Chapter 4-Return of the Forest Boy
7 Years Later
Epona is now a fully-grown mare and officially Ingo's least favorite horse. Malon, now at the age of 17 still remains at the ranch but her smile is only a fraction of what it was before. Ingo had been continually giving Malon bad treatment and had been whipping the girl. Every chance Epona got, she would 'accidentaly' step on Ingo's foot or push him into the water trough. They have both waited and everyday they would look out into the forest, awaiting Link's return. It was now the seventh year since Link came to the ranch and he still did not return. Ingo had been awaiting this moment. He was waiting for the chance to sell Epona off to be rid of her once and for all. The only thing that kept him from doing so was when he was waiting for Link to come back with payment, but he eventually thought that Epona wasn't worth it. He walked into the stables where Malon and Epona were with a smug look on his face. "It looks like that boy of yours isn't going to show up, so I guess it's bye bye Epona!" he cackled. 'Link, where are you?' thought Malon as she stepped forward to block Epona from Ingo. "I won't let you hurt Epona and sell her off!" she cried. Ingo took a step forward, bringing out the whip. Malon flinched from the reaction of all the other whippings she had. He raised the whip, ready to strike. "No! Leave her alone!" cried Epona while stepping in front of Malon in a defensive stance. Ingo just smiled and said, "Now I can get rid of both of you troublesome things at once!"
"Not so fast Ingo," came a familiar voice. Malon gasped. "Daddy!" and she ran toward Talon and embraced him in a big hug. Tears of happiness were streaming down her face. Ingo just stood there speechless with his mouth gaping open. "But how!?!? I thought you were locked up for good." He said. "I thought I was to until a young man came and freed me." Just then, a bright blue fairy came racing into the barn followed by a young man stepped into the stables, who was well muscled, dressed in a green tunic, brown leather boots and gloves, with a sword and shield on his back. His tawny dirty blonde hair was unruly as his bangs swept across his face that was just above his striking blue eyes. 'There's something familiar about this young man.' thought Epona as she stared into his blue eyes. Malon was pondering over this same thing when the young man turned toward her and gave her a huge grin and said, "Hey Malon, Epona, long time no see," and things clicked into place for them both. "Link!" Malon cried and she ran into his arms. "I knew you would come, I knew it!" she cried happily. "Link!" Epona gave a happy whinny as tears sprang to her eyes. He did keep his promise and return. 'He's grown so much, looking like his father more and more everyday,' she thought. She started to run over to her son when Ingo cracked his whipped on the ground. Everyone froze at where they were. Ingo was fuming. "ARE YOU FORGETTING THAT THIS IS MY RANCH!?!? YOU AREN'T LEAVING UNLESS YOU CAN RACE OUT OF HERE!" he shouted, without much thinking on the last part. Link came forward and said, "I accept. If I win, the ranch is given back to Talon and Malon and you have to leave this place and never return. If I lose, you keep me as a servant and you may torture me to your hearts content."
Epona's jaw dropped open. She ran over to Link and said, "What do you think you're doing young man!?! Don't you dare give him the leisure of torturing you for the rest of you life. I am against it Link! I will not stand for it! I'll, I'll…" "I accept your terms." Interrupted Ingo. Epona was in the middle of an angry protest of whinnies, grunts, neighs, snorts and a whole lot of stomping her hoof down while Link just stood there trying to calm her down, confused over her sudden outburst, when Ingo interrupted which made her head swing around to face him. Ingo smiled menacingly as he said "I will race with the best stallion on this ranch and win so I can kill you the moment you lose!" "No you will not!" whinnied Epona while stepping in front of her son in defense, stomping her hoof down. Ingo ignored this however and said, "Choose your horse." At the sound of this, Epona knew there was no turning back now, and from the look in her son's eyes, she knew that he wasn't going to back down. She immediately turned back to face Link and said, "Son, I have had enough of this man. I'll be your race horse!" Link had no idea at what Epona just said. "I think she wants you to choose her as your racing horse Link," said Malon, still clinging to her father. Epona snorted and nodded. Link looked into her eyes, seeing the determination in them. He nodded and said, "I choose Epona as my horse." Ingo just laughed and said, "This'll be a piece of cake! That horse is worthless! We race tomorrow!" and he ran off to saddle the best stallion in the ranch.
__ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ __
I know all you Epona lovers out there are like "No! No! No! What are you doing! You're ruining Epona and the whole story of the Legend of Zelda!" Well, this is just a story that popped into my head and stuff. This did not actually happen in any of the games. Please don't hurt me!!!! (runs away screaming from angry mob) The only person I own is Eileen and the rest belongs to the Legend of Zelda are copyright of Nintendo.