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Another Chance

Chapter 2

Link and Epona continued to journey through the forests. Once they had left the woods, and ended up on the open fields of Hyrule, a smile appeared on Link's face. They ended up near Kokiri Forest, where Link had first started his wild heroic adventures. The Kokiri were nice to Link when he was kid, all except Mido. It wasn't until the Hylian had grown up, seven years later, when he had learned he didn't belong. He wasn't a Kokiri after all, but still considered the race his friend.

Ever since Saria had became a Sage, there was no reason for him to head back to Kokiri Forest.

Hyrule Field hasn't changed after six years. Everything looked the same, as from when he left. With Ganondorf vanquished, Hyrule has been living peacefully. No evil threats, or dangers, so what could Princess Zelda possibly want? Maybe she is just going to congratulate him on returning safely, and give him a room to stay.

Link's grip on Epona's reins loosened, as he leaned back yawning. The Hylian had to admit, he was exhausted. Not to mention, hungry. After running out of food, he had to hunt for his breakfast. Even though it has only been a day, a day without food feels like weeks.

Hyrule Castle was spotted in the distance, as Epona continued to gallop across the field. The drawbridge was up, but by the time they actually reach Hyrule Market it will be a little pass dawn. Link lightly tugged on the reins, causing Epona to slow down and trot. There was no need to rush anymore. Now the two could just relax, as Hyrule Castle nears.

The Hylian lifted his head, looking up at the clear somewhat dark sky. The sun was slowly rising in the distance, causing the parts of the sky to turn reddish pink. The light winds caressed against Link's face, blowing through his blonde locks. Link shivered and sighed, his breath easily noticeable.

As they passed Lon Lon Ranch, the only thing on Link's mind was Malon. He was right there. He could easily just stop by, and apologize for whatever he's done to hurt her. He would be able to see her again, after being away for six years.

But would she accept him back?

Link wanted to know.

By the time the two had reached Hyrule Market, the sun was visible in the sky, already lighting up parts of Hyrule Field. With the drawbridge down, the Hero of Time didn't have to wait to visit the castle. He was able to dismount Epona, leaving the mare by the moat, and walk straight into Hyrule Market.

Since it was early in the morning, Hyrule Market wasn't packed with villagers, children, and street performers. It was actually bare, which had surprised the Hylian. The only few people on the streets of Hyrule Market were Royal Castle Guards, the local store owners, and some early risers. Link was actually pleased, Hyrule Market wasn't crowded. He was able to move freely to Hyrule Castle, without any distractions.

The two Royal Castle Guards politely greeted Link, as Link silently passed them. The Hylian smiled and nodded, as he continued down the dirt road. Nothing has changed after six years. Everything was the same from when he was child and teenager. The gate was still present, preventing unwanted guests and intruders from intruding on castle grounds. The beautiful Hyrule Castle remained the same, in it's famous large glory.

A grin appeared across Link's face, as he passed through the gate walking up to the castle. He knew, he was finally home.

Upon entering the castle, Link was greeted by Princess Zelda's, caretaker, and one of the Six Sages, Impa. The Shekiah held the same appearance as from when he had left. Her silver hair was pulled back, and her crimson eyes mysteriously glared down at the Hero of Time. She had her arms crossed, tapping her arm with her hand. A small smile appeared across her face, as Link walked up to her.

" Link."

" Impa, good to see you again." Link greeted cheerfully.

Impa nodded. " Yes, it is good to see you as well. I see, your journey turned out successful. And you've surely grown from your last visit in Hyrule."

Link grinned slightly blushing, and looked down studying his new older self. " Well, you know…"

" Princess Zelda is awaiting your return." Impa informed. She stepped aside. " She's in the throne room."

Link nodded and followed Impa through the castle. It felt weird returning home, but Link was content the moment had finally come. He was now able to rest, like he had wanted, and see his old friends again. The last time they had seen each other was when they both were eighteen. It had been six years. Princess Zelda must have surely changed during those years. He couldn't wait to see her again.

