"Well… that's the three trials done," Link said, looking down at the Sheikah Slate as they re-entered Goron City. "Beat a Talus, another ring chase, and-"

"Somehow stand on lava!" Zelda cut in, full of disapproval. "Must these monks come up with such dangerous tasks?"

"Well, they do test the hero, Zel," Link said with a chuckle. "They have to make it somewhat difficult."

"But to stand on lava?" she said, refusing to find reason in the monk's choice in challenges. "When would you ever need to use such a skill?"

"I think it more has to do with problem-solving," Link chuckled, placing the Sheikah Slate on his hip. "I believe you're one of the people that taught me how to problem solve back then, instead of just rushing headfirst into danger. At least, that's what you would say."

"And I'm not wrong," Zelda huffed. "But as logical as the concept of problem-solving is, finding a way to stand on lava is simply not logical. However…"

Link looked down at Zelda's sudden silence. She looked away, one side of her cheeks moving as she chewed on her tongue before taking a deep breath.

"I will say…" she began reluctantly. "Using a metal box with the Sheikah Slate and placing it in the lava was… clever."

"Why thank you, Zel," Link said with a grin. "I'm glad you recognize my creativity."

"That does not mean I condone playing around in lava," she huffed again. "I swear, these trials…"

"It's fine, Zel," Link said, chuckling a bit as they began to walk across the metal bridge. "You know I prefer these trials. I enjoy them in fact. It's… those ones I'm not looking forward to."

His smile faded as he stopped walking, glancing up at the stilled Divine Beast that remained gripped onto the opening sides of the volcano it observed from. Zelda followed his eyes, noticing that he was glancing at the beast before turning her gaze back to his features. As gently as she could, she raised her hand and placed it onto Link's back. In response to her touch, he quickly looked back into her emerald green eyes.

"I know I only have an idea of what you see up there," she said, slowly moving her hand in circles as she rubbed his back. "But if it does make you feel any better… you release them of their responsibility once you complete the trial. Urbosa and Revali both were able to pass on. I'm sure Daruk is up there waiting for you, along with Mipha. While the trial is for you to improve… you're also doing them a good service. If that helps."

"They do… don't they…" Link whispered, looking down at his boots. "It would just feel better if I could actually see them move on."

Zelda sucked in before holding the breath in her lungs. She hadn't thought about how Link was the one setting them free, and yet she was the one reaping the benefits of his work talking and saying her final goodbyes to the Champions. Sure, he had given them somewhat of a goodbye each before, but did that really count if he had to see those memories while they still exist on their plane? Her hands had stopped rubbing the back of his shirt, with her fingers now gripping the fabric.

"I…" she began, trying to find words to his dilemma, however, Link had turned back towards her with a newfound realization clearly on his face.

"I never told you…" he started, causing Zelda to furrow her eyes.

"Told me what?" she asked, however, before Link could continue a voice called out to them.

"Hey! You guys are back!" the voice said. The two Hylians turned to see a muscular Goron standing at the end of the iron bridge they stood on, waving to them with a bright smile on his face. "What are you doing just standing in the middle of the bridge?"

"Just reminiscing, Yunobo," Link called out with a newfound smile. He began to walk forward as Zelda remained behind, staring at him with a bit of confusion before quickly stepping after.

"Did you guys complete the trials?" Yunobo asked as they reached the end of the bridge.

"All said and done, though there's one last thing to do," Link said, pointing up towards Vah Rudania. "Time to do the hardest part."

"Gee, that sounds tough. I hope you get through it okay, whatever it is," Yunobo said, scratching the back of his head. "Hey, do you mind if I go with you? I've been wanting to go back up to Rudania after you stopped its rampage, but the boss hasn't let me up since the big laser thing went off."

"I… uh…" Link began. He felt a pressure on his arm, putting together that Zelda had wrapped her hands around it. Surprisingly, Link nodded. "I don't see why not. I think Daruk would like to see you anyway."

"Thank you!" Yunobo said happily. "It'll be great to properly meet him. I knew I wasn't crazy when I saw him wave from the top of Rudania! I'll go let the boss know-"

"Actually, why don't we just… go?" Zelda cut in as she raised a hand to stop Yunobo, who had begun to turn around to hurry away.

"But why?" Yunobo asked, turning around with a large confused face. "We always tell the boss what's going on."

