Haunting Shadow of the Past

Part 10

Link awoke to the sound of someone knocking on his door. He looked outside and noticed that the sun wasn't fully up. Link immediately became alert, the only reason someone would be knocking on his door was because the castle must have been under attack. He immediately jumped out of bed and grabbed the master sword before quickly answering the door still in his underwear. To Link's surprise standing outside of his door was Liliana. Her face twisted in confusion when she saw her brother with his hair disheveled and still in his underwear holding the master sword and looking frantic.

"What are you doing?" She asked, raising one eyebrow.

Link turned around and placed the sword on his bed. "Better question: What are you doing?"

Liliana folded her arms. "You promised that we could spend the day together."

Link smacked his head with his palm. "Of course, I forgot. Give me a second to get dressed."

Liliana giggled and shook her head. "Sometimes I wonder how you've gotten this far."

Link chuckled and let out a sigh as soon as Liliana left before closing the door. He quickly put his armor on and placed his sword and shield on his back. Liliana was probably going to ask why he wore all his equipment but he figured she was smart enough to understand that it was necessary.

When Link left his room he found Liliana sitting at the table waiting for him. "You know," Link started, "when I said we could spend the day together I didn't mean waking me up at 4:30 in the morning."

Liliana sighed. "I know, but I woke up early and couldn't go back to sleep and I got bored in my room. I figured since you're always up early there was no problem."

Link sat down at the table. "I normally wake up around 5:30."

Liliana's shoulder dropped and she looked down at her hands in her lap. "I'm sorry I-"

Link quickly cut her off. "No, it's completely fine, I like being up early. It helps me feel productive."

Liliana beamed. "Today I want to do so many things. I want to ride Epona and I want to go and walk around town and I also want to visit all the most beautiful parts of the castle."

Link frowned. "Walking around town can be dangerous and you know this, we will have to ask father first."

Liliana pouted her lip and crossed her arms. "I thought you were such a good knight that you were appointed to protect the princess. I thought you got the master sword but you're telling me going into town is 'too dangerous'."

Link rolled his eyes and didn't say anything but turned towards the door. Liliana clapped her hands together a big grin spread across her face. "Yes!" Link and Liliana walked through the quiet hallways of the castle only occasionally passing soldiers from the night watch going to get some rest. Some would greet Link and others would just nod but all of them gave Link looks of respect. "Why does everyone keep acting like you are so amazing."

Link shrugged. "It's probably because I'm the Princess' personal guard and I got the master sword. Either way I would rather they didn't treat me any differently, I will probably talk to father about that."

Liliana stayed quiet and just followed Link out of the castle. When they got outside the chilly morning air hit them and Link realized how dark it was. Liliana grabbed Link's hand and he looked down at her and saw she was just scanning the surrounding area. Link noticed something else with her in her eyes was fear did she see something or was she just scared of the dark. Liliana squeezed Link's hand and looked up at him. "Why is Hyrule so scary?"

Link raised an eyebrow. What was she talking about? Everything seemed normal to Link. He scanned the area again but saw nothing out of the ordinary, the only movement came from the guards stationed and even then they were nothing new. "What do you mean?"

"I had a dream last night where Hyrule was really scary and there were scary dark clouds and a red moon and monsters marching towards the castle."

Link frowned he had had dreams like that recently as well. He swallowed before putting on a brave face. "That sounds like a nightmare, Hyrule will be fine. After all, me and Princess Zelda are here to save it." He forced confidence into his voice and crouched down to look his sister in the eye. "You trust me and the Princess, right?"

Liliana's eyes widened in shock before she flashed a huge smile. "Of course I trust you and Princess Zelda! You guys are going to make Ganon regret ever wanting to come back." Link struggled to keep a confident spark in his eyes and was relieved when Liliana started tugging him forward. "We should go into town and get some breakfast!"

Link shook his head. "It's four in the morning, I doubt anywhere is open."

Liliana groaned. "They really should. How else are we supposed to eat on the day we spend together?"

Link let out a genuine laugh and managed to catch himself off guard with it. It had been so long since he had actually been happy and whether it was because he wanted to put on a brave face for Liliana or not he felt he could actually be himself and forget about his new role for even a few hours. "Lily, I don't think they have everything planned out for your crazy schedule."

I meant to publish this part sooner but I've been really tired lately and so if this part isn't super amazing it's because I've been super burned out. Also this part is just a more upbeat chapter because I needed some fun not as heavy content haha. I hope everyone enjoyed Link interacting with his little sister, Liliana (Lily) :) The next part will be published next week! See you all then :D