Chapter 4: Belonging

Belonging. A place amongst others. Link never felt like he had that. He had orders. He had his duty. He never felt apart of the Knights of Hyrule, nor part of the Royal Guard. He had friends, sure, even a crush, but he never felt like he belonged anywhere. His parents died before he was fully grown, and his destiny as the Wielder of the Master Sword kept him separate from the other Hylians. Whether it was due to jealousy, awe, or some combination of the two, he always felt like Hylian's would stare at him like he was some kind of attraction. All of those eyes on him at once made him retreat into himself, losing his voice and carefree attitude so that he didn't accidentally say or do anything a hero wouldn't do. Living up to those expectations, however, did not give him a sense of belonging. In the end, he felt more alienated than ever.

The Zora were a different story. They had accepted him when he was young, and he had made many childhood friends, such as Bazz, Rivan, and Mipha, of course. He had a great life there. But still, he didn't belong. He couldn't swim as fast as them. He couldn't ascend waterfalls. They constantly had to make concessions for him. And in doing so, he perceived them taking slight annoyance whenever he would be invited. They never outright told him they hated him being there, but Link was always afraid of the answer he'd get if he asked. So, in a group as accepting as that, he still couldn't find true belonging.

The story went the same for the Rito, Gerudo, and Gorons. Couldn't fly, is a guy, and can't eat rocks. Too different to belong, no matter how accepting. Then, he found Tarrey Town.

The Champions at first didn't know what to make of Tarrey Town. "It's just one house and a bunch of boulders. This hardly qualifies as town. More of a dream if anything." Revali complained, unimpressed by the future town's state.

Daruk grinned as he smacked Revali's back. "Aww come own, Revali! I think the place has potential! Look they already have the most important thing: rocks!"

Mipha giggled softly. "Quite. This town has all the chance of becoming a thriving community. Everything must start somewhere."

Urbosa looked around, seeing the location of the town itself. "It's actually quite peaceful here. No sounds of the Calamity, plenty of water and wildlife nearby. One could make quite the acceptable life here." Urbosa elbowed Mipha, nodding her head towards Link. "What do you think, Mipha?"

"O..oh! Yes, quite! It would make for a very nice home. It's just that..." Mipha trailed off, her sight locked on her hero.

Urbosa gave her a quizzical look. "Just what? This place, while not the desert, is perfect. He would be happy here."

Mipha looked down at the ground, a loss for words on how to explain it to Urbosa.

"He would never be happy here. He could never be happy here."

Everyone's eyes snapped to Revali, who gave out a huff and turned away, not wanting to explain anymore than he had to. The rest of the group gave a shrug before turning their attention back to Link.

Link had just arrived at the location, finding Hudson next to some rocks. Hudson was hard at work when he noticed him, greeting him with a small wave before shooting a questioning look at his work.

"Oh. I'm building a town." Link cocked an eyebrow. "Yep. A town. And a town needs two things: supplies and people." Link could think of many other things a town could need. Fresh water, food, leadership, infrastructure, to name a few. But he supposed that at it's core, supplies and people would suffice. "Hey, I've got a favor to ask. I need people in the town, but I don't have any places for them to live." That would be a problem. "If you could get me ten bundles of wood, I could combine those with my bundles and make a new house. As he finished his sentence, Link had already stacked ten bundles of wood. While the instant campfires were soothing, he needed the wood far less than Hudson did. "You already have ten? Great job. Can I have them?" Link only nodded his head. "Great, I can get to work right away. In the mean time, however, now I need the actual people. Could you go look for someone who makes clothes? Like a tailor of some sorts? My clothes are always ripping and I would love to have someone in town to help me out."

Link nodded before preparing to leave. Hudson called out to him as he almost crossed the bridge out of town. Link turned back. "Make sure that the people you get have names that end in "son." It's company policy you know?" Link feigns a grin, quashing the urge to complain about the admittedly stupid policy. What kind of a policy is having the townspeople end in a "son?" That excludes a large amount of people from living there, and the odds of finding a tailor who wants to up and move and whose name also ends in a "son" was next to impossible. Link sighed, expecting this quest to be one of the first he'd have to give up on...

