Graves nodded, dismissing the messenger. The news was troubling. Sending the children out would be dangerous at the best of time, but even after calming them down, he felt one wrong move could send them spiralling out of control. But if the King commanded it, then it shall be done.

He took moment to compose himself, putting a smile on his face, before facing the children. He march forwards, feigning confidence.

"Alright then, I've got news for all of you, so gather up!"

They shuffled into a circle around him, devoid of any real incentive. Once they all stood around him, Graves kneeled down and grinned. "First things first! The sheikah drove off that son of a-" He caught himself, screwing up his mouth. "anyway, they feel that he might try something again. They think that it will take some time for it to get ready, so in the mean time, the King wants to warn our allies that he might try something again."

Eshie frowned. "What does this have to do with us?"

Graves opened his mouth but failed to say anything. He looked to the ground, shaking his head. "Ah geez." He rose to meet her eyes. "With all the knights and soldiers mobilised to protect the town and castle, we're a bit short on messengers." He scratched the back of his head. "And… you… all have horses."

The reality dawned on them simultaneously. Aram started to hyperventilate, and Oulson tried to comfort him.

Graves tried to calm them. "Remember, we're sure that he far away and whatever he's planning will take a long, long, long time. I swear upon the golden goddesses, you are safe. You will be taken most of the distance by a sheikah and returned by said sheikah when you are done or the moment"

Much to his relief, they calmed down, or at least focused enough to listen, or just silent. That was good enough.

"We're gonna need to to get these messages to the Gorons, Kakariko Village, Lon Lon Ranch and the Zoras." He looked at them. "That means one for each of you."

Diddy cleared his throat. "Uh, Captain, there's five of us."

Graves shook his head. "Yeah, but Link is staying here."

"What?!" Link barked. "Captain, I'm just as capable as any of them!"

"I don't doubt that Link, but you've been through a lot today. You've seen a man die. You need time to recuperate."

"Graves, all due respect, I'm used to horrible experiences."

Graves frowned. "Thats hardly a convincing argument."

Link scowled. "I'm fine. The trauma's over."

"So you think." Graves retorted firmly. "Take it from someone who lived through the last war. People think they're fine, and then crumble at the worst times."

Links hand waved to his side. "Look at Aram. He is in no condition to ride a horse!"

It was true. In the span of the conversation, the poor boy had lost all colour in his face, and he was wobbling, barely able to keep himself upright.

Link looked back to Graves, whose jaw was set firm. "I stand by my decision Link. Someone will just have to take the letters to both Kakariko and the Gorons." He stood up. "Everyone, get to your horses. The kings letters will be here soon, so decide who is taking two and head off." He pointed at Link. "Stay. For the love of all things good, just, stay." And with that everyone exited, with Graves leading Aram to the infirmary, leaving Link alone.

Link flopped onto the bed. He didn't know why he was so insistent on leaving. Was it to prove he was fine? Or because he was doing nothing when he could be helping? He held his hand in front of his face, and was disheartened when it continued to tremble. He sighed. Would anyone really need his help? Kakariko was the home of the sheikah, so they would be safe if the moon itself fell. The Gorons would probably relish the opportunity to fight something. The Zora… maybe. He didn't know the extent of their defences, but they didn't seem the sort that would go quietly. As for the Ranch-

Link sat bolt upright. They could be in danger. Malon could be in danger. Link cursed under his breath. If any of those groups would be in danger, it would be Lon Lon Ranch. He needed to warn them.

Stay.

Link punched the mattress. He couldn't disobey Captain Graves, not directly. He was going, regardless of the consequences. Leaving with Epona without anyone stopping him was going to be hard, very hard. The other kids wouldn't defy Hargrave. He was going to have to trick them. Not too hard, but it would hurt their trust. But he didn't care. Malon was his closest friend second only to Saria.

Wait- Saria?

Link's blood went cold. The Kokiri were hidden in the Lost Woods. They had no one out side the forest that knew about them.

No one that could warn them.

Except Link.

He couldn't do both.

Link slipped to the floor, holding his head in his hands, and fought against the urge to sob.

Selfish, Selfish, Selfish.

He knew that the Kokiri were in more danger, but he could bring himself to abandon the ranch. Malon, Talon, even Ingo, had treated him as a friend, as an equal. Three people that had done more for him them most of the forest had in his entire childhood.

