Chapter 9

…O Goddesses! Hear my prayers and answer my call!

Zelda kneeled before the Altar of Stones, clasping her hands in front of her and closing her eyes. The Temple of Time was relatively empty, save for the occasional wanderer entering and leaving. Most all of the dead – Zelda shuddered at the memory of the attack – were mourned for and buried, and yet the Temple retained a somber air even with the few people present.

It had been a few hours since she and Link had arrived… and still no response from the Goddesses above. She sighed. It had been a while since she had come to the Temple solely for prayer, but still…

Maybe I should come here more often so they do not grow angry against me, Zelda thought ruefully as she shifted her legs. Or maybe I'm just not asking the right question...

Her mind drifted.

When she and Link had arrived, Aryll spotted them almost immediately. She came running over to her brother, who tried his hardest to keep a serious look on his face but inevitably scooped his sister up in a crushing hug. Surprisingly for Zelda, Aryll ran up to her next and demanded the same thing, which Zelda eagerly reciprocated.

"Look!" she said afterwards, pointing to the amethyst bracelet Zelda had bought for her at the Festival. "I wear it every day!" she exclaimed happily.

"Yeah, nice, well, we came for an important reason today Aryll," Link began, transitioning back into Lord Guardian mode. "Is Fa- Rauru available?"

Aryll stuck her tongue out at him and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, Dad's here," she said, grabbing Zelda's hand and leading her inside. She and Rauru had then discussed the potential options available to her, though she didn't confide the entire issue to him, and Rauru had eventually agreed that the Goddesses would be best suited to her needs. He quickly set up a private area for her prayers, before leaving to attend to his other duties.

Plink

Zelda jolted, opening her eyes and snapping out of her thoughts. Her gaze landed on a relatively simple goblet to the side, filled with water. She could also make out, from the corner of her eye, Link walking silently away with his back to her.

Always attentive, she thought, taking the goblet and eagerly soothing her parched throat. For all the candidates of Lord Guardian, I see why Father favored him above others… He takes his duty… seriously. It's only when he's around his sister that the façade really drops.

As Zelda placed the goblet down, her body froze as an image rose, unbidden, to the forefront of her mind. A calm-!

And just like that it was gone.

No! Zelda thought feverishly. Finally a sign, and then I lose focus! Quickly, she redirected her thoughts to what she was thinking of earlier and clasped her hands together in the traditional prayer form. Father?

Nothing.

…Water?

…Nothing.

…Link?

Nothing! She hadn't expected anything from that last thought though, since she'd been praying to the Goddesses for the past few hours about that matter anyways.

She mused silently for a few moments, letting the ambient sounds of the Temple wash over her: the sounds of people murmuring, the pitter-patter of feet walking across the stone floors, loved ones murmuring with each other…

Perhaps… I've only though of Link through what he represents as the Lord Guardian here… What of Link the Hylian, O Goddesses?

Instantly her body froze. Well, not froze necessarily: it was more akin to having extreme tremors running throughout the entire body and with such frequency they froze you in place. Something Zelda remembered from long ago, when…

Ah, but Zelda's mind began to drift through darkness, halting her reminiscence. The voices of unnamed people or things floated through her consciousness, until she made out a light at the end rapidly approaching.

…Wielder of Our Power… voices murmured through her skull, Nayru recognizes the correct Question; now, with the power, knowledge, and courage of Three, heed Our Answer!

A forest, old and shadowy, rose to her thoughts. She wandered to and fro, and yet she sensed something… plots? Yet… there was… someone next to her, a guide… The sounds of swords clashing, threats given, yet fierce loyalty always by her side... But her mind flew on, uncontrolled…

…A desert? Heat pressed from all over. Again... she felt her previous guide guiding, though her vision was naught but blur. This time, the heated exchange of words, a preservation of… something… and familiar laughter, in the face of darkness. Her mind flew on.

The Castle Gardens this, no doubt. The smell and feel were all familiar, and yet, a pressure engulfed her body throughout. She struggled, crying out and trying, successfully, to break free. A chase, though she could not see… The presence of her guide, nowhere to be found, and danger, behind, continued to hound. Zelda turned to face this darkness head-on, a force of hidden malevolence. Her heritage, shining brightly, but… it's useless?! Perhaps… simply overwhelmed…? A plea made, her guide finally arriving, but a terrible… trade…? Dying?

And her vision thus departed.

