Chapter Glossary:
P.O.V: Point of View.
T / N: Your Name.
E/C: Eye Color.
H/C: Hair Color.
S/C: Skin Color.
N / A P.O.V: No point of view

___ N / A P.O.V ___

Almost two years passed (Exactly one year and 7 months), and there was still no news of the stolen technology; The existence of the millennial Sheikah was easily forgotten by most of the kingdom's inhabitants, he/she/they sometimes got mentioned in gossip, but nothing more.

A blond young man with blue eyes who had barely turned 16 years old began to attract the attention of King Rhoam, they had found him in Hateno Village after some monsters tried to invade the place and he repelled them, the boy lived alone but was a boy very loved by the community.

He came from a long bloodline of knights, many said that his ability was innate, but in reality he practiced, day and night, even while growing up in the village; Some soldiers tried to hang out with him, they looked after him like a little brother after all he was the youngest soldier to enlist in generations.

-Again, Training since five, this is horrible- one of his comrades complained as they ran around the training field -They want to send soldiers to that " expedition" - said another -Ughhh, surely it is a myth, or it is a dead person, nobody can be among the Yiga for so long, I heard they already found a body, none of us wants to go-

They were talking about the kingdom still searching for Sleeper, where most of the people saw as an useless attempt to face the enemy clan, the soldiers ran around one of the extensive backyards of the castle in a red-earth course in the shape of an oval, the place's backyards were mostly used for fighting practice on horseback and for the daily mandatory exercise before sword training in Hyrule's militia.

The young man from Hateno was listening to the conversation, his expression was serene, many said he was made of stone but in reality he was just a teen who just had to pretend he had everything under control, in order not to disappoint so many people believing in him -I'm sure Link thinks the same, hey! Newbie! Don't you think it is a waste of time? - asked the complaining soldier.

- ... I don't know ... - he answered vaguely, he obviously heard that rumor even when he lived in the village, when the squad finished their daily training, they sat down to rest near one of the main doors that lead back to the castle, sitting under a tree's shadow -You're exaggerating, Koh, I don't see it as a bad thing, I would see it as paid vacations-

-It's because you're lazy Bikah, you should follow Link's example, he just entered the militia and King Rhoam is already looking at his abilities- the two soldiers despite being older had the blond's dedication as a role model, some of them celebrated the Link's rapid rise, others were silent in jealousy and spread rumors around his lack of socializing skills.

Some of the servants went in and out using the door where they were near, it was one of the many back doors to be used by staff, Koh took out an old handkerchief, wiped the sweat and then passed it on to his friends, Bikah instead took out a canteen to share, Link gave away some fresh apples from a tree that grew near one of the royal gardens.

Soon other soldiers joined to talk about what they did in their training sessions, although Link was not as expressive or talkative, they accepted that and even joked innocently as they used to do with each other.

-Is the knight named Link among you?- Asked someone behind them, it was Impa.

She was now the new royal advisor, her mentor gave the young woman the rol now that Impa was ready, not so many months passed after she met the young princess who had barely turned 16, even for someone as formal as the Sheikah, the young monarch was beautiful but she remained even more formal and silent than her, when the king introduced them, the princess didn't gave an objection or opinion on various important issues in that reunion.

But maybe it was because they barely knew each other, in addition, the divine beasts were the new thing on everyone's lips and the princess was obsessed with the topic, several knights were sent to protect the excavation sites, they suspected something useful might be found in the ancient forests, but those were different trips.

Right now they needed a good swordsman so the sheikah chose the knight in front of her to be the second hand of a Hylian captain and the candidate was right in front of her, Link stood up, bowed his head -It's me, royal advisor- he answered immediately. Impa looked at him up and down, only a thought came to her mind "This swordsman is a child, just like the princess."

-Get your things ready soldier, you'll go to the more forested regions with Captain Fey but first the whole squadron will be sent to the Vah Rutah's excavation to take over the Captain Spita's shift until the former one arrives, any change of plans will be made known to your superior- the blond nodded accepting the indication, it seemed that the only change of plans in that was his presence, maybe it was because of Rhoam's observations, Captain Fey was one of his few closest warriors. The royal  advisor bowed her head to the rest of the group as a goodbye gesture to the other knights and went inside the castle.

