Hiding in shadows and silently running from house to house, three dark figures unnoticably escaped the village. Their destination was three hours away on foot. But they had to run, if they didn't want to seem suspicious. They also had to be quick if they didn't want to feel pain. How long would one of them last?
"We can't stop to rest. We'll never get up if we stop," the mage of dark arts warned as they entered the large well-known field.
The torn boy and crimson clothed girl said nothing and continued jogging in the dark, avoiding all sunlight.
The crimson colored girl panted, "Don't talk. You're merely wasting your breath."
The boy said nothing, and wouldn't if he could. So much was happening at once. With each step he took, he could fall over in exhaustion. He had a history he couldn't tell. Though, one thing was obvious. What he had been through wasn't good. A dark bruise and cuts covered his face. His clothes were ripped and torn, besides the blood stains all over them. Sweat was drenched all over his face. Internally, he also had a headache. He couldn't stop his legs from shaking in weakness.
"Gold, are you all right?" the mage asked, looking his direction.
He closed his mouth and pretended to have lots of energy, as if he was breathing through his nose. He nodded his head without any sound.
"Shade. What did you say about not stopping?" the crimson clothed girl reminded her still somewhat jogging by.
"Right..."
The three continued to advance like before. The torn boy, Gold, was right behind the other two girls, walking. By this time two hours past, and they were all out of breath.
"Fire, Shade, I don't know if I could...," Gold began.
"Just one step in front of the other. Focus on that," Shade suggested.
Gold collapsed onto the gravel road, and didn't get up. His shoulders rose and fell quickly, and gasped for air. Fire stared, lips sealed, as if she didn't believe what she just saw. With much effort, Gold got onto his knees and elbows, then slowly got to his feet. Almost imminently, he tripped over. If it wasn't for Fire, he would have started from dirt again.
"This is ridiculous...," he sniffed, voice stuffy. "I feel so weak..." Then he burst into tears. "I've just been a drag to you guys. Why hadn't I die yet back over there?" he shouted in between sobs.
"Gold, it's okay. We haven't been through half of what you've been through. You were amazing to keep up with us for so long," complemented Shade. She patted his back as if it would make a difference. He pulled something out of the little bag tied to his belt. It was a piece of paper folded and folded over again into a tiny square. "What's this?" He didn't respond but still held up the piece of paper. As Shade took it from Gold's trembling hand, Fire stood on her toes trying to see what was in it. Shade unfolded and unfolded it again, until any markings on the paper was visible.
Thought it had many creases, but the two figured out what it was. It was a small hand drawn picture of Shade, Fire, a few other Epic Squad members, and Gold in the middle. They're all smiling, hands around each others' shoulders, and all seeming to enjoy each other's company.
Gold grinned, proud to show them the picture.
"This picture is epic!" Shade laughed.
"Heh. Yeah," Fire agreed laughing along.
Gold slowly walked a few steps forward, politely telling them that they should try to get back before nightfall.
They've reached the draw bridge to Hyrule Market; the most known market for shoppers. Hyrule Castle could be seen over in the view as well.
"I'll part with you guys here," Fire announced.
"All right." Gold nodded to show that he understood.
Fire turned around and dashed off, jumping on top of the roof of a few shops and ran from above. The crowd of Hylians didn't even notice her.
Shade smirked. "Of course."
They continued on, certainly close to their destination.
P: And so later, in the next chapter, I'll introduce the rest of the Epic Squad... so I hope. I don't know all of them. There's 25 of them.