The tremors keeping her body in place subsided, and Zelda slumped her shoulders, exhausted, as her mind worked in overtime. What did I just see? she thought, shakily grasping the goblet she placed aside earlier. Or more importantly, what did I feel? She took a small sip. Why did They only show this to me after I asked about Link as a person? And-

"…Your H- Er, Zelda?" Link voiced behind her. "Is everything alright?"

Slowly, Zelda nodded her head, not that surprised Link noticed something wrong again. "…Yes Link… My prayers were heard, though I fear they raise more questions than true answers…" Finishing her water, she rose to her full height. "In any case, I believe we are finished here."

Link nodded, and turned to head towards the entrance. "Big Brother!"

Link turned, only to be tackled by a small ball of energy. "Bye Brother," Aryll whispered, hugging Link tightly. Link picked her up and began walking towards the entrance again. "Don't worry, Aryll," Zelda could make out, "in a few days, I'll be taking you on a trip somewhere nice!"

Aryll lit up. "Where?!" she asked eagerly, her eyes wide. Link chuckled. "That's a surprise, seagull. But, if all goes well, you'll see."

Aryll pouted. "Aw, you won't tell?" Link shook his head, placing her down as he came to the main doors. "But it'll be worth it!" he replied. Furtively, Link gspeard around to see if anyone was close by before whispering. "Make sure you tell Father I said goodbye!"

Aryll grinned, nodding, before giving Link one last hug. As Zelda came, Aryll gave her a hug too. "Bye, Zelda!" she said happily before bouncing away. Zelda smiled after her.

"Shall we head off then?" Link asked, bringing the horses forward. "We may be able to catch lunch with everyone if we hurry." Zelda nodded.

As they rode back, Zelda exhibited an unnatural silence. Link assumed she was pondering over the knowledge the Goddesses had graced her with, whatever it may have been. He so badly wanted to know what she had been told, but he held his tongue. When Zelda was ready, she would say.

So, on the journey back, Link planned his "little trip" with Aryll. His job as Lord Guardian was… taxing, to say the least, though he'd be the last one to admit it. Two more days, and I'll have served this job… for a week he thought ruefully. Since he'd first taken on the role, he'd been privy to an assassination plot, a Royal Ball, and unneeded drama between him and the Princess, and it was still, technically, the "honeymoon" phase of his job.

In any case, the Royal Family usually officially gave the Lord Guardian his land and initial payment after the first week, which would mean this Saturday, and Link was looking forward to it. That meant he and the Royal Family would venture down to who-knows-where to see his new land, and he'd finally be able to support Aryll and Rauru comfortably (a soldier's salary was nothing special after all, and Rauru's duty as the Sage only gave him so much). Link suspected that the King would grant him some land near the newly created village of Hateno, but until the date passed his thoughts were just that: thoughts. Still, at least he and Aryll would be able to enjoy themselves when they arrived, though Link supposed he'd still have to guard the Princess even as she toured the area with him. Maybe Aryll could even live forever at… well, my home, he thought, the idea bringing a smile to his face.

"…Are you looking forward to Saturday then, Link?" Zelda interrupted.

Link turned, raising his eyebrow. "Are you talking about finally seeing my land? Yes, very excited," Link replied with a smile. "In fact, I was just thinking about that myself. Aryll will be so surprised, she has no idea!" he laughed.

Zelda smiled in return. "Yes, I overheard your little conversation with her. You do realize I'll be coming too, right? Won't you be too busy protecting me?" she mocked.

Link shrugged. "Oh, I've already planned for that. You'll either be at my side for the most part or you and his Majesty will be accompanied by a small group of guards I'll scrounge up!"

Zelda scowled, unimpressed. "I had hoped such a trip would relax you, but I see I was a fool for thinking so," she huffed. "You spend far too much energy on this."

Link laughed. "If I take a job, I surpass everyone's expectations. That's my way," he shrugged. "And, I mean, you're still alive despite everything that's happened, right?"

Zelda looked down. "…Hard to believe a week has nearly passed. I feel as if I've known you for far longer." She glanced back up, smiling cheekily. "…Unfortunately."

Link placed a hand over his heart, making a face full of mock pain. "Oh, you wound me Princess! Had it been up to me, we'd have been friends from day one," he winked. "No one could hate me!"

"I find that very unlikely," Zelda retorted, bringing her horse parallel to Link as they approached the Castle. "Someone has to dislike that overbearing work ethic and attitude."

