EDIT: This story's kind of a mess, so now that I've got the hang of these characters I plan to restart the story from the beginning. What I'll do is retype the chapters from the first and replace the existing ones. I'll mention which ones are updated from this chapter until this one is replaced and the story can continue, but chances are I'm gonna wait till all 11 are done before I repost, so don't hold your breath. I mean, I could just delete the whole thing and create it new, but this way anyone still interested won't lose their story alert notifications. I'm pretty sure once I pull out my thumb this will end up being a pretty interesting story, at least. (grins)
Chapter 11! I just had a four week writers block. (waaaa...) Sorry for the wait. But I finally managed to force out this chapter, though, after rewriting it several times cuz I didn't like it. I think it's ok now, though, so enjoy!
Milady Midori: Once again, thanks for the proof read. (grins) I totally had Gyorg in mind with the fish, but it's still kinda different to him, since I also had Unagi the Eel from Super Mario 64 in my head, so I'd say it kinda has Gyorg's face, but more of an Eel-like body. Fun trivia fact; I was this close to putting in Morpha instead of Gyorg-Unagi, but I couldn't explain how Morpha was there and I'd already made up one monster so I was like screw it. Oh, and I got the name Arn from the old LOZ comic, you know the one that was also an agonising cartoon? Anyway, that Link's parents were named Arn and Medila, which I thought was pretty cool, and so here we are in the future. They were also not dead, which was also pretty cool. I'd love a Zelda game where his parents are actually still alive, that'd be neat.
BTW, I've been reading the Pokemon Special Manga lately. It's actually pretty damn good. If anyone avoided the anime because it's kinda lame, the Manga is totally nothing like it in terms of lameness. I mean, at one point an Arbok got cut in half. At the head. Mind. Blown.
It got better, though. (yaay)
Chapter 11: Malon, The Rancher's Daughter
It was dark by the time they arrived at Lon Lon Ranch, a light cloud cover blocking out the moon and the stars which just made it all the more difficult to see. Link pulled his horse to a stop by the entrance, and Arn a short distance behind. They had both ridden across half of Hyrule field in a number of hours, an impossible feat had it not been for such speedy mounts. Epona was much faster than Arn's horse, so Link was forced to slow down numerous times so the man could keep up. But Zelda had certainly made a wise choice. That beige stallion was one of the few horses in the castle stables that was capable of even coming close to matching Epona's speed and endurance. Why Epona was so exceptional, Link didn't know, but he would always be grateful for the mare. Epona allowed him to cross Hyrule field in much shorter time than he would with any other horse. So now, despite having travelled so far, it was still early enough in the evening that Link didn't feel bad about bothering Malon and Talon for a room. A few years ago they expanded their stable to fit both the horses and cows, so the old building down the back that used to hold a cow and milk crates was now empty and turned into a guest house- a place Link used regularly. They had also built a new coop for their cuccos half way across the field on the left, so the birds no longer resided in the lower room of their house, the space now a dining room with a small kitchen area built into the wall.
Under him, Epona shifted restlessly. She always got this way when they came to the ranch. The mare loved it here, and was eager to see Malon. But there was still one more thing Link had to do before he could let her go... Quickly, he jumped down and began to inspect Epona closely, Navi taking up the opposite side to quicken his task.
" What the hell are you doing? " Arn asked after a few seconds. Glancing at him out of the corner of his eye, Link could see the man staring at him with the usual scowl.
" I'm making sure Epona's in top shape. " Link replied coldly, annoyed at Arn's condescending tone of voice.
" Malon, the Rancher's daughter, gets mad if Epona has a single scratch. " Navi elaborated. Link was surprised she was being so cooperative to the man. Maybe she wasn't angry any more?
" And you're afraid of this woman? " Arn remarked.
