The Origin of a Champion

Chapter 15- Calm Before the Storm

The rest of the week went by very quickly. In Link's opinion, too quickly. The week was spent with the adults catching up and talking, an affair that the kids wanted nothing to do with. Instead for the remainder of the visit, Impa, Purah, and Link kept themselves busy with mischievous antics. Throwing rocks and dye in the fairy fountain, playing pranks and jokes on each other, and testing the theory that if one jumps off a ledge holding a cucco, that the person would float down safely. It wasn't all mischief though, sometimes they would explore the areas surrounding Kakariko, visit other friends in the village, and confide and have long heart to heart conversations. But unfortunately the time came for Alvar, Zarya, and Link to return home to Central Hyrule.

"Thank you so much for having us over, we all had such a great time," Zarya said to Akilah gratefully.

Akilah smiled brightly, "Of course, don't even mention it. It was a long overdue visit. Make sure to write to us, Cato and I look forward to your updates." Akilah pulled Zarya in one final hug of farewell.

"See ya around friend, stab a yiga for me when you get the chance!" Cato jested as he shook Alvar's hand for the last time.

Alvar laughed, "I'll try. You stay safe. Since you're the Advisor to the Royal Family of Hyrule, I should see you at one point soon. But farewell for now!"

The four grownups finished their goodbyes and turned around to see Link, Impa, and Purah in a final group hug. An "awww" escaped from Zarya and Akilah.

"I'll miss you two! Hopefully I'll be able to come back and visit again soon!" Link exclaimed, hoping to cheer his best friends up as they were upset at his unwanted departure.

Impa managed a smile, "I miss you already. Stay safe you hear!"

Link nodded and turned to Purah, who was struggling with the lump she felt rising in her throat, "Come back to us soon Linky! I'm gonna really miss you. Things get boring with only Impa around sometimes, you know?"

Purah giggled as Impa playfully gave her an elbow in return. Alvar and Zarya had already mounted their horses and beckoned Link to join them. Link walked over to his mother's horse and Zarya bent over to lift him up and place him in front of her. With a final wave and smile, Zarya and Alvar got Milkshake and Shadow into a gallop and started to ride out of Kakariko Village.

Impa and Purah tried to run alongside the horses as long as they could but gave up when they reached outside the village. The sisters watched in silence as the two horses went off and out of sight completely. Impa's attention shifted to Purah when she heard her heave a long, troubled sigh.

"Hey, are you alright? You look like you're about to cry."

Purah bashfully turned her head in the other direction and said nothing, so Impa continued, "You're very emotional, you know that?"

Purah sniffed, "So? What's wrong with that?"

Impa's face softened into a reassuring smile, "Absolutely nothing. Here come on, let's go make something for lunch, that should cheer you up!" Impa smiled brightly, jumped up, took her sister's hand and started back towards home.

Purah couldn't help but smile back, "Thanks Impa."

"Don't mention it! You know, on a normal occasion I'd race you home, but something tells me you're not in the mood," Impa laughed.

Purah rolled her eyes, "Yeah thanks for just walking this time. I'd probably throw a rock at you or something."

Impa chuckled and tightened her grip on her sister's hand and continued to walk home to make lunch for her.