The moonlight shone through the window as night settled upon Hyrule.

Link opened his felt his stomach gurgle. He hadn't eaten all day. Meh, it wasn't that bad. Time to back to sleep and he could eat with everyone else in the morni-

"HUUUUURNGNGNHG!"

Startled, he looked down. Zelda was snoring mildly loudly as her armed draped over him. He forgot that she did that. Since sleep was now completely out of the question, Link lifted the covers. Quietly slipping out of bed, Link changed into his green cap and garb. Sneaking downstairs, Link went into the dining hall. There had to be leftovers. Searching the cool pantry, he found a cucco leg wrapped in cloth. Link heartfully tore into the cucco leg. Delicious as always. Better than when he had been on the Dragmire plantation. And especially better when he had been off in the wilderness all by himself. With only salt from the local salt mines to preserve his food, Link had to choose between scarfing down all his food at once and become bloated, try to stuff it down in his pockets, or worst of all, discard it entirely. Wasting food out in the wild was a horrible idea. You never know where your next meal is going to come from. Scrounging for berries and vegetables worked in the forests, but the wastelands, deserts, and beaches where different stories.

Picking off food was one of the few things he liked using his bow for. He didn't even bring the bow along, he found it in the Eagle Dungeon at the start of his quest. He never actually bothered to give it a name, did he? What would be a good name? Ummmm, Uhhhh, Eagle Bow. Yeah, that's it. Eagle Bow was as a good name as any, supposedly. He had actually been extremely fortunate to find the Eagle Bow, as it had turned out to be that the only weapon that could kill Ganon was a Silver Arrow. However, despite all that good the Eagle Bow did him, he much preferred using his swords. So much easier to control and use. Now that he thought about it, did he ever thank that one old man for giving him the Master Sword?

"IT'S DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE! TAKE THIS!"

And Link had never gone to see him since! I hope I haven't hurt his feelings. All the way out there in the caves, alone. Surely he would enjoy some company. The old man was a magical sage that had been captured by Ganon's forces. He probably left the dungeon once Link killed all of Ganon's monsters. Perhaps he had even found himself a girlfriend. Who knows how long he had been trapped in that dungeon.

"Up rather late, aren't we?" A figure emerged from the shadows. Her blue contrasted with her tanned skin, white hair, and the distinct red eyes of the Shiekah.

"Nice to see you too Impa. Vigilant as ever as guardian of the castle."

"No need for flattery. I'm not here to kill you. At least not yet." Impa said. "What's got you awake at this time of night?"

"I just needed something to eat. I'll return to bed soon."

"A lot on your mind?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Link, you've been eating on the same bone for the past five minutes."

"I have?" He looked down. The chicken was completely bare. He had almost bitten through the bone.

"Nothing to be ashamed of," Impa said. "The tension has been so strong around here we need a Silver Arrow to pierce it. And you're at the epicenter of all of it." She pulled up a chair. "Come on, let's talk."

"What is there to talk about? We had the trial, and the king's decision is impending. That's it."

"That's it?" She repeated. "So, if the king sentences you to death, you'll accept it?"

Link fell silent, turning away from Impa and throwing the bone into the trash.

"Don't tell me you're not at least thinking about it," Impa said.

"You would stop me." Link said curtly.

"Doesn't mean that I would want to. Or that you wouldn't at least try." She responded. "I saw the trial today. For the record, I believe that Lord Dragmire's speech was better."

"But?" Link asked. There was always a 'But'

"But... after examining the crowd afterward, I believe public opinion is shifting towards Groose's side."

"Well, I guess that's it then." Link said, running his hand through his hair. The people of Hyrule calling for his head would be the final nail in his coffin.

"Now, it could shift back at any time, or maybe I just misjudged it-"

"And if you didn't?" Link said. "You saw the trial. Groose left the entire kingdom in awe. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. So is this how it ends for me? The Hero of Time kills The Demon King then ends up dead a year later at the demands of his people?"

"Link, I'm sorry but, that seems the way it's going right now."

"I know. I hate it. I've always hated it." Link said. "Ever since I married Zelda and became Prince of Hyrule, I've been a fish out of the water. Impa, I don't belong with these aristocrats. I can't write trade deals, I can't do big speeches. I'm terrible at politics. I'm a joke in the Royal Court. And yet, I'm the most important piece there is. I'm supposed to be a future King of Hyrule. Me. I can't do that. I just can't. People would probably plan so many uprisings and everything else. Zelda herself tried to groom me to be a king, and I completely embarrassed her. I just get so uncomfortable in front of crowds and everything. There's a reason I was just a farm hand on the plantation. I did better with myself. I'm more comfortable being around horses than people. I miss the privacy. Back when I was on the plantation. Even when I was in the wilderness. I didn't have to show off or act out for anyone. I could just go and be me. And now... this whole thing has just been one big mess."

"Does this mean that you're ready to die, my prince?"

