Thanks for all the reviews guys! I'm so sorry this chapter took a bit longer than expected. Well no more to say except… enjoy!

Letting Go

Malon had been debating for days about what to do. She wanted to go back to that lake again and see her friend. However, her father was around now and she couldn't leave the ranch because he was too overprotective. She eventually came up with a plan that she thought fitting. She would sneak out that night and take Epona with her to Lake Hylia. That way, she could see Sheik and not get herself caught.

She spent that day doing her chores quietly and avoiding Ingo. She kept to herself and stayed out of the way. Night seemed to be hours away. She wanted to leave now. Somehow, the ranch felt less like home ever since what Ingo had done to her.

Finally the sun set. The stars began to come out and Malon walked inside her house. She went straight to bed and lay there, waiting. She would wait until she heard her father go to bed, then give him ten minutes before she left.

She sat in bed, watching her door attentively. She could feel her eyelids become heavy but forced them to stay open.

Minutes seemed like hours. Malon looked outside and found that most of the stars were now out. Anytime now, he would be coming to go to bed.

Malon heart skipped a beat when she heard his footsteps pass the door. She lay down quickly and stared at her ceiling. Only a little bit longer now.

Malon waited patiently and tried to keep track of time. She looked out at the moon and decided that it was late enough.

She scuttled out of bed and threw on her dress. She grabbed her bag that she had prepared and quietly slipped out of her room. She tiptoed down the stairs and silently opened the door and slid out. She did a small leap in excitement then turned her attention to the stables.

She opened the door slowly. The thin beam of light from the moon crossed the stables and illuminated Epona's stall. Malon left the door ajar so she could see and walked over to her horse. He gently stroked her forehead to awaken her. Epona made a small noise of annoyance, but stopped when she saw Malon's face.

Malon opened the stall and let her out. She lifted a small saddle up onto Epona and led her outside. She shut the door carefully and mounted Epona.

"Right then girl. Come on, let's go." Malon whispered. She gently dug her heals into the horse's sides and Epona began to trot.

Malon slowly crossed the ranch and led Epona down the path out to the field. As soon as they hit the open grass, Malon egged the horse onwards faster. She turned in the direction of the lake.

It was much faster to get to the lake by horse. Malon had only been going for five minutes and she was halfway there.

Hyrule field looked different in the dark. All the trees were black and skeletal. The grass looked no longer green but brown. Instead of a cool breeze, a cold, harsh wind blew. Malon shivered.

A noise caught her attention. It was a small rumble. Malon slowed Epona down and turned the horse around to look behind her. Nothing was there.

Malon sighed in relief but soon stopped as she heard the rumble again. It was coming from the ground. Epona danced around skittishly at the noise. The ground in front of Malon began to move slightly and the rumble became louder. Epona let out a sharp neigh.

The movement of the ground became more violent and Malon found herself frozen in fear of what was underneath the soil. She gripped Epona's reins and tugged on them but the horse did not move.

"Epona. We have to leave. Something's there."

As if queued by this sentence, a hand emerged from the ground. Malon let out a piercing scream and Epona backed onto her rear legs.

The hand was followed by an entire body. Well, not a whole body, but a skeleton. A stalchild.

Malon held on to Epona neck and screamed at her to move. The horse landed its front legs and took of in the direction of the lake again. It was all Malon could do to hold on.

Stalchildren were coming up all round them now. Epona dodged back and forth, avoiding them with the best of her ability. Malon closed her eyes tightly and tried not to look.

She forced one eye open to see where they were headed. The tall black gate sat just in front of her. Would Epona be able to jump it?

Malon turned her head and saw the small army staggering towards them. She looked in front to the fast approaching gate. She shut her eyes tightly again and prayed that the horse could make the jump over the huge fence.

The bumping from the horse stopped and Malon opened her eyes. She was flying across the black fence. Epona landed on the opposite side and came to a halt. Malon looked back as the stalchildren stopped at the gate. They couldn't get through it. Malon tapped Epona and turned her in the direction of the lake.

Malon was breathing hard. That was a close call. Another immediate problem also came up. How would she get back home? Would they still be there?

