Chapter 14: Lon Lon Ranch Rescue

At Ganon's Castle

Mr. Ingo was bowing to the evil king and reporting what happened at Kakariko Village.

"So, Epona has gone with the Hero of Time and his pirate friends, and while I lent my power in hijacking Lon Lon Ranch?" The evil king asked in a deep voice sounding angry. "THIS IS HIGH TREASON, INGO!"

"I-I have no excuse to give, m'lord Ganondorf," Mr. Ingo apologized with sweat on his head. "The villagers of Kakariko Village who were keeping her did it at their convenience."

That's when the armor ax knight raised his large ax above, preparing to execute the farmer, which he ran the moment he turned around and saw the massive knight. "H-HELP ME!"

"Wait, please, Lord Ganondorf!"

Kotake

Korone

Twinova

"This kind of person is at his limited by his "Change of Heart..."

"Just leave it to us!"

An approved smile appeared on Ganondorf's face. "Twinova's specialty in brainwashing... Interesting."

Mr. Ingo was terrified and attempted to flee, but the witches used their magic to control the farmer's mind which made him freeze for a moment. "Okay, kill the Hero of Time, kill the Strawhat pirates, we shall send more of our men to you, even the strongest armor knights."

"Kill... Kill... Kill..." Mr. Ingo chanted, his eyes hypnotized.

Sheik heard this and walked away.

The twin witches followed the surviving Sheikah. "Oh, Sheik, play a tune for me, a lovely melody for me."

However, the Sheikah wasn't listening to the witch's request, he had other things on his mind. "Under the Tutelage of the Dark Sage Impa, Link is becoming still stronger." He seemed relieved. "There's no way that Mr. Ingo will defeat him."

Ganondorf had something on his mind, which linked to Sheik. "Sheik, why do you serve me, we all know you're a descendent of the Sheikah Tribe, who's served the Hyrule's royal family for generations, is it revenge?"

Sheik was worried, but he didn't show it to the dark king. "We are a tribe of shadows without substance we can't exist." He answered holding his harp. "While I was without a master, you appeared, that is the only reason."

He began to vanish, but he had more than one thing to say;

"I'm going to lure the Hero of Time and his friends to the Ranch."

On the Hyrule Plains.

Link and his friends stopped for a while to take a break and made a campfire with some wood they got from the village.

"Man, this walk is long," Luffy groaned, his stomach growled. "Geez, I'm so hungry."

"Quit whining, we're almost at Zora's Domain," Nami said checking the map.

"Isn't that where Princess Ruto and her tribe live?" Franky asked.

"That's right, no doubt, something happened there while we were asleep," The navigator said nodding her head. "Also, I got word, that some Hyrule knights tried to go there, but an arctic breeze was coming from the direction of Zora Domains?"

"An arctic breeze, that's weird," Usopp said looking surprised.

"Yeah, it's not even wintertime either," Sanji added lighting a cigarette. "However... I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW MUCH PRINCESS RUTO HAS DEVELOPED IF YOU KNOW WHAT I'M SAYING?!"

Some of the pirates sweatdropped at that display.

"Yeah, I hope to see Ruto's panties too," Brook added with a perverted smile.

"Perverts..." Navi whispered.

BONK BONK

Nami konked the two perverted pirates on their heads leaving red lumps. "QUIT BEING PERVERTS YOU IDIOTS!"

Link was sitting by Epona, who was lying down resting.

"Zelda, I hope I see you again," He said seemingly concerned.

Robin giggled. "You quite like the princess, don't ya?"

The fairy boy jumped in surprise, realizing that the Archeologist was standing next to him. "Robin, whoa, you scared me."

Zoro heard this. "Link, focus, if you get distracted in a fight, you'll end up letting your guard down."

"Right, sorry," Link apologized.

Brook walked over to the fairy boy holding his guitar. "Link, how about we play Saria's Song, we haven't played it since in Kokiri Forest."

Link smiled. "Good idea."

Everyone danced as Link and Brook played Saria's Song together.

Epona was enjoying the song and neighed in happiness.