" Fear isn't the only deterrent! " Link huffed, glaring at him. " Just because I don't want to make her angry doesn't mean I'm- hey! " He gasped. Epona suddenly reared, neighing and kicking her legs wildly. Link jumped back a few steps to avoid being struck by her hooves, forced to let go of her white mane as the horse appeared to panic. " Epona, what-? " He began, but cut himself off to dodge her again as Epona slammed her front hooves back onto the ground and charged off into the ranch at top speed, leaving him staring after her with wide eyes.
" What got into her? " Navi asked after a moment, sounding shocked. Behind him, Link heard something light hit the ground. Glancing back, he saw that Arn had now climbed down off his horse which, other than shifting nervously at the commotion, seemed to be perfectly fine.
What could spook Epona, but not... His thoughts were cut off when a high-pitched scream filled the air, startling him.
" That came from the ranch! " Navi chimed in alarm. The ranch...
Malon!
Link took off into Lon Lon Ranch as fast as he could run, through the narrow entrance and into the much wider path with the house on the left and the stable on the right. There was still no sign of anyone- or anything-, but up ahead Link could hear a loud commotion, the sounds consisting of Epona's neighing, upset cuccos, and what sounded like an angry dog.
But the ranch didn't have a dog...
Soon he reached the main gate where the buildings ended. In front of him was the corral where the horses would roam during the day, now empty. Link looked towards the noise, which was coming from the left beside the house. The first thing he saw was Epona, the mare rearing once again in panic as she stomped the ground aggressively. Behind her was Malon, who looked shocked and terrified, a rake clutched in her hands defensively as she used the tall tree that grew there as a shield. Behind her was the ranch's flock of cuccos, all huddled in the corner where the building and fence joined. The first thing that crossed Link's mind was that Epona had cornered her, but after a moment he quickly realised that Epona wasn't what Malon was looking at. Not far in front of the horse, the dark fur almost invisible to Link's eye in the dim light...
" Wolfos! " Navi shouted from above him. As if to confirm her, the Wolfos whirled around at the sound of her voice, it's eyes flashing a brilliant red as it leaned into the beam of light cast from the upstairs window. It bared it's teeth in a wicked grin at Link and howled, the sound loud and chilling. Then it leaped at him.
But Link had fought Wolfos before. He easily jumped to the side, rolling out of the way towards the main gate. The Wolfos hit the ground behind him with a thud and a bestial grunt as Malon screamed again, no doubt realising he was there and under attack. Link quickly rose to his feet, unsheathing his sword as the Wolfos turned to face him again. But before he could make his next move, a black blur flew past him, and Arn leaped at the Wolfos, swinging his spear in a broad sweep. Link stared, wide-eyed. Somehow, in the split second they had since spotting the Wolfos, Arn had wrapped the tip of his spear in a flammable cloth which now burned brightly, forcing the beast further back and keeping it at bay. As he forced the Wolfos further and further back, Link took the opportunity to make his way over to Malon. Epona had at last settled down, but had not moved from her position. Behind her, Malon shook with fear, crying his name in relief as he approached.
" Are you ok? " Link asked, putting away his sword to hold out his hand. Malon ignored it though, clutching her rake tighter.
" Th-thank the Goddesses you're here! " She stammered, her eyes flecked with tears of fear. " That th-thing was about to attack when Epona interfered! "
" You need to get inside before it attacks you again! " Link stated, grabbing her arm and pulling her towards the narrow path where the entrance to her house was. But Malon yanked her arm out of his grip, her happy expression instantly gone.
" Only if you can carry all these Cuccos! " She snapped, thumping the ground with her rake as she stared at him with a determined frown. " Otherwise forget it! "
" Malon! " Link moaned. " The Cuccos will be fine! "
" Of course they will! " She replied. " Because I'll be here to protect them! These Cuccos are important to Lon Lon Ranch, I'm not leaving them to that beast! Now hurry up and help that guy! " She pointed behind him. Link followed her finger, glancing behind him at Arn. It looked like he was having a bit of difficulty as the Wolfos began to dodge his flaming spear strategically, managing to inch slowly closer as Arn refused to lose ground.
