"Do you have any idea how old it gets? Your stasis is a real pain in the butt, ya know that?" Link complained from the ground, stubbornly staring at the blade of Impa's kodachi, which was just removed from his neck.

"Ah, well it might get old for you, but it never gets old for me," Impa chuckled, lowering her blade and helping Link off the ground.

Link finished wiping the dirt off his pant leg and turned his attention back to Impa, who continued talking, "I'm actually surprised I got you that time, you usually win with your special time stopping ability, which we still don't know the reason why you have by the way. Now guess how old that gets for me?" she finished with a smirk.

Link laughed a strained laugh, due to him still being out of breath, "Well I guess you have a good point."

Impa exaggeratedly flipped the blade of her kodachi, "I do indeed, have a very, very good point."

"Oh haha, you're a riot. Hey, I thought puns were my thing!"

"Well I suppose your ridiculous sense of humor has rubbed off on me a bit."

With the death of Cato, Impa took over her and Link's daily training. She made an excellent instructor, always being fair, but sure to push Link to his limits. After learning under her father's watchful eye for close to ten years, she knew almost as much as he did, and was a great replacement. She even continued to learn and grew stronger as well, for Link being as strong and skilled as he was, made for a tough competitor. Despite Impa's increasingly busy schedule and extra exhaustion with her taking up the role previously owned by her father as the royal advisor, she still gladly made time to work with Link. Her morning started with their run, and she never missed a day of afternoon training with her little trainee, who looked up to her so much.

"Now back to business. You have clearly proved yourself extremely resourceful with your sword and your special ability, but I want to strengthen the hylian behind all that. If we stripped all that away, and trained what was left, imagine how much stronger you would be! I don't want you to always rely on your sword or power, I want to really build up your core fighting, so that when you do use your blade and ability, you will be all the more prepared."

"So like hand to hand combat?"

"Yes, exactly."

Link grinned, pleased to comprehend what Impa was talking about, "So if I can fight better with only myself, I'll be even more powerful with my extra fighting techniques."

"You got it. We've done our solid number of sparring rounds, so to finish up today, I'd like to teach you some hand to hand combat. Dad used to do this with me, he'd take a break to really focus on my core fighting skills, so I would do better overall. So now I will do it with you," Impa broke off, looking down at the ground.

"Hey, are you alright?" Link asked carefully.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Memories, you know? They can be as painful as they can be heartwarming. But thanks Link, I'm alright," Impa wiped her eyes quickly, then looked back up at Link, her eyes looking misty.

She shook it off and managed a wry smile. "So back to what I was saying. Oh yes, I'll teach you some basic hand to hand techniques, to see how well you take to it. No powers, no weapons, and that goes for me too, don't worry."

Impa and Link threw their sparring weapons off to the side and Impa began instructing Link on the basics of hand to hand fighting.

"So first off, leg stance is vital. You keep one foot slightly behind the other, but keep your feet spaced out just so. Perfect, like that! When you start to move around, try to maintain that stance. Always stay on the tips of your toes, it helps you react and move around faster. Keep your hands up, never drop your guard. Chin down, eyes up, elbows in, and, you know what, close enough!"

Link released his stance, "I'm not going to lie, that felt kinda weird."

"It will feel a bit strange at first, but as we continue to work on it, you'll get better and more accustomed to it, I promise. As time goes on it'll feel totally natural. Now show me your readied stance again."

Link tried to recreate his previous pose, and Impa helped him readjust where it was needed. She went on to show him basic offensive moves, such as punching, from jabs, uppercuts, and hooks. Impa also gave him some defensive techniques as well, which were equally important, things like ducking, dipping, and blocking. They all felt a bit strange at first, but with continued repetition, they gradually came to feel more natural. After a few minutes, Link came to enjoy it even, feeling excited at his newly learned skills. With him already being in great shape, the new stances and positions came easier and more naturally. Focusing on just himself without weapons or special abilities was truly benefiting him, making him more aware of pure defensive and offensive techniques.

"Alright, you're getting the hang of it. Now to put your new knowledge to action. We're going to try a new drill," Impa paused her talking and Link relaxed his body, but watched as Impa pulled what looked to be a red string out of the pocket of her grey pants. He wore an amused look as she flusteredly tried to untangle the string, muttering things like 'It was only in my pocket for a short amount of time what the hell'.

When she finally untangled it, she stretched it out, proving it to be around five feet long. Link observed with a perplexed status as Impa tied one end of the red tether to her right ankle, then the other end to Link's right ankle.