-Link! You're really getting the king's attention!- said Bikah with excitement, Koh gave slight applauses with his hands as an small celebration, Link looked away, he felt excited, of course, he knew that despite of that small group of knights who looked after him, there was his best friend: Princess Mipha and now he would have an excuse to visit her.

He would finally see her, after so many years, so much time and maybe that feeling of emptiness would end after seeing the zora again, the blond was so immersed in how their reunion would be that he bumped with a young woman that was carrying several books obstructing her view.

The stranger fell on her back -I-I'm sorry! - she apologized, Link quickly bent down to pick up the things, when he was going to take the last book his hand met the girl's pale one.

On her finger there was a ring with the royal family's seal.That only meant ... He looked up and met the most beautiful green eyes he have seen on his life, but instead of love, for the first time, his heart began to beat rapidly in panic and shyness "Princess Zelda" he recognized, Link made fall someone whom he was basically not allowed to interact and now he might be on trouble.

He put the stacked books aside to bow in one knee, lowering his head as much as he could -Your Majesty, please forgive my clumsiness! I've made you fall!- He said aloud, for the first time in years, his voice wanted to tremble.

But Link didn't receive a scolding or complaint -It was my fault, I didn't see where I was going- the princess said calmly, her voice was so soft, delicate. Link wanted to keep hearing her speak but it was the only thing she said before she piled up the missing book.

He quickly stood up to offer his hand -Please, let me help you with those books- the soldier said as calmly as he could, Zelda looked at him somewhat puzzled, it seemed that the boy was only saying what was necessary, nothing more; Refusing his help, she stood up alone and shook the skirt of her dress.

-I accept your offer, if you don't interrupt any of your official business, the library it's close, but if you have something to do, I can take the books alone, don't worry- her voice tone was so serene and pretty, Link was going to speak until he saw the counselor approaching - Princess Zelda, a royal guard is looking for you for an audience with the King- Impa said, then looked at the books -Let me carry this for you- almost without effort, she took all the books on her arms.

The royal advisor gave quick glance to Link, like if he was kind of invisible before -Oh, Is something wrong young knight? - the Sheikah asked, Link shook his head -No, I will continue on my way- he stood up, bowed again to Zelda and left, when he turned a corner, he scratched the back of his neck feeling extremely ridiculous, feeling his cheeks blushing in shame.

He gave a horrible first impression to the royal family while the princess was the perfect example of serenity and manners.

___ P.O.V T / N ___

I fell to the floor, my mouth tasted like iron from the blood, I wanted to go back to bed, but the training had not finished yet.

Since I opened my eyes everything was a constant challenge, even though the Yiga clan took consideration for my condition, they put a lot of pressure on me to return to my mobility. I adapted faster to the modern language than recovering my fighting condition.

Two members had their uniforms on, and now they wouldn't stop shooting arrows at me or running at me with circular swords called "Vicious Sickles" if I approached, they were the closest servants to Sooga and he was watching everything carefully

-Stand up!- the man exclaimed.

I dragged my hand across the grass looking for my kodachi* (One-handed short sword) and as soon as I found it, I immediately dodged three arrows that were heading in my direction while repelling one with the edge of my weapon; I smiled with satisfaction at that great reaction - Concentrate! - Sooga scolded me and made me return to the fight.

After quickly analyzing the two enemies, I came to the conclusion if both were far from each other they had a better chance of attacking my blind spots.

But if I placed them together I could even make them collide; "All or nothing" I thought and put my plan into action, I attacked one while the other was aiming arrows at me, he jumped back, I took the opportunity to kick his stomach and push him against the other enemy.

Both of them lost their balance, I used the kodachi to snatch their weapons that flew away and finally I pointed the edge of my kodachi at them -Two out of three! - Sooga yelled counting my victories, I let out a sigh of relief, after countless fights and defeats, I finally defeated them and recovered most of my speed.

The Yiga warriors got up -Well done Y/n! - One congratulated while removing her mask, it was a woman with brown hair and pale skin, the other was a male teen with reddish hair and tan pink skin -That technique was kind of risky but it worked- said the other, I smiled a little shyly.

I had grown fond of the Yiga clan, and they ... Probably of me, or at least some of them; Sooga approached -It was risky, if you're not sure about defeating your enemy then don't do it- he commented while ruffling my hair in a quickly gesture, pretending he was removing some leafs from it with a little rudeness but I swear he was smiling under that mask that he never took off in public.

