Haunting Shadow of the Past

Part 11

Liliana opened her mouth to say something when she heard someone call out from across the courtyard. "Hey, Hero, are you sure you should be wasting your time with a pathetic child? Don't you have other responsibilities?" Link looked towards the voice to see Dimitri and his gang walking towards them. Even from far away Link could tell they looked tired and he quickly assumed that they had been assigned to night guard after yesterday's encounter.

Link stood back to his full height and crossed his arms. "What do you want?"

They didn't say anything until they were a few meters away then Dmitri pulled out his sword. "We are supposed to be protecting Hyrule castle and I see a shady figure walking around."

"Remember what my father said? An attack on me is an attack on Hyrule."

Botrick made something between a laugh and a snort. "We aren't talking about you, 'Hero', we are talking about that Bokoblin right next to you."

Link looked to where he was pointing and realized it was at his sister. He glared at the trio. "Excuse me."

"We only want to protect the Hero," Falmark said while he and Botrick removed their swords.

Link whipped his sword out and stepped in front of Liliana while feeling that same sensation he felt every time he held the master sword: becoming more alert. "I would recommend that you put your weapons away."

"Ha, we don't take orders from you." Dmitri chuckled while taking a step forward.

Link braced himself but they never moved instead they stood frozen in fear before dropping to one knee. Link swiveled around and saw King Rhoam standing behind him. He quickly went down to one knee and pulled his sister down with him. "What is going on here?" The King demanded.

"Well your Maj-" Dmitri started before the King cut him off.

"I want to hear from, Link."

Link looked up at the king who gestured for him to rise so Link did. "My sister and I were going to go into town when these three knight stopped us."

"I will speak to your father about these three knights. As for going into town today I will have to say you can't do that. My daughter, Princess Zelda, has returned today and there are important matters that need to be discussed and it's essential you attend. I have filled your father in on all the details and I suggest you speak with him."

Link nodded and as soon as the King left Link helped Liliana up. "I'm sorry that we can't do what you wanted, Lily."

Liliana shrugged. "It's alright."

Dmitri interrupted. "Aw you brother doesn't have time for you anymore, he thinks he is too good for you. Maybe you should come hang out with me and my friends."

Liliana turned to look at them and crossed her arms. "Why would I want to be friends with people who are mean to Link? Besides, Link has a very important role to play in saving not just the Princess' life but your lives as well." With that she turned and walked inside the castle Link following close behind. Once they got close to their living corridors Lilianan stopped and looked at Link. "It's okay that you can't spend the day with me, we can spend every day with each other after you kill Calamity Ganon."

Link just gave a small smile and nodded before they finished walking back home. Link opened the door and walked in followed by Liliana. Once they were inside they saw their father sitting at the table. As soon as he saw them enter he stood up and gave a small smile. "I assume someone told you to head back here?"

Link nodded but Liliana talked. "Yep! The king told us that Princess Zelda returned sooner than expected and that you knew the rest, Dad."

Lian nodded. "Yes, Link, Liliana, come take a seat." Link and his sister listened and sat at the table. "Link, as you know you are the chosen one to seal the darkness and you play an important role in stopping Ganon. Well back to the beginning, the Princess was out trying to find pilots for the recently found divine beasts. All the pilots she found agreed and are being made Champions. You... are also being made a champion."

Link nodded, "I understand."

Lian took a deep breath before placing a folded up piece of fabric on the table. "This is a shirt that the Princess made for you to wear and this will signify that you are one of the five champions. There is also this shield that the king wanted you to use." Lian placed a shield on the table right next to the shirt. "I know it's not the shield that you have grown comfortable with but the king wanted you to have it. You should go put these on."

Link nodded and grabbed the things off the table. "Alright, I'll be right back." Link stood up and walked into his room. He unfolded the piece of fabric for it to reveal a tunic with white markings near the collar and along the hem. He removed his armor and changed into the blue tunic with a few other things for protection and a few belts to make it less baggy. He then reached for his old sword before shaking his head and picking up the new shield. He put it on with the master sword then he picked up his old shield. The weight in his hands was so familiar and he slid his finger across the shield and felt every groove and every cut. He sighed and sat down on the edge of his bed. He looked down at the shield in his hands then over at the armor next to him and then on the sword that was propped up against his wall. His life as he had known was over and now he was stepping forward and starting a new chapter.

"Link, are you alright?" Lian called. Link snapped back into the moment. He set his shield next to his old sword and hurried out of his room and back into the kitchen. Lian smiled and patted Link on the back. "You look good, son. I wish your mother were here to see you."

Liliana jumped up and smiled. "Don't worry, Dad, I know Mom promised she would always protect Link."

Lian smiled and Link could see tears appearing in his eyes. "Father?"

Lian looked at his son and cleared his throat before patting Link on the back. "You should probably go to that ceremony. You will be able to meet the other champions and this," he gestured at Link's outfit, "is going to be made official."

"What about Link, when will we get to see him?" Liliana asked, her voice breaking.

Lian looked at Link then back at Liliana. "Link and the rest of the champions will be extremely busy. The king said that Link will be taking his role even more seriously and will always be protecting Princess Zelda, morning, noon, and night. We... probably won't be seeing him as much."

Tears welled up in Liliana's eyes but she quickly brushed them away. Link kneeled down and looked her in the eyes. "Lily, I know this is going to be different but, hey, it's okay. So, before I have to go I want you to remember one thing, promise me one thing: be brave when you're afraid."

Liliana nodded. "I know, I have to be brave, just like you."

Link nodded before standing up and looking at his father. "Will you both be at the ceremony?"

Lian nodded and clapped Link on the back giving a big smile. "Of course, Son." Link gave a small smile, gave Liliana a hug and then turned and left the room.