"We'll have to explain why we're going up there again," Zelda explained. "And… I never actually came down to tell him my… results on studying the beast…"

"Oh yeah, you did just disappear that day," Yunobo said with a laugh. Zelda awkwardly laughed with him, hoping that he would agree that they shouldn't talk to the boss. She really didn't want to have to explain why she flew to Rito Village before telling Bludo any of her findings. Thankfully, Yunobo nodded in agreement. "Alright then. I'm sure the boss will understand since Link is going up there with us. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

With a small hop, Yunobo curled into a ball before rolling up the path towards the top of the mountain.

"He's in a good mood today," Link said as Zelda and himself began to walk up after him. Zelda giggled as she continued to hold onto his arm.

"He admires you," she said. "He says you gave him courage."

"Well… I could use some of that courage right about now," Link said as they continued up the path. Suddenly, the pressure on Link's arm tightened as he felt Zelda pull him to a stop. Before he could ask why the sudden pause in their stride, he felt a warm and soft touch on his cheek. As soon as the touch left his cheek, he looked over to see Zelda pulling her lips away, a slight blush on her own cheeks.

"Does that bring you enough courage?" she asked quietly. Link nodded vigorously, receiving a smile from Zelda. "Good. Courage isn't only in the beast you face. It's taking on whatever is in front of you. I believe in you, and don't forget that I am here."

"Thanks… Zel…" Link managed to stutter out, focusing on the remaining warmth that her lips had placed on his cheeks. With a simple nod, Zelda began to pull on Link's arm once again, now gently guiding him up the mountain path.

"Come," she said. "Let us give Daruk a nice send-off."

...

The warm, summer sun has risen high above the sky, signaling noon as horses and wagons came to a halt on the dirt road they had been traveling across. The knight captain leading the line of armed men jumped down from his horse, surveying the orange and red fields of Akkala and their current distance from the volcano sitting in the distance. After confirming their position, the captain raised his hand in signal for the rest of the group to leave their saddles.

"Prepare your tents," the captain called. "You have ten minutes! Set up, then be up! Move!"

After a quick "yes sir!" from the group of men, they eagerly began heading to the back of their horses to unstrap the large, rolled-up tents that sat on their rears. Many of them were dressed in the simple, silver Hylian armor that clanked around as they moved. It was clear that many of them weren't used to the heavily weighted gear as they stumbled along, constantly adjusting their shoulder pads and helmets ad they bent down to set their tents up in place.

"Come on, now!" the captain called out as the men trudged along, losing their energy the more they moved around in their armor. "You all wouldn't let a little bit of armor slow you down, would you?"

"No sir!" the men cried out, much less eager than before as their breaths began to wane. "Good! You all need to be prepared at any moment! That armor will be your saving grace if you are ever attacked by bokoblins or moblins during the night! But for it to be your saving grace, you need to get used to moving in it!"

The captain continued to watch the trainee's set up, with tents just barely beginning to take shape before noticing that some had begun to collapse. With a heavy sigh, the captain raised his hand again before shouting, "Stop!" The knights immediately ceased their efforts as they looked towards the captain, some tents completely collapsing as they did so.

"What in Hylia's eyes do you all think you're doing?" he shouted. "Can't you all see what you're doing wrong? All of you are in such a rush to be done with the task, you're all not focusing on actually pitching the tents!"

"But captain, this armor is hot!" one of the trainees said.

"And it's the middle of the summer in Akkala!" another cried.

"And if you were smart and paid even a lick of attention" the captain began, glaring at the two who had spoken up. "You'd realize that it's taking longer for the tents to get pitched up because you're rushing to be done with it!"

"But sir, you'd scold us if we took too long!" another trainee said. "We have to rush!"

"Being lazy and working hard are two very different things," the captain said, clearly full of disappointment at the trainee's words. "If you work hard, the task at hand will get done faster. Oh, you find that impossible to properly work hard in that armor, eh? Well, why don't you all take a look at that one over there?"

The captain pointed behind them. Each and every head turned to see a properly pitched up tent, with a young boy dressed in the same, heavy armor sitting in front of it as he snacked on what seemed to be a fresh piece of salted prime meat. All the trainees groaned as they turned back towards the captain.

"But sir, that's Link!" they said defeatedly. "That's Arn's boy, not to mention he's basically a prodigy!"

"From what I've heard, he may be a prodigy with a sword, but not at pitching tents," the captain responded. "It looks like he just doesn't let the armor distract him from what his objective is. Isn't that right, boy?"

Link simply raised a hand, refusing to redirect his attention away from the meat he was currently enjoying. The rest of the group groaned, clearly realizing this was a signal to continue their work at setting up camp.

