Chapter 11: A Fall For the Worst

Link finally forced himself to let go of Malon, but quickly pushed her behind him. His cautious blue eyes swiftly moved some side to side, as he searched desperately for Takara. Her sounded close, but her presence wasn't visible. When Link noticed purple smoke hover above the building they stood by, the Master Sword was promptly in his hands.

Takara's hysterical laugh echoed into the air, causing the people of Kakariko Village to run in fright. They hid within houses, and some even left Kakariko territory. Anju began to run back to her house, but when she noticed Darien not moving, and staring out at the purple smoke, something inside of her forced her to stay nearby.

Malon gripped tightly onto Link's green tunic when Takara appeared out of the smoke. She glided down to the roof of the building, carrying a wide grin on her face. Link eyed the necklace, knowing that it's the key to destroying her. At the moment, he didn't know how powerful she actually was. If she had enough strength to destroy the Master Sword and kidnap a Sage, then he was going to have a hard time on his hands.

Link pressured Malon in leaving, and getting to safety, but Malon refused to leave him behind. She held tightly onto him, staying close knowing that he wouldn't let anything bad happen to her.

" The Hero of Time," Takara sneered, with a devilish smirk. Link's grip on his sword tightened as Takara's fierce visible purple eye gazed down upon him and Malon. " Looks like we finally meet."

" Takara!" Link spat, " Where's Impa and Nabooru."

Takara shrugged, crossing her arms. " Who cares? You will join them soon."

" I will stop you," Link informed. " I know how."

" And I can easily stop you," Takara replied, speaking in a striking tone. " You are no match for me, Link, The Hero of Time."

Takara lifted both arms above her head. Link's eyes widen as a purple light formed. The air around them became dry quickly, everything felt heavy. Link held his chest, believing that Takara was sucking up all of the oxygen around them to create her power.

Everyone around them was getting weaker.

Takara leaped into the air, and fired the beam in their direction. Link quickly recovered from strange feeling, and grabbed Malon's arm, jumping out of the way of her attack. As the beam collided to the spot where they once stood, Link and Malon ended up out by the lone tree right in front of the entrance to Kakariko Village. Link fixed his hat and turned around looking back at the spot they stood at. The small area in front of the building was nothing, but burnt ashes. Link and Malon would have died instantly.

" Malon, please go, and get out of here." Link pleaded as he grabbed Malon's arm helping her to her feet.

The petrified look on Malon's face never seemed to die off. Her eyes were wide and her skin turned pale. Her hands trembled uncontrollably, and seeing the anxious look on Link's face, had streamed many thoughts into her head. She flinched at his harsh tone, and knew that if she stayed, would be putting Link in jeopardy.

She couldn't stay, since she was useless and would be putting her life in danger. Link already had to worry about himself; there was no way she was going to make his time difficult, by staying with him.

" Please, be careful," Malon whispered, before quickly running out of Kakariko Village.

Link grabbed his sword, and tightly held onto it as he ran across Kakariko Village over toward the well. He turned back to the roof where Takara was last seen and noticed that she was gone. Standing perfectly still, Link looked around the deserted town. Everything was quiet, a little too quiet for him. The only thing he heard was the windmill behind him, and the only thing he felt, was his rapid heartbeat.

Link turned his attention to Darien, who ran down the ramp over by the Cucoo's pen. He was astonished Darien didn't run and hide like the other villagers. He admired Darien's bravery, but still didn't like him. Darien tried to take Malon away from him, and Link desperately hated the feeling like he was competing for a girl.

" Link, behind you!"

Link reacted to Darien's shout and turned to find Takara floating right

behind him. Before he could react any further, Takara grabbed the front of Link's tunic, lifting him off of the ground. A smile formed on her lips as she brought him eye level with her. Link tried to pry himself free or at least attack, but the grip she held on him, squeezed his throat, causing him to choke.

" I'll deal with Darien, later." Takara remarked; she looked into Link's eyes, locking him into a trance. " But right now, I'll deal with you."

Link shook his head, forcing himself to look away. Takara was just too strong. He couldn't help, but stare into the beauty of her eye. He watched carefully, traumatized as Takara's pupil began to dilate. Soon, the color of her eye was gone, and her entire eye became black. Link continued to stare; his struggle had ceased—he was giving up completely.

Takara had smiled at her success, when she noticed Link's pupils enlarging as well. The blue color of his eyes was diminishing, and soon, very soon, he would be hers.

" What the hell…" Darien murmured when he noticed the Hero of Time giving up.

He couldn't let this young witch win. She was doing something to Link, since her gaze never left his. Darien imagined that she was pulling him into her mind, getting him lost within her thoughts. He had to do something. The only thing that came to mind was to get her focused on something else.

It was the only way.

