"Well, here we are! Rito Village. Teba should be with his family," Link explained as they crossed the bridge that led to the village.

Zelda nodded wordlessly as her eyes searched around, happy that the village hadn't suffered much during the Great Calamity had Hyrule had. At least everyone who remained in the village had stayed safe as much as they could with Vah Medoh protecting them until Windblight had possessed the Divine Beast.

As they came up to the staircase that led deeper into the village, the Rito patrolling had his eyes widened as he dropped to his knees, welcoming the princess before explaining the Elder was in his house. Link grinned as he nodded, taking Zelda's hand to lead her upwards, choosing to ignore seeking out the Elder for now— wanting to find Teba first.

They had to gain Teba's approval first before they sought out the Elder's.

Everyone stayed clear of their way, choosing to watch in awe as the lost princess had sudden appeared by the hero's side. Link knew they were all wondering the same thing; how could this be? The princess was said to be dead, no longer alive as she was deep within the ruins of the castle, but now she was suddenly next to the one who had calmed Vah Medoh. Not only that, but there was a mysterious protectiveness about Link as he gripped Zelda's hand tightly.

"Link," Zelda quietly whispered. "Everyone's looking at us."

"Yeah," Link breathed out. His eyes darted around to see the many Ritos watching with shock and amazement. "It's because you're here. Alive. Safe and sound too. It's not everyday they see a royal here."

Zelda rolled her eyes as she squeezed his hand back, smiling happily at the children who waved at her. She gave her own wave back and watched as grins took over their expressions, eagerly telling their parents she had acknowledged them.

"You're good with kids," Link noted happily as he watched. "I think Teba's son will like you. Especially his wife, Saki."

"What's his son's name?"

"Tulin. He looks exactly like his father. Like father, like son. He dreams about becoming a warrior equal to Revali."

Zelda's eyes widened as she heard those words. She bit her lip. Revali would've been overjoyed to know he had an admirer in his village that wanted to be like him. For a split second, she couldn't help but wonder how Tulin would react when he found out his father was about to become the next Rito Champion, Revali's successor.

Suddenly, Link stopped as he looked inside of a house. A wide smile broke out when he saw the white feathers of Teba. He was sitting down in front of the firepit all Ritos had in their house as he told a story to his son, possibly about his time helping the hero out in calming Vah Medoh.

Tulin was listening in complete awe.

There was no doubt in Link's mind that Teba was celebrated for his help in calming Medoh down. He probably was high up there with Revali but not quite that the level of respect the Champion had. But he was still up there.

"Hey, Teba," Link called out as they walked inside of the house.

Teba looked up and grinned before he froze. His eyes landed on the blond hair of Zelda and he swallowed. He remembered the stories his own father told him about the princess and her appointed knight. All the tales of how they had bravely fought against Calamity Ganon with Champion Revali and the others, but despite their best efforts, the Champions were lost, the appointed Knight had fallen and the princess left to fight Ganon alone.

Saki froze up when she turned to greet her husband's friend and saw the princess as well but Tulin gazed at the pair as if something wasn't clicking. He wasn't sure why his parents had froze up at their friend and his own friend, but she must be important, he figured.

For a moment it was silent in Teba's home until he cleared his throat.

"Hello, Link. Who's your friend?" Teba asked, moving his gaze to Zelda.

"Ah," Link said. "This is Zelda, she's my girlfriend. We came here to ask you something important. I hope we're not interrupting."

"No, no, you're not," Teba shook his head.

Zelda smiled at the warrior. "It's nice to meet you, Teba. Link told me about how you helped him with calming Vah Medoh." Teba nodded slowly, clearly embarrassed with her appreciation. "I wanted to thank you personally. Calamity Ganon could never have been defeated without your help in freeing Medoh."

Teba swallowed. "I, uh, you're welcome."

"But that doesn't explain what you're here for," Saki said, hoping she hadn't voiced those words with an iciy tone.

