Chapter 1: The Grand Tourney

"Knights returning!"

The shout signaled the defenders of Castle Town. The soldiers manning the gate opened the heavy double doors allowing the Knights to enter. After weeks of rain, the Kingdom's citizens were finally out and about. But, unfortunately, what had started out as a joyful occasion became much somber and unsettling. The Knights rode into town, their tired horses carrying them at a slow gait. When the town had once seen a prideful procession of some forty Knights in shining silver armor, pristine surcoats, and proud Hyrulean banner flapping against the wind. Now they saw maybe twenty Knights return on their horses. The rest, too wounded or dead to ride, were on carts being pulled by unceremoniously dull mules. Their armor was dented and scratched, surcoats ruined by weather and battle damage. Where once exited forty proud Knights, twenty tired men remained mounted, their eyes downcast and tired.

At their head, two Knights were the sole contrast. First Knight Commander Marcus Aurelius, his gilded armor damaged, but his head held high. His second Link, with a Lynel pelt around his shoulders. The blood-red fur kept him warm, and the monster's face etched in a permanent growl over his right shoulder glared at the onlookers. Onlookers felt a particular surge despite the mood when they saw the young man. Like his Commander, he sat up tall, his blue eyes facing forward undaunted. The looks did not go unnoticed; Aurelius glanced at his protégé. A small smile formed on his lips; the young man was utterly clueless about the attention his figure harnessed.

They arrived at the castle by mid-afternoon. Link sighed inwardly in relief, feeling the last week's tension finally ebb away. He dismounted his horse and took his reins, leading him to the stables. He returned Durandal to his stable; he took off the saddle, bags, armor, and trapper. Durandal shook himself and neighed happily. Link chuckled, patting his nose before giving him an apple for all his hard work. He brushed Durandals coat, refilled his troth, and left him to relax. As he exited the stable, he stopped gasping slightly.

"There you are; I should have known you wouldn't let anyone else take care of him." Princess Mipha of the Zora's smiled gently at him. Link chuckled half-heartedly, rubbing the back of his head, embarrassed. It was true. He preferred to take care of Durandal himself.

"Well, my father asked me to visit, and I thought perhaps I might get to see you before I had to depart home." She looked down, placing her hands behind her back before looking at him again.

Link smiled, nodding appreciatively to see a friendly familiar face. His father had always loved Zora's Domain and often volunteered to join exercises with the Zora kingdom. He took Link with him, and he befriended the young Princess and a band of misfits in his youth. The Big Bad Bazz Brigade who Link taught swordsmanship to. He had few friends in life, and Mipha was counted among the most important to him.

"Oh, look at you, you have a bruise on your cheek." Mipha sighed knowingly and moved to inspect him. "I bet you're hiding plenty of other bruises." She shook her head but smiled. She raised her hands to his face, but Link stopped her, gently grabbing her hands. He shook his head and pointed to the wounded Knights being tended to by the healers.

"Selfless as ever," Mipha shook her head. "Very well, I shall help who I can, but don't you think you're not getting your turn." She poked his chest playfully, and he smiled sheepishly. Mipha excused herself and left to attend to the wounded. Link made his way to the barracks. He shed his armor for later repair, placing it inside his chest.

After fully undressing, he studied himself in a personal mirror by his cot. Mipha was right; his body was a tapestry to the battles he fought. Link groaned, rotating his sore sword arm. He grabbed his toiletries and left for the bathhouse to cleanse himself. He took a long bath enjoying the spring water shipped straight from death mountain. The warm water soothed his body and washed away the grime and dirt of a week worth of travel.

An hour later, Link returned to his bunk dressed in a simple tunic and brown trousers. He strapped his sword to his back, and when he was about to go find Mipha and check on her, Captain Aurelius came in. "Link, there you are, son!" The Captain was an older Hylian, taller than Link. He was broad-shouldered with a finely trimmed beard and short hair. Though the Captain was in his mid fifty's, he looked as big and tall as when he first met him as a child.

"Well, you're already clean and groomed, good." The Captain patted his shoulder. "The King has requested your presence, wouldn't want him thinking you're just rabble, eh?" Captain Aurelius barked out a laugh slapping Link's back.

