A/N: I was bound to do this. Let's get this started.

DISCLAIMER: Don't own Zelda the video game series brought to us by Nintendo, only my crazy story using some characters and my OC.

Genesis

"Well, Zelda, there is nothing else I can say but congratulations," Malon said softly.

Malon and Zelda were in her courtyard, hidden within the castle. The two were close friends since they were children. They sat out in the soft sun and low gusts, drinking tea in each other's company. It had been a little over a month since the princess of Hyrule married. Married to one person everyone was rooting for to propose. The blond hero who had followed the princess like a love struck puppy. No one else felt happier for them then Malon.

"Thank you Malon," Zelda said. "I was wondering when you were going to stop by. I know Link and I were just recently married but you didn't have to wait a month."

Malon gave a meek smile, "Well, I thought it would be best if I gave you two some time. Goddesses know I wouldn't want to show up when you two were being intimate."

Zelda blushed. "I suppose your right. It means a lot to me that you would go out of your way to come congratulate me. You really are a good friend."

"Its nothing," Malon answered. She sighed and got up from her seat. "I should be going home now. My dad isn't around to do anything now and Ingo is becoming more like him everyday. I'll see you later Zelda."

Malon placed her cup on the table before her and exited out of the courtyard. She didn't want to admit to anyone that she was jealous of princess Zelda. Not that it was her fault but Malon wished she could've been Zelda, married to Link. He was the perfect man and made most girls fall head over heels for him, Malon included, unbeknownst to him unfortunately. Malon wished she could've been a bit more forward with him but now it was to late. He was married, happily, to Zelda. And, it would be a fairy tale marriage. The dashing hero weds the beautiful princess and lives happily ever after. Soon children were bound to come and so they all live together, a happy family.

But the redhead felt unsure about herself as she walked through the market place. Everywhere she looked, she noticed how everyone seemed to be feeling the effects of the love in the season of spring. Malon could not look anywhere without seeing a happy couple in each other's arm, lost in their eyes. Nowhere was a single person who had grown into being alone. She didn't understand why she didn't have someone in love with her. Malon doubted her own looks and personality.

"Maybe it's the hair," she mumbled to herself. Red was not a common trait for most Hylians. Many were more of an earthly in color instead of a fiery red. Only a handful of Hylians possessed red hair. It was a recessive trait and mainly women received by their Gerudo mothers.

She left the market place, leaving the gathering place for so many couples. Outside the castle walls lay an immense field. Few bushes and trees littered the plain and dirt roads intersected it. Malon looked up into the clear blue sky. Nothing was miraculous about it as well. Clouds dotted it but held no distinct shape and the sun gave off a soft heat. The redhead hummed a tune her mother had taught her as she walked toward the ranch located near the middle of the field.

Malon walked into the ranch she had grown up in. She found in the same state she left it in. Meaning only one thing: that Ingo hadn't done a thing since she left. Malon clenched her fist as she went inside the ranch house. She calmly went up the stairs to her bedroom and laid down on her bed. A little depressed and a with a little temper brewing, Malon laid on her bed staring into the ceiling.

"I wish daddy would hurry up and come back already," Malon muttered. "I am not the only person here to do all of the chores." She let out a quick sigh and got up from her bed. Malon went over to her mirror and checked herself in it. She wondered if she should change her hair, either by color or style. Shaking thoughts like those out of her head, Malon fixed her brooch on her chest and smoothed out her skirt.

Finding herself content with the person in the mirror, Malon exited her room. She descended the stairs and out of the house. There were still numerous chores still left unfinished and avoided and the day was disappearing. Malon knew that it would be nigh impossible for her to finish within the daylight time but she had no choice. She reminded herself that once she found her lazy employee that she would scold him for his negligence.

Speaking of the devil, as she rounded the house to feed the cuccos, she found him. Tall and mostly lean except for the paunch he possessed, Ingo reminded Malon of a string bean. He sat with his back against the wall with the cuccos curiously pecking at him. Deep in sleep, Ingo didn't mind the bothersome birds but his actions bothered Malon. Taking the feed from the side of the house, she heaved it toward the slumbering man and dropped it into his lap.

Ingo awoke with a surprise and looked around angrily trying to find the person who woke him. He caught the glimpse of Malon's stern expression but simply yawned. "Whattya want? I was nappin' woman."

"Exactly, you are supposed to be working!" Malon said.

Ingo got to his feet, "I'm takin' a holiday…"

"Holiday? No days off during this time of the year. You know that!" Malon countered.

Outside, on a road that neared the ranch, walked a silver horse and his rider. Pulled along by his reigns, the horse trotted the dirt path next to his master. A young man, near the age of twenty pulled his horse's reigns. His near entire black outfit wasn't completed because of the white leather trench coat he wore. Lined in red silk and with an upturned collar, it complimented his fair skin. Against his skin and on top of his head sat crimson red hair. Coming down with gravity in locks and just stopped near his neck. There were three locks of hair that fell onto his face that were longer than the rest, two on the right side and one on the left. They sometimes curtained his sharp, effeminate eyes. His lashes were long and with irises of crimson, they were one of a kind. Some could've called him handsome, others a pretty boy, but the point was that he was attractive. A slender nose, high cheekbones, and with his defined eyes, he rarely had trouble with women.