Link thought for a moment. "…Nah! Only you!" he smiled. Zelda swatted at him.

When they arrived in the dining hall, they found the others beginning to dig into a large assortment of dishes set out before them. King Daphnes, as always, ate at the head, but where Link usually sat to the King's left, King Dorephan sat. Next to him sat Prince Sidon. There was, however, an empty seat next to Daphnes' right hand, so perhaps he anticipated Zelda would return. Princess Mipha sat next to this empty seat.

"Forgive us for our tardiness," Zelda began with Link following. Two servants emerged from the shadows to pull out Zelda's chair for her as Link melted against the wall.

King Daphnes waved Zelda's apology away. "No matter, no matter! We had just begun anyhow," he said, brandishing his cutlery. He turned to Link. "Link, please, sit!"

Link hesitated. On one hand, he had no desire to go against Daphnes' wish; on the other, he was nervous about eating with other royalty. "I do not wish to intrude," he began cautiously, "as-"

"Nonsense!" King Dorephan exclaimed. "It is as Daphnes says! Come, sit next to Sidon here!" King Dorephan gestured.

Link stepped forward in defeat, unbuckling his sword from his waist and moving around the table until he came to the seat next to Prince Sidon. Placing his sword to the side, he waited for the servants to pull his seat out before sitting. By then, the Kings were discussing among themselves quite animatedly as both Princesses whispered back and forth: no doubt discussing Zelda's trip to the Temple.

"So… Sir Link, was it?" Prince Sidon began, spearing his food. Link glanced up; even when sitting the Prince towered above him. "Er… yes, your Highness. The new Lord Guardian," he replied, "as you might already know."

The prince laughed heartily, giving Link a toothy smile. Link swore he could see his reflection in those teeth. "Ha ha! Yes, I know all about that! But you're so young, how did you get it?"

Link smiled sheepishly, beginning to dig into his food as well. "Well, that's a question better suited for his Majesty, but I just tried my hardest and, well, I suppose it was enough."

They talked animatedly for a while afterwards: about Link's training, about Sidon's own talents (he himself took down a giant Octorok recently) until lunch finally ended. "So Link! How about a friendly archery match?" Prince Sidon suddenly blurted out as Link buckled his sword.

Link laughed. "Forgive me, your Highness, but I must stay by Princess Zelda's side. It is my duty."

Sidon huffed. "This won't do at all," he muttered to himself before storming to the other side of the table where Zelda and Mipha stood. "Er, Zelda?" he began, making her turn from Mipha, "could you, perhaps, order your Lord Guardian over there to have an archery contest with me? He insists on staying by your side."

Turning, Zelda made eye contact with Link, who had his eyebrow raised just slightly. Smirking, Zelda turned back to Sidon. "If it's an archery battle you want, why not have one with me?" she asked sweetly. Link turned around to conceal his grin, coughing into his hand.

Sidon, for his part, looked taken aback. "Ah, er… well, I just wanted to see the Lord Guardian's ability for myself…" he began. "After all-"

"Nonsense brother!" Mipha interrupted. "I think you're just afraid Zelda can beat you!" she said mischievously, knowing her younger brother would take the bait.

Next to them, both Kings began to chuckle as well. "Ha! She has you there Sidon," King Dorephan said. He turned to King Daphnes. "What say you, Daphnes? It's been quite a while since we ourselves have sparred. How about one for old time's sake?"

King Daphnes laughed heartily. "Ha! I'm afraid the Goddesses haven't been as kind to me as they have to you old friend! But very well, let us all go down and enjoy ourselves this afternoon!" he exclaimed, turning and walking out. King Dorephan followed.

Prince Sidon looked aghast. "Now look what you've done Mipha… Our Fathers, fighting! How awful," he moaned in good humor. "Very well, Zelda, if it's an archery contest you want, you shall get it!" he exclaimed confidently before walking out with the Princesses in tow. Link followed silently behind.

"Three hits for the win, Dorephan?" King Daphnes asked, holding his rapier forward. He held a royal rapier that tapered to a small but pointy end. His usual cloak was discarded for some armor, though he decided against some headwear.

King Dorephan, on the other hand, changed little. He too had a rapier, but he seemed to prefer his natural scales to any Hylian-made armor, though he had placed his red sash to the side to free his body a bit more. "Sounds perfect to me, Daphnes."