"Come on, don't let yourselves be outdone by a thirteen year old boy!" the captain shouted at the men continued to work. Eventually, after repeated groans from the crowd of knight trainees, the camp had been set with multiple tents, for the most part, properly set and standing. After finishing, the group came to stand at attention in front of the captain, who inspected their work from where he stood. "Well, I would say a good job done, but unfortunately you lot needed a little pep talk to finish properly!"

"Sir, it's the middle of summer and we're in Akkala!" one of the trainees called out. "Even for knights, isn't this a bit excessive?"

"Usually, for trainees, it would be a bit excessive," the captain said, placing his hands behind his back as he paced in front of them. "However, with knowledge of the Calamity's return, we must have each and every one of you ready. We don't know properly what we're up against."

"If there even is a Calamity," one of the guards muttered, however, the captains pointed ears easily picked up on this comment.

"You best hold your tongue, or the next person you'll be saying that to is King Rhoam himself," the captain said menacingly with his finger directed right at the trainee's nose.

"But sir, those Guardians and so-called beasts are useless junk," another trainee said. "Weren't they supposed to be some crazy killer machines?"

"I doubt it," came a second trainee. "They say the old Sheikah made them. Aren't they supposed to be super peaceful? I've never seen a Sheikah wield anything other than maybe a knife. What kind of powerful weapons could they come up with?"

"Shut it, all of you!" the captain yelled. "There are things about history you people lack knowledge of. All of you know about the Yiga Clan. It was because of what we did to those machines and the Sheikah that turned them against us. The fact that the Guardians and Divine Beasts even exist only proves what we did to them was true. Traitors as they might be, and will be treated as nothing more, it is our responsibility to never do that again. We best be grateful that the Sheikah has forgiven us for what we did centuries ago. As Hylians, and as knights, we aspire to be more than who our ancestors were. So I will hear no such talk about anything negative towards the Sheikah, do you lot understand?"

A murmur of agreement rumbled throughout the crowd. The captain sniffed as he looked at the lot with even more disappointment than before.

"Remind me to add a history class to your training…" he muttered. "Have any of you actually seen one of the Divine Beast?"

"I have," a voice spoke up. Everyone turned to see Link, finishing up his meat as he licked his fingers. "An elephant found down in Zora's Domain. My father was asked by the Royal Guard to see the beast for himself. I was taken with him on his journey to the Domain. I was six at the time."

"And then he went on and became close friends with the Zora princess," the other trainees teased, receiving a laugh from Link.

"Princess Mipha is something else," Link said, looking up into the cloudy sky. "Now that I think about it, she's the only one who has given me a hard time in a fight. You guys need to step it up."

"Now that's a sight!" the captain laughed. "Look at you all, getting bested by a thirteen year old boy."

"Yeah, yeah. We've heard it before," the trainees muttered. "You go fight him, captain, and you'll see how talented he is!"

"I know the boy's talents," the captain reaffirmed. "But, talented as he is, he still has to go through training. Now son, tell these knuckleheads about the Divine Beast."

"It's massive," Link said simply. "So massive they didn't have enough blue flame at the time to get it to move. But even a stomp from that thing will end even the biggest of monsters. It may not seem like much now, but my father believes they'll be what saves us."

"Other than the Master Sword," said a trainee, receiving a hard blow to the head from the captain.

"We don't talk about that sword," the captain said. "It's forbidden."

"But isn't that what we should be looking for?" a trainee asked. "That's the weapon that they say has the ability to seal the Calamity away, if he's real! An ancient blade forged by Hylia herself!"

"Right! Why would they forbid that?" another trainee asked. "We should be looking for that! Why rely on Sheikah relics when a relic of the Goddess is somewhere in Hyrule?"

"Yeah! They say Princess Zelda hasn't unlocked any kind of power!" said a third trainee. "We really can't put our faith in-"

Before he could finish, the third trainee received a blow to the head as well, however, this time it wasn't from the captain. Bringing a hand to his throbbing head, the trainee turned to see Link, who had gotten up from his tent. Though his face remained calm, a fire had risen behind his blue eyes.

"Don't talk bad about the princess," Link said with a threatening level of calmness. "You have no idea what she's been through or who she actually is."

"Oh? And you do?" the trainee asked, rubbing the knot on his head. "You ever have a personal encounter with her?"

Though it seemed as though Link wanted to say more, the boy took a step back, eyeing the trainee who had spoken out. Despite Link taking a step away, the captain had stepped in.

"You sit down," he commanded. "What in Hylia's name is wrong with you lot? Hateful energy towards the Sheikah and now dragging Princess Zelda through the mud?"

