Okay I may have started this too soon but I was also really excited to start this so once again any advice or suggestion would be much appreciated. I hope you guys enjoy and I do not own Legend of Zelda: Breath of the wild.

Link was at a loss here. Currently Link has finished investigating (following) all the suspects who might have stolen the heirloom from Impa's place.

You could argue that he could push the subject with the suspects but he knew they weren't lying since they all had alabies and he could tell when someone seemed suspicious. It was a trick he picked up (or for all he knew relearned) from constantly fighting the Yiga clan in disguise.

"Really, no one else in the village raised any sort of suspicion?" asked Impa who was sitting across from Link. "Unfortunately no. No one in this village seems like they would do such a thing." Link replied, while dressed in full Sheikah armor. They were both drawn to muffled crying where the heirloom used to be, "T-this all my fault, i-if I were there when the heirloom was stolen I-I could have done something." Paya said with her hands on her face, ruining her face paint. "Paya please, you shouldn't blame yourself." Impa said in a comforting voice, Link could only look at her.

"I...I was the one who was supposed to protect it." Paya said in a weak voice. "We have no idea who could have stolen it, I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't opposed to fighting." Link replied. "It would have been dangerous."

"Link's right. Besides if someone were to be seen it's Cado and Dorian's responsibility to fight any intruder."

"But I know all the ancient Sheikah techniques, I-I could have-" Impa interrupted her, "No! We both know how long it's been since you've last studied them. Not to mention the fact that you've never actually performed them in a real battle." Impa said, desperate to have Paya understand the gravity of what could have happened.

Paya wanted to say otherwise, that is was her responsibility to protect herself, the heirloom and even the village but Impa spoke first, "I understand your feelings, but if what Link says is true and the intruder were to be from outside the village or worse then it was better you weren't there."

Paya could only look down with her tears still falling. Even if it was true, it didn't change the fact that all time she'd spent learning all the ancient techniques were for nothing. From her point of view, her Mother made her train day and night to learn to fight in order to protect the heirloom. Instead she was selfish and relied on the gate guards to protect the heirloom because it pained her to harm people and living creatures. Realizing this only made her feel more like a failure.

"Paya please try to understa-" Impa couldn't finish due Paya running away crying. "*sigh* I'm sorry you had to se-" once again she couldn't finish because Link just walked off to the same direction Paya went. "Ugh! Those damn kids, not even letting me finish, *sigh* oh Good grief, I guess it can't be helped." 'Just please help her Link, Hopefully she'll listen to you.' Impa thought, deciding to leave the rest to Link.

The sun was just setting, Link had been in the village for two days now. Link made it down the steps when he was approached, "Master Link, what happened? We saw lady Paya run down really upset. Is she okay?" asked a concerned Cado. Link looked at him, "Don't worry, I'll talk to her." Link said with a small smile. However Link then quickly glanced at Dorian,

"she's just upset about the heirloom." Dorian gave more of a reaction then Cado, 'I knew it.' Link thought. "I see, is there anything we can help with?" Cado asked. "No." Link answered before walking away.

'...I have to do something...I'm sorry lady Impa, lady Paya'

Link made his way towards a familiar rocky area. There he saw paya crying on the ground.

Paya was on the ground next to a famous Sheikah graveyard. This was the same spot her Mother was buried. She looked at the night sky as she just wiped off all the face paint, feeling unworthy to bear the symbol. Paya continued to silently sob until she heard someone approach. Paya turned around seeing it as Master Link approached her then sitting next to her.

It was an awkward moment for Paya, not only having someone try to comfort from her display of emotion earlier, but also that person being Master Link. She didn't know about Master Link aside from his great swordsmanship and bravery that her Grandmother witnessed 100 years ago.

However she quickly learned he was carrying such a heavy burden, especially for someone who was travelling alone. Every time he came to visit the village he became much more reserved. When she met him, he was already somewhat reserved but he usually spoke his mind. The next time he visited the village was the day her Grandmother gave him a blue tunic, which was apparently after Link visited Hateno Village. Just looking at him she can tell there was something different about his demeanor. Very quickly he only spoke when he felt necessary or when speaking, he seemed to get much more reserved after freeing two of the divine beast. She almost thought that he looked sad at times whenever he had to continue his adventure.

Not sure what to say Paya was fidgeting on her spot, she wasn't sure what Master Link would say since he was a very mysterious person. it was very difficult to tell what he was thinking.

