The Final Breath.

Chapter Two

The whole group travelled fast across Hyrule Field in silence. The Royal White Stallion leading the way with The Princess sitting atop his back. They had pretty much abandoned following the roads, and had spent hours forcing their horses forward at a galloping pace.

Link, and Sidon were all on horseback while Teba flew. Riju and Yunobo rode in a cart pulled by more horses. Vuthipir and the Royal Stallion led the way because of their speed, and there was little to no communication between any of them except the occasional 'how much farther.'

Finally the silence was broken with a dangerous question.

"So, Link. Mind telling us what you were going to do on that bridge?"

Teba, Sidon, and Yunobo stared at Riju with disbelief and annoyance all over their faces, while Zelda gasped lightly and looked over at Link. He had his head down as he stared at the reins in his hands.

"Where were you for all this time?! Hiding? Like a coward?!"

Growing angry, Link urged Vuthipir into a full sprint while the Princess followed. Unfortunately, Vuthipir was much faster than The Stallion, and Zelda called out to him.

"I didn't mean it, I'm sorry."

Link looked back at her, blank expression on his face, but a guilty one on hers. He sighed and slowed to a gallop as Zelda did the same. He didn't know why she bothered so much, when it was obvious that after months of working, training, fighting, and overall being alone, that he wanted to continue being alone. Everyone there knew he had issues with speaking to people after the loneliness he felt, but nobody suspected that it would come to that.

"But... I can't help but ask, Link. Where have you been?"

The silence was only temporary as Link spoke up.

"My time is over. I am no longer needed. Hyrule is safe, you are safe. I see no more reason to remain at the front of it all. I am not like you, I am not a leader of a village or an icon if peace. I hide behind the scenes, manipulate the puppet strings. Have you ever noticed that in the legends, they never mentioned the names of the Hero?"

That caused everyone to stiffen up. He was correct, but Yunobo was the first to speak.

"I understand what you mean." Attention was placed on him. "I've noticed... the legendary remain... legends. I can't speak for the old hero, but I'm sure... he was never forgotten by those around him- I mean-"

"I understand, Yunobo. It's alright."

"Hah... yeah.."

Yunobo sighed and brought his head to the back of his neck. The rest of the ride was somewhat silent as the six rode towards the castle. It still was odd to Link, the changes to the castle. It was still covered with Malice in certain places, but they were in spots that the townsfolk just left alone.

"Strange, isn't it?" Link looked over as Zelda spoke. "How you must've seen this place destroyed so many times, to see it restored once more. It must feel strange to you."

Link nodded, and the six entered the castle town gates. The festival was still going on, many shopkeepers taking this as a chance to display their goods at cheap prices to get recognized. One of these people happened to be Beedle. He waved wildly at Link, catching the attention of everyone else. After a moment of squinting and staring at him, the hylians had all widened their eyes at the sight of their champion.

Cheers and screaming broke out as children and adults alike all ran up to Link, desperate to hear his voice and see his legendary blade. He had simply gave a gentle wave and pressed on towards the castle. The other Champions recieved plenty of attention as well, but not as much as the boy on the gray horse.