The cool morning breeze rushed through the training area near the castle. The sound of swords clashing rang through the air in a small training area Link, and Kiana had made time to spar. Link wanting to keep his skills sharp to protect the princess and Kiana well. She was bored and was probably one of the few people in Hyrule who could keep up with her young Protégé.

His weapon, the master sword, swung through the air as he clashed against her own weapon. One of the royal swords that sheikah had made recently. based on the master sword as a way to increase defense and prepare the knights for the calamity, and as one of the captains, she received one. 'I'm going to have to thank Impa for this alter" Kiana smiled at her, and Link came back. They had drawn a crowd. "you've gotten better," Kiana complemented. Link nodded. She noticed that lately, he had started to be quiet far more often, even around Mipha, who was possibly the closest person to him. It worried her a bit, but she could deal with that later right now. Focus on giving Link a good fight.

Within seconds she found herself on the ground. As she came face to face with the tip of the master sword, she looked up. Link had a small smile as he pulled back "you weren't focused," he said, feeling her eyes roll; she stood up, "you're doing better."

"not good enough," Link muttered. "I still need to train."

"and I need a break," Kiana told him, giving him a worried look" Link rest is just as important when it comes to training" she looked over Link as he mulled her words over. "take it as you will, but you will have to wait till I'm recharged" she saw the look of concern on Link's face as she shot him a smile "don't worry about me, kiddo" she ruffled his hair "these things just come with age."

"if you don't mind," a voice called the pair turned to see Urbosa standing among the crowd that had come to witness them spar. Kiana had honesty forgot they were there. "I would like a match" she walked up to them.

"Lady Urbosa," Kiana smiled, "I'm sure Link would be honored" she looked at Link he gave a smile in agreement.

"good," she pulled out her weapon, Scimitar of the Seven, "so let's see what the Hylian champion is made off." as Kiana backed away before both had begun. Urbosa was noticed for her brilliance in battle, almost as if she were dancing with whoever was her opponent. Kiana smiled "this was an excellent opportunity for Link. It would give him some experience."

Urbosa was impressed very few she had met managed to see through her attacks. This Link was something else. Their blades clashed with ferocity. Both were in a stalemate. looking for an opportunity to land the final blow that would grant them a victory

Link had to admit while he agreed that he should take breaks when he is in the middle of training. But there was something about the rush he got when in the middle of a fight, the sound of blades clashing the adrenaline rush that would come after. He wouldn't say he loved it, but it was a nice feeling, the only downside being that when he got injured, it typically would involve a lecture from either Kiana or Mipha. Depending on the situation, King Rhoam and Dorphan had often told him that he should be more careful when he is on his missions. Stopping another strike, Link pushed back as Urbosa jumped back, a smile forming on her face as they rounded each other in this fight. He had to stay focused. This was a fellow champion and not to mention the leader of the Gerudo people, so she was no Bokolbins.

Urbosa came in again, ducking under him. She managed to catch Link off guard. She then pointed her blade in his face smiling as he looked at her. Not a hint of fear in his eyes as he looked to her side next to her neck was the master sword. She gave a hearty laugh as she backed up. "I must say you are quite impressive" Link's cheeks grew warm as he looked away. She placed a hand on his shoulder. "I have no doubt you can do the task that is on your shoulder."

"thank you" was all he said as a guard came up to where they were standing

"Sir Link," he said, "the princess is ready for you" Link nodded as he turned to Urbosa, bowing again before leaving. Kiana walked up to her. She could feel her analyzing her. All she could do was smile.

"so, you find whatever you were looking for," Kiana asked

"you could say that" she smiled at her. "I guess you could say I wanted to see if was well enough to protect the princess" she saw Kiana raise an eyebrow "I mean no offense by it," she told her quickly "she just means a lot to me," she says "I promised an old friend that I would watch over her"

"I understand," Kiana told her. "I understand far too well," she muttered, thinking back to what she thought of Link."

"it's not fair," Urbosa muttered, "they're all so young."

Kiana could agree it pained her that Link had all this placed on his shoulders, but what could she do. "there's little we can do," Kiana muttered. "so instead of wondering what was," she looked back, seeing Link retreating form she smiled. "I will make sure I'm there, so if he gets in over his head, he can rest assured that I will follow him."

Urbosa laughed "you are right," she smiled. "that boy is impressive," she said, "you must be proud."

