The Hero's Path

by LuxDragon

A retelling and reimagining of Breath of the Wild with Age of Calamity elements added. Will be AU eventually. Pre-Calamity.

9. The Chosen

Central Hyrule – Mabe Village

Aryll was delighted that they had a new pet. She cycled through all sorts of names that had Link cringing. Eventually, she settled on Midna, the name of a legendary princess from a faraway realm she had read about. One look at her hopeful eyes—a distinct change from her downcast look in the weeks following their father's funeral—and Link didn't have the heart to change it and approved.

Aryll still cried, but the tears came with a wavering smile that the cub evoked when she saw that Aryll was despondent.

Link spent the remaining summer months helping Aryll train Midna, using the same techniques he had used when training Ammy, with a few improvements. Aryll was delighted to be a part of raising their new pet and took the responsibility with uncharacteristic seriousness, rather than her semi-flighty self. Marin was happy to see Aryll applying herself productively, rather than dwelling on their painful loss.

Liena came by often, having requested a patrol route that would take her into Mabe Village. Link informed her that he had leave from King Rhoam to take as much time as he needed without restriction. 'Special circumstances' was the only excuse he could come up with.

She didn't push, and he knew he couldn't offer. Even his family didn't know the truth.

And it was because of his family that Link regained his resolve and made his decision.

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Hyrule Castle

"Clear the hall," His Majesty ordered.

Link patiently waited until the throne room was empty, save for himself, the king, and the princess.

"Have you made your decision?" His Majesty asked.

Taking a deep breath, Link bowed deeply from the waist. "I accept the appointment… and the task before me."

King Rhoam nodded. "Excellent. We will conduct a formal knighting ceremony soon. For now, we will start with introductions. This is my daughter, Princess Zelda."

Link bowed to her as well. "Your Highness."

Zelda merely gave him a curt nod and said nothing.

King Rhoam glanced at her sharply but made no comment. Instead, he turned back to Link. "I notice you have no scabbard for the Master Sword."

Link shook his head. "Nothing I own would fit it."

"We shall have something crafted immediately," King Rhoam said. "Bring it to the Armory to be measured. We shall see to it that the results will do the legendary blade justice."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Link said neutrally.

"Have you any questions?" King Rhoam asked.

"You mentioned the pilots for the Divine Beasts. Have you secured all four of them?" Link asked.

"The same two since we last spoke and no others," King Rhoam answered. "Daruk of the Gorons and Urbosa of the Gerudo have pledged their aid against the Calamity. We are still searching for proper candidates among the Zora and the Rito."

Link perked up at the familiar name. "Daruk?"

"You know of him?" King Rhoam asked.

"He was one of my trainers and is a good friend of mine," Link said. "I don't know Urbosa, though."

"We shall arrange for you to meet her in due time," King Rhoam said. "It is good that you know one of the pilots already. It shall make your task easier, as you will be working with one another against this threat."

"I understand, Your Majesty."

With the meeting concluded, Link was dismissed. As he walked off, he realized how informal he had been through the majority of the meeting and cursed to himself, especially after all the etiquette lessons that Liena and his mother had put him through.

Didn't think I would use it so much with royalty, though.

A part of him wanted to continue as he was, but he realized that if people saw their legendary 'hero' acting in such a way with the ruler of the realm, then it would probably send a message of no confidence.

As he left the throne room, Link sighed and made a private promise to try to be better. He waited outside the massive doors until the royals exited as well. Waiting with him was the same Sheikah girl that had escorted him the last time he'd met the king.

"We haven't had a chance to properly introduce ourselves," she said. "I'm Impa, royal advisor."

"Link."

"Soon-to-be-Sir Link," Impa said.

Link didn't smile. "Not exactly how I wanted my appointment."

"I-I'm sorry," Impa contritely said. "I didn't mean to make light of—"

Her apology was cut short when King Rhoam and Princess Zelda appeared. King Rhoam inclined his head towards Link and Impa before departing. Princess Zelda remained behind, though she looked unhappy about it.

"Your Highness," Link said. He bowed. "It appears we will be working together."

"Whether we like it or not," Zelda said coldly.

Link arched an eyebrow. "Well, in my limited understanding, it's either that or we die. I've made my choice, so now it's your turn to decide how we proceed."

The princess looked shocked at his blunt response before narrowing her eyes. She left without another word.

Oof. Bad Link. Try harder.

"I assure you, Her Highness isn't normally like that," Impa apologetically said.

"She's afraid," Link simply said. "I understand."

Impa was silent and turned her gaze to where Zelda had walked—stalked—off.

Link took a moment to study the Sheikah girl. There was something oddly familiar about her, though he couldn't quite place why. He was sure they had never met before today. She was probably three or four years older than he was. Like most Sheikah that he met and trained with, she had silver hair, dressed modestly (more akin to farmers than warriors), and was no doubt armed with all manner of hidden weapons in addition to the short sword she kept in plain view sheathed at the small of her back. Her face was set in a pleasant demeanor, though her red eyes held nothing but worry for the princess. He found himself curious how Impa could be a royal advisor.

She turned back and met his eyes. A small blush appeared on her cheeks when his gaze did not waver. "What?"

It finally dawned on Link why Impa looked so familiar, though in hindsight, the name really should have given it away.

"Impa, are you related to Master Impaz, by any chance?" Link asked.

Surprised, she blinked and stared at him. "How did you—? That's my grandmother."

"Hmm." Link observed Impa a bit more and half-shrugged. "I'm not sure I see the resemblance."

Impa rolled her eyes. "Then you're blind. Or an idiot. People say I look exactly like her when she was my age."

"And how can I tell what Master Impaz looked like at your age?" Link asked drolly.

The riposte caught her off-guard a bit, and she blinked several times while trying to come up with a retort.

Before she could respond, Link pressed on with his next question. "Can I ask how someone so young could be a royal advisor?"

"Young? You're one to talk," Impa said, and she poked him in the shoulder.

"I know I'm young," Link replied. "I never denied it. Are you?"

Impa narrowed her eyes before sighing. "Besides the royal family, the Sheikah are very familiar with the legend of the Calamity. I happen to be an authority on the ancient legends. My older sister is a researcher on ancient relics. Together, we provided an invaluable service to His Majesty such that he gave us our appointments. I serve as a royal advisor and bodyguard to Princess Zelda. Purah, my sister, is one of the head researchers on ancient technology. Currently, she's looking into the Guardians and Divine Beasts."

"Purah?" Link repeated in surprise. It was a name he hadn't heard in some time. "She and Robbie have spent some time trying to reactivate the Divine Beasts, haven't they?"

"You know her?" Impa asked in surprise.

Link nodded. "I was part of the security detail when she and Robbie went to Tabantha to work on unearthing Vah Medoh and getting it to work."

Impa scoffed. "Doubtful she remembers you, then. When she gets into her work, she's there and nothing else matters."

"What are the Divine Beasts, exactly?" Link asked. "The tapestry His Majesty showed me lacks in details, and all I know is that one of them was a giant flying machine."

He didn't mention that he had been the one to fly it and wasn't sure it was worth talking about.

"Massive weapons modeled after noble creatures," Impa answered. "We're not sure when they were made, precisely, but we know that their potential to aid us in the war is too big to ignore. There are four, found in each realm around Hyrule: Eldin, Lanayru, Hebra, and the Gerudo Desert."

"And these Divine Beasts are going to help the princess and I seal Calamity Ganon?"

Impa nodded. "That's our hope. They worked the last time when the hero and the princess battled the Calamity. Tell you what, we'll schedule a trip to the Ancient Lab and reintroduce you to Purah. She can give you more background on the Guardians and Divine Beasts, if you're interested. I only know the mythos surrounding the legend, not the tools."

"Schedule?" Link asked. "Why not just tell me where it is, and I'll make my way over there?"

"If Princess Zelda knew that you were going to the lab and didn't tell her, she'd throw a fit," Impa said, grinning before her hands went up to her mouth in a gasp as she took on a horrified look. "Not that the princess is prone to fits! She's never like that! I just mean—"

"—that she likes that place, I'm guessing?" Link finished questioningly.

Calming down, Impa nodded. She looked around surreptitiously and leaned in. She whispered, "Princess Zelda would look for any excuse to go there. She's very intelligent and very interested in the ruins of the old world."

Link nodded. "I see."

Impa straightened up. "Really, if she wasn't a princess of an entire realm, she would probably be a scholar, or an archeologist, or a researcher… something like that."

Satisfied for now, Link looked around. "Well, since introductions are over, could I trouble you for a tour of the castle? It's big, and the layout is more complex inside than it appears from outside."

"That's the point," Impa said. She took the lead and started walking down the corridor. Link fell in step next to her. "The architects that designed the castle were both brilliant and masterful. On the outside, Hyrule Castle is the picture of power, the seat of government for all Hyrule. On the inside, the layout is designed to be complicated, to deter invaders should they ever breach the castle. It gives time for the defenders to rally a counterattack, or Hylia forbid, we would need to escape."

"Clever."

"I'll show you where the princess sleeps first," Impa said. "It's likely she's retreated to the library, so there's little chance you'll run into her again. Don't worry, I'll talk to her."

"A good idea, in the event I'm needed," Link guessed. "King Rhoam mentioned that there was a real threat to Princess Zelda's life."

Impa stopped walking and bowed her head. "Yeah… it's a long and personal story of the Sheikah."

"I need to know it," Link said.

Sighing, Impa continued walking. "I know. I wasn't going to hide it. It's just… it's disgraceful. The Sheikah have traditionally served the royal family for thousands of years. We uphold that dedication faithfully and loyally to this day."

"So… you know the threat well, then?"

"Yes… and no," Impa muttered. "The story goes: ten thousand years ago, once the Calamity was beaten, the Sheikah technology used to achieve victory was determined to be too dangerous. The king of that era ordered the Guardians and the Divine Beasts to be buried."

"Wait, the Guardians and Divine Beasts are Sheikah creations?"

Impa nodded.

"Hmm… I didn't know that. Something to ask Purah about, then," Link said. "Right, I'm still following."

"Some Sheikah did not want to follow that commandment," Impa said. "First there were arguments, then fights, and eventually fractures. A group of Sheikah tried to steal the technology for themselves, but the king's forces—warned by the Sheikah elders of their treachery—were prepared. Those that fought or resisted were easily captured and imprisoned or executed. The rest of the Sheikah traitors ran like the cowards that they were."

