Author's Notes: Wow. Chapter 2 already! I know they're short chapters, but my inspiration comes in short bursts. This seems to be heading in the direction of a continuing story, I think. Yes, I purposely try to leave off with a cliffhanger. Yes, there will probably be spoilers later on. Yes, Ganon might come back. Or maybe he won't. I haven't decided. Thanks to all who read, and extra thanks to all who review. Enough with my ramblings, on with the story!
Disclaimer: Default Standard Disclaimers Apply. You know the drill.
Chapter 2: Evasion
The morning's first rays peeked through the window of the spare bedroom of the ranch. Link awoke to find himself in a bed. "Good morning," a voice next to him spoke, "I was worried you wouldn't wake up." Link turned his head to find the speaker. Malon was sitting next to where he lay, her fiery hair spilling over her shoulders. She hadn't changed a bit. "Malon?" Link asked, blinking the sleep from his eyes. "What happened?" "I was going to ask you the same thing. Dad and I woke up last night, hearing Epona. We came outside to find you on the ground, out cold. Link, what happened?" Link sighed and sat up. "It's nothing, really. On old complaint that acts up sometimes." That was an all out lie, and Link thought Malon knew it. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice skeptical. "Yes, I'm sure." Link go to his feet, saying, "I thank you for letting me stay the night, but I really have to be going…Do you mind if Epona stays here?" "No…but why are you leaving? You should stay here and rest. Hey! Where do you think you're going?" Link was already out the door and headed down the stairs. Malon hurried after him. "You can't leave, Link! I don't know what happened out there, but you should stay here for a few days until we figure out what's wrong! Link!" But Link wasn't listening. Once he had gotten out the door, he had broken into a run, heading for the main gate, with Malon in hot pursuit. Epona, seeing her master leaving, neighed, calling to him, but he did not stop.
Malon was no match for Link's speed, and he soon left her far behind. She sighed, watching him go. Something was terribly wrong with him, she could feel it. Malon turned back towards the corral, trying to figure out what it was. He'd seemed like the same fairy boy she had met not so long ago, but something was different. Malon replayed the conversation again in her mind. She stopped when she realized one thing that had changed. Mixed in with the golden hair of his had been a few strands of pure white.
* * *
Princess Zelda strode down the corridor of the west wing of the castle. Her slippered feet made little noise on the stone floor. Zelda breathed a sigh of relief when she stepped out onto the cool grass of the castle courtyard. "Impa, are you here?" she called out. "Of course, Princess." A voice behind her replied. Turning around, Zelda's eyes alighted on Impa, the Sheikah. "What is it you require?" Smiling, Zelda simply said, "Nothing, Impa. Just to talk." Impa nodded, and the two sat down on the steps near the window. "So, Princess, what is it you wish to talk about?" Zelda sighed. "I'm worried about Link. I haven't seen him for quite some time." Impa smiled. She, too, had grown fond of the small child. "He will come back someday, you'll see." Zelda didn't raise her head. "I know, but…I just have this awful feeling…" At this Impa frowned. The Princess was not often wrong about such things. She was about to reply when there was a timid knock at the courtyard entrance. "I apologize for interrupting, Your Highness, but there is a message for you." Zelda stood up, and addressed the guard. "Yes? From whom?" The guard looked embarrassed. "From someone at Lon Lon Ranch. They came to deliver milk, and said they had an urgent message for you. Said it was about someone named Link."