Darien grabbed the switchblade connected to his boot, and carefully aimed up at Takara's head. It wasn't the aim that he was worried about; it was the distance. He didn't want to get too close, but needs it to be close enough for Takara to notice it. He briefly closed one eye, before bringing his hand back behind his head, and flinging the knife forward.

The knife soared in the air, heading straight for Takara and Link. Takara forced herself to look away, and hold her free out to stop the knife within its tracks. Link blinked causing his eyes to return to normal, and snapping back into reality. Wondering what had happened, Link put his thoughts behind him and focused on Takara.

Link brought his leg into the air kicking Takara right in the chest. The young witch promptly let go of Link's tunic, being caught off guard and lowered her hand causing the knife to fall to the ground. Link landed on the edge of the well and lost his balance tumbling back. He let go of the Master Sword, watching as it fell down to the bottom of the dark empty well.

Takara lowered herself to the ground and began to run down after Link. She tried to catch Link off guard, but the Hylian was too quick. He jumped to his feet, and began to dodge her attacks, starting the battle off well. Without his sword, he was useless…he needed to get it back.

When the moment was right, Link darted toward the well, hoping that he would get there before Takara reaches him. Forgetting all about her teleportation, Link abruptly stopped when Takara appeared right in front of him. She smiled and quickly brought her fist into his chin, knocking him back toward the tree.

Takara steadily walked toward him, as he tried to recover from powerful blow. He grunted and moaned, his legs to weak to stand up. A throbbing pain, flowed throughout his mouth, he felt dizzy and tired.

" You are a cute one Link," Takara exclaimed, " But it's a shame that you are my enemy."

Once reaching the injured elf, Takara kneed him in the stomach causing him to fall to his knees in pain. She bit her fingernail frowning, acting as if she felt sorry for him. She laughed and brutally slapped him across his face. Link fell to the ground before struggling to his feet again. He coughed deeply and spit to the side, seeing that his saliva was filled with blood. What was he going to do? The pain inside of him was unbearable and without his sword, there was nothing he could do.

" Go on, cry out in pain." Takara urged, placing her hands on her hips. " I am unstoppable! No one can stop me."

" I-I can…"

Takara frowned at the little bit of confident within his voice. How could he still be so confident, even after everything I did? She quickly bent down, grabbing his leg and swinging him around in the air like some rag doll. Link screamed, as he was thrown back toward the building where the cursed family lived. Takara lifted off the ground and crossed her arms, watching as Link still struggled to stand to his feet.

He's got guts. I will say that. Takara grinned. Time to finish him off.

Takara lifted her hands above her head. Waiting a bit, as Link took small steps toward the well, where the Master Sword is located. A purple ball of energy formed above her head, the same one she used before. Once it was fully charged, she fired the beam toward Link…

Link's eyes widen he noticed the beam heading straight in his direction. He quickly closed his eyes, and held up his shield, feeling the hard impact as he collided back within the building.

The last thing Link heard was Takara's ominous laugh and Darien crying out his name…

" Go to sleep, you nitwit," Durnal heard Ingo jokingly scold.

Durnal knelt down next to the door leading toward Talon's room, listening to Ingo and Talon argue for the past ten minutes.

" I can't," Talon complained miserably. " Malon hasn't returned yet, something has happened to her."

" She's probably being delayed, Talon you're too sick to get up! I'll take care of everything, please go to sleep."

Durnal stepped back and sat down in the middle of the hallway as the cracked door opened. Ingo walked out of the room and walked pass Durnal heading downstairs. The man didn't acknowledge that Durnal was even there, but it seems that other things were on his mind.

Durnal noticed Talon lying in bed, sniffing and panting. He knew he wasn't allowed in Talon's room, but right now he wanted someone to talk too. Malon had been gone all morning; he was anxious just as much as his grandfather.

" Talon…"

Talon's head shot up when he heard Durnal's voice. Durnal stood by the door, tense and concerned. Talon drew a small smile and laid his back down on the pillow. Seeing the smile on his face, gave Durnal enough courage to walk deeper into the room, over toward his bed.

" How are you doing, Durnal?" Talon coughed horribly, before pulling the covers up to his chin.

" Are you okay?" Durnal's voice trembled.

Talon nodded, and continued to smile, not to trouble the boy in anyway. " I'm alive in the future, right?" Durnal nodded. " No need to worry, then."

" When will mother get back?" Durnal questioned.

Talon shrugged unaware of the answer himself. He was deeply worried about his daughter's safety, but knows that she's somewhere safe. Even though she should have been home some time ago, he believed that she was fine. He had to think positive.

" I wouldn't worry too much."

Durnal nodded, feeling a little better, but a smile wouldn't form on his face. He knew what was happening around Hyrule. Takara was free during the time of Talon's illness, his mother had told him that. He was terrified about what Takara might be doing.