"Ack," The young Knight stumbled forward from the slap.

"Well, come on, son, and make sure to put on the pelt. Trust me, it will be important." The Captain nodded towards the garment, and Link nodded, draping it over his shoulders. They exited the barracks, walking up the main road around the hill the castle was built on. As Link passed by, he looked up to a tower along the path. It was bridged with another by a stone path. Along it, someone was walking to the western tower. Link stopped his mouth slightly opening. A girl, well not just any girl, Princess Zelda was walking across, inspecting something in her hands. Her golden hair cascaded past her shoulders, and her emerald eyes shone with curiosity. A gust of wind blew her hair onto her face, and Princess Zelda turned in his direction to brush the offending strands aside.

The Princess's eyes met his. Link felt himself stiffen, he opened his mouth, but no words availed him. Her eyes, such deep emerald pools, seemed to see into his soul. Lamely, he raised a hand and waved at her. The Princess frowned slightly, then waved back just as awkwardly as him. Then she turned and entered the eastern tower shutting the door behind her. Just what happened? Link had never frozen like this in his life, and why was his heart beating so fast? He put his hand against his chest in an attempt to still it.

"Link!"

The young Knight gasped and took a step back. He looked around before meeting the Captain's mildly annoyed eyes. "Goddesses, boy, you just stopped there with your mouth open." The Captain looked up where Link had been staring. He narrowed his eyes and hummed in thought. "That is Princess Zelda's room. She holds herself up there most of her time studying. She's a very studious girl." The Captain looked back at Link, and his eyes crinkled deviously. "Got a glimpse of her, didn't you?"

"Huh?" Link blushed so redly that he felt it to the tip of his ears. Link cleared his throat, deciding not to give the Captain the satisfaction, and shook his head.

The Captain barked out a laugh and shook his head. "Now, don't get any ideas, son. She's a Princess. Can't have you falling for her; King might have you…well, you know what they do to the rowdy Stallions, right?"

"Eh?" Link took a step back, his face flustered, showing a mortified look to the Captain.

"Hahaha! I'm only kidding, boy. Come on, let's not keep the King waiting." The Captain ruffled Link's hair, and they resumed their trek to the castle.

It occurred to Link he had never been inside the castle proper. He never pulled guard duty inside, and guarding the Royal family was the job of the aptly named Royal Guard. But he couldn't help gawking at the interior once they entered the mighty fortress. Fine marble floors paved the way. Suits of armors decorated the halls, and every so often, a Royal Guard stood at attention outside a room. But the most ostentatious place in the castle had to be the great hall.

Dozens of blue and red banners with Hylian Phoneix on them hug high above the ground. Great pillars parallel to one another lined the hall from front to back. Several sets of stairs led up to the far end of the great hall, where King Roham sat on his throne waiting for them. Behind the King was a statue of some unknown hero to Link. All and all, Link never felt smaller than walking through that room. As he approached the King's throne, Captain Aurelius tapped Link's shoulder, getting his attention.

"Your Highness, this is my protégé and the man I believe to be the best warrior in all Hyrule." The Captain knelt, and Link followed suit, though not before glancing at Aurelius for the comment he made.

"Hmm," King Roham examined Link. He was a mountain of a man bigger than Captain Aurelius. Barrel chested with bushy eyebrows and a full beard the color of snow. "He's a little one, isn't he? The size of my daughter, I wager." King Roham's comment made Link grimace. He was self-conscious about his height without the giant King commenting on it. "What's your name, boy?"

Link looked up, his eyes meeting the Kings. They were a deep emerald, a trait he passed on to his daughter. While Link had noticed a gentleness to the Princess's gaze, the King's was like a sharpened blade. The King's eyes narrowed, and Link cursed inwardly for staying quiet as long as he did. "Link, Your Grace." Link looked back down and closed his eyes.

"Hm," The King made a none commital sound. "Aurelius has told me of your accomplishments on the field. I've never met a man who wore a Lynel's pelt proving their actions."

Link pursed his lips, regretting the damn pelt around his shoulders. "I only acted to protect my comrades." Link stated plainly.

