Link remained in Purah's lab for the rest of the day, sitting on a chair with various cups of tea collecting around him, watching the tiny Sheikah flit about her lab. The blocks himself and Zelda had seen her about to carve runes into were now finished and she possessed several complete tablets. Each one had been carved with a single teleport destination and Robbie had been tasked with two; one for Akkala Tech lab and one for Hateno Tech lab. He became the first test subject, with instructions to teleport to his lab and then come back to Hateno. Ideally, each Tablet could be used more than once and if that was the case it would make collaborations between the two researchers much easier, able to travel between each other's base of operations almost instantaneously. It would also be a useful feature to incorporate into Zelda's grand plan to utilise the Sheikah Technology across the Kingdom, but Link kept that part to himself.

While Purah waited for the older Sheikah to return she occupied herself with getting Link ready to leave. He was undoubtedly tired and yet the boy was restless, fidgeting on his chair every so often eager to return home, but she had one last thing to discuss with him before she set him free.

"Before you go – I noticed on the Slate some … interesting anomalies."

Link froze. Please don't ask about what happened in the Shrine. Please don't ask-

"You're heart has stopped quite a number of times since you woke up from that resurrection chamber. When are you going to tell her?"

His throat suddenly seized and he had trouble swallowing. Unsure of how to explain himself his mouth opened and closed within a heartbeat, his hands also fluttered about uselessly for several seconds. Eventually, the truth was once again the easiest option.

[I'm not trying to hide it from Zelda] He formed a 'Z' with both hands and then made tapping motions across the air in front of him with a fingertip. [What purpose would it serve. She has self worth issues already, I don't want to remind her of what we went through]

"You mean what you went through."

Link cocked his head to one side, his hands wilting a little in front of his chest.

"If she actually does recall what she went through during her stalemate with Ganon she deals with it in her own way or distracts herself. She assures me she remembers no specifics and that she was unaware of time passing, asleep like yourself for the most part. However, if she remembers your plight she gets visibly upset. We saw that for ourselves this morning, so you must know this."

"I do," he said slowly, running a hand through his hair, "but that's why I never brought it up. Given what's happening now I've been re-thinking that. Do you think I should?"

Purah could tell it was phrased as a genuine question. The young man was clearly unsure how best to proceed, having already assessed both options. He wanted to know her opinion but instead she felt it poignant to point out one particular detail.

"Imagine when she eventually looks into that function more closely for herself."

"...Good point."

The Hylian crossed his arms, one of his legs bouncing incessantly, as he looked down at the floor, thinking. Nodding to himself, he looked back up and smiled at the young Sheikah who was giving him a smug look.

"Go home. Be disgustingly cute with the Princess."


Zelda was fast asleep, limbs spread out across the bed beneath the blankets, mouth open and breathing deeply as she slept. This was how Link found her when he returned home and crept quietly up the stairs. A fond smile spread across his face, completely out of his control, as he watched her nose wrinkle at something in her sleep. The rays from the afternoon sun settled upon the bed in muted tones of green and yellow as they passed through a thin sheet hung over the window.

He stripped down in the dimmed light and snuck in next to her, trying not to jostle her too much, but as soon as he lifted the sheets she twitched awake.

"Link?"

"Hey," he sighed, settling himself into bed next to her.

"Mmmm, everything ok?" She stretched her arms up to the ceiling and then rolled over so she could face him, curling her legs up to twine them around his.

"I'm all good. You missed us testing the new rune tablets Purah's made by the way."

Zelda grunted, "I'm sure I can ask for a demonstration some other time."

Link's lips twitched up and he inched closer to give her a kiss on the forehead, to which she gave a big, sleepy smile and nestled into his side. Even though it was nearing summer in Hyrule, this close to Lanayru was still chilly at night and the suns light was starting to wane through the window beside their bed. Sharing body heat was not only practical but comforting. The height of Hateno summers may prove to demand different sleeping arrangements but for now, they indulged in being 'disgustingly cute'.

"Hey, Zel?" Link spoke after a long period of comfortable silence, half expecting her to have already fallen back asleep. She surprised him, however, by nudging her head against him and murmuring slightly.

"Hmm?"

"There's something we need to discuss."

Instantly alert, Zelda inhaled sharply and started to lean herself up on one elbow to see his face.

"Oh, nothing bad," Link assured, ushering her back down with one hand so she settled next to him again. "Well, I suppose it is, but..."