"Do you really know all that ancient Sheikah techniques?" Link asked. Paya could only nod as she wiped away her tears. "You don't look like a fighter, why would learn something that you never bothered to use?" Paya wasn't surprised to hear someone like Link ask her, after all he was a dedicated warrior who's life was all about the battlefield.

"You don't have to answer, I can tell it might be a sore subject for you. I'm sorry." Link said after seeing her face saddened slightly when he asked. Paya tried to say something but couldn't find the words to say, "I only asked because I never expected you to learn how to fight." Link said, knowing she had something in her mind. Paya looked at Link and saw him look at the night sky, "I think it would make you feel better if we were to talk about why you learned since I can tell it was a pretty important part of your life." Link finished. "I just want to help you in any way I can, please know, I don't want to force you to tell."

Paya was quite unsure of herself. She didn't have anything to hide really, the only thing that would be hard to talk about was her Mother because she played a major part in her learning to fight. Paya, despite what Link said, was starting to feel a little pressure due to thinking she was taking too much time to decide.

She tucked her knees on her chest and looked at the sky and she took a deep breath, "As you know, all of Hyrule had been in peril for 100 years." Link didn't even think about until now, of course more people would need to learn to fight not out of interest or be a part of the Hyrule army. Instead being for basic safety because there are more monsters covering the land and endangering villages. Nowadays gardiens make traveling practically a death sentence. Link tried to not think about it but eventually Link started to blame himself for losing against Calamity Ganon. Link thought about his failure again because he was indirectly responsible for people like Paya being forced to learn to fight, to force such a very gentle spirit to fight because of a world Link failed to prevent. Link shook the thought away, wanting to focus more on Paya.

Paya continued, "My Mother and Grandmother were very powerful Sheikah warriors, I admired their strength, their endeavor during this time and the Sheikah history so much that I wanted to learn the ancient Sheikah techniques." Paya paused, she smiled while reminiscing her joy when she heard stories about the ancient Sheikah and her grandmother's battles alongside the hero.

"I always knew my destiny was to protect the heirloom. With all that combined, my Mother was more than eager to begin training, so that I too can protect the village." her smile soon faded, "Grandmother however, didn't see the fighters spirit that was in her and my Mothers. Grandmother was very against the idea of me training, however my Mother was a very stubborn woman and settled on teaching me the ancient Sheikah techniques."

Link continued to look at her, as to tell her he was listening, "I was very grateful to have the opportunity to learn everything my Mother knew but eventually I grew to be disinterested since I never had the privilege to use my training in an actual battle. It felt as if my training was for nothing, I could even see the disappointment in my Mothers eyes whenever I hesitated when I finally had the chance to use them. The only thing that had me continue my training was the obligation I had to the village…as well as being a descendant to the great Impa." Paya looked down with more tears falling.

Link had a lot to say but he felt it necessary to let finish her story. Instead Link put a hand on her shoulder as an effort to comfort her. Paya was of course blushing but also felt a sense of comfort from his small gesture, knowing he wasn't the best when conveying his emotions. She allowed herself to be comforted by this and wiped away her tears.

"Eventually however, Grandmother and even my Great aunt, Purah, didn't want me to continue my training and argued with my Mother in hopes of getting her to stop my training. I overheard their conversation and their reasoning."


Flashback: 4 years ago

"Listin Mizuki, it's too dangerous for Paya to continue her training." Impa said. Purah decided to try and stay quiet for now knowing Impa is the best person to get their message across. Mizuki Looked at them surprised and furious with them trying to stop Payas training. "Why are you trying to stop me? We're so close to getting her to be used to sparring with the gate guards. She'll be a valuable asset to protecting the village, you can't stop me now!" Mizuki said angrily. "It would only put her in danger and you know it!" Impa said. Deep down Mizuki was worried that they were right...but they couldn't leave things like this, not now. "It will only take a little more time...she can do it, I know she can." Mizuki said only with a little uncertainty of herself.

"Look, all we're trying to say is that the Yiga clan is becoming far too bold with their attacks, if they find out that she knows all the ancient Sheikah techniques, they will see her as a threat and make her a primary target. They will certainly not hesitate to try to kill her if they find she can't fight." Purah finally decided to calmly say what they came to say. Mizuki looked at them angrier with them implying that she would let that happen. "We have been training for 9 years. I know her potential more than anyone, if it weren't for the rules of Hylia, she could be the next hero, I know you've seen her potential as well!" Mizuki yelled.