After playing Saria's Song, they decided to have a little hot stew that was prepared by Sanji. "Beef Stew, the meat will make your mouth water."

Luffy was practically drooling over the stew. "Whoa, so good!" He began to eat in the stew at a fast pace.

"Gee, do you have any manners?" Navi asked sarcastically at the straw hat captain's lack of manners during a meal.

"Just ignore him," Nami suggested.

Franky decided to share some info about Sunny. "Guys, before we continue, I need to tell you something..." He pushed his glasses back and sat down in a cross-leg position.

"Is about your different hairstyles!" Luffy shouted excitedly with stars in his eyes.

Frank laughed. "Sorry, but, it's about the Sunny..." That got every Strawhat's attention. "I learned that Impa found it about two years later after she and the Princess went their separate ways."

"They went separate ways, why?" Nami asked with concern.

"Yeah, she's the princess' protector," Usopp added showing the same reaction.

"Easy you two, Impa has a good reason, but, she told me that we would know in due time," Franky replied which seemed to calm the two easily frightened pirates. "Anyway, Impa and her men secretly were keeping an eye on the sunny, even the old geezer that lives at Lake Hylia still kept an eye on the Sunny."

Robin smiled gratefully. "That's a relief, knowing that Sunny is safe and sound."

"Feels like we're back to the two years reunion," Sanji said with a smile. "We all were eager to see each other again, but, no denying we had a concern of the Thousand Sunny."

"Ha, ha, ha, that's for sure!" Luffy laughed in agreement.

Link was a little puzzled at what they were talking about. "Two years?"

"Oh, that's right, you weren't around during that time, you see..." Franky explained what happened two years ago, including how he and his crew members got separated for two years.

Link was surprised to hear this. "That's insane, but luckily, you guys were safe."

"Well, there was doubt that we went some craziness when we arrived on the islands we landed," Franky said as he glanced at his crew members, showing they agreed with the cyborg.

"Hey, hey!" A voice called out.

The group turned to see where the voice was coming from.

Down the hill was Talon. "Hey, isn't that Talon, Malon's father?" Usopp asked.

"That's right, we saw him back at Kakariko Village when we arrived after our seven years of sleep," Nami confirmed. "Now that I think about it, I don't recall seeing him back at the village when we arrived there again."

"He must've gone out and gotten lost," Zoro guessed.

"Like you're one to talk!" Sanji, Nami, and Usopp shouted in unison.

Talon soon approached the group and got on his knees. "Please, Strawhat Pirates, Link the Hero of Time, save Malon, she's in danger!"

Link's eyes widened in great concern. "Malon, what happened to her!?"

The old farmer looked up at the Hero of Time with tears forming in his eyes. "Ganondorf, who was angry because we didn't offer him Epona, said he'd take my daughter in place of a horse!"

Sanji gritted his teeth as his body was engulfed in fire. "THAT BASTARD! TAKING A LADY TO HIS EVIL CASTLE, NO WAY IN HELL THAT'LL HAPPEN!" He raged out.

"Malon, we're coming!" Link got on Epona and rode away.

"Hey, wait for us!" Luffy called out as he and his crew followed.

Talon watched the group go further away and then he began to change into someone else, and in his place was Sheik.

At Lon Lon Ranch

Whiny Whiny

The horse whined in pain, the reason was that Mr. Ingo was whipping them cruelly. "This is what happens to those that don't listen to what I say!"

He continued to whip at the horse, making them whine in pain even more and scaring them too.

Malon was tied up, she was in total disbelief of what she was seeing. "Stop, Ingo, don't abuse the horses!"

That didn't stop him, instead, he pointed his whip at Talon's daughter with a stern look. "Malon, you are no longer the daughter of the Ranch Master or anything for that matter, so, by order, BEHAVE!"

Malon scowled at the farmworker that she knew was a hard one. "So, why do you have me tied up!?"

A creepy grin formed Mr. Ingo's face. "Why, as bait to lure a certain man and his pirate friends out."

Malon was puzzled. "A certain man and his pirates' friends?"

Eventually, Link arrived sooner since he rode on Epona.