"Uh Impa, what are you doing?"

"This is going to get you used to up close, as well as hand to hand combat. You will have to maintain a five foot radius with me, as well as being unable to use any weapons or powers. We're focusing on raw fighting now. So to start, I want you on defence. I won't hit hard or fast, I just want you to focus on not getting contacted by any of my blows."

Link responded with a determined nod, and so the training session continued. Link and Impa went back and forward, switching from defensive to offensive positions. Link even found it enjoyable as he progressed. Impa started slower, but as she sensed Link was ready for increased difficulty, her movements became faster and better timed. Even though Link was still very new to this new form of fighting, he still showed a knack for it nonetheless, always keeping Impa on her toes.

After quite a few rounds of switching offensive and defensive roles, Impa paused to give the two athletes a short break to catch their breaths.

"So how am I doing?" Link huffed, his hands on top of his head.

"Not bad at all, we will definitely make this part of our regular routine from now on. And eventually, we will even full out spar hand to hand, but I will leave that until you get more used to the hang of things completely. Now to finish things up for the day, let's just do one final sparring round, but this time with weapons and powers. I want you to fight just like normal, but see what you retain from what I just taught you. See how you can implement hand to hand combat, into armed combat."

Link looked up into the clouded sky, considering what Impa was talking about, and when he was sure he could do what she was requesting, he looked back at her and gave her a thumbs up, "Ok, I'll try my best."

"That's the spirit! Now c'mon, go get your wooden sword."

While the final practice fight commenced, Link did indeed feel a bit different than before. He found himself staying on his toes, never resting on the back of his feet, which greatly enhanced his agility. He felt more aware of protecting his body, so his chin was more tilted, as well as his arms in a more prepared and defensive position, always up. Link tried to mix in more dodging, ducking, and slipping around Impa's attacks, versus as many backflips and constantly jumping back like he used to. Link found that shorter movements saved time, leading to more opportunities to attack his opponent.

After around a minute of the two scrimmaging, Link was found as the proud victor, greatly pleased with himself for correctly applying his newly learned skills.

Impa looked at the handmade sword's blade against her chest, then back at Link, who wore a cheeky smile. She beamed back at him, elated that he was truly paying attention to what she taught him, and was accelerating. She was proud of him for always trying his best, and usually picking up new techniques fairly quickly.

"Great job! I definitely noticed some improvement that time," she paused to stand up and wipe the dust off her clothes before continuing to speak, "So how did that feel?"

"It felt different, but much better, kinda like I was more aware or something? I think it's all coming together. I liked it though, and I'm glad we'll keep working on it," Link responded cheerfully, content with his new lessons, yet looking forward to going back home to eat dinner.

"I'm glad to hear it had a good effect, we'll keep it up. Practice makes perfect! Now let's go back home and start dinner, and check up on Purah, before she burns something down or some other form of nonsense."

As the two companions walked home together, Link got lost in his thoughts. His surroundings were beautiful as always, for the evening view of Kakariko never got old to him. The cool, early night breeze was greatly appreciated on his tired body, and the relaxing stroll had the same calming effect on Impa as well. The distant mountains and rolling, green hills were lit up by the orange sun as it set over the West Necluda mountain peaks. Link sighed in his euphoria, totally at peace with his surroundings and where he was at life. As many mysteries remained to be solved, he was still content. Despite the hardships he had endured, he still found many reasons to be grateful for what he still had, and what he had going for him in the future.

"Hey Link, do you ever wonder why you are so gifted? I mean, obviously you work super hard constantly, and your dad was very talented as well. But you're two weeks from thirteen, and can beat people twice your age, size, and height. Your skills in fighting are beyond compare, and to top it all off, you were gifted to slow time around you! Do you often ponder why that is?" Impa asked unexpectedly, bringing Link out of his serene trance. He blinked, then looked at her, then back to the path in front of him.

"Actually, yes I do. A lot, as a matter of fact. I really don't get it, Impa... Could I be honest with you?" Link said meekly, suddenly wishing to talk about the subject he usually kept to himself.

