I'm doing my best to get this one up quickly. I was asked very nicely to hurry up with this chapter and get it posted a.s.a.p. So, here I am, posting as quickly as possible. It's actually pretty funny, because this was the scene that first came to me and gave me the idea to start writing a story. So this is the chapter I've been most anxious to write… so it works out.

But now, on with the show.

Forgotten Ties

"What the hell happened to me, woman?"

Malon winced as Ingo's flecks of spit hit her face. He had just woken up, and luckily for Malon, he seemed not to be able to remember what had happened. His head was large and swollen. Blood had seeped through the bandage and a red spot could be seen through it. He had been out cold all night and all the next morning.

"I've already told you three times, Sir." Explained Malon, trying to seem honest, "You hit your head when the shelf fell down."

Malon had had a few minutes to herself before Ingo had woken up, during which time she broke the shelf to prove her story. She pointed across the stables to where the shattered pieces lay on the ground.

"My ass that's what happened!" He screamed at her. "You filthy little liar! I'm surprised I haven't rung your neck!"

"Why would I lie to you?" Stated Malon, "What do you think had happened?"

"You fixed this to happen!" He squealed.

"I did not." Lied Malon, in what she hoped was a convincing tone, "Why would I stick around if I meant to hit you?"

Ingo remained silent after this comment. He cast his gaze down to the floor.

"Come one now, Sir." Cooed Malon, "You should go out in the corral and spend the day out in the sun. That bump's a nasty one."

Ingo raised his finger up and waved it at Malon threateningly, "I know you're behind this, girl, and if I find out anything, I'll smash your face in for good." With that, he turned on his heel and left.

Malon watched as he closed the door behind him with a slam. She smiled at the fact that she had won the battle that time and he hadn't even hit her this time. Her victory was short lived however, as there were plenty of cows waiting to be put in their stalls and milked.

Unfortunately, the afternoon sun was as hot as always, and although Malon was no longer out in the sun, the stables were stuffy and smelt badly. There was no breeze to cool her down and pushing all the cows around by herself proved not an easy task. After several frustrating moments, Malon managed to get all the cows in.

She pulled up a stool and grabbed one of the metal pails. She chose a cow and sat down by it, gently pulling at its udders. The pail soon filled and she got up, placed it down at the edge of the stables and picked up another. Walking over to another cow, she sat down and repeated the process. The pail was half full when Malon stopped suddenly.

She turned her ear in the direction of the door. Footsteps. Malon froze. Ingo had found something that had reminded him of what had really happened, and he was coming to hurt her again.

She turned back to the cow and looked down, transfixed, at the pail. She heard the door open and her body went ridged. She clenched the bucket with both her hands so tightly her knuckles turned white.

He was going to try and hit her. She wouldn't let him. Malon didn't care about what would happen if she ran away. It would be a whole lot better then this and for the horses… For the first time, Malon didn't care about those either. All that mattered was getting out of the stables alive.

Malon could hear the footsteps coming closer. As soon as he was within reach, she'd turn around and smack him upside the head. Then she'd run. Away from her prison.

She held her breath as he came closer and closer. He was nearly in the right spot. Malon still stared at the pail of milk and prepared for what she would do.

A heavy hand fell upon her shoulder. This was the time.

She shot up and, with a loud battle cry, she swung the bucket around full force. Something hard hit her wrist and she let the pail clatter to the ground. Milk spread across the floor and Malon looked down at it as she realized she had failed. She looked up to see into the eyes of her caretaker but instead gasped and staggered backwards.

It wasn't Ingo at all.

A young man, just over her age, stood in front of her. His long, blond hair hung over his cold, blue eyes. He wore a long green hat and a tunic. His arm was still raised up in the defensive position he used to block the milk pail. Malon swallowed hard as she took in everything. But what really stuck out about this boy was the small ball of light floating around his head. A fairy.

But it couldn't be him. Malon hadn't seen or heard anything from him in… seven years. It couldn't be Fairy Boy. But… he looked just like him. There was no mistake about that.

Malon's eyes widened and her breathing became shallow. She wanted to open her mouth and say something but couldn't. Did he remember her?

The boy's brow furrowed. "Malon?" He asked incredulously.

She nodded to him. It was him and he did remember. It had to be him.

"What was all that about then?" He said, pointing at the white mess on the floor, "Did you want to knock me out?" He gave a short laugh.

Malon stood confused. After seven years, that's the greeting she got? No 'how are you' or 'sorry'? Malon tried to force words out.

"Who…?" Was all she could manage.