Instead of trying to explain it with words, he twisted around to take the Sheikah Slate off the bedside table, where he had placed it as he undressed. He tapped on the small collection of hearts in the corner of the screen to expand the selection and display the vitals monitoring function.

"Oh, Purah taught you how to access it, but I've already seen this?" Zelda said, confused.

Link responded by dragging a virtual slider to the left and streams of figures and vital signs crossed the screen. Then he stopped.

"This is the record of your health since you woke up," she took the Slate into both of her hands, to study the display further, intrigued. "This is incredible I can ..."

After a few seconds of her scrolling through the records she came across an instance where the vitals had all disappeared. She moved the slider back and then forward again. One minute the vitals were less than optimal, she would admit, but in the next second they were simply gone. Everything was at zero. Dragging the slider a couple of seconds forward once more showed that the vitals were back if only slightly worse for wear.An error? Or was this... A cold feeling seeped into her heart as she cast her eyes over to look into Link's face. He was staring fixedly at the screen.

"Mipha's Grace?"

He coughed, "no, she … she would always heal me completely before … before it was too late. I didn't have Mipha for this one."

He hadn't had anyone back then, but he still remembered that death, even now. Mistimed a jump, hadn't quite gotten the hang of paragliding just yet. Falling into the void of the Shrines, where not even light could survive, was a terrifying experience.

"So, this is- you died? Again?" Her voice was noticeably troubled, but she tried to reign it in. He was here sat beside her, warm and very much alive. "How?"

"I asked the Deku Tree later on. He said that until the decisive battle, were even the Goddesses would not tread, the Goddess of Time can repeal a moment from the Hero. Instead, I asked how they could repeal time in a place that had none. He became confused." Link rested his head on top of Zelda's, grinning a little, pleased with himself, "I have only died upon this land once in my lifetime, and that was beside you. Those … blips are all within Shrines, and time does not seem to pass there. Not according to the Slate anyway."

Zelda briefly remarked to herself about the fact that having this conversation with him one hundred years ago would have been akin to pulling teeth. Imagining the slack jawed faces of his fellow knights when confronted by such a relatively verbose Link was amusing, but the sheer weight of his words stole the moment. There was a lot to parse through.

"The Shrines bring you back?" Zelda spluttered, completely thrown by this revelation, until she remembered something. "Wait, you told me once that items lost in Shrines only returned to you if they belonged in there to begin with. Is it possible, now hear me out on this one, that because you were essentially 'rebuilt' within the Shrine of Resurrection, the Shrines recognise you as being a part of them?"

"Should I worry about your increasing mechanical analogies, or find it endearing?"

Zelda's mind was racing and she didn't respond to his question. She had that look about her that meant she was focused inward and interrupting her now would only make her irritable. Link was just glad she wasn't angry at him for 'hiding' this from her, not that it was ever his intention. He rubbed the skin of her shoulder as he waited for her to come to a conclusion, but as far as he was aware her theory made sense. The idea that he was 'rebuilt' should have disturbed him far more than it actually did, but such was his life and all the things he had already experienced. However, he also had the impression that the Shrines were places to train the Hero, to hone various skills, rather than impede or even kill the Hero. The fact that each one had a reset ability made logical sense too.

"Link?" Zelda said, coming back to herself.

"Hmm?"

"What's it like? How does it feel-" She stopped abruptly, horrified by her unfiltered enquiries once she realised just what exactly she was about to ask him. "I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have-"

Link squeezes her shoulder and kisses her hair.

"Similar to passing out, then waking up slightly to the left of where you were a moment before. Bit like coming to after one too many."

"One too many?" Zelda frowned, her lips repeating the words silently before she recognised the phrase, sitting up fully, "You've been drunk? And I haven't seen this?!"

And here I was worrying about how she would react about my temporary deaths, but no, my alcohol consumption is a far more pressing matter. Clearly, Link thought, not sure whether he wanted to sigh with exasperation or fondness. I'll never understand how her mind works.

"Why have you decided to tell me this now?" She asked, leaning over him as he settled back against the pillows.

"That I've been drunk?" He responded with uncertainty, still a bit confused why she would care about that. The look she gave him clearly showed that she was beginning to doubt his intelligence.

"No, Link," and she dropped the Slate onto his chest, pointing at it.

"Oh, Purah said you would find it eventually, but I wasn't trying to hide it, I swear."