Link nodded. "Yeah, well… we also need the Elder's approval, but we wanted Teba's approval before anything."

"And that is?" asked Teba, arching a brow.

The Hylians spared a glance at each other before Zelda tore her gaze away to focus on the Divine Beast perched on top of the landing above the village. She couldn't help but wonder how Medoh hadn't broken that but she didn't question it; the Divine Beasts would never do anything to harm the citizens of their respective villages.

They weren't harmful creatures.

"We wanted Teba to become the next Champion," Zelda stated firmly, locking eyes with Teba himself.

The warrior's eyes went wide.

"Me?" Teba questioned.

"Yes."

"You're the best choice for the successor of Revali. You helped me with Vah Medoh and proved yourself capable of controlling the Divine Beast," Link answered. "We need your approval. We won't force you into anything you don't want to do, okay?"

Teba nodded slowly, still in shock at the offer. He knew he was one of the best warriors out there but to be Champion Revali's successor? That was a huge honor and everyone would be itching to gain that honor. Everyone would no doubt be jealous that he so easily gained that honor without even trying. His eyes met his wife's and he swallowed heavily again.

He didn't know what to say. His mind replayed all the tales of how Revali had fought bravely and ended up dying in process. Windblight had taken out their prized Rito without even trying; would that happen to him as well?

No.

It couldn't. There was no threat anymore. Link had taken care of any threats that remained the moment he took on Windblight and saved Vah Medoh; not to mention he had taken down Calamity Ganon as well.

"T-That's an honor," Teba said feebly. "I have no idea what to say."

"The other two Champions have been picked," Link continued before he peered down at Teba. "You okay? You look a little pale in the face."

"I'm just thinking about Champion Revali," Teba answered honestly.

A look of understanding appeared on both Hylians' faces.

"I understand, Teba," replied Link. "But there's no threat anymore. I— we— promise."

"Link's right," agreed Zelda. "You'll be safe if you accept."

"I need some time to think," Teba declared, standing up. "I'll seek you out when I make up my mind. Until then, check with the Elder. See if this is okay with him."

Without any more words, Teba walked off to think about his choice. Saki and Tulin exchanged a look while Link and Zelda shifted nervously. Saki walked past without any words, sparing them a look before searching for her husband.

They had no doubt she was going to convince him to not accept the offer. She must think there was still a threat around.

…

"What?" gasped Kaneli, looking at them with wide eyes.

Kaneli watched and listened closely as Zelda explained their reasons for wanting to remake the group of Champions with the best warriors of each race. He knew this would be important for the Kingdom; he had no problem with sparing some materials for the rebuilding but to risk Teba's life? What if it ended up being the same way that of Revali's time as the Champion?

What would happen then?

Saki would never forgive him for allowing her husband's life to be at risk if Teba ended up dying while protecting them. But then again, he risked his life each time a threat loomed over them; just like the Vah Medoh problem back then.

"... I understand what you want from this," Kaneli finally sighed. "Did Teba agree to this?"

Link laughed nervously. "Not yet, no. He needed time to think about this. He's going to find us after he makes up his mind."

"If he gives you his agreement, you have mine," Kaneli said. "But I cannot lose him. Saki cannot lose her husband and young Tulin cannot lose his father this young in life."

Zelda flinched.

"I know," Zelda said. "I know what it feels like to lose a parent at a young age."

"Then you understand better than anyone else on how important Teba is to Tulin. The young lad looks up to his father along with Champion Revali. I would hate to see him go through a loss."

Link watched as Zelda nodded, noting how her eyes silently danced with unfallen tears.

He felt the urge to wipe those tears away but he knew he shouldn't wipe them away at this moment. She was speaking to the Elder and he needed to be a proper Knight like how he once had been. Though he didn't remember much about being one, he could recall a few things thanks to his memories; being silent while she spoke was one of them.

