Chapter 5: Truth Revealed

" So you're Link, huh?" Ingo guessed, crossing his arms.

Link dismounted Epona, nodding as the mare ran over toward Malon. Malon embraced Epona with a hug, but kept her attention on Link. He didn't look much different from the last time they saw each other. His appearance was the same from when he was a kid, with a few minor changes to his clothing. Malon just laughed at the thought that never ditched the green tunic, or hat. Though, it made him who he was.

" You look different from the last time you were here. You know, a lot has changed since you've left…" Ingo continued on. Malon was getting anxious that he might spill a little too much information. " A little boy came saying that—"

"—Ingo!" Malon snapped his name quickly.

She forced herself away from Epona and grabbed his arm, pulling him away from Link and over to her father. Link stood raising an eyebrow, perplexed by their actions. Things have changed since the last time he was here.

" Malon…what are you doing?" Ingo pulled away from the red-hair's grip, almost dropping the bottle of Lon Lon Milk.

She placed her hands on her hips and pointed out to the middle of the ranch. Link wasn't even here for over a minute and all ready Ingo was about to explode, telling him everything that had happened. Link shouldn't know about Durnal right this moment, it would be better if they waited. As long as Durnal didn't find out Link was here, then things would be under control.

" Father, how about you and Ingo go talk with Durnal," Malon whispered so Link wouldn't hear. Luckily Link was busy brushing Epona, that he failed to listen to the conversation. " Make sure you don't tell him that Link is here. Try to keep him away from the stable."

Talon crossed his arms. Work was far behind as it is, and now Malon wanted him to baby-sit Durnal? He was done with children, how was he supposed to keep him out in the ranch?

" Malon, look…"

" Please father, just for a bit…"

Talon sighed deeply, going to regret this once more. " Fine. Ingo let's go."

With the three of them out of the way, for now, Malon had the chance to speak with Link privately, and hopefully reconnect with her childhood friend. All she hoped was that it would go well without them end up fighting. After all, it had been eight years.

Inside the stable, Malon began to feed and groom Epona. She was happy to see her, grown and healthy. It was almost as if, she lived on another ranch, where she was taken care of. Link would be able to care for the mare, but traveling for a long time…she pictured Epona looking different.

" Was Epona well behaved?" Malon questioned the figure standing at the door.

Link laughed walking deeper into the room. His footsteps were heard behind her. " Of course, you worry too much."

" You still haven't change, even after eight years."

" Well, you know, I can still act like myself around you, Mal."

" How was your trip?" Malon grabbed a comb, and brushed through Epona's thick brown mane. " Did your personal business turn out okay?"

In the tone of her voice, Link could tell she still hasn't gotten over the fact that he left. He didn't know his quest was going to take as long as it did. The trip in Termina took up most of his time, even though in reality, it was only three days. At least he came back, so the promise was never broken.

Link walked over and sat down at the nearest stool, watching Malon as she quietly hummed Epona's song, to get the mare to calm down. He listened carefully, always wondering when he'd get to hear her sing again. He had to admit, traveling to Termina and back was very lonely, even with Epona's company. He always thought about his friends back here in Hyrule, and how much fun he had.

" Link?"

Link looked up in her direction seeing that she had set the comb down and faced him. Her sapphire eyes stared back at him. He had been lost in thought.

" If you say so…" He finally answered, his voice drifted off as he looked down at the ground. Malon could tell; it didn't turn out well.

" You've been gone for a long time," Malon gave Epona some water. " I was worried." She confessed.

" About what?" Link lifted his head.

Malon shrugged in response, "…well…that something happened."

Link laughed and stood stretching his arms in the air. " I can take care of myself, you know."

" I figured."

" Malon, what's wrong?" Link took a couple of steps closer to her. " Has something happened?"

Malon shook her head, wondering if she should tell. She wouldn't be able to keep it a secret any longer, not to mention her father and Ingo getting tired of hiding Durnal. If Link stayed for the night, then things would get hectic. Of course Link would ask many questions that she wouldn't have the answer too. All she knew was that Durnal was the son of a man named Link. Link, could be someone else for all they knew, but the name wasn't that common.

" No…" She lied, was it the truth? " I was just…I don't know. I missed you."

" Really?" Link questioned, surprised by her answer.

Malon tensely smiled and nodded. " I guess…you're the only friend I have. I just wanted to see you again."

" I wasn't going to break the promise, Mal. I kept my word. But I do have to head to the castle, I'll probably be there for a while."

" To see the princess?" Link heard the hurt in her voice.

" Yes, since I knew it the king would make me stay for the night, I decided to come and see you first."

Malon forced a smile and nodded. " I'm glad."

She slowly frowned biting her lip before turning out back to Epona. She had to tell him before he left, so it wasn't going to kill her. Besides, she had no clue when she would meet up with him again. Knowing that he was going to see Princess Zelda didn't please her that much. She hated feeling like second best, but at least he came to see her.

" There's something you should know…" Malon patted Epona's side, enjoying the comfort of her old friend.

She felt her mouth dry, her heart pounding in her chest. Why was this so hard? Was it because she was afraid of his reaction?

Link reached his hand out to touch her, but she moved away when she felt his hand rest against her shoulder. She enjoyed his touch, but hated to act like she didn't want him there.

" Malon?"

" A couple of weeks ago, I found a young boy unconscious in front of the ranch. He was weak so I decided to take care of him. He wasn't with anybody so I was worried that he might be an orphan. When I looked at him…I saw you."

" What do you mean?" Link crossed his arms.

" He looks exactly like you, Link. It was a little frightening…" She paused for a brief moment, waiting for him to reply. After a long while of silence she continued. " When I asked him where his parents were, he said that he didn't know and was looking for his father. He said his father was you, Link."

Malon sighed with relief that she had finally gotten it out. She waited in silence, wondering why he didn't say anything back. She was a little nervous, to turn around to see his expression, knowing that he either wasn't going to believe it, or ask millions of questions.

When she heard him shift to a different position, she developed enough courage, to finally turn around…

A/N:

Yes! I know it's a very short chapter! Very sry, for the shortness there and I promise the next one will be longer. Now since I'm back from vacation I was upset that I didn't get to write for the five days I was gone. Once I got back I continued to write some more chapters for my stories, and ended up finishing this one.

I tried to make this chapter longer than what it turned out to be but it was a little difficult. I was going to continue after that, but it would have been harder to end and I wanted you guys to wait to see what happens, just this once. I usually don't like waiting for others to update or leave cliffhangers, but it wouldn't be that good a story without being suspenseful, right?

Zeldafreak123: Thanks for you're reviews, I'll always be waiting to read them.

Footballweiner: I really appreciate your review. My family usually says, my writing is what a good story should be, and I guess they were right. I'm happy to hear it from you.

NaruNaru.O.k: I enjoyed writing about that chapter so I'm glad that it was exciting for you. Hope there are more exciting chapters in the future. I'll try not to disappoint my readers.

Anyway until next time!