"It looks like nothing has changed in seven years..." He thought looking around the area. "So, Luffy, what do you crew think?"

He turned around realizing that the pirates weren't behind him. "Oops, I forgot that they didn't have any horses."

Navi facepalmed at her partner's recklessness. "Reckless as you are, no matter, they'll catch up and they know the location of this ranch too."

He wondered if anyone was in the center of the ranch where the horses ran around, he walked further ahead, but as he did, in a window that was to the horse's stall, he caught a glimpse of a woman tied up inside. "It's Malon!"

The fairy boy attempted to go to the front door, but Navi stopped him. "Wait, there might be some enemies nearby on the lookout, let's hide and get closer."

Malon was lost in thought, feeling so hopeless. "Alas, what an unfortunate girl, I am." Tears were forming in her eyes, memories of work flowed into her mind. "Ever since my mother passed away, I worked every day, pouring sweat to help dad through the years, now, I'm taken, prisoner."

Then a sparkly dreamy expression took place on her face while cupping her hands together. "However, a prince, one I dreamed of will ride his white horse and come help poor lil' ol' me... Surely someday."

Link was cautiously walking on the roof, but part of where he was standing gave away and he fell right in front of Malon.

"Geez, not like Impa at all," Navi whispered seeing her partner's fall.

Link got up from the hay he landed in. "Y-you okay, Malon?"

Malon raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Who are you?"

Link got up. "It's me, Link?"

Malon gave the fairy boy a deadpan look. "Link, dunno you."

That made the fairy boy do an anime fall. "Do you remember this song you taught me?" He began to play Epona's song.

Malon's face lightened with a big smile. "Oh, it's you, the fairy boy from the forest!" She then remembered the other people that were with him. "Where are your pirate friends?"

Link chuckled awkwardly. "Oh, they're around, but, don't worry, they'll be here soon." He then took out Master Sword and cut the rope that had Malon's hands tied together which also released her body. "I've come to rescue you, come, let's go!"

Malon looked at him for a moment, then turned her head away with a giggle. "I'd like to say thank you, but the one who'll rescue me is not you, fairy boy, it's my prince."

Link didn't understand that, but he knew this wasn't time to stand around thinking, so he grabbed the farm girl's wrist and pulled her away. "Come on, if we continue to stay here-

As soon as he turned to face the door to the barn, Mr. Ingo along with Gerudo bandits blocked his way.

"Hee, hee, hee, you've completely fallen for my trap, boy!" He realized some people were missing. "Where are the Strawhat Pirates, no matter, at least, I got the Hero of Time, if I take him hostage, those stupid sea bandits will come rushing for their friend."

"Who are they?" Malon asked noticing the strange female warriors.

"Ganondorf's gang, the Gerudo Tribe," Link answered seeing the number of the tribeswomen.

A creepy grin formed on Mr. Ingo's face. "I will show you to those that oppose the Great Ganondorf!"

Link saw the change in the hard-working man that he met seven years ago. "Ingo... He changed a bit."

Then a shadowy figure appeared from the ground, a familiar one at that.

"Another Dark Link!" Navi exclaimed

Link gritted his teeth. "Damn, I thought I was done with that."

Malon was in disbelief at what she was seeing. "Another Link, but, this one has red eyes."

It got worse when the single Dark Link was joined by several more, then about 10 more appeared.

"Damn, this is bad," Link cursed under his breath, seeing how dire the situation has become.

The front door was left cracked open, Usopp was hiding behind the door and took out his slingshot. "Special Attack: Green Star!"

A large plant soon appeared, then Gerudo thieves along with the Dark Links and Mr. Ingo were snatched in vines that wrapped around their bodies.

Link looked towards the front door and saw Usopp peeking through, not wasting any time, he took out the Hookshot while he wrapped his left arm around Malon's waist.

"Don't let 'em escape!" Mr. Ingo commanded.

The Dark Links used their Master Swords and cut themselves free.

Link shoot the hook up to the hole he fell in and went up.

Malon was impressed by this performance by the fairy boy, her eyes began to sparkle. "Could it be that he..." A red blush appeared on her face, feeling her heart skip a beat. "Is my prince?"