Maybe it was Impa's welcoming kindness, the ravishing view surrounding him, or the fact that he truly did desperately want to talk to someone about the questions that ate away at him. Perhaps a mix of all three, but nonetheless, he knew deep down that talking about what was bothering him would most likely help him feel better and sort things out with himself. The truth was, Link thought about why he was so gifted all the time. Not in a prideful manner, but in a concerned one. It made no sense, why would he be so special? Especially with all the crazy things going on in Hyrule, the ever daunting and threatening presence of evil and malice that crept closer and closer. With the looming threat of the prophesized return of Calamity Ganon, Hyrule needed heroes. And what worried Link, was the possibilities that he might be one of them. No, he couldn't be, but yet, could he? The fact he was named Link didn't really help his case. He knew the legends, and what stories were tied to his name. He never turned a deaf ear when the tales of Hyrule's past were recited, and the repeated name that ran through them. Nor could he ignore the looks he got when his name was said throughout Hyrule's history. It was simply too many coincidences to just ignore.

"Can you be honest with me? Absolutely not Link, tell me nothing but lies. I want to hear none other than the best deceit you can muster."

" ... "

"I'm joking, yes please be honest with me, I'm listening," Impa teased, but then turned all her attention to him.

Link laughed, grateful to Impa for lightening his tensed up state. "Thanks. It's just that, well, I do think about why I'm so gifted. Everyday, actually. It doesn't make any sense, why me? Why now? It's not every day you get gifted with the power of slowing time at your will to go along with your gift of fighting techniques. At this time, with my name? I have no idea why I seem to be so special, and I know that someone else would be more than happy to be so accomplished, but it scares me. I'm honestly frightened by it all."

Impa didn't say anything, wishing for Link to continue talking.

"And I know that might sound stupid and dumb, like I'm scared of this-"

"No, it doesn't sound stupid or dumb at all," Impa interjected quickly, "That's a very reasonable response. In fact, if you weren't scared or concerned about it, I'd be disappointed at your lack of comprehension. I'm glad you're aware of it, it shows maturity on your part. Instead of being prideful and pleased at your abilities, you are contemplating how you are going to use them."

"Thanks Impa. That's encouraging I suppose. And I know I'm still super young, so I've got time, but still. I'm super nervous, although I guess it's all just the uncertainty of the future, you know?"

"Yeah I know. I'm glad you told me, and feel free to talk to me about anything whenever, ok? It doesn't make much sense to me, but knowing you, I can see why it seems Hylia trusts you with so much already. Whatever the future brings, know that Purah and I always got your back, along with the other friends you'll make on the way."

Link smiled brightly at her reassurance, "I know, thanks again. We just have to wait and see, right?"

Impa grinned back at him, "Right."

They reached the house, almost sorry to have to cut their nice walk short. But the fact that they were closer to dinner made up for it. They walked through the threshold of the house and Impa neatly lined up her navy blue sandals against the wall. Link lazily kicked his pair of sandals against the wall and started to walk away, but was quickly jerked back by Impa who grabbed him right by his ear.

"Ow! Hey, what's that for!"

"Don't just throw them against the wall, line them up neatly please."

"Yes mother," Link mumbled sarcastically under his breath as he bent over to reorient his shoes.

Impa jerked her head around, for Link wasn't as good as a whisperer as he thought he was, "Excuse me? My ears may not be as big as yours, but I hear just as well you know."

Link looked up at Impa, who was wearing a smug smile as she leaned against the wall.

He gave her a mischievous look, "Oh sure, us Hylians have a tad bit bigger ears, but at least we don't get grey hair at the young age of seventeen."

"BiG eArS," Impa mimicked.

"GrEy HaIr," Link mocked.

"ImMaTuRe ChIlDrEn."

Impa and Link broke eye contact and simultaneously turned their attention to Purah, who decided to interrupt their childish squabble.

"Now matter how talented either of you are, you both are children. Now when you two are done insulting each other, may we move on to dinner preparations please?" With that, Purah walked away, tucking her glasses into her shirt collar.

Link and Impa looked back at each other, and just laughed as they followed Purah into the kitchen. Making dinner went smooth and quickly, although Impa looking for opportunities to flick one of Link's ears and Link pretending to compare the color of his grey sweater to Impa's long hair certainly didn't help speed up the process. These constant shenanigans left Purah pondering about how Impa got her job as a royal advisor, and why Link was so gifted in the first place.

After dinner, the three companions sat around the living room like they always did. Impa and Link sat on the couch, both absorbed in a book, while Purah sat at the little wooden table next to them, taking research notes off of one of her mother's old technology notebooks. Her hand always lingered over her mother's neat handwriting before she slowly and ever so carefully turned each page. After a while, Purah found herself just downheartedly reading her mother's writing, not even writing down what information she came across. She smiled sadly at one page of transcript in particular, where Akilah seemed to just have doodled short sketches of her two daughters. After a few tear drops on the page, Purah decided she had written enough notes for the night. She sat silent for a bit, trying to find a way to focus on something else.