" Damnit.. " He cursed under his breath. " Fine! " Link huffed. " Stay behind Epona! " With that, he left Malon with the Cuccos and ran back over Arn's side, drawing his sword and shield. It was a good thing there was only one of these. But that was strange, as they usually travelled in pairs... But as long as Epona guarded Malon, he'll get some warning should another one appear.
" What the hell are you doing, Boy?.! " Arn snapped when he noticed Link. " Get the girl out of here! "
" She won't leave those cursed birds. " Link growled. " You go and guard her, I'll take care of this Wolfos. " He raised his shield, ready to take over the fight. But Arn had other plans.
" Don't order me! " He barked as he forced back the Wolfos with another swing, the fire leaving trails of light in the darkness. " Get that woman inside now! "
" I told you, she won't go! " Link barked back, swinging his sword at the beast as it leaped towards him to force the agile monster back. " It's just a Wolfos, I can easily beat it! You go watch Malon, there might be another one of these around! "
" All the more reason to get her inside! " Arn retorted. Link could tell the conversation wasn't going anywhere. Why did Arn have to be so difficult? Link could easily beat the Wolfos, yet Arn appeared to have trouble with it. The obvious course of action would be for Arn to go watch Malon and allow him to fight. Was it the man didn't think he could?
" You stubborn old bastard! " Link yelled, frustrated. " Stay here, then! " Angrily, Link put away his sword and shield, holding out his hand to Navi, who understood the silent command. With a sparkle of light, the Fairy Bow hung on his open palm just moments later. Gripping it, Link pulled an arrow out of his Quiver and aimed it at the Wolfos, which leaped back once more to avoid the fire that burned on the end of Arn's spear. After a second of concentration, the arrow head erupted into flames before Link released it. The Fire Arrow shot towards the Wolfos. It barely dodged out of the way, it's fur singed where the arrow scraped past it into the cold ground. The impact dug the arrow head into the dirt, putting out the flame. The Wolfos stared Link down, it's teeth bared as it growled. But after only a few seconds of this, it turned heel and fled, taking off across the corral. Link quickly lost it's sleek shape in the darkness. He stared after it for a few more seconds incase it decided to return, but when the Wolfos did not reappear, Link decided to call it a win.
" You did it! " Malon cheered from behind the tree. Link turned away from the corral and towards Arn, who still appeared to be uncertain of the Wolfos' return, staring past Link into the darkness with wary eyes. It was obvious he had either never fought a Wolfos before, or had simply never learned. This only made Arn's refusal to take the second horse all the more annoying.
" Jackass. " Link growled under his breath so Malon wouldn't hear, chucking the Fairy Bow at Arn who easily blocked with his arm, letting the weapon fall to the ground where Navi quickly scooped it up in blue sparkles. Link stomped off, heading back over to Malon. Now she hugged Epona around the nose, thanking the horse repeatedly. She must've heard the commotion before we did. Link thought. Naturally Epona would try to protect Malon, but the length of her devotion warmed his heart. Who knows if the Wolfos would have actually hurt Malon before Link got there, had Epona not been with him.
" Fairy Boy! " Malon grinned at him when she finally released his horse. " I can't thank you enough! You both can stay here for free, tonight. I'll even cook you a hot meal! "
" You needn't! " Link smiled, holding up his hands as if to push back her offer. " It was no problem. Where's Talon? " Even he couldn't sleep through that commotion, surely, he thought.
" He hasn't come back from delivering milk to the castle, yet. " Malon sighed, her expression suddenly dismal. " He fell asleep again, obviously. Ingo went to look for him a few hours ago, they'll probably be back later. "
" Next time I'm at the castle I'll be sure to get the guards to watch him for you. " Link chuckled. He could understand her frustration. Talon was awfully unreliable when schedule was concerned.
