Well , here's chapter one for the second story following Starting Over! Lemme know what ya think!
"It's just that I am shocked you even came back."
Link groaned and hung his head before glaring in Malon's direction. They must have had this same conversation at least five times now since he'd returned. Turning away from the fence he'd been repairing, he brushed his pants off as he straightened. "I came home, Malon. Why would that be so shocking?"
"I just thought the Princess would offer you a place at the castle." Malon frowned at the back of her step-brother's head as he walked passed her towards the pile of wood he had neatly stacked beside the fence.
"I'm a ranch hand Malon, why would she ever offer me anything at the castle?"
"Well it might have something to do with you having the Master Sword."
He gaped at her, losing his grip on the board he'd picked up. "Wh-what Master Sword?"
"What, you didn't think I'd notice your new sword?" She crossed her arms, waiting for him to hoist the board back up and move it in place against the fence. "I may be a country bumpkin but even I know that wielding that sword has meaning. It's not something just anyone can do."
"That may be, but no one would believe the sword is real. Most people who see me with it think it's just a really good replication of it." Grabbing a nail, he held it in place while he searched for the hammer he'd put down.
Sighing, Malon grabbed the hammer and passed it to him. "I'm serious, Link. Why didn't she offer you a job at the castle? You're definitely skilled enough for it."
"She did."
"Wait! What?" She nearly dropped the hammer on his foot but he managed to catch it before that happened. "When was this?"
"Before I came back."
"Oh and what happened?"
"I'm here Malon, what do you think happened?" Link shrugged as he moved to grab another board.
"But..."
He sighed. "Look Malon, I have my reasons for doing what I did. Now can I get back to work here? Talon expects this fence to be fixed today."
She huffed at him but didn't press the issue further. Turning on her heel, he watched out of the corner of his eye as she stalked away. With a shake of his head, he continued to hammer the boards into place, wishing all the while that she would just let it go. It had been almost a month since he'd returned after seeing Zelda safely back to Castle Town. The guards had been sure to take it from there. He'd all but been pushed out the front gate but he found he didn't mind overly much. She'd turned back once to look at him but he'd been quick to shake his head in denial. No, he wasn't mad that he was being pushed away. After all, it was what he wanted. In this time only a select few knew his true title and he felt it would be best if it was kept that way.
Zelda had fought him on that at first. She felt that it would be reassuring to the people if they knew that the Hero of Time had retaken the Master Sword but she'd eventually seen it his way. The Hero of Time returning would mean hard times for Hyrule. If anything it would make the people wary and distrustful of everyone, expecting something terrible to happen at any moment. So they'd agreed that Link would return to his old life as a ranch hand at Lon Lon Ranch while Zelda returned home to her place by her Father's side.
It had taken Nabooru and Ruto almost a week to convince the King that Agahnim had lied to him which had, at the time, worked to their favor because it had taken Zelda almost the same amount of time to recover from her injuries that she'd sustained at Agahnim's hands. Zelda had told him that Agahnim had said that all he'd had to do was nurture the King's distrust that had already been there. He could tell that it hurt her to think that her Father didn't trust her. That he was second guessing her motives. Unfortunately, he'd had no advice for her. He couldn't remember his own parents and his only experience was with Talon and though he called Talon and Malon his family he wasn't so sure of that anymore either.
He was the Hero of Time, was he really meant to have a family? Should he dare to have a family? They would just be pawns to be used against him, wouldn't they? It still burned him that Agahnim had used Malon to get to him. If anything, he should leave to protect Malon and Talon...but he couldn't. He promised Zelda he'd be here for her if she needed him. He might not be at the castle but his duty was to her first and for most.
"Mistress Malon speaks the truth Master. You should be with the Princess."
Link jumped a bit at Fi's sudden appearance. He still wasn't used to her just popping up out of nowhere. Navi at least could always be seen. With Fi, you never really knew if you were truly alone. "Could you, like, make noise or something Fi to let me know you're there?"
"My apologies Master, I understand that my ways can be a bit discerning to the unprepared but I just wanted to voice that Mistress Malon is correct."
"I don't belong at the castle Fi." Link groaned and tried to focus more on the task at hand. Maybe the spirit would take the hint and leave him alone.
"You are the Hero of Time, the one with the Triforce of Courage, why wouldn't your place be at the Princess' side?"