"Hey, that's pretty convenient," Nami praised at the display, but mostly, how the well the Hookshot worked.

"Dampe was right, it did come in handy," Link agreed.

Malon was being all dreamy, thinking that Link was the prince she waited for, her heart continued to beat, she wanted to show him her gratitude, but then, he spoke before she could say anything.

"Malon, why is Mr. Ingo acting so cold?"

"He just became a different person, he hijacked the ranch, and then drove dad out."

"That's what a woman from Kakariko Village told us," Navi stated. "Also, we saw your father, but he was asleep as usual."

"Right, Dad's hasn't worked as much as Mr. Ingo does, but he was still my father," Malon said sadly. "Mr. Ingo did complain a lot, but, he was a good worker, he used to adore the cows and horses, but, now he's treating them horribly."

Link remembered that the Talon wasn't in the Kakariko Village when he and the Strawhat returned there. "If that Talon wasn't there, then that person we saw was..."

Just then Sanji jumped onto the roof, followed by Brook.

"Link, what is going on?" He asked, then he saw Malon. "MALON, you look so beautiful than ever!"

"Sanji?" The farm girl wondered.

"You remembered my name, aw, I'm so happy!" Sanji swooned twirling his body around in front of the farm girl.

Brook was taken by the adult Malon. "Oh my, you've grown to be quite the lovely young woman, Ms. Malon," He bowed in respect.

"Oh, it's you, Brook the Musician," Malon exclaimed in joy. "Long time no see!"

Brook cried with tears of joy. "Aw, you remember my name, my eyes are bawling out tears, then again, I don't have any eyes, YO-OHOHOH!"

"Sanji, Brook, where are the others?" Link asked.

"They in the center of the ranch, after the Usopp's plant was destroyed, we took the fighting to the center," Sanji replied.

"Anyway, it seems Mr. Ingo has a nasty attitude, he acts so cruelly," Brook wondered.

"Question is, why or rather how did get he like this?" Link wondered.

"Ingo has been brainwashed by Twinrova," A voice answered.

"Sheik, what are you doing here?" Link asked in surprise.

"Twinrova?" Malon questioned upon hearing the name that the Sheikah survivor mentioned.

"Twinrova is elderly twin witches, they brought Ganondorf their specialty is brainwashing..." Sheik explained. "No doubt, they used this ability on others to do their dirty work."

Then the Sheikah took out a musical harp. "A harp?" Sanji wondered.

Link had other questions to ask the Sheikah. "How do you know of this, more importantly, why are you telling me this, just what are you?"

Sheik pulled some of the strings from the harp. "I hear various things as I travel, I'm just a simple Minstrel."

Malon was taken by the musical sounds from the harp. "How nostalgic... Such a sad melody."

"A sad melody yes, but the harp's musical sounds are so fly, I bet the happy songs would play nicely to make our bones moving," Brook said with a sigh.

Sheik then turned away. "After you complete the Water Temple, you should go to the Desert of Illusions, I heard that Princess Zelda is there."

Sanji, Link, and Brook gasped quietly.

"Zelda has-" Link began to say, but, then Sheik began to vanish, but he spoke one more time.

"The key to releasing Mr. Ingo is in the gem in his ear!"

Link attempted to go after the Sheikah survivor, but, he was quickly gone in a flash.

A Dark Link appeared from below, but, Brook blocked the Dark Master Sword using his blade. "Not so fast."

Just then another Dark Link showed up and went after Malon, attempting to slash at the farm girl.

Sanji blocked the Dark Link's Sword using his foot. "Like I'll let you lay a finger on a beautiful girl."

Link approached Malon. "You guys take care of these guys, I'll take Malon somewhere safe!"

Sanji wasn't happy that fairy boy was taking Malon, but, he decided to let this one slide. "Fine then, Brook and I will take care of these dark fiends, but, you'd better keep Malon safe or I'll kick your ass."

Link jumped down with Malon holding on to his left arm.

Gerudo Thieves showed up and charged towards the two.