A tailor. A Gerudo tailor (who have been known to travel long distances anyways) who was looking for a man and a new place to live. Well, too bad her name doesn't end in a...

"Oh, where are my manners? I am Rhondson. And you are?" Link nearly fell over from the impossibility from the situation, stumbling to catch his footing as he composed himself. "Is there something you wanted to tell me?" Link sighed heavily, before handing her a piece of paper. She quickly looked it over. "Tarrey Town? And they're in need of a tailor?" Link nodded, gesturing to the message at the bottom. "Move in today? Do you think I could find a voe for me there?" Link shrugged. "Well, it's not like I'm doing anything here anyways." She stood up and began to pack her stuff. "I suppose I'll head out there right away. Thanks for letting me know." And with that, she left. Link stood there, dumbstruck that he was able to find someone that fit the description. He shook his head before heading out, his destination set.

This was the running story for our hero, as he would go back to Tarrey Town, give up more and more of his wood, and continue to go on searches to find the specific person the town needed, all while having to stick to the company naming policy. His disbelief of the circumstances he was in only grew and grew as he managed to find person after person who met the requirements. He would tell them about the town, they would happily agree to move, and he would return to continue to help the town build. By the end, a few small but well constructed houses stood in a ring, with a happy community thriving within the town itself. They had done it together. They had built a town from the ground up.

The Champions themselves were having a grand time watching Link's slow decay into annoyed insanity at the impossibility of the situation. They would make it a contest, trying to guess who in the town fit the description and how long it would take to find them. Urbosa was oddly the best at this, often times winning with plenty of room to spare. Daruk would often be the furthest, generally due to him forgetting the rules of the company policy, having the same confusion as Link as to why it would matter. Either way, they enjoyed this stretch of their trip. Link seemed happy, or at least he seemed better. He hadn't broken down since the incident with Finley, and he had been diligently working to complete whatever tasks he could for the people he came across. They could only hope this would continue to be the case.

Link sat in front of small campfire outside of the town. He looked back at the town, seeing lit up houses and people happily coexisting with each other. Link sighed, a small smile flashing across his face. He certainly had a large hand in building this place, that was for sure. But a small part of him felt a small nagging feeling. He couldn't quite place it, but he knew something was off. Before he could pursue the issue further, he peered up at Hudson, who was slowly approaching his campsite. Link waved as Hudson waved back. "Hello, Link. It's good to see you again." Link nodded. "Thank you again for all the help you've done for this town. I couldn't express my thanks in enough words." Link shot him a quick smile, before shaking his head. "Don't be silly, you've had just as much a part as I have. And with you finding someone to officiate Rhondson and my wedding, you've officially done all you could do." Hudson offered Link a handshake, one in which Link obliged.

Hudson took a deep breath. "Ok Link, I have a special proposition for you. It's never been done before, and Bolson would have my head if he heard, but I think you've earned it." Hudson handed a document to Link, a small smile crossing his face. Link reached out, carefully grabbing the scroll. He unfurled it, revealing the same help wanted posters he would take to the other now inhabitants of Tarrey Town. "We're in need of a guard, someone to watch over the town. And I can think of no better person than you, Link. Or should I say 'Linkson'?" Hudson chuckled, his joke eliciting no reaction from Link as he stared for a long time at the proposal before him. "Of course, you still have your quest, but you could come back when you were done!" Link looked up and opened his mouth to give an answer, but Hudson stopped him by raising his hand and shaking his head. "Give me your answer tomorrow, after the wedding. Gives you the night to sleep on it." Link hesitated for a few moments before solemnly nodding, waving to Hudson as he walked back into town. Link dumped water on his fire, laying back on his roll to try and get some semblance of sleep.

The remaining Champions stood around his extinguished fire. Urbosa was the first to speak. "It's a fine occupation. He could be happy here once the Calamity is defeated."

