Chapter 18: End of My Journey and On To My Next
It had been several months since the downfall of Ganon. Everything was prospering. Gorons were back to their usual routines on Death Mountain, Zoras were back to fishing, and the Kokiri gained a new kind of respect. Overall in the war, only five Kokiri died, the rest returned to Kokiri Forest either badly injured or only a few scratches. The Gerudo received the most glory though, enduring torture and death, and jumping back to their feet to fight, despite their condition. The Chief to the Guard was promoted to General of the Hyrulian Army. Lon Lon Ranch only received minor damage from the fight, and was quickly repaired.
Every warrior that survived was awarded with several medals, and a lot of rupees. Link was awarded the same, but also had a monument built for him in every major village of Hyrule.
Zelda had given birth to a son, who she named Link, in honor of his father.
This all seemed like a happy ending for everybody, but there was one group of people that spoiled it for a few people. The Hyrulian Citizens formed a council that would aid Zelda in ruling the kingdom. This council was to take full power incase something happened to the Queen. The council was formed shortly after Zelda had been kidnapped, and their first order of business was punishment for treason. They reviewed the old laws and found one that Link had broken; the law that states if a commoner conceived a child with a member of the Royal Family, said commoner will be punished. Of course Zelda had tried many times to veto this, but the council didn't want to play favorites to the Hero, and sent out an arrest warrant. Ever since the birth of his child, Link has been on the run from those seeking to arrest him and bring him in for the heft bounty on his head.
With the help of Hyrule's new General, Link was able to have a final visit with Zelda.
They were in the Royal Garden, sitting on an old bench by the pond. Zelda was cradling her baby, while Link sat by her, with his arms draped around her. The sun was setting, turning the sky into brilliant colors of red, orange and purple. The air was warm, but gave a cool breeze that came from Death Mountain.
Link had been avoiding telling Zelda what his plans were up until this point. "Zelda."
"Yes?" replied Zelda, not taking her gaze from her child.
"I have something I need to tell you," said Link, trying to drag this on as long as possible.
Zelda turned her gaze to Link, "What is it?"
"I'm leaving the country," said Link, closing his eyes. Zelda began to protest but Link hushed her. "There is a river that leads out of Lake Hylia and drains into an ocean. I plan on taking a ship out and explore other lands."
"But why?" protested Zelda. "I could hide you here, I could disband the council."
"You know you can't do that. Right now, even though we've done great things, the people don't know who to side with and you don't want to cause a revolution. They want to side with me because I saved them, but they want to side with the council because the council preaches about how nobody should be an exception to the rules. It's best if I leave though. Perhaps I could save other lands if they are in distress."
"What about our child, he needs a father?" remarked Zelda, trying to change Link's mind.
"I've already arranged for a ship," said Link, sounding very depressed. "And I'll return someday…I promise. I promise to return in seven years."
Tears formed in the corners of Zelda's eyes, "Seven years…I'll hold you to it."
Link gave Zelda a kiss good-bye, and quickly left the garden, not turning back to show Zelda his tears.
Link had arranged to Kaepora Gaebora to give him a lift to Lake Hylia, as to avoid being caught by the bounty hunters. The young hero came up to the wise sage outside the castle gates. Without any words spoken, Kaepora Gaebora gave Link a quick flight to Lake Hylia.
Waiting by the docks of Lake Hylia were all of the people Link had encountered over his journey. Rauru stood with an emotionless face. Sarianna and Clair clad in Deku Leaf clothing waited along side him. Rachel wore a golden crown, and was accompanied by two Zoras. Dominic was leaning against a nearby post that was used to stabilize the dock leading to Link's ship.
"Well, you have proven me wrong," said Rauru in a gruff voice. "It saddens me that you have to leave because of a council that abuse their power."
"As it does me," replied Link.
"I'm sad that we didn't get to spend much time with each other," said Sarianna trying not to cry. "But I'm glad I was able to meet you. If you ever come back and need a place to stay, then you are more that welcomed to come to the Forest Temple."
"Yeah, I'll be there too," continued Clair.
"Thank you so much," replied Link.
"The Zoras will never forget you," said Rachel. "The one who liberated us and made the enemy suffered."
"I won't forget any of you either," said Link.
Link walked towards his ship, were he was stopped by Dominic, "The Gorons will always remember the little man in green. The one who showed us that honor can only be found in doing a noble deed, even if death is part of it."
"Well, I'm glad that I was able to convince you," replied Link.
Link continued on to his ship when he was stopped by another person.
"Waaaaiiiit!" screamed a young girl riding a horse. "I have something for you to take on your journey!"
Link turned around to see Malon riding up to him on Epona. She dismounted and led Epona down the dock and loaded her onto the ship. Malon walked back towards Link to say her final good-bye.
"I didn't get to speak to you a lot either," Malon said. "But I am thankful that because of you and those who helped you, you were able to save my ranch. And as a gift, I want you to take Epona. I know that the Queen wanted me to lend her to you and not actually take her out of the kingdom, but I feel that I don't her anymore and that she would be put to good use with you."
Link nodded and gave Malon a hug. Link turned around and headed for his ship before he stopped and turned around again. "Shouldn't I return the Master Sword?"
"Keep it," said Rauru. "The Goddesses see no one else fit to use it except you."
Link turned around and boarded his ship. He raised his sails of his wooden ship and left the docks. Link wanted more than anything to stay in this land, but knew he couldn't. Other things crossed his mind though. "What did Ganon mean...'My blood will go on'?" Link brushed this thought off and thought that the evil tyrant was just spitting out things before he died, and he continued on for the ocean, in search of more adventures out there.