A bustling crowd had gathered in the training field, both of Hylian soldiers and severing staff, to see this show down. The second captain of the Hylian defence, skilled with the sword and the spear, had been challenged to single combat by a small, young boy.

The captain eyed his opponent, tense and ready to fight. He was a warrior, and wasn't going to go easy on this child just to make him feel good about himself. If he really wanted to be a Knight of Hyrule, he had to know that losing hurt. He swung his sword loosely in his hand, waiting for the boy to make his move.

Link, on the other hand, just stood there. With sword in his left hand and shield in his right. He knew that the captain would struggle against an attack from a left handed opponent. He also knew that he wouldn't hold back on him, so Link was going to return the favour.

"Best of three, shall we say?" Link called absent mindedly, to which the captain grunted. Link shrugged and took it as a yes. "Ready when you are."

As soon as the words left Link's mouth, the captain charged with a terrible roar. When the captain got close, Link dived to the side and struck him in the back, sending him falling to the ground. Before the captain could get up, Link's gilded sword was as his throat. Silence fell over the training field eventually, Link broke the silence.

"One to me." Was all he said.

The crowd erupted with noise. People laughing, people shouting in amazement, murmuring about what had just unfolded, and the clink of rupees changing hands.

The captain stood up, grumbling, embarrassed. Beaten by a child, he thought. How can I live this down?

They took up stances, this time Link stood, shifting weight from foot to foot, shield at the ready, sword high. They didn't say anything, just charged at each other and attacked.

Their blades came together in a flash of sparks and metal, each blow making their swords sing. The captain slashed and thrust his blade with the ferocity of a mad deku, and Link blocked and swinging his blade with the skill of master. The captain attacked, blow after blow, giving Link barely any time to retaliate. A few times the captain's sword nicked Link, giving him multiple cuts. Yet link still fought. Eventually the captain went for and downwards arc and Link jumped to the side and stepped on the captain's blade before stabbing at the captain's helmet, flicking it off his head.

"Two. I win." Link smiled coldly.

A roar went up from the crowd. People cheered him, congratulated him, and slapped him on the back. The captain was stunned. How did he learn to fight like that? He wondered. He shook his head. He was impressed, he was curious, and he didn't want to know the answer.

Eventually, the crowd dispersed, leaving link alone. He wiped the sweat off his forehead. I think I've impressed some people, he mused to himself. Suddenly someone began clapping slowly at the other end of the field. He spun to see a girl sitting on a box next to a tall woman, smiling smugly. Link's face burst into a grin. "Were you impressed by my performance, your majesty?"

Zelda's face mimicked his own. "Very much, young warrior."

He ran at her and gave her a massive hug. "How have you been Zelda? Causing chaos I hope?"

Impa scoffed. "You have no idea. Last week she threw deku nuts at the guards. It cause quite the ruckus."

Zelda ignored her. "I've been fine. A bit bored, I suppose, but fine."

Link broke off and laughed. "Throwing deku nuts? You've finally moved on bugs in beds. I'm proud of you."

Zelda looked at him cheerfully. "It's good to see you smile Link. It's been so long since I've seen it."

Link's smile wavered. "I… just needed time to myself."

He lost himself to his thoughts and recalled what had sent him into his downwards spiral. Link snapped back to the present. Zelda was still watching him carefully. He grinned.

"Yeah, well, you know about Ganondorf and Majora and all. Hey, you think I should tell the king I'm here? Or should just stay unannounced?"

Zelda giggled. "I think you should see my father. Besides, you've never seen much of the castle. Come on, I'll take you!"

And so Zelda led Link off to the castle, with Impa her ever present shadow.