Purah cleared her throat, "So, how did your guys' training session go today?"

Impa peaked over her book cover, "It went alright, thanks. Same as usual."

"Who won the most sparring rounds?" Purah asked teasingly, already knowing the answer.

"I mean it was pretty equal and whatnot, but I think I won the most rounds," Link answered meekly, wanting to answer, but not wanting to end up in a harder training session with Impa the following day.

"Ha, like always. Way to beat her up, Linky. What's it like Impa, getting beat by someone younger than you all the time? Must be tough," Purah jested, but put her hands a bit closer to her face, lest a book be thrown at it.

Impa snapped out of her book, and curtly marked her page and closed the cover, "Well, for your information, I'm teaching him. He is learning from me. The fact that he excels in his training is something I am quite proud of. I don't mind that he beats me sometimes, for it shows his skill is always improving, and I want him to be better than me. As long as I do my best, I am content."

"Hoho, how humble of you," Purah giggled.

Impa simply rolled her eyes and gave her attention back to her book.

Link chucked and stood up, "Well I don't know about you two, but I'm really tired. I'm going to turn in for the night. Good night!"

"Good night Link!"

"Night Linky!"

Link waved goodnight back and went upstairs to his room, and got dressed into more comfortable clothes for the night. After slipping into a more comfy pair of soft grey pants, and a navy blue shirt, he climbed into his bed and sleep took him almost instantly.

_-+-_

"Wake up, Master Link."

"Ah oh my goodness shut up and leave me alone I'm tryna sleep," Link mumbled, still half asleep.

"Wake up, Master Link."

Link shot up in his bed this time, now fully awake, his ears perked up in their alertness as his blue eyes scanned his dark room, searching for the origin of the noise he could have swore he heard. After a minute of silence, he carefully got out of his bed and quietly searched his room, just to make sure no one else was in it. But he found no one, and heard nothing else.

"Huh, must've been dreaming or somethin," Link muttered as he got back under his covers, and shut his eyes again to let his consciousness slip away once again.

"Young Master, wake up!"

Link quickly sat up in his bed, and reached for the wooden sparring sword he knew he left leaning against one of his bed posts. He jumped out of his bed and made a more detailed search of his room, now convinced either he was going crazy, or that someone else in his room was crazy.

"Who's there?! Impa? Purah? If this is one of you guys playing some stupid joke, it's not funny! Quit it!"

"I recommend you be more quiet, I calculate that if you are any louder you'll wake them up. They are both asleep, neither of them are calling to you. In fact, they couldn't hear me, even if they were in a conscious state."

Link froze at these words, and now he was fully awake. He wasn't quite sure what to think any more, "Wait, who are you? And why couldn't they hear you? Who am I even talking to?!" Link whispered harshly.

"Those are all great interrogative statements."

Link tried to focus on the tone of the voice the best he could. It seemed to come from inside his head, rather than from around him. The voice sounded feminine, like a young yet experienced maiden, but had a metallic, and almost robotic affect to it. But despite the expressionless tonality the voice seemed to have, Link could sense some emotion behind the words, like the smugness he was positive he heard in the mysterious person's previous statement.

"I would understand that your natural Hylian tendency would be to feel great levels of concern, as well as fear and confusion at an undetermined moment such as this. I assure you master Link, I pose no threat to you. I am speaking to you to lead you, as well as help guide you throughout your destiny. Your time has come, to be reunited with part of your very past. You must place your undeterred trust into me, and heed my guidance. If you choose to follow my directions, your questions, which I calculate you must have many, will be answered."

Link went silent, and felt his heartbeat pound in his chest. He didn't know how to react, or what to say immediately. Should he ask more questions, should he try to talk to this unknown being? Should he follow whatever orders this person might offer him, or should he go back to sleep? Do what this seemingly spirit maiden requested, or ask that Impa sign him up for a therapy session the next morning? The voice in his head didn't sound like they were lying, or trying to deceive him. He could detect no malicious intent whatsoever. But still, this was so much, so sudden, so confusing, and filled him with great concern and many questions.

"Look I, I think you have the wrong person. I don't know what you want from me, and I doubt you even want me in the first place. I don't even know who you are. Oh Hylia, I'm going crazy," Link spoke softly, quivering. He just simply didn't know what to think, and was so unsure of himself, as well as whoever he was conversing with.

