Chapter 13: Confession

" If you ever need to be healed, then please come back to visit."

Link found himself on his knees, sitting in front of a large fountain. Where he was didn't matter. For all he knew, he was sitting in darkness. It was difficult to see anything except what was in front of him. Moving was impossible, for every move he made caused a terrible serge of pain to erupt inside of him. Still weak and tired, Link sat in his spot unable to move.

A familiar, yet annoying, laugh rung through Link's head. The same phrase reappeared in his mind, over and over again. Before he knew it, a figure soared out of the middle of the fountain and hovered in front of Link, with a graceful smile on her face.

" If you ever need to be healed, then please come back to visit." She repeated. " I guess the time has come."

She lifted her hands in the air, causing Link to slowly move his head, for him to see what was happening. Due to his vision, he couldn't see the figure in front of him, but the voice sounded too familiar.

Link's eyes widen when he noticed a colored circle surround him. He felt relaxed, and calm, slowly feeling his energy returning. The pain that filled his body had ceased, and the strength to actually move came back to him. Being recovered, and fully healed, Link's vision slowly returned to normal, but not quick enough for him to catch a glimpse of her. It didn't matter to him, he already knew.

" If you ever need to be healed, then please come back to visit."

" Link…"

Link's eyes shot open as he rapidly sat up, looking around the empty room. He was lying on the floor in Anju's guest bedroom, with the blue ocarina still in hand. He blinked a couple of times, trying to remember what happened before he had fallen asleep. Nothing came to mind, except for the strange encounter with the Great Fairy. He didn't know if it was actually a dream or not…but he was healed.

Link energetically stood to his feet, putting the instrument away. He hurried over the Master Sword, and put it away before grabbing his glove that Malon had taken off. After sliding it back on he headed out of the room. He didn't forget about helping Zelda, or apologizing to Malon. He had a lot of things to do, and didn't know how much time he actually had with Takara free.

He was surprised to find that downstairs; Anju's house was filled with most of the people of Kakariko Village. Everyone squeezed into the small living room, trying hard to make the best of what they had. Link stood at the top of the stairs, his eyes frantically scanning the room for someone in particular. He found Anju at the wooden table in the middle of room, giving what was left of food to a young homeless boy who reminded Link of Durnal. He had to go back to the ranch, to see them again.

" Link!" Anju exclaimed cheerfully when she noticed the healed healthy hero. " You're awake."

Link nodded and began to walk downstairs. He watched as Anju politely pushed her way through the crowd over to the bottom of the stairs.

" What happened?"

" I'm letting all of these people stay until we find out what to do." Anju answered. " You've recovered well."

" I had a strange visit with someone who, I guess, helped me out." Link explained scratching the back of his head. Link's eyes scanned the room once more, causing Anju to chuckle in response.

" Malon's not here."

" I wasn't looking for her," Link quickly replied, his fell back to the redhead in front of him.

" I haven't heard from her, since she left."

" How long ago was that?" Link crossed his arms.

" About three days ago."

" Three days ago!" Link shouted causing a couple of people nearby to stare. He shook his head. He couldn't believe it. He had been asleep for three days? " Any news on Princess Zelda?"

Anju shook her head, " Maybe you should go check out the castle, to see if she's okay."

Link nodded agreeing to the suggestion. There was no time to waste; he had already wasted three days sleeping. There was no telling what could have happened during that time.

Walking outside of the house, Link grabbed his blue ocarina and quickly brought it to his lips. He paused before playing, noticing how badly Kakariko ended up. He was going to get rid of Takara; he wasn't going to let her get away with anything.

Link closed his eyes thinking about the Temple of Time, and abruptly began to play.

" I don't know what happened, or how for that matter."

Link stood, dumb-founded, unable to speak or move for that matter. He stood, staring down at the king's lifeless body in front of him. Half of the people in the castle had died; Link was lucky enough to find one of the royal guards alive. Though he was severely injured, he was breathing and able to walk.

" All I know is we didn't stand a chance."

