Yes, yes, I know I took forever to update and I know I said it would be done by the end of February but hey… at least I even got it up. And who cares right? End of February, beginning of April same difference :-P

So I don't have too much to say. Garnet, disclaimer please.

Garnet: Rightio boss. Chel bel does not own any of the Zelda characters, however she does own Maku, Zuku, Chronos, Zero, etc, etc.

Okay we will now begin :)

Chapter Nine: Understanding and Manipulation

Sometimes, through all the horrible things going on and all the bad misfortune, there can be a light that shines through and gives people a sense of hope. For nobody is perfect and nothing can ever be going well all the time. But if people get fortunate enough, then sometimes all bad can turn around to good and sometimes they can see the light shining through, getting ready to guide them. But that doesn't happen very often. In fact it hardly ever happens at all.

He had seen red hair. And he knew that that could not be a good thing.

Before he knew it he was racing towards the red haired person lying on the ground, anxious to see if his prediction of who it could be was correct. He could feel his heart pounding inside his chest and the sound of Epona's constant breaths as she tried to go as fast as her master wished for her to go.

As he arrived there he felt everything freeze.

Like time had suddenly just stopped, long enough for him to realize everything going on and everything that was so suddenly happening.

As this happened he saw how strange it was, and how strange things were probably going to be form now on. It had all just come to him at that moment, and tackled him right out of the blue, like he had suddenly been hit in the head with a club of some kind. When he realized how uncanny things were probably going to be from now on, he felt as if he really didn't want to go on. As if maybe none of this was worth it, and perhaps it would be better to just let others solve their problems on their own.

And then like that he was zapped back into the real world again, and time had unfrozen. And although he had his doubt, he followed through with what he was going to do before. He rode up to the red haired person, and got off his horse to kneel beside her. He was not at all shocked as who this was, for he knew, and had known, that this was going to happen. Just the fact that it was all happening now was what troubled him. It was happening so fast… too fast. He could feel every muscle in his body tensing up, but he was forcing himself to stay calm. For the girl's sake.

He gently felt her neck and arms, searching, hoping for a pulse. For seconds, that turned to minutes, that he thought had turned to hours he remained searching. Even so he could still hear everything around himself. He could hear the horse's whines, begging him to make sure she was okay. And he could hear the calm rain quietly crying, and the harsh winds laughing at him, nearly driving him mad. He couldn't take it. Carefully he picked up her body and carried her to the horse. Climbing on after he put her on. Pressing his body to hers to ensure that she got all the warmth she needed. With sweat pouring down his body, the wind laughing at him, the rain crying and his horse begging him, he rode off. Rode off to find the ranch. Rode off to save the girl's life.

It was too late and he was dead. He was dead and it was too late. There was no better way to put it, and he just couldn't understand why. Why this had happened. All he could think to do was cry. Cry for his brother's lost life. Curse the name of the person who had taken the life away.

Zuku did not know what he was to do now. He and his brother Maku, his beloved brother Maku, were destined to work to together, to protect the one. But now it was only him, and he didn't know how much more of this he could take. It was already clear that he had failed. Things were not going as planned and he now doubted that anything would work out. Chronos and Zero were winning. No… they had already won.

There was a sound suddenly. But he didn't care. There was nothing tot worry about anymore. Why should he care? Who cared if anything happened, weren't things already as bad as they could get? He wiped away a tear slowly and just stared at the door.

He could sense that there was someone out there… waiting for him, and he knew that it probably wasn't a very welcome visitor either. As a matter of fact he knew exactly who it was out there. There was a knock on the door and silence filled the still room. Zuku didn't move and inch. The door opened and then there he was, Chronos.

They stared at each other. A tension building up between them. Zuku felt a drop of animosity suddenly leak through his mind. He absolutely knew that one of them had killed his brother, and as he thought of it Chronos seemed just like the cold- hearted bastard type to do it. He glared icily at him, standing up to stare him down.

"What are you doing here?" His voice was low and hoarse, due to all his crying and not talking for a long time, yet he stood his ground. He would not let Chronos's frosty eyes or the way his mouth slowly folded up into a smirk scare him. Chronos fingered the whip he held in himself, having no intention of using it, but it was quite hard to know exactly what he was thinking.

"I'm here to ask you for… a favor." His words were slow and mysterious… a favor?

"If you're planning on asking me to hand Malon over to you than you've come to the wrong place at the wrong time. Malon isn't here; in fact I don't even know where the hell she is at all."

