"Aw, why did we stop? We were going at such a brisk pace," Tobias groans.

"The train stopped at Woodland Stable to restock for resources. As grand as the Hyrule Express is, even the mightiness of forces needs to rest sometimes," Riju explains, her scholarly wisdom overpowering the naive Tobias.

"I knew that; there's no sense in telling me what I already know," Tobias shrugs.

"Do you know how this bulky monster moves and what material is stored in the front of it?"

"Um, no, that's too difficult of a question. Give me an easier one."

"I thought so. There's no reason to be ashamed, Tobias. Not everyone is going to know everything. More knowledge just comes with age."

"Stop treating me like a child, Riju. I'm perfectly capable of answering any questions provided to me." Tobias puffs up his cheeks, "Well, as long as they don't have to do anything with the train."

"Oh, Toby, you'll understand one day," Riju sighs, with a tinge of motherly love.

You and Riju sit at one of the available tables staring out at Pico Pond. The shrines blue florescent glow radiates off the shimmering water. Riju enjoys a fresh cup of milk as she hums to the breeze. Suddenly, a recent influx of rain pellets begins to cloud the sky, trickling down the rocky cliffs—the inhabitants of the stable venture inside to save themselves from the downpour. After chatting with the locals and stocking up on some of Beedle's items, you and your party decide to call it in for the day.

The sound of booming trumpets disturbs you and your friend's sleeping pattern, "What's up, you pathetic lugs, why are you sitting around when you could be getting your sweat on! I hereby present Hyrule's very own military training camp. A place where your wildest dreams of pillaging and conquest can come true. After a cruel one hundred year period of decay, we finally restored the old training grounds to their former glory and are looking for recruits. We're here to test your skills, to see if you're ready for the battlefield?"

"You, sir," The Captain says, pointing a stern finger in your direction.

"Yes, you. The one with the shiny sword. You seem to be an ideal candidate for the job. My name's McGruff. How's about I whip you into shape. You take a few laps around the track, and I teach you some hand to hand combat. Everybody wins!"

Riju turns to you, "You know, I have been feeling pretty rusty as of late. It's probably from all the pampering we've become accustomed to throughout our travels. I think we should take this officer up on his offer. What's the worst that can happen, right?"

"Come on, guys, keep going. Those mules aren't going to scrub themselves."

"This was a mistake," Riju mutters, dipping the sudsy sponge back into the bucket.

"All this murky water is ruining my perfect green coat. How am I going to show off for the masses if I don't look my best? Please tell me you can get the stains out, Riju," Tobias pleads.

"Hey, I'm not your mother. If you want your feathers washed, you better come crying to her, not me."

A rowdy argument breaks out among the training grounds, interrupting Riju and Tobias's petty squabble, "Not again, Gustav, your always such a big baby when it comes to sword practice."

"I'm sorry, McGruff, I'm uh, just not prepared for combat. There's gotta be some other soldiers you can find. I'm not cut out for this sort of thing."

"Of course, you are. Just look at you! You're one of the biggest Gorons I've ever laid eyes on and have a stylish mohawk to boot. You could lift ten sturdy boulders with your pinkie alone. Don't sell yourself short, buddy. We need all the help we can get, even if that means we settle for less confident individuals."

"Hey, look at that guy in the blue tunic. I'm sure he'd make for an excellent warrior," Gustav wagers, trying to divert attention away from himself.

You're ushered by the swarm of Hylian soldiers into the battle ring. McGruff beckons you with a smug grin as Riju, Tobias, and Gustav watch on in awe. "You seem like a competent one; I'm eager to see how you'd fare on the field," McGruff taunts.

McGruff releases his royal broadsword from the scabbard, waving around the glistening blade for all to see. You follow suit, whipping out your prized master sword in quick succession. He and you stand paused, locked within a bitter stalemate of glances, neither of you budging an inch.

All it takes is a simple drop of sweat to set the battle in motion.

McGruff moves with purpose and grace, channeling his year's worth of experience into his opening swing. You hold the shield to your chest, attempting to block the swift encounter. The sword and shield make contact, producing a flurry of sparks. You bash away the sword and unleash a barrage of slashes at the enemy. You and McGruff trade swings back and forth, winding and binding the two blades. The precarious dance of steel leaves the masses wholly appalled.

Riju leans over to Tobias, "Wow, they're evenly matched—the leader of Hyrule's militia and the hero of time paired against one another. It's the perfect spectacle of both strength and pure hubris."

Gustav leans over to Riju, "Your boyfriend is pretty brave."

"Boyfriend? Uh, I mean, we have kissed and all, but we never officially decided on being..."

"I don't think I could ever rock that amount of confidence. Every slash, every blow he provides, is filled to the brim with his raw power. It's exhilarating just to watch. It makes me wish I could put my strength to good use, but alas, I'm too much of a softie."

You push his blade down and deliver a raging roundhouse to his shin. McGruff is significantly pushed back by the onslaught, opting for a new method of approach. "It seems I underestimated you, boy; I think it's time I stepped up my game." He rushes into the fray, swinging his shield low, simultaneously extending his sword with an overhead strike. You struggle to avoid the speedy attack, sucked into the dubious hit.

You fall back, using your sword to hold up your limp body. McGruff smashes his shield and dagger together, "Come and get it."