Alright, LOZ BOTW fans, I'm back from the dead and here is a chapter I've been planning on writing for a while a bit of action, a bit of drama, and some feels that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.

On that note, I should also state that recently I learned that if you ride a horse, you can sneak past a Lynel (I'm quite sure it only works with Lynel mask). That would have been helpful when I first started.

Link could say many things about his stay in the knights of Hyrule, his relationship with his fellow knights as well hanging by a thread at one moment. They could be praising him while spitting contempt behind his back. He often had trouble making friends because of this. However, one thing he could never say was that he hated his time in the castle town. The bustling community enjoyed spending most of his free time in. people from all walks of life, whether you be Hylian, Rito, Gerudo, or Zora, could find something here that you would like. He would often come here to either decompress or to help the local communities. Today though was different. his fellow champions joined him

"So, what is the point of this again," Revali asked. He was standing right next to Link.

"I thought that to get to know each other better," Zelda said while at first, she planned on trying to get her and Link alone. She figured she could take the time to get to know her fellow champions and vice versa. though she didn't count on Link having to run errands

"Link says we can go on, princess," Mipha cut in "he promises to catch up once he was done"

"As if," Revali told her, "If this is supposed to be bonding time." he made air quotes as he dragged out the words, " We should all be together. He's not different."

'Besides,' Zelda thought, 'I'm curious as to what he was doing.' getting Link to talk was a challenge in itself. She noticed that when he was around Mipha or Impa, he would have no trouble talking, so that was another reason she had the champions. the only other person he would freely talk with was Kiana, but both only spent time with each other at night

"I agree with feathers here," Urbosa smiled as Revali grumbled something about how he had a name "we should try to spend this time together."

they all found themselves coming to a stop as Link approached a small shop the large white bag he had on his back being sat down as he wiped some sweat from his brow the shopkeep smiled as he approached Link "ah Link" he smiled as Link started to take out several small items how he carried it in that small bag they could only guess

Urbosa smiled as she saw Link go over what was needed. She slowly approached the boy "mind if I help" she asked. Link tried to object, but before he could, she had already grabbed the two crates Link was lugging around and gave them to the man Link could only smile.

"I see," Zelda said, "so these were the errands he had to run."

"Yeah," Daruk muttered, "the little guy often stops by death mountain to gather Gorons spice for a few of the shop owners" he smiled "heck, I think ever since he became a knight," Daruk said

"Hey Daruk," Urbosa's voice came, "come help us with this, will you" Daruk smiled as he walked over to where Link and Urbosa were standing.

"How often does he do this" Zelda asked

"Depends on where he's going," Mipha answered "typically, when he stops by the Domain, he stocks up on fresh fish we catch, though, or he is delivering something for one the ship keeps, namely Dento," Mipha said.

"He delivers to the Domain as well," Revali asked, "and here I thought he was just looking for a reason to spy on me."

Mipha had to hide her laugh as Zelda watched as Link, Urbosa, and Daruk went about helping the friendly shopkeep. She had come here often. She enjoyed spending time among her citizens. Then cooped up in the castle, she could only wonder how she never saw Link doing this. What surprised her the most was when the shopkeeper offered Link payment. He politely refused as he then thanked Urbosa and Daruk for their help

this becomes a recurring situation. However, Mipha, despite Link's protest, had started to help as well, leaving her alone with Revali though him not wanting to be outdone had also begun helping. Zelda was at a loss when Urbosa had approached her, telling her she should join. She said that she would try. She tried Link would come by her side, remaining there only leaving when he had to stop to speak with whoever he was helping at the moment.

She had never thought this would be how Link would spend his free time. Ever since that day in the desert, she had started to pay attention to her guardian knight. She had noticed how kind he was when they would go to Purah to check on the guardians. How easily he agreed to help her with her experiments. how he and Impa would go to a balcony and talk about things what they were, she could never tell, but she could tell that they enjoyed those moments they could spend together

"Please, Link, you're too kind," the shopkeeper said behind him was a small girl.