He looked at the boy strangle, if anything, Zuku swore Chronos was going to laugh, but he didn't. Instead his let out a small pitying chuckle, and replied quickly, "Not that of course. I know exactly where the girl is and I shall capture her as soon as I can. But… I may need a little… 'assistance' in doing so."

Zuku lifted his eyebrows. Chronos had to be kidding. Assistance? So in other words he was asking for help. Chronos actually wanted his help? No. No, never. He couldn't help him and he wouldn't. Chronos was a beast, a manslayer, he would never even think about doing this. It was just impossible. Besides… he had killed Maku. How could Chronos expect him to help him when he had killed his brother Maku? "You've got to be kidding me? Me, help you Chronos? How could you ever expect me to help you after what you did to my brother?" He nearly screamed at him, but managed to keep his cool.

If Chronos's had ever, in any of his life, held a hint of confusion on his face, then Zuku had seen it then, but it disappeared quick enough. He shook his head in an amused state and looked at Zuku like he was the biggest fool in the world.

"It seems you've gotten your facts mixed up. Why in the world would you ever think I would waste my time killing that pathetic creature? He was going to die soon anyway so I don't see why you care. If you must know, then it was my brother, Zero, who killed him."

Zuku gapped, his mouth hanging wide open, but he closed it immediately. So it was Zero was it? He looked at Chronos suspiciously. Why would it even matter who had killed Maku? After all both of the brother's were the same, heartless. He couldn't trust Chronos. And he most certainly would not help him.

"I don't care. I don't care if it was you who killed him or if it was Zero. I'm not going to help you with anything and that's that." Chronos looked at him slyly.

"Now Zuku, are you sure that you want to make that decision? Don't you even want to hear my request?"

Zuku shook his head, "What don't you get about it Chronos? I don't want to hear it. I don't care what it is that you want from—"

"Zuku, Zuku, Zuku," Chronos interrupted, "And I thought that you were such a wise boy. Perhaps, since you don't seem to be listening, I should just tell you what it is that I want you to do for me. No?" Zuku was just quiet now, not knowing what to say to Chronos.

"That's what I thought." Chronos said, knowing he had won, "Now let me ask you Zuku, would you do anything you could in your power to bring back the life of Maku, even possibly… kill someone?" Zuku was startled at first at his question. Kill someone to bring back Maku's life? He could never. That was just so cruel! And yet… why did a part inside of him feel that he would indeed do that if it was option to him… he just couldn't or could he? It seemed so brutal and yet, something inside him told him that he would… yes he would kill someone to bring back Maku's life.

"Y-yes, I would." He said, still a little uncertain of all of this.

Chronos only smiled, like he knew of something he could use to trap Zuku. "Perfect… And so this is what I want you to do for me. I want you to kill him. I want you to kill Link." Zuku looked at Chronos with raised eyebrows. What in the heck… he wanted him to kill Link? What did Link have to do with anything? Besides, Link was a dear friend of his. He could never…

"No, I won't do it." Chronos only kept the same taunting expression on his face, baffling Zuku. He seemed to not even care that his request had been refused.

"But Zuku, I thought you said that you would even kill someone to bring back your brother's life, didn't you? I can bring back Maku's life if you wish for it. I can make it happen. You see, Malon is protected closely by Link, this I know… However, if we get Link out of the way than it will be easier to capture the girl…" Zuku was utterly confused.

"What does any of that have to do with this 'favor' you want me to do for you? I don't get it…" Chronos closed his eyes and shook his head impatiently, but his tone never changed.

"Fool, don't you see it? If it is easier to capture the girl than it will be easier to perform the ceremony. You do know what will happen if the ceremony is completed don't you? You do know that if the girl is the one than with power great enough one can make her resurrect anyone from the dead. Think about it Zuku, if she is brought to me than I have the power… to bring back to life anyone that I wish. All I ask of you is that you do for me this one simple favor and Maku will be brought back to life. I guarantee it." Zuku's eyes had widened in realization at what Chronos had just said. If he killed Link than he could bring Maku back to life. Simple as that. A life for a life… but, what of Malon? He just couldn't let her be harmed like that. He looked at Chronos with curious eyes, asking him.

