Chapter 7

Yeah, sorry about the "It's over" thing. The story's not really over… I meant to write "Happy St. Patty's Day" but I copied the wrong chapter thing. It took me three times to upload chapter 6 properly and I guess I still didn't do it properly. So, er… instead it meant "This chapter's over."

Anyway, thanks Rainer Aquarias for pointing out that only three people are reviewing to me. *Fake sobs.* Well, three people is better then no people, and thanks to you guys, I'm at over 10 reviews… I'm all happy 'cause I thought my first fanfic would bomb.

Anyway, here is the next chappy.

Ingo and the Dark Cloud.

Although Ganondorf was no longer threatening another inspection, Talon kept the ranch in top shape just in case. It was because of this that Malon was now working on a regular basis. The workload had descended and she no longer had to work so hard, but she was given regular chores to do around the house and the corral.

This work helped keep her mind off the depressing matters that seemed to be following her. While she worked, she so concentrated on what she was trying to do that she didn't think about Eponas' looming parting, or Fairy Boy.

On top of her chores, Malon was set to work with Ingo in the afternoons, cleaning out the stables. This usually didn't take long and Malon didn't mind it for the first few weeks, but Ingo began to act strange about a month after the inspection. He would mumble more viciously than usual and constantly talk about Ganondorf. But, what had Malon worried, was how he referred to him as 'Lord Ganondorf', even when they were alone, when most people would just use his name.

Malon had just finished doing her chores and set off out of the house to the stables. Ingo was there, looked as grumpy as usual, and handed her a rake.

Malon took hr place and began to clear away the hay and dropped food pellets.

"I got word early this morning that Lord Ganondorf is coming to visit us once again." Stated Ingo.

Malons' stomach dropped. "What? Again?"

Ingo nodded. "He's keeping a close eye on us. Don't think he likes you father owning the ranch. Thinks he's lazy."

"My dad's not lazy." Said Malon defensively. After thinking for a moment though, she realized she had lied.

"I have to agree though." Said Ingo looking down at Malon as though he was challenging her, "This ranch could go a long way under the proper instruction."

"Are you saying that my dad isn't good enough?"

"Well… Not exactly." Said Ingo evasively, "All I'm saying is that what Lord Ganondorf says, goes. And if he doesn't think that Talon is satisfactory, he goes."

Malon felt anger bubble up inside of her. He was going to suck up to Ganondorf and try to get rid of Talon. "I won't let that happen. My dad's gonna stay here." She spat.

"Trust me, girly. Your dad won't be here forever, and when he leaves, it'll just be you and me."

Malon didn't say anything to this. She instead quickly finished her work and walked out of the stables to find her father.

She found him standing out in the corral and grooming the horses.

"Daddy," Said Malon angrily, "Daddy did you know that Ganondorf's coming back again?"

Talon turned to her. "I heard this mornin'."

"This is stupid!" She shouted, "Why can't he just leave us? Hasn't he done enough?"

"Malon, calm down."

"No! Why can't he just let us take care of the ranch? Why? Why is no one coming to help us? Why did he have to take my horse?" Malon broke down and sat on the ground.

"Malon, I know this is bad… but, we still have each other and-"

"I don't know how long that will last either." Malon said miserably.

"What do you mean by that, huh? You know that I would never abandon you."

"I don't think you'll have much of a choice. I've been listening to Ingo lately. He says that Ganondorf's not happy about you having the ranch and is going to get rid of you." She said, feeling the tears starting to come again.

"Come on," He said, pulling her into a hug, "he doesn't have any reason. This ranch is in better shape then it has been in for years."

"He won't need a reason." Malon said into her fathers' side, "You're not taking me seriously."

"Now Malon." Said Talon sternly, "Enough of this, I've had it. If you don't have anything optimistic to say-"

"I'm warning you daddy." Pleaded Malon. "That's all I'm doing. You're the only thing that I have left here."

Talon pulled his daughter in tighter and kissed her head. "Come on. Go and get yourself some dinner. Ganondorf's coming this evening."

Malon pushed herself out of the hug. "He's coming today?" She asked shocked. "Isn't that a bit short notice? Don't you see what he's doing? He's trying to catch you of guard and take over the ranch."