"Not even a single boast," The King almost sounded amused by Link's response.

"As I said, My Liege, Link is a Knight who lets his action speak for him." Aurelius's voice made Link glance at his Captain.

"Good, he will have his chance to prove it then." The King lowered his hand and signaled for them both to rise.

"I have a Tourney in the works, the finest Knights and fighters across the realm. The winner shall be named Champion of Hyrule. If everything Captain Aurelius has told me is true, you should emerge victorious. Do so, and you shall be added among the rank of my Royal Guard."

Link balled his hand into a fist, something that did not go unnoticed by Aurelius. But Link responded as he knew he should. "It is a great honor, Your Grace."

"Doesn't look like it to me," The King's words made Link look up, shocked.

"Don't think I don't know who your father was." King Roham crossed his arms behind his back.

"Forgive me; I meant no disrespect, Your Grace." Link lowered his head apologetically.

"Well, why do you oppose this?" King Roham raised a bushy brow.

"Sire," Aurelius started, but the King raised his hand, silencing him.

"I don't," Link swallowed, pursing his lips. "I don't think I'd be much use in the castle, not when I could be out there with my comrades."

"So you know better than I how to utilize my Knights?" King Roham responded.

"I," Link looked up shocked, "no, forgive me, Sire, I spoke out of turn."

"I asked you a question, and you answered honestly." King Roham's mouth pulled back in a slight smile. "Aurelius said you could be painfully blunt. But I like that." A soft chuckle escaped the King. "I assure you, the Tourney winner will have the most crucial job in the Kingdom. I can only trust the best man for this job. For I am trusting them with the future of Hyrule." The King almost sounded desperate at the end, but Link figured it might just have been all in his mind.

"Then I will win as my father would have wanted me to." Link bowed his head respectfully.

"Good, then you are dismissed," King Roham nodded. "You have a week to prepare, then ride with Aurelius to The Coliseum. That is where you shall compete for this great honor." King Roham threw his arm out, "Go forth, for Hyrule and the Golden Goddesses!"

"Yes, your Highness!" both Knights stood with a crisp salute.

Elsewhere, Zelda hunched over her notes. She was in her own little place in the Great Library at the castle. A place she had found for herself as a child to hide away from the world. Very few people knew of her little alcove. It sat snug at the far end of the library, hidden behind two massive bookshelves. Said shelves contained the oldest tomes relevant to her research on the Four Divine Beasts and Guardians. She firmly believed the future of Hyrule depended on unlocking the ancient buried Sheika technological marvels. Her great ancestor had once fought alongside the four beasts and Guardians to seal away Calamity Gannon. Thinking of her ancestor, she felt her lips pull down into a frown. Her ancestor used her holy sealing power, but Zelda had yet to unlock even a fraction of the power despite all her efforts.

The Princes sighed and caressed the old book she was taking notes from. She was a failure; her father constantly demanded more of her, and all she could do was disappoint him. Why did the Golden Goddesses not answer her prayers? Was she not worthy of her ancestor's legacy?

"I much prefer it when I see you smiling."

Zelda jumped in her seat and whipped her head back, looking for the source of the voice. She locked eyes with the warm, gentle golden eyes of Prince Lawrance of Holodrum. Her childhood friend had come to foster under her father. He had grown taller than her by a foot, his hair black like a raven's feathers. His eyes were a warm gold, his figure tall and slender.

Zelda blushed, turning away from him. "You caught me remembering less than pleasant things."

"So it seems," Lawrance walked up and looked over her shoulder to see what she was working on. "Ah, the Sheika Slate and the four divine beasts again."

"There is still so much we do not know; just getting them working again isn't enough." Zelda insisted, "why were they buried? Why was everything sealed away as if meant to be forgotten?" Zelda sighed. "Why leave the tapestry behind if they meant to bury everything?"

"A curious mystery, though I suppose one Masters Pruah and Robbie are less interested in." Lawrance took a seat across from her on a pile of books.

"Sometimes I feel like you're the only person who understands me." Zelda laughed, closing her book.

"I am rather fond of Archeology, so I suppose we are kindred spirits there." Lawrance shrugged, grinning.