"And what of Malon? What will happen to her?" Chronos leaned back against the door and looked at Zuku up and down once. He fingered his whip lightly and then said slowly to him, "She will not be harmed after the ceremony is completed. You have my word." His slow words seemed to crawl up Zuku's spine causing him to shiver frightfully. It felt as if a light feather was being drawn up and down his back and for a moment everything blurred, but then everything was back to normal.

He had to think on this… but he had no time. What could he do? Chronos had said that Maku would be alive. He had guaranteed it. And that Malon would not be harmed. He had given his word. After all… it was only a life for a life. At the moment he could not think of anything else to say but yes to Chronos. Yes, he would do it.

And so that is exactly what he had said.

Chronos grinned inwardly. "Good then, but first, we have some planning to do. Come quickly now." And so he took Zuku. And everything was just about to begin.

He had thanked the goddesses long before that he had Epona, and that the horse knew exactly where Lon Lon Ranch was. For if she did not than he might as have said good-bye to the girl.

It was not long after he had found her that they had arrived at the ranch. Constantly he had been pushing his body to hers to keep her warm and trying to supply her with as much oxygen as he could in as many ways as he could possibly think of. But hardly any of it was working. He just knew that sooner or later, he might lose her… for good.

As soon as they arrived at the tall rusty gates of Lon Lon Ranch he completely lost his cool and hopped off Epona with out being even half-way in. Gently taking the girl's limp body in his arms he carried her to the closest part of the ranch he could see, the barn. He startled the cows as he came in, making them cry out frightfully and back into the far ends of their pens. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a bit of yellow, turning to realize it was actually a stack of hay. After carefully laying her down there he kneeled down, putting a shaky hand on her chest, and putting his ear to it to try and hear a heartbeat. Nothing. 'She must need some oxygen.'

Link looked at her pale lifeless face. She was depending on him, she needed him. This had to work. Or else she would pay the price. He closed his eyes. He had done this once, he could do it again.

Slowly reaching forward he pressed his lips to hers. Her soft rosy lips. These however, were not the ones he remembered. When he had kissed her the first time it had been… magical… but now… now it felt as if he was kissing air. There was nothing kissing him back now.

She wasn't okay. He quickly breathed out his everything into her, giving her oxygen, trying to give her life. But it wasn't working. Nothing was working. He tried once more but to no avail. Nothing he did… absolutely nothing he did would work.

Again she was confused. Where was she now? He mother, everything that had just been in front of her face was gone, and now once again she was in the room that she had been in when she first arrived here. Maybe… maybe it had all just been a dream. Perhaps she was never really anywhere. Perhaps if she just lay down, held her breath and close her eyes than she would wake up and everything would be back to normal...

…

Who was she kidding? Nothing had been or was going to be normal for a long time. She might as well just stop being stupid and wake up to the truth. Wake up to what was really going on around her.

She stopped her thinking for a moment to glance to a bright light to the side of her. That was odd, why hadn't she noticed it before? She slowly found herself walking towards it, nearly blinded by its rays. She could feel a frigid, cols air beginning to wrap itself around her suddenly and before she knew it the ground had disappeared from beneath her feet and she was falling.

Falling.

Falling.

Falling.

And then she knew what was happening. She finally knew what was happening.

At first she felt nothing and then pain. Pain grabbed hold of her whole body, digging its sharp fingers into her skin, muscles and every bone she had. She felt heat and that she was sweating a cold sweat and breathing heavily. She couldn't move, she was paralyzed and her whole body was aching with pain. She couldn't escape it.

"Malon! Malon! Are you all right?" It was a voice… she was so tired of constantly hearing these voices and not knowing who they were. She saw nothing at first and then it all faded into something green, with blue and a hint of yellow and… wait… she knew who this was…

"L-Link…?" She could hardly speak and as soon as she did she felt a new wave of pain come over her body. She gasped, startled at this and gripped hard at the cloth she was lying on.

"Shh, Malon you can't move. Don't speak. You're going to be all right, I promise." She suddenly felt comforted in hearing his calm voice. How could he stay so calm? She just didn't get it.

She felt dizzy as he put a cool cloth on her head and opened her mouth to slip some kind of potion in it. He was taking her blood soaked arms and bandaging them up and now he turned her over and was putting some sort of stinging solution on. She felt all her muscled tense up as he did so but still… it just felt so right. She didn't know why he would want to help her but he just seemed so determined to do so… so determined to help her out. He truly did have a good heart. He truly did… she thought no more past that pointed. She fainted.

