Disclaimer: No, I don't own em.
A/N: Wow... I wrote this chapter nearly a year ago. Yay! I feel old!
Malon's tears ran freely down her face, she clenched her teeth, trying not to sob. If Ingo heard her he would insult her and beat her for being so weak.
She was bent over, covering her face in her hands, with shouting of Ingo from downstairs to make her come down and 'get her lazy butt up and help for once.'
Malon wiped her cheeks and eyes with the backs of her hands and used her dress to wipe them off her hands. She stood up and cleared her throat, taking one shaky breath she reached for the doorknob, but the door burst open, nearly slamming into her outstretched hand. Ingo came stomping through the door, his face beet red.
"What in Din's name is taking you so long!" He screamed, clutching the door knob to the open door.
Malon opened her mouth to make an excuse but he picked up the pot by the door and threw it at her, missing her head by inches. She screamed and covered her head with her hands and hurried out the door screaming, "all right! all right! I'll make you dinner!"
When she had made her way downstairs, Ingo whined and complained about how she was 'too slow' and how he should have to wait for such a 'gruesome' meal. She only half heard his words. Her mind was drifting back to Link, whenever she thought about him now, she thought about the kiss... it haunted her. She never should have allowed herself to do that.
She was putting him in danger, she knew... that kiss must have haunted him too. She would have given anything to be able to have just stayed back there... in his arms.
'If I can just hang on until he defeats Ganondorf, everything will be back to normal.' She stirred for awhile, her mind blank. Ingo screamed at her when she didn't answer her and smacked her across the face, knocking her backwards. Tears filled her eyes as she moved back over to the pot to cook his dinner as fast as possible.
***
After she had done her chores, and Ingo was tired of screaming at her to do more, she headed out to the barn.
She closed the door quietly behind her and laid down in a large pile of hay. She stared at the ceiling, her fingers running along a horse's face as it sniffed her hair.
She closed her eyes, frowning. This was the best, and worst day she had ever had. If that was possible. Slowly, she drifted off to sleep, dreaming of Link and Ganondorf.
***
Link brought both of his hands on the hilt of the master sword and swung it at the wall to the Lake Laboratory. A loud clang came from the wall, and part of it flew off behind him.
He threw back his head and screamed to the sky, "DAMN!" He dropped his sword and fell to his knees, panting heavily.
His shoulders slumped and he heaved a sigh. Why had she run away? Did she not like him? Link stood and put his sword into his sheath. She had tried to say something to him... he just couldn't figure out what it was.
I have to go talk to her... but there has to be spies everywhere around there. Link whispered to himself, frowning.
His fairy flew up out of his hat and yawned. She said, floating around his head. For the Hero of Time you have no self confidence.
Link watched the fairy curiously. What are you talking about?
Navi giggled, Think about it Link, did she err... seem to hate you when you were in lip lock back there?
Link shook his head, Well... no she seemed to enjo...
Navi nearly hit him in the face, Okay okay!! I'm just glad I was sleeping for it! So she doesn't hate you right?
Link nodded, And there are... spies... she's doing it for my safety... Link sighed sadly, not happy at all that he had figured out what she was doing. That's why she always told me things were okay in all the horrible conditions she was in.
Come on Navi, we have to get her away from there.
But... Link... The fairy warned, but Link had already started running towards the ranch.
***
Link snuck around in the shadows, his sword drawn. His eyes peered through the darkness. He looked up at the lighted window to see Ingo stumbling around his room. Drunk. He moved silently over to the barn and slipped through the door. His eyes swept across it and landed on a redheaded figure.
Link walked out in front of her and couldn't help but smile. She was fast asleep, her hands clasped together and was pressed against her left cheek. A smile was printed on her face. Link smiled down at her, watching her sleep peacefully.
Though... after awhile her hands moved into the hay, where she gripped it. She started to toss and turn, Link... no... She murmured. Link frowned and bent over and touched her cheek, caressing it with his thumb.
Her eyes flickered open, seeing Link they got wider. She gasped, putting her hand on his. She sat up and shook her head at him. Link... you shouldn't be here... She hissed at him, pulling his hand reluctantly off of her cheek.
"I came to take you away from here, and keep you safe until I return things to normal." Malon shook her head and opened her mouth to speak but Link put his hand over her lips and smiled.
She stood up, not bothering to brush the hay off of herself, so Link did it for her. Link... no you have to go... they'll be here any... Link shushed her. It'll be okay.
She nearly screamed. Link pushed her up against the wall, No... Malon you listen to me. You can't keep doing this, this is torture. He lifted his hand to run his finger along the bruise that was forming on her cheek. She winced. For both of us... He whispered in her ear.
Malon's eyes were glazed with tears as she looked up into his eyes. He was somebody who cared. The only one. She threw her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder as her tears started to fall.
He placed his hand on her back and held her close to him. Bu... but the horses... She stuttered. Link smiled down at her, wiping her tears away from her cheeks as she looked up at him. Ingo can't hurt them, he wouldn't dare. Ganondorf needs them. Malon sighed.
Link's fingers tilted her chin up towards him as he pressed his lips quickly against hers. Come on... He said gently to her.
BUMP!!!
Link let go of Malon and looked towards the ceiling.
It's Gerudos! She hissed, shoving him into a corner and piling hay onto him, then moved to her straw bed.
The door smashed open and a redheaded woman dressed in purple jumped into the room, her sword drawn.
She nearly leaped over to Malon and pressed a sword to her neck, "Where is he?" She said in a low menacing voice.
"Who...?" Malon asked, wincing as the sword pressed harder into her neck, drawing a thin line of blood.
"You know exactly who I'm talking about..." She snarled at Malon.
Malon swallowed, "He left awhile ago, he needed some milk..." The Gerudo didn't look impressed.
Another one came out from the corner, "Just kill her Araima if she doesn't want to talk, then she won't... ever again." The Gerudo swung her sword at Malon's neck, and Malon dropped to the floor and scrambled away.
As the woman ran past the haystack where Link was, he jumped out and in one quick movement sliced the woman's head off. The body slumped foreword and Malon screamed.
Link grabbed Malon's hand and pulled her to her feet. Link quickly blocked the woman's sword with his and swung his sword with all his might, cleaving her in half. Malon closed her eyes tightly shut as Link pulled her close to him and they rushed out the door.