"It's not just us, it's everyone in Hyrule," the trainees responded. "They say Princess Zelda is the one that'll seal the Calamity, but she hasn't shown any sign of power! And knowing this, we're forbidden to find the weapon that has been told can seal the Calamity? Seems a bit sketchy don't you think? It's as if King Rhoam wants to say that he and his daughter are the reason they saved us. A show of power if you will. The Queen wouldn't have needed that…"

"If you must know," the captain said sourly. "The only one who can find the sword is the one destined to wield it. Not to mention, the sword will only show itself when the Calamity is upon us. Not only is it beneficial to let the sword make itself known on its own and not waste our resources trying to find it, but while that sword is missing we don't have to worry about the Calamity suddenly appearing on us. If that sword is still gone, then it's a blessing."

"I bet you any worthy knight could wield that sword," a trainee muttered.

"And that's exactly why you won't be the one that sword approaches," the captain said. "The king and princess are doing everything they can for this kingdom. More than you could possibly imagine. Don't you forget that. Enough with all of this talk. After this conversation, I don't feel bad whatsoever about the training for today."

The group groaned as each trainee began to turn to their tents to grab their wooden swords and shields. However, the captain looked around with an exaggerated confused expression on his face.

"What do you lot think you're doing?" he asked, receiving true confusion from the group.

"Grabbing our training swords, of course," they answered.

"No you're not," the captain said. "Wood will burn on the mountain top. Grab your real swords and place them on your sides or back."

"Wait a moment, did you say the mountain top?" one of the trainees asked. "As in Death Mountain?"

"That's the one," the captain said. "Your training for today is to run from here in Akkala, all the way up to Goron City! All the way in your armor!"

Everyone looked behind them, glancing at the smoking volcano behind them. After a moment of staring they all turned back to face their captain with worried faces.

"But, captain… don't we need a fireproof elixir or something?"

"What about that fireproof armor?" another asked. The captain, however, shook his head.

"It's up to you to figure out how to traverse the mountain while staying in your knight's armor," he said, eyeing each trainee. "We're set up in Akkala just at the base of the mountain. You all have until sunset to reach Goron City. If you don't make it in time, you'll be having a nice chat with the Great Daruk of the Gorons."

Just as the captain finished his sentence, Link turned and dashed away from the group while the others stood dumbfounded at the captain's training regiment for today. The captain waited, patting the side of his armored leg, before glancing up at the sun.

"With how long you all are taking to stand there, I'd say Daruk is going to have a fun time whipping you guys into shape," the captain said. The group all blinked before realizing what he meant. In an unorganized jumble, the trainees all turned and began sprinting directly for the mountain, following after the young boy who had sprinted away before them.

...

"Here they come!" a booming happy voice shouted as a knight trainee came into view down the mountain path, sprinting his way towards the entrance of Goron City. Under the iron-crafted archway stood a burly Goron with a spikey beard and a mustache to match, awaiting the pack of trainees to appear behind the singular one. The sky had begun to turn a tangy orange due to the falling sun, and Daruk had eagerly been waiting all day to congratulate the trainees on their success climbing. Despite his hopefulness, however, as the trainee he saw grew closer, not one other trainee had come into view behind him. "Wha? Don't tell me that's the only one that made it?"

The young boy came to a stop, sliding in the dirt a bit before looking up at the tall Goron. He nodded as Daruk looked around, bringing his hand over his brow and squinting to look as far down the path as he could. Once he realized it would be hours before anyone else would show up, he lowered his hands before reared in booming laughter. He turned to look down at the little trainee who stood quietly in front of him.

"Well now, I guess you're the winner! Even though there really wasn' supposed to be one," Daruk said with a smile, though he rubbed the back of his head as he glanced back down the path. "I had hoped that every one o' ya woulda made it. Actually… now that I get a good look at ya… You're Link aren' ya?"

"I am," Link nodded with a small smile. The Goron gave another booming laugh, one that could have caused an avalanche of rocks down the mountain.

"Well, it's good to meet you! I'm the Great Daruk, Protector of the Mountain!" Daruk said cheerfully, pointing towards his chest with his thumb. "I've heard about you! At first, it was all about being your father's son, but you've really made your own name for yourself! I hear you can beat most of the Royal Guard if you really wanted to!"

"Ah well, I try my best," Link said sheepishly as he subconsciously copied Daruk and brought a hand to the back of his head. "I'm sure I still have a lot to learn."

"You say that, but you just bouldered through the rest of your training class," Daruk said. "Tell me, how did you make it up here so fast?"

"Well, if you bring your fingers up to your lips and breath as if you're going to whistle, it really helps your lungs," Link explained almost nonchalantly. "It makes it a lot easier to run and makes it so you don't need to stop. It takes a lot of muscle control though."