"Link, come here and count for us!" Daphnes gestured. Link obliged, jogging forward to gain a better position.

"Cross your swords please," Link began, indicating the correct custom for a friendly duel. The Kings obliged, before separating and standing a few paces away from each other. "…START!" Link yelled, swinging his sword downwards.

The fight began slow, with both Kings circling. King Daphnes had his rapier held out with his right hand while his left was beside his head, in the traditional fencing pose. King Dorephan's stance was far wider, with both hands at his side and spread out, his rapier's tip facing down. Link's critical eye could see that neither had lowered their guard, though Dorephan's unique stance did seem to imply vulnerability. A few jabs were exchanged, but no major hits were traded.

Suddenly, King Daphnes lunged forward with a grunt to meet Dorephan's rapier again. However, this time Daphnes twisted his grip until Dorephan's rapier was stuck in his hilt, glaring into the Zora King's eye. Then, with tremendous strength, he broke the contact and sharply rapped the Zora King on his leg, ducking underneath Dorephan's retaliating swing and bringing the Zora King to a kneeling position. Link quickly jumped in to allow the Zora King to regain his stance and raised his hand, indicating Daphnes had won the first hit. "One!" Daphnes held out his hand to help the other King get up.

Again, the two broke and circled each other, sweat beginning to accumulate on their bodies. Daphnes lunged forward, looking perhaps to land the same hit, but this time Dorephan knocked his sword to the side and landed a hit square against the Hylian King's ribs, causing him to wince. Link raised his hand again. "One!" This time, however, Link allowed them to continue without interruption.

King Daphnes smiled in good nature as he blocked the Zora King's next quick strike and took up his position, which King Dorephan responded to in kind. A few more jabs were traded, but nothing major happened until Dorephan committed to a huge overhead swing, which Daphnes blocked in the nick of time. The Zora's strength was unmatched, however, and even as Daphnes tried to maneuver himself out of the way he caught a heavy hit to his shoulder, bringing him to the ground. "Two!" Link said, poised to jump in and allow Daphnes time to get up.

He needn't have bothered. King Dorephan himself brought the Hylian King to his feet, dusting him off and patting his back. Daphnes himself laughed, brushing the other off and saying he was "just fine!" They retook their stances.

Daphnes moved to swing, which Dorephan began to swat aside, before feinting and moving underneath the Zora King's swing. With a massive whip above, Daphnes rapped Dorephan's wrist, causing him to cry out and involuntarily drop his sword, before moving to place his sword against the Zora King's neck, giving him a light tap. "Two! Three!" Link finished with surprise. Daphnes had carried out this entire maneuver within a few seconds, and Link counted the wrist hit and neck tap as two hits. "It seems his Majesty King Daphnes has emerged victorious!"

King Dorephan shook his head. "What absurd luck!" he groaned in good humor. "First you cut my hand off, then you chop my head off!" he said, shaking Daphnes' proffered hand. "Next time, however, we use spears!" King Dorephan laughed.

King Daphnes laughed as well. "Just as well, then. I doubt I'd land a single hit on you when you use your trident!" The two exchanged a quick handshake, grasping each other's forearms.

Claps came from the waiting Princesses and sole Prince, and Link even noticed a few impressed servants slyly admiring the match. "Right, now it's our turn!" Prince Sidon exclaimed, bounding away to the nearby archery range where the targets were just being set up. Everyone followed.

Sidon and Zelda both grabbed bows. Each target had a colored ring that gave a set amount of points, the center being ten and the bare outside being one. If someone managed to split an arrow in half and lodge that arrow in place, the opponent would lose their points from that arrow while the other gained double the amount. It was, by and large, a game of pure skill.

"Shall we begin?" Sidon ventured, stretching the string of his bow taut. "I am eager to best you today!"

Zelda laughed. "Then I am afraid you will be quite disappointed," she retorted, grabbing a handful of arrows and placing them in the quiver on her back. "Whenever you're ready?"

Sidon nodded, before lining himself up to the first target and firing. Thwap. Ten.

Zelda too lined up with that target, firing her own arrow. Thwap. Another ten. "Not bad for the first round," Sidon said, moving to the second target. "But we'll see how well you can keep up!" Zelda smirked, and shot again.

As the two bantered and exchanged quips, alternating who went first for each target, King Dorephan sidled up to Link. "Sir Link, will you not partake in anything this day?" he began. "As the new Lord Guardian, you have a duty to impress other nobility with feats of skills!" he laughed, clapping Link on the back.