"I know that!" She said, rolling her eyes, "the idea of you trying to keep anything from me is laughable, you're too honest for that, something I am deeply thankful for, by the way. I'm assuming you just didn't want to bring something like this up out of the blue, especially when it is all said and done. Let me guess, you didn't want me to be sad."

"See, you get it," he grinned, wrapping his arms around her waist, mindful that she was only wearing a thin night gown, while he amended his previous thought. Maybe I do know how her mind works, just a little.

"That's because I understand you."

"And this is why I love you."

Zelda's response was to push the Sheikah Slate off of his chest so she could lie there instead, lips melding with his and a hand upon his cheek.


Waking with the chirps of noisy birds on their roof, groggy and stiff, they both clung to each other refusing to acknowledge that it was morning. Unfortunately, the pressing matter of deactivating Divine Beasts forced them to crawl out of bed and start warming up for the day. Clothes, food, weapons, tools, and various other necessities to last them a week were all thrown into the Sheikah Slate. The inventory screen lay face up on the dining table, giving off bursts of bright blue as its dissembled items to store within it.

While Link dashed about the house like a very determined hummingbird, Zelda was mulling over some thoughts in her head. Logically she knew that Link would not have a problem with it, but the realistic voice in her head reminded her of all the times any of her ideas had been challenged. Especially if it concerned her independence. Forcing herself to breath calmly she turned to face Link, her jacket tails swishing around her thighs and he must have sensed her determination because he stopped, arms full of zapshrooms.

"I think you should teach me how to fight," she said, straight forward and to the point.

"...Ok," Link agreed, continuing on his path to drop the mushrooms into the Slate.

"No, think about it," Zelda continued, clearly not having registered his answer. "What if another scenario happens where you're vulnerable or sick or injured? I need to defend myself so you don't have to. I need to be able to defend you, I want to protect you too."

"Ok," he said, a little more firmly this time.

"Please, Link, I really- Oh." His words finally reached her and brought her one-sided argument to a close, face slightly flushed.

"I've been thinking about it anyway," Link acknowledged, "you always seem to watch when I practice."

"Yes. I'm observing your techniques and nothing else."

Zelda watched as her comment went sailing straight over his head and he returned his attention to packing and finding his Champion shirt. She inhaled, praying for patience, as she reminded herself of just how much she loved this man. Oblivious tendencies and all.

Once they were all set, Link gave a thumbs up to show he was ready to go and it was time for them to teleport to Zora's Domain.

Splashing down from the Shrine platform under the Throne room, they waded their way towards the stairs which brought them up into the sunlight. The town centre was devoid of travellers this early, but the young Zora were already charging around in the pool of water at the foot of Mipha's statue. Upon spotting Link and Zelda they beelined for the Hylians, clinging to their legs and asking them about their travels.

By the time Sidon arrived, notified by a guard, it was to find Link with baby Zoras hanging off of his biceps and Zelda crouched down to show a small blue child some pictures on the Sheikah Slate.

"My friends! I had no idea you would be returning so soon. What a wonderful surprise!" As the Prince approached the children detached from Link and Zelda, clustering together looking contrite, but he only smiled. "Now what's this, welcoming in the Heroes of Hyrule are we? I appreciate your efforts, but I'm afraid I must speak with them alone, is that alright?"

To this the children nodded enthusiastically, giggling and scampering away as Sidon made a gentle shooing motion.

"Good morning, Sidon," Zelda greeted, "we have determined the problem with Vah Ruta."

"Oh, this is fantastic news! I hope it's nothing serious," his normally positive demeanour fractured for a split second to show concern.

"Not at all, I believe that the Divine Beasts one by one are beginning to hibernate. Without pilots or a target their purpose has now been served. In order to return them to their original settings and places we need to gain mastery over them, just as Mipha did with Vah Ruta. We are here to complete trials that will give us control of Vah Ruta once again. But, this Divine Beast belongs to the Zora, so ultimately, whatever happens, it is up to you to decide."

Zelda felt it was wise to place that decision in the hands of the Zora. Hyper aware of the fact that the Divine Beast had essentially locked their former Princess within to die, it should be for them to decide it's fate. Whether they wished to send it back to sleep or to keep it functioning with a new Champion linked to it, it would be their choice and theirs alone.

"I thank you for this. I will alert my father at once. I take it for now you and Link are happy to carry on with whatever tasks have been set before you?"