Link sighed. Malon had been sleeping for hours now. And he wasn't so sure if she was going to wake up again. He kept feeling her pulse and she was indeed alive but still…

He had been shocked when she had woken up hours before and actually spoken to him. Back then he had been so sure that she was dead and had been extremely surprised when he saw her awaken so suddenly. But he was grateful… that Farore had decided to spare her life and had not taken it away. He was grateful that his Malon was back with him.

'I guess I should have expected it… she is a very strong girl after all…'

Link closed his eyes for a moment, opening them back up, however, as soon as he heard her stir. He perked up, anxious to talk and see her again. He could see her eyes flutter open and her face become full of life, even through her sick state, She shifted slightly in her position and clenched her teeth in pain, but managed to get out a weak smile, "Link…" she closed her eyes again for a moment the opened them and said in a pained voice, "It… hurts so bad…" She seemed to be using everything in her power just to stay up and talk to him.

"Malon you need you rest. It's the only way you'll get your energy back." He replied softy. She closed her eyes and sighed. After a few minutes she opened them again, only this time trying to sit up, she clenched her teeth and slowly put her arms at her sides as she tried to support herself. She was using everything she had in her body to do this, and he just couldn't stop her. She was almost there… almost… and she had it, finally she had it. She was panting as she laid back up against the hay stack for support to keep her up.

Link looked in her eyes, surprised at what she had down and then he frowned. "Malon… don't do that, you could hurt yourself…" She stared at him expressionlessly and then turned away, wrapping her hands around her knees.

"Why would you eve care Link? After what I said to you… you should hate me now."

He looked at her sadly and shook his head, "Why should I hate you? I could never hate you. Besides I know you didn't mean it." She laughed at him bitterly.

"Didn't mean it? Didn't mean it? I meant every word of it. I hate you Link. Just get it through your thick head." Link only smiled.

"No you don't. Just stop fighting yourself. I know you're not telling the truth." She looked at him like he had gone crazy. "What are you talking about? How many times do I have to tell you? It's the truth. I do hate you." Link was quiet this time and looked up at the ceiling, unreadable sorts of emotions running throughout his face. "Tell me, do you remember how you got hurt?" Malon was silent, looking straight ahead, right through Link, as she tried her hardest to remember what had happened.

"I remember my mother, she asked me if I wanted to come back and then I was falling and…" She stopped suddenly, looking at him as she noticed that she was rambling on, making no sense at all."

"Malon please go on." Link said softly with sympathy in his eyes.

"I don't… it's just… I'm sorry, I can't remember anything that happened right now, I just can't…" Link nodded in understanding and lay down on his back on the hay. He motioned with his hand for her to lie down next to him and closed his eyes. She did so slowly saying, "Maybe I'll be able to remember what happened if… I first get some sleep." He nodded his head then opened one eye. "I believe so too." He then lie there silently and listened to her as she slowly fell asleep. And he knew then, that everything that had happened was destiny and it had all happened for a reason, no matter what that may be.

And before he went to sleep that night he could have sworn he heard an angel's voice speak to him.

"Thank you… for saving me Link."

To Be Continued…

Whoop! Another chapter done! Finally! Sorry it took me so long to get this one up. It was originally going to be longer but I decided to cut short on it this time.

Anyway I'd like to give a BIG thanks to anyone that has reviewed for the last chapter and all the other chapters before, because all of you made my day. I had a point where I wasn't going to continue this but I read some of the reviews I got and I just couldn't leave you guys waiting. I just want to say thank you all. Please review for this chapter, I love you guys!

Okay now the review responses (yes no preview this time :-P)

gamesrcool- Thanks a lot! You made my day AND you get 2 cookies and 5 points for being the ONLY person that voted!

xXHeroine of TimeXx- Thank you so much for reviewing! I'm glad that you like it!

Paper Bear- I love your story a lot! It's so much better then I could do, but I'm glad you like mine and thank you!

Tinkies- I love the new name, and thank you, your reviews are always so nice!

Chibi-Kazooie- Haha, I love your name as well and thank you for the review, I'm sorry I had to kill Maku but it will get better in the end I promise!

serenitythefaierikin- Thanks a lot for your review! Yours was one that forced me to go on! Beware though, I rarely update as some know so you might end up having to hunt me down sometime, lol

Thank you guys so much for reviewing, remember the more reviews you get the more cookies you earn hands out cookies to people who just reviewed I'll have to restock soon. Anyway thank you guys again it means a lot.

REVIEW!

:chel bel: