora at breakfast. There were four other trainees: three Sheikah and a Rito. The breakfast was buffet style and included some fresh fish, of which Midon took a generous portion. The three Sheikah trainees seemed to know each other already and were sitting together, but the Rito was sitting by himself. Midon sat down next to the Rito, and they introduced themselves.

"Hello, I'm Midon, and you are?" said Midon.

"Tanlon," said Tanlon. "Pleased to meet you. It looks like you and I are the strangers and the big fish eaters here."

Tanlon also had a generous helping of fish on his plate.

"Yes, it does," laughed Midon. "But fish comes naturally to both of us, doesn't it?"

"I'm excited about the class. How well did you finish in the rune competition?" said Tanlon. "I finished fifth."

"I finished third," said Midon.

"Congratulations!" said Tanlon. "I think we are the top five finishers in the contest, or at least that had something to do with our selection. I heard that Dr. Purah herself will be speaking to all of us for our first day of class. I have heard a lot about her from some of the people in my village."

"Yes," said Midon. "I have heard her mentioned several times as well. I gather she is quite talented."

After breakfast, everyone adjourned to a classroom and took a seat. The instructor, Dr. Phanlon, was present and he addressed the class.

"Welcome, all of you, to this year's trainee class," said Dr. Phanlon. "This is my third year teaching this class, and each time I find it fascinating to see how each student's talent develops. We will be spending a month working together, and in the end, you will be capable of doing some amazing things with the tools you will have. I urge you to work hard. As is customary on our first day of class, the head of our science department, Dr. Purah, will speak to you and take questions. So, without further ado, please welcome the head of the Hyrule science department, Dr. Purah."

Dr. Purah entered the room. She was a bit younger looking than Midon expected, but certainly not the child his father had mentioned in one of his stories about his old timeline. Purah got straight to the point.

"Welcome, all of you, to this special opportunity," said Purah. "You were selected based on the talent we saw in your work, and we want to build on that talent and give you a deeper understanding of Sheikah technology and the ability to work with it and both develop and evaluate runes of increasing complexity. You should understand that this month-long class is only intended to get you started. There is still a great deal for you to learn afterward. But this class will give you the foundation you need to move on. Dr. Phanlon is a Sheikah scientist from North Hyrule and an excellent instructor. I have personally worked with him on some projects and can vouch for his capability. I want to give you my brief perspective on Sheikah technology, greet all of you, and give you a chance to ask me any questions."

Dr. Purah paused for a moment.

"Alright," said Purah. "You can read more about all this in the course materials you will receive, but I wanted to summarize. Sheikah technology is primarily based on the control of a substance we call ancient energy. This energy can be used for many purposes, just like the power of the wind can be used for such diverse things as pushing a boat, turning a windmill, flying a kite, or drying clothes. You do not need to understand the nature of ancient energy, but you do need to know enough to control it and safely use it. One of the objectives of this class is to enhance your ability to develop Tab runes. You have all submitted runes judged to be well made, and so you are all off to an excellent start. Now as to runes in general, there are several types. There are passive runes that measure material things and report on them, like the temperature. There are active runes that work only in a Tab environment, like sending and receiving messages or reading a book stored on a Tab. Then there are active runes that can affect physical things, such as the lifting of metal objects. And finally, there are active runes that can change the characteristics of a living person. The latter two types of runes are considered advanced runes, and you will not be working with those in this class. They are difficult to develop and dangerous even to test. Your development materials will not allow the creation of any such runes. At the outset, you will be working on passive runes that measure and report on the physical environment. Then you will move on to active runes that work exclusively in a Tab environment. Are there any questions?"

One of the Sheikah students raised a hand.

"Dr. Purah, when will we be allowed to work on runes that can interact with the environment or the characteristics of a living person?"

"That depends on your talent and ability," said Purah. "For most, if not all of you, the honest answer is 'never.' For any of you that show sufficient talent, I personally conduct a class on the development of that kind of rune. But I do not want to raise anyone's hopes. I have taken only a very few students over the years, and in most years no one qualifies for that class. Just do your best, and we will see. Are there any more questions?"

No one had any, so Purah went to each student and individually greeted them. She finally came to Midon.

"Welcome, Prince Midon," said Purah. "I was quite happy you showed such talent and were selected. I know your father quite well, of course. He and I have worked together many times, and he is quite an extraordinary individual. I am sure he and your mother are both proud of you."

"They are, Dr. Purah," said Midon. "And I am looking forward to bringing more of a water perspective to some of the development work."

"That would be most welcome," said Purah. "You are the first Zora to have been accepted to this class, and we welcome your fresh outlook."

After Purah had a chance to greet everyone, she left, and the class began.

Meanwhile, Linky was having breakfast with Princess Zelda before their class.

"Is there anything special you would like to eat, Link?" asked Princess Zelda. "Your sister seemed very concerned about your diet."