Sharing a glance, the two Hylians nodded and the Prince then bid them farewell, making his way up to the Throne room to deliver the good news.

"Thank you," Link said quietly, "for giving them control over Vah Ruta."

"It seemed only right. It is their Divine Beast, and although it was not directly it's fault, that is where Mipha was taken from them. Besides," she gave him a rueful grin, "it's not as if I actually hold any power to tell them what to do with it. It's oddly liberating."

They made their way out of the heart of the Domain, following the glowing point on the Slate's map, which would lead them to their next challenge. It was a bit of a hike and the sun had already crested high in the sky, creating a warm and muggy atmosphere, but the exercise was enjoyable regardless. The rush of exploring, feeling wet grass slide beneath their feet, and the scent of fresh dewy air was a wonderful thing to experience.

Link had changed into his Zora armour, worn beneath his Champion's tunic, so the humidity didn't bother him but Zelda was wishing she had some form of water resilient clothing.

"There isn't anything in that Slate that I can wear for this climate is there? Only this jacket is suddenly feeling very heavy."

He did not, unfortunately, and was half tempted to hand her his own armour but this was probably the only piece of clothing he would be extremely reticent about loaning. Even though he knew Mipha wouldn't be angry about it.

"I'm afraid not."

"And there's nowhere else I can find armour like that, right?"

"Not unless Mipha also made you one."

"Somehow, I doubt it."

They continued on, Zelda only just barely avoiding the urge to take her jacket off and let the sea breeze pass through her thin, white under-shirt. However, when they reached the destination marked on the map they found that they were not the only ones to have been drawn to the place, the sounds of cheery accordion music preceding them.

"Kass! You're here!"

The large blue Rito stopped playing and greeted them, his beak curved up into a smile. Despite his feathers ruffling in the coastal winds he otherwise looking bright and well preened as usual.

"Hello there, we meet again I see. Though I feel you are here for this structure rather than me personally."

The structure Kass was referring to stood behind him; a circular, central platform with three spires around it's edge, similar to those found on top of the Trial Shrines. Link was damn sure this thing hadn't been here when he last came through the Domain.

While Zelda spoke to Kass, he went to investigate and he felt a pressure inside his head along with a tug near his heart as he moved forward. The structure wasn't actively doing anything but Link felt it calling to him, a deep resonating chime reaching out for his soul alone. He remembered feeling something similar as he was beckoned towards the Master Sword. The Slate against his hip beeped to urge him forward and so he moved towards it more confidently. This left Zelda to continue talking to Kass and listen the notes left behind by his Sheikah Teacher.

Walking up to the platform, he ran a hand over the stone-like surface of a spire. The notes of Kass' accordion filled the air and the sigils around the circular platform lit up blue just as Maz Koshia's voice returned.

I applaud your courage in coming here.

While Link didn't personally think he had necessarily displayed much courage to get him here - more like raging curiosity - the voice carried on regardless.

The Locations that will be revealed to you are of trials
that will enhance the power sleeping within.

Do not let your guard down...

Sleeping within? Do you mean Mipha's power? He received no response from the Monk and he could tell that Maz Koshia was no longer there, his current task completed.

The spires then came alive with images. Scenes and landscapes of Zora's Domain swept across the stone surface, eventually settling on three locations from a bird's eye view. The platform began to pulse with light yet the images remained on the spires, urging him to take a closer look. He could hear Kass and Zelda behind him reacting curiously to the change but did not approach, leaving him be to inspect it by himself. Squinting at the locations, he could easily recognise the areas they depicted, his many years of exploring the Zoran cliffs and highlands in his youth coming back to him. Mipha had been there with him too, from the very start, making sure he didn't get hurt.

He sighed with a small smile and listened to the closing notes of Kass' song. Turning around, he saw Zelda looking wistfully up at the Rito, her journal open in hand, but he could tell her gaze was far away. Was that what I looked like when I recalled memories?

As soon as he came close to her, she seemed to regather herself and thanked Kass for the song, closing her journal and holding it close to her chest. While the Rito was happy to occupy himself, bidding them a farewell as he began working on the verses for his next ballad, Link gently tugged Zelda along towards the monument. It was already past noon and they should make a start on these new trials sooner rather than later, but Zelda still seemed a little lost.

Once she was placed on the structure she became more alive, opening her journal once again and noting down details about it's appearance and function. Her mental map was not as good as Link's but she still inspected the images with great scrutiny, recognising that one of the locations was not too far along the coast from here. Turning to Link she showed him the verses that she had written down in her book that outlined the challenges to come and asked him for his version of events.