Link smiled sheepishly. "Ah, well, everyone who wanted to do something here already has something to do," he began. "I didn't think it would be fair of me to challenge someone who may already be tired from their previous contest, your Majesty," Link finished. Phew! A diplomatic way out of that, Link thought to himself proudly.

King Dorephan nodded sagely. "Ah, true. I suppose some old fossils like Daphnes and I wouldn't have much stamina as compared to you." He laughed as Link hurriedly tried to stipulate that that was not what he intended to say, and merely gestured towards Sidon and Zelda. "Still, one of them would probably relish the chance to measure against you!"

Link rubbed the back of his head while attempting to hide his grimace. "That's probably true, your Majesty, but I don't wish to… overly trouble them. Besides-" he continued, patting his sword, "I'm more of a… melee fighter myself."

At that, King Dorephan smiled, a gleam shining within his eyes. "Oho? What kind of weapon do you use, Sir Link?"

Link thought for a moment. "Well, I prefer my sword over all else, but I can hold my own with just about anything I think," he said, thinking. "I-"

"Excellent!" The King interrupted, clapping Link on his back again. "In that case, I know just the person to have a little spar with!" Turning, the King dragged Link around until he could see Mipha over to the side, still watching the archery contest with King Daphnes. "Mipha! Come here, if you please," the Zora King exclaimed, gesturing her over. Link paled. He couldn't seriously be thinking-

"Yes, Father?" Mipha asked curiously, tilting her head to the side. She gave a brief nod in Link's direction as well.

King Dorephan gestured to Link. "Why don't you show the modest Lord Guardian how the finest Zora warrior fights?" he asked bluntly, folding his arms.

Mipha looked aghast, taking a step back in surprise. "F-Father! I-I… er, that is… I-It wouldn't be proper!" she squeaked out.

King Dorephan was unmoved. "Many have called your talents with the Lightscale Trident unmatched, correct daughter?" Mipha nodded, still looking worried. "Then all the more reason to prove it now! The greatest warrior in all of Hyrule stands among us today, and our pride cannot let him go unchallenged."

Link raised a finger in protest. "Your Majesty, I-"

"B-Be that as it may, Father" Mipha stuttered, seemingly oblivious to Link's attempts to correct the record, "I… I am not properly dressed for such a duel!" She gestured to her modest dress she wore. "Archery for Zelda is one thing, but-"

The King tutted. "We stand in a castle, daughter mine. I am certain a suitable garment for you can be found. Are you quite finished?" the King asked. "I realize you dislike partaking in contests, but humor your Father this much. After all, we depart tomorrow night, and Goddesses know when another thrilling opportunity will present itself," the King requested, walking up to his daughter and placing a hand on her shoulder.

Mipha looked conflicted as she looked up to her Father. Link himself was debating whether to assure the King no need existed for such a battle, but before he could utter a word Mipha responded. "…If that is what you wish, Father, then I shall endeavor to deliver," she said resignedly. The two began to walk off, no doubt going to search for something suitable for Mipha to use.

Link opened his mouth to protest, before thinking again and shutting his objections. It would not do to repeatedly protest against visiting monarchs, he supposed, and it had been a while since someone challenged him to a good fight (though he supposed the assassins did count for something). Still, he turned to King Daphnes behind him, who held up his hand in anticipation. "I believe it to be an excellent idea, Link. After this archery contest, we will all eagerly watch." Link slumped his shoulders, his final door out shut. "Of course, your Majesty."

Thwap… CRACK!

Sharply, Link turned his head at the noise and glanced at the final archery target, where he noticed an arrow protruding from another arrow on the bullseye. Sidon laughed, cracking his knuckles as he placed his bow to the side. "Well, Princess, quite a thrilling match! But, I'm afraid I've won this time!" He laughed.

Zelda, for her part, shook her head in frustration. "If only I had done the same to your arrows earlier… It seems I am a bit out of practice…" She placed her bow to the side as well. "Next time, Sidon, you will not be as fortunate!"

Sidon simply laughed and began to walk back to the others, who gave a modest round of applause. "Oh- Where's Mipha and Father?" Sidon asked in confusion, looking around.

Daphnes coughed. "Why, she's preparing for the next event of course!" His eyes twinkled.

Sidon cocked his head, placing a hand at his chin and thinking. "Next event? Who…?"