"I can actually eat just about anything, Zelda," said Linky. "I'm used to eating fish because of my family, and Lapha is used to looking out for me. So, she worries more than necessary. But thank you. Whatever everyone is having is fine."

After breakfast, Linky and Zelda met their tutor. Dr. Janson was also a Sheikah scientist from North Hyrule.

"In this class," said Janson, "We will briefly study how Sheikah technology works, and then spend most of the class on how to use the technology. It is more of a practical course, stressing application, not theory. In the end, you should both be very comfortable using all the devices Sheikah technology makes available to you and understand how to use them as well as possible future advancements. This includes learning all the features of your Tabs as well as more active tasks such as learning to drive motorized cycles or the new small motorized watercraft recently developed. It is a very hands-on class, and I hope you will both benefit from it and enjoy it. Let's start with your Tabs. I bet you don't know all the features available."

Midon and Linky met up at their rooms after dinner.

"How was your day, Linky?" said Midon.

"Interesting," said Linky. "I'm looking forward to the class. The instructor seems very knowledgeable. You?"

"Fascinating," said Midon. "I can't wait to get familiar with the tools we are getting to code runes."

"Did you swim today yet?" said Linky.

"No, not yet. I'm going now," said Midon. "Want to join me?"

"Sure," said Linky. "Let's go. I could use the exercise."

They both swam together in the castle moat area for a half hour or so, Midon doing some deep dives and leaps. When they finished, they sat together on the dock while Linky dried off.

"Are you keeping current with your messages?" said Linky. "I already Tabbed Laff about today."

"I got two from Larena, and one from Mila," said Midon. "I answered all of them. And I sent Mom and Dad a message we were both doing fine."

They looked out across the moat as the sun was near setting.

"You know, in my class, I'll learn how to drive a motorized cycle and a motorized watercraft," said Linky. "Do you think Mom and Dad will let us get either one?"

"Maybe," said Midon. "But don't get your hopes up. They may get one, but I bet they'll both say you're still too young to drive it."

"Yeah," said Linky. "I could remind them Dad was already a soldier at my age, but it probably wouldn't matter. They keep treating me as a child."

"It may not seem fair, Linky, but don't rush it," said Midon. "Especially for Mom and Laff, it's hard to see you growing up so fast."

"I know," said Linky. "But I can't really help it, can I? And Laff especially still treats me like a small child. It was kind of embarrassing the way she behaved with Zelda."

"Yes, I can see that," said Midon. "And she was probably wrong. But try to understand things from her perspective. When Laff was still small, I used to play with you and look out for you, and Mi did the same for Laff. But later, when Laff was old enough, she started looking out for you, Linky, making sure you were treated well when playing with her friends and helping you with water games. You became her little brother to take care of, especially because you couldn't swim as well as everyone else. She doesn't know how to handle that you're suddenly more mature than her. By the time she has her growth spurt, you'll be a full adult. No one is saying you shouldn't grow up. But try to understand the family you're part of and their feelings. Laff will eventually adjust to the fact you've passed her by. She just needs some more time to come to terms with it. But if it bothers you too much, I can ask Mi to talk to her."

"No, no, please don't do that, Mido," said Linky. "The last thing I want is to hurt Laff's feelings. I guess I shouldn't mind being Laff's little brother as long as she wants to keep thinking of me that way. You're right, she always tried so hard to make sure I could play with her friends and didn't feel embarrassed or left out, even though I could never play in the water as they do. She wanted to make me feel like I belonged with all of you in the Domain, even though we all know I'm different. And I know she did it because she cared about me and my feelings. I should be grateful, not resentful."

"Just be patient, and everything will work out," said Midon.

"I know. But speaking of our family, sometimes I feel like I don't fit in, Mido," said Linky. "Now Dad wants to spend more time with Mom as a Zora. I used to think if Dad, as a Hylian, could fit in with all of you, then so could I. But now I'm not so sure. When Dad turns into a Zora, I still love him, but it feels strange to me. All of a sudden I feel alone in the family. I even feel that maybe the family would have been happier if I was born a Zora too."

"Have you told Mom or Dad any of this, how you feel?" said Midon.

"No, of course not," said Linky. "Can't you see how happy Mom is when Dad's a Zora, how happy they both are? I don't want to ruin that for them or make them think they should give up that special time together because of me. I just need to get over it."

"No, Linky, this is more serious than just getting over it," said Midon. "I'm glad you told me how you feel. We need to talk. First of all, remember it was only out of duty that Dad first transformed into a Zora, and then he worried we wouldn't accept him. He didn't do it for pleasure. But then Mom and Dad got to experience something they never thought they could, and they want to do so again for a time. But you know Dad will transform back to a Hylian. That's who he truly is. And as much as they love their time together as Zora's, Mom fell in love with him as a Hylian. So, a Hylian has been part of this family since day one."

Midon paused for a moment, then went on.