"Maz Koshia spoke to me, thing lit up, images appeared. We need to go to three places."

Teasing her was becoming a bit of a fun habit, but not without it's risks as Zelda used her notebook to give him a swift whack against his chest. After he had stopped chuckling, he gave her a more detailed account that she was satisfied with and they set off towards the nearest location.

After they had travelled over the next few hills Zelda started to speak.

"Did I ever tell you about the trips I made when I told the Champions that they had been chosen?"

Link shook his head, keeping his eyes forward as he continued to walk, but he made a noise to show that he was interested in hearing about it.

"Father wanted to wait until we could bring them all to the Castle, but I reasoned that they were all busy with their own responsibilities. It would look better to be seen telling them all in person. It was half of my reason," she said, her voice a little tense as they ambled across soft green grass, disturbing a couple of crickets in the process, but Link could guess her other reason.

"It got you out of the castle," he said, without judgement and Zelda relaxed.

"I didn't have an Appointed Knight yet, you were chosen as the Hylian Champion as soon as you came forward with the sword, but father had yet to see you in action, as it were. So, my trips outside were... limited"

"He trusted me with the Kingdom, but not with you."

Zelda frowned, slowing down a little as she processed that, which brought Link to a halt as well. She found the statement to be true, and such sentiment from her father was at odds with everything else she had come to know from him. It had always been the Kingdom first, learn to use her powers above all else, even above her own well being. He had seen fit to name Link as a Champion, to defend the entire Kingdom, without truly seeing his capabilities. But, he had not been confident to name Link as the Princess's Knight, to defend her. His own daughter. Had he intended for Link to be able to look after her, not just physically but emotionally as well? As King he could not be seen to be giving his daughter too much flak in the face of certain doom, to put her before his people. A silent knight constantly at her side could though, protecting her at all times, someone she could confide in with utmost confidence. Support.

Zelda felt like dragging her hands down her face.

"I hate hindsight," she groaned, shoving at Link's shoulder as she caught the tiny smirk on his face.

"I wonder how he would feel about that now, given everything," he reached for her hand as he said this, causing Zelda to clear her throat and squeeze his hand back.

"Anyway," she continued, and Link barked a laugh, "back to my original point. I went to each of the Champion's home regions to deliver the news personally. During Kass' song, I remembered the moment I told Mipha that she would become the Zora Champion."

Link was most definitely paying attention now. A memory that he genuinely hadn't been present for at the time was making him a little excited, like a small kid at story time. He tugged at her hand to get them moving again, and as they walked up the breezy slopes of Lanayru, she told him of her meeting with the Zora Princess.

"She took it in her stride, pleased, I think, that she would be able to actively help defend her people in that time of adversity. She seemed happy that you would be one of the Champions too," feeling playful, she turned to Link and waggled her eyebrows at him. It was worth it for the flustered response he gave, averting his eyes elsewhere as his ears sprang up. "But it was the way she encouraged her younger brother that struck a chord with me the most. Little Sidon wouldn't swim up the waterfall we were looking down from, and Mipha was very firm with him. However, when it became apparent that he wasn't going to be able to do it on his own she dived down to help him. I've never seen a Zora manage a water flow so … beautifully. What's that thing you do sometimes with your shield? You ride it down hills when you think I'm not looking."

Link choked for a second, but managed to answer, "shield surfing."

"Oh, so it's similar to Sand Seal racing, just without the sand seal?" He gave her a nod, and Zelda was able to continue with her story, "Well, it looked like she was doing that down the waterfall, but without a shield. She could just use the water to her advantage, as if she were the one controlling it. She had Sidon hold onto her so she could swim them back up and he could see that there was nothing to fear. She knew he could do it, she believed in him, he only needed a little encouragement. Then he went and did it all by himself."

Zelda exhaled loudly and Link could feel that same emotion deep within his soul. Mipha would always be dearly missed. Straightening her posture and taking another lungful of sea air, she marched forward with purpose taking Link with her.

"Now, let's go see if we can follow in her footsteps, shall we?"


The first location they visited was on the cliffs east of Zora's Domain looking out over the Tingle Islands, the sun painting the sky in various shades of pink and orange. There they met Muzu and a guard, Tottika, by an unlit fire. According to the old manta Zora, Mipha had come here to train and overcome trials to prove herself as Champion before her Divine Beast - just as they were now. However, the Trial was time sensitive so they would have to wait for the right moment; sunrise specifically.