Zelda picked up the Sheika Slate just below her nose to hide her blush. Lawrance always managed to find ways to fluster her. She was convinced it was a game of sorts for him. Though true enough, he did enjoy Archeology as much s her. "Perhaps one day we can escape the confines of our duties and go hunting the old Zonai ruins. A mystery that has fascinated me since my first dig."

Zelda sighed, mentioning their duties, reminding her of her grim role. Lawrance was among her only few friends. "Yes, wouldn't that be something?" She sighed with melancholy.

"Ah," Lawrance stood up, placing his hand over his heart. "Forgive me; I've said the 'd' word again." He faked mock remorse sniffing back fake tears. "How could I have been so insensitive to my dear friend."

Zelda giggled, stood up, and slapped his arm. "Oh, stop you; I'm not made of glass." Lawrance didn't know. Her father was adamant that she tell no one of her sealing powers yet. Yet even in his ignorance, Lawrance raised her spirits. If only she could tell him, tell anyone. "Well, I suppose my father asked you to come find me." Zelda sighed and strapped the Sheika Slate to her hip.

"Afraid so, he wishes to speak to you; meanwhile, I must make my own preparations." Lawrance rested his hand on the saber hanging on his hip. "You will find your father in his study, by the way."

"Oh?" Zelda leaned in curiously, "preparations for what?"

"It's a surprise, my dearest Zelda," Lawrance gave her a sly smirk. Then he took a step back, placing his hand over his heart, and bowed. "Though I promise it will be worth the wait." Lawrance offered his palm to her. Zelda blushed and placed her hand on his. Lawrance brushed his lips against her knuckles.

Zelda knew she would have to marry one day, and as things stood, Lawrance was the most likely candidate. She knew her father fostered Lawrance here so that they would grow close. Zelda was fond of Lawrance, and they were similar in age. She figured there could have been worse matches. She wondered if Lawrance had stronger feelings for her, Purah would joke that he was head over heels for her. But Zelda, despite this, found herself…isolated. Lawrance was sweet and could make her laugh and soothe Zelda's worries. But he didn't know; she knew she would still feel alone even when she eventually told him of her powers and true fate. Lawrance would do his most to console her, and perhaps she would find comfort in his arms.

"Zelda?" Lawrance looked at her, concerned.

"Forgive me," Zelda pulled her hand back perhaps a bit faster than she intended. Nevertheless, she did not miss the hurt flash across his eyes briefly. "I should go. It would be best not to keep my father waiting longer." Zelda excused herself and hurried off, leaving Lawrance alone in the library.

"I'll protect you; I promise Zelda, I will become your Knight." Lawrance gripped his saber's pommel.

Zelda stood before her father's study; she took a deep breath before raising her hand to knock. She straightened her back and knocked three times. "Father? It's me."

"Enter," came the muffled reply.

Zelda let herself in and closed the door promptly behind her. She leaned briefly against the closed door. Her father's study, no matter how big she got, always felt impossibly big. It faced out toward Hyrule while her father stood with his back against it on a plush chair. Supposedly it was symbolic. It shows the King's trust in his people as he feared no knife in the back from them. Her father, hunched over an ornate oak desk, looked up from his work to his daughter. "The priest tells me you have been doing your prayers diligently."

"Yes, father," Zelda pushed off the door and walked forward, only just now noticing the Royal guards flanking the entrance.

"Well?" Roham put down his quill and looked at his daughter expectantly.

"I…" Zelda was at a loss for words; what could she say? Proclaim herself a failure and cry, begging her father forgive her? No, she was not a petulant child; Zelda refused to allow herself such weakness. "I have felt nothing, father, but I shall keep at it, and I thought, perhaps if I were to visit the Springs of Power…." Zelda trailed off.

Roham sighed and rubbed his tired eyes, "my sweet daughter, do you think me a fool because I am old?" Something akin to a smile ghosted past his lips.

"No!" Zelda shook her head, clasping her hands before her chest.

"You wish this to be an excuse to keep playing a scholar." Roham picked up his quill and returned to work.