"Well, I'll be," Daruk said, looking down at the young boy. "You aren' only talented with a sword, but your smart as can be! You're one of a kind, Little Guy!"

With a laugh, Daruk gave a powerful pat on Link's back, forcing the boy to stumble forward. Trying not to wince at the sudden force, Link smiled as he straightened himself.

"Come! Walk with me into Goron City, little Guy. I'll show you where you'll be spending the night. You have enough fireproof elixirs don' ya?" Daruk asked as he began to walk into the city, followed by Link.

"I do, I stopped by a stable that sells them," Link responded. "I think that's where a lot of the others got a bit confused."

"How did you know the stable sold elixirs?" the Goron asked as they began to walk across the iron bridges.

"It was one of the only places in Akkala besides the Citadel," Link said. "Many didn't know where to go, or they chose the Citadel. For me, the fastest route was to go past the stable and climb the mountain instead of going along the paths. And stables try their best to make side money. It would be poor business to not sell fireproof elixirs."

"You climbed the mountain?" the Goron roared in surprise. "That's difficult even for a mighty Goron! You know, I like you a lot, Little Guy. You have heart."

The Goron slowed to a halt, stopping in front of a large rocky building.

"This here is the Inn you and you're friends will be staying, but at this rate, it seems as though you'll be the only one in there!" he laughed. "Hey, tell you what? Why don't you join me for a meal while I wait for the others at the gate? I want to talk with you a bit more if ya don' mind?"

"I'd love that!" Link said excitedly. "What are we eating?"

"Why, my special homemade Rock Roast o' course!" the Goron said excitedly. "Go set yer stuff down and let's eat at the gate!"

With excitement in Link's eyes, he hurried into the inn to check-in. Setting his sword and shield next to his bed, he soon ran out the door before meeting Daruk at the cities entrance once more. The Goron now sat at the entrance, overlooking the mountain range as he held two large pieces of food in his hand. The food, however, didn't look much like food. Each took the shape of a piece of thick meat on a piece of bone, but its texture was that of rock as steam rose from its glowing red cracks.

"Here ya' go, Little Guy!" Daruk said, holding out one of the Rock Roast as Link sat beside him. Despite its texture, Link eagerly took the meal in hand before taking a huge, crunching bite into its side. "I see all o' that climbing made you hungry! Enjoy, Little Guy!"

Link nodded gleefully. Daruk took a large bite out of his own roast as he scanned the mountains before looking down at the young boy. For the first time today, one could say he actually looked like a child his age.

"Tell me," Daruk asked as he watched the boy crunch away. "You work hard for someone your age. Even with all the talent in the world, someone of your size shouldn't be as high ranking as you are. What motivates you, Little Guy?"

"I… well…" Link stared quietly, lowering his half-finished food. "I… want to help Princess Zelda as best I can."

"The princess?" Daruk asked, seemingly surprised at the young boy's answer. Link nodded.

"I can't imagine having to bear such a task on her own," he explained, more to himself than Daruk. "Before… I just wanted to see her smile the way my father said she did before. But there's more to it now, with the Calamity soon on its way. I'm just some commoner from Hateno. I don't have a special role that I can support her, or be near her to tell her she'll be okay. Everyone talks about how she won't successfully seal the monster away… but no one is asking her how they can help."

"You're quite insightful for a kid your age…" Daruk said thoughtfully as Link took another bite of his rock. "It's good to know that there are those out there who want to help her as best they can. She's become a bit distant from the world from what I've been told. I hear your father was a friend of the Queen's. Maybe one day you'll get high enough to be friends with the princess!"

With a roaring laugh, Daruk slapped Link's back once again, causing the trainee to cough up some of his food.

"You stay on the path you're on, and you'll do just fine Little Guy," Daruk said, throwing the bone of the Rock Roast away. "If you ever need training and want to learn the ways of the Goron Arts, you come and find me. I'll give you some personal lessons."

"Thank you, Great Daruk," Link said as he finished his own roast.

"Drop the formalities," Daruk said, taking the bone away from Link and throwing it over the mountain rocks. "Just Daruk is fine. "Now then, it seems as though your friends will be arriving late, or will be camping out on the path. Why don't you get some rest, Little Guy? You can sleep in since you won't be expected to join the training since you made it here, unless you just want to that is!"

"I think I will," Link said as he stood, dusting off his armor before taking a look at the rising moon. "Good night… Daruk."

"Sleep tight!" Daruk called out as Link began to walk away. The Goron turned to watch the little trainee walk away before chuckling to himself. "Good to see there are those who wish to support the tiny princess."