Deciding to stay near for the sun to rise instead of moving on to another trial location at night, Link began searching for a suitable flat patch of ground to make camp. When he found a good spot he called Zelda over and waited for her to join him.

"Oh, this will do nicely. It's been a while since we slept under the stars, hasn't it?" She mused but Link was eagerly gesturing for the Sheikah Slate, so she handed it over.

After pulling out a blanket and their other camping supplies, he procured two spears, both of Zoran make, and held one out for Zelda to take. She looked a bit confused, taking the spear hesitantly, so he explained.

"You said you wanted me to train you."

Her confusion turned into excitement as she held onto her weapon more tightly. Pleased with her reaction, Link put the Slate down on the grass and gestured for Zelda to remove her jacket to put beside the Slate. Once that was done they both stuck their spears into the ground and began warming up their joints. Link didn't intend to do any actual sparring against Zelda just yet.

"If I am to teach a new guard, in this grand plan of yours, I need to know if I can teach."

"So, I am to be your student. Alright then, teach me. Sir."

"Please, don't."

Once they were both ready he squared off against her, getting her to mirror his stance and the way he gripped the spear. Once she finished getting into her own position, Link would walk over and correct her in places, letting her see how a slight shift in balance could make her stance more secure. He also demonstrated how holding a properly weighted spear a certain way was more beneficial for certain moves than others. He was surprised by how close she was on her stances and holds, only needing to correct a few minor mistakes. Taking a step back he looked at her quizzically.

"I thought the King didn't let you practice weapons?"

"He didn't," she affirmed, "but Mipha didn't like the idea of a Princess being unable to defend herself. Even after she found out you were guarding me."

"Mipha likes to encourage the inner strengths of people."

"Didn't she just? At the time, I thought she was just jealous," Zelda admitted, looking away for a second.

"Jealous?"

"If I could defend myself, I would need you less. So, you could spend more time with her and less with me."

"Oh! … Mipha was never that kind of person, from what I saw, she just wanted the best for you, too. Besides, even if you could have defended yourself, I would still have been your Appointed Knight... I may have stressed slightly less though."

Zelda gave a short laugh, "yes, I'm sure. But I realised later on that Mipha was just genuinely a thoughtful person, not manipulative. It did frustrate me at times."

Link considered for a moment, "alright then. Why don't you show me what she taught you?"

An hour later and he was throwing Zelda's disarmed spear back to her yet again. The rush of sparring was not yet intense enough for Link to lose his patience, but he was getting a little frustrated. He could see that she knew the manoeuvrers and strikes commonly used by spear-weilders, but it was as if she lost heart half way, second guessing her actions. This enabled Link to easily deflect her strikes and twist the spear right out of her hands, forcing her to let go or suffer an injury. He wasn't being gentle but he also didn't wish to out right harm her.

As she caught her spear Link pointed at her. "You can do better than that. I know you can. You said Mipha taught you."

"Over a weekend!" Zelda shouted back, already back in an attack stance.

"That would have been enough for Mipha," he said, easily guarding against Zelda's thrust and batting her spear to the side. "You're getting angry."

Zelda nearly screamed, No, shit!, instead she responded with "So do you!"

"Using a spear is practically second nature to me. When I get angry my body knows what to do even if my mind is preoccupied."

"Right," she took a calming breath, "practice makes perfect."

"Come on," Link encouraged, "land a hit and you get a free pass to do anything you want."

"Any thing?" She asked, slowly, to make him realise the full weight of his words, but he just nodded, one eyebrow raised.

"I don't go back on my word."

With renewed vigor, Zelda tried bringing the spear down in an arc onto Link's head, he blocked the strike with his prosthetic. The spear head chipped slightly on the surface of the guardian material and Zelda looked offended.

"Isn't that cheating! Most people don't have nigh indestructible armour for skin!"

"But I do, and I am your opponent," Link countered, quickly knocking the spear up and away before then snapping the same arm forward to grab onto Zelda's wrist. He held on tightly, disabling her ability to move the spear at all. "You can't base this on averages Zelda. Only the extremes count here."