" It'd be nice if he just came home on time. " Malon replied. " Oh- Thank you for saving my Cuccos. " She said suddenly, turning to look past Link. The footsteps behind him told him that Arn was approaching. " I don't believe I've met you before. What's your name? "
" Horse Fly. " Link butted in before Arn could answer. Malon giggled.
" Horse Fly? " He repeated in a confused tone.
" Because you're annoying and you bite. " Malon replied cheerily. " So what's your proper name, Horse Fly? " Link glanced behind him and gave Arn a triumphant smirk.
" My name is Arn. " He answered, ignoring Link and giving Malon a short bow. Link couldn't help but think it looked strange that such a difficult man was suddenly being so polite. He also noticed Arn had put out the flame on his spear, which was now missing. Where the hell did he put it? Link wondered. Was it a folding spear? Those were easy to store, but structurally weak...
" Thank you, Arn. " She said again. " You and Fairy Boy can stay here free, tonight. I'll make you both some stew. I've still got to cook for Dad and Mister Ingo when they get back from the castle anyway, so it's no trouble. "
" You needn't. " Arn replied.
" Haha, that's what Link said! " She giggled again. " But don't be silly, travellers should always eat when they can! I just need to get my Cuccos back into their coop. I was about to do that before when the monster attacked. "
" Oh yeah! " Link slapped a closed hand into his palm in realisation. " Those Wolfos travel in pairs, I should have a look around before you wander off in the darkness. How did it get in, anyway? "
" I don't know, my back was turned when it appeared. " Malon moaned. " But we have lost a few Cuccos these last few days. To think it's been sneaking in here at night and attacking them! I'll have to get Mister Ingo to help be reinforce the coop, tomorrow. "
" Good idea. " Link nodded. " For now, though, just wait here, I'll have a quick look around. " Link turned around to face Arn. " Stay with Malon incase it comes back. And don't argue, for Din's sake! " He added angrily when the guy opened his mouth to protest. Arn simply growled disapprovingly under his breath, thankfully choosing to remain silent.
" Aren't you two getting along? " Malon asked suddenly, noticing their expressions.
" Lets just say there's a reason he's a horse fly. " Link replied with a frown. He had wanted to keep Arn's attitude away from her, but now it seemed like a better idea if he gave her some warning. He had a feeling the man wouldn't be able to behave. Though he was polite to her, much to Link's surprise...
" Hey, " Malon smiled, pointing at them both, " When you make that face, you two kinda look alike! " She stared at them for a few moments before tilting her head slightly in thought. Her smile slowly faded, replaced by wide-eyed curiosity as if a thought was dawning on her. " ...How do you two know each other? " She suddenly asked with a thoughtful frown.
" I suppose if I keep it from you, you'll get mad.. " Link muttered unhappily, adjusting his hat- a habit of nerves. With everything that happened, Link hadn't wanted to tell Malon... Not when he still thought he wouldn't be seeing the man for much longer. Plus...
..The guy was such an asshole..
" ..I found him the other day. He's my father. " Link pointed a thumb at Arn.
" What?.! " Malon exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. " Really? Why didn't you say so sooner?.! "
" The situation didn't call for it!. " Link defended. Malon looked annoyed at him, but the scowl quickly faded and she smiled at him once more.
" I'm so happy for you! " She said joyously. " I can't believe you have a dad! But... " Malon suddenly fell silent, staring at Link once again with an expression of curiosity. Thankfully it didn't last long, and she smiled again, though this time it was more pained, like she was trying to comfort him. " Personality clash, huh? " She said. " You guys just need to get used to each other. I don't think I'd put up with dad as long as I have if we weren't related! " Link simply smiled weakly. Malon certainly knew more about family than he did. Maybe she was right? Though he couldn't figure how he'd ever get used to the snide remarks of Arn. It was like the guy couldn't help himself.