He looked a little taken aback, "Can't you remember?" He asked, "It's me, Link."

"Yes I remember you." Said Malon quickly, "It's just… It's been a long time Link."

His face darkened. "Seven years, right?" He asked.

Malon nodded again. "You did keep count then?" She asked.

"In some sense, yes." He told her.

"Why didn't you come back to see me Link? I thought you were dead." Said Malon, feeling tears well up behind her eyes.

For a long time, he said nothing. Malon took in a sharp breath to stop her tears. "What happened to you calling me 'Fairy Boy' then, huh?" He asked finally.

"You remembered what I called you?" Asked Malon.

"It doesn't feel like that long ago that I was here… Getting called that." He explained.

"I think you're a bit too old now to be called that." She said.

Link looked down at his own hands with heavy eyes. "I guess so." A long silence passed through them. Malon stirred uncomfortably. "It really has been seven years then?"

Malon furrowed her brow. She nodded.

"You've grown up quite a bit." He said.

"You have too." She responded.

"Mmm." He agreed, "Not really though."

Malon couldn't help but smile at him. It was as though he was back from the dead, but their friendship was still there.

"So…" She said, "What have you been doing all this time?"

"Don't worry about me." He waved her question off, "How have you been?"

Malon smiled again. "Alright." She lied. He looked at her skeptically.

"You mean nothing at all's gone wrong over here? 'Cause everywhere else seems to be a mess."

Malon remained silent for some time. "Things haven't been that great lately." She admitted. He raised his eyebrows for her to continue. "My dad got fired. I have no idea where he is now. Ingo's taking care of me now." She told him.

Link's brow furrowed once again, but this time he was looking straight at Malon face. "What's that on your cheek?" He asked, sounding slightly concerned.

"Oh, Said Malon, rubbing her bruises slowly, "What, sorry?"

"What's that on your face?" He repeated more sternly.

"Just a little scratch, that's all." She explained, trying to look honest, "I er… hit my face when I, er-"

Link's eyes grew colder and Malon stopped talking. "Who did that?" He demanded.

Malon didn't answer. She didn't really want to bother him with telling him.

"Who hit you, Malon?" He asked in a slightly pleading voice.

"Ingo did." Whispered Malon, thinking if she kept her voice down, the effect wouldn't be as great. Link nodded and turned towards the door. "No wait!" Cried Malon, "You can't just go out there and set him straight."

"Why not?" He demanded.

"Because if you do, he'll hurt the horses. They're all I have left now. And he's already promised Epona to Ganondorf." Malon explained.

A smirk spread across Link's face. "To the Great Ganondorf himself, huh?" He said mockingly, "We'll see about that. Malon, I'll get you out of this mess and save your horse. You just wait and see."

Malon stood helplessly as Link turned and left the stables. Everything was silent once again except for an occasional moo from a cow. Had Malon just seen a ghost? She rubbed her wrist where he had blocked her. It couldn't have been a ghost, he had touched her.

Suddenly, shill, long notes filled the air in the stables. It was coming from outside and Malon recognized the song immediately. It was her mothers song. The one she had taught to Link. Many cries and shouts could be heard after that.

Malon walked over to the door and exited the stables. She looked around for any evidence of her friend. She saw him, over by the corral. Her heart started pounding as she noticed he was riding Epona and standing next to Ingo. Ingo was red faced and looking extremely unhappy, whereas Link was still smirking.

Malon remained where she was and looked on. Ingo called a horse to himself. She pricked up her ears to catch their conversation.

"I won fair and square, Sir. Now give me my money back."

"Outrageous! We'll race again and if you win…you can…keep that horse!"

Malon's heart skipped a beat at this news.

"Alright then. Let's race."

Malon stared, transfixed, as the riders lined up at the start. She already knew who the winner would be. Epona was easily the fastest horse in the land and her friend was riding her. Ingo stood no chance.

They shot off together like bullets. They were neck and neck all through the turn, but Malon couldn't help notice that Link looked as if he weren't trying. All down the back stretch they remained tied. At the last turn, Epona gave a blast of speed and left Ingo far behind. Link passed the finish line with seconds to spare.

Malon jumped up and down and gave a loud cheer at his win. She couldn't help but be ecstatic. She had just set her horse free.

Ingo jumped off his horse and ran over to Link. Malon focused in on hearing what he had to say.

"Impossible!" He screamed, "How did you train that horse right under my nose! That was to be presented to the Great Lord himself… and now…"

"I won again, Sir. Fair and square."

