The Origin of a Champion

Chapter 16- A New Home

*Note to Reader- 5 years have passed since the last chapter. Link is now 11 years old*

Link turned around to take one final look at his house in Central Hyrule. He sniffed and wiped the tear that snuck down his cheek. He always loved living in Hyrule Castle town, the noise, smells, people, the atmosphere in general. But now it was all gone, along with those he loved most. He put down the pack containing his essentials and watched his former house from a distance. He could feel the memories flooding his head, most good, but some hauntingly sad. One of the construction workers passing by gave him a sympathetic look.

"Hey kid, do you have a place to go? I know it's tough times but if I can do anything to help you let me know ya hear!"

Link wiped his cheek and cleared his throat to make it seem like he wasn't crying before he turned around to answer the man back, "Yes sir, I have somewhere to go. I really should start off there now. But thanks anyway for the offer."

The kind construction worker nodded his head, "Don't mention it kid. Stay safe."

Link gave him a nod and slowly made his way out of the castle town. He tried his best to soak all of it in, the people and familiar faces, the noises, the smells, for he knew he wouldn't be back here for a while. As much as Link liked a quiet, serene and peaceful background, he always appreciated the regular hustle and bustle of the busy town. The vendors calling out their wares, children always running in the street, and even an occasional troop of soldiers would march by. Link always felt a special sense of pride every time he saw a banner or flag bearing the Hylian Crest wave boldly in the wind. They always reminded him of his parents, and what they stood up for, and died for.

When Link walked out of the Hylian castle town and into the great Hyrule field, he gave a quivering sigh as he gave his hometown one last look before continuing his journey.

"Farewell Hyrule, I'll come back one day."

Link started his long and dreary walk to Kakariko. His soon to be new home. He was grateful to be accepted into a new household, but the feeling was bitter-sweet. He missed his own home, his own family. After all of the recent events Link was feeling extremely paranoid, and he gripped his travelers swords' hilt tightly with his tense right hand. Link had traveled many times with his parents, but never completely alone. Now he had explored by himself countless times, but a straight out journey with no company was new, and in his case quite depressing. Link did his best to keep his spirits up by talking to himself to keep him distracted, but that could only do so much. He whistled for a bit, and even tried soft humming and singing, but his voice was too cracked and sore due to all the crying he had done lately, so he gave up that too.

As Link walked through Hyrule field he felt like he was in a haze. As if sleepwalking while in a bad dream. He passed by the outskirts of the Lanayru Wetlands and stared into his reflection in the water. As he bent over he noticed the golden Hylian Crest necklace dangling off his neck and he mechanically clutched it tightly with his right hand. He felt a hot tear roll down his cheek as he recollected the fact that it was his mother's. Alvar had given it to Zarya years ago, even before Link was born. Zarya always wore it and never took it off unless she was sleeping, and after her death it was passed to Link by his father's wishes. He vividly remembered his mother's death three years ago, when he was eight. She had been assassinated while he and his father were away on a father-son trip at Hyrule Ridge for a weekend. He remembered him and his father coming back on that fateful day...

***

"I can't wait to show mom the new sword moves you taught me Dad! She'll be so proud, right Dad?" Link asked excitedly as he skipped about, twirling his intricately carved sword in the air.