His name was Vincent. As he ushered his horse on the dirt trail, he muttered under his breath.

"I need somewhere to stay… last time I just pick up and leave without being somewhat prepared. Am I glad that I found this ranch, I don't need to worry about Elliptus along with me."

Vincent walked into the ranch, Elliptus next to him. He stopped and took a look around the area. His observation was interrupted by a woman's voice, or to be more exact, her complaints. Vincent raised an eyebrow as he saw an older man walk from the side of the building near him. A look of annoyance was plastered on his face and then a young woman came out from the side in pursuit. Vincent's heart skipped a beat; he was caught in the moment when he first saw Malon. She enamored him with her long, red hair and her obvious determination. Vincent took a look back to his horse, he hoped it wasn't a terrible time for him to come.

Ingo stopped in his tracks, "You ain't the boss of me woman."

"Oh, yes, I am," Malon said. "As long as my father left me in charge of the ranch, you have to answer to me. I still don't know why I haven't thought about looking for another ranch hand. Lately, its like you don't even care. So tell me right now, are you going to do anything at all?"

"No," Ingo said simply.

Malon clenched her fist and quieted the storm brewing inside her. Ingo was pushing far to many buttons and he wasn't stopping. Malon took a deep breath as she saw Ingo walk away to the other side of the ranch. She raised an arm to her head and rubbed one of her temples. Dealing with Ingo always gave her a migraine.

"You can look at it this way," said a voice from behind her. "You don't have to pay him anymore."

Malon turned around and found a young man stand near her. He may have been older than her but not by much. At first, Malon didn't know what to do about him but regained her thoughts. He was an obvious customer since he had brought his horse with him. Malon now took the role of a rancher and placed a smile of her face. She stared into his eyes began to converse.

"I suppose," Malon said. "So, is there anything I can do for you?"

"Well, I do need somewhere to leave my horse," he said. Vincent held out his hand, "I'm Vincent Dante Aegis II."

Malon took his hand and shook it, "That's quite a name. Just call me Malon."

"Beautiful name for a beautiful girl," Vincent said.

Malon turned to blush. Trying to hide it, she turned back to Vincent, "That was… extremely corny, but sweet. Thank you."

"So hopefully you have room for Elliptus here. I know that a ranch as famous as Lon Lon is not above turning away people who didn't have an appointment but I didn't have a chance. And, if you don't mind me saying, you should live up to your threat. Workers tend to walk on their bosses if they show they mean something," Vincent said.

"Your in luck, we have space for your horse. Don't worry about my worker though; I'm planning on finding someone soon. I just really need the help and I can't just have anyone lying about."

"Looks like I'm not the only one who's lucky," Vincent said. "You see, Malon, I'm between jobs at the moment. I can see a beneficial relationship. I only need…well, housing and the care to my horse. No payment needed at all. Maybe food."

Malon laughed at Vincent's last statement. "Then tell me, have you worked at a ranch before?"

Vincent scratched the back of his head and looked up. He turned his eyes to Malon, "Well, I learn fast."

"I see… so you haven't," Malon said.

"But I have taken care of Elliptus by myself," Vincent said. "That's worth something right? Come on Malon, you know you need someone. Hell, I work for free… sort of. Are you really in the mood to go into town and post a notice for work? Do you really feel like going through all that trouble when you have someone as enthusiastic as me ready?"

"All right, fine you're hired," Malon said.

Vincent smiled and his horse nuzzled him. Vincent laughed and stroked his horse's white mane. Malon could see that he was wonderful with animals. She also found it perplexing that he was willing to work for no money at all. The reason people worked was to make money but Vincent took that directive out of the loop. So all he needed was a place to stay for him and his horse. Malon could tell it was going to take some time to get used to everything. She watched as Vincent took off his horse's saddle and placed near the door to the house. He then removed the reigns and led his horse out into the corral.

"Well, at least he knows that," Malon thought. Vincent came back to Malon. "I hope your ready to learn. I am not going to go easy so hopefully you wont think it will be. Are you ready?"

"Working with a beauty like you? Who wouldn't be?" Vincent asked. "But… I mean, sure."

Malon noticed how Vincent was careful not to be too forward. He was now another employee, and nothing more. She couldn't afford for another male who thought low of her.

"Ooh, almost forgot," Vincent said. He unbuckled his belt, with Malon curiously staring at his actions. Vincent took off his belt and Malon found out why he did. His belt held two sheathed blades on it. He held out in front of him for a moment, letting the swords dangle in the air and then tossed it to the saddle.

"You might want to take off that jacket as well," Malon said. "It does get hot around noon."

"I'll think about it," Vincent said. He adjusted his white jacket, "I don't really like taking it off."