Hey guys, Steamrail74 here with a new fic for ya. So recently I've become a Malinker, and with that said I don't think I should have to explain further what kind of fic this is. Hope you enjoy, and leave a review if ya can. I appreciate anything to be said.

I do not own LOZ

Chapter 1- No… It can't be true…

It was a typical day at Lon Lon Ranch. The Ranch's owner, Talon, was fast asleep in the house when he was supposed to be working. The farmhand, Ingo, sulked about doing all the work as he completed his chores in the stables. And Malon, Talon's daughter, tended to the horses in the corral and sang to them softly. Her serenade-like voice carried on the wind as she tended to each steed with utter care. Due to this, she failed to notice the postman jog into the Ranch and look around for someone to hand the mail to. Seeing the farm girl as the closest, he jogged over and called her out.

"Excuse me," He called, a little out of breath from his jogging, "Miss?"

Malon ceased singing and looked over at the postman, "Yes? How can I help you?"

"I have your mail. Would you mind telling me where I can find Talon?"

Malon walked over to the postman.

"Oh, he's in the house at the moment." She answered, "But I can take the mail for you and give it to him."

"Sounds fine Miss," The postman returned as he pulled out a small note with the Ranch's mail, "I just need you to sign here then, to say that I delivered your mail."

"Of course."

She signed the paper and handed it back to him as they traded the paper for the mail.

"Much appreciated," The postman finished, "Well, I must be off. Have a nice day."

"Thank you," Malon called back as the postman broke into a jog, "You too."

She started flipping through the mail in hopes of finding something. Though not just anything, something very specific. Something from someone she really liked. Someone that she hasn't seen for several weeks now and wondered why. That someone, was none other than Link. Not seeing anything from him, Malon sighed in defeat as she headed for the house to hand it to her Father to look through.

"Why hasn't he written?" Malon thought to herself, "It's been almost a year and now he doesn't even visit anymore…"

She and Link first met several years ago when they were children; approximately eight years ago to be exact. They both were ten at the time, and for Malon it was almost love at first sight; seeing that little green-dressed boy and his fairy wander through Castle Town, marveling at everything that she and everyone else thought as regular and run-of-the-mill. She introduced herself as he did himself, talked for a little bit, and then parted ways. They met once again the very next day when Link ventured into Lon Lon Ranch on his way to Lake Hylia. For the next seven years from that day, they saw neither hide nor hair of each other until he returned to liberate the Ranch from Ganondorf's control. Even with no communication for seven years, the two talked like they saw each other only yesterday. Link stayed the night, and then was seen off by Malon herself with a very tender goodbye. After defeating Ganondorf, Link was from that point on seen as a Hero, more specifically, the Hero of Time. He made more visits to the Ranch in his travels, and then one day suddenly stopped coming. Malon wasn't sure why, but she continued to hope that Link would return once again. A year had passed since Link's last visit, and every week since that day, she sifted through the mail in hopes of finding something from him; but to no avail. Returning her head to reality as she neared the door to the house, she reached for the doorknob.

"I can only guess that he would be sleeping at this point." She mused, and then giggled, "But that's my Daddy for you."

She entered the house to indeed find Talon sleeping soundly. Rolling her eyes in amusement, she put the mail down on the table and pulled out a pan and matching lid out of a cupboard in the kitchen. Creeping up on him slowly, making sure to only take a step when he snored, a grin grew on her face as she readied for the moment. Right when she was on top of him, Malon opened the pot and then clashed it and the lid together to create a loud crashing noise. Talon shot up like a bullet at the noise.

"Wha-WHAT! I'M AWAKE! I WASN'T SLEEPING!" He bellowed.

"Of course not Daddy," Malon returned, "Just came to give you the mail."

"Huh? Oh, yes. The mail… Where is it?"

"It's on the table."

Talon slowly raised his large figure to its feet and then sifted through the mail in silence. Only a moment passed before his face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Well lookie here," He grinned, "It's an invitation from the Royal Family."

"What?! I didn't see that in the mail!" Malon thought to herself as she tore the note away from her Father's hands.

"Looks like a wedding's takin' place based on what I read." Talon shrugged, "That is, before you so abruptly took that invite from me."

Malon only shrugged it off as she began reading the front.

"So it seems that Princess Zelda finally found a prince to marry." The farm girl giggled to herself, "Let's see, that makes the eighth one now? Hee hee…"

She began reading the rest of the note as she opened the card and read silently.

"You have been invited to the Royal Wedding and Coronation of Princess Zelda III. The groom, and one she pledged her heart and love to eternally, has served us much in times of need. He is seen by many, as a hero. This man, and soon to be future King of Hyrule, is none other than…"

Malon's heart stopped as she read the name. She read it again just to make sure she read it right the first time… she did… It said… Link. She didn't believe it, but the proof was right in front of her. Link was going to be married to Princess Zelda. Malon could feel her insides crack and shatter into a million pieces as she put the invitation back on the table in silence. Talon could see the blank stare in her face as she turned and headed for her room.

"Somethin' wrong Malon?" He asked, "You ok?"