"Not hard to guess your opinion about this, then," Link said.

"The Guardians and Divine Beasts were created to fight Calamity Ganon," Impa said waspishly. "Once that war was over, they were weapons without a purpose. The king was right to bury them. Disposal would have been wasteful, but keeping them would invite temptation and misfortune. After all, what use is a weapon if not to be used?"

"And… you're telling me that the threat I need to be on the lookout for are some Sheikah that're nursing a 10,000-year-old grudge?" Link asked.

"Not that simple," Impa said. "Yes, they are enemies of Hyrule, but they aren't interested in the royal family anymore, at least not directly. They're interested in Calamity Ganon."

Link stopped walking and frowned. "His Majesty mentioned something about this… that some threat to the princess has become more active, a sign that the Calamity was returning."

"They call themselves the Yiga Clan," Impa said, stopping as well. She turned to look Link in the eyes. "They want to bring back Calamity Ganon as revenge in some twisted, perverted notion of the original doctrine they once held. Since the princess is one of the keys necessary to beat back the darkness…"

"Killing her would mean they win and the Calamity returns," Link finished.

Impa nodded. "Now, normally, I'd also say that your life is in danger, too, since you're the other key figure prominent in the legends. But right now, news of the Master Sword isn't widespread. As far as any of the Yigas are concerned, you'll be just a knight that happens to be in their way. They might give you some consideration, or they might not."

"Works for me," Link said.

"And even if they do know about you, you're a much bigger threat to handle than Princess Zelda, so it's more likely they'll put their efforts towards her than you," Impa said. "Either way, my advice? Be careful."

"I'm not good at careful," Link said. "It's something of a sore point with my mother. She's been telling me that all my life."

"This isn't a game," Impa said sternly.

"If you haven't noticed, I'm not laughing," Link blandly said. "It's a character flaw of mine. Deal with it."

Impa shot him an irritated look and shook her head. She muttered something about 'immature', 'children', and 'boys'. Link tuned her out.

"Look, you also have a role in the coming battle," Impa finally said. "If something were to happen to you, then we're still doomed, even if the princess remained safe."

"I'll do my part."

Impa eyed him as they continued through the labyrinthine corridors of the castle.

"I have a mother and little sister," Link said. "If you feel like you can fight for the entirety of Hyrule, more power to you. It's easier for me to focus on what I have and what I need to do to protect them."

"Fair enough," Impa said.

"So, I assume finding the Yiga isn't easy, or we would've dispatched the Army or even taken a few Guardians out for field testing?" Link asked.

"They don't go advertising, 'Hey, I'm an assassin here to kill the princess!' if that's what you mean," Impa said. "Unfortunately, that means the threat can literally be anywhere, at any time, and without notice."

Link nodded. "Spies, too?"

"Likely," Impa muttered dejectedly. "The Sheikah Tribe has served the Goddess Hylia since time immemorial. Oh, uh, that means—"

"I know what it means," Link dryly said. "I have read a book or two."

"Oh, sorry," Impa sheepishly said, looking appropriately abashed. Clearing her throat, she continued. "Because of that history, we have a willingness to do what we must in service to her."

"The teardrop symbol on your crest," Link said. At her look, he shrugged. "I asked Master Impaz about it years ago. She gave me a brief history lesson on the Sheikah, to better help me understand why our fighting styles were so different."

Impa nodded understandingly. "Lucky you. My lessons had far more details."

"I was there to learn, not to become a Sheikah," Link pointed out. "But I guess it works to my advantage. Unless the Yigas are that much more different than your Sheikah techniques, it's likely I'm a match for them, since I'm familiar with your methods."

Impa gave him a side-glance before turning her eyes forward again. "Exactly how much did Gram teach you?"

"A lot," Link bluntly said. "Even saw through her old lady act the day we met."

Now Impa turned to stare at him. "You did?"

Link nodded.

Impa narrowed her eyes before huffing. "I guess I should reevaluate you, then. It took me a while before I realized she was faking it."

"Months," Link said.

Impa groaned. "She told you?"

Link nodded. "She told me a lot about you; anecdotes, mostly, but… interestingly, never your name. Although, if it makes you feel better, she always talked about you with a lot of pride."

"That does make me feel better, actually…" Impa said. She had been smiling before, but it shifted to a frown. "Wait, that day you were here a few weeks ago…"

"Anything else about the Yiga that I should know?" Link asked.

"There is one more thing. Now, this probably won't help, but the Yiga also perverted our crest when they cast aside their honor." Impa stopped and faced Link. Pointing at the Sheikah Eye tattooed on her forehead, she said, "Theirs is reversed, with the teardrop above the Eye. What it means to them, I don't know, but popular opinion among the Sheikah believes the Yiga Clan now serve themselves and are willing to do what it takes for themselves and no one else."

"Is the princess aware of the threat?" Link asked.

"She knows, but it's more like…" Impa trailed off and vaguely gestured with her hands as she tried to find the right words. "It's theory, but to her it's not 'real'. We warned her of them, of course, but it's mere words to her. She's never been in actual danger before, even after meeting with the other pilots."

Link nodded. He knew the feeling well. Before studying under Master Impaz, everything had either been practice or theory. It hadn't been until he had been placed in danger, put the techniques he had learned to the test, and killed his first monster that he had understood what he had been studying for and why.

"That's not necessarily a good thing," Link muttered, "especially if we expect her to fight the 'manifestation of evil'."

"First things first," Impa said. "She needs to unlock her powers. We can worry about extra training after that."

"Fair enough," Link replied.

Their talk lasted all the way to the west side of the castle. After climbing some stairs, Impa pointed to a door at the end of the hall. "That's Princess Zelda's room. Beyond that, in the next tower, is her personal study."

"What is she studying?" Link asked.

Impa wryly smiled. "What isn't she studying? She likes to know all sorts of things. We're talking botany, biology, archeology, mathematics, history, the list goes on. Lately, of course, her focus has been on the Divine Beasts and the Guardians, for obvious reasons."

"Right," Link said.

"And ever since you drew the Master Sword, she's been single-minded about her research," Impa added. "Let's go. There are a few more things I should point out to you."

At Link's insistence, they traveled to the subfloors, towards the Royal Armory.

Master Orson was the blacksmith in charge. When they arrived, Link told him of the king's order and placed the Master Sword on a worktable for inspection.

Orson's eyes practically bugged out when he beheld the Master Sword. He tried to pick it up off the worktable but couldn't move it.

"What is this?" Orson asked, bewildered.

"Magic," Link simply said.

"Where did a boy like you come across a sword like this?" Orson asked. "This looks like something the goddesses themselves would have forged if they had the inkling to do so!"

"I found it in a forest where a giant talking tree was guarding it," Link said with as much snarkiness as he could muster.

Orson frowned. "Hmph. Fine, keep your secrets. A scabbard, hmm?"

Link nodded.

Running his fingers along the Master Sword, almost reverently, Orson studied the sword more closely. "I have to say, this sword resembles the one we and the Sheikah were tasked with making."

"Oh!" Impa suddenly said. "I completely forgot about that."

"What is it? What are you talking about?" Link asked.

"Oh, um… there was a joint project to try to create a new generation of weapons for the Royal Guard," Impa said. "We're still working on it. There's a… um… tiny… design flaw?"

"It's one of the sharpest blades you'll ever see and about as brittle as glass," Orson bluntly translated. "We're trying to figure out why. The design is solid…"

Orson trailed off and looked down at the Master Sword again. He brought his face down and scrutinized the weapon with intense fervor.

"Something the matter?" Link asked.

"What? Oh, um, nothing," Orson muttered. "We should have something for you by tomorrow, I believe."

"That soon?" Link asked, surprised.

"Like I said, this blade resembles—strongly resembles—swords we've been trying to forge," Orson said. "I don't know if the scabbards we have are going to fit, but we have some half-finished ones that can be adapted. Don't worry; when I'm done, that scabbard will look as worthy as it can be for a beauty like this. You have my word."

"I'll leave it here, then," Link said.

Orson tried to pick it up again. Grunting with effort, he was still surprised that he couldn't move the Master Sword at all—as expected of his profession, Orson was a big, muscular man—and frowned. "If this trick sword of yours is going to misbehave, I need you to move it someplace else, boy."

"Where do you want it?" Link asked.

Orson looked around the messy workshop and pointed at an empty weapons rack. "Just set it over there."

Link picked up the Master Sword—Orson's eyes widened at the feat—and placed it where Orson had indicated. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, then."

"Aye, bright and early," Orson muttered. He was scratching his black beard in confusion.

Link and Impa left the Armory. When they were alone, Link glanced at the Sheikah questioningly.

"Oh, right," Impa said bashfully. "Well, I found diagrams of the Master Sword in some ancient records. I presented them to Purah and His Majesty, and we attempted to replicate the Master Sword, to better arm the Royal Guard. It's still a work in progress."

She took him outside and showed him the grounds, the guard towers, and other places of note. Link tried to remember it all, but he ultimately settled on distant familiarity. True knowledge would have to come from walking up and down the entire estate. For now, he resigned himself to the idea that the next time he would come back to the castle, he would likely be hopelessly lost.

I wonder if this is how Father felt when he first reported here.

The thought made him chuckle, causing Impa to glance at him curiously.

"Did you ever meet my father?" Link asked.

Impa nodded. "A few times, but very briefly. As far as I could tell, he was a good man."

Link nodded.

The conversation and tour ended when Captain Auru was approaching them from the other side of the causeway. His steps were purposeful, so Link assumed that he was coming to speak to him.

"Captain," Link said when the older man was in earshot. He saluted.

"Link," Auru said, returning the salute. "I heard the news. You'll be reporting to me from now on. I know your appointment isn't official yet, but it's certain."

Link tilted his head and glanced at Impa.

"Captain Auru has served His Majesty and Hyrule for decades," Impa said. "Even before the king became the king, Sir Auru was a knight in service to the king's father. He knows all about the Calamity."

"Now you're making me feel old," Auru grumbled.

Impaz bopped her head and stuck out her tongue. "Sorry."

Auru shook his head and redirected his gaze back to Link. "I heard that you once stayed at Zora's Domain?"

Link nodded. "Years ago."

"Deliberations continue as to who should be the pilots for the other two Divine Beasts. In fact, His Majesty was speaking to Her Highness about who should be the Zora pilot just moments ago," Auru said. "It was then I recalled that there were old reports that you, Dame Serlut, and Sir Revan held a posting there some years prior. Do you have a solid rapport with them?"