"Father, please," Zelda sighed, frustrated. "I believe visiting the Springs of Power may awaken something in me. I am nearing my sixteenth birthday." Zelda thought of the festivities to come. Frankly, she preferred they'd skip all the hop-up and focus on the looming threat. "If I am out traveling during my birthday, we can skip the frivolities-"

"So your mother's hard work is just frivolities now?" Roham's tone warned his daughter of what she was to say next.

Zelda flinched; she couldn't back down now, not when she felt today might actually be different. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she felt her father would relent today. "No, of course not, but with-" Zelda peeked at the Royal Guards.

"They know already; speak freely." Roham nodded, not looking away from his work.

"With the Calamity's return growing closer, partying should be saved until after we have sealed the Calamity away."

"Were it so easy," Roham muttered before sighing and dropping his quilt unceremoniously on his deks. He pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. "Your birthday will proceed as planned-"

"But father-" Zelda interrupted.

"Afterwards, and not before, you will be allowed to visit the Springs of Power." Roham bulldozed past her objections.

"I, really?" Zelda said incredulously.

"Yes, because in the coming Tourney, I shall be naming a Hylian Champion, and the Champion shall become your appointed Knight." Roham raised a brow at his bewildered daughter. "Do you disagree?"

"No, no!" Zelda felt a smile tug at her lips. "Thank you, father; I promise to do my utmost to unlock my power."

"See that you do, daughter," Roham pushed back his chair and walked around his desk. "Now, your mother is expecting us for dinner; let us not keep her waiting." Zelda nodded and walked out of her father's study at his side.

Link adjusted his Lynel pelt. He felt like some kind of circus act. Nevertheless, he had done as ordered; afterward, he returned to the barracks and met up with Mipha again. She healed his wounds, and he got to catch up with her for a bit. It was nice, but she was called away as her responsibilities as a royal beckoned. Link then was allowed the week to rest and get his gear squared away. He re-strung his bow, sharpened his sword, and had his armor repaired. The Quartermaster also issued Link a new surcoat. He spent the week training, keeping his skills sharp, sparring with his comrades and Captain Aurelius.

A week later, Link was on a procession out of Hyrule Castle in his armor and pelt. He was really starting to hate that thing. The people of Castle Town lined the streets, throwing flower petals into the air. He even saw the girls swoon over whatever Knight gave them the time of day. Captain Aurelius snickered beside Link, telling him the girls were trying to get his attention. Link ignored his Captain and looked straight ahead, letting Durandal follow the horse ahead of him.

They paraded out of Castle Town, and, thank Hylia, the procession picked up speed to a moderate trot making for the Exchange Southwest of Castle Town. Finally, after a two days ride, the parade was cresting over the hill on the Eastern side of Mount Daphnes. The mighty Coliseum of Hyrule loomed ahead, carved on a mountainside flanked by Aquame Lake. Giant Banners of the allied Kingdoms hung, decorating the gargantuan Arena. Gerudo, Rito, Zora, Goron, and Hylian banners draped along the outer Coliseum. The Aquame stone bridge linked the Arena to an endless sea of tents of various colors and sizes, all with their own little flags representing Lordly and Knightly houses of Hyrule. The tents stretched west along the main road to the Exchange. The Exchange itself is a market town that is probably doing very well for itself right now.

Link's parade marched past the Exchange to more cheering and, in Link's opinion, leering from more people. Garudo, Hylian, Zora, and Goron all gathered, cheering loudly. They mercifully crossed the bridge where a garrison stopped the spectators while the Tourney underwent final preparations. Link was guided by Captain Aurelius to his assigned quarters, where they waited. Link, after having a big lunch, prepared his gear for the fights to come. While he oiled his sword, Captain Aurelius entered his room.

"Alright, lad, the roster is ready. Three bouts until the finals to be held the next day." Aurelius rolled out a parchment on the table next to Link's gear. "The first bout is a grand melee, sixteen fighters competing for points until only eight remain. After that, the points will determine the order of battle for the second round. The order shall be in descending order of most points." The third round will be two duels between the winners of the second round. After which, the third-round winners will be allowed a day's rest. The final will, of course, be a one-on-one between the last two standing. Got all that?" Aurelius looked to Link.