Luffy appeared. "Gum-Gum Gatling!" The Strawhat captain created an illusion of fists that hit the thieves in the faces and some got punched in the stomachs, sending them flying away.

20 Gerudo thieves showed up, Link fought against them while shielding Malon from harm. "They just keep coming!"

Zoro leaped out of nowhere.

"Three Sword Style: Black Rope Dragon Twister!"

A dragon-like tornado soon engulfed the Gerudo Thieves and slashed then blew them away.

Link was astonished. "So that's the Three Sword Style..."

Malon had other thoughts. "Why'd you call the Princess by her name, what is your relationship with her?" Though it was clear why she looked at the fairy boy with a heartbreaking expression. "No, you don't have the answer that, I can see it in your eyes when you spoke her name, there goes my prince..."

She then saw a pitchfork leaning against a wall by the barn. "Well then..." She then whacked a Gerudo on the head. "This is no time for chit-chat!"

Luffy grinned. "Nice job, Malon!"

"Yeah, way to go!" Link cheered with an impressive smile.

"Not bad, I guess," Zoro praised slightly smiling.

Malon winked. "I trained by working here at the ranch, comes in handy, huh?"

Just then the pitchfork's head was shot off.

Ahead was Mr. Ingo wielding a cross-bow. "Heh, heh, heh, don't move!" He demanded.

"Damn it..." Zoro cursed.

"I'll kick his ass," Luffy growled.

"Now I'll-"

Just then a pair of arms grew from Ingo's legs. "What the?"

"Dos Fleur," Robin appeared out of nowhere. "Grab."

The hands then grasped and crushed his "treasure"

"That didn't look like fun..." Link said a little creeped out.

Navi turned around completely embarrassed of what she saw.

"Oh my..." Malon muttered while covering her mouth with her hands.

Mr. Ingo knelt in pain as the arms disappeared. "Ow, that hurt, crap..." He struggled to stand up, which Link saw as his chance.

He charged towards as he pointed Master Sword out and knocked away the gem that was in his right ear then he quickly snatched it.

With that, Mr. Ingo fell backward in a daze, Malon went over the hard-working farmer. "Mr. Ingo!"

The slim farmer sat up, looking dizzy. "Ugh... Malon, what is going on here?'

"Looks like the geezer is back to normal," Zoro said.

"Guess, he's not so bad after all," Luffy said with a big grin.

"Hey, guys!" Franky along with Nami, and Chopper came running towards the group.

"Franky, Nami, Chopper, long time no see!" Luffy greeted.

"We were only gone for a few minutes," Nami chuckled a bit.

Chopper has checked the other horses for injuries, seeing the bruises they got were only minor, nothing serious.

Back at the Spirit Temple

Twinrova felt their gem's power fade.

"The gem has been vanquished, the brainwashing is broken..."

"Damn that little brat and his pirate friends!"

Link disarmed a few more Gerudo thieves.

Luffy used his Gum-Gum Gatling to punch a bunch more Gerudo thieves

Franky used his Strong Right to knock away more of the thieves in a row.

Sanji gritted his teeth. "Hey, Franky, Link, Luffy, don't you know you should never hit girls!"

Link then played Epona's song, which drew the pony toward him. "Get on!" He rode with Malon sitting behind him and holding on to the fairy boy's body.

Sanji was in awe with a gaping mouth. "That lucky bastard!" He growled with jealousy.

"Wait for us!" Luffy then took hold of the gate's stake poles and stretched his arms. "Nami, Usopp, hold onto my arms tight, Gum-Gum!"

The two did so but then realized something.

"Wait, you aren't gonna-"

"Rocket!"

Luffy lunged himself along with Nami and Usopp into the air, both were screaming in terror.

Sanji picked up Robin in princess style. "Robin, let's get out of here!"

Robin just giggled.

He did the Sky Walk technique and walked over the gate.

Chopper transformed into his Walk-Point form. "Let's go!"

Brook jumped on the reindeer's back. "Yo-ohohoh, giddy up, Chopper!"

"I ain't a horse!" The Reindeer pirate shouted comically.