Link's face remained painfully neutral. "My father did, yes. I have my own relationship with them, though."

Thankfully, Auru chose not to make a big deal of it, though Impa's eyes softened. She, too, kept her peace.

"Sir Revan revisited Zora's Domain to assist the Sheikah researchers with the Divine Beast just last year," Auru said. "With all that in mind, His Majesty would like you to be our ambassador to Zora's Domain. You're to go there and find who should be the pilot. Report back here when you've made your assessment, and His Majesty will take your candidate under advisement."

Link nodded.

"You will go in two weeks," Auru said. "First things first, His Majesty will bestow upon you the title of knight, and then we'll induct you into the Royal Guard. The appointment must be official before we can send you to Zora's Domain. Appearances matter, you understand."

"I understand," Link dutifully said.

Auru exhaled and looked away. "I know this isn't how it's normally done… and I know the circumstances are painful. For whatever it's worth, you have my respect for adhering to your duty through these trying times."

"Will that be all, Captain?" Link asked.

"The ceremony will be by week's end," Auru said. "It should be enough time to inform anyone you wish to be present when His Majesty knights you."

Link nodded and saluted.

Auru saluted back and dismissed him before leaving.

"We'll schedule a visit to the Royal Ancient Lab next week after that ceremony," Link said to Impa. "That way, I'll get an idea of what our plan is, some information about the Divine Beasts, specifically the Lanayru one—"

"It's called Vah Ruta," Impa interjected.

"—and give Her Highness time to do whatever she wants to do to prepare to come with me, or us, or whomever," Link said. "Will that be okay?"

"It should be," Impa replied.

Link waved at her. "Thanks for the tour."

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Mabe Village

Link returned home just before lunch. He was beginning to see why the Royal Guard had irregular hours. They were either omnipresent around the royal family as their guard, or they were on standby until they were sent on a mission as their sword.

It had been years since Link was allowed to return home so soon after leaving for duty.

Currently, he was riding atop a white mare that Malon of Lon Lon Ranch had gifted him out of respect for his loss and for allowing Epona to breed with one of her horses.

Epona had finally allowed Leo to bask her with affection not long after the funeral. Since she was 'preoccupied', Link would not be able to ride her for the foreseeable future. It was then Link realized why Epona had spurred Leo's advances: she had wanted to remain by his side.

Aryll loved the new horse and wanted to ride her when Epona was ready to return to Link. She had dubbed her 'Lux' and would not be dissuaded otherwise. Link thought it was a fine name and had informed her that he would teach her horseback riding.

When he had done so, they had both felt a bit of despondency creep up on them. Revan had made the same promise to Aryll earlier in the year.

Link shook the thought away. Refocusing on the present—and the list of complications his life had suddenly taken—he arrived at the stables and placed Lux into Romani and Cremia's care.

Entering his home, he could hear Aryll struggling with the lessons their mother was teaching her. Midna was unhelpfully adding the occasional whine for attention.

Link entered the study and smiled. "You'd be surprised how important geography is, Aryll."

Marin and Aryll were startled for a moment before breaking out into smiles of their own. Midna, happy to see Link, clumsily ran across the wooden floor and started hopping up and down.

Picking up the cub, Link gave her some scratches as he walked up to his family. "Hi."

"What are you doing home so early?" Marin asked.

"I'm being knighted by the end of this week," Link said.

"You are?!" Marin exclaimed. "Oh, Link! I'm so proud of you!"

Link smiled, mainly for their benefit. He still hadn't told them the truth. Even if he had been allowed, he would need to find the words, and none seemed to adequately convey the magnitude of what he had learned thus far.

And he knew there was more to learn. Much more.

Shelving those thoughts for now, Link added, "And I'm being inducted into the Royal Guard."

This time, only Aryll cheered. Marin stopped smiling. In fact, some would say she looked horrified. "The Royal Guard…?"

"Special appointment from the king," Link said. He knew the news wouldn't please his mother, but it wasn't as if he could hide the truth from her, either.

"This is good news… right?" Aryll asked when their mother's smile didn't return.

Startled, Marin looked down at her youngest. "Oh yes, of course it is. Link is becoming just like your father."

Aryll grinned before her eyebrows shot up in horror. She jumped out of her chair, rounded the table, and stood in front of Link pleadingly. "But… you'll always come home, right?!"

Marin quickly got up as well and hugged Aryll from behind. She shot Link a meaningful look. "Oh, sweetie, of course he will, right?"

"Of course," Link said. "The ceremony is in a few days. I was wondering if you would like to be present. I'm allowed to invite family and friends."

Marin walked up to Link and hugged him, careful to avoid Midna. "You know we'd be delighted to come. Congratulations."

Link adjusted his grip on Midna and whispered into his mother's ear, "Talk later, I'm guessing?"

"Absolutely," Marin tightly replied.

Once they parted, Marin turned back to Aryll. "Back to work with you. I'll check on your answers. I need to get lunch ready, especially since Link is home."

Aryll pouted but did as she was told. Link put Midna down, gave her another rub, and said, "I'll wash my hands and help, Mother."

"Thank you, Link."

Later, in the kitchen, when they were alone, Marin looked at Link. "What's all this about?"

Link frowned. "I can't tell you."

Marin gritted her teeth. Link's eyebrows rose. He had seen his mother angry before, but not like that.

"Damn the Royal Guard," Marin muttered. Again, Link was surprised, but he hid it this time. His mother had never been so crass, either, at least not in front of him.

Still, he had expected a negative reaction to his appointment, especially so soon after Revan's death.

"It was necessary, Mother," Link quietly said.

"Really? 'Necessary'? Ha!" Marin scornfully said. "And you can't refuse, can you?"

"I could. I didn't," Link answered.

Marin was shocked. "Why?"

"I can't tell you that, either."

His answer produced something Link knew was born of grief, but the look on her face was an expression that he had never seen on her and hoped he would never see again. It was a complicated feeling, but he could only describe it as ugly.

Marin stomped around the kitchen, grabbing various items. Link waited patiently for her to speak again.

She picked up a knife and was preparing to cut some tomatoes when she paused, took a deep breath, and put down the knife. "You said you had a choice. Why would you choose to join the guard?"

"It has something to do with the Guardians and Divine Beasts," Link said. "I have to be a part of it. Father was into something big, and he was doing his part to keep you and Aryll safe. There's… there's danger coming, Mother. And I don't know if Father knew about it, but if he did, he wouldn't hesitate. He did what he could. I'm just picking up where he left off."

"What are you talking about?" Marin asked impatiently.

"I can't tell you that, not yet," Link said. He was becoming acutely aware of what his Father had been going through now, having joined the Royal Guard and the necessity of keeping their secrets, even from family. Link didn't know how his father had done it. It was maddening.

The look on his mother's face suggested that she felt betrayed. "You can't tell me, your own mother?"

Link grimaced. "Even if I could, I don't know where to start."

Marin gritted her teeth again and faced the counter. She was staring at the various foodstuffs she had brought out but not really looking at them.

"Why? Why can't you just tell me?" Marin quietly asked. Her words were a mixture of rage and sorrow. "Loyalty, honor? To whom? The crown? Doesn't family mean anything to you?"

"Father was a man of honor. It was one of the things you loved about him," Link quietly said. "Now you're asking me to abandon that?"

Marin gripped the countertop. "I want you to come home!"

Link sighed. "I know, but this is grief talking, Mother. You miss Father, and I do, too, but… destroying the man he was won't make the grief better. You want him home, but do you really believe that if abandoning everything that made him who we all loved and adored just to have him here… would it really be the same? Would he be the same?"

Marin let out a small sob. Link tentatively placed a hand on her shoulder. She quickly turned and embraced him.

"I just miss him so much," Marin said through her tears.

"You know I do, too," Link whispered.

Marin hugged him more tightly and let the tears come out. They stayed like that for a few minutes more before she pulled back and placed her hands on Link's face. "Can you at least promise me that you'll come home?"

Link placed his hands on hers and closed his eyes. "I can promise to try really, really hard."

Marin let out a cross between a sob and a laugh. "I suppose that will have to do. You really can't tell me why?"

Link frowned. "I can demand permission from His Majesty. Once I have that… I can have someone else tell you. She would know more about this than I ever will."

Marin jerked back a bit. "You can 'demand' something from the king?"

"It's complicated," Link muttered. "Really complicated."

Marin sighed. "Very well. I trust you."

"Thank you, Mother."

She took a few deep breaths, wiped her eyes, and managed to put on a smile. "Link, why don't you check on Aryll? Make sure she did her work. Then why don't you tell Ilia the… the news? I'm sure she'll be delighted to come to your ceremony."

"Are you sure? I can help you with lunch," Link said.

"I'm sure," Marin replied. "I need some time alone. Just to gather my thoughts. I don't want Aryll seeing me in such a state."

"Mother…"

Marin swatted Link's shoulder. "Go, you. You don't need to be strong for me."

"Yes, I do," Link said quietly. "Now more than ever."

Again, she let out a sound between sobbing and laughing. "Link, I'm fine. Go on, now."

Link pecked his mother on the cheek and walked back to the study.

When Link peeked his head in the doorway, he caught Aryll playing with Midna. His little sister let out a surprised "Eep!" and jumped back into her chair to pretend like she was working.

"It's me, Aryll," Link drolly announced.

Aryll looked up and let out a relieved sigh. "Thank the goddesses. Mother would have had a fit."

"She sent me to check up on you," Link said. "Should I tell her that you were just playing instead of studying?"

"No-no-no! I'm studying, see?" Aryll said, trying to put on her most innocent look.

"Mmhmm."

"… You won't tell Mother, will you?"

"I won't," Link said. He stepped into the room and glanced down at the work Aryll had done so far. "You got a few things wrong. Finish up, and we'll go over it together."

Aryll heaved out a frustrated sigh and got back to work. Link observed her silently for a few minutes before leaving.

Back outside, Link walked down the road towards Ilia's home. When he got there, he saw Ilia's father, Bo, working outside. Bo spotted him as well and gave him a friendly wave. Link grinned and waved back. He changed directions to speak to the big man.

"Awfully strange to see you home at this hour, my boy," Bo said.

"I got a bit of a surprise today," Link replied.

"Ah, and looking to share it with Ilia, are you?" Bo rhetorically asked. "She's out back, tending to her chores."

