"You know you'll have to follow her everywhere. And I do mean everywhere. Even when she takes a dump, you got to stand outside the door." Nakeso said bluntly.

"Smell the roses, Revan."

"And she stinks, I know my sister." Turagor waved his hand around his nose. "Her farts are even deadly."

“Well, I’m pretty sure you smell like vanilla Nakeso, so no roses in site.” Revan very lightly smiled to her, tilting his head to the direction of the stage when he heard the name Sheik called out. “Got to go.” Placing his mask on, he walked backwards, gesturing at himself to his friends. “Does the mask and suit look good?”

"You look like you're going to the Night of Daourfel festival---OW! Nakeso! What was that for?"

"You're being a jerk."

"I'm telling the truth."

Out in the stage, Revan waved to the crowd. No family in sight. His feelings weren’t helped any better when he saw his first opponent. “Oh great.”

Jill was one of the three children of Kelly and Tulilad. Despite them being super old parents themselves by now, they trained their children to be near super soldiers to carry on their family legacies. The Hylian woman was decked out in a tight suit of plate armour. “Nice mask. You can use it to hide your pain from the royalty.”

“KICK THIS TWINKS ASS JILL!”, Kelly shouted from the stands.

Donoma had rushed from the Gerudo town to Hyrule. Thankfully, she made it just in time due to her dragon. Kharto'sum really was a lifesaver. Even though he cared not for the desert, he would come fetch her if she asked. Huffing and puffing, Donoma quickly took a seat beside Nakeso and Revan's uncles. Turagor had to go sit with his family and he waved when he saw Donoma rushing into the stands. His twin, on the other hand, was much less enthused. Luimaya drummed her fingers on the armrest, looking rather bored.

"Something tells me that Lui isn't too happy about this contest?" Donoma asked Nakeso. "Did I miss something?"

"Let's just say Luimaya is under the impression that she doesn't need a," Nakeso paused, making quotation marks with her fingers. "Glorified babysitter."

The bell rang, and Jill tried to crush Revan’s ribs with a war hammer. The masked warrior was nimble enough to dodge the mighty blows. Small dirt craters were made as Jill brought her weapon down. “I see you like to dance. Maybe you should be Luimaya’s Jester instead.”

Revan watched as Jill easily walked around with her hammer in a suit of armour. She had years of experience being older than Revan. And although she was mostly human, Revan wondered what part of her strength was sheer training or her Zora lineage from her mother. Speaking of, she would not stop shouting. “Good! Don’t wind yourself out! Break Sheik’s kneecaps!”

Revan drew his steel broadsword, not wanting to rely on magic, but still needing a way to parry attacks. As Jill came down on him, he dodged to his left, nimbly cutting at the side of her armour.

The shouting of instructions did not bother Tulilad. He was used to it by now, after all this time. He could even recall how ferocious Kelly was when his triplets were in school, playing on sports teams. She would have her megaphone, yelling from the bleachers. Needless to say, she was kicked out more than once. Perhaps it was a good thing that he had Biggestgoron dispose of the megaphone and play dumb when she looked for it.

"You're doing great, sweetie!" Tulilad, of course, was known as the cheesy father, holding up a poster with glittery letters reading "My daughter is kick ass". "You got this!"

Jill used the end of her war hammer to get a quick jab into Revan’s stomach.  With a low swing, she sweeped him off his feet and onto his back. One foot was planted tight on his foot so he couldn’t run away. There was a no killing rule of course, but that didn’t mean that contestants could bloody each other up. Raising her war hammer, Jill decided a shattered arm would end this fight. “A clown like you doesn’t belong here. Looks like you had no real tricks.”

“Oh. I’m full of surprises.”