"Now, as for you, Linky, you are completely mistaken about how your family feels about you," said Midon. "The truth is almost exactly the opposite of what you said. If you think Mom looked happy to be with Dad as a Zora, you should have seen how happy Mom was after you were born! Mi and I were about ten years old back then, and we both remember it. Mom was so excited and so thrilled to have a Hylian baby. She studied how to raise you, and talked with Grandfather about how happy she was that Dad would have a little boy like him to play with and raise. Though at the beginning Mom didn't give Dad much of a chance to do anything with you! Mom spent much more time taking care of you than Laff, or any of us. As was normal for a Zora baby, Laff was happy to play in the water on her own, and Mom cared for her as any good Zora mother would. But Mom was forever cuddling you, carrying you in her arms, kissing you, feeding you, and rocking you to sleep. She felt so lucky to have you, Linky. Mom needed to care for you much more and much longer than the rest of us, and Mom loved every minute of it. Dad used to complain she was taking all the time with you! He joked the only time he got to see you was when you were sleeping, and not always then either if Mom was cuddling you. You made Mom so happy, Linky. Grandfather, Uncle Sidon, Mi and I, were also all happy and excited to have you in the family. And Laff grew to love you in a special sisterly way. Don't ever say anyone in the family wished you were anything but what you are. That is completely untrue. Don't you remember Mom taking such good care of you?"

Linky thought for a moment.

"Yes, I do remember," said Linky. "But thanks for reminding me, and you've made me feel much better. You're not such a bad brother after all."

"I'm the best you've got, little brother," laughed Midon. "Now just take each day as it comes and be sure you enjoy your chance to school with the Royal Family and the future Queen and ruler of Hyrule."

"Thanks for making me nervous again," laughed Linky.

"I've decided you're better off nervous than thinking too much," laughed Midon. "It's getting dark now. We should be getting back."

Midon put his arm around Linky as they headed back to their rooms for the night.

The next day in Midon's class each student was provided with equipment to develop runes, similar to what had been available in their classes at school, but more powerful. Midon looked forward to getting familiar with it and spent most of the day working on it.

And later that day, after dinner, Zelda was walking with Link in the castle courtyard. The weather was mild, perhaps another hour of daylight remaining.

"You're very quiet today, Link," said Princess Zelda. "Are you feeling homesick?"

"No," said Link.

Princess Zelda looked him in the eyes and smiled.

"Okay, yes, I guess I am a little," said Linky. "But having my brother here is a big help."

They walked together quietly for a minute.

"Zelda, do you ever feel like your family doesn't want you to grow up?" said Linky. "I know it's complicated for me because most of my family are Zora's. But I feel like my family, or at least some of them, wants me to stay a child. Speaking of that, I should apologize for how my sister Lapha behaved."

"No, there's no need to apologize," said Zelda. "She was just worried about you, and I thought it was sweet of her. It didn't bother me. You're lucky you have a brother and sisters who care about you. And I understand we grow up faster than Zora's."

Zelda paused.

"But you know, it's funny you say that," said Zelda. "In my family, it's exactly the opposite. I think Mother wants me to grow up as fast as possible. She doesn't admit it, but I can sense she can't wait for me to turn seventeen so I can finish my training at the Shrine of Wisdom. I think it's because of what my mother went through. She told me she was never properly trained by her mother, that it was your mother, Link, who helped her learn how to access her sealing power. And so, she sometimes worries she didn't seal Ganon away as well as if she had been better trained, that Ganon might return sooner than we all expect. She doesn't like to talk about it, but I know it bothers her. She wants me fully trained in case anything should happen to her. But Father thinks she is worrying unnecessarily, and that Ganon is sealed away for a very long time."

"I hope so," said Linky. "If Ganon returned soon it would mean my Dad would have to battle it again. He still holds the darkness sealing sword. He showed it to my class not too long ago."

"Yes, that's true," said Zelda. "And I think that's why my mother wants your father always to be ready for that possibility. Hopefully, it will be another generation of hero that has to deal with that. Anyway, since Mother became Queen, I can see she feels more responsibility for everyone's safety. But let's talk about happier things!"

They walked some more.

"Do you know what you want to do as a career yet, Link?" said Princess Zelda.

"I am thinking about becoming a knight, like my Dad," said Linky. "But my parents keep telling me I shouldn't feel I have to do that. So, I don't know yet. I guess it's nice for you, that you don't have to worry about any of that. You already know your career."

"Nice? Yes, for better or worse, my career is pretty much set," laughed Princess Zelda. "You may think this odd, even selfish of me, but sometimes I wish it wasn't, that I could choose to be what I want to be. But as Mother tells me, with privilege comes responsibility, and I should feel honored. I have the privilege of being a princess, and the honor of carrying the blood of Hylia. And with all that comes a sacred duty to Hyrule. And she's right. I am honored, and I will live up to my duty, just as she did, and everyone expects me to. But it just feels strange to have your whole life decided for you from the moment you were born, no choice at all in life."