"Thanks, Bo," Link said.

"You doin' okay?" Bo asked.

Link nodded.

"We're all here for you, you know that? You and your kin," Bo gruffly said. "Just let us know how we can help, and we'll come runnin'."

Smiling, Link nodded again. Waving goodbye, Link went around the house and saw Ilia tending to the cows. She saw him, too, and waved.

"Need any help?" Link asked when he approached her.

Ilia shook her head. "I have it. What are you doing home so early? Do you have a patrol here?"

"I'm being knighted," Link said. "The ceremony is in a few days."

Ilia looked back up at him in surprise before she smiled. "Oh, Link! That's fantastic news. We all knew it was going to happen soon."

"Thanks, Ilia," Link said. "Friends and family are invited."

For some reason, Ilia blushed. "Oh, and you're inviting me?"

"And your father, if he's amenable."

"Of course we'll be there for you," Ilia said. "We wouldn't miss it."

"That means a lot to me, Ilia," Link said.

They continued to talk, mostly about unimportant things, and avoided recent events. Despite Ilia's protests, Link helped her out with some of the heavy lifting. Around lunchtime, though, they parted ways.

Link walked back home, cleaned himself up, and arrived last to lunch. Famished, he sat down and helped serve for himself and Aryll. Even now, they avoided gazing at the empty chair. Their talk revolved more around Aryll's lessons than Link's new appointment. Link did mention that he was being sent to Zora's Domain in two weeks, but until then, he didn't have any specific tasks. He said he would be able to act more autonomously than others in the Royal Guard for now.

"How long will you be gone?" Aryll asked.

"Not very long, actually. A month, probably," Link said. "I'm going there to talk to some friends and the royal family over there."

"What about?" Aryll asked.

Link shook his head and didn't answer.

Aryll pouted. "Not even a hint?"

He popped a baby tomato into his mouth and chewed.

"Fine, be that way," Aryll said.

Once lunch was over, Link helped clean the dishes before going back to the study with Aryll. They pored over her work, with Link pointing out the mistakes and passively observing as Aryll tried to figure out what was wrong and why.

Once Aryll was finally finished—and free—she ran outside to enjoy the fall weather, Midna hot on her heels. Link announced that he was going back to Castle Town. He wanted to inform Liena of the news and wanted her to be present at the ceremony as well.

Riding down the familiar roads back to the garrison, it wasn't long before Link sought out Knight-Commander Taggart and asked where Liena was.

"I sent Dame Serlut to the west, around Giant's Forest," Taggart said. "Assessment of any more Hinoxes in the area. I know this is grossly late, but well done to both of you for taking care of that Hinox. Having one so close to Hyrule Castle would have caused some uneasiness. No idea how that fat bastard got so close without us knowing."

Link nodded quietly and saluted. Taggart saluted back and dismissed him.

It was well past midday, and Liena's patrol wouldn't be long, so Link opted to wait. He walked around the garrison for the first time in months, recalling the times he and his father had spent together.

The memories seemed to hurt less, and the joyful moments shined a bit more, something which Link was grateful for.

"Link!" Liena called out.

Blinking out of his nostalgia, Link turned around and grinned. "Hi."

Liena walked up to him and smiled back. "What brings you back here?"

"You, actually," Link said.

Liena blinked, surprised, and blushed a bit. "W-what?"

"I wanted to talk to you about something," Link said. "We should speak privately."

Clearing her throat, Liena regained her composure quickly. "I was heading home. You haven't been there yet, and you haven't met my parents, right? Why not today?"

Link shrugged and nodded.

As they walked together, Liena looked at Link's profile. "You looked lost in thought earlier. Something on your mind you would like to share?"

"I was just remembering Father and some of the things that happened here," Link said.

"Such as?"

"I was four when he first brought me to Castle Town," Link said. "He brought me to the garrison, where he was training some new recruits. He let me explore a bit. I was practicing with a wooden sword, copying some of the sword maneuvers I observed. Next thing I knew, I got to spar with a lot of people."

"I heard those stories from your father," Liena murmured. "He felt guilty letting you spar for so long and getting hurt."

"I remember how much fun it was," Link said. "I don't even remember the pain. Just… how proud he looked when I won. Or how quickly I got up if I lost."

Liena pulled Link closer. "That's good. I think it means you're thinking less with grief and more with fondness about the time you had together."

"I just wish we had more," Link mumbled.

She laughed, clear and true. "Link, we could have a hundred years, and it wouldn't be enough."

Link smiled, neither sad nor happy. "I would settle for just a little longer."

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Noble Quarters

Link followed Liena down the roads of Castle Town to the Noble District. He had only been there a handful of times, usually just passing through. He had known for years that Liena was of noble birth, but to see her house for the first time cemented that idea in his mind.

"Nice house," Link said.

"Not usually the reaction people have when they see it," Liena said teasingly. "It's usually more like 'wow' or 'this is beautiful'."

"Right," Link replied.

Upon entering, he looked around and privately appreciated how tasteful it was. Enough to show off wealth, but not so much that it rubbed it in his face.

"Well," Liena said. She appeared a bit lost. She spread her arms out and vaguely gestured around her. "Here it is."

"Are you being self-conscious?" Link asked.

"No," Liena instantly said. At Link's unwavering gaze, she backtracked a bit. "Okay, maybe a little."

"I've been inside Hyrule Castle a couple of times now," Link said. "Your home is nice, but in comparison…"

"Ah, I see you've returned to us, hale and hearty! Let us rejoice! We shall invite all of Hyrule to celebrate!" an older man said dramatically as he entered the foyer.

"And this must be your father, I presume?" Link asked. "Leon Serlut?"

Leon stopped, looked at Link, and smiled at Liena. "And I see you've brought your future husband. I am glad to see the Serlut line continue."

"Father!" Liena screamed.

"What?" Leon asked. "Marrying a living legend that is to save all Hyrule from an unimaginable evil? Do you really believe you can do better?"

Link stared, while Liena looked completely mortified.

"Tell me, young man, would you happen to be a demi-god as well? It seems my daughter has some unrealistically high standards," Leon said with a perfectly straight face.

Link found himself a tad jealous of how composed Leon was despite his flamboyant entrance and ludicrous teasing.

"May I ask how you know?" Link asked, purposefully leaving out details to assess how much Leon knew about recent events.

Leon smiled. "It is something of a game that nobles must partake in, whether one likes it or not. Being able to gather information on the comings and goings of the day-to-day to predict, anticipate, or even manipulate outcomes in such a way that benefits the family. You'll find that Liena's mother and I play the game and play it well. I find it to be a vile practice, but a necessary one."

Link cast a look at Liena. She was still blushing furiously, but she sadly nodded.

"I doubt I know the details," Leon said. He was appearing deadly serious. "At most, we can speculate. Between you and me, entire noble houses have crumbled by acting on bad or unverified information. With regards to you, all I am aware of is that the Master Sword was been drawn. According to what scant information I could find, it is an omen that it and the hero of legend are needed. And I sincerely doubt you would be called upon to slay some particularly vicious rabbits. Surely, even my own daughter would be sufficient for such a task."

Liena heaved a sigh. "Father…"

"Ah, but pardon my manners," Leon said. He walked up to Link and bowed deeply at the waist. "Of course, I had also heard about your father. You have the deepest sympathies of the Serluts."

"Thank you," Link said. Liena placed a hand on Link's shoulder and smiled bracingly for him.

"I would also like to congrat—ah, but that would be why you're here, isn't it?" Leon said before smiling. "My apologies. I shall look for my wife and ensure you and my daughter have sufficient privacy. Be quick about it, though. My wife, Astoria, plays the game better than anyone I know. There will be little doubt that any conversation with her will be… probing. I shall distract her as long as I can."

Again, Link found himself impressed with the older man and had to reevaluate him once more.

As Leon walked off to a different door, he looked over his shoulder. "Oh, and please keep the noise to a minimum. I understand you're both young and that passion will overcome rational minds, but there are others living under this roof, you know."

"FATHER!"

~o~O~o~

As Liena dragged Link into her room, she forcibly sat him down on a chair next to her desk while she took her vanity chair. At the moment, she was red enough that she could put strawberries to shame.

"I take back what I said," Link mumbled. "You really are nothing like him."

Liena moaned and put her face in her hands. "I can't believe he would insinuate that… that we'd…"

"I think that was the joke," Link said. "What he was saying before that; that's what I wanted to talk to you about."

Liena peeked through her fingers. "What was it?"

"I'm being knighted," Link bluntly said. "And promoted into the Royal Guard. By the end of this week."

"Oh," Liena said. She sat up straighter and put her hands on her lap. "So that's what Father was about to congratulate you for."

"I think so, but with him, who knows?" Link said. "I wanted to invite you to the ceremony. My family and Ilia are coming."

"Link, you know I'd be honored to be there," Liena said. "Just remember, you should have been a knight a few years earlier if I had put your name forward. The Royal Guard would have been the logical next step. Master Sword or no, you do deserve it."

"Thanks, Liena," Link said. "I actually do feel better after hearing that."

"How is your family doing?" Liena asked.

"Aryll is bonding with Midna, so she's doing better," Link said. "Mother… she's conflicted about me joining the Royal Guard."

"I can imagine," Liena said.

"So, I wanted to ask: what is the trial?"

Liena shook her head and sighed. "Well, I guess it's fine to tell you, since it won't matter. The trial was to pit you against me. Steel on steel, too; no training weapons. A squire spars against their knight in the coliseum. The knight-commander observes. You don't have to win, and in fact, it's expected that the squire doesn't win unless the circumstances are unique, but you do have to beat a minimum time."

"Oh," Link simply said. He tilted his head at her questioningly. "And… how did you do?"

"Fought to a draw against your father," Liena said. "He was really impressed I managed to do that."

"That's why he wouldn't tell me," Link murmured.

"Tradition, Link," Liena said. "Naturally, you would have beaten me handily, but the knight-commander needs to bear witness, at least."

"Well, you wouldn't make it easy for me," Link said.

"You're too kind, but after seeing your performance at the Four Swords, I know better," Liena said.

"Well, we're skipping that part and going straight to the ceremony," Link muttered.

Liena looked pensive for a few moments before looking back up at him. "No, we shouldn't. Let's go."

"Go… where?" Link asked.

"To fetch the knight-commander and ride out to the coliseum," Liena said. "Legendary hero or not, we should do this the right way."