Malon pushed these thoughts out of her mind. Maybe Sheik would know and she would be able to him. She jumped gingerly off Epona and onto the hard floor. She walked along the path to the clearing of the lake.

The pale moon reflected off the smooth surface and Malon was flooded with a feeling of tranquility. She felt at peace by this lake. A cool breeze from the water blew across her face. It was unusually cold for that time of year. Malon remembered what Sheik had said last time she was there… that the water was unusually cold also.

Malon walked in the direction of the cave Sheik had brought her to last time. She didn't know where it was exactly, but she knew roughly where he had shown her. She came up to the huge stone wall and walked along it until she saw the overhanging ledge. She peered inside to see if he was there.

A dark figure was sitting close to a fire. It was obviously Sheik. Malon could tell by the amount of unkempt hair coming from his turban.

"Hello again." He muttered.

"Er… Hi," Malon said shyly, "Do you mind if I-"

"Come in?" He interrupted. He held out his hand in the direction of the fire, inviting her in.

"Thanks." She said. Malon walked across over to the fire and sat down. She expected him to ask her why she was here, but no such question was asked. Malon decided to just tell him.

"I came here because… Well, I was thinking about what you said and I…" She trailed off.

"Yes, of course you can tell me about what's happening." He said.

Malon was somewhat taken aback about how he had jumped to that conclusion. That was why she went there, so she could tell him… So she could tell someone about what was happening to her. But how had he known why she had come.

Malon opened her mouth to say something, but was lost for words.

"You know… staring is bad enough… But, having your mouth open? It's not good manners." He said, deadpan.

Malon closed her mouth quickly. "And I suppose a boy, who lives in a cave by himself, would know all about good manners?" She retorted, laughing.

"More then you would guess." Was his answer, still as deadpan as ever.

Malon decided she would change the subject, as he apparently wasn't finding the currant one amusing.

"Well, you were right, that's all. I did come here to- to talk to you." Explained Malon.

"Go on then." He said, not looking up from the fire.

"Well… You said you'd listen. And I need someone who'll do just that. A-and you can't tell… Not anyone. Promise?"

"You have my word." He responded, now looking up.

"Can I trust the word of a Sheikah?" Asked Malon, skeptically.

"It's the only word you're gonna get."

"Alright, good enough." Said Malon, knowing that he wouldn't tell. "Well… You see, Ganondorf's been showing interest in our ranch lately. I think- no, I know- that he's going to try and take it over. He already has our farmhand on his side. I overheard them talking… ages ago, now… about how they're gonna get rid of my dad so he can own the ranch. I know… But my dad doesn't, and if I tell… they'll kill us both. I don't know what to do anymore."

Sheik said nothing. He merely nodded his head. He seemed to want Malon to go on.

"He threatened me. I know that it's just a matter of time until he come again… to take over. We heard that the castle will be finished soon and I know that as soon as it's finished he'll come."

"And has he hit you?" Sheik came in.

"No."

"Then how did you get that bruise on your face?" He asked, pointing at her cheek.

Malon thought about telling him her accident story, but then settled with the decision that she would tell him the truth. "He didn't hit me. The farmhand, Ingo, did. He calmed down for a bit, then started up again. I think that he'll try to hit me again. I think he likes having power over someone. On top of all that, Ganondorf demanded for my favourite horse to be brought to him when it's old enough… My horse!" Malon didn't know why she hadn't stopped. She was telling him about stupid, irrelevant things… But it felt so good to let it out after so long. "I know that he'll treat her badly. I can't stand letting her go to that monster. He might even end up killing her. I have no idea. I wouldn't doubt it though. He's killed before. He killed my only friend. That was about a year ago. My friend was supposed to be on a mission or something… For the Princess. But he never came back to talk to me or anything! He promised he would!" Malon felt hot tears run down her cheeks. "He never came back and that's what's going to happen to me…" Malon stopped now, knowing that she had let it all go. She had just told Sheik everything, save a few personal details.

Sheik didn't say anything at first. He sat there, staring at the fire. "I'm sorry your friend… is- is dead." He said this with some difficulty. Malon was sure that she had heard some small trace of emotion behind his voice. He drew his head up and looked to the ceiling of the cave. "But don't lose hope yet."