"Having great doubt is a very reasonable response, based on your Hylian nature. But I promise you, this meeting is by no means a mistake or coincidence. You are not going crazy, young master. I assure you full heartedly of this conclusion. Although I do sense great levels of anxiety and stress, I do not detect any signs of what you would define as crazy."

Link sat down on his bed, still sitting up and alert, but his legs felt incredibly shaky, "Well I guess that's good, I suppose. But how do you know my name? And why do you keep calling me 'master'? I'm not anybody's master. Furthermore, what do you want from me?"

"These are all rightful questions, Master Link. And if you follow me, they will be answered, this I guarantee. You are very talented and gifted, Hylia favors your soul, young hero. You have been chosen to carry a great burden, and to play a great role for all of Hyrule. Your time has come, Link, to be reunited with part of your legend. Do you accept my guidance?"

Link paused before answering her vital question. He was getting very excited, and his heartbeat seemed to pound through his chest. His worked up state left him not fully grasping the words the spirit spoke to him, and the importance of all of her meaning escaped him in the heat of the moment. He felt some great familiarity with this voice, as if he heard it before. He even felt he recognized it. Link felt from the depth of his being that he could trust this mysterious being. He suddenly felt a wave of sincere confidence come over him, a feeling he couldn't explain, a trust with unknown origin.

"I do accept your guidance. But what do you want me to do?"

"Thank you Link. Your bravery and readiness is very admirable. First, we must reunite you with your missing counterpart, so to speak. I will guide you to it. Simply follow my directions, I shall be with you the whole way there, do not fear. You must first leave your house, and attract no attention to yourself. Don't worry, you will return soon."

Link slowly stood up from his bed, and got dressed quietly into clothing more suitable for whatever traveling might lie ahead. He was constantly looking around his shoulder, half expectant to see whoever was talking to him simply appear. But he heard and saw nothing. He snuck out of his room, shutting the door behind him and cautiously tiptoed down the hallway. He paused outside Impa and Purah's room, and when he was certain they were still asleep, he slipped out of the house.

The cold air nipped at Link as he stepped out into the night. Kakariko was enveloped in complete and empty silence, not another person but Link present. The only light was the fire in some nearby lit lanterns, but the greatest source of guiding light was the shining moon, which Link was grateful for. He stood outside his house, getting used to the sudden change of temperature and waited for his eyes to get used to the darkness that surrounded him. Link wore a traditional Shekiah outfit, perfect for blending into the night and staying undetected. His slightly padded grey pants, with a long sleeved navy shirt. On top of the tighter fit shirt he had on his stealth chest guard, which was complete with a soft, light blue fabric covering to cover the lower half of his face. To finish his appearance, he strapped his newly sharpened sparring sword to his back in the unwanted chance that he might have to use it.

Link took in his surroundings, and when he was sure he was alone, he spoke aloud to his unrevealed companion, "So, where do you want me to go first?"

"Well first, you must exit the village. Take the path that leads outside Kakariko, not the one that winds up into the woods."

Link nodded, and started his journey, to an endpoint he did not yet know. In a few short minutes Link stood outside Kakariko Village, and overlooked the landscape of Hyrule's night. The view was beautiful, the area lit up by the moon and sparkling stars, and a quiet serenity seemed to embrace the fields, mountains, hills, and paths that lay ahead of him. Hyrule was shrouded in darkness, but still Link was provided enough light to navigate his way throughout the land. The stars shone like sugar sprinkled over black marble; the tranquility of the night sky was such a calming sight.

He took a deep breath, letting the cool and crisp air of the night fill his lungs.

"Where to now?"

"Now Master Link, you must head to-"

"I hate to interrupt you, but don't worry about calling me 'master.' Really, please just call me Link. And speaking of, I'm realizing I don't even know what to call you. What is your name, if you don't mind me asking?"

The voice paused before answering.

"Thank you Link. My name is Fi."

Link grinned, "It sounds familiar, although I've never known anybody named Fi before. Haha, what a short name."

Fi gave an echo like laugh, "Your name isn't that long either."

"Fair point," Link chuckled.

Link heard Fi sigh, although she sounded happy, and he could sense it, "I know you must be so confused, but thank you for trusting me. This next statement I calculate will only make you wonder more, but Link; It feels exceptional to be back reunited with you."

Link smiled, struggling to put the pieces together, but some of it hit him, and his realization was slow, but steady. "I can't remember, I can't be sure, and I'm simply lost, yet feel found. I can't explain it, but it feels good to be back with you too."