Author's Notes: Yay! I'm back! Sorry about the week absence, but I was on vacation. Also, I apologize for the short chapters. I will try to do longer ones, but it's not a promise, as my inspiration comes in short bursts only. This contains some spoilers for those who have not completed Majora's Mask with all the masks. Those of you who have, then you know what I'm talking about. And, yes, I am taking small creative liberties with the landscape, on purpose.
Disclaimer: Default Standard Disclaimers Apply. I don't own, you don't sue.
Chapter 3: Memories
When Link had run off, Malon had been more than worried. She told Talon, and decided that a message to the Princess Zelda was the best choice. Talon was going to deliver some milk tomorrow, so it was the perfect opportunity to ask a guard to deliver a message. Malon knew that if she mentioned Link, Zelda was sure to listen. She did. In fact, she invited Malon to her courtyard to discuss it.
"Malon, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Zelda, Princess of Hyrule." Zelda began with her customary opening speech, but cut it off in impatience. "You have news of Link?" Normally, Malon would have been tripping over her feet out of nervousness, but her nerves were dispelled by her fear for Link. "Yes, he was at the ranch yesterday, but…" Malon stopped, unsure as to whether Zelda would believe her. As if reading her thoughts, the Sheikah entered the discussion. "Do not fear disbelief, child. Things are never mundane when dealing with Link." Malon nodded. "It certainly was strange. I've never seen anything like it." Impa spoke again, saying "This seems as if it may be a long tale in telling. We should sit down, and then let us begin at the beginning." The two children and the Sheikah walked over to the stone steps under the window, and arranged themselves comfortably. Zelda, impatient to her of Link, spoke as soon as they were all situated. "So, what happened?" With a sigh, Malon began. "On the evening of the night before last, Dad and I were sitting at home when we heard a horse screaming. We rushed outside to find that the horse was Epona, Link's horse, and Link was lying on the ground…"
A good distance away from the ranch, Link trudged on, heading West by Northwest. He sometimes glanced over his shoulder, fearing that Malon or Epona would be trying to follow him. Neither did. He could see the castle in the distance, but was confident that no one could see him. The sun climbed high, but Link did not pause to rest. He felt that he must keep moving, must never stop, never stop. He would continue on, past the borders of Hyrule, avoiding people. The idea to not stop was all fine and well, but his legs did not agree. The mental voice that had advised against leaving Epona seemed smug. Link sighed. He knew that not even he could walk forever without rest. He still felt weak from yesterday's "episode," so he decided he would camp out at the next available spot.
Malon was finishing her recounting of the previous day's events. "…So he just left. He left Epona at the ranch and ran of as if demons were chasing him." Impa sighed. "And that's it? Did you see him again?" Malon shook her head sadly. She seemed about to say something when Zelda suddenly spoke up. "Oh, I knew it! I knew something was wrong!" Impa and Malon looked at her in surprise. Malon had no idea about Zelda's predictions, but Impa realized that Zelda's feelings she had expressed the day before were correct. Zelda thought for a moment in silence, before looking up at Malon again. "Malon, did you notice anything…strange, maybe? About Link?" Malon just looked at Zelda incredulously. "He had some sort of fit, dodged my questions, left Epona, and ran out of the ranch. I call that pretty strange." Zelda blinked. "No, I meant besides that. But you're right, that is strange." Malon paused, looking thoughtful. "Well, there was one thing…" "What sort of thing?" Impa asked gently. Malon took a deep breath before replying. "His hair. There was something about his hair. It could have been a trick of the light, but I don't think it was." "What was wrong about it?" Zelda asked. Malon looked up at her, seeming unsure as to how to say something. "Some of his hair had gone white."
It was some time before Link got to the next available camping spot. It turned out to be a small tributary to the river that flowed from Gerudo Valley. Small, indeed. Little more than a stream, a ribbon of water flowed near a boulder that Link decided was the best place to camp in this area of Hyrule Field. Sighing with relief, Link slumped down in the shade of the boulder. He started to doze off, but thirst would not let him. Link got to his feet and went to the stream. After drinking, Link splashed some of the cool water over his face and neck, washing away the dust of travel. Link felt a lot better. Epona was safe, and he was out of the way of any people that might be traveling Hyrule Field. It was calm and peaceful here, and Link hadn't felt so burden-free for some time. Reaching down with cupped hands for another drink, Link stopped.
He could see his reflection. It was his reflection, but not as he had last seen it. "No…" Link whispered, horrified. "No, no…" Strands of silver-white shone out of Link's sun-gold hair like stars from an ocean. "Oh no, please no. Not this, not this…" Link whispered pleadingly, gazing into the pool. His own scarred blue eyes gazed back at him, but they seemed to be laughing.