Apparently she wasn't going to take a hint.
"The only people who know that Fi are the Sages and the Princess. Right now, I'd like to keep it that way."
"I understand, the probability of your presence causing panic among the people is 78.9% but Master, the probability that it would reassure people is much higher at 82.7%. I strongly urge you to return to Princess Zelda and allow her to make the announcement to the people."
"That really isn't all that big of a difference Fi and if it's all the same to you, I'd rather not."
"Of course, Master Link." Fi bowed and disappeared. He found himself staring at the spot Fi had been standing a few minutes before turning back to his work, unsure if the spirit was truly gone. When she didn't 'pop' up again, he returned to repairing the fence.
He'd managed to replace several more sections before pounding hooves and a shout of his name had Link cursing and throwing down his hammer. Repairing this fence wasn't going to get done if these interruptions continued, he thought crossly. Shielding his eyes from the sun, he squinted against the glare as the horse and rider halted in front of him. It was one of the newer ranch hands; Link tried to recall a name, but kept drawing a blank, so instead he waited for the other man to speak.
"Talon is looking for you Link. He sent me out here to relieve you of the repairs to the fence."
"Did he say what he wanted?"
Shaking his head in reply, the ranch hand smiled apologetically. "No, sorry. He just said he wanted you at the main house."
With his message delivered the young ranch hand took over repairing the fence where Link had left off. Wondering what Talon could possibly want, Link whistled for Epona. The mare whinnied softly to her master as she trotted over to Link. Rubbing the horse's nose affectionately, Link grabbed a hold of the saddle horn and pulled himself up onto Epona's back. Digging his heels in lightly to urge Epona into a gallop, he angled her head so that they were headed in the direction of the main house.
A month later, there was little evidence of the fire that had nearly destroyed the ranch. Despite his lazy tendencies, Talon had really pulled things together, orchestrating the entire rebuild with the help of the new hired ranch hands. He had even managed to keep Ingo motivated, something that, at any other time, would have been impossible. Link still felt a tinge of guilt, knowing he hadn't done much in the rebuild. Even the thought of what had happened to him left a sour taste in his mouth and he was careful about keeping that from Zelda. He knew she was under the impression that he didn't remember much of his time under the control of the spiritual stones, and he wanted to keep it that way. Zelda already blamed herself for much of what had happened once he'd drawn the Master Sword. Knowing that he'd been aware of everything he'd been commanded to do...he didn't want to know what that would do to her.
Reining in Epona, Link slowed her as they approached the house. He'd accepted that what had happened had been out of his control. It was something he'd have to live with. The fear he'd seen in Zelda's eyes when he'd turned to attack her, the screams of the people and their tearful begging as he ended their lives during the tests Fia had sent him on to learn the limits of their control over him. In those tests he had come to the grim conclusion that there hadn't many things they couldn't force him to do. It was for that reason that he was secretly glad Fi was always nearby even when he didn't have the Master Sword with him.
Talon came out of the house, having heard Link's approach. "You took your sweet time getting here, boy."
"I came as soon as I got your message." Dropping down from Epona's back, Link waited for Talon to tell him why he'd been sent for.
"I know there hasn't been much need for you to escort people through the Field lately. But I would really appreciate if you'd help this couple." Talon began as he led the way back inside. "We have visitors who need to speak with Princess Zelda and the man's wife is pregnant and they're both worn out."
"Worn out? From what?"
"They've been running. Apparently their hometown has been under attack. Someone is tearing up the countryside searchin' for something or other." Talon nodded towards the fireplace where two people were huddled by the hearth. "I told them you'd accompany them to Castle Town."
His eyebrow shot up at that. Talon would rarely speak for him and committing him to an escort detail, even with the Field more under control with the patrols the Princess had commissioned, was very unlike him. "So who are these..." The words died in his throat as the two by the fire turned as one to regard them.
He hadn't seen either in years, the man had been but a boy because of magic but there was no mistaking the woman by his side. He'd recognize Anju's red hair and sweet features anywhere. Glaring at Link, Kafei scrambled to his feet. Clumsily drawing his sword, he pushed Anju behind him. "What are you doing here?"
"Who me?" Link pointed at himself in question. He hadn't thought they'd recognize him, after all that had been seven years ago but what was even more curious was that Kafei looked ready to kill him. "I live here Kafei."
