Zelda's POV

The journey home from the Gerudo Highlands was much livelier than usual.

Wild seemed to have put a pep in the heroes' steps.

He and Hyrule were like a chaos duo.

They say something interesting off path, and their mentors had to drag them back to the group by the scruff of their necks.

Wild didn't disclose any information with why he has a Sheikah slate, what happened to his arm, or what was his quest like.

At least, not with me.

Now that I think about it, Wild seems to have been avoiding the Champions, Link, and I.

And when he had to talk with any of us, he never made eye contact.

Mipha suggested that Wild was just intimidated by Urbosa, and Link and I's statuses.

But I think it's something more.

He also keeps his hood pulled up and his head down with dealing with anyone other than his brothers.

Twilight's assured us that he's just shy, and is afraid of strangers. But still, it's only a part of the truth covering up something bigger.

When we got back to the castle, Purah and Robbie were all over him, asking questions about the future, what happened to his arm, and hundreds of other concerns.

Twilight quickly shut it down though, and I could see Wild shaking, however slightly.

Maybe Twilight was telling the whole truth.

But there was still a large part of me that seriously doubted it.

When I woke up, the sun was shining through my window.

I sighed and tore myself further away from the embrace of sleep.

I got dressed, fixed my hair, then left my room to find Link waiting outside it on attention.

"Time for breakfast." I said, yawning, my hands high above my head.

Most of the heroes were already present at the dining hall when we entered.

The only ones absent were Sky, Legend, Hyrule, and Twilight. Wild came in just after Link and I did, keeping his head low.

We were meant to meet with Purah again, but not until this afternoon.

So I ate the food slowly, trying to find a way to keep me busy for a few hours.

I found it in the heroes and Link.

I let Link go train since I doubt nothing would happen while I'm at the castle.

I wandered aimlessly around the castle for a while. Then I found myself at the training area somehow.

The boys were already armed with wooden swords and shields. They were training alongside one of the best instructors we have, but they weren't interested.

Time and Twilight were one pair, Legend and Warriors another, Hyrule and Wind, and Four and Sky were the last.

Which left Wild with Link.

It seemed I wasn't the only one looking over at them, the Champions and other knights stopped to stare.

Even though Twilight was pulling some unnamed moves that no one else but Time seemed to know, or how Sky's fighting skills were like a dance, the main focus was our Champions versus a hero.

They bowed before crossing their swords respectfully (though Wild seemed a little confused about it) before launching into the mock battle.

Link thrust out with his sword.

Wild dodged, as quick as the wind.

Link slashed his sword through the air in a spin attack.

Wild wasn't there.

Link seemed to be getting a little annoyed and amazed at Wild's skills. We all were.

Wild appeared behind Link.

Link turned around and slashed his sword down, hitting the ground.

Wild didn't move until the last second.

Then he was beside Link, dealing what would've been deadly blows with real swords before jumping away.

It all happened in a few seconds.

Link stumbled and fell from surprise.

Wild sheathed his sword and put his shield away before holding out his hand.

Link took it and pulled himself to his feet with the hero's help.

"That was amazing!"

"How'd you do that?"

"Can you teach me?"

Clamors of applause erupted around the courtyard.

As a result, Wild shrunk into the shadows of his hood, backing up into Twilight. Though I can't tell if it was an accident or a reflex.

Twilight and Time paused their match to see what had happened.

Twilight whispered something in Wild's ear, who nodded.

"And that's why they're all over you." Twilight explained.

"Am I still the only one who can do a flurry rush?" Wild asked.

I just hear them from over-or well, under-the noise.

"You're the only one, besides probably Link, who can manipulate time." Twilight said, surprising me.

Wild, and probably Link too, can manipulate time? How?

I've never heard of two people having the same powers. Not until today, apparently.

But… are they different people?

Wild does look a lot like Link, just minus the mildly concerning scars on Wild's body.

I've only ever seen scars like that on corpses.

Don't ask how I know that.