Malon wouldn't dare tell her Father her feelings at that moment. She was too wrapped up in them herself to even begin understanding them on her own.

"I'm fine Daddy," She answered, "Thanks."

"Well if ya do need to talk, just know I'm here for ya."

"…Thank you."

Malon went upstairs and entered her room in silence as she closed the door and then immediately collapsed on her bed and started bawling into her pillow. All those years of them knowing each other, learning about one another… being with each other… gone. All those years of hoping and praying that he was the one she was going to pledge her love to… gone. All those countless hours reading and rereading Link's letters to her in hopes that another would add to her collection… gone. It was all for nothing. Link apparently showed he cared nothing for Malon to have left suddenly and then marry Zelda. At least, this was what the farm girl thought.

"Why…" Malon cried, "Why would you do this to me? I thought we were meant to be…"

She continued to sob and drench her pillow with her tears for another hour before she couldn't cry any more tears. Sniffling, she raised her head and brushed away some loose strands of bright auburn hair that glued themselves to her face.

"Who am I kidding…" She sighed, "Princess Zelda has everything… and I have nothing. It's easy to see why he picked her over me. I'm just a poor farm girl with no future in store… what use am I?"

Talon tried to coax her out of her room another hour later with a plate of dinner. Normally Malon was the one to do the cooking, but with her suddenly vanishing for most of the afternoon and evening it was up to him to cook something. He whipped up some old-fashioned eggs and toast, since it was the only thing he could cook without setting the kitchen on fire, and gently knocked on her door.

"Malon?" He called through the door, "Can I come in?"

Hearing no answer, he quietly opened the door to see her on her bed with her back facing him. Seeing that the sun was setting in the window he put the plate and silverware on the table to light a lamp.

"I brought you dinner." He said, trying to sound cheery, "It's not as great as what you make, but I whipped up something in case you were hungry."

Still no answer. Talon sighed to himself as he decided to take a guess at what the problem was as he sat on her bed next to her.

"It was about that invitation," Talon sighed, "Wasn't it?"

Malon still gave him no answer as he continued after a moment.

"You know that I read the invitation too, and I can see why you're upset."

"…Then why would I be…" Malon whimpered, clutching her stomach with her crossed arms.

"You were sweet on 'em, weren't ya?"

Malon said nothing as she tensed up only a moment before relaxing.

"I may be old and a little slow," Talon continued, "But I know when my own daughter's in love. Can't tell you how many times I saw that look in your eye and how happy you were whenever he was around."

He put a hand on her shoulder, and eventually caressed her cheek as he brushed some strands of her away from her face.

"I was a little disappointed to see that invitation too you know." He continued, "I have a feeling you and I were thinking the same thing when we first saw 'em all those years ago."

The farm girl began to break into tears again.

"What do I do Daddy?" She cried, "I don't know what to do with myself…"

She sobbed into her wet pillow again as Talon's hand moved back to her shoulder.

"I honestly don't know Hun," He sighed, "I wish I did, if only to help you, but I'm afraid I don't."

His words seemed to do nothing to comfort her.

"But I do know this," Talon continued, "And I know this much from when I lost your Mother so many years ago. When life breaks you down, don't give into the temptation to give up and surrender. Life still awaits you just 'round the corner. And if you're too busy worrying 'bout the now, you'll never look to what may come."

Malon's crying ceased only a little, but she still sniffled into her pillow as the two remained silent. Eventually Talon left her room to return with a fresh and dry pillow from the closet to exchange with her wet one. She silently made the trade as Talon made his way back for the door.

"Food's on the nightstand if you ever get hungry." He finished, "Try and get some rest Malon, things'll be better in the morning."

He closed the door quietly and left the farm girl alone in her room. Eventually she was able to get some sleep, but only after nibbling a little bit on her food and crying a little more.

The next morning Malon felt no better than she did yesterday afternoon. She got up and dressed as she did every morning, and then brushed her hair in silence. Throughout the day she went about her chores without saying a word, or singing a note for that matter. She tended to the horses in silence. They knew something was wrong with their caretaker, and did something to help her feel better. The foals whinnied to get her attention as did the older horses, though ultimately were able to do nothing to comfort her.

"I don't know what to do with myself…" She thought, "I wish I did… But I don't. I can see the horses are trying to help me feel better, and I appreciate their gestures, though I'm afraid that it's not helping any."

It was about then then she head a very familiar whinny from the Ranch gate. She knew that whinny all too well. It belonged to her favorite horse, Epona. And hearing Epona meant only one thing… Link was there. This thought tore Malon in half. One half wanted to march right up to him and demand why he neglected to visit or even tell her that he was going to be married. The other told her to go hide in a corner somewhere he wouldn't find her. The latter half won out, though her fiery side persuaded her to at least eavesdrop on what was going to be said, seeing that Talon met him at the gate.

"Well if it isn't the Hero of Time." Talon greeted, maintaining his cheery personality, "Been a while since you last visited."

"I know," Link answered, "And I'm sorry for that. Is Malon around?"

"Well last I saw her she was very very, uh, busy, tending to personal matters. So very likely you may not be able to see her today."

Malon couldn't help but sigh in relief that her Father was sticking up for her like he was, though her heart sank when Link pressed the issue.

