James: And on to Chapter Three.
Daen: Hey… can I come out of the cage now… please?
James: No. Now on to the disclaimer. I do not own Zelda. Nintendo does. I must some day own Nintendo… it's my dream.
Daen: Keep dreamin'. And while you're at it… let me out of this cage!!
Malon ran through the field, the rain drenching her from head to toe. Close on her heals the moblins came, thirsty for her blood. Suddenly she was against the high walls surrounding the ranch, and the moblins, knowing she was trapped, stalked in slowly their intent clear in their slobbering grins. All was lost. The nearest moblin grabbed her by the dress yanking her hard to him. The dress tore and she knew she was finished, doomed to be the foul creature's newest toy. Suddenly the moblin fell back, releasing Malon, an arrowhead protruding from it's forehead. The rest of the moblins turned and there, on the hill, bow in hand and riding her favorite red colored horse, sat her hero. Link, his muscles rippling under his shirt and tunic knocked another arrow and fired felling another of the foul hell spawn. The moblins rushed at him, but Link was not worried. He simply jumped off Epona, drew his sword and shield, and, in a flash, slew them all. Then he was beside her, his strong arms pulling her into his tight embrace. Malon looked into Link's face and slowly reached up on her tip toes as he leaned in for the long awaited kiss. Their faces came closer and Malon's heart was beating so hard she thought it would burst forth from her chest. Finally their lips met and they shared their first kiss. Malon was as light as air as her heart burst at the taste of her love's lips. When they parted Link looked deep into her eyes and spoke the words Malon most desperately wanted to hear. "Malon I lo-"
CUUCOOOOOOOO!!!
Malon awoke with a start, the dream still fresh in her mind. She cursed that damned cucoo and the wretched dawn for pulling her from such a sweet dream.
Malon rose from her bed and looked out the window, the sun was already up and she was late for her chores. Grumbling about mornings Malon got up and got dressed, going downstairs for a late breakfast. As usual her father was fast asleep at the table. Link too was at the table, picking at some eggs and toast, his face broke into a smile as Malon came in, cooking herself some bacon, ham, and eggs but he didn't speak.
Malon and Link shared a silent breakfast, each eyeing the other now and then. After the meal Link stood up and put his dishes in the sink then he turned to Malon.
"I never thanked you… for taking care of me and taking me in… but I was wondering if I could ask another favor of you."
Malon regarded him curiously. "Ask and we'll see."
Link smiled again at Malon. Even in this child form, Link's smile made Malon's heart flutter.
"I was wondering if I could stay on here and work as a ranch hand. I don't really have much of a place to go and I bet Mr. Ingo would be glad for the help."
Malon considered the offer; it was like a dream come true. Without a second thought she agreed. "Ok, kid. Go grab the buckets over there and head to the stables. You can start by milking the cows."
Link practically glowed. Finally, he had a place where he could stay. Sure, the work would be hard, but he had a home again. With a quick nod Link was off, grabbing the buckets on his way out the door. It only took him a few seconds to get to the stables and tell Ingo about his new employment.
The grumpy old ranch hand frowned but said, "It's about time that lazy bum, Talon got me an assistant. Alright get to work milking' those cows, boy."
With that Ingo left to herd the horses into the corral. Link got right to work. At first he wasn't sure how to milk the great bovines, but then he remembered a trick he had learned in his travels. Taking out his ocarina Link moved to the first cow and, after placing the bucket under it, began to play the song Malon had taught him. After that the cow practically milked itself and after several more cows the first of the two buckets was full.
Just as Link had started to fill the second bucket, Malon walked in. Link, concentrating on playing Epona's Song, didn't notice her. He didn't even hear her shocked gasp as the song confirmed her hopes. Her mind buzzed with the possibilities. The boy standing there was definitely Link, but why then didn't he show any sign of recognizing her. He acted as if he had forgotten her, but Malon's heart would not allow her to believe that. She came out of her thoughts just as the last bucket was filled. Link, having finished his chore had put his ocarina away and had picked up the buckets thinking to head back to the house for further chores; the sight of Malon froze him in his tracks. She was staring at him; the look on her face was intense. Suddenly, Malon rushed to him, grabbing him by the shoulders and bending down to look him in the face as if searching his eyes for something. Link dropped the buckets and a long moment of silence passed. Then Malon spoke, her voice quivering on the edge of despair.
"Link… It is you… do you… Do you remember me?"
James: Well, that's it for Chapter three!
Daen: That's it?! That's all?! But where are the tears? Where's the fond embrace or the sharing of old memories?!
James: Guess you'll just have to wait for the next chapter.
Daen: Nooooo! I don't wanna wait for the next chapter.
James: Too bad, now hush up before I put you in a smaller cage.
Daen: I hate you…
James: I know. Well see ya'll next time!