Impa opened the doors leading to the throne room, and silently walked in, followed by Link. At the other end of the room, The King and Princess Zelda both sat on their thrones. Royal Guards were all lined up, on the red carpet that stretched from one end of the room to the other. The Guards knelt on one knee, as Link and Impa continued down the carpet.

Link turned his attention to Princess Zelda, as she immediately stood and hurried down the couple of steps. Her long blonde hair fell a little past her waist, and she wore a long light pink dress with white deigns on the front. The dress started around her shoulders, and dragged out behind her, causing her to hold it up when she walked. Princess Zelda had surely grown, over the six years, finally maturing into adulthood.

She was beautiful, Link couldn't deny that.

Link and Zelda embraced with a small hug, before immediately engaging into conversation. The princess was going to want to know everything about Link's journey, even though Link didn't feel like explaining in depth. He just wanted to rest.

" Link…" Zelda exclaimed, a strong smile was held on her face. " I'm so glad you finally returned. You look…so handsome."

Link felt himself blush. " You look beautiful, Princess." Zelda abruptly blushed by this comment and nervously began to play with her hair. "It feels so good to be home."

" We have so much to catch up on, Link." Zelda explained, dropping her hands to her side. " But first, I know you must be exhausted. We have prepared a room for you, not to mention gave you some new clothes to change into. Tonight we feast, because I know you're starving after the long journey."

Link grinned. She read him like a book. " Thank you, Princess."

Zelda warmly smiled and nodded. " My father and I have important news to tell you tonight during the dinner."

The King stood from his throne, and made his way down toward the Hero of Time and his daughter. Link and Impa politely bowed in his presence. The King laughed in response, and lightly touched Link's shoulders.

" No need for courteously, Link." The King explained. " You are surely welcome here. We are like family."

" Thank you, your majesty."

" No need for thanks. Now Impa will show you to your room. So you can prepare for tonight."

Link laid on the bed for what seemed like hours. He opened his eyes, and abruptly sat up, looking around the room. It was silent and empty. The moon shined through the single window in the room, letting Link know that it was finally night.

He had slept through the entire day.

The Hero of Time abruptly jumped to his feet as he remembered the dinner the King was preparing. He looked down at the new set of clothes, the King had given him and ran to take a shower. Once Link was finished, he grabbed the clothes on the bed, and put them on.

The clothing was different from what the Hylian was used to. Instead of his usual green tunic, Link was now wearing a tight white shirt that is tucked into his loosely black pants. Link grabbed his green hat, and frowned. He was used to wearing his hat, that covered most of his hair. Now he had nothing on his head. Link sighed deeply tossing the hat onto the bed. He sat down rubbing his fingers through his loose hair before placing his usual brown boots back on his feet.

A knock came to the door.

Link rose, and made his way over toward the front door, opening it. Impa stood on the other side.

" Link, everyone is waiting for you."

Link nodded. " Thank you, Impa."

Impa nodded and silently walked off.

Link quickly grabbed the long black coat, with the Triforce Symbol embroided on the front, and made his way down to the dinning hall. As he hurried down the hallways, Link abruptly slid the coat on, slightly rolling up the end of the sleeves. He headed down the stairs, passed the Royal Guards, and finally made his way into the dinning hall, where everyone awaited.

Everyone had made it to the dinner tonight. The King was present, along with Princess Zelda. What surprised Link the most, was the rest of the Sages were invited to the occasion. Saria, Ruto, Impa, Darunia and Nabooru. Zelda stood to her feet, and made her way over toward Link, admiring his new look.

Link sheepishly smiled, looking back at the table. " Everyone is here."

Zelda nodded. " Yes. They all came to celebrate your return."

" Welcome home, Link." The green haired Kokiri exclaimed, politely waving.

" Good to see you again, Brother!" Darunia chuckled.