"Are you sure I won't be able to see her today?" He asked, "I really have to tell her something important, and I don't think it can wait. Because I'm stuck helping to plan a-"

"Wedding?" Talon finished.

Link's heart jumped as he sighed, "You got an invitation?"

"Arrived yesterday afternoon."

"Darn that stupid postman…"

"Well I'm afraid that you may not be seeing Malon for a while. Broke her poor heart to read that invitation."

"I know, and that's why I want to explain what's really going on."

"I have to apologize, but I don't think you'll be able to today."

The farm girl could hear Link sigh in defeat.

"Well, what about tomorrow?"

"Not very likely."

"Day after?"

"Same result probably."

"Will I EVER be able to talk to Malon?"

"You'll have to ask her that when she's ready to talk to you."

"Which will be when?!"

Malon had enough. Link had already torn her heart out and ripped it to shreds, and he didn't even have to be there physically to do it. And now it seems that he won't leave her alone until he gets a chance to 'explain' what was going on. Malon was in too much of a state to even consider that option, so she said the first thing that popped into her mind as she turned around and made herself known.

"How about never?" She called.

Link perked up and looked beyond Talon to find the redhead. He then moved around Talon to move closer to the farm girl.

"Malon," He started, "Please let me explain."

"I don't need to let you DO anything!" She returned fiercely, "Do you realize how long I waited for you to come back? How long I waited for you to write me? How many times I read your letters and prayed and another was coming? And what do I find? That the reason you stopped coming was so you could get all nice and sweet with the Princess and marry her! Well if that be the case then I hope you never return!"

Talon as taken aback greatly as how ferociously his own daughter tore into Link like he was made of paper. Even Ingo popped his head out of the stables to see what was going on.

"Malon," Link stuttered, "Please-"

"Just go." She interrupted.

"I'd best do what she says," Talon offered, "It'd save you both on more heartache."

Link silently and hesitantly mounted Epona again and left the Ranch, only looking back once at the farm girl's back as she started for the corral.

"You don't understand Malon…" Link mused in sadness, "I don't love Zelda… I love… you…"

It was only minutes later that Malon started for her room and locked herself in to cry some more.

"Why Link?" Her subconscious echoed, "Why must you torment me? Do you see pleasure in my pain you sick excuse for a man? Why won't you just leave me alone?"

Talon knew that it was best to leave Malon alone after what took place, so he kept his distance and for once put in some effort to help with the chores. Eventually Malon exited her room and decided to clear her head by walking through Hyrule Field. Talon noticed her leave and said nothing, knowing that she needed time to think. As she wandered, she couldn't help but contemplate her self-worth. By everyone she knew, Malon was the more iron-willed and determined woman anyone had ever met, and no one had ever successfully broken her willpower and strong mind… until now. The dagger she brought with her only egged her on to accept the invitation of simply ending everything; the pain, the sorrow, the heartache… the rejection. Every second she focused on that blade, the more she felt that it would be more worth it to go through with the action. It'd only be one swift movement, one part of her thought, and in the right place she wouldn't feel a thing.

"I'm sorry Daddy," Malon cried, "But I can't take this. It's too much for me to handle. Please understand why I'm doing this…"

She raised the dagger to plunge it into her chest and end it all… until a noise unknown to her froze her in place. It sounded like a whistle, but it also sounded like the scream of some monster at the same time. She heard it again as something sounding like a kind of loud …stomping… drowned out the scream as clouds of smoke made themselves known in the direction of the noise. The…thing… clouded itself in the smoke as it screamed again, only this time much louder in volume due to it being closer than it was the first time. Malon had no idea what it was, but she knew it was coming up on her fast, and straight for her. The farm girl froze in fear so much so that she was unable to even force her leg muscles to unlock enough to move herself out of the way. The thing screamed again, as if to say 'out of the way!' as it continued to near her at a speed easily faster than Epona at full gallop. Her life flashed before her eyes as it began screeching an unbearable noise to attempt to slow down and stop. Malon closed her eyes in utter fear that it was going to trample her and flatten and burn the remains, thinking that the smoke around it made the…thing… act similar to a charging dragon. She never saw a charging dragon, but she was about to get her only view of something similar.

"It's no use…" Malon worried, "I can't get myself to move! It's over, I'm going to get run over by this strange thing and whatever's left of me is going to be unrecognizable… This is it… My end has come…"

She closed her eyes tightly and prepared for the inevitable as the thing screamed again and started squealing a deafening noise as sparks flew to help it screech to a halt before it hit her. At the very last second the thing was able to come to a complete stop mere inches from Malon and hiss more smoke in its idleness. Opening her eyes to see that the strange thing didn't run her over like she thought, Malon's relief, as well as the immense heat that could be felt from the front of the thing caused her to collapse and fall unconscious. Before she blacked out and succumbed to the desire to fall into unconsciousness, the last thing she remembered seeing was the silhouette of a figure coming from the smoke to near her.

Ooooh, cliffhangers. Poor Mal though... Wonder what will happen next. The only way to find out would be to read on.

Rate and Review please.

Until then, laters.