A/N: The title is based off of some lyrics I made up to go along with the song.

Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Chapter 1: Malon

Who was that boy wearing green at the gate? He took my horse! Not like… It's been my horse since Ingo took over. I can only let her out to ride at night now, and Ingo plans to give her to Ganondorf. I cringed at that thought. Why would someone give such a wonderful horse to a malicious man such as that? On the other hand… I didn't want that boy taking my horse either!

Late that night, I ran out of the ranch, not caring if I fell. I caught him running up the stairs to Kakoriko, and yelled, "Hey you!"

The man turned to me, and I noticed something familiar about him. Maybe it was the way his sky blue eyes seemed to glow in the dim moonlight shining down. Maybe it was the blue fairy floating by his head. Whatever it was, it caused a name I knew so well from my childhood to fall from my lips, "Fairy boy."

Fairy boy jumped back, obviously startled. "It's me," I said, as if it would calm his nerves. "You know, Malon."

"I remember you," Link said. "You're the girl that used to call me fairy boy, right?" I thought about it then, nodded. "I didn't see you at the ranch. Where were you?"

I pet Epona, and sat down on the stairs. I gestured for him to do the same, and he did. "Three years ago… the "great" Ganondorf came to Lon Lon Ranch, and gave it to Ingo. Ingo kicked my dad out, and forced me to work in the stables. I was furious at first, but then Ingo threatened to kick me out if I didn't do as he said. I stayed, because I didn't trust Ingo with the animals. Where have you been? Ever since you disappeared, Hyrule hasn't been the same."

He took a quick look around, and I saw his gaze linger on the Castle Town bridge. "I noticed," He said, turning back to me. "I don't think I told you my name. I'm Link. I have to go into Kakoriko, and get something, now. I'll come by the ranch later, and talk to you, okay?"

With that, he got up, and ran up the stairs.

When I got back to the ranch, a shadowy figure was waiting for me. He leaned against the corner of the barn. His glowing red eyes pierced mine, and I let out a gasp. He stepped into the moonlight, and it was almost like seeing Link, again. Only, this man was drenched with shadows. Shadow Link glanced around. "Nice little farm you got here," He said. "Especially the horse. You know, the one you gave to the other one?"

I backed away. I didn't say a word; I was afraid to speak. Shadow Link held up his hands in surrender. "Relax. I'm not gonna hurt you. I just want to talk." He sheathed his sword.

I relaxed a little. "Why are you here? Who are you?" I demanded quietly. I would've said it louder, but I didn't want to wake Ingo.

Shadow Link grinned at me slyly. "I followed you here. You know him. I figured you could tell me something about where he is. As for who I am… I'm sure you've already somewhat guessed just by looking at me."

"You look like Link, but you're not, are you?"

"Wow. Cute and smart," He said. "He sure hit the jackpot with you, didn't he? No, I'm not. I'm Dark Link. I'm looking for him, though. Do you know where he is?"

"Not a clue," I lied. Could he tell? I kept my eyes locked with his. "He never told me."

Dark Link raised an eyebrow. "Well, when you see him, tell him to meet me at the Poe shop in Castle Town," He told me. "It was nice meeting you, Malon. I'm sure we'll meet once more. Maybe we can hang out somewhere, just you and me." As he walked past me, his shoulder brushed against mine. When I turned around, he was gone.

When I woke up the next morning, I heard someone knocking on the door. I rubbed my eyes, and got up from my pile of hay near where Epona's stall was. I stumbled, almost drunkenly, to the door, and opened it. As it turned out, it was Link, but he was knocking on Ingo's door, not the stables. I rushed over to him, and he whipped his head around.

"Wrong door," I said quietly. "Come into the barn with me. You can help me milk the cows."

He followed me into the barn, and I handed him a stool and a bucket. He sat down on the stool, and I explained to him what to do. He was doing fine at first, but then he pulled to hard, and milk spurted in his face. I giggled like I was a child, and Dad had fallen asleep at the castle, again. How I missed those days. I was so carefree. I didn't have to worry about anything. I just played with horses, and sang all day.

A splash brought me back to the present. I saw that Link had filled the bucket to the brim. He was just about to try, again, when I walked over and picked it up. "I take it they don't have cows in the forest?" I asked him. He shook his head. "I can tell." I smiled, and he looked at me. He wasn't smiling. "What's wrong, Link?"

"How did everything get like this? I'm supposed to be a hero, but instead… I let everyone down."

"How were you to have known? You were gone for those seven years. It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself." His first sentence finally hit me. "Wait. What are you talking about?"

He sighed. "Malon, I'm not just a boy from the forest. I play a more important role in Hyrule; I'm the Hero of Time. I opened the temple of time, and… Ganon gained entrance to the temple of time and the triforce. I was stuck in the Temple of Time for seven years, and by the time I came out, I was an adult. I've seen Hyrule Castle. It's in shambles, and now a dark, looming fortress has taken its place."

