This is the less mature of the two stories I'm writing, partially due to the subject matter and also because of the subjects. Link is a boy in a man's body at this point, which would cause quite a bit of confusion for any child, no matter how mature or serious he could be. I enjoy this story simply for its adventure aspect and the adorable way they behave around each other. "Whispers of a Hero" will be a much darker story, so enjoy the light air while it lasts.

Also, my thanks go out to all the wonderful reviews I received for "My Dear Fairy Boy." In my mind Malon is a much underappreciated character. Without her, Link wouldn't have his precious horse. As a child I always preferred the stories where the hero ended up with someone other than the princess. However, just because I plan on them being together does not mean it will be easy for either of them. Enjoy.

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Knight of Shadow

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All he could feel was an ache deep in his bones. It had taken him so long to get as far as he had come. The only thing that kept him going was the image of comfort that existed for him in very few places. Epona seemed to be slowing down without being told to do so, making Link immediately examine his surroundings. All weariness disappeared as he sensed something nearby.

Without making any sudden motions Link slowly drew his sword and rested it across the pommel. His horse's ears flickered back and forth rapidly, convincing her rider that he was not cautious without reason. They neared the open field, and Link urged Epona out of the wooded area with a light squeeze to her belly. She picked up her pace a bit and deftly wove between the pines that bordered the edge of the forest. Though he wasn't sure what was disturbing him, Link was sure that the danger was not entirely gone. As the grasslands became the only thing visible, Link relaxed minutely. Only a bit further and he would reach his destination.

It'd been several weeks, and he didn't even know if she would welcome him, but Link wanted to see Malon badly. He hadn't slept in days, and his mind only imagined Lon Lon Ranch when it day-dreamed of rest. Epona seemed exhausted too, and he could tell that she would not be able to continue much longer without a break. He only hoped that Ingo hadn't caused any more trouble in his absence. His hands gripped the reins harder as Link remembered the state he had found the ranch in only a few weeks before. Only Malon's pleading had kept him from gutting the man where he stood. Ingo was just like any of the cruel monsters he fought in the dungeons. Link's instincts wildly demanded that it was not safe around the slimy man.

The hero sagged heavily in his saddle, completely drained from surviving the shadow temple. He would have gone straight to the ranch, but it was necessary to make a trip to his own abandoned home in the woods. It was still eerie to him to be greeted by the Kokiri that he grew up around and not be recognized by them. To him it had only been a several months since he was a child. Despite being a mature and serious boy for his age, Link's mind still hadn't caught up to the place his body had reached.

Without warning the hair on the back of his neck and arms began to rise, and an icy sensation crept up Link's back. The feeling had followed him since he had freed Impa in the shadow temple. Link began to fear something had decided to stay with him. He had seen some horrific things in that place. Very few things could startle or disturb him, but something about rooms lined in skulls was a bit unpleasant. Winged heels tapped lightly against the horse's sides, urging Epona to move a bit faster. Neither horse nor rider was looking forward to the half-day ride with excitement.

The sun sat high in the sky, peering down on the chaos that Hyrule had become. There was so much damage to repair. Link quickly halted those thoughts. They only led to a frustrated feeling that had been festering in his mind in the last day or so. It had a very soothing voice and convincingly whispered that it would be much easier to relax and let fate run its course. He had already saved so many, why should they expect him to keep struggling and sacrificing himself for their sakes? He was so very tired, and at times when exhaustion was prominent, the voice's suggestions were very tempting.

A green hat shook violently as the head it sat on tried to fling the thoughts away. Link had been chosen. He knew the job had fallen to him, for some reason that he would never be able to guess. He considered himself no better than any other person. It was true that he had always been good with weapons, but surely there was someone else in Hyrule who handled a sword better than he did. It was absurd, but the sages believed it was necessary that he do it; for some reason the Master Sword had chosen him. He would not give up yet, not before it was safe again for the townspeople to come out of hiding. Not until Malon could leave the ranch and not be attacked by a Poe.

With every step Epona took, Link's eyelids dropped a fractional amount. He was weary to his core, a feeling that he had never experienced so strong. His shoulders drooped, swaying with the danger of losing balance. It wasn't much further. Link knew he needed to stay awake, or he might get left behind if he fell off. There was no doubt in his mind that Epona would head straight for Lon Lon Ranch, regardless of whether or not he was still on her back. His horse was loyal, but she too longed for the peace that Malon's song would bring. It was just a bit further…

---

Malon looked up from feeding the cuccos when she heard a familiar whinny. Just as she had hoped, a beautiful red-hued horse came into view from the entrance to the ranch. Epona had been an unusual result of breeding. Her sire had been a bay, as were most of the horses that occupied the ranch, many of which were his children. Her mother had been a sweet palomino. Unfortunately, the mare died soon after giving birth to the foal. Both Malon and Talon had been surprised at the vibrant tone of her coat, but Epona's uniqueness was one of the reasons Malon loved her the most. It was also one of the reasons she wanted Link to have her, despite the horse's reluctance to befriend the boy. Her intelligence was another reason.

Even from so far a distance Malon could tell there was something wrong with Link. He was almost completely slouched over in the saddle, partially resting on Epona's neck. His arms hung uselessly to either side of the horse. Malon immediately dropped the bucket of seed on the ground, ignoring the squawking of the cuccos and ran the distance to the horse and rider. She caught Epona's bridle, halting her independent march.

"Woah, girl." It was very obvious to her that Link was unconscious. She visually scanned him for any injuries, relieved when there was no sign of blood or missing limbs.

Epona pawed the ground impatiently, eager to be freed of the deadweight she carried and to roam the peaceful corral. Malon noticed the leather strap of Link's sheath was caught on the pommel of the saddle, probably the only thing that kept him from falling off. She unbuckled the strap, pulling the heavy sword and shield off of his back and onto the ground. Malon was not ready to catch Link when he fell, but she did her best to lower him without dropping his body. He was very heavy to her and almost knocked her thin body over in the process, but she was a strong girl. Malon removed the saddle and bridle, slapping Epona's flank to head her off into the field.

"Now, what do to with you, Fairy Boy." Malon frowned at the thought of trying to drag Link anywhere and actually succeeding. "Well, first things first."

Malon entered the barn and flung the saddle over a saw horse, reminding herself to clean it later. Then she went over to the corner where she had slept for the past few weeks. Link had taken to using the mattress on the straw pile whenever he came to visit. She shook the blanket out, flinging any bugs or loose straw out onto the ground. After straightening the bed out, Malon headed back outside.

"Mr. Ingo? Could you help me for a moment?" she called out. The older man immediately hobbled over. "I need to get him into the barn."

"Of course! I am so privileged to work here!"

Malon steeled herself and grabbed under Link's arms. Ingo took a hold of his legs, and together they hoisted the body that was heavier than either of them. There was a moment of panic when they weren't sure how to get him through the door and around the pen at the same time, but eventually they got his body onto the mattress.

"Thank-you very much, Mr. Ingo!" Malon smiled as she spoke.

"Think nothing of it! I am so privileged to work here!"

She watched the retreated back of their foreman with an unusual nervous expression, biting her lip. Mr. Ingo had returned to being a nice man, but there seemed to be something wrong with him. It had happened just after Link escaped with Epona. Malon dismissed those thoughts to concentrate on the boy at her feet. First she removed his hat. It wasn't the first time she had seen him without it, but it was certainly a treat to see it off. His hair wasn't long by any means, but there enough of it to tie it back and tuck inside the hat. She supposed it was close to the same length as his bangs all the way around. One time he had left it off while cleaning his sword. