Chapter 5

The bright sun was slowly beginning to peek of the horizon, rousing all from their slumber, however Malon was already up. She stood in front of her small vanity mirror, examining the dark swathe of blue on her cheek. Ingo had never once hit her, even though he had grabbed her arm and wrist several times before. How was she to explain this to Link? He surely would notice and question her. "I just have to make sure he doesn't see it," She whispered, brushing her hair over her cheek and covering the bruise. She descended the steps and found Ingo waiting patiently in the kitchen for his breakfast. She quickly prepared a simple meal of toast and bacon. "I haven't had the chance to make anymore preserves," she said, her head bent low, "I'll get to the grapevine today and have some made by tonight."

"We've been getting messages from Kakariko. You haven't been making deliveries," he said as he bit into a slice of bacon.

Malon had completely forgotten about the delivery route. While delivering their produce was her responsibility, her father usually had it done for her. "I better be on my way then." She finished quickly and ran outside.

Even though he tried speaking as normal as possible, there was still an uncomfortable tension between them. Malon was closing the gate to the cuccos coop when Link arrived. He was wearing an older tunic. The green had faded and there were several small holes scattered across it. "You came!" Malon said excitedly.

"I said I would after all. Now what will you have me do?"

"Do you know your way around Kakariko Village," she asked.

He replied with a simple nod. "Good, you're my delivery boy. I'll hitch the wagon to Epona and you take the produce to all the houses on this list," she reached into her apron pocket and handed him a small parchment full of names.

"This will take me all day…" Link said looking up at her, "I was hoping I could help out here on the ranch."

"I know, Link, and normally I would've done it but I've got a million other things to do now that dad's gone."

Link nodded understandingly, "Delivery Man, Link is at your service. I will have this done before you can say Ganon's your uncle."

Malon grinned and in turn irritated her bruise. She flinched with pain but resisted the urge to rub her face, knowing Link would grow suspicious. After Epona was hitched to the wagon, Malon helped Link load the milk, eggs, and vegetables. "That should do. Epona and I will be back in two shakes," Link said climbing aboard the wagon and taking a seat. He clicked his tongue and the two set off. Malon turned and spotted Ingo glaring at Link's back from the barn door. His eyes traveled over to Malon and his scowl deepened. Malon's fear of him had grown since the night before. She had known for a quite awhile, Ingo had a strong dislike for her father but she never understood why. Now that apparent hatred had shifted to her and he wasn't afraid to unleash it. "It would be best to simply avoid him," she reasoned. After all, he wouldn't strike her again, if she didn't provoke him, right? The rest of the day, she managed to remain out of his sight, but the late afternoon, proved to be a different story.

Malon was out in the barn, sweeping out the stalls, humming to herself softly. The creaking door caught her attention as Ingo entered with a large bale of hay hoisted over his shoulder. She began sweeping slower as he passed by. Feeling his eyes on her, her grip on the broom tightened and she lowered her head to avoid his cold stare. She listened closely to him as he worked, hoping he would leave soon. A few minutes had passed and he still hadn't left. As quietly as she could, Malon propped the broom against the wall and began walking toward the door. Suddenly, though, she felt a hand wrap around her arm and push her into the nearby wall. Ingo leaned his weight against her, trapping her between the wall and his body. His hands traveled up to her cheeks and he held her face in his hands, "Too good to look me in the eye are you?" he hissed.

She pushed him at him causing him to hold on to her tighter. His hands moved down to her waist, pressing his body closer to hers, his lips traveling down to her neck. Malon's mind was swimming with emotions, confusion and fear were among the most profound. She pushed him away with all her strength, "No!" She said firmly.

Ingo stumbled back surprised. "Get away from me," Malon yelled frantically, pressing herself against the wall.

Ingo chuckled, "You're gonna say no to me? Funny, I don't remember asking for your permission!"

He grabbed hold of her once more and pinned her to the wall with his weight. He ripped open the front of her dress, exposing the pale skin underneath. She could hear some of the buttons of her dress click against the wall as they fell away. His hands began searching her skin, groping her and leaving bruises.

A muffled voice interrupted him, "Malon! Malon!"

She recognized the voice to be Link's. Ingo rose up and pressed his index finger against her mouth, "Not a word," he whispered. Then he disappeared from sight. She was breathing heavily to calm her frayed nerves. The barn door opened and Link stepped into the room. Malon quickly pulled the front of her dress closed and smiled innocently at her friend. "I got all the produce out…hey what's wrong? What happened," he asked, noticing the torn fabric.

"Oh nothing. My dress just got caught on a snag. Ripped some of the buttons," she lied, pulling her dress tighter. She cringed, hoping he would buy the insane fib. Link looked at her suspiciously, "You sure that's what happened?"

She nodded vigorously, "Positive. I better go change."

She held her breathe as she walked by stiffly. As soon as she was out of his sight, she made a beeline for her bedroom. She threw open the door and slammed it shut behind her. After a few minutes of trying to catch her breath, she slid the lock into position and began changing her dress. She was smoothing out the wrinkles when she heard the doorknob rattle. She sighed with relief when she heard Link's voice, "Hey open up, Red. It's me."

She unlocked the door and opened it, "Come on in."

"What'd you lock the door for?" he asked, stepping in.

"It's a habit, sorry," she answered, smiling back at him.

"Oh…well anyway, I just stopped by to tell you that while I was out delivering the goods, I got a message from Zora's Domain. And I gotta head over there. So I can't stay for dinner," He explained.

"Oh," she said, obviously disappointed, "Well that's okay. I mean there's always tomorrow…right?"
Link bit his lip nervously, "Umm…I can't come tomorrow. I'm climbing Death Mountain tomorrow."

"Of course…you're a hero," she said.

"You're not mad?"

"Mad? Why would I be mad? Saving people…it's what you do…"

"Oh thank you for understanding, Red. You are the best." He picked her up and spun her around, "I'll be back next week, same time. I swear." He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek then ran down the steps.

Malon sighed and leaned against the doorframe. After what happened in the barn, she didn't want to face Ingo. But it seemed she didn't have a choice. Glancing back at the clock hanging on her wall, she began walking downstairs. It was nearing 7:00 and Ingo wouldn't tolerate another late dinner.

Author's Note: Is it just me or is this one bad too? Man, I'm in a rut. Ideas are welcomed. Please help this writer before she goes mad.