...

Goron City sat in stillness, the only movement coming from the steam that rose from the lava pits below. Link laid as still as the rocks, his back pressed against the stone bed as his chest rose and fell in rhythm. Though he seemed at peace, and nothing in the city could have possibly awoken him, his eyelids slowly raised to reveal his ocean blue eyes. He looked over to one side of the bed, seeing nothing but another empty, rigid stone mattress. He turned his head to look the other side, only seeing a rocky wall. With a blank face, he turned his body onto its side as he looked down at the ground. Nothing stood out of the ordinary. His armor and broadsword sat against the bedframe, untouched since he had last put it down.

With a blink of his eyes, he twisted his body onto his back once more as he stared up at the iron roof. He felt different, different as if there was something missing. He didn't know what was missing, for as far as he knew his body was intact and his gear was close. Still, it felt as though something was gone. A piece of him, a piece he never knew he had, was not there. Link closed his eyes as he brought his hands to them, rubbing them as he tried to rid himself of the irritation that plagued his soul. He had been feeling this strange urge for the last few weeks. It was an urge that told him he needed to find something; to acquire a piece of himself.

With a sigh, Link dropped his hands to his side, expecting to see the iron roof he had seen before. Instead of the roof, however, what he saw instead was a purple light. He furrowed his eyes as he tilted his head, watching the tiny light float above him. Slowly he raised his hand, his fingers outstretched in order to grab the light. But, just as he prepared to wrap his fingers around it, the light moved. Link sat up, watching as the light moved away from him, traveling across the room before coming to a stop between the doorway of the inn.

Link stared at the light as it continued to float. He felt it; the need to follow. He slid his legs off the bed and threw on a pair of old Hylian boots before standing. Adjusting the old Hylian Tunic he had on, he walked forward towards the doorway, where the light had now vanished from. Link exited from the inn, looking around for the small, purple light. He soon saw it floating away, traveling across the iron bridges at a speed much faster than it had been moving before. At a jog, Link followed.

The light led him through the city and out the iron entrance, guiding him down the path he and his trainees were ordered to run. Link refused to take his eyes off the light, knowing full well this was what had been itching deep in his being for the last few weeks. The boy ran for hours, following the light down and then off the path. He climbed down the mountainside and jumped over lava until he eventually found himself running alongside the base of the mountain. Despite every question that came to Link's mind, he continued to follow before soon finding himself at the entrance to what seemed to be an old, foggy forest.

"A forest this close to the mountain?" Link asked himself out loud as he took a few steps forward. "This must be the Lost Woods… They say those who enter are bound to get lost…"

Link took a step back, knowing full well that this area was off-limits to anyone who dare approach the woods boarders. However, the light simply sat at the forest's entrance, as if urging its follower to enter. The boy stared at the light before looking back up the mountain. His hands formed fists as he stared back at the light. With a deep breath, Link stepped forward and into the foggy wilderness.

The light continued to guide him forward through the thick tree trunks and rocky entrance before finding himself standing in front of the remains of an ancient stone doorway. Only the doorway remained, for the walls and everything else that had once existed had collapsed. Furrowing his eyes, Link stepped carefully through the doorway as the fog's thickness increased. The purple light slowed before stopping just above what seemed to be an elevated torch. The light lowered itself into the ashes of the unlit torch before bursting into flames. Link waited for the light to return, however, it never did, leaving him alone in the forest with just a lit torch.

The boy looked around, inspecting his surroundings. There was a gentle breeze blowing, pushing the flames of the newly lit torch in the direction of an almost unnoticeable natural pathway between the thick, ancient trees. Link felt a drop of sweat fall from his face as his heart rate began to increase. Despite this, he bent down, picking up an old stick that had been laying in the thick, unkempt grass. With the stick now in hand, he walked towards the torch, setting it in the flame in order to light the tip before raising it and watching the embers fly in the same direction. With a quick prayer to the Goddess Hylia, the boy stepped forward into the deep woods with just a torch to guide him.

Through thick forest trees, hollowed logs, and sneaking past the howl of wolves, the boy continued forwards. He felt the fatigue finally starting to creak in his bones, his muscles aching as he continued forward. The fog continued to swirl around him, making it feel as though he were going in circles. He felt as though he were seeing things; the faces of trees, the foggy images of people, some shorter than others, yet all with the same long, pointed hat. He continued to grab stick after stick, lighting each one in order to keep the embers guiding him, however, they were starting to become more and more unseeable through the fog.