"it's nothing" was all he would say, and if they did manage to get Link to take the payment, he would immediately buy something so the money would be back in the shop's hands.

"Link," Mipha asked, "can you come to help me with this" Mipha was another thing she was curious about; unlike Impa or even Kiana, Link seemed to be entirely relaxed around her. However, she couldn't blame him. They had known each other forever, and it would make sense that Link would feel comfortable around her.

"Giving the creepy vulture some thought," a voice called, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"don't ever tell him I said that," Zelda told her. "It's just" she looked at Link, who seemed to be joking around with a group of children. "I don't know."

"you're just letting your guard down," Urbosa told her

"I guess," Zelda said Daruk's laugh brought the pair out of their conversation as they saw an embarrassed Link who at the moment was taking a pre-made meal as they got closer, Zelda couldn't help but smile as Link smiled at her

"He is quite popular with the ladies." Urbosa said, a teasing grin coming across her face "some of my guards back in Gerudo couldn't keep their eyes off him" Urbosa smiled at the memory. At the same time, a few had met him on occasions after he turned up in that Gerudo outfit that it really started to ramp up.

"What are you getting at," Zelda asked

"Nothing," Urbosa said. Zelda just stared at her " what my warriors tell me these things" she smiled as Zelda simply rolled her eyes, looking back at Link, who seemed to be laughing at something that Mipha told him. "Come on," she says, pushing Zelda forward,

"Oh yes, that was fun," Mipha finished looking over. One could see that a group of children had approached the pair. Another note about Link children seemed to flock to him, and he, with no problem, would always smile and greet them if he were guarding her though there were times when she would catch him listening to whatever stories the children were telling him

as the afternoon came, they had arrived at a small flower shop Link had greeted the lady

"Ah Link," she smiled at him, "you are too kind," she said as Link handed him multiple pieces of plant pots dirt.

"Are you sure this is everything you'd need?" Link asked. There was a hint of worry in his eyes. "I can get more if you need Ms. Edna."

"Yes, Link," Zelda soon approached, "I can assure you that this is all I need."

"Ah Princess," she gave a bow, "what a pleasure" she gave her a warm smile

"Yes," Zelda said, "it a pleasure to meet you as well" she looked over the flowers" must say these flowers lovely."

"Why thank you," she smiled as Link walked away. She smiled as Link started to find the next shopkeep to finish up his daily deliveries "that boy," she muttered.

"Have you known him for a while," Zelda asked?

"Why yes," Edna smiled at the memory, "I've known that boy since the day he was born," she smiled, "such a young and excitable thing he was," she smiled. "How things change," she muttered.

Before Zelda could ask what she meant by that, a customer had approached. Leaving the girl to ponder precisely what happened that changed Link from the excitable child to the silent knight. She had come to know. She walked over Revali seemed to be going off about something, but Link always seems to be ignoring him.

"And I'm just saying," Revali finished before Urbosa cut him off

"We understand, Revali," she said, clearly frustrated, "but they're still children no need to be so aggravated around them."

"we're champions," he shot back.

"Which means we have to set an example, which often entails having to interact with children," Urbosa said "look at Link. She motioned to where Link was sitting, clearly telling the kids something, "see."

"Just cause our young champion is great with kids," Revali said, "doesn't mean we have to."

"you're so stuck up." Urbosa laughed as Revali grumbled something as Link stood up, looking around, "looking for something, Link."

Next to him was a little girl. She seemed to be looking around as well. As she stood close to Link. she smiled at her as she walked up to Link

"Yeah," Link muttered, "Mipha said she would be right back. " And our friend here wanted to see her, "so I'm looking to see" he looked down before signing at her. She smiled, giving the boy a slight nod.

"I take it you two come here often," Urbosa asked

"Yeah," Link said, "We often come here when she brings Sidon" he smiled as he looks down at her, "I think that's whose she's wondering about"

"Ahh," Urbosa said, "the princess younger brother."