Talon continued to cough vigorously. Durnal stepped back, watching as Talon's face turned red. Sweat was dripping down Talon's forehead from the fever he developed over the past couple of days. His eyes watered and his nose had a pinkish color to it. His skin had turned very pale and it brought out the many gray strands of hair mixed in with his natural brown.

Ingo ran into the room, when he heard the pain that Talon was in. He ran passed Durnal once more, pushing him out of the way. Ingo ran up next up to Talon's bed and handed him some water. Talon refused and calmed down, explaining that he was all right, but Ingo wasn't going to leave until he finished his drink.

Durnal watched quietly, as Talon drank the water given to him. Ingo turned around noticing Durnal behind him and grabbed his arm pulling him out of the room.

" I told you not to bother Talon while he's sick!" Ingo snapped, at the young Hylian.

" I'm sorry, I was just—"

" He need's his sleep." Ingo quietly closed the door. He sighed irritated and walked downstairs, back to work.

Durnal listened as Ingo opened the front door walking outside, leaving the boy alone. He sobbed and sat down in front of Talon's room bringing his knees to his chest. He wished Malon had gotten back. He wanted someone around him who cared. Ingo could care less and Talon was sick. He felt alone, hating the feeling that he wasn't wanted.

Durnal buried his face in arms, and softly cried.

Malon hesitated for a bit, before walking over to Anju by the Cucco's pen. As Malon headed down the ramp, she gazed at Kakariko Village. Everything was completely ruined; Takara had destroyed the town and vanished. The windmill was on fire, some houses were no longer standing, and all of the trees and bushes were burnt to a crisp. Not to mention, about five people were reported dead.

Malon felt her muscles tightened when she noticed Anju on her knees crying into her hands. She wanted to cry with her, but managed to keep her tears hidden. Anju's house didn't end up as bad as others, only part of her roof was torn off, but nothing too seriously where she would end up homeless. Anju's Cucco's where missing, but that wasn't the reason why Anju was in a painful state.

" Anju, are you going to be okay?" Malon questioned being concerned for her friend, she kept her eyes focused on the redhead.

Anju removed her face from her hands and nodded slowly. Tears rolled down her rosy cheeks. Her face and arms covered in light bruises, nothing too seriously. " I'll be fine, Malon." She sobbed, closing her eyes. " Please don't worry about me."

Malon nodded, before briefly glancing at the body on the ground. She cringed, and miserably walked back up to Anju's house. At the top of the hill, she looked around at Kakariko Village, listening to the many cries of the homeless villagers, and seeing the conditions that they were in. It hurt Malon, seeing them like this, and how Takara had gotten away with everything.

Inside Anju's house, Malon had grabbed the wooden bowl filled with water and a rag. She carefully brought it upstairs, over to the guest room where she found Link unconscious on the bed. She smiled at him, glad that he's alive, but hated seeing all of the cuts and bruises on body.

Malon sat the bowl on the nightstand, and grabbed a small stool bringing it next to the bed. She carefully grabbed the rag, and rung out the water, before placing it on his forehead. As Malon used the rag to cool him off, she examined his injuries.

It was mainly on his face where you could see the injuries clearly. Blood dripped down his chin from his mouth and he had many small bruises and scratches. His breathing was heavy, and his eyes remained closed.

" You are a lucky one, Link." Malon explained softly, as she grabbed his right hand, the one he uses to carry his shield.

She left the damp rag on his forehead, before carefully pulling off his glove and putting it aside. She rolled up his long white sleeve, noticing that his hand and wrist was swollen. Malon held his arm within her cold hands thinking that he had fractured his wrist, from the impact of Takara's attack. She hated, seeing the battle against Takara, knowing that couldn't leave Link behind. She had listened to him and left, but hid staying within Kakariko Territory.

Malon softly hummed Epona's Song, as she lightly rested her head on Link's chest. Listening to him breath, and feeling the motion of his chest, Malon briefly closed her eyes never letting go of Link's hand.

" Malon…"

Malon opened her eyes and shot her head up, when she noticed Link recovering from his long sleep. She felt a rush of joy, serge through her when he opened his weak eyes, and licked his dry lips trying to sit up.

Malon let go of his hand and lightly placed it on his chest to keep him from moving. He was still weak and needed to rest a little more before trying to stand.

" Rest Link," She whispered. " It's okay."

" Malon…" Link's eyes fell upon her before he looked around at his surroundings. " Where am I?" The words struggled out of his mouth.

" In Anju's house…" Malon answered.

Link's eyes widened, as he looked back at her. " She is okay? What happened? What—"

Malon placed her finger over his mouth to keep him quiet. Link paused, and slowly calmed down. Using his good hand, he grabbed her hand moving it away from his mouth.

" Anju is fine," Malon forced a smile, " She's outside right now."

" Darien?"