As the hours passed of traversing the forest, Link felt as though his knees were going to buckle. His steps had slowed, and his grip had weakened. After taking a few final steps through the murky forest, he collapsed as the stick in his hand gave out. However, this grass felt different from before. He slowly opened his eyes to see a much brighter patch of grass, littered with yellow flowers. With remaining strength, he pushed himself up to see a new pathway, a brighter one leading through similar, but more welcoming, hollowed tree trunks.

Leaving the stick behind, he got onto his shaky legs before pressing onward, following the path down into the thicker greenery. It wasn't long before he was greeted with some kind of clearing. Though it was still heavily overgrown, it seemed much nicer than the rest of the woods. One tree stood out to Link, a large one in the center of the clearing that stood taller and thicker than any tree he had seen before. Instead of green leaves, it had soft pink peddles, blowing peacefully in the breeze.

Just as Link began to step into the clearing, his legs once again began to give way as he stumbled forward. However, a deep rumbling voice could be heard echoing throughout the area.

"Help the young one…"

Link felt a small touch in his hand, causing him to force his eyes open to see what it was. There, floating in front of him as it held onto the elongated stem of a twirling leaf, was a small, green-looking creature, with stubbly arms and a leaf for a face. Unable to be surprised, the boy followed the being touch deeper into the forest, closer to the tree. He was just barely able to make it to what seemed to be a stone pedestal, before collapsing to the ground and falling asleep.

It wasn't long before Link opened his eyes once more, his body still feeling heavy. Through the pink leaves of the enormous tree, he could still make out the darkened sky. However, something else had caught his attention. Only inches away from where his head lay on the stone platform, a blade stood tall, its tip pierced into the ground as the moonlight shone off of its radiating purple hilt. Intrigued, the boy pushed himself up, now standing in front of the sword to get a better look. Its hilt was winged, with a gold diamond at its center. Its handle was wrapped in elegant green leather, with the blade shining a beautiful otherworldly aura. This was it; this was what he was missing…

"You best be careful…" the familiar, elderly voice boomed across the forest. Link blinked. Without realizing it, he had risen his hand towards the sword's handle, only pulling away the moment before he could touch it thanks to the voice. Link looked around for its source, unable to see another person in sight. This received a chuckle from the voice. "Come now, I'm sure you can tell where my voice is coming from."

Link's eyes soon fell upon the large tree, whose wooden features had started moving. In surprise, Link stumbled back, watching as the tree yawned.

"I can't blame you for that sort of reaction," the tree said as Link slowly backed up on all fours. "The last person who saw me was the Queen of Hyrule, and even knowing of my existence, I still spooked her."

"You knew the Queen?" Link asked, stopping his slow retreat.

"Yes…" the tree said. "I am known as the Great Deku Tree. And you, my dear boy, are known as Link, aren't you?"

"How do you know my name?" he asked. The Deku Tree gave a gentle chuckle.

"Well, let's just say some things never change, no matter how many generations pass," he said. "Now… it's not every day I get a visitor in these parts. In fact, only those who have been blessed are able to find this place. Tell me, what has brought you here?"

"I… I'm not sure," Link answered honestly. "I was resting in Death Mountain and suddenly I just had this urge… to follow. It lead me here to this."

"Ah… I see…" the tree said. "Then it seems as though it is time. That which stands before you is known as the Sword that Seals the Darkness… better known as-"

"The Master Sword," Link finished, once again eyeing the blade.

"Yes," the Deku Tree responded. "It is an ancient blade that once had to power to seal away the Calamity."

"Once?" Link noted, looking up at the Deku's Trees wooden face. "Can it not still seal it?"

"It's… unclear," the tree said solemnly. "That blade stands to test time itself. Its power has begun to wane in the last few thousand years. It can damage the Calamity, but it might not be possible to seal it within the sword as it once was able to. In order to combat this flaw, the responsibility of sealing the Great Evil has been handed over to the Goddess Reincarnate herself."

"Princess Zelda…" Link muttered.

"Yes…" the Deku Tree said. "Though that does not make this sword invaluable. Its power is still unrivaled and is necessary for claiming victory over the Calamity Ganon. If it has guided you here then that time is beginning to grow near."

"It guided me here?" Link asked.

"Well… I most certainly didn't…" the Deku Tree answered. "That sword has elected you to be its master, but only when you are ready."

"How do I know when I'm ready?" the boy asked. The Great Deku Tree faltered.

"It is unclear…" the tree finally answered. "However, those who have wielded its power before you have all had something in common: an unbreakable spirit, and a heart of gold. Before you try and pull that sword, I must warn you. It will not be pulled easily. It could possibly kill you, especially one so young. But… if the sword has summoned you here, then I am in no position to stop you."