"If it gives Hyrule and Zelda a future to be proud of, so be it. My whole life's been a kick in the teeth. I'm fine with one last shot."

"You're just saying that because you're frustrated. You don't believe that." Impa said. It surprised her how much hearing those words come from Link bothered her.

"I just want to go out and be alone for a second."

"You're not permitted to leave the castle," Impa said. "I don't know if you noticed, but security has become tighter in the past few days."

"I know. Proof of that is talking to me right now. So instead of sneaking out myself, I'm just going to ask for permission."

"I'll need a reason to tell the king for when he finds out."

"Tell him something about the Triforce calling me or something."

"It'll work. I'll go tell the guards."

"While you're at it, can I get my weapon back?"

"Why do you want them back?" Impa raised an eyebrow. Perhaps Link wasn't so passive to his fate after all.

"I just hate going outside without them. You never know when you'll need them. And I know the king gave them to you to personally hide."

"Alright then. Give me a few minutes. I'll meet you at the stables."

"Thank you, Impa."

"It is my pleasure, my prince. You know," she added. "I think this is the most conversation anyone outside of Zelda has ever gotten out of you, 'Silent Killer.'"

"I just like to focus during battles. You never know what could happen."

"Hey girl. Nice to see you." He patted his steed. Epona.

"Well, here's your gear."

Impa handed him his Hylian Shield and Master Sword.

"Well, I'm off."

"Be back soon, technically you're not supposed to leave the castle."

"I won't stay out long." He then turned to his steed. "Come on Epona. Let's ride!"

The cool night air felt nice. A few owls hooting and crickets chirping created a nice serene peace.

"I know you must really like it out here girl." Link said to Epona. It had been a while since Epona had been allowed to roam. She had spent a lot of time in the stables. And the gated 'pasture' was no place for a horse like her.

Link felt so at peace here. Despite him knowing that it would never happen, he had always hoped that he and Zelda could capitulate the throne and live their lives out here and free from-

An ax came flying out of the trees. Link fell off Epona to dodge it. It whizzed past Link's ear and lodged itself into a tree.

"We've found him!" A monstrous voice rang out. Emerging from the bushes were 2 Daria and 3 Geru. The Daria were half-Hylian, half-gator, the product of forced and twisted mating. The Geru were lizards that evolved naturally grow their arms and legs. None of them were wearing armor to hinder them. They were scouts. This close to Hyrule Castle Town. Unacceptable.

"We have orders to bring you to Lord Aghanim!"

"Epona, return to Castle Town!" Link unsheathed his sword.

Epona neighed and galloped away.

"We will resurrect King Ganon!" The Red Geru swung his mace. Instead of trying to block such a heavy blow, Link jumped back. The Daria tried to encircle him. As he kept backpedaling, Link had to fight the urge to stop from breaking into a full run. Daria and Geru practiced throwing their weapons with the ease of common stones. It was easy to go out on a battlefield and find a poor Hylian laying face down with an ax gouged into his back. With all those axes to weigh them down, the Daria moved rather slow, so Link could stay out of their trap.

"BLEED HERO! BLEED!" The Orange Geru threw his spear right at Link's center mass. Dodging wasn't an option. If he fell off his feet, he was good as dead. Setting his feet straight and bracing himself just in time, Link blocked it with his shield. He stumbled back but kept his balance. The Blue Geru swung his mace at Link's side. Link blocked again with his shield and tried to move with the momentum of the blow and spun backward.

The Red Geru came barreling forward and swung his mace again. Link blocked the blow with the Master Sword, falling down to one knee. Link sprung back up and thrust forward, cutting one of the Geru's fingers off and ripping into the arm. The Geru screamed in pain as his flesh had been ripped open. Link slashed his knees, dropping the beast. Right before Link could cut his head off, he noticed out of the corner of his eye the Daria that had flanked him, axes at the ready.

Link fell on his back as the axes came rocketing towards him. As he scrambled to get up, a spiked shield came crashing down on him. Link barely blocked with his own shield and found himself looking straight into the eyes of the wounded Geru.

"I'LL TEAR APART YOUR FLESH APART WITH MY TEETH!" The Geru opened its mouth to display several long rows of sharp teeth and a long forked tongue to go with it. The Geru raised his club to kill the Hero when-

GGNKGUUURK!

Link drove his sword into the side of the Geru's head. Link felt the Master Sword piece the skull before it dug into the cushy, soft brain. The Geru's eyes went wide with shock as he dropped the mace and fell limp.

"YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!" The Blue Geru brought his mace down. Link used the body of the dead Geru to block. He was running out of options. Only one thing left to do.

Goddesses, give me strength.

The Triforce of Courage came to life. The triangle on his left hand erupted to a brilliant shine of gold. The power of the goddesses flowed through his body.

Reflect.

A shockwave pulsed through the air, sending everyone off their feet.

Link pushed the dead Geru off of him. Time to finish this.

The orange Geru reached for his spear. Link stepped on it, leaped up and swung his sword, lopping the beast's head off in one slice.

