Chapter One: The End of Yesterday
It was, as always, sunrise when he finally made his way back to the ranch.
Malon was waiting, up early like every day. She knew he purposely avoided being there at night, so not to disturb her. She liked that. And the hoofbeats confirmed her wishes: Link was here, if only for a short visit.
He dismounted while Epona was still slowing, jumping to the ground in front of Malon with a huge grin. She smiled back. They waited a minute 'til they broke down and laughed, hugging each other even though it had only been a few days. Even as they made jokes about it, they had both been beside themselves with worry the last visit really would be the very last. It was the constant fear, hidden behind smiles and games.
They made their way inside, now whispering so as not to disturb Talon. They crept about, readying breakfast like they were ten years old again. As they sat and ate the peahat melon, Link told her about his latest adventure, at the Spirit Temple. She was sufficiently impressed, her eyes wide and food forgotten. He was in awe himself of how easily she was entertained. He had cut out most of the details of the nightmarish place.
Talon eventually woke up and caught them, scolding them for being so childish. True, they were seventeen now, but the pair couldn't help but be silly. They only had the one day together.
They spent hours in the corral, racing, Link almost always winning on Epona. But then sometimes Malon would start singing her song, causing Link's horse to slow and turn for her former mistress. This annoyed him to no end. So he just gave up and jumped off Epona, tackling her to the ground along with him. She squeaked, then laughed and kicked at him playfully.
They lay in the grass contentedly then, watching the clouds. Even as she named all the funny animals she saw, the only thing he could find was the faces of the Redeads that still followed in every shadow he passed in his mind.
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It was time to go. And Link and Malon knew it would be the last time.
They both cried a little, though they tried to hide it.
They embraced; still just friends even before the fate they knew would happen. Even before they lost each other in time.
The end was nigh.