Malon paused for moment, a frown returned on her face. She looked down at the ground, the same pain flowing throughout her. She remembered the miserable look on Anju's face. " He's dead…" She forced herself not to cry.

Link saw the hurt on her face, and remembered that Darien had helped him out during the battle against Takara. She must have killed him, after he went unconscious. Link closed his eyes, feeling guilty like it is his fault Darien had died. He should have been there to protect him.

" Mal, I'm sorry."

Link lifted his injured arm up to her face and lightly placed it on her cheek. He lifted her face, causing her to look at him. She sobbed lightly, a small tear rolled down her cheek. She smiled, when noticing the concern look in his eyes. Link was worried about her. Things could have been worse; Link could have been the one who ended up dead.

" I'm glad that you're okay. If something happened to you, I don't know what I'd do." Malon confessed.

Link wiped her tear away using his thumb. He sighed deeply, remembering that he had told her to leave. What was she doing here?

" I thought I told you leave Kakariko Village. Takara could have seen you."

Malon chuckled at the sense of him complaining all ready. She lightly grabbed his injured hand, bringing it back down to his side. Getting the rag still placed on his forehead, she brought it back to the bowl, getting it soaked with some more water.

" I couldn't leave you."

" Something bad could have happened."

" She didn't see me."

Link felt his anger rising. " Malon, you don't understand. If something happened to you, I'd just die!" He heard the stress within his voice. " You don't know how important you are to me—" He stopped short realizing what he had just said.

Malon dropped the rag into the bowl, and quickly turned around, her eyes wide in surprise. When her eyes fell upon him, he quickly looked away refusing eye contact. She had felt hopeful that he would continue; but knew that it wasn't going to happen. At least she knows that he deeply cares for her.

" Besides…" Link started off, slowly. " The Master Sword is in the well. It's gone."

Malon smiled crossing her arms. " I wouldn't be too sure. The sword is fine, it's your shield that took the most damage."

Link looked up seeing Malon pointing over in the corner. Link turned his head, to find the Master Sword lying on the ground, in perfect condition. His shield on the other hand, had shattered in two. The impact was so strong; the force had broken it.

" It was quick thinking, Link," Malon walked back to the stool. " Holding the shield up in front of you saved your life."

" Who got my sword?" Link questioned.

" I did, after Takara fled."

Link turned his attention back to Malon. " You…"

" I watched the entire battle and after Anju and I brought you to her guest room. I went down the well and retrieved it."

Link was surprised and truly grateful that Malon had done all of this for him. He was twice as pleased, that she wasn't injured. With the Master Sword back at hand, Link still has a chance at destroying Takara. This incident must not be the part where she gets her full advantage, so Link still had some time. The only problem was finding out where she heads next.

" Link, there's something I need to tell you." Malon needed to tell him now. They were alone, and even though the moment wasn't perfect, she couldn't hold it back any longer.

" What's that?" Link questioned.

" Well, it's about how I feel and—"

" Link! Malon!"

Malon sighed infuriated that she was interrupted, but when Anju ran into the room in a hurry, she knew something had happened.

" Anju, are you okay?" Link asked with much concern.

Anju nodded catching her breath. " Yes, it's not about me. It's about Takara."

" Where is she?" He demanded.

" At Hyrule Castle! Link, Princess Zelda needs your help!"

A/N:

Wow! The longest chapter yet! Um…I think. I had made it longer, since I think the last chapter was a complete failure, but seeing that some people didn't think so, made me a little content. I actually had added the part at Lon Lon Ranch, with Durnal, Talon and Ingo. I originally wasn't going to add them in there, but it has been a while since I wrote about them. Especially Durnal since he's important to the story. This chapter turned out a lot better than the last one, but I still feel like I rushed it. Hmmm, maybe it's because I type so fast. I dunno, haha.

Xakattack: Thanks again for the review! I can always count on you to review every chapter. Also, thanks for the feedback for my other novel, I'm glad you like it. Once I'm done with the next chapter, I will send it to you.

Fire god101: Hopefully this is what you believe happened next. LOL. Thanks for the review!

Mandy: Yes, I do believe that nothing happened in the last chapter, but this one makes up for it. A lot of things happened. I kind of agree to you with Link not being the type who interferes that was one part of the story I didn't like. Thanks for pointing it out. And, yes sadly, the ending is near. Just a couple of chapters left. They will find out what the missing info is and Malon will get her chance with Link….

Liz0888: Aww, I'm really touched. Here's your next chapter. And hopefully I hope you're not upset about what happened to Darien. If you want him, go ahead. LOL.

Shiru 23454: Yes that chapter was for you! That was good thinking that Darien was Takara in disguise. It shows me that some people are really reading the story, getting all into it. Thanks for your review!

Thanks my faithful reviewers and readers. I'm happy my hits are up there…1521! Yeah! Go me!

Until Next Time!