Malon stomach dropped as she saw Ingo's face curl into a smile. "Yes you won. And I made a bet. You can keep the horse, but you'll never leave the ranch." He turned towards Malon. "Girl! Shut those gates now!"

Malon remained still. She couldn't do it. Link was her friend.

"Do it!" He raised his fists and pounded them together. Malon swallowed hard and looked apologetically to Link. He looked back to her and nodded his head, a large smirk still plastered to his face.

Malon pulled on the wire-framed gates and closed the tight. She looked through the bars at her friend. He turned Epona around and was facing the gate.

"Out of the way, Malon." He called to her.

Realization hit Malon. He was going to jump the gate. She bolted out of the way and pressed herself against the wall of the barn. Epona began to run, full tilt at the gate. Malon watched in awe as she cleared it with ease. Link pulled her into a stop and rode up beside Malon. She beamed at him.

Ingo ran over to the gate and gaped through the bars at them. "Girl, what do you think you're doing? Stop him!" He demanded.

"Her name's not 'Girl' it's Malon." Spat Link, "And if you have the nerve to touch her again…" He let his voice trail off as he drew a long sword slowly from his back. He pointed it towards Ingo and let it rest inches from his face. "You haven't got a chance against me. I'm a lot better at fighting then I am at riding, so you can compare the two if you'd like." He swung his sword round and sheathed it.

Malon couldn't help but smile at this. Ingo wouldn't dare touch her know.

"Malon," Said Link quietly, "I might not be back for a while. I have lots to do. But if you need me, I'll come."

"That's fine, Fairy Boy. You've already done more for me than I could have asked." She walked over to Epona and stroked her face. "You be a good girl for him, okay?" She whinnied in return. Malon looked up at her friend sitting on her horse. "You take good care of her. And… Thanks."

Link beamed back at her. "I'll see you then." He turned Epona and ran off down the path to Hyrule field. Malon turned and looked triumphantly at the shocked Ingo.

She opened the gates and put her hands on her hips. "I suggest you go and milk the rest of those cows, Sir." With that, Ingo slumped off into the stables.

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The next three days passed in what was luxury for Malon. She went from a girl who had almost nothing and had to do chores all day to someone who had most of the day free. Every now and then, she would get up and help Ingo do one of the tasks he had so long neglected but, for the most part, she relaxed most of the day now.

For the first time in ages, Malon was genuinely happy. Her friend was back and Ingo would no longer hit her in fear of him. Epona, although she was no longer at the ranch, had a far better life now that Ganondorf couldn't get her. Everything was as it should have been for the past seven years.

Malon lay on the grass, bathed in the warm sunset's light. It shone through her eyelid comfortably and she felt very sleepy and stupid. Occasional grunts from Ingo could be heard as he put the last of the cows away for the evening.

"Ingo, as soon as you're finished that, you may stop. You've done plenty of good work today." Malon called to him. She sat up and opened her eyes. It was getting pretty late now. The sky was blood red but slowly turned to a deep blue scattered with stars as it got higher.

Malon pushed herself off the ground and headed towards the house. Ingo followed closely behind her. She opened the front door to the house and let Ingo enter first. He muttered his thanks as he walked by. He seemed to be getting the hang of being nice.

Malon turned to follow, but a familiar sound stopped her dead in her tracks.

"Where do you think you're goin' without sayin' hello then, Missy?"

She turned around slowly and laid her eyes on someone she hadn't seen in far too long. She felt her mouth drop but didn't bother to close it. Malon didn't want to run to him in case he wasn't real. There was her father, still wearing the same overalls and careless grin.

"Dad?" She asked, her voice shaking from shock. She placed a shaking hand to her mouth.

He smiled wider and opened his arms for a hug. Malon ran over into them where she was greeted by a tight, bear-like grip around her shoulders. Tears ran down her face and onto his shirt.

"I heard from your friend that you were in trouble over here." He told her, "He said that the ranch was ready for the taking too."

Malon laughed through her tears. "I'm not in any trouble anymore now dad."

"It getting cold out now, Missy. Let's get inside and we can talk there." He said.

Malon opened the door for him and let him inside. Beaming, she turned to enter after him. She paused and turned around to the outside again. She looked up into the star-speckled sky and dried off her tears.

"Goddesses bless you, Link." She whispered into the air.

Well, it's only been three days since I last updated. Not bad. It didn't take me as long as I thought, but then again. I did try to have it finished quickly. I hoped you liked it. I'll be updating……………………………….. Er, soon.

I've no idea when I will really, but I'll get it up a.s.a.p.

That's all for now! R and R! (please)