Taking a handle Revan quickly put it to her kneecap. With the press of a button, a blue shimmering edge of a guardian sword shot outwards, stabbing through the woman’s armour, flesh, and bone. Through one end and out the other, Revan pulled out as Jill dropped her hammer, screaming in agony. With her off his body, Revan stood tall, giving her a round house kick to the head. Her helmet flew off and Jill fell to her knees. Taking both the broadsword and guardian blade to her neck, Revan took a few deep breaths through his mask. “Yield.”

To her shame, Jill simply nodded, conceding the match to the victor.

"You don't seem too worried about Revan trying to win this thing," Nakeso was making small talk with Donoma. "I mean, I know he's a great fighter and all, but... this job is more dangerous than he thinks it is. Remember what all happened with Queen Zarazu."

"I think he sort of wants to follow in Dad's footsteps." Donoma said with a slight smile. "He's always idolized the way that our father used to be a 'guardian' of sorts. Dad and Queen Zarazu have always been very good friends, even if they did argue sometimes. Maybe he just wants to ensure his friend is going to be okay."

"You don't think Lui can watch after herself?" Nakeso arched an eyebrow.

"Oh, no! I know that Lui can fight very well too, it's just..." Donoma sighed. "Lui doesn't want to put anyone at risk. Not her friends, not her family, not even some random guard. She doesn't want to be the cause of someone getting hurt for her sake. That's one reason she really protested against this."

"Yeah, that sounds like her. But... she's got to also realize that she's the heir to the throne." Nakeso made a valid point. "Would it be better to have someone you trust watching your back?"

The rest of the tournament went rather well for Revan. A few scraps here and there, but nothing too serious. But it would be the finale would test his limit. Kelly was furious at the damage and pain he caused Jill. More so, was his final opponent, her son, John.

The man wielded two short swords, stalking back and forth on the arena. He was absolutely livid with how this Sheik beat his sister. They all knew the risks, but if the healers weren’t absolutely precise, she might never walk on that leg again.

Both waited for the King and Princess to announce the final match.

"Lui-Lui, would it kill you to smile for the citizens?"

"I'm not going to smile if I'm not happy about it."

"This is not negotiable. Your mother had a guard, and so will you."

"Uncle Malik was undead at one point."

"Then he was alive."

"Still! That man is like... made of stone or something, you can't hurt him."

"I know why you don't want a guard, and I understand, though you are the future queen of our nation. We have to ensure your safety."

"I still don't see why I can't just have Carsa'sec follow---"

"Luimaya. This is final. There is no point in arguing further."

"Urgh! Fine!" Luimaya crossed her arms and huffed, not looking at her father.

Covarog stood from his seat, addressing the crowd.

"My citizens, I thank you for your presence here today. It is a historical event and one that will continue into the future for generations to come." Covarog gestured to the two finalists. "Today marks the first contest to see who is worthy of being the future queen's bodyguard. Our final contestants are Sheik and Big John. I expect a fair and clean fight, gentlemen. May the best warrior win."

“You’ll be anything but clean after what you did to my sister.”

Revan shrugged, trying to be pleasant. “A drink on me for your family?”

“I don’t think so.”

John, like his sister, was in a full suit of armour. Only his was a black ebony. Rushing forward, he engaged Revan, as both warriors used duel weapons to spar against one another.

Revan was surprised how fast John was, given his size and armour. Were his whole family made up of super soldiers?

As both of them made another engagement, John head butted Revan so hard, it sent him flying backwards. His head slammed against the ground and he felt his world spin.

“Oh... don’t throw up.”

Revan needed to rely on feeling the metal around him as he felt his eyes flutter. Even with his head spinning, wasn’t hard to sense John out. His movements were swift and agile, letting go of his worries and simply being in the moment. John was getting aggravated. He managed to make a few cuts against him, but his opponent would lie down.

Kelly herself shouted from the stands, vocalizing the silent fury her son felt. “Gut him just once! You can do this! Avenge your sister!!!”

"Sweetie, our baby is fine, she knew what she was getting into---" Tulilad stopped when Kelly gave him a glare. "I'll shut up now."