Link forced himself to turn away from the corpse and walk out of the throne room, toward Princess Zelda's chamber. The injured guard quickly followed after. Link couldn't figure out how the king had died. There were no open wounds on his body, no bruises or anything. He seemed perfectly fine. His face was very pale; his eyes open like he had died in shock.

Link's muscles tightened, as he climbed the stairs up to Zelda's room. He didn't want to enter her room and find the same scene as he did in the throne room. He knew something bad had happened; she had explained it earlier when they were in the garden. She knew something was going to happen to her, and she was right—like always. Link had failed to protect her like he wanted too.

At the opened door leading into her bedroom, Link's anxious eyes fell upon the princess who laid on her bed. Her skin was pale, and her eyes were closed, but Link noticed something that had calmed him down completely. She was breathing.

Link hurried to princess's aid stepping over the body lying on the floor in her room. He sat down on the edge of her bed, while the injured guard examined the man on the floor. Link studied her face; she seemed peaceful and calm. He could have sworn he saw her smile. She was in a coma, which for now was better than death.

" I'm sorry," Link whispered, as he brought his hand to her face. " I should have been there…"

Link gently rubbed the tips of his fingers over her soft rosy cheeks. The pain inside of him was unbearable. He couldn't believe that this had happened to her. He only wished, that he could redo time right now, just so that he could have saved her from this coma.

" Brother!"

Link turned his attention to the unexpected Goron that stood in the doorway. The wounded guard quickly ran away from the door over to the window near Link, frightened by the sudden visit. It was no ordinary Goron, though. It was the Fire Sage, Daruina.

" Brother! I'm so glad that you are okay." Daruina slowly walked into the room, his smile quickly turned into a frown and the usual irritated look that Link was use to, appear on his face. " There is no time for brotherly talks now."

" Where is Takara?" Link demanded as he stood from the bed, and crossed his arms.

" I don't know," Daruina answered truthfully. " But I do know that she had caused trouble again."

" Where would that be?"

" Some lone ranch in the middle of the Hyrule."

Link's arms fell to the side, his heart almost stopped. " W-what? Lon Lon Ranch?" He swallowed hard, feeling it impossible to breathe.

" I think that was it, I heard that she stopped by there before heading off once more. Saria, of the Forest Temple and Ruto, of the Water Temple are scouting for her whereabouts. I fear they may need your help. Brother, you must stop Takara and save Hyrule. I will watch over Princess Zelda, you must hurry."

Link didn't hesitate after hearing what Daruina had to tell him. He was surprised by the Goron's appearance, but was actually grateful that the Sage had stopped by. Hearing that Takara had stopped by Lon Lon Ranch caused Link to head directly there after leaving Hyrule Castle. While Ruto and Saria search for Takara, he had to check up on Malon and Durnal, to see if they were all right.

Link played Epona's song, and watched as Epona trotted over to him away from her spot by the river. He quickly mounted the mare, before riding off toward Lon Lon Ranch in the distance. Link was amazed at how fast Epona could run, for he made it to Lon Lon Ranch before dawn. He had never ridden this fast before, and knew that they had set another record.

It was clear Epona was just as concerned as Link.

Inside Lon Lon Ranch, Link leaped off of Epona leaving the mare outside by the stables. Link noticed that everything outside was normal, the horses and cuccos were still alive and the house looked the same. The only difference was that the door was destroyed and now located inside the living room. Takara had surely been here.

Trying to ignore his rapid heartbeat, Link abruptly looked around the living room, finding Ingo lying on the ground unconscious. Link walked up to the old man, examining his bruises and seeing that they were minor. The only serious cut that Ingo had was on his right arm. He had a deep slash from the broken milk bottles that were spread across the floor.

Leaving the man alone, Link hurried upstairs desperately in search for Malon and Durnal. He ran passed Talon's room, catching a glimpse of Talon who was in his bed. His mind wasn't focused on them, just to two that really matter to him.

" Malon!"