Zelda's eyes widened, and she turned to look at Link, who remained stiff and unaffected. "Oh, please tell me Link and Mipha will spar!" She turned to her father, who laughed and nodded his head. "Though, it did take a bit of persuasion on both sides," he winked.

Link groaned internally.

"…Is there a particular weapon you wish to see me use, your Majesty?" Link inquired to King Dorephan. They had gathered at the same place both Kings had dueled earlier, and right now Link was examining the weapons available to him. "I am proficient in most forms of combat."

Dorephan chuckled. "I leave that up to you, Sir Link."

Link thought for a few moments, before drawing his sword and picking up a modestly sized shield. "These ought to be fine," he said, turning and facing his opponent. Princess Mipha had chosen to use a spear, as the Hylian army had no tridents available, and had amazingly found some kind of Zora-made armor hidden within the castle store rooms. The material shone with a brilliant blue color, highlighting the silver pauldrons and engraving around the edges, and whenever Mipha moved each link slid past one another seamlessly, like scales. It was a truly beautiful piece of work.

"W-Will you not use any armor, Sir Link?" Mipha timidly asked, holding her spear with the tip downwards. She seemed nervous, though Link supposed that was only expected.

In response, Link thumped his chest twice. "The Lord Guardian uniform already has chainmail underneath the cloth," he replied, settling into a ready position. "It should be enough for this match."

Mipha nodded, before grabbing her spear with two hands and settling into her ready position as well. Prince Sidon stood in the middle of the field. "Shall we go for three hits, then?" he asked in good nature, raising his hand.

"Wait!" Dorephan interrupted. "These people are far younger than us; how about a battle until someone yields?" he asked, though his tone suggested it was not a question.

Sidon visibly hesitated, turning to his sister. Mipha only nodded, gripping her spear more tightly. As Sidon turned to Link, Link replied, "If that is what his Majesty wishes to see, I cannot object," though I can complain on the inside. He turned to meet Zelda's eyes, which were unreadable. Thanks for the support!

"Then… let us begin!" Sidon said, making a sweeping motion with his hands and jumping out of the way. Mipha immediately drove forward, jumping and extending her spear to try and catch Link off guard. Link barely managed to block in time. Wow, I did not think Mipha was that aggressive, he thought, before jumping over a low sweep and rolling away to a safer position. Goddesses, it's like another person!

They stood for a moment, measuring each other up, before Mipha suddenly sprinted forward and began a flurry of jabs with her spear. In response, Link batted aside one of her jabs and quickly drove forward, intending to get in close and minimize the usefulness of the spear. However, he only had time to give a rough shove with his shield before being forced to duck underneath Mipha's retaliatory swing, giving her enough time to jump out of the way.

Agile… Link thought, sweat beginning to accumulate on his body. I'll have to predict her movement ahead of time if I want a chance.

They began to circle each other slowly. Link had his shield and sword raised, ready to intercept any spear attacks, while Mipha had her spear pointed at Link. Time to go on the offense and see her reaction Link thought, suddenly sprinting forward and swinging with his sword. Mipha dodged back and to the side, while at the same time jabbing her spear into Link's midsection. Link grunted, thankful for the chainmail protecting him, and swung at Mipha's hand holding the spear. However, she had already moved behind him and drove her spear again towards Link's exposed backside.

It was only instinct that saved him as he quickly jumped to the side and rolled away. That was too close, Link thought, wiping sweat from his forehead. But I think I get the feel of her style now… Dodge over all else. For her part, Mipha didn't seem to be having any trouble. She wasn't breathing heavily, nor could Link see any sign of fatigue. She's not even using her regular weapon and she's still really good… Link thought, before his eyes widened and he blocked another jab from Mipha. Ok… predict her dodge. Predict her dodge. Predict-

He swung to Mipha's right, and she ducked underneath to move even more to Link's right, slamming the blunt end of her spear into Link's midriff as she went. Huh, was not expecting that, he thought, the air forced out of him. However, he reacted by kicking out, clipping Mipha's side and sending her retreating back for a bit. Predict her dodge. Predict her dodge.

Link went on the offensive, not giving any time for Mipha to think. He repeated a similar swing to before, prompting Mipha to again move back and to the side. This time, however, Link's shield blocked her attack on his side. Now, the back, Link thought, rightly predicting Mipha's next move. As she jabbed her spear towards him again, he executed a perfectly timed backflip, crossing his sword and shield so as not to hurt himself. Please work… he prayed as time seemed to slow down. He hoped beyond hope Mipha had committed herself a bit to this jab, so she wouldn't have time to move away.