But forest was big. The Kokiri were numerous, far beyond that of a simple ranch. He should prioritise more people over those that treated him better. Regardless of time or age, he was still the Hero of Time. He needed act as a hero, putting aside his own desires.

Selfish.

Link stood up and blinked the tears out of his eyes, shaking the intrusive thoughts from his head. He needed to think.

He could take the message to the Gorons and take the tunnels through the mountains and get to the Lost Woods relatively quickly. He'd be able to warn them and the Great Deku Tree could protect the forest. But that would mean someone else would have to get word to Lon Lon Ranch. Link knew that Epona was the best horse out of the all the others. They would get there in time if something went wrong.

On the other hand, if he warned Malon, they could all get to safety. No doubts, everyone there would be safe, but at the expense of the Kokiri. They would have no idea a threat was building, but the Great Deku Tree would be able to protect them.

Wouldn't he?

Link slung his sword around his back, strapped his shield to the scabbard and grabbed his bow and full quiver before walking to the door. He needed to make a decision, but that wouldn't matter if he couldn't get out.

But it didn't clear his conscience.

Diddy saw him coming, but pretended to be occupied, not wanting to be caught up in a fiasco. It became more difficult when Link got Epona out of the stable and looked at him, causing him to sweat. Oulson and Eshie were nearby, but they were occupied. He just hoped that they would help him if Link came up to him.

"What letter have you got?"

Dangit.

He glanced at Link. "The Captain told to to stay."

Link tightened his saddle around Epona. "He's letting me join."

"No he didn't."

Link shrugged. "Doesn't matter." He tightened a strap around his bow and quiver. "Where are you headed?"

Diddy sighed. "The ranch. Jackass and I will deliver the letter and head straight back. No sheikah delivery for me."

Link nodded. "Whose taking two?"

"Eshie."

Link looked at her. She was bound to leave any second now, and she only just noticed Link. He nodded to her. "Diddy, I have a favour to ask." He walked to Eshie before Diddy could respond. After a minute or so of talking and arguing with her, Link returned with a letter in hand, his face hidden.

Diddy cleared his throat. "The favour… what is it? Why did you walk off? Maybe you should just stay."

Link looked up, and Diddy could see pain, real pain, in Links eyes. "Diddy, I need you just… do as I ask."

"What?"

A moment of silence.

"Take this." He held up the letter. "This is for the Gorons. Warn them. Just… give me your letter."

Diddy frowned. "Why?"

"Jackass is better in the mountains. He'll get you to the Gorons faster then any of our horses could. Epona will get me to the Ranch faster then you could."

Diddy made a face. "Chill. This isn't life or death, Link. If I let you do this, I'm gonna get in more trouble then you. Graves will punish us for no reason other then you being paranoid about your girl friend!"

Links head shot up. "She's-" He stopped himself. "It's the best option."

Diddy, paused for a second before pulling out his letter and swapping it with Links, who gave a soft "Thank you" before hopping on Epona and riding off, leaving Diddy with a confused Eshie to explain to.

It made sense. The Great Deku Tree was the guardian of the forest. He could, no, would protect the Kokiri from harm. As long as he was alive, they would be safe. The ranch didn't have that protection.

It made sense.

Selfish.

As Link rode through the streets, he wiped tears from his eyes. He needed to be serious. The decision was hard, but he needed to stick with it.

They would be protected.

He turned his focus to the task at hand. Pushing Epona would get him to the Ranch in a relatively short amount of time. He could make it.

He could help them.

Selfish.

Hey guys. Sorry this took so long.

I forgot to write it.

Anyway, I have some annoyances with previous chapters. Like, the second one.

You know when I said that it took 2 days to get to the castle town?

Ha! I hope not! That was dumb.

Anyway, Hargrave {EDIT - Renamed Graves} isn't that bad of an adult. His only mistake was leaving Link alone. Other then that, good job Hargrave.

Soooooooo

I don't know when the next chapter will be up. Still haven't decided on that thing that is annoying me.

Feel free to tell me what you think of this. Please. I want to know what you think. I don't know why you're reading this or if you even like it. Criticise me or something. Just give me feedback.

Thanks. Have a good day