Link stared at the sword which rested on the table opposite him, he wasn't all that sure of its purpose, or why he was able to remove it from the pedestal. One thing was for sure though, he'd only raised the expectations put upon him. He thrust his head into his hands and let out a muffled groan. It had been a week since the sword pulling ceremony, and since then Link had been personally invited by King Rhoam himself to attend a new ceremony at the castle. As far as he could tell him and four other citizens of Hyrule were to attend this ceremony where they would be dubbed Champions. Yet again Link wondered what that meant, he knew that the other four would be pilots of the Divine Beasts that had been uncovered in recent years, but he didn't know what their purpose was, or what Link would be piloting. Link truly wished that he stayed in touch with Hyrule and its history, because if he knew anything, he knew that this event had occurred before.
He had been staying at the Wetland Stable, unwilling to return to Hateno and face all those who expected so much. He left for the castle quite early, riding his trusty steed, Epona. They made it in roughly half an hour and Link dismounted his horse who was taken into the castle's own stable. As he was walking he heard a voice calling him. "Link! Over here boy!" It was the King. Link turned to face the King before making his way over respectfully. The King had wanted to show him something, Link had never seen anything like it before. The Creature had eight legs and its body was decorated with a vibrant orange light. Link tilted his head to the side, wondering what this autonomous creation was.
"This is a Guardian, it will be aiding you in your battle." My battle? What battle? Was he supposed to go through another trial involving a battle? He shook his head slightly before clearing his throat. "May I ask.. what battle do you refer to, your highness?" Link felt his face pale, he was most likely expected to know this. He heard a gasp of surprise come from the King. He was expected to know this.
"Link, in the sword choosing you, you have become the Hero which will slay Calamity Ganon, Calamity Ganon is an unknown foe which is reborn every 10,000 years. Each time, a Hero and the Princess are tasked with defeating him, aided by the four Divine Beasts which are controlled by four Champions. The Guardians are also tasked with aiding them. And you, and my daughter, are the next in line for facing this beast." Link felt another great weight being added to his shoulder, how could he defeat something if four giant machines were required to weaken it? He exhaled sharply before nodding, he could learn more later but for now that would do.
Link watched the Guardian closely, watching as the Sheikah males worked on controlling it. It seemed very.. awkward, its motion was sporadic, it seemed like it would take time to control properly. All of a sudden Link heard a beeping sound emitting from the robot, and he noticed a red dot on the top of one of the Sheikah, he frowned softly before seeing a pot lid laying nearby. Without missing a heartbeat he grabbed the pot and thrust himself in front of the the male, watching as a pale blue light erupted from the machine. He closed his eyes and slowed his breathing, and upon opening them time around him slowed down. He parried the laser swiftly, causing the machine to shut off. He dropped the pot lid before hearing another round of applause for the second time that week.
--
A few hours later, Link was standing in the middle of the four Champions. Daruk, Revali, Mipha, and Urbosa. They had been given clothing created by Zelda herself, each item was skillfully woven with a light blue thread, signifying the royal family. Link had been given a tunic, Mipha had been given a sash, Daruk had been given a sash similar to Mipha's, Revali received a scarf and Urbosa wore a skirt woven with the blue thread. His own tunic felt awfully warm and it fit him snugly.
The King stood on an elevated section, where the throne rested. "Welcome Warriors! I'd like to thank you for joining me here today, and for your bravery in accepting this.. fateful task. I officially appoint you, Hyrule Champions, and bestow upon you this sacred garb. That blue is a symbol of the Royal Family, one that has been passed down for countless generations. Those garments you now wear were all crafted by my daughter, Zelda. Zelda.. I trust you with the task only the daughter of the Royal Family can fulfill. Lead our Champions, Princess, and together, protect our kingdom from the threat of Calamity Ganon!" Link heard fireworks somewhere outside, this was all so strange to him, but he accepted the fact that this was his duty now. He'd pulled the sword therefore he must do his best to fulfill the burden laid onto him.
"Now I invite the five of you to join us for a feast, I have one more announcement to make today." The King turned and walked out a side entrance, leaving the six of them standing in the Sanctum. Link glanced around, stealing glances at them all. "I shall guide you all to the Dining Hall." It was the Princess who spoke, he hadn't heard her say anything up until that point. Her voice was like velvet, but it felt as though her words were carefully planned out, to be said in a particular way. Link wasn't all that fond of it, it didn't seem human.
She led them through the hallways of the castle, until eventually they reached a large open room with rows of long tables. It was empty, Zelda ordered them to take a seat, which they all did. Mipha took her seat beside Link, Urbosa sat next to Zelda and Daruk and Revali sat opposite each other . "Now now then." It was Revali who spoke, he stood up swiftly. "I believe you all agree with me when I say that this is a complete disappointment, I mean, how are we expected to play sidekick to this.. Hylian?" It took Link a few seconds to realise that Revali was referring to him. The Champions and the Princess stayed quiet for now.
"We are known for either being Royal, or having exceptional skill, what is.. Link?" Revali had pronounced Link's name with such a venomous tone that Link shuddered slightly. "He is but a simple knight, lucky enough to pick up this sword which has 'chosen' him. It's completely outrageous, I can't believe the King would even choo-" Revali was cut off by none other than Mipha. "Revali, shut your beak. Link is the chosen one and therefore we must accept that and prepare ourselves to assist him in defeating Calamity Ganon, this is our fate and we cannot change that, so bickering will not help you."
The Zora Princess seemed quite flustered and embarrassed. She shyly sat back down, lowering her head. "Thank you." Link whispered, getting a simple nod in return. He then heard heavy footsteps as the King entered the large hall. He took his seat at the head of the table before large platters were brought in with silver covers. They were quickly pulled off and Link couldn't help a small smile escape as he gazed at all of the food. A final dish came for Daruk, when it was pulled open it revealed a rock roast which seemed to please the Goron quite well.
They sat in silence for some time before the King stood up, clearing his throat to gain attention. "As I told you, I have another announcement. Today I have finally found the right person who will become your appointed knight, Zelda." Zelda looked up suddenly, Link figured this search and been going on for a while. The Princess didn't seem all that pleased. "Father no, I am not in need of a-" She began. being cut off by her father. "Quiet Zelda. As I was saying, I have found the right person. Link, you shall become Zelda's Appointed Knight. You will accompany her wherever she goes, and you will guard her with your life, do you understand?"
Link nodded softly, he felt ill. He was entrusted to protect the daughter of Hyrule?! How was he going to manage that? He glanced at the Princess who seemed even more upset with the fact that Link had been chosen. He wished in that moment that the ground would just open up and swallow him whole.