"huh," Kiana huffed, "if you call rushing into danger headfirst without a plan in the world impressive and reason to be proud," she sighed "then yeah, I'm pretty proud of the monster I had a hand in creating," she turned again.

"well then," Urbosa said, "seems like I have nothing to worry about."

Link screamed mentally in his head. The air was so thick sound couldn't travel through it. The princess and finished getting ready, and as such, they set out to the research lab run by Purah. The princess had ordered him to stay at least six paces back from her Link agreed, but he felt the comment was underhanded. He couldn't quite get a reading on what her thoughts on him were, but he could figure they were least than positive.

He sighed. He knew that this uncomfortable silence wouldn't get anywhere if they had to work together in stopping the calamity, hell if they were planning to work together in the future.

as they arrived, Purah, the eccentric scientist, came out of her lab, black smoke filling out the air as she waved it away before turning and greeting them both ", oh, your princess, hear sorry about that."

"Purah," Zelda asked, "Is everything alright."

"yeah, just testing some things" she looked over her shoulder, her smile widening "hey Linky, could I borrow you for a sec."

Link looked at Zelda, who gave him an uncomfortable nod. She tossed him a Royal shield. He looked at her with a confused expression as she smiled "you remember how you deflected that guardian beam, right" he nodded, "good, I need you to do it again, but this time, don't destroy it."

Link nodded as he went inside as another person came out. It was Purah's fellow researcher Robbie. He smiled as he noticed Link "ah Link, might finally get some data" he looked up he saw Impa, who was standing alongside Zelda Impa gave him a slight nod. Still, before he could respond, he started to hear the charge of a guardian beam.

"try to hit the targets, Link," he heard Purah's voice came over the charging noise, "and remember," she leaned over, pressing a few buttons, "don't destroy the guardian. It's the only one we're getting," she smiled as Link contemplated the steps in life he took to get to this point in his life.

Above as the sound of the Guardian beam going off, Zelda watch as Link effortlessly sent each beam to the requested target set noticed how Purah and Link seemed to have a history "everything okay, princess" Impa's voice cut in

"yes," Zelda answered, "just observing," she looked at Link as Purah showed him something. He nodded as she went back to the sound of the guardian beam going over. It was his quietness the unnerved her the most he just stood there with those calm blue eyes. she could never tell what he was thinking or what was on his mind, and it made her nervous "Do Link and Purah have a history" Zelda asked.

"yeah," Impa said, leaning on the railing, "my sister often asks Link to help her with her crazy experiments," she said, "he even brings her supplies."

"I see," Zelda muttered. She looked over to see Link as he stopped. He barely looked shaken from the fact that Purah just had a guardian beam fired at him. according to the Sheikah, those beans could instantly kill you, so she was surprised when Purah just asked Link to stand still and let a guardian fire at him

Purah had run up to Link, smiling at him 'it was the sword," she reckoned 'he seemed to have everything in his life figured out, and it must be easy.' she sighed no matter how hard she tried. She just couldn't get her sacred sealing power to awaken.

"stop that," Impa's voice cut in. "you can't go and compare yourself to others. Your power will come in time."

"But we don't have time, Impa." she looked at her friend "the calamity could come any day now" she looked at Link. She sighed as Purah came up to them.

"princess," Purah said, "as you can see," she said, "the Sheikah slate can help us with the guardian. We can also give them some presets."

"that's nice" Zelda's entire mood seems to shift as she and Purah started to talk about the guardians. Impa smiled. She glanced back at Link as Robbie went on about how he was able to deflect beams.

"also," Zelda cut in, "I actually came here to discuss the Sheikah towers" she looked at her, "have we gotten them to turn on yet."

"no," Purah said,

"why not," Zelda asked

"I don't know," Purah said. "I've entered everything I could into this slate, but they just don't respond to the commands she said

"well, still, we should go and see," Zelda said as she started to leave.

" you're the boss," she called to Robbie as he and drink approached the group left the lab. After a short walk, they found themselves at the sight of the sheikah towers. Link was impressed when the Sheikah had first discovered these towers, but their purpose was generally unknown, but the princess was determined to figure it out. Many researchers had tried, but they couldn't get it or any others they had found.

"hey, Linky," Purah's voice pulled him out of thoughts "hold this for a sec," she said as she handed him the Sheikah slate "need to make it check some things," she said as she hopped in, asking the researchers if they had found out anything they shook their heads.

