Link tightened his grip on his soldier's broadsword as he faced off the training captain in front of him.

The trainer stared him down, a concentrated stare Link naturally returned. Both Hylians awaited the whistle that would signal the start of the sparring match. Link was feeling tired and worn out, but not from the hours of training he had gone through that day. Instead, the eyes that intently watched his final match for the day felt like they limited his energy. The large majority of soldiers in his training company had gathered around to observe Link's final practice round, some whispering among themselves. Some claimed this would be yet another easy win for Link, and some chuckled, hoping this particular trainer would best the renowned trainee.

Link zoned out the voices, maintaining his focus. When the shrill whistle cut through the air, the match began. Both fighters began to circle around, maintaining eye contact. Link waited for his opponent to make the first move, which he did. The trainer lunged for Link's stomach, and Link evaded by jumping to the right. His sword made contact with the metal armor the trainer wore on his back, and he went flying forward into the dirt. Link ran to the body and prepared to end the fight, but the trainer wasn't giving in yet. He rolled over and yet again struck his blade with an aim for Link's middle, taking Link by surprise. Link backflipped then ran forward, and the metallic clang of broadswords broke the concentrated silence.

Their blades met again, with the trainer still on the ground. Link gave him no room to get up and hit his blade near his opponent's wrist, which sent the sword flying out of his hand.

Link's sword was pressed up against the trainer's neck before his sword dropped on the ground.

As soon as another whistle signaled the end of the match, Link immediately removed his blade. He offered his hand to the older trainer, but his offer was not taken up. Link shrugged and retired to the back of the crowd of other trainee soldiers. It was later in the afternoon, that was his last match, and his training for the day was completed.

Link leaned up against a brick wall to catch his breath as he watched another sparring match between a different trainer and trainee. He had been part of training to become a Hylian knight for three months.

If he was being honest, it was so easy compared to Impa's training back in Kakariko. No one could clone, manipulate metal, summon ice from nothing, cause explosions, and freeze any moving object they pleased. Since Hylians possessed no special powers, Link never utilized his ability to slow the flow of time, as he didn't see it as fair. He also didn't want to be seen as showing off or bringing more attention to himself. He only practiced using that unique skill when he trained off by himself.

Link caught his breath and decided to watch the other soon-to-be knights spar against each other and various trainers for a bit longer.

"Impressive last round Link. I will say, you can't look so surprised when someone lunges at you from the ground. It is a very common move that shouldn't shock you so."

Link relaxed at the voice of his captain. He turned to face the tall, black-haired man who gave him a confident smirk.

"Truly, sudden moves from the ground are unexpected and deadly. But not so deadly when you are trained to expect them."

Link smiled his thanks for the advice, which he took to heart, and nodded.

Andro took his eyes off the current match to re-tuck his tan trousers back into his brown boots. He then straightened his tunic, which bore colors and stitching patterns closely resembling the uniform of a royal guard, a position the trainer had earned through years of service to the Hylian army. He stretched his lean, muscular frame and cracked his knuckles as he scanned his surroundings.

"Could I hold it again? Please?"

Link chuckled as he loosened the leather strap that held the master sword on his back. He never let anyone hold it except his trainer, who was one of the few men who had treated Link kindly and normally. Many trainees and trainers alike would often threaten and bully Link on account of his skill, fame, and legendary weapon. But Andro took Link under his protection, not because Link needed it, but because Andro genuinely liked the talented and determined young Hylian. He would often break up fights, mitigate tensions, and keep training fair for all the participants. Link appreciated his voice that often replaced his own more than Link himself could word. Andro reminded Link of Alvar, and Link had great respect for his weathered captain.

Link unsheathed the sword and respectfully handed it to Andro, whose face softened in admiration for the great sword of countless legends. He ran his hand down the metal that did not come from earthly mines and admired the craftsmanship that wasn't crafted by any mortal. Link watched Andro smile softly and couldn't help but smile softly himself. Even with the long scar that ran down the right side of his face, Andro could still give himself such a welcoming appearance when he wanted to.

After looking over the sword to his content, he carefully gave the sword back to Link, who sheathed it and slung it back over his shoulder.