Link smiled and jogged after her. As they re-entered the foyer, they saw Astoria coming in.

Astoria was observing Link with a predatory look. Behind her, Leon could only shrug and cross his arms.

"Link, welcome to our home," Astoria said regally. "I am sure my husband has already mentioned this, but I too would like to offer my heartfelt sympathies for your loss."

"That means a lot to me, My Lady," Link said, bowing.

"Astoria, please," the Serlut matriarch said. "Sortiliena has spoken so much about you that it seems criminal to have you address us so formally."

"Astoria," Link said.

"We're leaving," Liena announced. "Let us go, Link."

"Oh, but so soon?" Astoria asked. "Surely, there is time for some refreshments?"

"Actually, no," Liena said. "Official business. I will tell you when I return."

Liena quickly marched out of the door. Link could only shrug at her parents and followed.

Returning to the garrison, Link and Liena sought out Knight-Commander Taggart. He was overseeing some new soldiers and was ordering them to clean up various facilities.

"Sir?" Liena called out.

Taggart turned around. "Serlut, Link. What brings you two by?"

"We have an unusual request, sir," Liena said. "Link is to be knighted by week's end."

Taggart nodded. "So I've heard. It's rare, but it's been known to happen, particularly to Four Swords winners."

"The circumstances are a little bit stranger regarding Link's appointment," Liena said. "That being said, we're requesting he take his trials. Right now."

Taggart arched an eyebrow and stared at them. "You're serious?"

"Yes, sir," Liena said.

"You know what the trials are, Link?" Taggart asked.

"I do, sir," Link answered.

"Are you sure about this, Serlut?" Taggart asked. "No offense. You're a solid swordswoman, but my rupees are on Link taking you down inside of a minute."

"I'm sure, Commander," Liena said.

Taggart's gaze returned to Link and softened ever so slightly. "You know, your father was looking forward to seeing you undergo the trials and become a knight for years."

"I know," Link said evenly.

"Seems like I should step up, then," Taggart said. "We'll ride out to the coliseum within the hour. Ready your equipment."

Link and Liena saluted and walked off. When they were out of earshot, Liena looked around to make sure they couldn't be overheard before pulling Link to a stop.

"Something wrong?" Link asked.

"Where is the…" Liena paused for a moment and looked around one more time. In a whisper, she asked, "the Master Sword?"

"In the Castle Armory," Link said. "I'm getting a scabbard made for it."

"All they need are the measurements," Liena said.

"Right…" Link said, unsure where she was going with this conversation.

"I'll ready our horses," Liena said. "I want you to bring the Master Sword. I would like to cross blades with a legendary sword wielded by a legendary hero. Consider that my final order as your knight."

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – The Coliseum

Link had never been to the coliseum itself, though he had seen it many times from a distance. It was a large, circular, Hylian-made structure lying far to the southwest of Hyrule Plains and just north of the Great Plateau. As he, Liena, and Knight-Commander Taggart galloped across Aquame Bridge, Link beheld the full scale of the coliseum. At least four stories in height and able to seat hundreds of people, the coliseum's history was a point of contention for many. Nobles that felt their honor was slandered would fight duels to the death there. Soldiers or knights that were looking to curry favor would fight all manner of beasts. At one point in history, prisoners that had been sentenced to death would be used to train soldiers or knights on how to kill people, should the need arise.

All of that had been done away with, of course. Nowadays, many people who believed themselves 'civilized' were of the opinion that no matter how much stone was replaced, the bloody stains of the coliseum would always remain.

The knights of Hyrule had since repurposed the coliseum as their own proving grounds, since it was deemed a waste of a functional structure. To them, the history only made it more colorful, not something to be reviled.

Leaving their horses at the entrance, Taggart led Liena and Link to the center of the coliseum. Link's pace was a bit slower, as he circled in place a bit to take in the atmosphere and grandeur of the grounds they stood on.

"Link, over here," Liena said.

Snapping back to the present, Link quickly walked up to the waiting knights.

"We'll dispense with the formalities, unless you're keen on hearing it," Taggart said.

Link shook his head.

"You understand this is using steel?" Taggart asked. "Self-control is paramount here."

Link nodded.

"The time limit is three minutes," Taggart said. "If you can last that long without sustaining major injury or yielding, you pass the trials. If you best your knight through minor injury or cessation of defeat, you pass the trials."

Again, Link nodded.

"Very well," Taggart said. "Ten paces away from here, both of you."

Link turned away from Liena and took his ten steps. Facing her, he drew the Master Sword and his round shield. Liena readied her knight's sword and buckler.

Taggart glanced at them, ascertained their readiness, and dropped his arm. "HOI!"

Liena dashed forward, looking to gain a quick advantage, but Link was set to parry. His sword met hers with a terrific clang, and she was put on the defensive almost instantly.

Link darted toward her sword arm, looking to capitalize on his advantage, avoid her shield, and end the fight quickly. Suddenly, Liena pivoted on her front foot and brought her shield right into the path of his sword. Again, there was a ringing clang, but she managed to hold her own. She countered with an overhead slash. Link jumped to the right to avoid it and countered with a light stab, but she somehow changed the direction of her sword from attack to parry seamlessly.

Just like a Sheikah. Damn.

Link realized what was going on now. She had been doing more than training him. She had been observing him, assessing him, and training with him.

She knows all my moves.

She had been ever-present during the course of his years of training. Everything he had done, she had also experienced, which meant she was familiar enough with his fighting style that he wouldn't be able to run roughshod over her like he had done with his opponents in the tournament. Liena was meeting his abilities blow for blow, keeping a ready stance, staying light on her feet, and ebbing and flowing with his attacks. Little wonder she was able to keep pace with him.

However, knowing what he could do and having the ability to do something about it were two vastly different things.

Overall, Link's speed, cunning, agility, and instinct started to wear her down. He upped his game, becoming more aggressive, and began homing in on the cracks in her defenses while avoiding her feints and attempts to break his rhythm. The frustration in her eyes was telling when she saw that she couldn't manipulate him into making a mistake. One particularly violent sword lock had him pressing another advantage. Link swung his sword in an overhead slash. Liena brought her buckler up to parry.

There was a terrific clash of metal on metal. Link brought his shield up and rammed it forward. Liena, already pushed from his strike, was in no position to defend and was knocked down. She scrambled to get up, but Link was atop her instantly. One boot was on her shield arm; his own shield was held defensively, preventing her from effectively raising her blade for an all-or-nothing attack; and the Master Sword was pointed squarely at her face.

Breathing heavily, Liena dropped her head back onto the dirt. "I yield."

Link got off her and put away his sword and shield. He offered a hand to her.

Smiling, she took his hand and allowed herself to be pulled back to her feet.

"Well, congratulations, Serlut," Taggart said. "I just lost a bet with myself."

Liena chuckled. "I should've taken you up on that bet."

"Indeed," Taggart said. "You lasted one minute, three seconds."

Liena blinked once before frowning. "That's it?"

"That's it."

She let out a sigh. "I thought it felt longer than that."

"Sadly, no," Taggart replied. "You did have him coming at you cautiously at the beginning, but he figured you out and started his assault without hesitation. Well done, Link. You carried yourself with grace and poise."

"Thank you, Knight-Commander," Link said. He paused for a moment before asking, "Will you be at my ceremony?"

Taggart rubbed his salt-and-pepper beard. "Lad, I would be honored to be there."

Liena looked at the darkening sky. "We should head out."

"Agreed," Taggart said. "Well fought, both of you."

As they rode back, Link gave Liena a side-glance. "So tell me, all those times we were training together…?"

"Preparation for this day," Liena answered. "And yes, I wanted to improve myself as a knight, too, but it really did end up becoming preparation for today."

"Did it pay off?"

Liena smiled at him. "Every moment."

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Hyrule Castle

"The great goddesses have brought before us a young man with singular courage, talent, and strength to stand in defense of our kingdom."

Within the grand throne room, Link knelt, with head bowed, before the King and Princess of Hyrule.

In attendance were his family, Marin and Aryll, both elegantly clothed in dresses Link had never seen them wear before.

Nearby was Ilia and Bo. Ilia was dressed modestly, and Bo had put on the best clothes that he owned. Sadly, Ilia looked uncomfortable and out of place, while Bo appeared stoic and uncaring of the wealth that surrounded him.

Liena, of course, looked like she belonged. Her parents were standing behind her, looking as regal as she did. Other knights that Link knew, and other knights that his father had known, were also present and standing at full attention.

"May your valor stretch beyond the reach of time, through the expanse of Twilight, and carry you through the skies, the seas, and the ever-changing seasons," King Rhoam grandly said. "I dub thee Sir Link Faron, a knight of Hyrule. Furthermore, in light of recent feats, bestowed upon thee by the goddesses themselves, I humbly invite thee to become our shield, our sword, and the manifestation of our will as a member of the Royal Guard."

"I would be honored to do so, Your Majesty," Link said.

King Rhoam drew a delicate thin sword, close to a rapier but not quite a broadsword, either. The blade was a shining example of craftsmanship, with the crossguard, grip, and pommel all in gold.

King Rhoam tapped the sword on each of Link's shoulders. "Arise, Sir Link Faron."

Link did so and stood straight.

"You bring great honor to yourself, your family, and your friends," King Rhoam said. "We look forward to your accomplishments in the coming days."

"You have my gratitude, Your Majesty."

With the ceremony completed, Link and the guests were invited to a smaller but still formal chamber, where he would receive his congratulations and well-wishes from those closest to him.

"Hmph, I remember when you were barely up to my thigh," Dame Ashei said.

"I remember when he clipped you and your undignified fall onto your ass," Rusl said, laughing.

"Wasn't nearly as funny as watching Revan, Farore bless his soul, get that solid whack on the head by his boy," Malcolm declared. "The look on his face was a cross between being proud and eating crow."

There was a round of laughter as everyone recalled Revan's first and only bout against Link.

Taggart raised a glass. "Very well, everyone. Be upstanding! A toast! To Link! The youngest knight, youngest Royal Guard, and quite possibly the best swordsman Hyrule has ever produced!"

There was a round of cheers and glasses clinking as Link raised his drink in solidarity.

He sought out his family and found them near the modest banquet area, with Aryll looking indecisive on what sweets she wanted to try first and Marin watching her closely to ensure she didn't overeat.

"Nice dress," Link said to his sister.