Daruk nodded. "The town has really grown! It's a great place now, and perfect for the little guy to finally find some peace!"

Mipha glanced over at Revali. He seemed to be the only one, besides her, who fully understood Link's feelings in this particular situation. She wasn't very good at putting it to words, but Revali was quite forward. Maybe he could explain better than she could. She gestured to him to step in, to say something, but his silence held. He eyed her before turning away, staring off at the rising moon. Mipha shook her head and sighed. She desperately wanted to get through to him. To get him to open up and fully join their team once again. But the distance he kept himself at was a hard gap to cross. Hopefully, it was still possible.

The wedding was nice. That's all Link could truly say about it. He stood in the back, behind all the other guests. He watched on as Hudson and Rhondson said their vows to one another. His vision soon began to blur. He reached up and wiped his eyes, a sad huff escaping his mouth. He wasn't upset because they were getting married. He was happy for them. But the sight of two people marrying, two people agreeing to spend the rest of their lives together, was hitting too close to home for him. He glanced down at the armor he wore for this special occasion. His hands ran over the smooth scales of the Zora armor, his hand resting on the scale that came directly from Mipha. His hand rested there, a sad smile accompanying the tear running down his cheek. He shook his head, hearing the old Zora asking if Hudson would always have his wife, through sickness and health, till death do they part. Link glanced back down to his armor, his hand still held to the single scale shining in the armor. His voice was barely above a whisper. "Even if death has parted us already, I do. Till death unites us." His right hand grew slightly cooler, and he felt a light squeeze. He slowly lifted his head, seeing a faded image of Mipha, complete with the green flames floating carefully around her ethereal body. She smiled at him, her face just as pristine as it always was. She made no noise, not that he thought she could. He tried to think of the words to say. Something to convey how much he missed her, how much he loved her. He opened his mouth to speak, only to be be stopped once again. She shook her head, before mouthing two words to him, two words that summed up everything. I do. With that, she faded from his view. He blinked back the tears, the cool feeling in his hand gone. Was that real? Did I really just see her? Or am I imagining things? Link shook his head, clearing his thoughts. He stared at Hudson, at the people of the town, and smiled. "I guess that's makes us husband and wife," Link said, accidentally matching his ending words to the old Zora's.

By the time Hudson turned around to find his friend, he saw only a void, a certain hero missing. He looked around trying to catch a glimpse of him. His eyes finally landed on a piece of paper attached to the to the archway leading into the town. He walked over, pulling the paper off the wood. He opened the piece of paper, revealing it to be his offer to Link. At the bottom of the page, however, was a small note and an arrow pointing straight down. Hudson's eyes wandered down to the ground, his eyes catching the glint of a gold rupee shining in the grass. He reached down, lifting the rupee from its resting place as he read Link's note.

Dear Hudson,

I was never one for words. That translates to writing as well. So I only have this to say: thank you. Though it can never truly be my home, for a moment, it truly felt like it.

-Link

Hudson showed a small smile, his gaze drifting off into the wild. "Good luck, my friend. May you truly find peace out there."

The Champions watched as their last remaining member wandered off to find a campsite, half of their party still confused as to why he left. "He had everything. A job, a home, a people. Why leave?"

Daruk agreed with Urbosa. "I don't get it much either. What more could ya want?"

Mipha was about to speak up when a surprise interrupted her. "He didn't stay because he couldn't stay. It wasn't his home."

Urbosa looked at Revali, questioning his words. "It could have been his home, Revali. That is what we are trying to say."

Revali shook his head. "It isn't that it's not his home. It can never be his home." Revali went to turn once more before he felt a small hand on his shoulder. He looked down to see Mipha's pleading eyes. He sighed, turning once more to Daruk and Urbosa. "Through the whole ordeal, he never once considered staying there, even with the stupid naming policies. Sidon is his family, and yet he didn't stay in Zora's Domain. Link doesn't feel like he belongs with any one of them. In truth, he's only ever belonged in one place."