I shivered. "No doubt that it's Ganondorf's work."

"Link, we have to go save Saria!" His fairy said, a hint of urgency in her high-pitched voice.

Link looked sheepish. "I have to go. I'll come back soon, though, Malon. I promise," He said. We walked out of the barn, and I watched him mount Epona. He took one final glance at me then, rode off.

The entire day went by in a flash. Soon I was opening the side door to the barn, and letting the animals out. I let them graze while I sat down in the grass, tucking my legs under me. The sky was a dark shade of blue, and the moon was full. It was a peaceful scene. I started to hum my mother's song, thinking of Epona. I somehow knew Link wouldn't let harm come to that wonderful horse.

I plucked at the grass surrounding me, and looked up. A cloud passed over the moon, and I could no longer see anything. I closed my eyes for a second, and felt the light hit my eyelids. I opened them, and saw that the moon had come out of hiding. I smiled, and laid my head down in the grass. Fireflies blinked on and off as if they were signaling to their friends.

I closed my eyes for a second, and a horse snorted nearby. I got up, deciding that it was not a good idea to fall asleep where anyone could find me. I went to lean against the gate for a second, and a drop of water hit my forearm. I looked, up and saw dark clouds beginning to build. A storm was coming, and I was right in the middle of it.

I got on one of the horses, Mayberry, and started herding the animals back into the barn. After they were inside, I led Mayberry in, too, and shut the side door. I took one of the horse blankets, and stretched out in the hay. I threw the blanket over me, and closed my eyes. I fell asleep moments later.

I woke up bright and early the next morning. I went outside, and Ingo was just stepping out of the house. "Good morning, Malon," He said with fake cheerfulness. "I have a job for you. I need you to go to Kakariko, and pick up carrots from the shop. We're down to seven."

I thought of Dark Link, and shivered. What if he was there waiting for me? I pushed that thought aside. The horses needed food. I nodded. "I'll get right on it, Mr. Ingo," I told him.

"Be back before noon, Ms. Lon," He yelled as I ran to prepare a horse to leave. I took Hannah, the one besides Epona that I was closest to. I grabbed her reigns, and opened up the side door. I led her out to the grass, and mounted her. I rode off into the morning sun, leaving the ranch behind for a little while.

Kakariko was as busy as Castle Town used to be. The twins argued by a fat tree, and the old man who looked like a wizard went about with his wandering. I could see that most of Castle Town's inhabitants took refuge in this place.

I looked around, and saw the shop that was just up the stairs. I walked over to the stone staircase, and bounded up them, two at a time. The one on the left had a bomb sign, and the other had nothing. I went to the shop that had nothing on it. "Good day, Ma'am," The young man at the counter greeted, smiling. "What can I help you with?"

"I'd like a pound of carrots," I told him. "Where do you keep them?"

He pulled up a brown sack from behind the desk with a little carrot on the front of it, and set it down in front of me. "That'll be one hundred rupees," He said.

I took out my rupee pouch, and handed him the right amount. I picked up the bag, and left the shop.

When I got back to the ranch, it was just a little before noon. Ingo wasn't in sight. I let out my horses and cows, and herded them into the pen. I left the gates open, wondering what was up with Ingo, but enjoying it all the same.

I walked over to Mayberry, and stroked her mane. She snorted in response, and nuzzled my hand as I pulled it away. I smiled, and talked to her. Hannah trotted over, and bumped Mayberry's head. I guess she was jealous. I giggled, and walked to the other side of the pen. I looked up at the sky, briefly wondering what Link was doing. I hoped that he was okay.

I walked through the gate, and closed it behind me. One of the horses snorted. I turned around, and saw something black skimming the air. I screamed and feinted to the side, falling to the ground. The thing landed an inch from my foot. It was a black blade with a shadowy aura, I noticed. In the distance, I saw a shadow walking up to me.

"Damn. I missed," Dark Link said. "I was aiming for your dress." I just stared at him with fear in my eyes. "Oh, don't give me that look. If I wanted you dead, I would've killed you while you were petting your little horses."

"Then, what do you want?" I squeaked.

"I know you lied, Farmer girl, so spill it: where's Link?" He demanded.

"He's… over there!" I said, pointing in a random direction.

"Cute," He said, "but I've heard that one before. C'mon. I know you're smarter than this. Just tell me where he is, and I won't hurt you."

"No, I won't betray him like that!" I tried to run past him, but he blocked my way. After a few futile attempts, I stopped. "Get off my ranch." I looked down, and realized that his sword was still embedded in the ground. I picked it up, and pointed it at him.

He held up his hands in defeat. "All right. I'll leave you alone… for now. Next time, I won't be so easy on you." He took the sword from my hand, and let his hand linger for a moment. He soon took his hand away, and left. I sank to the grass, and sighed with relief. Why is he so adamant on finding Link? I thought. I knew he would be back, and this time, I would be ready.