Aryll giggled and did a little twirl. "Liena took me shopping, and we bought this dress just for today!"

"Wait, what?" Link asked in shock.

Marin placed a hand on his shoulder. "That was my reaction, too, but Liena is a grown woman and can spend her money however she wishes."

Link gazed at Marin before shaking his head. "That sounds like Liena's words, not yours, Mother."

Marin shrugged. "Well, by the time Aryll came out with the dress, it was already too late. What am I to do but accept such a gift of generosity?"

Link looked down at his mother's gown again. "And yours?"

"Ah…" Marin blushed and avoided Link's curious eyes. "I… I finally got to meet Astoria, Liena's mother, while I was in Castle Town. She wanted to offer her thanks to you for saving Liena. She was very insistent that I take some time to myself."

"What she means is that my mother took her out for a spa day while I took Aryll shopping," Liena said as she walked up to them.

"Mother?" Link asked.

"Well… she was very adamant about it, and it would seem rude to refuse," Marin mumbled.

Liena giggled. Looking beautiful in her own violet gown, she put her arm around Marin's. "My mother can be a force to be reckoned with. You were lucky to escape when you did, Link."

"Great," Link muttered.

"Uh-oh, but it looks like your luck is about to run out," Liena said.

Link took a breath just as Astoria walked up from behind him.

"Sir Faron," she said.

"Link will be fine, My Lady—I mean, Astoria," Link said. "I'm not one for formalities, either, despite Liena's constant lessons."

"Link," Astoria said. "I had wanted to thank you for saving my Liena. Sadly, you were whisked away so suddenly when we last spoke that I lost my chance."

"I told you, Mother," Liena said, exasperated. "We needed to see the knight-commander. Traditions matter."

"Liena was a constant presence and a source of inspiration," Link said quietly. "Helping her was the least I could do."

"Very humble of you," Astoria said.

"I would like to thank you as well on behalf of my mother," Link said. "I just heard that you spent some time together."

"We did," Astoria said. "And we even traded some lovely anecdotes about you and Liena."

"Oh, dear," Liena said, paling slightly.

"Oh, nothing too embarrassing," Marin said. "At least, I don't think so."

"I'm not feeling better about that," Link muttered.

"Hello, Link!" another voice said.

Link turned around and nodded at Leon as he approached.

"Well, now an official knight," Leon said. He respectfully inclined his head. "And a member of the Royal Guard. It seems you've shot past peers and into superiors with regards to my Liena here, haven't you? Have you gotten the chance to give her any orders yet?"

Link blinked; the conversation's change in direction was so sudden that it took a moment for him to process what Leon said before realizing. "Oh, I guess I am… and I guess I can."

Liena opened her mouth, closed it, quietly cleared her throat, and tried again. "That… that actually slipped my mind, too."

Leon grinned. "Well, best get used to it, eh?"

"Leon," Astoria said. She swatted him on the arm.

"In all seriousness, though," Leon said. He looked at the Master Sword, the royal blue hilt peeking above Link's right shoulder. "Truly, that sword is a work of art."

Marin tilted her head. "It is. I found myself rather enamored with it, and I'm not even versed in such matters. Where did you get such a thing, Link?"

Link shrugged. The new scabbard had been ready as Master Orson had promised. It was dyed a deep blue, inlaid with decorative gold plating at the ends and the middle. Orson had even gone a step further to stamp the Triforce upon the center, at High Priest Rauru's insistence.

Leon was quick to save him. "But he is one of Hyrule's finest swordsman, My Lady Marin. Only the finest sword Hyrule can ever produce should ever be worthy of his skill. Surely, a little mystery will only add to the drama of it all."

Marin raised her hand and hid her smile. "I suppose so."

"Ah, but where are my manners?" he said. "Leon Serlut, of House Serlut."

"Marin Faron."

Leon turned to Aryll. He gave her a deep and exaggerated bow. "Leon Serlut, of House Serlut, My Lady."

Aryll ate it all up. She giggled, took her skirt, and curtsied. "I am Aryll Faron!"

"How lovely to finally meet you, My Lady Aryll," Leon said. "You know, I had the honor of meeting your father many times. I do miss him so."

"Me, too," Aryll said, looking a bit downcast. "How did you know him?"

"Why, he was the knight that trained my Liena," Leon answered. "Naturally, Astoria and I were involved, as responsible parents are. I found him to be a man of great strength and deep conviction. I am glad to see that his spirit will live on."

Leon looked at Link when he said that. Link managed a small smile despite himself.

When Leon's gaze locked onto Aryll, she stammered. "Oh, I'm nothing like him."

"I am afraid I must disagree," Leon said. He gestured to the knights in attendance. "Many know him as Sir Revan Faron, but…" He knelt down to Aryll's height and stage-whispered, "We both know that there was much more to him than just a mere knight. Believe me, you must embody all of him so he might live on. You and Link, yes?"

Aryll smiled. "Really?"

"Really," Leon said. He stood back up. "In fact, when I met him, he was hardly knightly at all."

That got Liena's attention. "You never did tell me how you knew Sir Revan."

"Ah, well, that's a story," Leon said. He actually looked abashed. "A few years after you were born, a very important business deal fell through." He turned toward his wife. "You remember, don't you, dear?"

Astoria closed her eyes and thought back. "Hmm… oh yes, I do remember. Oh goodness, that was… well, it was a terrible time for us."

"So terrible, in fact, that even I was distraught," Leon said. "I cast aside my noble persona and sought the nearest bar I could find to drown my sorrows. Who was there but Sir Revan. He sympathized with me, and we drank together. Now, I don't remember the evening at all, even to this day, but I remember the morning. I do believe I was wearing his pants on my head."

Link snorted out a laugh and coughed to cover up his breach of manners. Aryll and Marin broke out into giggles, while Astoria and Liena shared wide eyes.

"And… I recall Sir Revan was wearing my coat, though it was a poor fit… It might have had something to do with the fact that he tried to wear it over his armor," Leon said with a perfectly straight face. "I deduced this by blearily observing the ripping and tearing in the sleeves and shoulders."

Leon grinned at the laugher he caused. He snaked an arm around his wife. "Ah, but you'll be glad to hear, Astoria, Marin. Nothing happened at all between him and me! We remain ever faithful to you both."

"That's… that's one way to meet," Link said between laughs that he could not help but have.

"It certainly made an impression on me," Leon said sagely.

"Wait, I hope that isn't why Sir Revan took me as a squire," Liena said, torn between mirth and being affronted.

"Of course not," Leon replied, looking hurt. "When you declared you wished to be a knight, I looked into Sir Revan and saw his record was impeccable. I sought him out, and we had more drinks together. Never fear, moderation was key that evening. I asked him if he would be interested, and the rest was all you. Your own talent and passion so moved him that he took you as his squire. I simply played kingmaker."

"And now she trained Link," Aryll said. "Wow, the goddesses really do have a sense of humor."

"With a dash of irony," Link muttered.

"Come! Let us all sit and dine!" Leon said loudly so that all could hear him. "Today is about Link! Perhaps my lovely daughter can regale us with tales of his misspent time as her squire!"

Everyone clapped and cheered at the suggestion.

"Oh, I do believe we must start with Vah Medoh and when Link seized control of a Divine Beast without permission," Liena said. Her gaze bore down on him.

"And perhaps after, if she is willing, your lovely friend Ilia may share some tales of your misspent youth," Leon suggested jovially.

Ilia was a bit shocked when she was thrust into the spotlight. "Oh… I-I suppose so…"

Link gulped. "Do we have to?"

"This is your moment, my boy," Leon said 'encouragingly'. He wrapped an arm around him and pulled him to the head of the table. "Savor it!"

~o~O~o~

Somehow Link managed to get out unscathed. He'd had to use every mental trick in the book that Master Impaz had taught him to remain as stoic and unfazed as he could. Even Ilia had had some stories to impart, which further rounded out the night. Aryll had looked positively delighted at the new stories she had never known about him.

Still, it had been made in humor and highlighted some of the things that made life what it was.

The day after, Link found Impa, and she had indeed scheduled a visit to the Royal Ancient Lab. She claimed that Princess Zelda was delighted to go, which was sure to perk her mood up and make the next impression go more smoothly.

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Royal Ancient Lab

Purah squealed. "Oh my Goddesses! Link, is that you?!"

"Hello, Purah," Link said. "I'm glad you remember me."

Zelda and Impa were shocked and watched as Purah ran up to Link and inspected him from head to toe.

"Well, look at you! Growing to be so handsome!" Purah said. She reached out and pinched his cheek.

"Um… thanks?" Link replied uncertainly.

Purah maintained her exuberant smile for just a bit longer before she took on a horrified look. "Oh, but Impa also told me… well, I'm sure you've heard it a million times, but… I did get the honor… oh, never mind. You don't want to hear it."

"Here on business," Link said. "I'm going to Zora's Domain. You finished your work there, right?"

Purah took on her excited persona once more. She sighed fondly. "Ah, that was an easy one. Vah Ruta is fully operational… or at least we theorize it to be. The pilot will have to run the Divine Beast through its paces to be one hundred percent sure."

"Well, I'd like a primer on the Guardians and the Divine Beasts," Link said. "I suppose Robbie is the one to ask about the Guardians, though, huh?"

Purah nodded. "We're preparing to get them operational as we speak."

"So… no idea if some of them can fly yet?"

Purah squawked and ran up to cover Link's mouth with her hands. She looked around to see if anyone—besides Zelda and Impa—was around before hissing, "Don't mention that to him! He'll become insufferable!"

Link moved her hands aside and arched an eyebrow at her. "So you were wrong."

Purah looked like Link had just stabbed her in the gut. "It happens to the best of us."

"Was there dancing? I'm sure there must have been dancing," Link said with a perfectly blank face.

Now Purah looked like Link had started kicking her while she was wounded. "You know what? I take back what I said. You're looking far less handsome than a hero ought to be."

"I'll get over my disappointment," Link said. "Back to business. I'm here to ask about the Divine Beasts, but for now, I'll settle for learning about Vah Ruta."

"Vah Ruta was named after a Zora sage in the distant past," Impa said. "Highly revered and instrumental in one of Ganon's earliest downfalls."

Purah cleared her throat loudly. "But speaking in more practical terms—"

Impa crossed her arms and glared.