Urbosa grew annoyed. "Is this where you say "the garbage" or "a graveyard"? Because if so, then I don't want to hea..."

"With us."

Daruk and Urbosa stopped their accusations, their gaze holding on the Rito marksmen. "He belonged with us. We were his family. His constant. With us gone, what home does he truly have? As much as I hate to admit it..." Revali stared off at the hero as he disappeared behind the trees. "We needed him...and he needed us."

A small smile crept across Mipha's face as she quietly thanked her fellow Champion. Revali only scoffed and turned away. "Besides, he has no time to be settling down with a group of random strangers. He has a job to do, a duty to us and Zelda he still has to complete." With that, Revali walked off towards Link. His fellow Champions could only look on with smiles on their faces.

Link once again sat next to a small campfire, meat slowly roasting over the open flame. His eyes were trained up at the stars as he enjoyed the comforting warmth and glow that the fire offered. In the end, he realized, he had almost given up on finding a group that he felt he belonged to. That cared if he was there or not. That held expectations, but supported him in his endeavors to live up to them. That had only ever come once, when he was anointed a Champion.

The Champions were different. In a good way, of course. They were a motley crew already, each representing a different race of the realm. Each holding vast differences with each other, but all united in a common goal. They were loud, save for Mipha. They were caring, save for Revali. They were supportive, save for Revali. They wanted him there. Well, save for Revali.

Link shook his head, his eyes staring into the dancing flames, quiet embers drifting in the slight breeze as the cool night air nipped at his skin. A small grin tugged at his lips. Revali and I never did get along did we? The memory of the Rito archer brought forth the smile he was trying to suppress. His competitions, incessant bickering, and constant put downs would cause one to think that Link hated him. To any other, the way Revali acted towards Link would cause anyone to feel like an outsider to the group. But it had the opposite effect on him. His life was a slow ride of people complimenting him and spitting contempt behind his back. Revali brought a new challenge for him. He appreciated the push that Revali offered, always causing Link to push himself to get better and better. He may hold some resentment, and he knew Revali definitely held some, but in the end, it didn't define his memories of Revali. He would always remember Revali as an amazing archer, an amazing Champion, and an amazing person.

They were all amazing in their own ways now that he honestly thought about it. Their powers were mere footnotes when compared to their true character. People of courage. A group who laid their lives down to save their homes. A group of friends, enjoying one another's company as the end of the world approached. Link solemnly look around the campfire. His eyes grew misty as he imagined how things could be. Daruk would be gushing about his beloved rock roasts, even dropping one straight on the fire to show everyone the sheer deliciousness that was his favorite cuisine. Revali would be arguing with Urbosa, who would only keep antagonizing him with silly nicknames and playful jabs. Revali would huff, before turning away, allowing small smirk to show through when he thought no one would notice. Mipha and he would be next to each other, awkwardly trying to be as close as possible without eliciting cheers and cat calls from their fellow Champions. Link looked around, his imagination bringing to life his secret wish. The Champions were his family. He had Sidon, of course, but he finally felt like he truly belonged with his fellow Champions. And now, that family was gone. And so, he would push himself, for their sake. He would free Hyrule from Ganon. He would save the princess. And then, maybe then, he could finally find peace with his family once more.

He reached into his bag, pulling out some glasses as he set them around the fire. After placing five glasses, he pulled out some champagne he had taken from the wedding, pouring some into each glass. Placing the bottle down, he picked up his glass and rose to his feet. He raised his glass, looking around the empty campfire. "To family. To days gone by. To us." He downed his drink, setting his glass down as he sluggishly moved over to his bedroll, ready to battle with sleep deprivation once more.

His fellow Champions stood around the campfire, their perspective glasses full as they also raised their cups. "To us."

AN: A slightly more upbeat chapter. Link is fighting his demons, his past is catching up to him and he's desperately trying to figure out how to confront it. It's been hard, and it will continue to be. But sometimes these brief respites will offer a light, however dim, to help against that darkness.

Also, seems like the Champions are starting to gain some ability to appear before him. I wonder how they're doing it...