"Thank you for trusting me with such an important weapon, if only for two minutes. It means a lot to even hold it."

Link grinned and nodded.

"So, you are off for what remains of the day. Any plans?"

Link spoke quietly so only Andro could hear him, "I think I will wash up, then find some dinner. Afterward, maybe take a walk, perhaps read. Might drop in on some acquaintances if possible. No big plans."

"It's always days with 'no big plans' that the biggest things take place. Be careful," Andro laughed.

Link grinned, "May I ask what you will do with the remainder of your day?"

"After this, I'll go home and eat dinner with my family. And then I'll, uh, yeah no. I don't have any big plans either. Well, take care! I'll see you tomorrow morning!"

Link nodded once again and only turned back when he heard Andro call out to him.

"Remember, don't be taken surprised by attacks that can be easily predicted! Expect the unexpected!"

Link gave him a final quick smile before continuing back to his barracks. He dropped off his training gear, grabbed a clean pair of clothes, but kept the master sword on his back. The bathhouse reserved for soldiers was close by, and his next stop. After a quick rinse in cold water, Link ran his dirty clothes back to the barracks, then the rest of the day was truly his. He felt incredibly hungry, yet not in the mood for whatever his mess hall could possibly be serving. So, he formulated a plan.

Link grabbed a couple of rupees from the sack he kept hidden among his belongings. He'd walk around the castle town in search of ingredients. He found walks in the crowds throughout the castle town rather relaxing. Then he would find one of the many vacant cooking pots scattered around the castle and cook his own meal. Cooking was one of the most relaxing things he could do, so the night was certainly looking up.

***

"Good, very good! Now, I want to run another test on the optic mechanisms behind the ocular laser function. We need to understand the technology of how the visionary and weaponry operate by the same electromechanical piece."

"Test the eye doo-hickey to understand what technology visionary thing-a-ma-jig what?"

"Hylia's sake Robbie, it's not complicated. We need to comprehend how the eye of guardians can be their weak point, their vision, and their greatest weapon. It's so fascinating! And yet makes no sense! But with some testing, we could understand it better, then potentially utilize the knowledge in other technologies."

"You could have worded your words like that before."

"Don't try to spoil my fun."

"So how do we intend testing that on this guardian, hm, Doctor Purah?" Robbie asked in a tight voice.

"We will wing it," she announced.

"This is definitely not something we should wing," he crossed his arms.

"You stuttered and I didn't hear you," Purah shot back as she started to scan the top part of the guardian with her slate.

"We can't afford another charge of defacement of property due to uncontrolled experimentation!"

Purah didn't glance at her flustered companion as she started to inspect the eye of the guardian in front of her, "Louder Doctor Robbie!"

"Someone might get hurt!"

"I still can't hear youuuuuu!"

Robbie rolled his eyes as he started to scribble a rough sketch of the robotic eye on his clipboard, "I don't get paid enough to work with this woman," he mumbled under his breath.

Purah sharply turned around, "What did you say?!"

"Oh so that you hear?"

Link chuckled to himself as he watched the researchers bicker back and forward. He took another quick taste of his curry before covering the cooking pot with its pot lid. He had managed to find a vacant cooking pot by an open courtyard where Purah and Robbie happened to be testing on an up and running guardian that day. Link had never met Robbie, but from the way they argued while trusting each other with different steps of their experimentation, he could tell they were good friends. Link also thought his goggles that zoomed in and out constantly were incredibly cool. Even though he didn't fully understand what they were doing, he still enjoyed watching them do it. It brought back fond memories of his time in Kakariko, and he enjoyed being near a familiar character.

Link wasn't the only one observing the testing. Sheikah research always attracted small crowds of Hylians, curious to watch the Sheikah work at one of their signature trades. Soldiers off duty, different royal servants, and some simply passing by paused their day to watch the guardian stand, move its head, shift its eye, and respond to the researcher's commands. The gathering buzzed with quiet chatter out of respect for the researcher's concentration but talked among themselves excitedly nonetheless.

As he seasoned his curry, Link noticed the conversations suddenly digressed to whispers. He looked up and around, trying to pinpoint the cause of the sudden change in atmosphere. When he turned his head in the direction many starred in, he found the reason immediately.