The young Knight nodded and offered a determined smile to his Captain.

"Good, do me proud, Son. I'll be watching with the King." Aurelius patted Link's back and left him to his own devices. The Tourney finished preparations and was set to begin the following day.

Link, clad in armor, walked out onto the Arena. He held his helmet underneath his arm, as did his fellow Knights. All except one clad in rust-colored armor with a saber hanging at his hip. An announcer using Sheika tech projected his voice through the Coliseum and excitedly welcomed everyone. "Ladies and Gentlemen, and Gorons alike, welcome to the Grand Champion's Tourney!" cheers erupted from the stands instantly. "Hyrule's sixteen greatest warriors have gathered here today to test their mettle to prove who shall be named the Hylian Champion!" The crowd cheered even louder, stomping their feet in excitement. The Royal family sat in attendance on a mezzanine a few meters above the Arena. King Roham and his Queen, and Princess Zelda, were all grabbed in royal blue. Finally, the announcer raised his hands, asking for the people's Silence. As the rowdy cloud settled into murmurs, the announcer bowed to Princess Zelda, who walked up to the stone railing of the mezzanine and took the amplifier to speak. The rust-colored mystery Knight stepped forward as she looked at the gathered Knights. He withdrew a blue rose from his cloak and raised it to Princess Zelda. "I shall win this Tourney in your name Princess!"

"Nay, I shall win this tourney for you, Princess!" another Knight proclaimed before the rest followed suit. Well, almost all, Link stood stiffly at attention. At least until he decided to see the Princess's reaction. Link looked up, and emerald met sky blue. He froze as Link saw recognition dawn on the Princess's face. He blushed and quickly looked back down, staring straight ahead. He dared one more peek and saw her face light up in a mirthful smile. He felt his heart pound against his chest, which only confused him and made him blush harder. The battle hadn't started. He refused to allow his body to start acting like it already had. Link spared the Knights a glance; none had noticed his exchange except for the rust-armor Knight. Link, for whatever reason, felt something prick at his manhood. He straightened out and glared at the Knight before he turned his helmed head away.

"I thank you for your bravery and know that victory here shall garner you the title of Champion of Hylia. Furthermore, the winner shall be appointed as my Knight attendant upon my sixteenth birthday in three weeks' time." All the Knights, the rust-armored Knight significantly puffed up at the words. Link himself only blinked, understanding the King's words.

"Now, don your helmets, brave Knights, and assume your positions." Zelda proclaimed to the applause and cheers of the crowd. Link placed his helmet on and lowered his visor. The Knights gathered in a circle around the Arena, evenly spaced apart. They drew their weapons; some wielded a sword and shield, others great swords and halberds. Link unsheathed his longsword across his back and stood at the ready. Once all fighters were in position and prepared, the Arena fell silent. Princess Zelda clasped her hands together around the amplifier. "Goddess Hylia, guide your courageous Knights today and bless the champion to come as your chosen hero." She opened her emerald eyes gently and held out a handkerchief of royal blue. "When this token touches the ground, you may begin." Zelda held the blue handkerchief above the Arena. A gust of wind blew into the Coliseum, and she released the satin sheet into it.

The piece of satin arched into the Arena. It fluttered across before, to the gasps of many, landed on Link's shoulder. Link gasped and took a step back. He reached for the piece of cloth when a shout reached his ears. "On Guard!"

Link grabbed the cloth and rolled forward, barely missing the overhead swing of a greatsword. The rest of the Knights waited for no further signal and launched into action. The Grand Melee had begun.

Author's notes!

Hello everyone, I've had this idea for a Zelda Age of Calamity story in my head for a while now. As you may have noticed, there are some changes to what happens in BOTW. Will the Calamity be averted in this story? That remains to be seen. However, I hope you join in this journey of adventure, war, and romance to the inevitable release of Calamity Gannon. With that said, my Link has been more proactive this time around. You will see what I mean as time goes on. Link will grow stronger as a person and as the Chosen Hero to face Calamity Gannon. So please join me in watching our heroes struggle against the darkness that threatens to consume them all.