At last, Zelda took a deep breath as she stood straight, squaring her shoulders.

"But onto the second matter…" she began, locking gazes with Kaneli. "Where do you stand on helping with the rebuilding portion?"

Kaneli smiled. "I'd be glad to help. Perhaps you would be willing to have some of my best Ritos had soldiers? Guards, perhaps?"

Zelda gasped and Link's eyes widened.

"We would!" Link piped in, nodding as he stood next to her. Happiness dancing in his eyes. "We'd highly like that, Kaneli. Thank you! They would be wonderful guards and soldiers."

Kaneli nodded. "Then you have my approval for that. Send word when the repairs begin."

Things were looking up. All they needed was Teba's approval for being the Champions, plus they needed to meet with Medoh.

…

They found Teba at Revali's landing with Saki at his side. They were speaking with each other and Link winced each time he heard Teba's wife trying to convince him to ignore their offer and continue their peaceful life.

"Saki, you don't understand!" Teba yelled, raising his voice at his wife, shocking all three. He started to pace around. "This is a huge honor and do you realize how many Ritos would kill to have this? It's practically every Rito's dream to be Champion Revali's successor. Including our son's."

Saki frowned. "Teba, there's a chance you might die."

"There's no threats, hun! Calamity's gone. Windblight's gone."

Link exchanged a glance with Zelda and knew instantly this would be a battle between spouses. Both could understand each side, but they had no say in the matter of convincing Teba to join them.

"And if they somehow come back?" Saki questioned, narrowing her eyes. "If something else arises? What would you do then? What if you fall? What would I tell Tulin?"

Teba's heart pounded with pain at the thought of his son learning of his demise. But it would also give his son an important lesson on how every life mattered and how it could be painfully cut short. If it came down to that, it came down to that. Nothing could change that.

For a good moment, no one spoke. There was silence between them until Teba finally noticed the Hylians. He knew why they were there; they were finished speaking with Kaneli and were awaiting his answer to their offer.

Now or never.

For once, Teba wouldn't consider his wife's feelings. His father once told him it was okay to be selfish. It was okay to think about yourself and your own opinions; that for once, no one else mattered but yourself.

Straightening up, Teba turned to face them as he walked forward.

He bowed respectfully to Zelda, taking a deep breath as he knew the next few words would seal his fate.

"You asked me for my thoughts," Teba began, "my answer— my service."

"We did," Zelda nodded.

"And?" asked Link.

Teba hesitated for a split moment. He could feel Saki's gaze on his back but at this moment, he truly didn't care. He was going to be selfish, just this once. "I accept. I'll be the new Rito Champion."

Zelda clapped her hands. "Wonderful!"

Link bit his lip. "Teba, dude, if you really don't want to do this—"

"— no." Teba shook his head, standing up. "I have to do this. Champion Revali knew what he was signing up for the moment he accepted upon being asked; he knew the dangers. But he still accepted because he didn't want anyone else to suffer, he didn't want to see his home destroyed. Yes, he left a huge legacy behind, and no one could ever measure up to it; but I believe I can follow in his footsteps."

Link felt his heart tightened and Zelda held back a sob at his words. Both could tell there was a genuine commitment for this; there was no doubt in their minds now.

Teba, warrior of the Ritos, wanted to become the next Rito Champion and honor Revali's legacy and name.

"We're glad," Zelda finally said. "I do believe you've already made Revali proud of you for accepting, Teba."

Teba flushed slightly. "I should hope so."

Link's eyes met with Saki's and he sighed heavily. "Hey, Teba," he said and when his friend looked at him, he nudged his head towards the Rito's wife. "You should explain this to your wife. We'll leave you be."

"Thank you," Teba nodded, moving towards his wife. "Saki, listen…"

While they were doing that, Link took Zelda's hand and pointed upwards to Vah Medoh. She understood perfectly and nodded. They needed some proper gear for her first.

It was time to see Vah Medoh.