Hey everyone! I've decided to start a new project of sorts. Basically, it will be a collection of Malink fics, all of which will be set after OoT and MM. I haven't decided if they'll go in any particular order or not, I'm really just writing as it comes to me. And I'm not done with Malon's Diary, I just need a change of pace for a while. I hope you like.

Disclamer: I don't own LoZ, characters or storyline.

1. Carnival

-

Lon Lon Ranch was especially active this particular evening. Lights, booths, ponyrides, children and adults milling about, more than willing to throw away their money for a prize nowhere worth the cost. Still, they didn't mind, it was the summer, a time to have fun. In the midst of it all, a particular red head seemed to be having an especially good time.

"Thanks again Link, you have no idea how much the children will appreciate this!" Malon said, mischief written all over her face. He rolled his eyes.

"Easy for you to say. You look great." It was true, Malon looked very lovely tonight. The dress she wore was quite the change from her normal attire, the color a deep blue that brought out her eyes, the cut enhancing her already slender figure. Still, his praise didn't deter her cause. She shook her finger at him, grinning.

"Say whatever you wish, but that doesn't change the fact that you promised me that you would wear that Keaton costume." Malon said, clearly enjoying the sight. "Your shift ends in an hour and a half, you can make it."

Link gave a sigh, and walked slowly back to the entrance of the ranch. As he greeted the families that came to the carnival, his mind drifted back to the hours just before the festival...

-

"Link!" He could hear her melodic voice from inside the stable. Before he even had a chance respond, the door to the barn opened and she walked in, bright and cheerful. She had pen and paper in hand, checking off this and that as she walked by. In the years past, her father had been in charge of Hyrule's annual Summer Festival, however this year, Talon had passed the honor onto his daughter. Her perfectionist nature assured that this festival would be one of the best in years.

"You promised you would greet everyone at the entrance, correct?" She asked, fully aware of the answer.

He nodded, smiling at her enthusiasim.

"Good, I put the costume you're to wear up in your bedroom. You should go ahead and try it on."

Link looked up suddenly. "What costume?" He asked. She only smiled, her eyes twinkling with laughter.

"You'll see." Was her only response, and she went on her way. Shaking his head, he went back to his chores.

-

"Malon!" There was no way that this...this thing was what he was supposed to wear.

"Yes Link?" Malon asked sweetly. He could tell she was enjoying this.

He shook his head desperately. "There is no way I'm going to wear this."

She smiled. "Of course you are. Kids love Keaton, it'll make their day."

"But, but..." He stuttered for the words, but none came to him. Malon put her hands on her hips.

"Don't tell me the all-couragous Hero of Time is afraid to wear a little 'ol Keaton costume, just for the sake of a few little kids..."

-

"How does she do it?" Link asked himself. His shift had ended five minutes ago, and having changed into his regular clothes he was currently trying to locate the girl that had put him through this entire ordeal.

"Ha ha! Too bad Dad!" Link looked to his right to see Malon and her father battling it out with little wooden swords. They had gathered quite the crowd, all clearly amused by this little display of father-daughter bonding. Link joined the crowd, cheering on them both. They went on for quite a while, back and forth, back and forth. However, in the end, Malon's limitless energy eventually won out.

"All right, my turn." Link spoke up, walking towards Talon. Talon gave a grin, and joined the crowd after handing over his wooden sword.

"So is this your way of getting back at people?" Malon asked him, face filled with mock fear.

"No, only at certain red-heads." He shot back at her, grinning.

Taking a deep breath, she ran towards him, sword in the air. He easily blocked it and countered instinctively, accidentally knocking her off her feet.

"Malon! Are you all right?" He rushed to her side, only to have his feet knocked out from beneath him by a quick swipe from Malon. She stuck her tongue out at him.

"You know better than to let your defenses down around an opponent." She said matter-of-factly.

Link pushed himself up off his stomach and stood up, brushing off his tunic. "I guess I just needed a reminder." He said with a grin. Offering his hand to help her up, Malon stood up as well.