They welcomed me into their clan, but I didn't wear their uniform, nor the Sheikah clothes of that new era, because, by one hand I had been hurt by the fact that both communities looked for me as a valuable asset, but on the other hand I knew that the servants of the crown were always looking for how to help the kingdom while the Yiga, although they had many valid ideas, their plan to kill people loyal to the monarchy seemed horrible to me.

I knew they wanted to use me to understand technology, and even shrines, but I also used them to learn as much as possible about this new world.

It was not officially known but the Crown along with the Sheikah seemed to have stop looking for me because the Yiga had killed a monster and then dressed it with my clothes, they burned the corpse, leaving it near Eldin region where the heat leaved it unrecognizable including the bones; The whole kingdom concluded I had a terrible death, and since they had no proof that the enemy's clan made it, they left them alone.

At that time I could not protest, it was when I still couldn't move or speak, Master Kohga organized that believing that it was the best for me to have a fresh new start without "belonging" to them.

They gave me a mask like theirs, I kept it carefully in my pouch, I had no need to cover my identity, after all I was practically no longer alive but I used it at important events, meetings, or things like that out of respect for their practices... Although there was one thing.

-Have you decided your path? - Sooga asked after the other two other Yiga left, if I decided to continue my life as Sheikah they promised they would hunt me down, they would give a maximum of 1 month of advantage to hide and prepare, but if I decided to stay with them then I would be kingdom's enemy like them.

I wanted to live a quiet life in shades of gray but my instinct always called to help someone no matter who it was, I knew deep down that I would end up on either side because of that, one the "virtues" from the Yiga clan was that they didn't force anyone to join...

We returned to the town, the resources of the clan had grown considerably because I insisted to the master Kohga and Sooga to make deals with farmers or merchants who had neutral points of view regarding their disputes with the royal family and seemed foreign to them, many Hylians came to the place to stay a few days and then continue with their ways, many didn't know that the town was the second secret base of the Yiga clan, those who knew kept silence for the safety of their own necks.

I sat on a bench in the center of the village, I remained peaceful but inside that question was on my mind -Can I... choose both? - I asked while the air was playing with some of my hair. I saw Sooga with a genuinely distressed aura -I know your clan uses me, I'm not mad, you always did, for technological improvements and to have an advantage, I did it, I even translated several things so your people could install irrigation canals in warm and dry places but ... What if you let me choose both ways in exchange ? -

Sooga let out a heavy sigh -Let's go to the inn's restaurant to talk about that- he said as extending his hand to me, I stood up without taking it but followed him to the place, as soon as we arrived the owners welcomed us but when they saw that the older was still wearing his uniform they dared to ask -Mr. Sooga. Do you want some privacy for you and Y/n? - When he nodded, they vacated the ground floor where food and drink were served, they left us a plate of cooked potatoes along with jars of orange juice.

My eyes directly looked at the drinks -You have helped us a lot, we have considerably reduced our robberies for vital resources and we have understood many writings that helped improve the quality of life of our people-

"Actually it was you and Master Kohga who did the technical understandings and organized the workforce ... I only translated them" I thought.

When I looked up, Sooga's mask was "staring" at me -But ...- he added.

-But ...? - I asked fearfully.

-All of the members have already chosen a path, without exception they were in the same position as you, many chose a neutral life, nothing happens if you're not part of this fight, no one will see you as a coward- added the man, he took off his mask, his face looked intimidating but he was actually the closest person to a fraternal figure that I had since I woke up.

Shyly, my hands wrapped one of the jars and I took a good drink before talking, feeling a citric taste on my mouth -"But Master Kohga ..."- I invited him to continue after that.

-I know the Master, he will look like someone angry at first but he'll accept that you chose your path- he kept a long silence -If you decide to go with the Sheikah, remember that you have a month's advantage to ask for asylum before we go for you- that last thing he said heavily in his tone.

"A gray road" perhaps, living in peace was my ... It was my mission at this time; I didn't believe in fate or in the ways of the goddess, I knew I had to choose, if only it were as easy as throwing a rupee in the air.