"Thank you for listening to my little rant." Said Malon gratefully, wiping away her tears.

"I only wish I could help you more." He said, "But I cannot take action, or I will certainly be found and punished."

Malon was a little confused by this statement, but she knew Sheik well enough now to know that he didn't always make perfect sense.

"It's too bad about what happened to Zelda. She would have done something about it. She would never had let this happen." Said Malon.

Sheik twitched. "What do you mean? What happened to Zelda?"

"I heard that she died. Her stuff was found or something. That's the latest news we got. It's horrible how she died really-"

"No." Sheik interrupted briskly.

"Sorry?"

"It's not true. Zelda is still here." He said.

"Then why hasn't she done anything about this?" Malon asked, motioning outside. She remembered how the man in the bunny hood had asked her that same question and knew that Sheik would then know that it was true. Just like she had.

"I- Because…" He began.

"Because she really is dead. And if she isn't, then she's not a very good ruler, is she? What kind of monarch leaves their people to suffer like this?"

"Zelda must have a very good reason. She wouldn't do this by choice." Stated Sheik in a final sounding tone.

Malon wasn't going to press on. Not only did Sheik look like he could snap her in half, she found the subject a little degrading.

"I'm going to ask you to leave now." Sheik said in a voice that sounded like a croak. "You're still welcome to come here anytime, just don't bring your false news with you again." He motioned towards the door and returned to staring at the fire.

Malon turned to walk out of the cave. At least she had gotten some things off her chest. It seemed less of a trouble now that someone else knew too.

She was just outside when she remembered her problem. "Oh, Sheik?" She called into the cave.

"What?" Came his sharp voice.

"Er… Sorry, but there are stalchildren all over out in the field and I was wondering how I could get pass them without-"

"You won't have to worry about them now. It's almost dawn. They'll be gone. Try not to come here at night if you can't take care of yourself."

Almost dawn? Malon looked to the sky and realized that it was growing pink. It really was dawn. "Thanks. I'll see you." Malon waved into the cave and jogged off. She would have to hurry to get home in time.

She mounted Epona, who had been asleep in the grass by the cave, and rode of quickly. She cleared the black fence and noted that Sheik was right about the stalchildren. They were all gone.

Malon and Epona sped of home as quickly as they could. They rode up the path to the stables and Malon hastily opened the door and pulled Epona inside. She locked her in her pen and backed out slowly.

Malon entered the house as quietly as she could. She crept up the stairs and opened the door. She jumped as she saw that the doorway was blocked.

"Oh. Hi daddy." She said, looking up at her fathers large, dark figure standing in the door.

"You're up early." He noted, eyeing her suspiciously.

"I wasn't tired. I got up to check on the horses." Malon lied convincingly.

"Oh. Well then, would you like to help me make some breakfast since you're up?"

"Of course I would daddy." Said Malon. Maybe this time it wouldn't be burnt.

Malon kept up her contact with Sheik. Within months, she and him were close friends. Well, close as they could be. Malon had found out how to completely avoid the stalchildren by walking slowly across the field, so as not to make vibrations and went to see Sheik almost every week. Her father never expected a thing, he was too busy most of the time to keep both eyes on Malon at all times. No word of Ganondorf had reached the ranch since the bunny hood man had come. Ingo didn't even seem to mind Malon anymore. He would simply ignore her or ask her to leave him alone.

Sheik was a very strange best friend. He was quiet most of the time, being very careful about when and where he chose to speak. He was like a storage house to Malon, because she could tell him everything, knowing that he wouldn't tell a soul. Although he didn't say much, Malon felt that that was what she needed; quiet time. Lake Hylia became like a second home to her, and even Sheik's cave felt comfortable.

After two long years, things in Hyrule seemed to be running down. No new threats had developed and Ganondorf hadn't made any military move in months. This gave some new hope to the people of Hyrule, but Malon did not share their light spirits.

This only meant that what the bunny hood man had said was true. Malon didn't want to believe it, nut all signs pointed to yes. The conversation they had stuck in her mind. Ganondorf was constructing his castle and when it was finished…

The two years had passed by, and Malon knew that the completion of the castle was growing close. She still had told nothing to her father. Even though Ganondorf had not done anything in ages, his threat was still with her.