"Yeah," Link muttered as he slowly turned his attention back to the girl before signing at her. She shook he head as she looked around again, waving goodbye at him before leaving to go play with the other children, "she thinks you pretty," Link said as Urbosa gave a small smile.

"You must be really popular with the kids," Urbosa said

"Yeah," Link said

"Are we done yet" Revali's voice cut in, but like always, Link ignored him, looking in the distance before walking away

"Hey," Revali called out.

Link came to a stop looking at a small shop. On the front was a small necklace. 'This wasn't here before," was Link's first thought. He had been down the streets of Castle town many times, and he has never seen this shop of this necklace "how much."

the shopkeep seemed to jump at his presence he stopped looking over the necklace "that thing" his voice was rasp he looked him over one more time "I'd say 50 rupees," he said as Link handed him the right amount he smiled as he looked away

"Link," a voice called. He turned to see Mipha coming back from wherever she was looking at him "what is that" Link said nothing as he held the necklace, memories forming in his mind as he smiled.

"You see," Link started as he rubbed it over, clearly taking it in, "my mother once had a necklace like this"

"I see," Mipha muttered. It had been years since they had any conversation that involves their deceased parents. Both had liked to avoid such topics in their growing years for obvious reasons "did it mean a lot to her" she asked. Her voice was soft as they walked.

"Yeah," Link said, "I don't remember much from time with her" Link admitted it was something he came to terms with years ago, "but I remember her telling me that dad had got her something similar" Link smiled. "I guess seeing made me think of her."

Mipha smiled, her hand finding its way to the necklace that Link had given her so long ago. that day was burned into her memory, her reunion with Link the joy. "I can see why it would mean so much to her," she admitted

"What do you mean," Link asked

"Well,"

before she could finish, Daruk came up and slam Link on the back "there you are, Little guy," he smiled as Link had to catch himself, "you're all done now, right."

"You could say that" he looked over, seeing Mipha's laugh

"good" Daruk's smile was wide enough to outshine the sun behind him the other champions had caught to the Goron smiled as Zelda, and the others had started to walk up to them as well before they said anything, a knight came rushing up to them he seemed out of breath as he rushed to where Link and Zelda were standing

"Captain," he said out of breath, "we have a problem" an enormous bang sounded throughout the entire area. "Monsters are attacking castle town," he said, the look of shock and horror on everyone's faces as people came to a stop around them. "We need to know if the princess is with you."

Link nodded. He looked back, seeing Zelda's look of concern. He turned to Urbosa "we need to the princess somewhere safe." she nodded as the sound of banging started to grow closer Link went out and grabbed her hand.

"Wait, Link" Zelda's face grew warm as Link dragged her to the castle for her safety "if monsters are attacking, they're going to need help."

"I know," Link said, "but my duty."

"Your duty," she said, pulling her hand out of his, "is to be the hero, right" she looked away. "Link, I won't sit back while my people are in danger" she gave him a look of determination Link recognized it. He had every time he looked into a mirror. every time "princess."

The sound of monsters getting closer made him look into the distance. He had his duty to protect the princess. He could see the other champions heading off to battle. He had to make a choice.

"I understand that princess," Link admitted, "but your safety must come first," he said "the other champions can handle this until you are safe" he then grabbed her hand. "We need to find somewhere safe for you first," Link said, looking back. A part of him agreed that he would have to go but for right now her needed to tend to princess Zelda

as they ran, a few monsters had come min Link letting go of the princess slashed through them, landing on the ground Link felt pushed down as a crowd ran past him "calm down," Link shouted as people started running

"Link," another voice called. Link turned around to see Kiana running up to him, a look of relief on her face as she saw he was with the princess "are you alright."

"a few monsters, but that's not the problem" she looked to the side "one of them managed to make a nest on one of the forts, and a group of monsters is managing to use that to get into the castle town," Kiana explained "we've been monitoring this for the past week.