Link turned into Malon's room and stopped in the doorway, his eyes widened at the sight in front of him. Link sighed in despair, when he saw Malon sitting up with her back against the wall. He took small steps closer to her, his face filled with sorrow as his blue eyes watered. Just like the rest of them, Malon was also unconscious, breathing very heavy. Her mouth slightly hung open, as blood dripped down her chin staining her white shirt. She had minor bruises on her arms, but small cuts on her face that were going to leave light scars, not to mention the left black eye. The only serious injury Link had spotted was the deep cut on Malon's right leg. The bottom portion of her purple skirt was torn, and her leg was dripping blood onto the floor and into her brown boots.

Tears rolled down Link's cheek as he ran to her side. He sat one knee on the ground, pulling her fragile body into his arms. Link's tears continued to flow, as he gently brushed the couple of strands of hair out of her face. He rubbed her forehead with the back of his hand feeling that she was cold to the touch.

" Malon, please wake up!" Link cried softly, continuing to stroke her hair. " I'm sorry about everything, please wake up!"

Malon laid still in his arms, looking as peaceful as a doll. Link watched as his tears landed on her cheek. He hated seeing her like this; the cuts on her cheek, the black eye that formed, and the bruise marks that covered her body. The room was trashed, and Durnal was nowhere to be found. At the moment, he didn't feel like a hero.

" Malon…" Link cried. He shook his head unable to think of something to say. " I love you, Mal. I know you're stronger than this, please open your eyes. Let me know that you're going to make it."

Link lightly kissed her forehead and brought her closer to him to keep her warm. He closed his eyes tightly, never going to be able to forgive himself for what happened to her. If it weren't for the argument, then this probably wouldn't have happened. Link would have been with her, to protect her.

Malon winced moaning lightly as she moved her head. Link opened his eyes, watching as she struggled to wake up. She licked the dry blood that was on her lips, before slowly opening her eyes.

" Malon!"

Malon reacted to Link's voice and lifted her head, seeing that she was in his arms. She smiled, and weakly sat up wrapping her arms around his neck to embrace him with a hug. Even though she wanted to hate him for what he said, she couldn't stay mad at him. He came back to her, even though he was little too late.

Link wanted to tighten their hug, but was respectful of her injuries. He quickly wiped away his tears, so that she didn't find out that he was crying. Although she wouldn't care, since he was crying for her.

" I'm glad you're okay, I'm so sorry for what I said, and for what happened to you." Link quickly apologized.

Malon pulled away from Link, and warmly smiled. " There's no need to apologize, I overreacted."

" Here, let me help you."

Link grabbed Malon's arms, helping the redhead to her feet. She grunted, trying hard to put the pain that flowed throughout her leg behind her. Since it was too painful to walk on, Malon limped over to her father's room, to see if her father is recovering.

Link followed close behind, to make sure she makes it over to Talon's bed. As Malon sat down checking up on her father, he walked back to the door, and stood waiting patiently. Malon was going to be all right, he was content to say. Luckily for him, she didn't hear what he had said while she was unconscious. But one thing still bothers him…

" Where's Durnal?"

Malon looked up from her father, and looked back at Link standing in the doorway. She frowned, and continued to keep her hand on Talon's chest. Durnal had agreed to go with Takara to save her from being hurt, yet the evil witch tricked them ending up having her fun anyways.

" Takara has taken him." She answered miserably.

" Where?"

" I don't know…" Malon whispered. She looked at her father, feeling his head to see if his fever had diminished. After finding out that his condition was the same, Malon remembered the conversation her and Durnal had before Takara appeared.

Zora's Domain…

" Zora's Domain!" Malon cried out.

" That's where she had take him?" Link raised an eyebrow, perplexed.

" He said something about Zora's Domain, maybe he was telling me that that's where the final battle occurs." Malon suggested; she could be right.

Link nodded, now knowing that Zora's Domain is his next stop. He had to rescue his son, which probably didn't happen in the future since Durnal wasn't born. Durnal's kidnap could have been over three days ago, there's no telling what Takara would do to him. He needed to act fast.

" I must go then."

" I know…" Malon replied softly. " I will stay here, you hurry and stop Takara." She paused before adding, "Be careful Link."

