A cause worth killing for
A/N: So after many years of hiatus I'm back to writing fanfics. This story has been brooding in my head for a couple of months and I really wanted to put it down in writing. My other "active" story: Let the music play, is still on hiatus for the time being, though I hope I can find inspiration to finish it at some point. Regardless, here's the new story, enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own LoZ, nor do I own its characters. Those are property of Nintendo.
Prologue – An envious task
The land of Hyrule had for the longest time seen true peace. Under the rule of King Harkanian Hyrule's people felt safe and content. Serenity swept over the provinces of Ordon, Faron, Eldin and Lanayru as spring drew to a close, everyone anticipating the festivities of the summer.
In the southern province of Ordon, in Ordon Village, there lived a young man known as "Link". He was "average" in most respects of the word. He was just barely an adult with eyes blue as an ocean, dirty-blonde bangs that at times covered some of his face. He had been a rather small child but now, he suddenly started towering taller in height than most. He had a slender figure, muscles strong after spending his life helping the farmers in the village and he always seemed to have a small, discrete smile on his lips. That morning, when our story begins, Link was wearing his usual labor-garb. This day, he anticipated, would start like any other day: By helping Fado, the ranch-owner, herding his goats. After a brief breakfast Link headed through the village, rejoicing in the sun's rays striking his face and the hint of a light breeze, promising a beautiful day.
"Morning' Link!" Link turned his head and found Malo and Talo.
"Morning", Link replied, giving them a wide smile, "what are you two rascals up to today?"
"We were going to go practice our swordplay, want to come with us?" Talo asked, overwhelming hope showing in his face.
"Sorry", Link replied, "Have to help Fado, you know?" Talo's face instantly dropped to a frown.
"Hey, no point in looking so grim", Link said with his most encouraging tone; "I'll come watch later, okay?" Hope and joy returned to Talo's face.
"O-o-okay, I promise I'll show you something impressive by then."
"I'm sure I'll be amazed." Link said with another smile as he moved along.
Further down the village's main road he encountered Bo, the town's Major, as well as Rusl. Rusl was the one who found Link as an infant and took him into the village. He had also taught Link swordplay as the boy grew up. He was also "Guardian of Ordon", meaning he was in charge of the province military defense.
"Ah, there you are, Link", the Mayor said in a relieved tone.
"Mayor Bo, Rusl", Link replied bowing his head to the older men, "I hope you still aren't bitter over the round I gave you the other day". Link shot a quick smile towards Rusl, referring to the fact that during their latest practice-round, Link had defeated his teacher for the first time. Rusl looked slightly troubled.
"Don't worry, boy", the sword-master replied, "My shoulder is healing fine. You have a tremendous talent, Link. I have no doubt that you could easily become the finest swordsman on the continent, if you keep practicing."
"I'm glad that my master thinks so highly of me." Link replied, giving his master a big grin, "Did you wish to speak with me, Mayor?" He inquired.
"Yes, you see", Bo said, "there is a matter of utmost importance that I wish to discuss with you. Follow me." Bo gestured Link to follow him to his house.
"But Fado…" Link began.
"Fado can wait, this is very important". Bo's tone didn't leave any room for further discussion.
Link followed the Mayor into his house, a large, but comfy house. In the big greeting room, on the table there was a small chest. Bo walked up to it and opened it revealing a scabbard with a sword, lying within.
"This is the Master Sword", Bo's voice was filled with reverence, "It is a treasure of legend, believed to be lost since forever. We recently found it in the Temple-ruins deep within the woods. Please pick it up." Link drew the sword from its scabbard, revealing a strange, white blade attached to the regal-blue hilt. Link was amazed at how the sword was so long, yet he could swing it with no effort.
"It is a historical treasure of the Royal Family of Hyrule", Bo continued, "and as such we will return it to them". Since you have become such an able swordsman under Rusl's teaching, I feel that you should bring this sword to the Royal Family. Will you do this?" Bo looked at Link intently, trying to read the young man's intentions. Link had a look of deep thought as he sheathed the sword.
"Of course", he answered, "it would be an honor." Link felt excitement swell up in his body.
"Yes", Link thought, "this is my chance to see the world beyond the village, beyond the woods". Bo studied Link's face and then sighed in relief.
"Thank you, Link. Know that we all wish you the best of luck, even if you decide to stay in the Castle Town." Link pondered over these words for a moment. The thought of living his life outside the village had felt like a dream just mere minutes before, but now it was all so clear. He just had to walk away.
"There is actually another thing, Link." Bo walked off to another chest and brought up a green tunic, with a pair of brown boots, a green cap and white trousers He also brought a pair of leather gloves. "These are the garments of 'the messenger of the Ordon Province.' Wear these on this mission." Link nodded.
"Thank you so much for entrusting this important task to me, Bo, for giving me a chance." Bo seemed to be able to guess Link's train of thought.
"You are not an Ordonian, Link, and you know this", the old mayor said, a hint of sadness in his voice, "you are a Hylian. I have a feeling your place is with Hylians".
"I understand, mayor", Link answered, "when will I be leaving?"
"As soon as you wish", Bo answered him, "You will have an audience with the King, and you might even catch a glimpse of the beautiful princess while you're there." Bo winked at Link as he said those final words. Link felt his face turning red.
"Well then, mayor", he said, regaining his composure, "I'll be taking my leave then." He shook the mayor's strong, steady hand and left with the Master Sword attached to his back.
He walked away from the mayor's house, on his way to pick up Epona, his horse, and leave. However he walked into the hard embrace of Rusl first.
"Thought you could sneak out without saying good-bye, didn't you?" Rusl said with a slightly unsteady voice. Link returned the hug feeling a sudden sadness cut through his chest. He might never come back to see his older master again.
"I'm sorry, Rusl", Link had to choke back some harsh tears, "but this is how I want it. I want to see what's beyond the forests, even beyond the fields. I want to live in Hyrule".
"It's nothing to be sorry for, Link. I've always had a feeling that this village was too small for you. Too quiet, too peaceful. Even though it saddens me it also relieves me that you will go to a place where your marvelous talents for swordplay can truly bloom. Hell, you could become an army officer in no time". Link gave up a short laugh and broke the embrace.
"Farewell master."
"Farewell, my boy."
Link didn't look back now. None of the other farewells seemed necessary for some reason. Everyone would know where he went and why. There was no point in lingering any longer. He went back to his house and saddled Epona.
"All right, girl, listen up", Link murmured to her with a gentle pat on her muzzle, "We're going to travel around for a bit, just you and me. Are you up for it?" The horse whinnied approvingly. Link got his smile back. "Okay", he said, "Let's go". He took one last glance on the village where he had grown up, then he commanded Epona into a trot and left, with both sadness and joy in his heart.
Illia caught one last glimpse of Link as he disappeared into the Faron woods. Why would he leave without telling anyone? Maybe Malo or Talo had gotten lost and he would get them home. Or maybe he was just going out for a quick stroll with Epona. She would find out soon enough, though, and she wouldn't be pleased with the answer. Even though Link had never taken her hints, she had always dreamed that he would settle down with her one day. Now that dream was brutally shattered.
A/N: Okay, that was fun wasn't it? I could've written a long, dumb chapter of everyone saying good-bye but I really wanted to kick-start this story. Thanks for reading, please leave a review as well if you feel like it. Encouragement helps, I tend to find. Oh and by the way, I've written this story in advance of posting it, because I'm sick of people not finishing their story. I will upload these chapters once a week.