Link looked away from the Deku Tree, now eyeing the blade once again.

"Can I help Princess Zelda with this?" he asked. "If I can successfully pull this blade?"

"If you pull that blade, then you and the princess's destinies are intertwined," the Deku Tree said. "One may not succeed without the other. However, you must be ready to bear a heavy burden. Your role may even be more important than that of the princess. While she must seal the beast away, it is up to you to face it head on and take it down in order for her to seal it."

"Why me?" Link asked.

"It may not be you," the tree said. "What makes it you, is based on if you walk away or not."

Link refused to take his eyes off the sword, its gold diamond giving off a sheen. If he took this sword in hand, then it was his responsibility to defeat the Calamity. This was more than just helping the princess; everyone's lives were on his shoulders. Could another person handle it? Or better yet… would he let another person handle it?

The boy slowly lifted his hand, reaching his fingers out for the green handle. He wouldn't let her do this alone. He had the ability to take some of the weight off her shoulders. If he walked away now, not only would he be letting the people of Hyrule, his father, and his sister down… he would be letting Zelda down. He felt his soul being sucked away before he could even touch the sword, however, he refused to pull his hand away. With a final breath, Link forced his fingers around the handle.

...

The morning had finally come, illuminating the mountain in sunlight. The trainee souldiers, weary from their journey and achy from sleeping on the path, began to enter the city. Many of them collapsed near the Iron entrance, whereas others collapsed nearby.

"Come on yer lot!" Daruk shouted happily as more came into view. "What happened to ya all? I was waiting for ya and only Link showed up!"

"He's not a fair comparison!" the group said as they heaved from their trip. Daruk laughed as he scanned them all, checking to see if any were missing.

"Well, it seems as though all o' ya are here," he said with a big smile. "Link won't be joining us today since he made it here on time. But he may join us later! So without further ado- wait, is that one more back there? I swear I counted all o' ya…"

Daruk squinted his eyes, noticing one more figure walking slowly towards the entrance of the city. Once the trainee came into view it was clear who it was as a murmur began to fill the crowd.

"I thought you said he made it here before us!" one said. "There he is! And he came in last!"

"No… Link wasn't behind us at all…"

"Link got here yesterday…" Daruk said, scratching the back of his head. However, his eyes grew wide as someone called out something different about the little trainee.

"Hey… what's that on his back?"

The crowd grew silent as Link walked through the gates. Large bags were under his eyes as he forced one foot in front of the other. Though he seemed exhausted, the boy kept his features strong as he made his way into the city. After what seemed like an eternity of silence, a murmur began to rumble through the crowd.

"What's that sword on his back?"

"That's it, isn't it? The Master Sword…"

"But doesn't that mean… that means the Calamity is coming soon, isn't it?"

"Now all of ya!" Daruk called out, stopping the murmur, however, his own face seemed as confused as the rest of them. "I want you to head down to the mines. Your training today will be swinging a pickaxe! Works the… back muscles ya know… I'll uh… I'll meet you down there. No buts! Get a move on now!"

Daruk watched as the crowd made their way through the city in preparation for the mine training, however, the murmur ceased to disappear. As the crowd of trainees began to disappear, Daruk hurried to the inn where Link had disappeared into.

"Little Guy? Little Guy!" he shouted as he noticed Link collapse near the beds. He quickly made his way to the boy's side, lifting him into his arms in order to inspect him. "Hey… hey there, are you okay? What were ya doing? And… And where did you get that sword?"

"It guided me…" Link said quietly as he tried his best to stay awake. "It told me… that I was the one who would face the Calamity…"

"The Master Sword…" Daruk muttered quietly before setting Link gently onto the rock-hard bed. "You get some rest, Little Guy. You've got quite the journey ahead of you now. Just know that I'll be there for you all the way through. For you… and the princess…"

...

Happy New Years everyone! So... what happened to the daily posting up until New years day? Welp, I got hit with a few things that I most certainly didn't plan for! I also ran into issues with researching BotW's lore that doesn't make sense that I need to figure out and improvise and try and make it make sense in Couple of the Wild so... yeah it just did NOT work!

But alas. The story continues on New Years Day.

I started writing Couple of the Wild a year ago. It'll be a proper year in February, but I started planning it January of 2021. Didn't think I'd actually post it. 96 chapters later... here I am! Still going with a ton of new people interested in the story.

Thank You guys for enjoying the story and bringing me into a new year. This story wouldn't exist without all of you. Thank You.

See you in the next chapter.

Kenny Boi