"Where are the knights" Link asked

"they're trying to calm the citizens down," Kiana told him, "And I came looking for you."

"me" Link asked, confused "why."

"Link, you know why," she said. "I need you to help calm them down."

"They won't listen to me," Link shot back

"What do you mean," Kiana asked

"I don't."

"What," Kiana asked. "Link," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder, "last time I checked, you are the Hylian champion" she looked back, seeing the princess standing behind him. She was observing, but Kiana put it off, "and right now, you need to be that champion, so the people know they have nothing to fear."

Link said nothing. His mind was everywhere as of right now. He looks back at Zelda, who only nodded at him. He knew what he had to do h looked in the distance, the sound of fighting getting louder.

"Go, Link," Zelda's voice cut in, "I know your friend can take care of me," she said as Link hesitated. he knew what he had to do but could he. he felt the sword glow on his back 'the ancient voice' Link thought to himself he shook it off as he ran off

the knights were pushed back one of them fell back, knocking off her helmet, her red hair falling like a shadow of a Moblin came over her costing her. a loud bang opening an eye she noticed the signature blue "Link" she muttered, turning around

"Maron," Link muttered as he helped her up

"Good to see you," she muttered. Link looked around; seeing all eyes on him made him nervous.

"Is everyone here okay he asked" a few nods and murmurs. He smiled. He looked around at the sight of his fellow knights fighting. Link would rush in again, taking down as many monsters as he could. He struck down the monster the roar of a Lynel came on. Link felt a flashback to the training camp, but before he could fight it, the strike of lightning came down, shocking the beast.

"Link" looking over, a smile grew on his face as he noticed Urbosa coming to where he was "is everything okay" she looked around, "where is the princess."

"she's safe," Link said "where are the other champions." as if on cue, Link saw Revali sore through the air using his great eagle bow using and sending a horde of monsters into the air. Daruk rolled by using his Boulder breaker to knock back any monsters he came across; nodding at this, Link figured he would assist the other knights.

"Maron," Link shouted.

"yeah"

"Assist champion Revali how you can," he said as he ran off. as Link ran through the chaos, he remembered how Kiana mentioned a hole in the wall, so he figured he'd go there to see what had happened. Instead, he saw a group of knights running away from a wall as it came down a group of knights landing on the ground Link jumped to the ground as rubble landed on the ground looking up, Link felt his body freeze many knights around him all screaming in pain. However, that wasn't what had the young hero frozen with fear. No, it was what had broken through the wall a Hinox, not just any Hinox he had faced many before, but this one he had seen a black one again. he hadn't seen one since that night. It flashed through this mind again, the Hinox standing over the crushed remains of his mother licking its lips as its single eye looked at him.

At that moment, he was no longer the stalwart knight, the chosen hero, or the princess's personal guard. now he was that small boy again. that small boy who was powerless and couldn't help his mother, that boy who had to watch his mother die

"Link" he could hear a voice, but he paid no mind

"Find princess Mipha" was all he muttered out as he noticed a large object flying towards him before he felt himself fall back

"Link" he could hear a voice he figured it was Mipha, or Urbosa his mind had flatlined again his mind was starting to fall out he had no idea what to think at this moment he knew he had to keep going but seeing a Hinox again even years later had he gotten stronger right. He's beaten Hinox's before, right, so why was this time different. Maybe it was because of what day it was or was it because he had his mother on his mind.

"Link"

"Link," a voice called. Link's body shot up from where he was lying. He looked around his noticing his mother running up to him. She gave him a warm smile as she looked him over. It had been thirteen years since he last saw his mother's face, but how did he get here? Did he die, and was this some afterlife "is everything, okay honey?"

"Mom," Link's eye shot open as he ran to her. She laughed. He clutched her "there's a big monster."

"a monster," she asked, "what are you talking about." Link said nothing as he looked around, noticing that everything was calm. He seemed to be in awe. A part of him had forgotten what his hometown was like, the place he was born "are you alright" Link simply shook his head, "what's the matter."