"So, now that you're off your shift, what do you want to do?" She asked, taking a look around.

Link shrugged. "Actually I was hoping to find a fire. So I could burn that costume."

Malon gave him a glare. "You can't, it's a rental."

He gave her an evil smile. "That would make it even better."

"Oh, shut up. Really, what do you want to do?" She asked.

-

"Link, I really, really, really don't like this. Please don't make me do this." Malon pleaded.

Link grinned. The two were currently being secured into the Carpenters' newest creation: The Ferris Wheel. It was an impressive sight, standing as tall as any building you'd see in Hyrule City (With the exception of Hyrule Castle, of course). Link found it a more than suitable means of getting his revenge; Malon's greatest fear was, of course, heights.

As the ride started, Malon kept looking from side to side nervously. "How in the world did he get me up here?" She asked herself. Of course, she knew perfectly well how he had accomplished this feat.

"I promise that if you'll come on the Ferris Wheel, I won't burn that costume."

She could kill him, really.

As the ride went higher and higher, Link looked down at Malon. Her eyes were tightly closed, afraid to look down.

"You can open your eyes Malon, there's nothing to be scared of." He said sympathetically. She opened her eyes.

"I'm not scared." She said, trying her best at a bold front.

"Malon?"

"What?"

"I can't feel my arm." Malon looked down in surprise, only realizing at that point in time that she had a hold on his arm. She quickly pulled her hands away.

"I'm sorry." She said softly. Link shook his head, smiling.

Just as their ride reached the top, there was a loud screech, followed by the sound moaning metal. The ride slowed to a stop.

"Link, what's going on?" Malon said, frantic.

He looked over the edge of the ride to see several of the carpenters examining the ride. One of them looked up.

"Sorry everyone, we've had a slight mechanical malfunction. The ride ought to be fixed...sometime soon." He said, not sounding too confident in his words. Link looked over to Malon, whose face had grown pale.

"We're going to die." She said, very serious.

Link rolled his eyes. "No we're not, just wait. Before long, they'll have the ride will be fixed, and you'll be back on the ground." She shook her head and once again closed her eyes once. Looking back over the edge, Link was able to see several of the carpenters running here and there, fiddling with this and that. Several of them had stopped to scratch their heads in confusion.

"Just great." Link thought to himself, shivering as a breeze blew by. Although it was summer, the wind was cool this evening, especially on top of a ferris wheel. Malon shivered as well, her eyes still tightly closed. Link gave a sigh, and put his arm around her. She leaned her head against his shoulder.

"I'm sorry I made you wear that Keaton costume." She said apologetically.

Link nodded. "I know." He laughed. "And I promise I'll never make you come on another ferris wheel ride."

Malon opened her eyes. "Like you could make me. Never again." She said, giving a slight smile. Link gave her a kiss on the forehead, and smiled at her red face.

"Don't tell me you're embarrassed." He said, teasing.

"Shut up." She replied.

About that time, the ferris wheel gave a loud screech, and slowly started to turn. One by one, all of the people were all let off onto the ground, Link and Malon among the last off.

"Sweet, sweet ground!" Malon yelled as soon as she was let off the ride. Link couldn't help but laugh as she ran up to each carpenter and gave them a serious talk about the dangers of things such as ferris wheels and how no one should ever have to be put through this type of suffering again.

-

"So did you have a good time at your carnival?" Link asked Malon before going to his room for the night. They had spent the remainder of their time throwing darts, testing their strength, and throwing canvas balls at milk bottles.

She gave a smile. "Of course I did, Fairy Boy." She laughed. "I know that you didn't appreciate having to dress up as a Keaton, but it meant a lot to me that you would actually do that for me."

Link nodded, and started for his room, but turned around at the last moment. "Why was it so important that I dress up like a Keaton anyway?"

Malon gave a grin. "I just wanted to be sure that you were good with kids." She said, and ran up to her room.

"W-what?"