Impa was standing next to a young woman in a royal blue dress, and it was this particular maiden that grabbed everyone's attention. She held herself in a straight posture, staring straight ahead at the guardian being experimented on in the courtyard. He could tell by her stiff expression she was well aware of the many eyes that laid upon her. Impa stared the entire crowd back with a harsh stare that not so kindly reminded the Hylians to mind their own business. Link let out a quiet chuckle, reminded of the times Impa gave the nosey people of Kakariko the same glare if they bothered him with their expecting looks.

Knowing Impa's position of royal advisor, and hearing of the royal figure she spoke so highly of, along with what he heard during his training thus far of a certain hot topic among other knights, he knew who she was.

Princess Zelda Hyrule, future protector and ruler of Hyrule herself.

With Impa's intimidating yet effective glare, the people turned away from the princess. With the weight of their looks lifted from her shoulders, she visibly lightened up. Zelda started to draw and take notes on the little notebook she brought along, watching the two Sheikah researchers work in great earnest. Link could hear her voice ask Impa various questions as they popped into her head, and Impa would point out and explain in detailed answers.

Link had never been this close to the princess of Hyrule, much less get a chance to look at her. She was honestly beautiful and carried the air of true royalty. Her royal blue dress was stitched with golden patterns, and the sleeves were open and flowed in the breeze. The lining was a deep red, but she still wore white sleeves and had golden cuffs on her wrists. A delicate gold headband with a ruby amulet in the center kept the majority of her long blonde hair out of her face. Even with the headband, however, her hair still flowed softly in the wind as she studied the Sheikah technology from afar.

Link stared into her emerald green eyes that shined as she enthusiastically asked Impa another question. Despite her breathtaking appearance, he could tell something seemed off about her. As her eyes shined, they also looked exhausted. Her posture was straight, yet a bit too straight. Zelda constantly glanced around her, almost fearfully, as if she was expecting someone or something to appear. As involved with the experiments as she seemed, Link still noticed she looked worn and tired.

What intrigued him the most was how familiar she appeared to him. Link had never hardly seen her, and certainly never even spoken to her, but she reminded him of something. Something he just couldn't pinpoint. The longer he observed her actions the more he felt like he had known her all his life.

She must have sensed the fact he was staring because she cast a glance in his direction. The second their eyes made the slightest bit of eye contact, Link immediately looked away and pretended to be super involved in the making of his dinner. However, as his attention shifted to his curry, it was obviously overcooked and slightly burnt. He silently swore as he tried to salvage his meal.

"That's what I get for staring," Link muttered under his breath.

As he did his best to fix his curry, a sudden noise filled the previously calm atmosphere. It sounded like an explosion, and it took everyone a moment to come to the reality that the guardian fired a beam at the brick wall closest to it. The shock wave of the explosion sent Purah and Robbie back several feet, who both jumped up and exchanged a horrified look before trying to desperately shut the guardian off.

The Hylians still watching went into full panic, running for their lives as the guardian shot another beam straight up into the air. A word that was not at all appropriate to be said out loud, especially in the presence of royalty, escaped Purah as her attempts to turn off the guardian proved futile. Impa took a protective stance in front of Zelda, urging the princess to take shelter.

Link wanted to help but had no idea how to. Sheikah technology was not his area of expertise. He stared as the scene unfolded, and hated the feeling of being completely useless.

The guardian had gone totally berserk, and one of its mechanical legs waved sporadically as it shot beams with little to no aim. Its head spun around with no signs of shutting down. Suddenly, its head stopped spinning, and it seemed to have calmed down.

Until it's red laser locked target on Link's chest.

The quickening pace of the warning beeping from the machine was louder than Purah screaming for Link to run, or Impa's shouts to escape.

Link didn't run and instead looked at the pot lid that lay next to him. He got a crazy idea, but he decided it was worth the try.

Link grabbed the lid and took a defensive stance. He took a deep breath and summoned the slow of time. He watched in slow motion as the guardian emitted a powerful blast that came directly at him. Link gripped his 'shield' tightly and when he deemed the timing right, deflected the blast and nailed the guardian right in its weak spot.