"I'm scared."

"Of what"

"Losing"

Medilia smiled as she rubbed Link's head "you know Link," she said, sitting down next to him, giving him a warm smile as she brought him in for a hug "fear is a part of life," she said, looking away. "I'm sure even your father has felt fear before."

"Has he," Link asked. His memories of his father were small though this conversation rang in his mind.

"Probably," she smiled, "ya know, I use to shout at him every time I would find out he would get injured " she smiled. "I would tell him he was a reckless fool, and how could he let himself do something so stupid and irresponsible" she let out a laugh, "and you know what he would tell me every time," she looked at Link. He was looking at her with those wide blue eyes that reminded her so much of her father giving him a warm smile "he would tell me that every injury," she stopped, "every scar was worth it in the long run, as the people of Hyrule are safe, and the kingdom can live on."

"Why does he do that" Link asked

"Because," Medilia muttered, "it's the type of person he is" she looked at Link as she leaned back against the wall "no matter what, he will fight for others no matter what he feels. and Link"

"Yes, mother"

"I hope that you can grow into that kind of man," she smiled "a man who will help others," she said, "a man who will protect people no matter the cost to himself."

"I'll try, mother."

The Hinox had since barged through the wall and was approaching Castle town "where is Link" Revali shouted, "don't tell me the hero has run off on us."

"I don't know," Urbosa muttered. she looked back, seeing Zelda run up to where she was standing

"Princess," Mipha called, "you need to get out of here," Mipha shouted.

"I wanted to try to help," Zelda reasoned.

"We have a Hinox, and" Urbosa stopped. Something happened. The Hinox stopped it turned around as a figure slashed it across the chest, stumbling it back as the figure landed. Link landed on the ground.

"Never mind"

Link jumped again as the Hinox attempted to slam him again. Only for him to jump on its hand, running along on its arm flinging its arm up Link using that his advantage gripping his sword he swung down slashing as much as he could completely ripping off a few of the Hinox's fingers slicing down part of the arm as the Hinox tried to bite Link. using this Link sliced its mouth, knocking out a tooth as he landed on the ground again, rushing under it, slashing its leg, causing it to fall to the ground

'Come on, Link, ' his mother's words that memory had inspired something in him, something that he had since forgotten the Deku tree's words ringing through his head.

"it's not because of your skill or power that the blade chooses you."

gaining ground, the Hinox attempted to slam its good hand on the ground Link rolled out the way and jumped, slashing its eye cutting right through, causing it to scream in pain as the tip of its head come off its body, screaming as it lands on the ground it belly shaking as Link landed on the top looking back seeing everyone looking at him he let out a breath of fresh air the adrenaline rush he had wearing off as he stood up raising the master sword into the air

"For Hyrule," he shouted as the knights around started screaming as well. They charged again behind them. Link noticed as Zelda slowly approached him.

"Link," she said

"You asked," Link muttered. He was looking in the distance as his friends fought the monsters back, "you asked why I'm quiet all the time," he looked to the ground "people look to me," he said, "with so much as stake, with so many eyes" he looked at Zelda "I have to bear any burden silently." Zelda froze his words struck a chord in her she was so caught up in her own issues that she failed to see that he too had his own problems the serious in his face said as much before she could reach out Link had since grabbed her hand, leading her back to safety.

"I wish you wouldn't do stuff like that" Link couldn't help but smile as Mipha healed him. Although her warm presence was friendly, Zelda was near, and the monster had been driven off "sometimes I can't help but wonder where you get this desire to rush into danger as you do."

Link let out a small laugh. "I do this," Link muttered, "I do this cause in the end, every scratch, every scar I get" Link looked her in the eyes. It is worth it if the people are safe."

Mipha seemed to stop at this before letting out a slight chuckle. "I can understand that," she said, "but it doesn't make me worry about you any less."