Link stood there looking for anything that could come and stop the research. There were a few knights here, so he wasn't too on guard "he Linky come here, I need the slate" Link sighed this was going to be a long day as he stepped on the platform "place it there, I'll start working within a sec" as he placed it down the platform started to glow blue. soon rising from the ground

"what happened," Zelda asked. She looked over to see the other towers they had found had risen and many more could you even see one located in Castle town.

"of course," she said, "these along with the shrines must be tied with the chosen hero," she said as she removed the slate. "well, have to do more test at some point."

"yes," Zelda said, looking away from him, "thank you, Purah."

it was a few hours later. Link was still shaken a bit. Zelda seemed to only grow colder towards him as the days go by, and each day she seemed to grow tenser as well. He didn't mean to activate the tower, but it looks like that what had happened. Of course, Zelda said she would keep the slate, for now, to see if she could find anything else.

He sighed. He had seen Zelda to the castle before she had dismissed him. He felt exhausted, of course, but didn't want to be too far, but he respected her wish to be alone. She was going to study and practice, so he opted to walk around the castle and get some air. The day was long, so that lead to him being on the side of the castle.

"Please tell me you're not thinking of jumping," a voice called. He turned to see Mipha approaching him, a smile on her face as her champion sash wrapped around her.

Link pondered this "well," he could see the look of fear come across her face as he just laughed it off, "naw getting some fresh air." he said, "it been an interesting day."

"I see," Mipha said, walking next to him, "the princess treating you well."

"if you call uncomfortable and awkward silence well," Link joked, "then yeah, perfect."

"Link," Mipha's voice was quiet, "you need to remember what I told you yesterday."

"I know," Link muttered, "but" he stopped looking away "they act like I don't want to fit in like I enjoy being this distance," he lamented. "I just want to belong."

"Link," Mipha said as she walked up to him, grabbing his face making him look at her. "you are brave, kind, you are always willing to put your life on the line for others." Mipha paused as if she was trying to think of what to say, "it the reason I," Mipha stopped again, "I admire you so much."

a realization came over Link's face as he looked away. "Mipha," he said, "you and I both know this won't" it happened again, that look of sadness.

"I know," she said that surprised him, "I know, and I can accept that"

"We don't have to," Link said

"yes, we do," she said, "know that you are my friend, and nothing will ever stop how much you mean to me."

Link wanted to stop this. But, it sounded so forced, as if they would never see each other again. He tried to tell her how the burden was crushing him, how it was stressful, and how terrifying it was to be burdened with so much responsibility, but he couldn't. he wouldn't put that burden on her shoulders. no, he would smile, and after, maybe things could go back to normal "you two," Link told her as he pulled her in for a hug, "thank you."

"This thing you're looking for, Link," she whispered "you already found it," she smiled, "but your just too stubborn to realize it." she felt Link tremble. She knew that it would be a while before she would see her friend again. It would be a while before they could have a moment like this, and they could accept that.

For now, at least they would push whatever they were feeling down, saying it was nowhere near as easy as actually doing it they stood there in silence for too long Link could feel himself calm down.

"Mipha"

"yeah, Link" they looked at each other the cool night breeze went over them as the space between them started close.

"Hey Link," another voice called in a flash. The pair had separated, their cheeks burning red as they went back to an equally and respectfully distance from each other, as the person came outside it was Impa she had a grin on her face as she approached them "there you are," she looked between him and Mipha who was stiff as a bored "is everything okay."

"yes," Link answered all too quickly, "we were just talking about."

"The Domain Link had," Mipha continued almost instinctively,

"asked about her younger brother," Link said. They smiled, hoping that they didn't get questioned any further

"you know," Impa said, a teasing grin on her face, "it really cute how you two finish each other's sentences," she said, getting a reaction from them.

"Link," Zelda's voice cut in, appearing behind Impa, getting an eep out of the girl. Link in an instant was down on one knee as Mipha tried to calm her already tense nerves "we will be heading out in the morning," she said, "meet me in the courtyard in the morning," she told Link as the boy nodded "princess Mipha" Zelda said, she was supposed to see that the Zora princess was still here many of the Champions had already decided to head home "good to see you."

"yes," Mipha answered, "good to see you as well, princess Zelda."

Zelda gave her a weak smile before leaving.