Donoma watched her brother and winced when John gained the upper hand for a moment. Head butts were not the best choice of tactic, but could stun an opponent enough to gain a chance of surprise. It made her forehead hurt just thinking about it. She tried it once during a spar with her father and knocked herself out cold. Thankfully, Revan inherited their father's thick skull.

"Why isn't the idiot using his magic?" Nakeso scoffed. "He doesn't have anything to prove!"

"That's my brother." Donoma said dryly. "He always thinks he has something to prove."

Revan deactivated his guardian blade, surprising everyone witnessing the fight.

John didn’t ask any questions, running to taking him out.

Holding his breath, Revan focused on every step that John took towards him. The man made a clank that drowned out all other sounds with every foot step he took rushing towards him.

With a quick hurl, Revan threw his steel blade at John. The warrior simply powered on through, deflecting the weapon with a right hook of his own. And this was exactly what Revan wanted.

With his opponents’ right side open, Revan ducked low and rushed in. Activating his sword, his unsheathed his guardian blade with an uppercut. This slice made a lean cut, slicing a few fingers off John’s hand. Revan danced behind him, slicing a cut through his opponents’ backside on the lighter side of the armour. John stood still, until Revan slowly raised a fist over the hilt of blade and punched downwards. With that sound echoing, John fell downwards, moaning on the ground in pain. “Best get your stitch, least you find yourself in a ditch. Because victory is mine.”

Revan gave a playful bow to the king as the crowd cheered for his victory. He did it. Disguised and no magic.

"And he won." Nakeso blinked. "Huh. He's better than I thought."

"Revan trained with Dad all those years and it finally paid off. I hope." Donoma still sounded a little... uneasy. "I just... hope he knows what he's doing. Lui still isn't going to change her mind."

"Heh, she's stubborn just like her father and resilient like her mother."

"How do you think she's going to take this?"

"... well, I don't know about you, but I'm not sticking around to see Revan get swallowed by a volcano that appears from thin air."

‘Sheik’ made his way to bow directly in front of Luimaya and Covarog, awaiting their congratulations.

"Champion!" Covarog addressed the winner. "You have displayed excellent skills in the combat arena. Though, I must ask, why did you seek this position?"

“To protect her royal highness so that she might not stub her royal toes.”

When Luimaya raised an eyebrow, and finally clued in, Revan took his mask off. Sweat was dripping down his face, but that didn’t stop him from smiling broadly. “Hello there Princess."

Before Covarog could even speak, Luimaya launched off her chair and started her spout of rage, "I AM GOING TO FUCKING WIPE THAT SMIRK OFF OF YOUR FACE---MMMHNRRRNMHM?!?!?!"

Covarog had to hold his daughter back, putting a hand on top of her mouth.

"Would you excuse---OW stop biting me!!! Us for a moment?"

“Full disclosure, we could have saved a lot of time not doing the tournament. But hey, was a blast pushing my limits as it turns out. Oh. Luiy?” Revan shot a finger gun at her. “Look forward to working with you.”

"Revan, have you ever heard the saying of 'don't poke the Goron'? You're really poking right now." Covarog was struggling to keep his furious daughter in hold. "Why don't we continue this conversation later before Lui bites my fingers off?"

“As you wish.” Revan respectfully bowed, followed by a deep sigh. Slowly, he made his way down to the arena. Doctors were furiously fixing up John’s hand.

“You ok?”

“How about we talk when I’m not in a mood to tear your head off.”

“Fair enough.”

Revan headed to the throne room with his sister and Luimaya’s brother so the princess couldn’t outright murder him with an audience present. Revan promised the others he’d try his best to not be a total smartass.

"That was really stupid of you to show off that way. No one cares about if you used magic or not!" Donoma scoffed at Revan. "If Mom was here, she'd chew your ass out for not using magic. You really could have gotten hurt!" "You know my sister is going to definitely yell at you. Possibly set your ass on fire." Turagor reminded Revan dryly. "This isn't going to be pretty."

