Link didn't know weather he loved or hated Daruk. Zelda didn't know weather she loved or hated Daruk. He was the one that had put them in such an awkward position. It was Daruk who had suggested that they perform "The ceremony of legend". It was supposed to be performed by the Princess to whoever held the Mastersword. She had hoped not to do this for it meant putting hope into the Boy that they might actually have a chance against Ganon. But Daruk just had to bring it up. And there they were, outside of the city grounds in the fields outside, with Link kneeling down and bowing to Zelda as she stood over him reciting the ancient prayer blandly.

"Hero of Hyrule, chosen by the sword that seals the darkness... You have shown unflinching bravery and skill in the face of darkness and adversity. And have proven yourself worthy of the blessings of the Goddess Hylia. Weather Skyward Bound, Adrift in time or steeped in the glowing embers of twilight, the sacred blade is forever bound to the soul of the Hero .We pray for your protection and we hope that... That the two of you will grow stronger together as one." Zelda took a long, loud sigh before continuing.

"Gee, this is uplifting. She's making it sound like we already lost." Daruk admitted as he realised why the Princess herself hadn't been keen to go through with the ceremony.

"Wasn't this your idea? You're were the one who wanted to designate the appointed knight with all the ceremonial pomp, grandeur and nonsense we could muster. And if you ask me, the whole thing does seem to be overkill... I think I'm on the same page as the Princess regarding... This Boy..." Revali winged.

"Oh, give it a rest. That Boy's a living reminder of her own failures. Well, at least how the Princess sees him."

Zelda stopped. She had heard that last bit. Her hand, that had been reaching out towards Link, fell to her side and tears started to fill the brims of her eyes. Was it that obvious? That she was a failure?

Without finishing the ceremonial speech, Zelda turned on her heals and strutted off into the town and past the castle to find a nice peaceful spot in the courtyard to cry. Link opened his eyes when she had stopped, only to see her dark blue dress falling behind her as she broke into a sprint.

Link had heard every word of the champions conversation. He had been called 'Boy' again! He knew that Urbosa was only using it to mock Revali but that didn't excuse Revali using it! Yet again, he had an opportunity to be called equals with the champions but they still used 'Boy'!

But was it true? Did the Princess see him as the reason for her failures?

Link got up as looked at the dumbfounded look on the rest of the champions. Obviously, they didn't know that they had both heard...

***

Link was processing what he had heard in the fields while he layed out his champions tunic on the dresser. It was nearly dusk and he thought he wouldn't be called upon untill the morning so he slipped off his undershirt and pulled off his boots before settling into his bed.

What did they mean by failures? Why did they call him 'Boy'? Why did Zelda have to be so darn pretty? Wait what?

Link's eyes closed and he fell into a troubled sleep.