Sacred Bonds

Chapter Two

The group sat around the campfire. Having already introduced themselves and their stories, Champion felt safer, but never more out of place. He had taken a seat next to Warriors, whom shared many Hyrulean Army 'interests' with Champion. And Wind, who had excitedly insisted he sit next to Champion.

Champion ignored the glances toward him when his back was turned, he'd been used to it. Wild had to admit, he was envious of that. In fact, Wild was extremely envious towards Champion.

"So, Champion, what rank are you in the army? I don't want to brag, but I'm Captain." Warriors boasted.

Champion, who sat up straight no matter where he was, was busy stirring his beet soup contents that Wild had made servings of, when Warriors asked.

The group rolled their eyes at Warriors' bragging.
Oh how Champion loved putting egotistical men in their place.

"I am the general of the Royal Guard, and Princess Zelda's appointed knight." Champion signed.

The group had each learned the basics of signing when Wild first arrived. Minus Time, Sky, Warriors, and Legend, since they already knew it.

Silence went around the campfire. Hyrule spat out his soup contents in sheer surprise.

"General?!" Warriors practically shrieked.

Time secretly smirked. Putting Warriors in his place was hilarious to watch. However, Time couldn't help but think. Champion was acting like Wild when the group first met him. Bit by bit, Wild had opened up to the group, and they were on good terms. But Wild was easier to read, even when Wild tried to be stoic. But Champion, was beyond that. Champion showed no hint of any expression. Whether that would be interacting with someone, or something else. Time had to look really hard for any sign of expression, which was rare to get. True, the group had only known him from this afternoon till present, but something told Time, Champion was going to be a lot harder to crack then Wild. If that's even possible.

"Ha! In your face Wars!" Wind shouted giddily.

"The way you took down those Moblins, was so incredible. Especially since their blood has been infected with darkness, making them more powerful. I've never seen better swordsmanship." Twilight complimented.

"You don't normally have black-blooded creatures?" Champion signed.

Twilight shook his head. "No. It's a new thing for all of us, well, except for Wild. He's used to that kind of stuff."

Champion's gaze shifted to Wild.

Wild looked up for a split second, not even sure if Champion noticed. Champion's gaze was incredibly intimidating and stoic. The same stoicism that haunted Wild in his memories. Where he was just blank faced. Wild suddenly felt angry. Jealous.

Champion had the life Wild wanted. No scars. No destroyed Hyrule. No dead champions. Heck, he was the general of the Royal Guard! He had succeeded in vanquishing the Calamity.
Now he was getting attention from Wild's mentor!
Wild got up with a huff, and began storing away the dishes in the Sheikah Slate. Champion's eyes widened with recognition as he saw the tablet.

"That's Wild's Sheikah Slate! It's very handy!" Wind explained, seemingly thinking that Champion was confused.

Champion turned his gaze away.

"Who wants to take watch tonight?" Time asks the group.

Before anyone could say anything, Champion was already signing,

"I'll do it."

"Are you sure? You must be tired after today?" Twi asked.

Champion shook his head.

All the Links were settled, except Twilight and Time. Presumably to stay up and interrogate Champion.

After a few minutes Twilight gets fed up with the silence and sighs.

Champion looks at Time with his blank mask.

"We welcome you to the group warmly. You will be a valuable asset... and friend to our group." Twilight smiles softly.

Champion just bluntly nods. He turns his head away from the older heroes. Not too great with affection.

It had taken Zelda months for Champion to open up to her. Champion hadn't talked to anyone in months after they defeated the Calamity. Mipha, Daruk, Urbosa, and heck, even Revali were concerned. Especially at the failed attempts to even stop him from training. Finally, Zelda had just stopped dancing around the question. She called him to her room and that's when it all came crashing down. Champion's tears fell as he explained to Zelda why he had been so distant from everyone again. Seeing that Champions Of The New made him realize he wasn't strong enough to defeat Gannon. Zelda assured him he was enough. Yet he still had a pool of guilt in his stomach for that night. It was a stupid decision to open up.

Time and Twi looked at each other knowingly concerned.
Twilight wonders if Wild isn't so different from Champion. It honestly scares Twi to think about what happened to Champion to make him remain in an emotionless mask.

"Is there- uh, anything you'd like to tell us?" Twilight tries to get an answer out of Champion.

"You guys seem comfortable with each other." Champion signed.

Time felt a twinge of guilt, and Twi felt sad.

They didn't exactly know how to respond to that.

"Yes, well-Er, we've been together for a while now. And we don't judge each other. All of us are so different, but at the same time- we're very alike." Twilight said.

Champion nodded nonchalantly.

This was going to be a lot harder than Time and Twilight anticipated.