"HE'S ACTIVATED THE TRIFORCE!" The Daria screamed, grabbing his ax. "LOOK HOW MUCH FASTER HE IS!"

The Daria brought his arm up to get power behind his throw when Link rushed him.

"WHA-"

Link slashed with his sword. The Daria's arm went flying, ax still in severed hand.

The Daria screamed. Desperately reaching to his side to grab another ax, the last thing the Daria saw was Link chopping off his other arm before Link slit his throat open and silenced him forever.

"DIE!" The Blue Geru swung with his mace. Link blocked it with his sword and went for a thrust. The Geru blocked it with his shield and pushed forward, knocking Link back. The Geru went for another swing and Link jumped out of the way.

The Master Sword began to glow. A beam of light emerged from the sword and blasted the shield, sending it crumbling it to bits. As the Geru looked upon his destroyed shield in shock, Link plunged the Master Sword into his foe's chest, running him through. Link smoothly pulled his sword out of the Geru, leaving a gaping hole in the middle of the monster. The Geru gave a few death gurgles as his blood spread out across the ground, before finally falling silent.

Taking a moment to catch his breath, Link looked around to see he was the last thing standing. He fired off a Master Beam shot into the air to clean the blood.

Link looked at his hand. Only one of the Triforce slots glowed. For whatever reason, despite killing Ganon, Link had not obtained the Triforce of Power. Oh well, he didn't need it anyway.

The other Daria snuck up behind him and pounced, swinging his axes down to chop link to bits. Link put up his shield to block and-

FWSHNG! FWSHNG! FWSHNG! FWSHNG! FWSHNG! FWSHNG!

The Daria gasped as blood started dripping down his back, before falling to the ground, dead. Needles stuck out from the back of his head, the nape of his neck, and along his back.

Link recognized the needles and looked up to find another figure. Wearing a sleek blue and black suit with the symbol of the Sheikah Tribe on the chest, and bandages around the mouth and face, the thief called Sheik made his presence known.

"It's nice to see you again, Link." Sheik said in a muffled voice.

Link held his guard, completely mute.

"Don't tell me you still hate me. After all I've done for you." Sheik seemed disappointed Link wasn't warmer to him.

Numerous times on his journey to defeat Ganon, Link had been aided by Sheik. Whether with healing potions, advice on how to make his way through the land and dungeons, or a helping hand in combat, Shiek had always been watching over him.

He hated it. He wanted this dirty thief dead. Thievery was against everything he stood for. Taking from others and not earning it on your own merit with honest work. However, he could not deny that Sheik hadn't been invaluable to him. Zelda and Link actually had written a pardon for Shiek, and Shiek responded by breaking into Tingle's house the same night. His assistance was the reason Link hadn't killed the Shiek yet, but Link found his mercy dwindle a little more every time he heard 'Sheik's latest theft was-'. But since Sheik was only giving Link help he did not need, Link decided to spare him for now, sheathing his sword and deactivating the Triforce.

"I love you too," Sheik said at the gesture. "Come on now. You could at least say hi."

Link stayed silent and started walking off, going right past Sheik. This was more than what he set out for, he was ready to go back to bed.

"Ganon's warriors approach," Sheik said.

Link stopped in his tracks, turning right back around.

"Aganihm leads the way." Shiek continued. "They're coming for you. They're moving around in small bands like these and pick off whatever Hyruleans they come across. They'll arrive soon."

Shiek waited for a question like: 'How many are coming', or 'Do you have any idea on how to stop them', or even a'Who else knows this'. Nothing from the Silent Killer.

"Well Link, if you don't have any questions for me I have one for you. When will you tell King Harkinan?"

As soon as he got back to the castle, Link would alert the guards and the king. Hopefully, they could still manage an evacuation.

"Now I bet you're thinking: 'As soon as I get back to the castle.' Now, as great as that seems, is the king still not decided your fate? Telling him would be such a noble action, however, consider the consequences. He might have you killed before you even know it. Or maybe he would let you get in charge of the defenses. It's a coin toss. I want you to think carefully before you tell him. It might not matter to you, but I believe every day above ground is a good day."

Shiek saw Link blink before looking at the ground sullenly. The message was getting through. Finally.

Then Link shook his head, dismissing it. It didn't matter what happened to him. He had a job to do, and people to protect. He started walking back to the castle again.

Sheik couldn't take a chance. "Hey. Listen." She ran up to him. "Look. Even if you hate me, if me you want me dead, and I know you do, promise me this one thing." He laid a hand on Link's shoulder. "Promise me that you'll try to stay alive."

Link felt something strange against his neck. Magic. He turned around and bashed his fist right into Sheik's face. Then he dropped to his knees. His entire body felt drained of energy out of nowhere.

Sheik got back to her feet, a mark forming under his eye. That sleep spell would put Link down for a while. "Sleep well, Hero." He said as Link closed his eyes.

Tearing up through life
Million miles an hour
Blinding all in sight
Surging rush of power