"well, that happened," Impa muttered "so what were you guys talking about

"Just catching up," they both answered. An eyebrow raise got them both to stutter a bit more before Mipha backed away

"I should get going," she said. "I have to head back to the Domain. I need to get in some practice with Vah Ruta," she said "it was nice to see you, Link" she left quickly, Link wishing they could have dragged out that moment for a bit longer. He enjoyed being in her embrace. It was nice

"so, you and the Zora princess, huh" Impa's voice came in his face turned red again

"I...I don't know what you're talking about," Link said, trying and failing to hide the blush on his face

"really," she said, "cause I could have sworn you too were hugging when I came out here" she looked at him, giving him that smirk that said, 'I know everything.'

"you're seeing things," Link told her.

"maybe," Impa muttered. She scooted over, "but I mean, what do I know, who you spend your free time with is your business," she said "she's a nice person," she said, "I can tell she means a lot to you."

"jealous," Link asked, a teasing forming on his face

it was Impa's turn to blush as she looked away "in your dreams," she said

"she does," Link admitted "when I lost everything, I had her," he looked away "she always been a place of support for me."

"I can see that," Impa said

"you do too," Link added, "so you can drop that look on your face" this earned him a good punch on his shoulder.

"I'll have you know," Impa started as she turned around, allowing herself to sit on the ledge that overlooked Hyulre castle "when it comes to these types of relationships, I know my place."

"nothing's happening," Link admitted

"What do you mean," Impa asked

Link looked at her, a look of sadness coming across his face. "it would never work," Link told her "she's a Zora, I'm Hylian," he stopped " Zora have longer lifespans than Hylians " Link stopped "we both know this, and we've accepted it" Link said he let out a small laugh "she was there for me" Link said, "when my world felt like it was falling apart, she was there to help me pick up the pieces."

Impa said nothing, only listing to what Link had to say, drinking it in. He had never really talked about his past. She never opened up her past, but still, right now, Link was vulnerable instead of the stoic, calm, and heroic nature that he constantly wore. It was one of the reasons she respected him so much she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Link"

"it's fine, Impa," he said, standing up giving her a warm smile. "I'll get through"

she smiled. "I'm here," she whispered, "if you ever need anything."

"yeah," Link said, "I know."

The next day Link found himself lying in the sand, the heat of the desert coming down on him. He was in Kara Kara Bazaar. Daruk was having trouble with his divine beast, so he and Zelda went to other champions. he suggested Mipah seeing as she already mastered her Divine beast. However, Zelda instead went to Urbosa. So off they went Gerudo town. Unfortunately, Gerudo law was Gerudo law, and he wasn't allowed anywhere near Gerudo town. It was the main reason he never made any attempt to come here, so Zelda ordered him to wait here, and so here was waiting "they really need to add something here."

Link sat up. A part of him was disappointed. He wanted to see the Divine beast Vah Naboris. Still, he knew Zelda wouldn't be back until it was time to leave, then they were off to death mountain. 'at least then you would be around people who actually like me' Link stood up h pulled out the master sword looking it over the voice he heard has been silent.

"I must say that is an interesting weapon," a voice called. He looked over to see one of the Gerudo guards had approached him. He smiled "the sword that seals darkness is an interesting sight to see."

Link nodded. The guard had come by each time, greeting him and making small talk. He would respond a few times, but other than that, she is patrolling around the Bazaar, and he was practicing or resting.

"ah, Link," a voice called. He looked over to see Urbosa walking up to him, a smile on her face behind her was Zelda. He stood up and greeted them.

"We are done here," Zelda said quickly. We can get moving. I want to reach death mountain as soon as possible."

"off already," Urbosa asked.

"yes, I want to show Daruk what you told me," Zelda told her "sorry if I'm too quick, Urbosa."

"no, it's alright, little bird," she smiled at her. "take care of her little knight," she asked. Link nodded as Zelda walked past him, barely looking him in the eye as Link started to follow her. As Urbosa watched them walk away, she couldn't help but wonder what was going through the knight's head. Zelda, as always, was giving him the cold shoulder, she would have to see about that, but it was hard cause she could never catch the knight at a good time.

The walk to death mountain was long, and Silent Zelda seemed to be actively avoiding conversation with him, and even when she did, it was short, and the conversation would stop before he could answer. He had no idea what to think about her. one moment, she seemed to tolerate his presence the next. She seemed to be offended by his very existence, so of course, Link couldn't figure out what the hell was going on.