Link nodded before stepping back into the hallway and hurrying downstairs. " I will."

Outside at the stables, Link found Epona and guided her passed the house, over to the entrance to Lon Lon Ranch. He was going to regret leaving Malon again, but he has to stop Takara. Things were bad as it is; he didn't want Hyrule to be completely in ruins. She had already destroyed two towns, the castle and the ranch. She had gone far enough.

Link brought his foot onto the stirrup, about to mount Epona when he noticed Malon run out of the house calling his name. He stopped and jumped off, taking a couple of steps forward to see what she had wanted.

Malon stood by the door, her heart raced as she stared the man in front of her. The pain in her leg wasn't bothering her anymore, not since her mind was focused on what she had planned to say. He was leaving, and if she lets him go now, then might not get another chance for a while.

" Link…"

I was the one who made the first move…

Link watched as Malon ran over toward him, spreading her arms out probably for another hug. He was quite surprised the pain in her leg wasn't bothering her. Link uncrossed his arms, getting prepared for the embrace. He was shocked to find, that Malon didn't end up giving him a hug. Instead she had wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her, until their lips met.

Link's eyes widened shocked for a brief moment before he closed his eyes; giving in. He placed his arm around her waist, moving one arm up to her chin, deepening the kiss, causing Malon to shiver. Malon brushed his exposed hair out of his face, as their tongues gently touched.

Moments later, Link reluctantly pulled away causing their lips to part, the feeling killing Malon inside. She removed her arms from around his neck and stepped back, biting her lips in embarrassment. Her face blushed, almost turning the color of her hair. She had finally gotten it off of her chest, and she's at least happy about that.

Link was still traumatized at the thought, but forced it behind him as he mounted Epona, getting ready to head to Zora's Domain. No matter how hard he tried, his mind kept going back to what had just happened.

" I—I have to go, now."

" Link…" Malon called, she forced herself to look at him. " I have a question…"

" What is it?" Link held on tightly to the reins, watching Malon carefully.

Malon hesitated for a bit, but finally had enough courage to ask. " Do you love me?"

Link's affectionate blue eyes stared down at Malon, for the longest time. She felt like running back inside the house, to hide, but wanted to know the truth. She needed to know, here and now…

Link, with a loving smile, nodded his head; words didn't have to be said. Malon clearly understood.

" I'll be back…"

Malon laughed, " Like you always say."

Link continued to smile, and chuckled softly. " This time I have a reason."

" And what's that?"

"…To be with you."

A chill ran up Malon's spine. She couldn't help but chuckle and blush, as she watched Link and Epona swiftly ride off the ranch.

A/N:

Wow, I actually thought that this chapter was going to be shorter than the last one. Hmmm, I guess I was wrong. I didn't matter since it didn't take me long to write. I actually had a good time writing this chapter, since I couldn't wait until Link and Malon finally confessed. So there you go, the truth for them is finally out! Now it's time to work on the final battle….

Xakattack: I was afraid you lost interest in the story, thank god you reviewed. Sorry for the cliffhanger, stories have to have them. Thanks for the review!

Fire god101: Yes, I do believe it was a sudden surprise, but you know we can't have him die. Thanks for the review.

Shiru23454: Thanks for you input on everything, though I can understand what your talking about. It lets me kno that you're paying attention, haha. Thanks for your review, and just to let you kno, Epona has been mentioned in the previous chapters. So she's been here since Link's return.

Mandy: I'm glad that you have everything planned out, and sorry about the cliffhanger, I sometimes hate them as well, but o well. Thanks always!

NoOnSh: No problem, as long as you reviewed. Hehe. I'm honored that you love the story, and yes I am dedicated to my writing. I will not disappoint my readers. Never!

Liz0888: Thanks for the review! I too will be sad when the story ends, but they all end sometime. The ending to this chapter was the part that you'd all enjoy. Hopefully you did. Haha.

Maw: Thanks for the review, sorry about the fight. They made up, eventually you knew it was going to happen.