The spear eventually clattered to the floor as Links grip on her joint unconsciously increased and her hand gave a spasm. Wincing she looked from her partners face, serious and stern, to the steadily increasing pressure being exerted on her wrist. She could feel the small bones beneath muscle and ligaments shift passed each other, grinding together. Stifling a gasp she trusted that he would let go soon, but he didn't seem to notice.

"I'm not going to go easy on you."

He was watching her, his own spear still in hand, waiting for that moment of clarity to spread across her face when she fully grasped what he was trying to teach her. But the only expression he could see was the beginning of fear.

"Zelda?"

"Link, you're hurting me!"

His grip on her wrist immediately vanished and he took three large steps away from her, his Zora spear falling into the grass to lie beside hers. Cradling her wrist gingerly she hissed, as blood rushed back to the area adding to the pain as it became inflamed. She rubbed the skin and saw that it hadn't broken, and rotating the joint didn't bring any sharp pains so there was no permanent damage. Holding some icy chu jelly on it should be enough to soothe it later. Looking up to ask just what the hell that was all about it she saw Link looking extremely frightened.

She wasn't sure if she had ever actually seen him look afraid. Anxious or panicked perhaps, but this wide-eyed look of fear and shame wasn't like anything she had seen before. He was also very pale.

"Link? What happen-"

"I'm sorry!" He blurted, clutching at his artificial arm and tilting that side of his body away from her. "I had no idea I was-"

Words cut off sharply as his jaw snapped shut. Instead, he pointed to Zelda's wrist and raised his eyebrows uncertainly, still looking very shaken.

"I just need to put some ice on it and it'll be fine. Link, it's ok, you didn't do any permanent damage."

[I shouldn't have hurt you at all] He signalled sharply, still at an angle as he tried to keep his prosthetic away from her.

"Link, it was an accident you couldn't … you couldn't feel it," she realised, nearly whispering the last words to herself. "Oh, no, sweetheart. You didn't know you were holding me too tight, it's not your fault!"

She came forward in a rush, too quick for Link to back away from her in time before she could hold his face in one hand, and his right shoulder with the other.

"I know you would never hurt me maliciously, that's why I was so surprised and confused. You don't have pressure sensors," but now that she said it, she knew that it was something he needed. This would rattle him for a while.

"I just," Links voice broke again but he turned his body fully to her so she could see both hands equally.

[I didn't want to insult you. By fighting easy. I wanted to battle you as a real threat. Beat me, you can beat anything. Almost anything. Lynels hurt]

A puff of air brushed across his face as Zelda gave a short laugh to his amendment. She didn't look mad and she certainly didn't seem to fear him as she slowly brushed stray strands of hair out of his eyes. That glimpse of fear he had seen upon her face, however, would stay with him. He never wanted to see that emotion directed at him ever again, not from her.

[I won't use ancient technology arm] He signed, and as he brushed his palm over the length of the prosthetic, Zelda's hand followed.

"I don't fear it, far from it, and I certainly don't fear you. But," she held both of his hands in hers, "I think I need to have a word with Robbie about installing some pressure sensors. Even if it's just crude ones to limit your grip to your natural strength." She squeezed his left hand briefly before letting both of his hands go.

As Zelda turned away from him, he was still a little uncertain of how to proceed. He no longer trusted himself to be able to have a controlled fight. Even though he had said that he was going to fight her as a genuine opponent, he had still been keeping his more erratic and wild tendencies in check. That could come in later. Now, he knew he couldn't tell when attacks would be too much. Left hand only for counters and attacks from now on, and right for pure blocking, Link reminded himself, similar to one arm sparring. That is, if Zelda even wished to continue.

As he was trying to decide who else he trusted to teach Zelda in his place, he nearly missed his spear being thrown to him. Catching the shadow of a projectile in his periphery, his hand shot out to grab it an inch from his face. Uncrossing his eyes from where they had focused on his weapon, he saw Zelda standing five strides away from of him, hand on hip and her own spear stabbing the ground. She looked expectant.

"You … still want me to teach you?" He asked.

"Thought you weren't going easy on me?"

Oh, well, that was definitely a challenge. Facing his opponent, previous reservations set aside for the moment, he braced.

Come at me, then.


How's that cool robot arm treating you there, buddy?

I am avoiding writing out the trials too vividly or descriptively because spoilers and also because that pattern will get old fast for upcoming chapters. So it'll be focused more on Link/Zelda interactions between themselves and other characters leading up to or unlocking the trials themselves.

Let me know what you liked or disliked in the comments.