The impact of the blow broke the pot lid and sent Link sprawling back. He jumped back up and watched as sparks flew from the guardian before it dropped to the ground. All light that aligned its design and the glow of its eye sputtered out and died.

All the spectators watched in a stunned silence, which Purah naturally broke first.

She marched up to Link, who stood still trying to catch his breath, "I was just trying to experiment on the guardian's eye and you go and blow up the guardian's eye?!"

He only gave a heaved sigh as his answer.

She laughed a stressed laugh, "I'm obviously kidding, thank you so much! You almost gave me a heart attack, I thought you were a goner! I had no clue a pot lid could withstand such a blast!"

Purah gave Link a quick embrace before looking over the damage with Robbie, who was already trying to figure out where things went haywire.

Link looked back at Impa, who was smiling at him. He timidly looked at the princess, who was staring with a shocked expression on her face. He was confused and spun around to see what she was looking at, but mentally kicked himself when he realized she was actually staring at the sword that hung on his back. Link cringed as he replayed mentally how he must have looked foolishly spinning around in his head.

He cautiously turned around and Zelda's eyes met his own. As she looked at him face to face, her shocked expression melted into a cold glare. She stared him down, making him feel more intimidated by her than the guardian. She abruptly turned and walked off, disappearing behind one of the stone walls.

Link stood dumbfounded, still trying to process all the events that took place within the last five minutes. He heard footsteps approaching and looked up to see Impa walk up to him. She walked up next to him and watched with him as Purah and Robbie fussed over their failed experiment. They started to troubleshoot, which mainly consisted of them taking turns blaming each other.

"I hope they don't get into too much trouble," she chuckled.

"I certainly hope not. That could have ended up much worse than it did."

"And thanks to you, it didn't."

"What? Noooo, anyone could have done that if they knew how to simply deflect stuff, really no big deal," Link claimed as he scratched the back of his head.

"Oho, always so humble," Impa teased in a low voice.

"But seriously," she continued, " I think news of this will reach the king. That probably really impressed every onlooker."

"Not everyone."

"What do you mean?"

"That was Princess Zelda standing with you, right?"

"Yes?"

"After everything calmed down, I think she noticed the master sword on my back. Our eyes met, and she gave me a really cold glare. Is she mad at me for something? I mean, I've never even met her before."

Impa sighed, "Hmm, I think you specifically ruined her day by being extremely talented."

"What?"

She laughed, "Sorry, that was immature. She must have recognized you by your sword. You will have a main part to play in the defeat of the calamity oncoming. She will too, but she has yet to unlock her power. It runs in her blood and she has worked so incredibly hard to achieve the discovery of it, but to no avail, yet. I believe in her. I know she will one day. But I suppose watching you, being all successful and having found your great weapon, made her feel like a failure in her own destiny."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I don't want to make her feel bad, I-"

"No no, don't be sorry. It's not your fault. She's not actually mad at you anyway. She is just frustrated with herself. Zelda has been extra stressed lately, especially with her father trying to find her a personal guard. It's the last thing she wants."

"I can understand that. I'm sure she will unlock her power as well. I can also see why having a personal knight to follow you around would be somewhat annoying when you are already annoyed with yourself. An audience would be the last thing I would want in that position."

Impa shrugged, "Who knows, some company, the right company mind you, could do her some good."

"Do you know who will be assigned to her majesty?"

"No clue, King Rhoam has yet to decide. But I know who would do the job just fine."

"Oh really, miss royal advisor. Who? Yourself?"

"Eh, no, I would pick someone second to the best. You."

Link choked on his spit and Impa broke out laughing at his reaction.

"No way! She's literally never spoken to me and already strongly dislikes me."

"It's all a big misconception."

"I don't think so."

"Oh, so you don't want her to be safe?"

"I never said that! I'm only trying to say that-"

Impa continued to laugh, "Yeah yeah I get it. I just wanted to tease you. You need to lighten up a bit, it's good for you. Is training going alright?"

Link nodded, "It's ok. I miss training with you though, it's more challenging anyhow."

"I don't doubt it, some Sheikah trainers would do the Hylian forces some good."