"—Vah Ruta takes advantage of the Zora's affinity for water by being able to harness water sources around it and weaponizing them," Purah said. "We're talking concentrated jets of water that can cut through rock, massive deluges, and other aquatic-based attacks. Furthermore, there was some kind of Cryonis engine built inside."

"Cryonis… you mean ice?" Zelda asked. "It can freeze water?"

Purah nodded. "But inside, not outside. It has the ability to take in water, freeze it, and launch solid projectiles."

"What about Vah Medoh?" Link asked. "Besides going up and down, please."

Purah grinned at him. Impa and Zelda looked confused and curious about their exchange but didn't make any comment yet.

"Besides its maneuverability, it seems outfitted with some sort of protective energy barrier. Likely because it flies out in the open," Purah said. "I don't think speed is one of Vah Medoh's strengths. However, it possesses the ability to strike both air and ground targets, giving it the edge in maneuverability and versatility. Power-wise, though, it may fall short of the other three Divine Beasts as a result."

"Okay, and what about the other two?" Link asked.

"Vah Rudania is built to take punishment, just like the Gorons," Purah said. She heaved a long-suffering sigh. "Ugh, I hated working on that one. It was so hot!"

"Would I be wrong in assuming that its attacks are fire-based?" Link asked.

"You would be right," Purah said. "So. Much. Fire. It's also very adept on the ground. If the surface can support its weight, it may even have the ability to climb! I'd rate it the third strongest."

"And Daruk is the pilot for Vah Rudania," Link said.

Purah nodded and gestured at Zelda. "Our princess here secured his help not long after the Four Swords."

"And the strongest Divine Beast is…?"

"Vah Naboris, without a doubt," Purah said. "Princess Zelda secured Chief Urbosa as the pilot last year. It's fast on the ground… as long as there are no obstacles. It's tall but a bit clumsy. I'm sure Chief Urbosa can handle it, but I don't think it can maneuver around large obstacles very well. Oh, but the power output is incredible! Its attacks are lightning-based—so much that we theorized that the ancient Sheikah probably helped with designing the Thunder Helm!"

"The what?" Link asked.

"The… you know what? It's not important," Purah said. "Now, as for the Guardians, they're quite simplistic. Here, let me show you."

Link and Impa sedately followed Purah, while Zelda was overcome with excitement that was painfully obvious.

Outside, they saw a team of Sheikah working on a relic that was somewhat cone-like in shape, with four spindly legs that appeared very flexible.

"That's a Guardian?" Link asked.

"The main force against the Calamity 10,000 years ago," Zelda said. "We theorize there to be hundreds, though I doubt we will be able to get that many operational. At best, we should get a few dozen."

"And what do they do?" Link asked. He couldn't see anything particularly powerful about it in its current state.

"As you can tell by the legs, it's very maneuverable, agile, and quick," Zelda said. "According to the ancient schematics, it is able to fire a beam of light from that point near the top. That structure that looks like an eye, you see?"

Link saw the circular divot that was probably the eye she was pointing at and nodded.

"We aren't sure how quickly or often it's able to use its main weapon yet," Purah added. "A lot of testing has to be done."

"And you don't know how powerful it is," Link said.

Purah shook her head. "It's why we're only working on one so far."

"Cost-to-benefit ratio," Impa said. She blinked and looked at Link uncertainly.

"Right. I got it. Can't afford to spend time and rupees on a glorified statue," Link said. "Okay, how powerful are the Divine Beasts?"

Purah's countenance grew serious, something Link had never seen on the enthusiastic woman.

"Enough that they could raze all of Hyrule if they fell into the wrong hands," Purah said.

Link frowned. "And yet, they're tools to help us fight Ganon, not defeat it?"

Purah smiled. "You catch on quickly. I always liked that about you. Yes, the fact that the power of four Divine Beasts is not enough to defeat Calamity Ganon suggests that its power exceeds that of theirs."

"And… the Master Sword is supposed to be enough?" Link skeptically asked.

"I didn't make it," Purah said. "You have to ask Impa."

When his eyes turned to Impa, she blushed and stammered. "W-well, as far as we know, the Master Sword was crafted by the goddess Hylia and blessed by the goddesses Din, Nayru, and Farore, so it's not a simple sword."

"But that's just the myth, right?" Link asked.

Impa frowned before her shoulders sagged. "Yes. I cannot definitively say what the Master Sword really is or what it can do. There are a lot of stories surrounding it, and obviously, I had never seen it for myself until you came back with it."

"Well, I'm feeling better about all this," Link said.

"Look, the Master Sword has been a pivotal point regarding Hyrule's protection in just about every surviving record the Sheikah and the royal family possesses," Impa said. "We know it's special. In what way it's special will be up to you to find out."

"Right," Link muttered. "Okay, I've learned all I needed to know for now. I'll get out of your way. Purah, it was good to see you again. And if Robbie is down there, tell him I said hello."

Purah looked like she wanted to say something but refrained. She took a deep breath and managed to smile back. "Okay, Link. It was good to see you, too."

Link nodded at Impa, bowed to Zelda, and left.

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Hyrule Castle

"Link, what can I do for you?" Auru asked.

"About my mission to Zora's Domain," Link said. "What am I to say to the royal family?"

"The truth," Auru said. "His Majesty has given you leave to inform our potential allies why we have been preparing for war, to soothe any fears or misgivings they may have of our actions of late."

"Including my role? The Master Sword?" Link asked.

Auru nodded. "As much as you know and as much as you wish to share. The potential pilot you recommend should be aware of everything in order for you to assess their character and their worthiness."

"Very well," Link said. "Dame Serlut was with me during my posting there. May she come?"

"Denied," Auru said. "She's not aware of the Calamity, and she won't be read in until His Majesty makes the announcement. When he will do so is his choice. I know you trust her, but this is bigger than one person, even you. For now, we keep the Calamity between us and others who need to know."

Link nodded and saluted. "Understood. I'll prepare for the journey, then."

Auru saluted back and dismissed him.

~o~O~o~

After some blunt questioning, Link learned that King Rhoam was undergoing personal training. It took Link a bit of time to find where the king trained, but he was learning the castle's layout faster than he had expected.

Link intended to walk past the two Royal Guardsmen standing outside when they drew their swords. Instinctively, he drew the Master Sword and disarmed them in seconds.

He leveled a glare at both of them, daring either to try again. They quietly backed away.

Link opened the door and walked inside. King Rhoam stopped in mid-motion and held his claymore loosely at his side.

"Sir Faron," King Rhoam said in surprise. He looked over Link's shoulder to see his personal guards picking up their weapons on the ground as Link sheathed the Master Sword. "My apologies. I will inform them that you are to come and go as you please."

"I would appreciate that," Link said. "Regarding the secrecy you have around Calamity Ganon, I want Impa to tell my family."

King Rhoam's eyebrows shot up. "Oh?"

"We've suffered a loss," Link said. "And now I'm forced to keep secrets from them, which is galling because they aren't thrilled about my appointment to the Royal Guard, and they still don't know why my father is dead. I want them to know the truth."

King Rhoam studied him for several moments before nodding. "So be it. They will be informed whilst you are at Zora's Domain."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Link said. He saluted.

"A moment, Sir Faron," King Rhoam said. "While you are here… perhaps you can indulge me."

"Your Majesty?"

"Spar with me," King Rhoam said. He walked over to a weapons rack and put the claymore on it. Nearby was a training sword that he picked up and gave a few practice swings.

"Your Majesty?" Link repeated. He was sure he had misheard.

"Spar with me," King Rhoam said. "I am keen to see your skills firsthand."

Link hesitated and looked around. They were completely alone. The doors were closed, and the guardsmen were still outside.

"Do not worry about propriety," King Rhoam said.

After a moment more, Link nodded. He took off the Master Sword and picked up one of the wooden training swords. "If we're not worrying about propriety, Link will be fine, Your Majesty."

"Link? Are you certain?" King Rhoam asked.

Link firmly nodded, though he kept his eyes on the wooden sword he was inspecting. "I find myself looking for my father when I hear someone call me 'Sir Faron'. I would rather do without."

"Very well… Link."

Stepping into the ring, Link held himself ready.

King Rhoam stood prepared as well. Link saw that the older man's stance was flawless.

Best not to underestimate him.

Link surged forward and swung in a horizontal arc. Instead of parrying, Rhoam leapt back and brought his sword down in a vertical slash.

Link wasn't so surprised that he was shocked into inactivity, but he did have to respect how quickly the king moved and was using the longer reach of his weapon to fight back. Link leapt to the side and closed the distance again.

Fighting the king was far different than fighting Groose back in the tournament. Groose had used his physical strength and trained stamina to try to force victory through sheer power, similar to how a Goron would fight.

King Rhoam was fighting as if he were using a lighter weapon, relying on footwork to try to keep Link at a distance while using his larger weapon's power and reach to its advantages. More than a few times, Link's attacks were cut short when His Majesty moved out of range and brought his weapon in for a strike that would have definitely hurt if it connected.

It didn't take long to analyze how King Rhoam moved, though. It was less about speed and more about precision. He took the minimum number of steps to stay out of Link's range, the least amount of effort to swing his sword, and the optimal angle to block. He was fighting conservatively, to preserve energy and run his opponents ragged before going in for the killing blow.

With his evaluation complete, Link abruptly changed tactics, striking at unusual to downright abnormal angles. King Rhoam tried to figure out where to move, but the strange style of fighting Link employed had him flummoxed. With his footwork hindered, Link created an opportunity to force a mistake.

When King Rhoam tried to attack, Link rolled to the side, leapt forward, and tapped his sword against King Rhoam's open back.

To King Rhoam's credit, he was only breathing lightly as he conceded defeat. "Remarkable."

Link nodded. He and Rhoam were putting their practice weapons away when Rhoam said, "It has been a long time since I was defeated so handily. And within minutes."

"How long have you been practicing?" Link asked.

Rhoam had an ironic smile that didn't reach his eyes before looking away. "Since the day the queen died."

~o~O~o~

Lanayru Providence – Zora's Domain

It was quite possibly the first time Link had ever traveled alone in his entire life.

After settling all of his affairs, giving assurances that he would be back safe and sound to his mother and sister, and asking Impa to inform them of Calamity Ganon, Link paid a quick visit to Lon Lon Ranch and marveled over the foals that Epona had given birth to. She stood protectively over them but allowed Link to dote without judgement, though Leo stood by, staring but not quite glaring at him.

