Hymn of the Forgotten

A/N: I have a new pen name, and I'm back in the fan fiction mode. I had half of this chapter finished five months ago, and just finished the other half today. Sorry it took so long to update. School has been hectic. So enjoy this short little chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or any of its characters.

Please review!

Chapter Five: Humanity

Avelle knew no home.

In his young memory he remembered vividly of tall stone walls and brilliant flags billowing in the wind, but those thoughts only came in small fragments. His mother told him stories of that place, about a beautiful princess and lush gardens, but they had long fled from there, just before the walls grew dark and threatening.

"Why isn't the castle there anymore?" A then four-year-old Avelle had asked.

His mother's eyes became distant before she answered. "Because destiny didn't allow it." As she saw Avelle's confused look she continued. "The Hero will make it all better. It's just a matter of time."

That was three years ago.

Avelle now crouched beside his mother's bed and held her hand. Why hadn't he come? The boy wondered. Why are there still bad things happening?

He was aware that the rancher girl was behind him. Her movement was soundless, but he felt her nonetheless. He was the son of a Sheikah and could sense the presence of others without difficulty.

Malon inched closer to the woman lying on the bed and looked into the same pair of red eyes of that of the child. The older woman's face was dark and weathered with visible scars across her cheek and one along her jaw. Malon knew exactly who this person was, since she would always pass by her everyday delivering milk to the castle as a little girl. Impa was the guardian to Princess Zelda, and had disappeared seven years ago. She was looking at her now, and Malon saw a hint of recognition in her eyes. "I haven't seen you...in so long," Impa said to her weakly. "It was so long ago."

"Can you help her?" The boy asked. "Is there anything you can do?" His voice was desperate.

"I don't know," Malon replied and kneeled by the bed. "Can you tell me what's ailing you?" She asked the Sheikah woman.

"Zelda...it was Zelda that did this to me." Her voice was weak. "Why would she do this? After everything that has happened..." Her voice broke off and she glanced at the boy. "Take Avelle away for me. Protect him from her. I can't hold on for much longer." She pulled the blanket away from her to reveal a bloodstained bandaged wrapped around her waist. Malon felt her heart drop.

"No Mama!" Avelle cried. "You're not going to leave me. You're not!"

The woman smiled. "You should go now, Avelle. There's nothing more you can do. I can already see...The Sacred Realm." Her voice drifted away and her head rolled back onto the pillow.

Avelle stood silently, looking at the lifeless form of his mother. Malon, whose eyes were brimmed with tears, hesitated and reached out to touch the boy's arm. "It'll be okay, Avelle," she said, testing out the name his mother called him.

Avelle recoiled from her. "Get away!" He yelled. Malon pulled her arm back and stared at the boy. His hands were clenched into small fist and his slight chest was rising up and down with short, angry breaths. He shot a hand out to point at the dead woman. "Bury her," he said and stamped out of the room.

It was raining in the graveyard of Kakariko Village. Malon stood in front of the newly carvedtombstone with ayellow cloak over her shoulders. Her red hair was damp against her face, and the hem of her skirt was soaked with water. She stared at the engraved letters silently.

Impa

Beloved Guardian of Her Highness, Queen Zelda

May she be blessed with eternal sleep

No one knew that it was Zelda who had killed the woman. No one would believe it.

And now her son is suddenly left in my care. Malon thought. I have no reason not to watch over him.

Avelle sniffed. Malon looked down at him and saw his lip quivering and his eyes filled with tears. He caught her staring at him and turned away angrily. "I guess you'll be taking me away from here." He said.

Malon nodded. "It was your mother's words, and even if they weren't, I wouldn't want to leave you here alone."

Avelle turned back to her, the tears in his eyes gone. "Okay then, I don't care. As long as I don't ever come back here again."

"You don't mean that, do you?" Malon asked him quietly. "I'm sure your mother's spirit would rest easy knowing that you would come to visit her once in awhile."

"What would you know?" Avelle shot back.

He waited for a response of equal fury from the girl, but Malon only sighed. "You're right. I wouldn't know." She reached out her hand knowing too well that Avelle wouldn't take it. "Come on."

Once they were out on Hyrule Field, Avelle took off. It wasn't exactly a run, more like a mixture of a gallop and a walk. Malon watched, slightly amused. "Where do you think you're going, Avelle?" She called out.

"The ranch!" He shouted back. "I don't need help getting there. I know where it is."

Malon lost sight of him as he passed behind a small hill. She stopped and waited until he came back around. His head was bowed low as he stalked over to her. "Actually I...don't know where I'm going," he said reluctantly.

Malon burst into laughter, which caused Avelle to look up at her in wonder. "It's all right, Avelle. I'll show you the way." She said as she began walking again.

Avelle followed her trail silently, gazing at her back. "I've never been to a ranch before," he said, almost wistfully.

Malon smiled. "You'll love it there. There's always something to do. You can play with the Cuccos if you want, and you can ride the horses."

"I think horses are stupid creatures." Avelle said bitterly.

Malon tried not to let those words affect her on the outside. "Why do you say that?"

Avelle, who was now walking beside her, shrugged. "I fell off of one once. Actually, it was the horse's fault. My mama tried to reach me but...the bad people got me first."

Malon nodded, encouraging the child to continue. If she was to care for him she would have to know more about him other than being the son of a well-respected Sheikah woman. "What did the bad people do with you?" She asked him gently.

Avelle's eyes stared out ahead. "I...don't..." He stuttered and bit his lip. His head shook from side to side and he became quiet.

It was about five minutes later when he spoke again. "My mother was old. She would've died soon anyway."

The sun was almost setting in the far west as they came along to the path leading up to Lon Lon Ranch. Malon was saddened by the boy's words. Clearly he was growing up faster than most children his age. It was unfortunate. "We're almost there, Avelle." She said. "I can make you a nice dinner and then show you around. How would you like that?"

No answer.

Malon turned around to find the boy on his hands and knees, his shoulders shaking. He looked up at her and whispered, "I miss her," before the tears fell freely from his ruby eyes.

:::And to the reviewers:::

The Arc: Sorry about the, ahem, five month wait.

Linker27: Thanks for reviewing. :)

JoJo10: Thanks so much for your review, and I'm truly sorry for the wait.

Son of Lancelot: That was a nice compliment. Thank you!

dark dragon 00: Well, I hope this chapter suits you better. Thanks for reviewing.

chel bel: Well, we're beginning to figure out more about the boy in this chapter. Hope you liked it!

Anathe: I feel like it's a personal accomplishment to make a reader feel giddy. :D Thanks!

See you next chapter!