Malon was eleven years old now. She was fast approaching twelve and Sheik was now thirteen. Her time with her father was running short. She was on borrowed time. She only hoped that Ganondorf would be put to a stop.

That, however was proven wrong, on the day he came to visit once again.

Malon ran downstairs as quickly as she could and opened the door. She had seen him arrive from her bedroom window. Sure enough, there the dark King was, standing in the middle of the ranch's path. He looked just as she remembered him; huge, dark-skinned and horrible. She took a step back at the sight of him.

He stared down at the small child and gave a crooked smile. Malon remembered that smile… It was in her nightmares.

"You must be… Malon, right?" He half growled at her.

Malon nodded.

"It's nice to see you again, girl." He said, unconvincingly. "Tell me, where is your father?"

"Why?" Asked Malon in a would-be-casual voice, "Are you here to get rid of him?"

His fake smile faded. "That's for later dear. I can't not have a reason. I've just come to check the profits of the ranch. Now that my castle if finished, I can start back on my old agenda." He looked around. "Tell me where your father is, now." He demanded.

Malon said nothing, but didn't dare not give him an answer. She pointed in the direction of the corral where her father was. Ganondorf said nothing and strutted past her in the direction that she pointed. Malon quietly followed behind him.

They stepped into the corral and Malon hid herself behind a conveniently placed crate. She was just within earshot and could only hear small parts of the conversation he and her father were having.

"… profits of this ranch…" Came Ganondorf's voice, unclearly.

She heard her father speaking, but couldn't catch it all. "Ranch… doing… nowadays… not good."

Malon strained to hear the conversation properly.

"Profits are going down. I can't do anything. Nobody comes to buy anymore." Explained her father.

"If your profits don't show improvement soon, I'll be forced to overrun this ranch." Came Ganondorf's voice.

Malon froze. It was happening now. If they didn't get more business, her father would be gotten rid of.

"I'll do my best, Sir." Said Talon.

Malon heard Ganondorf's footsteps coming closer. She remained still and watched him walk right past her out onto the path. She breathed a small sigh of relief that he hadn't spotted her. Her father soon followed him out of the corral.

Malon leapt up and bean to walk casually over back to the house. Her father was there, seemingly seeing their guest off.

Ganondorf turned and looked around. "Before I go I must speak with your farmhand. Where is he?"

"In the stables." Replied Talon.

Malon watched as the King entered their stables, looking for Ingo. They were obviously going to be planning something. Malon pressed her ear to the stable door.

"Malon girl. What are you doing?" Asked her father.

Malon lifted her hand to her lips and focused on the stables. Unfortunately, the cows were in the stables and all she could hear was a steady mooing noise.

"Malon, get away from there. You shouldn't do things like that. Not anymore. We have to get on his good side, otherwise he'll take the ranch away from us. Now come here, and when he comes out, say goodbye to him like you mean it."

Malon sulked away from the wooden walls of the stables and waited for Ganondorf to come out. After some time, the door opened again and Ganondorf exited. He maintained a blank look on his face, but Malon knew that he and Ingo had just secured future plans.

"Goodbye then, Lord Ganondorf." Said Talon as the King turned to leave. Her father nudged Malon in the side and she jumped slightly.

"Er… Have a, erm, safe trip." Malon said slowly, regretting every word.

The King turned and left eyesight. Malon breathed easy. He was gone again… but for how long? She hadn't had the chance to hear his new plan. She felt she had a large stone in the pit of her stomach. She knew what he wanted, and she knew that it would now be anytime that he chose to make his move.

Malon turned and entered her house not knowing what she could do now that her time had run out.

Again, I just want to say how sorry I am about this taking so long. I'm not usually one to give excuses, but this time it's real. I might have even mentioned before that I'm on a track team now. That's a lot of practices, a lot of feeling drained and a lot more need for a good sleep… And I'm sorry about that. Also, I have a job now… And that's a good thing as well as a bad thing.

Well, that's it. I understand and accept if you choose to be angry… But I promise that I won't drop this story, no matter how long the wait between updates. I even have the rest of the story all plotted out… so no more nasty writers block!!!!

Thanks. Review please.