'it's going to be a long walk,' Link thought to himself

once they had finally arrived at death mountain Link and Daruk had got to catching up though there was a problem Daruk was having trouble controlling his Divine beast

"I just don't get what I'm doing wrong" he and Link had gone off as the princess went to take some more notes figuring that it probably was something with age, so now they stood over the locations where Vah Rudania rested

Link's heart went out to his friend he was trying, but it didn't seem to be enough; "you'll get it."

"I don't know," Daruk sighed. "I just can't see what I'm doing wrong," he looked at Rudania. "maybe I'm just not cut out for this little guy."

Link smiled. He thinks he had a way to help Daruk. Unlike the troubles with the princess, Daruk's problem was simple. Mipha had told him how she spent a lot of time in Vah Ruta how the more she spent exploring, the more she felt connected to it.

"well," Link started, "experience is the best teacher" he smiled as he then pushed Daruk, giving him only one word.

"explore," he shouted as Daruk landed in the divine beast. He looked confused as Link smiled and waved before leaning against the rock Daruk looked around before disappearing into the Divine beast leaving Link to his thoughts.

A few days ago, he and Zelda had been in Rito village and encountered Revali. The champion had approached him and went on about something about swords flying and Vah Medoh. that ended with good luck. 'he is very prideful,' Link noted, 'his skills with a bow are unrivaled. according to other warriors' Link chuckled, "I wonder if he has any close friends" Link's mind flowed the few friends he had managed to makeover his life 'maybe I could be that friend.'

'next, there was Urbosa.' He didn't know much about the Gerudo champion. Still, she had this motherly aura around her, especially when it came to the princess, who he had learned was her mother figure after the Queen passed away 'she seems to like me though,' he internally cringed. But, of course, with the ways, things went for him in the knights and even royal guard trust was a big thing for him, so he honestly didn't count on people liking him immediately when they first meet, so her giving him looks of compassion was a new change of pace.

Daruk was his brother, enough said. He knew he could count on him, then there was Mipha usually, he would need no words for her, and she is his best friend. The person he would trust with his life, but lately, it's been different. They both seemed to notice that their relationship was changing. The conversation from the other night played in his mind. he was at least aware that there something different about their relationship. Could it work even if it did? Link shook his head another time Link said

'I wonder if she feels the same way,' Link thought to himself 'maybe he was overthinking this.'

before long, Vah Rudania came over the mountain Daruk on top, he smiled at Link, "I think I understand what you meant, little guy." he smiled as he leaned Vah Rudania down "hope up here."

"Daruk," a voice called, "how did you."

"oh hey, tiny princess." Daruk smiled. "I figured it out."

"What did you do," Zelda asked.

"Well, I spent the day exploring Rudania," he looked over "the controls are seeing a little easier now."

"I see" she looked at Link. There was a glare the moment at the disabled shrine came back to his mind. He gave her a weak grin as she looked away.

"I still got some things to figure out some things," Daruk admitted as he rubbed the back of his head. Other Gorons walked up to him, all smiling.

"what are you" Zelda's voice cut in before Link could answer. She started again," from now on, I want you to stay back and let me handle the divine beast. Do I make myself clear," Link said nothing? He just nodded

Zelda internally was furious. How could he be so calm here he was showing her up in things that she could enjoy doing "unlike you," she said, leaving we can't all be lucky enough or fortunate enough to have your skills. the world doesn't cater to all our needs."

The comment came out of the left field. He knew the princess or any of the other knights didn't hold a high opinion of him; he never realized or had an idea why Link cringed. He knew an insult when he heard it, and apparently, that had been the main topic of why many people didn't like him.

"so do us a favor, and just stay back," she said as Daruk came down.

"hey," looked there was a tension in the air as Zelda sighed

"thank you, Daruk," she looked at Link, "we will head out in the morning" she left, leaving nothing said between them

"what? was that about," he asked. Link said nothing. As he looked away, Daruk could see something was bothering him, so he smiled. 'I won't press him too much," he smiled, "yet."

and thus, the end of another chapter

know I know what you're thinking about the Link and Mipha thing but stay with me. I have a relatively good idea of where I'm going with them. Part of me always felt that both were at least aware of their feeling for each other at one point or at least talked about it. I always enjoyed the separated by fate headcanon for these two. But that's for later chapters.

Also, Impa might continue developing her and Links relationship. I'm not too sure where I'm going with it, but I might do something in the chapter to come, so tell me what you think.

Originally. The second half of this story was going to be its own chapter, but it was shorter than I would have liked it to be, so I scrapped a good portion of it, and I placed the rest here

stay-the-unique