He landed a bit lopsided, his foot on the one thing he wanted to land on: the front of Mipha's spear, driving the point into the ground. As the small audience gasped in appreciation, he quickly swung the flat end of his sword and sharply rapped one of Mipha's hands holding the spear, prompting a small gasp of pain and an instinctual release. Unfortunately, his twisted body made balance difficult, and Mipha exploited that by kicking out and making him roll to the side, freeing her spear. Quickly, Link jabbed with his sword before Mipha could regain her previous form. Miraculously, she deflected his jab even with only one hand holding on to the spear.

Link was not going to let her have time to recover, however. He pushed relentlessly, batting away at Mipha who desperately attempted to block each swing. Just when he thought he had her, however, she drove her free elbow into his exposed chest, prompting a powerful shield push in return. Ow… ok, that hurt, he gasped, watching Mipha get up and recover. And I almost had her too…

Again, they began to circle each other, both breathing heavily. Link felt like time itself was going slower, a feeling all too familiar to him whenever he seemed to battle challenging opponents. There's a pattern here… I just need to find it.

Mipha, with her reach advantage, drove forward again and jabbed. Link reacted almost instinctively, allowing the spear to come dangerously close to hitting him before being batted away by his shield, exposing Mipha for a devastating swing to her midriff. She gasped in pain, but her armor seemed to absorb most of Link's strength since she recovered quickly and tried to jab Link's side. He ducked, and the two broke off again.

Link lowered his shield slightly. "Are you alright? I'm afraid I may have gotten caught up in the heat of battle, with that last swing." Don't need an injured monarch on my first week.

Mipha nodded, allowing a smile to come to her face. "Yes, do not worry. The armor protected me quite well." Link nodded, smiling in return, before returning to his position and sprinting forward. Instead of dodging this time, however, Mipha retaliated with a flurry of jabs, which Link tried to parry with his sword.

CLING!

Link's sword went flying, but Mipha's jabs were still coming. Just great, he thought. Link was fast, dodging and blocking many of her attacks, but every nick and cut along his shoulders, arms, and neck made their presence known as she continued her onslaught. "Yield!" Mipha yelled, and Link noticed that though she continued attacking, her aim shifted after he lost his sword from vital areas to other, less important areas. It was still, after all, a friendly sparring match. Still, I will NOT yield, Link thought viciously, and time slowed perceptibly for him. He focused on the one object in front of him: the spear. I will NOT!

In one fluid motion, Link grabbed the spear near its neck with his right hand, giving Mipha enough pause for him to forcefully pull the spear—with her attached to it—towards him. His shield came forward, aiming for- Whoops, not the neck Link thought, slightly adjusting his grip. Not going for the kill here, after all he thought in relief, slamming her chest area and causing her to lose her balance and fall onto the ground, gasping for air. Without pause, Link straddled her and brought his shield to her neck, his right hand drawn back into a fist. "Yield?" he gasped, pressing his shield into her just slightly. Mipha made to stab Link with her spear, but he punched the ground near her left cheek, causing her to pause. "Yield!" I don't want to go for that face, Link thought. Her teeth were bared at him—a shocking sight for someone normally so timid—but soon she slumped, defeated. "…I yield," she replied.

Link smiled, getting off of her and extending his hand to help her up. "It was a good match, your Highness" he laughed, shaking her hand after she got up. "I didn't realize just how skilled you were… I shudder to imagine you with your proper weapon."

Mipha laughed, kneeling down and grabbing Link's cap and handing it to him- it seems it fell off at some point in the match. "Likewise, Sir Link. Hyrule is truly blessed to have you defending its Princess." Link bowed in acquiescence, taking his hat and placing it firmly on his head.

The sounds of applause reached his ear, and Sidon spoke first. "You beat sister?! Ho! Incredible!" He flashed his toothy smile and gave a thumbs up. "I most definitely wouldn't have lasted as long though, Mipha, so don't feel down!"

"Indeed," King Dorephan spoke, clasping his daughter by the shoulders. "You both fought admirably. A true testament to your kingdoms!"