“Well guess what. Mom and Dad decided to not show up, so frankly sister, they’re opinion on the matter can stuff it. I did it to prove I’m more of a warrior than a wizard.” Revan took a long, deep breath after that confession. “Luimaya needs to realize that I’m her best bet for protection. Already been doing it for a year. Time to make it official. Least for a little while.”

"They're both stuck in the Gerudo town thanks to Dad." Donoma rolled her eyes. "Mom has to make sure that the women don't elect Dad as a king and have us stuck in the desert forever."

"Yikes, anti-desert much?" Nakeso asked.

"It's fine, but I have to agree with Mom. This is home. Where are family and friends are."

“Wait? King?” Before Revan could push the matter forward, King Covarog and Luimaya entered the room.

"Donoma, Turagor, please give use a moment with Revan?"

"Of course, Father. Follow me Donoma, we'll wait outside in the courtyard."

After the two exited the room, Luimaya shot Revan a dark glare, her arms crossed. Yet, she said nothing yet. "Your fight was most impressive, Revan, though I do have my daughter's assurance that you will not be a steaming pile of ash after you two discuss your new occupation as her bodyguard." Covarog gave Revan a pat on the shoulder. "Good luck. You're going to need it." He murmured in his ear before leaving the room.

"... I told you no."

“You did. I disagreed. Your father disagreed.”

"I said no for a reason, Revan!" Luimaya insisted as she poked him harshly in the chest. "I don't want you getting hurt because of me!!!"

Revan poked her back. “You or I could pull this macho crap of “I work alone” all we want, but the matter of fact is that we’re both pretty damn resilient together. We don’t have to worry about long term damage when we’re a team. There isn’t some damsel either of us has to overly worry about when we got each other’s backs. So as your bodyguard, I can look after you effectively when my client is a fire fueled tank, and as my future Queen, you don’t have to worry about replacing me due to a mortality issue when your bodyguard can take beatings most can’t.”

"I’m not queen now, Revan! When I do become queen, then I will have even more targets on my back! There's no telling what will happen!" Luimaya poked harder. "Mom and Dad are so secretive about why I need so much protection and my siblings don't. Obviously, there's something going on, or either they're that worried about me producing an heir in the future, I don't know. Still! What if they target you to get to me? Did that even go through your thick skull?!" She nearly shook him. "You're a great warrior, and I know we make a great team, but I don't want you to get killed because I can't keep an eye on everyone around me, waiting to stab me in the back!"

“So you’re ok with others lining up to die for you? It’s an inevitability Luimaya. People will get hurt serving under you. I’m just the most likely to avoid a large majority of pain while protecting your life.”

"Why does it have to be you?!"

“Well it sure as hell ain’t going to be your Aunt Rinku. Luimaya, it has so be me because I’m the best.” Revan sighed, turning his head to look out the window. Somewhere, behind all the mountains lied the desert where his father lived. “Because if I protect anyone else they’ll get hurt. But like me, I know you can take it too. It has to be me because this is all I know.”

"... you're the stubbornest person I know. More so than me." Luimaya still did not like this situation. "You better not get yourself killed. I don't want to have to be responsible for your eulogy."

Revan laughed, releasing tension from his body. “Think you can stop yourself from getting into needless fights?”

"Needless fights? For sure. Getting into fights because of your bullheadedness? That's impossible to avoid." Luimaya snickered.

“Well excuuuuuuuse me princess. Better I beat them with fists and metal than your volcano top blowing off.”

"Least I make sure my opponents can't get back up."

"Urgh, did you have to remind me?" Luimaya groaned aloud. "I don't see why Grandmama Zelda insisted on a new dress fitting every single month! Now she's got Mom doing it."

“Let’s hope you can make the old Queen proud. Come on! Can’t wait to see you complain about your hip lines.”

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