Purah only looked at her and then at Impa, it was now she realized that it was better she stayed out of the situation. Impa looked down trying to hold in her frustrations, "Even if she has a lot of potential and she thinks this is what she wants you're forgetting one thing." Impa said in a dark serious tone. Mizuki had to admit that she was sweating from her Mothers tone. "PAYA DOESN'T LIKE FIGHTING! You know that just as much as I do, she is far too kind hearted to be a warrior. The slightest hesitation from a ruthless opponent or even a tactical fighter will most certainly be the cause of her death! The way things are, she becomes too scared to fight for herself, What makes you think she could fight for others!?" Impa ranted as she stared down at her daughter.

Mizuki could only look at them, gritting her teeth and her fist clenching, 'Damn it!' Mizuki thought. She turned facing the door to leave, before she could leave and put on the mask from her standard Sheikah armor, "She stops training over my dead body." with that she left. Unknown to any of them, Paya was above the steps hiding and silently crying.

It was after she heard the news of what happened that night she began to blame herself for not being strong enough, for not being the warrior her Mother wanted her to be.

Mizuki made her way towards the front gate, seeing two other Sheikah worries waiting for her. "Lady Mizuki, we still have time to-" the Sheikah warrior was interrupted when Mizuki pushed him out of the way. "If we still have time then we have to go now." Mizuki said seriously in a distant tone. The two wanted to ask if she was okay but ultimately decided best not anger her any further.

All three of them left the village running at high speeds with a destination in mind, however Mizuki had more in her mind, unable to stop thinking about Paya. 'Damn it! I can't let myself get distracted.' it became incerainly harder for her not to have some tears blur her vision. A part of her wanted to go back but knew it was too late. 'If I want to make things right then I should just come back when our mission is accomplished.' Mizuki thought as she increased her speed now more determined to return home. 'I know you're out there, I will make sure you die properly this time...Sooga.'


Flashback end

"I wanted nothing more than to prove to all them that I could protect the village as well as they did…" Paya paused, trying her best not to cry at the memory, "However, when we all found out that my Mother was killed...that was the final straw for Grandmother, she forced me to cease my training. We were all fortunate enough to have only a select few know I was actually training. According to Grandmother, if more people knew that would only put a bigger target on my back." Paya took one deep breath, "After that I never had the courage to continue...I don't know if it was because I was actually afraid of what would happen to me or I was afraid I be a bigger failure in my Mothers eyes...one thing is certain though...I grew far too reliant on the gate guards to protect me, Grandmother and the heirloom." Paya looked down, "If Mother were to see me now, what would she think of me?"

Link stared at her, he can tell that she saw no point in crying anymore. To Paya's surprise she felt Link hug her side, she blushed immensely at his action. "I understand why you feel that way, you may have chosen to be a warrior but you shouldn't feel like you were obligated to fight in this world." Paya looked at him as he let go, "I actually think it was very courageous of you to want to learn." Paya's eyes widened at the thought of Master Link calling her courageous, "Not only did you train for a long time, but you were also very willing to fight for the sake of others and your interest for ancestors' forgotten art." Paya looked down thinking that he was giving her too much credit. "I know you think you don't deserve such praise but I mean it when I say that whether or not you became a full fledged warrior, you're a very well known and well respected person in this village.

I can't go anywhere in this village without hearing how reliable and kind you are. You contribute a lot to the village beyond taking care of the heirloom, Impa, Cado, Dorian, the villagers and especially I can see your contribution to this village." With a small smile Link looked at her, "You are not to blame for what happened, Impa would rather have the heirloom stolen than have anything happen to you, you are far, far more important to her than anything else in the world." Link stood up and extended his hand, "If you still feel like you have something to make up for, then you should live the life you want, the way Impa wants you to live. I know your Mother wouldn't want you to live in regret."

Paya looked up at Link, she couldn't believe what he said, for someone like Link to praise her, with a look that anyone can tell he was serious. Paya hesitantly raised her hand to grab his, when her hand was close to his Link quickly grabbed it. A small yelp escaped from Paya from the surprise of the contact of Links hand.

With one quick pull, Link pulled Paya up to her feet. It was only a moment but Paya was close to Link and looked directly into his eyes. She couldn't help but get lost in his eyes, she began to get a familiar feeling, this time being much stronger than before. The only thing distracting her were his sideburns that flowed with the blowing wind. To her it felt like a lifetime, unable to move, not wanting to move. Her face turned red with nervousness, along with her heart beat increasing drastically.