"I'm sure," Link chuckled.

"Well, today has been eventful. It's been great talking, but I should be going. I've got places to go, people to talk to, a little sister to bail out of trouble, again," she sighed, "Take care Link! I'll see you around."

"Alright, good luck."

They waved their farewells and headed their own separate directions. Link decided to head to his barracks quickly before anything else exciting took place.

The researchers, along with any other lingering Hylians, soon cleared out of the courtyard. The sky began to darken with the lowering of the sun and the rising of the moon. The night brought on a chill that hurried those on the streets to the comfort of their homes. Stars sparkled and lit up the night, along with the moonbeams that allowed a final onlooker to gaze over his now silent kingdom.

King Rhoam had been watching the courtyard from a high-placed balcony that gave him a great view of the castle town. He watched the researchers, the clash between the guardian, and all other exchanges that took place. The young knight who had acted so bravely had caught his attention. King Rhoam had heard rumors of a young Hylian wielding the master sword enrolling as a trainee knight, and now he knew the rumors were true. He cleared his throat and turned to his personal guard who stood silently at attention beside him.

"That valiant warrior is young but shows great promise. Do you know of him?"

The royal guard nodded respectfully before speaking, "I do, your majesty. They say his name is Link, although no one knows hardly anything about him. According to what I hear, he rarely speaks, save a few people. With the weapon on his back, one can only imagine how many rumors spread around him."

"What do these rumors consist of?"

"They are simply people guessing where he came from, his supposed acquaintances, how he came across the master sword, how he was chosen to wield it, if it's all an elaborate prank; things like that. No proven facts supported what many people say," the guard explained.

"I see. As you are well aware, I am in search of a personal protector for my daughter, Zelda. If he is who he appears to be, I believe he would make an amazing guard, as well as be better connected to those who will eventually oppose the calamity alongside him."

"Yes, that would be an excellent fit, if he proves to be Hylia's chosen hero."

"Indeed. I want you to go find out who he trains under. I want to know as much about him as you can find out. After you do this, I want him to have an audience with me tomorrow. I would like to speak to him personally at midday tomorrow. Will this give you enough time to find out what you can and contact his captain?"

"Of course, your majesty. I will leave now if you wish."

Rhoam nodded, "Yes, thank you Nakoa. You are dismissed."

Nakoa bowed before walking off on his mission to find the trainee as his king requested. When left alone, the king sighed as he continued to look into the stary night sky.

***

And so, Link was sought out by the king. He received news of the summons by Rhoam's royal guard the next morning. His sword, the marking of Hylia's chosen hero, his renowned skill, accumulated through years of dedicated training, and the defeat of the malfunctioning guardian, had finally brought him to the attention of the king of Hyrule.

Link was at first terrified of the very prospect of meeting Rhoam, but the meeting went well nonetheless. Link was asked many questions about his background and how he came across the master sword. King Rhoam paid great attention to the backstory Link's quiet voice brought to life. He was amazed to learn Link was Alvar's son, his past royal guardsmen. Yet, the resemblance was so striking that it did not surprise him.

After getting familiar with the young Hylian, Rhoam deemed Link to be who he appeared to be. Link was nothing short of loyal, trustworthy, and courageous; exactly the type of person he would trust with his beloved daughter's life.

King Rhoam requested to bestow on Link the honor of being Zelda's personal knight.

Without hesitation, Link accepted his king's request.

Link walked out of the throne room with his heart beating fast. He was going to be the personal knight of Princess Zelda. He watched a flag bearing the Hylian crest wave proudly in the wind as he took a deep breath to process his thoughts. Despite his fear to mess up, his anxiety to fail those he cared for, and the land he loved, Link's heart was overcome with a feeling of being where he needed to be at that moment. He pushed aside his doubts and fears to smile because, despite the challenges he knew lay ahead, Link had a strong feeling that this is where he needed to be.

That despite whatever hell awaited him and his future companions, it would all turn out in the end as Hylia predestined.

Despite what he would no doubt overcome, the future would be worth the fight to get to.

That fateful meeting between the knight and his king marked the end of the beginning and the closure of the origin of Hyrule's champion.