Afterwards, Link took Lux and made his way to Zora's Domain. He was a bit surprised that he still remembered the route. Instead of leaving Lux at the Woodland Stable, Link continued around Trilby Valley, riding north past Ternio Trail and towards Cephla Lake, where the Foothill Stable resided. After spending the night there, he continued on foot, going back south towards the entrance to Zora's Domain. It took a few hours, but when he finally arrived at Inogo Bridge, he found his Zora welcoming party waiting.

"Sergeant Seggin," Link said in greeting.

"Sir Faron," Seggin replied curtly.

Seggin had never been the friendliest of Zora, but Link hoped he wasn't harboring any ill will towards him. Seggin had been one of the Zora contenders during the Four Swords Tournament and one of the Zora Link had defeated on the way to claiming victory.

"Link is fine."

Seggin nodded and proceeded to lead the way.

Link followed. He remembered how he had struggled once to keep pace with the old soldier when he had been a child, which caused him to smile a bit in remembrance.

A familiar Zora walked next to him.

"Hello, Trello," Link said.

"Ah, you remember me," Trello said happily.

"Of course," Link said. "I remember needing to talk to you the day Prince Sidon disappeared. Of course, all the soldiers were searching high and low that day, but you were one of the few I was comfortable approaching."

"Yes, well, thankfully, no such incident has occurred since," Trello said.

"Tell me, how is everyone?" Link asked.

"Doing well, though they did miss you," Trello said. "When Sir Revan arrived, Bazz and his friends had hoped that you would be with him. Alas, we were informed that you were undergoing rigorous training. Death Mountain, wasn't it?"

"With Daruk, of all people," Link said. "I don't know if you know him."

"He was hard to miss during the Four Swords," Trello said. "Ah, but your time there was well spent. Watching you climb the ranks to win was exhilarating!"

Link smiled. "I recall that you made it to the middle rounds yourself."

"I did, but I lost against a particularly agile Gerudo," Trello said. "I hope to do better in the next tournament. Sir Revan was kind enough to give us further instruction whilst he was here."

"Perhaps I can continue the tradition, then," Link said.

"Would you?" Trello asked excitedly. "It would be our honor if you would do so!"

The journey to Zora's Domain was quicker than Link remembered, but it was still majestic in his eyes.

Once they arrived at the throne room, a herald escorted Link the rest of the way.

"Your Majesty! I present Sir Link Faron of Hyrule!" the herald announced.

King Dorephan looked exactly the same as Link remembered. Link also remembered to mind his manners and did not stare.

"Welcome, Sir Link," King Dorephan said.

"Please, Your Majesty, Link will be fine." He bowed deeply. "It has been too long."

"It has indeed, Link," King Dorephan said. "You've grown into a fine knight."

Link saw that Mipha was in attendance and bowed to her as well. "Your Highness."

"Greetings, Link," Mipha said kindly.

"We understand that you come on behalf of King Bosphoramus to speak of grave tidings," King Dorephan said.

"That is true, Your Majesty," Link said. "The nature of what I must speak about must remain private. His Majesty was very adamant about this."

King Dorephan gazed at Link for several heartbeats before nodding. "Very well. He would not have sent a member of the Royal Guard for something trivial."

Link remained silent and offered nothing more.

"A room has been prepared for you," King Dorephan said. "Rest, bathe, and we shall speak after."

Link bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Mipha, would you show him to his room?"

"Gladly, Father," Mipha said. She turned to Link. "Shall we?"

Link nodded and followed her. The halls of Zora's Domain remained familiar to him, even after all this time.

"Our old room," Link murmured.

Mipha smiled. "I see you remember."

Link nodded. He entered the room and placed his bags at the foot of the waterbed. Then he took off the Master Sword and placed it against his bags.

"Link?"

Link turned around. "Hmm?"

"Has… has something happened?" Mipha asked. "Is there something wrong? I can help, if you like."

Link shook his head. His eyes turned back to the Master Sword involuntarily.

Mipha looked conflicted, but she soon regained her smile. "Ah, never mind. I will see you at the meeting."

Again, Link nodded.

She hesitated at the doorway before awkwardly waving and left.

~o~O~o~

"And that is why His Majesty is reviving the Divine Beasts and the Guardians," Link said.

King Dorephan looked grave after Link finished telling the tale. He looked at the Master Sword, placed upon the table before him. "The legendary sword… there are stories about this sword, too many to count, but the one thing they all have in common is that it was only ever used against some of the greatest evils Hyrule has faced."

"It will be your responsibility to help seal away this… Calamity Ganon?" Mipha asked.

"Mine and Princess Zelda's," Link said.

"So, you seek our help to fight against Calamity Ganon?" King Dorephan asked.

"Perhaps, but that was not why I was called here," Link said. "The Divine Beasts require someone to pilot them. Given the power that the Divine Beasts have, the selection process is… thorough. Right now, we have two pilots. I am here to see about the third."

"One of us?" King Dorephan asked.

"I believe His Majesty wishes for a united front against Calamity Ganon," Link said. "Representatives from each race will pilot their Divine Beasts."

"And you will choose who will bear this responsibility?" King Dorephan asked.

"I will make a recommendation, that is all," Link said. "The Hylian Royal Family will take it under advisement and will scrutinize my choice or choices of the best possible candidate."

"Why are they so particular about who pilots the Divine Beasts?" Mipha asked.

"According to the Sheikah researchers, the Divine Beasts are powerful weapons. And to wield them requires only one pilot," Link said. "That much power in one person's hands… it's dangerous. The people we seek to bear that kind of responsibility must be better than that. It's not enough to be willing to fight; they must have the right temperament to understand the responsibility that comes with it."

"I see," King Dorephan said. His eyes darted between Link and the Master Sword. "This is something we cannot ignore. That the Master Sword rests here before us is warning enough that we must act. You may begin your assessment, Link. Will you be informing us of your decision?"

Link paused and considered his words. "No… as I said, my opinion might not reflect that of the royal family and their choice. I would not want to place that kind of burden on anyone. I will stay, observe, and then report back to King Bosphoramus about my decision."

"Very well," King Dorephan said. "However, if there is anything you require of us, please do not hesitate to ask."

"There is one more thing, Your Majesty," Link said. "Is it possible for me to see the Divine Beast Vah Ruta?"

"But of course," King Dorephan said. "It sits at the East Reservoir Lake. I shall arrange for someone to guide you."

"Father, if I may? I would like to take Link to Vah Ruta," Mipha said. "It has been too long since I have seen him, and I would like to take the opportunity to speak with him in an informal setting."

King Dorephan smiled. "Very well."

Mipha smiled and turned to Link. "Tomorrow morning, then?"

Link nodded. "Tomorrow morning, after breakfast."

Mipha clapped her hands. "Outstanding. Sidon would love to see you again."

"I look forward to it," Link said. He picked up the Master Sword. "I will leave you to talk. I know it is a lot to take in, so I bid you both goodnight."

~o~O~o~

Link spent the rest of the night re-exploring Zora's Domain. He saw Bazz and the Big Bad Bazz Brigade, though it pained him to see that they were just barely leaving childhood behind while he was approaching adulthood.

Zora had a longer life expectancy than Hylians, but it was through slower aging. For a Zora, childhood was closer to decades. Even when Link met Sidon at breakfast the next day, he was still considered too young to speak yet. He could only say one-syllable words, though Link felt a bit embarrassed when he was able to say "Link!" in his enthusiastic way of his. Mipha's giggle made it a bit better to bear, though.

After breakfast, as Mipha had promised, she was leading the way towards Vah Ruta. Link followed her quietly as they left through the East Gate. Memories of what had happened filled his thoughts. Finding Ammy, raising her, Sidon's rescue, the Lynel…

"You've changed," Mipha said.

"Have I?" Link asked. "That's to be expected. It's been years since we last saw each other."

"Link, please," Mipha quietly said. "We've remained friends, haven't we?"

"Of course," Link said.

"Then tell me, what troubles you so?" Mipha said. "I did not expect you to be the same child that you were, but I can tell that there is something that pains you. I do not wish for that to take away the kind soul I know you to be."

Link sighed. "I suppose that news would eventually reach you, one way or another. My father… he's gone."

Mipha's eyes widened. "Oh, Link… I'm so sorry."

"Me, too," Link said. "I'd rather not talk about it any more than we already have, if that's okay."

"Of course," Mipha said at once. "But please, if you need someone to listen…"

"Others have offered, but I don't have any words," Link said. "Thank you, though."

They walked in silence for a while, until Mipha spoke again. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean… I had thought that the responsibility of wielding the Master Sword weighed heavily on your mind. I hadn't heard… about…"

"I know," Link said. "I don't hold it against you. You were worried. It's fine."

Again, Mipha fell quiet.

"I did miss you," Link suddenly said. "It wasn't until I saw you again that I didn't know how much I missed you. Apparently, I missed you a lot."

Mipha blinked in surprise. "Oh. I… well, I missed you, too."

"I suppose if we're being honest, I had to let Ammy go, too," Link said. "She found a mate, and I thought it was better to let her have her own family, instead of looking after mine."

Instead of offering more words, Mipha took Link's hand into her own and squeezed. This time, Link smiled.

They walked south for a time, mainly in silence, but it was more comfortable this time. Mipha continued to hold his hand throughout. Once they reached the north side of the East Reservoir Lake, though, she let go and grandly gestured to the Divine Beast standing majestically on the shore.

"Here is Vah Ruta," Mipha said. "Cute, isn't it?"

Link tilted his head. "I suppose one could see it like that… I guess."

"Oh, just look at it! It's big and round, with an enormous nose!" Mipha said.

"Uh-huh…"

"It's cute, isn't it?"

"Right."

Mipha exhaled noisily. Link studied Vah Ruta's profile.

It was big, that much was certain. It stood on four legs, with a massive central body housing the tech that Purah had said could freeze water. As Mipha had pointed out, the head of Vah Ruta had an enormous, long nose, which at the moment was in the water.

"Do you know why they call it Vah Ruta?" Mipha asked.

Link nodded. "An acquaintance of mine gave me a little bit on the history of the Divine Beasts. There was a Zora sage in the distant past. Very revered. This Divine Beast was named after her."

"So… this is a she, then?" Mipha asked.

Link blinked. "I… I suppose one could see it like that… I guess."

This time, Mipha rolled her eyes.

~o~O~o~

Author's Notes:

I don't know how, but Monty Python reappeared on my YouTube feeds, and inspiration strikes yet again.