To her surprise (and relife for her heart) Link moved away from her walking back to the village. Paya looked at him with admiration and gratitude, he really was the hero she'd hoped he'd be. Before he was out of sight Link faced her with the same small smile that comforted her, "I hope you know, if you ever want a shoulder to lean on, Impa and I will be there for you." Paya was left alone to think about their conversation and her Mother. Paya put a hand over her heart, she was truly grateful for the things her family and even Link had done for her.

Link knew it was risky and selfish to leave her alone when he should have at least walked her back...but Link had other things to worry about. When he was out sight Link quickly climbed the cliff next him, Link had to get above the cliff without any of the villagers seeing him. 'I have to at least check that area.'

As Link reached the top he hid behind the shrine when he heard footsteps approaching. "I have to do something." Link heard, 'That voice, don't tell me you actually did it.' Link didn't want to believe it but Dorian clearly knows something. He always seemed like a genuine good person, Link had to follow him before he could confront him about anything.

The deeper they got to the forest the more Link began to realize where they were going. Dorian reached his destination, Link considered confronting when he noticed that Dorian was talking to himself. Link then decided to only hear what he was saying from a careful distance.

"Come out! I know you're out there!" Dorian yelled with a sword ready to fight whoever he was talking to. Link was shocked to see a Yiga bladmaster appear in front of Dorian. Link didn't have time to process the blademaster being here because he noticed the heirloom that Paya was so worried about was right beside the Yiga soldier.

'If Paya really was there...I can't tell Impa about this.'

"You don't have to shout. I'm right here. It seems this thing is truly special to the fools of this village" Link really did not expect any of the things he heard during the whole conversation. 'Heh, somehow that's not the most surprising thing I've heard.'


Meanwhile:

Paya was making her way back home, she hoped her Grandmother would be asleep by now but knew it would be hard for Grandmother after how she left. Also the fact that the night was still young. Paya reached the steps leading towards her home, "Good evading lady Paya, I hope you're alright, me and Dorian were worried about you." Cado was there by himself. "Oh yes, I'm fine. I'm very sorry for worrying you so much." Paya said, looking down, being slightly embarrassed.

"Link spoke to me, he was very helpful and gave me some helpful advice." Paya was still looking down except this time Cado noticed her cheeks were slightly red as well as having a slight smile.

Paya had both on each side of her face, at an attempt to hide her blushing face. Just talking about Link made her think of that little moment they had. Even if it was just her that was feeling something at that moment, it still made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. Her eyes half opened, she was in her own little world, Paya still wasn't familiar with what she's feeling but she liked it and it only got this strong when she thought of that moment.

"Excuse me, Lady Paya don't you want to go inside? It's very cold out here." Paya quickly looked up to see Cado with a neutral expression. Although Paya knows enough to realize that he didn't want to embarrass her more by questioning her moment of silence. "O-oh yes, your right. I'm sorry for wasting your time." Paya said with her face completely red. Paya then promptly ran upstairs.

Once Paya reached the front door she spent a few moments fanning her face. 'Oh I can't walk in looking like this, if Grandmother sees me she wont stop teasing me.' After this Paya opened the door only to see her Grandmother meditating. "Ah you're here already. I hope Link didn't say something to offend you." Impa said as she got up and walked to Paya and held her hands. "Oh no! Link was a very great help." Paya gave her Grandmother a small smile. "I'm glad, would you like some tea?"

"Yes, that'll be nice." Paya sat down as her Grandmother went to grab the tea pot.

Paya drank the tea that was just brewed, "I'm glad to see that you're doing fine. I was so worried that Link had forgotten how to console his friends." Impa said as she sipped her tea. They both sat in silence enjoying their tea. Impa soon broke the silence, "Paya I understand if you want to talk about it right now but I at least want to apologize for shouting at you."

Paya wanted to say something but wasn't sure where to start, "please know that I was very worried what kind of person could have taken our heirloom. I don't want to think of what could have happened if they saw you." Impa choked on her words momentarily, "you're my only family, please don't blame yourself." Impa managed to hold back her tears.

"Grandmother please, you don't have to worry anymore." Paya walked towards her Grandmother to comfort her. "I understand completely why your reasoning for what you said...and did. Quite frankly I agree with your actions." Impa sighed in relief, "Thank you...however I can tell you have something else you want to talk about…"

"Yes...I know about you and Aunt Purah's last confrontation with Mother…"

I really hope you guys enjoyed this, I had a lot of fun writing this so please let me know how I can improve either the writing or the story. Also I'll try my best to focus on this as well as my other story. Thanks for reading. Also lets see if we can complete this story before the sequel.