I learned that Kitta was one of the most important masters of the Yiga clan, it was him who supervised the construction of that hidden city carved in stone, but I didn't know why he betrayed the crown, nor what happened to Dad, I had a huge feeling of guilt, "Could it have been because of me?"

Partly that's why I wanted to go outside the town, I wanted to know the truth.

-I'll take ... the gray road- I whispered, "No! I want to be with you!" "No! I want to see the Sheikah" "Why don't you come to an agreement ?!" I listened to my mind and I couldn't keep something so important now that I had the opportunity -But I want to meet the Sheikah of this time without getting involved in the royal matters, and I want to continue helping your clan maybe not in your war plans but so that keep ... living without having to survive- I said quickly.

Sooga looked worried but still nodded slowly -I think ... that's valid ...- he said, I saw how he started to play with the plate that contained the potatoes, then he took a sip from his jar of juice and began to see the place trying to formulate something as if the walls would tell him what to say.

It was a wooden enclosure, it even smelled like an old cabin (I liked that), illuminated by paper lamps, everything was very nice and cozy; I was very proud of my contribution there, when I didn't train or translate research notebooks, I dedicated myself to repairing, cleaning or paint places like that as a gratitud sign; And after all, the entry of clueless travelers was very important to the place's economy.

Luckily, or maybe because they didn't want to tell me, they hadn't killed anyone since I woke up.

I heard Sooga clearing his throat, I looked back at him -It's the problem with nice people like you, you are always going to want to help someone, and in the end you will have to choose-

-I'll make my own way then! -

-It doesn't work like that!- he interrupted and raised the tone of his voice, I startled, his reaction didn't intimidate me it just surprised me, he looked me at the eyes, feeling guilty for scaring me -Sorry, I... I shouldn't have done that, we are talking calmly- Sooga said later, I nodded -Don't do it again, please-

We decided to eat a few potatoes, we realized how hungry we were, they ran out almost immediately and even though I still wanted more food, some sauteed vegetables would have been nice.

-While you decide, you will go to the next mission we have, I will give you a horse, supplies, and clothes, I think it would not be fair to pressure you to decide without meeting this new Hyrule; I heard of a new talented swordsman, but he is a child, I would like him to quit as soon as possible before having him facing us, to be intimidated by you and your work partners, one of our rules is not to kill children ... If it can be avoided- He commented, they aimed to kill the princess in those months and she was technically a child.

We all knew it was a teen and that's why Master Kohga said that he would take care of the matter himself, others would steal the thunder helm, I had to look away but my instinct screamed that there was a life in danger, that she was important tu protect.

-That means ...- I barely asked.

-After going and fulfilling your mission I will give you time to think about your decision with your companions escorting you, but if you betray the clan in the form of some physical aggression or by revealing our secrets, it will be considered treason and I will hunt you myself- Sooga returned to put on his mask -You're 20 years old now, old enough to choose your side-

When he left, the owners and the other other people returned and took back their talks and places, I sighed and went to my room up the stairs and went over to my pouch, I took out the mask they had given me, I contemplated it, then I looked in the mirror.

I saw my eyes (e /c), my hair (h / c), my skin (s /c), I placed a hand to my chin, and analyzed my face fixedly, I wasn't similar to the Sheikah of that time, people said that they had pale skin like porcelain and white hair, what continued to identify me as one was the paint on my face that was used in the twilight era they were similar to the marks of the fierce deity: The most powerful form of the hero of time.

The hero of time was the title of an ancient warrior that history said he would travel through years and days, he faced a dark deity himself and became one in order to bring peace for a brief moment, it was a fairytale for me, a popular one that didn't exist anymore in that era.

The paint was intact and covered very well the wounds that were caused during my training except for one over my lip, I ran a finger over it, the touch burned, I let out a sigh and put the mask on, it didn't feel mine, I didn't feel like Me -Which path... Am I going to choose? - I whispered with a trembling voice.

I was afraid of dying at the hands of someone I had taken affection for, but also of betraying them.

(Sooga has apparently grown fond of you as some kind of uncle or teacher! He is afraid that you will choose a path, because you probably choose to help the crown for your past, for the first time since you regained your mobility you are going to see Hyrule! They have asked to intimidate a soldier you don't know, will you recognize your friend from the past? Meanwhile Link's reincarnation just reunited with Zelda's they didn't fell in love at first sight, he just felt he screwed it up tho)