Thank you so much for the kind reviews. If I don't answer a question, it's because the question is about to be answered soon in the story or it may give away too much, crushing the element of suspense.

Yes, the Yiga have a very important role coming up, and it concerns our hero, Blue. I forgot about the blood moon. It may or may not make an appearance in the story. And although the four have been dubbed the new champions, there are no plans at this time to include the divine beasts.

Thanks again for your comments and question! I hope you enjoy this next chapter.

Sincerely,

DragonWing85

That night everyone sat quietly around the fire eating the fish that Green and Link had caught that day.

Red took a stick from the flames and held it at eye level. After studying it a few moments, he touched it to Link's strange reddish pants.

Link didn't seem to notice.

Blue choked on his meal. "Red! What the heck are you doing?"

"Testing a theory," he said quietly, almost to himself.

The others gawked at him, baffled.

Vio broke the silence. "His pants…they aren't catching fire."

Link looked up at them.

Red tossed the stick back into the fire. "They're fireproof. Vio, you remember that person you saw walking around in the fire. It was Link."

Link stopped chewing his food as all eyes were on him—except for Red's. He was digging through Link's travel bag.

"Check this out," said Red holding up, two glass bottles. He handed one to Green.

Green sniffed it and quickly pulled it away. "You! You were the attacker! Why? Why would you kidnap us!"

"Why not?" said Vio rubbing his chin. "We needed a worthy opponent. We 'are' here for training, are we not?" The purple hero looked closely at Link's green tunic and brown undershirt. "So, you were following us the whole time—hiding in the trees. No wonder we couldn't see you. You blended right in. We were never 'really' alone, were we? You were protecting us."

Green clenched his fists and yelled, "Then why start the fire! We almost got killed by those explosives."

Link raised his eyebrow and frowned.

"He didn't start the fire," said Red inspecting one of Link's burned hands. "See. You guys left the fire back at camp and didn't put it out. It spread and got out of control. Link got caught in it like we did, only he couldn't get out in time. So, he tried to put on his special fire pants. That's why his hands are burned a little but the rest of him is okay."

Link sat awkwardly staring at his bowl. Finally, he set it down and headed down the hill.

"Where's he going now?" asked Red.

Green sighed. "I don't know. But this time, we're not following him. Come on guys, let's get some sleep. Tomorrow's our last day."

As the four sword heroes turned in for the night, Link found himself at the entrance of the Shrine of Resurrection. He leaned up against the tree and slid down until he sat at the base of it. Gazing out across the plateau, he noticed the trees swayed in the wind as lightning streaked across the sky. A storm was coming, not just any storm, a bad one. Beyond the threatening clouds, he could see a bigger threat—the castle with its dark purple plumes engulfing it.

Princess, what do you want me to do? Hyrule needs help. I'm the only one left and I'm willing to die. But I'm not willing that any more should pay that price. I don't believe you are either. Would you send these children to war?

The rain began to fall, but he did not take shelter. Instead, he closed his eyes and let it stream down his face, soaking his hair and clothes. The lightning struck a tree in the distance, but he didn't flinch. Instead, he breathed in the damp smell of the earth.

A salty tear mixed with the rain water and ran down his face. He could no longer hold it in. The week had been a long one. How many nights had it been since he'd slept? He couldn't recall. Apples, mushrooms, acorns. That had been his meal for the week until tonight's fish.

His body ached. Hiding, sneaking, running. And for what? They were going to die anyway. Heck, they'd already died on the training grounds—all four of them! How could he be in four places at once to protect them? And now, the King wanted to send them off into battle?

If it hadn't been for the fairies…ugh, Red! Red just had to set his free! We almost lost him for good. All I could do to keep him warm was hug him. And Green. He's reckless! If it hadn't been for Mipha's grace…I can't do this! I can't watch them die like everyone else. I won't take them with me to destroy Ganon. I'll make sure they get home, then I'll head for the castle—alone.

Although, the rain had stopped, the tears continued to flow freely, until finally, Link dozed off.

Hours later:

"Do you think he's dead?"

"Of course not, Stupid!"

"He's all wet."

"He's probably cold."

"I know I would be."

Link blinked his eyes open to the sound of voices around him. A silhouetted Green stood before him.

"Good morning," said Green, "We brought you a baked apple for breakfast."

Link squinted at it. He really wasn't in the mood for another fruit breakfast.

"I baked it!" said Red cheerfully.

"That means it's burned," mumbled Blue.

Hurt filled Red's eyes at the comment, so Link begrudgingly took the apple from Green and bit in. "Thanks."

"He speaks!" said Vio sarcastically.

Both Green and Link frowned at him.

"What? It's a joke. We all know he wasn't supposed to talk to us until the seventh day."

Green cleared his throat. "We were hoping you would show us some moves, maybe, since today 'is' our last day here."

Link gazed at the apple—no longer whole. "No."

"But—"

"I said, 'No.'"

Link got up and trudged down the hill.

"What's with him?" asked Blue.

Vio spoke. "He's still angry because of our decision last night—you know the one where we decided to become the new champions and save his princess!"

Green sighed. "We just have to give him some time. He'll come around. For now, we'll practice sparring. Red you're with Blue. I'll take on Vio."

"But, Blue cheats!" whined Red.

"I do not!" said Blue with his fingers crossed behind his back.

Green shrugged. "Well, so does your enemy. It'll be good practice."

"Yeah! Wait, what?" said Blue flabbergasted.

Soon all four were sparring while Link watched silently from a distance.

Their skills aren't that bad, thought Link to himself. Green's a fast learner. He adapts quickly to any new situation because he focuses on the win. Vio calculates every move—both his and his opponents. That's why he hits his mark every time. Blue 'does' cheat. I've heard if you can't win, cheat, but Blue brings deception to a new level. Red. Poor Red doesn't want to hurt anyone, so he holds back. But, he dodges so precisely that his opponent wears himself out. Huh. He really doesn't have to fight, after all!

"So, how's our new team?" said a voice behind him.

Link scowled.

"I know you're angry, Link," said the King. "I wish there was another way. Really. I do."

"I can't take them to the castle," said Link. "It's suicide."

The king remained silent.

Link sighed. "There has to be another way."

The king stroked his snow-white beard. "Even if you did, they would still follow you into battle, whether you approved or not."

Link studied the ground.

The king put his hand on Link's shoulder. "It's going to be a long journey—whether it be to their Hyrule or my kingdom's castle. You are the only one who can get them there—wherever 'there' may be."

"If…if I can find another way…will you stop this madness?"

The King nodded, "Yes."

Link knelt on one knee before his king and bowed his head. "Your Majesty, I will find a way to keep them safe and save Hyrule. I swear, I will bring your daughter back safe."

"Link, if you can find another way, you have my blessing. Now go! We've no time to lose."

Link was startled as he turned around. All four heroes were knelt behind him—heads bowed also. He looked back at the king who merely shrugged.

"Okay," said Link, "grab you're weapons. If we're going to do this, we're going to do this right. Follow me."

As the others followed Link, Green paused and turned back to the king who gave a small wink. Green grinned, bowed, and raced to catch up with the others.

Help is coming. Keep them safe, Daughter.