"I know," Link said, "it's nice" Link looked away. There was a sense of amusement in his eye, almost as if he remembered something.

"Do you want to talk about it," Mipha asked quietly right now, the other knights were looking around or helping fortify the while in the walls that allowed the monster to attack, so it was just the two of them as Mipha per Links request healed all the other injured before she got to him. if anything, they could talk a little freely

"Later," Mipha said nothing. The air between them was quiet there conversation a while back played in their minds but Mipha. was glad Link was talking to her. She opened her mouth to say something, but Link shook his head. Understanding the gesture, she stopped as she placed a hand on his cheek, healing up the small wound on his face. She gave him a warm smile while she admitted Link's silent nature alluded to her but knowing that he was okay. however, she wondered what troubled him, but for now, later would have to do

"Am I interrupting something" jumping with a light eep, the pair turned to see Impa giving a skeptical glance at them? Behind them was Kiana, who had a grin on her face that promised a prime paternal teasing later that would find its way to her father, and next to her was princess Zelda who as late looked more confused about her and Link than anything.

"No"

"Yes"

"you guys aren't in sync right now, are ya" Impa teased

"Shut it, Impa," Link muttered, looking away

"I was just making sure Link was okay," Mipha said "nothing more," she said

"Defensive much," Impa teased

"I am not."

"Link," Urbosa called out, walking up, "the way you took down that Hinox," Urbosa smiled. "I must say that that was quite impressive you made that look easy," she said

"Anyone could have taken down a Hinox of that size," Revali said, walking up to him "it wasn't that impressive."

"What do you mean," Daruk said, "he took out that thing with a few short moves."

"hmp"

"Oh, don't mind him," Urbosa said, "he's just jealous that he didn't do it."

"What are you trying to say" Revali shouted as Urbosa simply stuck out her tongue at the Rito, who only fumed at the Gerudo Daruk stood between them, totally confused at the conversation going on. Link, on the other hand, was smiling at the interaction.

"Your acting like Link does this all the time," Impa said

"He does," Mipha shot back. "I could count on my fingers how many times Link has come back uninjured."

"Injuries happen," Impa told her.

"I agree with that," Mipha said, "but at the rate Link goes, it just unnatural."

Link took all this in. He looked at Daruk, who, much like him, was extremely confused, Zelda seemed to be trying to break up Revali, and Urbosa thought it wasn't working. Link just shrugged at him as Daruk shot him a smile. He shrugged his thoughts, going to his mother tuning out his arguing friends. He wondered. He felt the necklace in his pocket. Right now, he had found something new, and he would die to protect it. Link was pulled out his thoughts when he saw something in his face. He looked over to see Mipha sitting next to him, a small cake in her hands. It had one candle. but it was enough to make everyone stop talking as they stared, wondering what the Zora princess was up to

"Happy birthday, Link," she said. It was then all hell broke loose

"it's your birthday, little guy."

"No wonder I was so irritated with you today."

"How could you not tell us."

"Oh," Mipha said, looking a little embarrassed, "sorry I wanted to tell you earlier while Link was running his errands, but" she looked away "we ended helping him today, and with everything that happened"

"it's alright," Urbosa said. "I'll just give him something later."

"Yeah," Daruk said, "don't worry, little guy, I'll get you some rock roast."

Link smiled as he turned back to Mipha "how did you."

"Edna told me. "She smiled as Link looked back at the small cake. He smiled, blowing out the candle as Mipha once again whispered Happy Birthday 'maybe' Link smiled as he took a bite of the cake while his friends started to talk about different birthday traditions for someone his age, but to him, this was all he needed

"I can learn to be a part of a family again."

And that's the end. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. While it may seem like Links main character arc is finished, there are still some loose ends to tie up and other things going on with this kid, but we get there. When we get their next chapter, we're going back to Zora's Domain, and yes, I will be having Bazz, Gaddison, and Rivan appearing as Link most underrated, friends so see you then

stay-the-unique