"And I'm ready for him." Said Talon smiling. "There's nothing wrong with this ranch. Now go and eat."

Malon smiled back and ran off to go and eat something. She quickly downed her dinner and went upstairs to her room. She picked out her ugliest olive green dress and ruffled her hair a little bit. She was not about to make the same mistake again. She looked at her reflection and noted that she looked very tattered and found that she was ready to be seen by Ganondorf again.

Malon marched down the stairs and found her father sitting at the table.

"Hey Missy." He said glumly, "Want to come and sit with me?"

"What's wrong?" Asked Malon. "I thought Ganondorf would be here by now."

"He is. But he wants to talk to Ingo first."

Malon stood there, appalled. "I told you. He's in with Ganondorf, he is."

"Quiet. Nothings wrong with this ranch, like I said before. He has no reason to be unhappy with me."

"Dad. Can't you tell that Ingo's going to suck up to him? He'll turn against you dad. He doesn't like you. He talks about you in the stables all the time lately. I know he's up to something." Said Malon desperately.

"Malon-"

"I'm going to go and listen." Malon said. Her father got up to stop her, then hesitated.

"Don't you get caught. Be careful." He said warningly. He stepped aside and let her past.

Malon smiled and quietly walked out the door. She slinked over to the stables and pressed her long ear against the wooden wall. She could just hear their voices inside over the mooing of the cows.

"I guarantee that you will eventually have control of this ranch, should you remain loyal to me." Came Ganondorfs' voice.

It was just like Malon had guessed. They were in league together.

"Yes, my Lord." Said Ingo, "I will guide this ranch under your name. Talon is useless."

"We will get rid of him in a few years. As soon as word gets out about the princess Zelda, we'll need to wait a while before making another move. I have more important things that need to happen first… you understand."

"Yes, my Lord."

"That princess gave me more grief then she was worth. That stupid girl sent people out to get the keys before I did. She got away too. I haven't given up looking for her yet though."

"Of course not, my Lord."

Malon heard footsteps going towards the door. She ran backwards to hide in the corral but came into contact with the huge golden gates that, to her horror, were now closed. The loud clang echoed through the field.

"What was that?" She heard Ganondorf say.

She looked around wildly for somewhere to hide and saw a crate on the other side of the stable door, the door that Ganondorf would soon be walking out of. It was her only chance. She was trapped between that door and the closed gate. Malon took a deep breath, sprinted across the path of the door, and dove behind the box.

She heard the door open, and held her breath. Her lungs were on fire from running so hard and her body craved oxygen.

She saw the dark silhouette of Ganondorf stand beside her, the only thing separating them was a small crate.

Malon felt herself go weak. She needed air. She needed to breathe. She let out a small gasp and drew in a deep gulp of air. She winced her eyes when she realized what she had done.

A heavy hand descended down and grabbed the collar of her dress. Malon was lifted off her feet and brought up high off the ground.

She opened her eyes and discovered that she was at eye level with Ganondorf. She let out a small whimper and tried to squirm away.

His piercing eyes dug into hers. Malon was terrified of this man for the first time.

"What are you doing out here?" He spat.

"N-nothing." Stuttered Malon.

"Don't give me that!" He barked, throwing her down onto the grassy floor. "Were you spying on us?"

She rubbed her now sore backside and said nothing. He glared at her.

"You didn't hear anything did you?" He asked threateningly.

Malon scrambled to her feet. "No. I-I didn't hear anything."

"Good." He said smiling down on her, "Because I wouldn't have wanted you telling your daddy anything that would force me to hurt you for." He laughed coldly, "Or even get rid of him for."

Malon sniffed. Ganondorf leaned forward.

"Now." He whispered, "Get inside. And I suggest you keep your tongue." He pushed her towards the house. He then mounted his horse. His eyes beat down on her as she rattled the doorknob. She turned to see him trotting off out of the ranch. She entered the house and saw her father still sitting at the table.

"How did it go? Did you hear anything?" He asked.

Malon hesitated, Ganondorfs' threats were still fresh.

"No," She answered, "No I didn't hear anything."

Well, there you have it. I hope you review and are happy. I'll update soon! Bye!