Link placed his shield and Mipha's spear back into their respective racks as everyone began to chatter. His minor wounds were bothering him, but he was more annoyed at the damage to his uniform than anything. How much do these things even co- Wait, right, I don't even buy these things, he thought, laughing to himself as he saw a new uniform waiting inside the armory.

He soon joined the rest of the royals, silently falling in place next to Zelda. "…I am impressed, Sir Link," Zelda began. "Though I have seen you fight before, this was… another level."

Link bowed his head accordingly. "It was a close fight. As you saw, her Highness landed most of the hits on me," he extended his arms. "But, that doesn't always mean a win."

Zelda glanced his way. "Yes… Shouldn't you get those treated, by the way? They were a bit numerous…"

Link chuckled. "These? No, I'll be fine. I've suffered far worse."

Zelda looked disapprovingly at him, but eventually shrugged. "Still, an impressive fight nonetheless. Father might have been on to something when he appointed you…" she ended cheekily.

"Indeed Sir Link!" Sidon suddenly interjected, falling into step next to Zelda. "Why, I'm sure Mipha would simply enjoy another stimulating battle with you!" He flashed his toothy smile again.

Link chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Of course. It would be an honor," he replied genuinely. He swore he saw Mipha turn a richer shade of crimson when he said those words.

For the rest of the day Link followed Zelda around the palace. She and Mipha had tea together, placing Link far enough away to ensure he couldn't hear a word, and eventually the day drew to a close. Link guided Zelda back to her room, exchanging a bit of banter here and there, before he too turned to retire for the night.

"A moment, Sir Link."

He turned again, present of the soldiers standing guard. "Yes, your Highness?" he asked patiently.

"…As you know, Prince Sidon beat me today in archery. Therefore, I require someone to help me practice again. I'm sure you have great skill with the bow as well, so once a week we will have archery practice," Zelda said, gazing expectedly at Link.

Link bowed slightly. "Of course. Any preferred day?"

"Friday. The evening, preferably, since that is when I used to practice," she said, smiling.

Link nodded, returning her smile. "Of course. Have a good night, your Highness."

Zelda sniffed. "…You as well, Sir Link," she replied, shutting the door behind her.

Link returned to his quarters, finding Princess Zelda's schedule for the next day inside his room. The only words were LAND GIVING CEREMONY. Chuckling, Link put on his sleeping clothes and rinsed his face: the cuts had started to heal over, but he wanted to make sure no dried blood remained on his face before sleep.

As he lay on his back, Link smiled. Not even a week, and I've fought royals of another land for fun… what did I get into? he thought, turning onto his side. Were other Lord Guardians like this? Or maybe the royal family is always surrounded by these kind of things… I wonder… What kind of future awaits me…?

A/N: I'm back! School did its best to kill me, but I came out alive after a grueling year. Sorry its taken this long though, I even missed this story's one-year anniversary... Ah well. It'll finish when it finishes. Onto the reviews! And thanks for continuing to read, follow, and favorite!

P.S. I have decided on the route I want the story to take, but I won't tell :) Can't be giving away too much!

Luchux: Nah, you're good man. This is my first story, so I listen to pretty much any feedback people give me! Thanks!

Min: Thanks for the input!

Awakening5: Thanks! Definitely confident in what I decided :)

pikachung03: Thanks for the review!

Duke Nukem: I wonder... is gum even in Hyrule?! Thanks for the review!

Jus come: Thanks for your input!

Kersplunk: Thanks for the review!

AnriMia24: Thanks for your input, and for the motivation!

animeandgamerlover2: Thanks for your answer!

dragonfighter11: Thanks for your input!

ZendoZebra: Thanks for the motivation and answer!

Guest: I see your review got cut off, but I got the gist of it so thanks!

oghren: Thanks for the motivation! And I'll definitely consider Daphnes death... but in the future. maybe.

Inheritance1990: Thanks for the feedback, definitely gonna take it to heart. And thanks for the motivation as well!

Guest (who reviewed all the other chapters): Your feedback was amazing, it honestly pushed me to write even more (ironic, I guess, since the chapter came out super late haha). Thanks so much!

kansa: Thanks for the feedback, and I'll be sure to try and keep things interesting as it comes along!

Whelp, a lot of thanking above, but it's well deserved. I figured out where I want to go with the story, and you all really do motivate me. But, well, in the end I'm a pretty lazy person and uni doesn't help things either, so it's slow work regardless. Hope you all stay tuned for the next chapter! Thanks again,

TheLegendofBatman out.