"Then my Father was wrong to think Hyrule could aid us." The purple haired man snarled back, charging at Link.
Taken aback by the rage he saw in Kafei's eyes, Link stumbled back. Ducking beneath the blade, he came up behind Kafei. Indecision gripped him, he didn't want to hurt Kafei but his old friend obviously did not feel the same way. He could think of no reason for Kafei to want to attack him. Any tests Fia had put him through had been performed right here in Hyrule. He hadn't been to Termina in seven years.
"What is it that I have done?" If Kafei was going to try and kill him, Link figured the best he could do was find out why.
"As if you don't know!"
Link sighed, this was going to be harder then he thought. "I don't know Kafei; I haven't been to Termina in seven years. Why don't you tell me what it is you think I've done and I'll apologize?"
"APOLOGIZE!" Outraged, Kafei charged at Link again. "You've torn up the country side looking for some relic that is supposed to be hidden in Termina! Countless people have died for being at the wrong place at the wrong time and you think you can just apologize for this?"
Well, at least he now knew why Kafei was so angry. Link thought as he once again dodged the swinging blade. It was time to end this. As Kafei swung his sword again, Link caught Kafei's arm, twisting his wrist until he dropped the sword. Catching the sword before it hit the ground, Link released Kafei's arm. Kafei scrambled back but wasn't quick enough. Moving in, Link pressed the tip of the sword to Kafei's throat.
"Please! Please don't hurt him." Anju cried, rushing forward, she gripped Link's arm.
Link shrugged her off. "I'm not going to hurt him. If you hadn't noticed, he started it." His gaze dropped to her stomach that was gently rounded. "I understand he was protecting you and your baby but I am not the one who's been attacking Termina."
"Link, lower that blasted sword." Talon grumbled as he stepped between Kafei and Link. "And you, you're a guest here at my ranch! I won't have you attacking Link here. He is the one that will take you to Castle Town tomorrow."
"Him?" Kafei's lip curled in disgust. "I don't trust him. Anju and I will be..."
"No." Talon interjected forcefully. "You're a friend of the family. If my nieces were to find out that you stopped in and I didn't bother to look after the two of you, they'd have my head."
"So, send someone else if you're that concerned with Cremia and Romani."
"Kafei? Love, wait a minute here." Anju laid her hand gently on her husband's shoulder. She turned her gaze back to Link, studying him silently. "You seem familiar to me...but not because you seem so similar to the man who's been attacking our home. Your hair...and your eyes are different...Talon called you Link...I remember a Link, a boy who helped me long ago."
Kafei stiffened beside Anju, recognition lighting his eyes. "Yes...Link...the boy helped break a spell that had been placed on me..."
"That was me." Link admitted with a slight nod. "Seven years ago I was in Termina and I helped prevent the moon from crushing Clock Town and all of Termina."
"And that's why you're so familiar...you've just grown up." Anju smiled as she stepped forward to embrace him. "It is good to see you again Link."
Kafei rubbed the back of his neck as he stared at his feet, a dark blush coloring his face. "I apologize for attacking you...haven't seen you for seven years and the first thing I do is try and lob off your head..."
"It's ok, like I said before; you were protecting Anju and your child."
As an awkward silence settled over the room, Malon chose that moment to walk in from outside. "Oh my Goddesses! Anju!" Malon cried happily as she spotted her friend, effectively breaking the awkward moment. Pulling the other girl away from Link, Malon inspected her friend with a critical eye. "And look at you! You're absolutely glowing! When are you due? Cremia told me this is your first! Are you excited? Oh, oh have you picked out names yet? You just have to tell me everything!"
The three men stared at the two women as Malon dragged Anju from the room. As her chattering voice faded, Talon chuckled. "Well Malon will ensure Anju relaxes and forgets about the troubles at home. I have a few things to settle before I turn in for the evening. Link, Kafei, I suggest you two get reacquainted. You'll be leaving tomorrow for Castle Town."
Kafei waited until Talon had left the room before turning to speak to Link. "Look, I know Talon means well but you don't need to take me to Castle Town. Anju and I will be fine on our own."
"No," Link shook his head, crossing the room he dropped down into his favorite chair. "I'll be taking you to see Princess Zelda. I have a feeling that this will be something I will want to know about as well. So why don't you start from the beginning Kafei. Who is attacking Termina and why does this guy look like me?"