The Origin of a Champion

Chapter 21- Destiny

Link staggered backwards from Impa's hard blow to the chest, struggling to steady his feet. She gave him an apologetic look, but they both knew it was only another day of training. It happened to both of them alot, but they always felt a pang of guilt when they struck each other during their practise. Link and Impa knew each other's techniques very well, almost too well. But what could one expect after them fighting each other for months on end?

Link felt tired of fighting the same opponent. Even though he never consistently beat the young Sheikah woman, he still wanted another competitor, another challenger perhaps. Just to make things interesting. Even then though, he doubted if he could really take on another fighter. Kakariko Village only consisted of Sheikah tribe members, and all their warriors possessed hard earned powers that no Hylian could gain, no matter how hard he might work. The truth was he wasn't Sheikah, so special abilities didn't run in his blood, which always gave him a disadvantage despite his impressive skill.

It wasn't all bad at least. Training with one of the village's most promising athletes turned Link into a young Hylian fighter that was not to be reckoned with. Despite his lack of Sheikah abilities, he was still a fair competitor. He was a child prodigy, a hard worker, and became stronger everyday. Learning with one of the strongest races in all of Hyrule gave him technique and preparation that he could not gain elsewhere. But swordplay was always his favorite method of combat, and he dominated that playing field even amongst the Sheikah.

Link gained his footing back, and raised his sparring sword as he anticipated his next move. Impa let her guard down to put her hands together so she could make the necessary hand signs to teleport, but Link's lightning fast reflexes kicked in, seizing his chance and her moment of weakness. He jumped to her side, a blind spot, and hit his blade against the back of her knee. As Impa lost her balance he struck her side, and with her hand down to her stomach, he raised the tip of his sword and brought it gently against her neck, ending and thus winning the match.

"Good round," Link panted.

Impa straightened her back and nodded as she wiped the sweat off her forehead, "Thanks, not too bad yourself! You got me that time, I'm impressed."

"As am I."

Impa and Link turned to face Cato, who had been paying close attention to every tactical move his students made. "Good job both of you. You both are getting stronger every day. Although Link, I am very surprised. It's not every day you find an almost thirteen year old Hylian boy making rounds like that against a seventeen year old Sheikah. Very good work."

"Thank you sir!"

Cato turned to face Impa, "My advice to you, don't let your guard down when pausing to summon your powers. Keep up your head, and keep yourself distanced when lowering your guard. If you master the skill of a perfect guard, your opponent will have no weak moment to take advantage of. But great job, I'm proud of you too."

Impa grinned, "Thanks dad."

Cato started to stretch his arms, "So Link, I'd like to try something new today. Since we're almost done anyway, we might as well end the day with a bang, eh?"

Link internally panicked in Cato's sly tone, Oh no please no. I don't know your idea but I don't like it already. No wait, it might be interesting! As long as I don't have to fi-

"I want you to fight me this time."

Oh, how wonderfully perfect. I take back any thoughts of a different opponent. I like Impa. Is there an undo button for thoughts?

Link would have objected, but he was too tired for arguing, because he knew it would get him nowhere. Impa was visibly shocked, as Cato had never spared Link up until that point. He had fought and trained with Impa on many occasions, but never her younger competitor.