" Welcome back." Nabooru greeted.

" Link! You look handsome!" Ruto cried.

Link chuckled softly, as Princess Zelda guided him to his seat. Just as the two Hylian's sat, the King stood to his feet, raising his arms in the air.

" Let the feast begin!"

Link politely licked his lips, as he rested back in the chair. He glanced down at the empty plate in front of him, before turning his attention to the Sages talking amongst each other. He had eaten like a king tonight, which made him feel good, besides the unpleasant feeling now in his stomach. Link was truly grateful, for everything they have done for him. Giving him a room, new clothes, and now a little party…things couldn't get any better.

But then Link had remembered, the announcement going to be made.

The King cleared his throat, and stood to his feet gently tapping the side of his glass, with his silverware. The room immediately went silent. Everyone turned their attention to the King, at the end of the table.

This was it.

" I'd like to welcome back, our Hero of Time, Link! After being away from home for six years." The King turned his attention to Link. Everyone cheered and clapped, causing Link to sit up in his chair and smile. " But as you all know, my time as King is slowly coming to an end. Eventually, Hyrule is going to need a new ruler, with my lovely daughter Zelda as Queen." Link grabbed his glass of water, bringing it to his mouth for a drink. " But I don't want my daughter ruling Hyrule alone. I want her to have a husband by her side, which is why, I want you Link, to marry my daughter."

Link's eyes immediately widened, as he felt himself choking on the water. The Hylian pulled the glass away, wiping the water off his chin as he briefly looked up at the King. " E-excuse me, your majesty?"

" I want you to marry my daughter." The King repeated sternly.

" M-marry?" Link looked down at the table, thinking this through in his mind, as he placed the glass back down on the table with shaky hands.

Zelda, who noticed this, frowned and gently placed her hand on top of Link's comforting him. " Are you okay, Link?"

Link steadily nodded, refusing eye contact. " Yes…I am."

Ruto frowned, and began to pout. Darunia turned his attention to the Zora and sighed irritated. " Don't even start, Ruto."

Link stood, pushing the chair out from underneath him. He gently pulled his hand away from Zelda's, causing the princess to stand as well. " Link?"

" Would you excuse me for a minute?"

Zelda nodded, as Link hurried back to his room.

The Hylian was contemplating for hours, as he continued to pace back and fourth in his room. How could he of not noticing this before? He had feeling the announcement was going to be about marriage, but didn't think it was really going to happen. Link liked Princess Zelda, and she is beautiful, but he didn't love her. It was that simple.

Link sighed and sat down on the edge of his bed, resting his elbows on his knees. How was he going to explain that to Princess Zelda? And more importantly The King? Everyone was depending on this marriage, but Link didn't want it. For once, the hero didn't want the princess. He could just imagine how hurt Zelda would be, if he tells her he loves someone else.

Link stood to his feet and walked over to the window, glancing out at the dark peaceful Hyrule. His window overlooked Hyrule Market, Kakariko Village, Death Mouth and part of Hyrule Field. Somewhere in the middle of Hyrule Field, was a ranch. On that ranch, is the woman he loved. Link sat in the windowsill, letting the small breeze help cool his nerves. He rubbed his forehead with the back of his hand, and rested his head back, as he continued to look out at Hyrule.

" What am I going do?" Link questioned softly.

How did he end up getting into this mess?

A/N:

Such a longer chapter from the first one, eh? I had enjoyed writing it.

Okay, first off, yes it's true Link is not going to be wearing his usual tunic through out this story. But have no fear. I decided to make him lose the green tunic, because he's now considered an adult in this story. I just wanted to change some things around. If I could draw, I would draw what he looks like, but sadly I'm not a very good drawer.

I'll just stick with writing. ;)

I bet you're all wondering when Malon is going to enter the picture. Have no fear, Malon will be introduced very shortly in this story, along with a surprise. That's all I'm saying.

Until Next Time!