Franky smirked, his butt enlarged as he grabbed hold of Zoro. "Now, Coupe De Vent!" He launched out a strong blast of air from his butt and went flying into the air.

"Geez, don't spray it!" Zoro shouted comically holding his breath.

"After them!" A Gerudo ordered as some last remaining ones chased after the intruders.

Just then the gate closed.

"Jump Epona!" Link commanded.

Which the horse did.

"Jump-Point!" Chopper proclaimed transforming into a different form.

"Yeah!" Brook cheered as he and his friend jumped over the gate.

Later that day.

The group returned to Kakariko Village.

Where the real Talon was, he was knocked out by an unknown enemy while he was wandering around the plains, a few days before Link and the others returned from the Fire Temple.

Eventually, Gerudo Tribe retreated when their plans were foiled, thus returning Lon Lon Ranch to its tranquil state.

The gang returned to the Lon Lon Ranch, Malon, her father, and Mr. Ingo returned happily to their home.

Mr. Ingo apologized for not sharing what he felt and how much stress he bottled up for the past seven years, Talon accepted his apology, the Lon Lon Ranch owner also realized how much stress he was putting on Ingo, so he decided to take his work seriously and work just as hard as his friend did.

Sanji gave some recipes to Talon that'll give him some newfound energy, it was the same as the ones he got on the island of Newkama.

Malon offered some horses for the pirates to borrow for a while, though it would cost them, so Nami turned down the offer, much to Luffy's dismay because he wanted to ride a horse.

Later

Malon went to see Link and the Strawhat pirates off.

She was hugging Epona's snout. "Take care, Epona."

"Don't worry, Epona will be in good hands with the great sniper in the group!" Usopp boasted with a huge grin.

"I must say thank you, Strawhat Pirates, you all protected my home, I'm in your debt," Malon said gratefully.

"Aw, no need to make a big deal of it," Luffy answered with a grin.

Malon then went over to Chopper and crouched down in front of him. "Thank you, Dr. Chopper, you treated the other horses that got injured, I'm grateful to you."

Chopper started to do his happy dance. "Calling me Doctor Chopper won't make me happy, you jerk!"

Malon just giggled, then she walked over to Link. "Link, I appreciate what you did for me, you were amazing back there, fighting off those Gerudo Thieves."

Link laughed embarrassingly. "Oh, it was nothing, I was glad I can-" He was cut off when Malon kissed him on the cheek, he felt his face heat up.

Usopp, Nami, Chopper, and Luffy were in awe.

Brook gasped in surprise.

Sanji fell on his knees and started banging his fist on the ground. "Link, you lucky bastard!"

"Aw, that's so sweet!" Franky cried tears of joy.

"Ugh, not any of that kissing crap," Zoro grumbled.

Talon chuckled at this display. "My little girl is grown up."

Robin just giggled softly with a smile.

Link then got on Epona's back. "I'll be sure to come again, Lon Lon's milk gives me strength!"

Talon was happy to hear that. "Come back anytime, bring your pirate friends too!"

"Yeah, fairy boy, no, I mean Hero Boy, Strawhat Pirates, you come back soon, I'll be waiting!" Malon called out.

A short later.

The group continued to the Zora's Domain.

"Who do you suppose Sheik is, also, do you guys think it's about Zelda being in the desert?" Link asked which got everyone to look at him.

"Not sure, myself," Zoro answered. "I admit, he's mysterious."

"I believe he wasn't lying," Navi said. "I mean listening to his harp makes me think that."

"Either way, we'll just have to take Sheik's words to heart," Nami said with a shrug.

"She's right, but for now, we need to get to Zora's Domain and see if Princess Ruto is there too," Robin added.

"Yeah!" The others cheered.

Link agreed, he also knew that the more temples they visit, the more they get closer to finding Zelda, so he could only hope to see her soon.

With the Lon Lon Ranch going back to normal, Link, the Strawhat Pirates, and Navi the Fairy continue towards Zora's Domain, hoping they'll be able to find some answers on the Water Temple and how to get in.

Luffy: In the next chapter: The Iron Boots.

I'm going to be King of the Pirates.

End of chapter.