" Well, anyway. " Navi said, interrupting the growing silence before it became awkward. " Hurry up and look around so Malon can put the Cuccos away, Link. "
" Oh, right! " Link said. He didn't hesitate to hurry off into the darkness towards the Cucco Coop, leaving Malon and Arn staring after him. He didn't pause until he reached the coop. There was no light over there, made worse by the cloud cover. Link was used to this kind of darkness, though, having explored so many caves, not to mention the solid black of the Lost Woods. In no time at all his eyes adjusted, and while he couldn't see as well as he would have had he lit a torch, his experience enabled him to navigate the terrain just fine from Navi's soft glow. Usually, though, she could light up an entire room if she tried, but this time she didn't. Maybe she knew Link preferred the darkness, just this one time..
" That conversation looked painful. " She murmured in his ear when he stood still. " Why are you so awkward about this..? "
" ...I don't know.. " Link mumbled back, suppressing a sigh. He reached up and adjusted his hat again as he stared solemnly at the ground. The darkness prevented Arn and Malon from seeing him at all, and Navi's light would be too weak at that distance to see even his silhouette, so he didn't have to worry about them questioning his dawdling. But why did he feel this way? That guy... He's so difficult to figure out.. Link thought. " It's like I can't predict what he'll do, even though I've spent at least two days with him already. And everything he does... I can't begin to understand... "
" Seeing as he's your father, his motives will be different than anyone else you've met. " Navi replied. Her words didn't help much, though. Link had already figured it out that far. Though it wasn't just Arn's behaviour that confused him. It was his own, as well. The closest thing he'd ever had to a father was the Deku Tree, but Arn behaved nothing like him. Even Talon was at least friendly. How was Link supposed to treat Arn? He was still pretty mad at the guy...
" Come to think of it... " Link said softly, turning to look at Navi. " Arn practically disowned me at the castle... Yet he's here now purely because Kaepora Gaebora said I'll need help. "
" Maybe he wasn't truthful at the castle? " Navi suggested.
" Maybe... " Link muttered thoughtfully. " But... something doesn't feel right. I can't help but think I'm missing something. "
" It couldn't possibly be the other way around. " Navi uttered. " If he was lying about his concerns for your safety then his only gain would be access to the Princess, but then he got that before and nothing bad happened. "
" That was in the safety of the castle. " Link frowned.
" Yes, but there's also the fact that he doesn't know the Princess will be there this time. " Navi reasoned. " Besides, Zelda trusts him, remember? That alone is worth your trust, too, right? "
" I suppose... " Link sighed.
But...
Link shook his head and stepped towards the coop. He was pretty sure the Wolfos wasn't nearby, or he'd have been attacked by now. Wolfos aren't exactly known for their cowardice or their intelligence. With a loud clang, he unhooked the bolt holding the door closed and then swung open the wood and metal door, the hinges pretty quiet since it was only a few years old and well cared for. Inside was even darker, remarkably. But it, too, was completely silent. The Wolfos hadn't found a way inside, or at least wasn't there now. That might explain why it attacked while the Cuccos were still outside. He'll have to suggest to Malon to put them back before nightfall from now on..
" There's something still bothering you. " Navi muttered. Link smiled at her. They'd been together for too long for him to hide anything.
" Mmm. " He nodded. " I just think... I just think it's strange all my problems started the morning I found the shanty town. " The Bulblin... The Deku Baba Parasite, the Dinolfos and Lizalfos, the Lake Fish...
They all started after he met Arn.
...
Ok, this is a liiittle short, but then the next bit would have taken me another few days to finish since it's 1am right now and the new Pokemon game comes out tomorrow so I'm TOTALLY not going to be putting my complete attention into raising a new team of EPIC PROPORTIONS. [/sarcasm] SO, I'll post this now. I think I'll be faster with the next update since I feel like I can write non-boring-as-hell dialogue again.
'Till then!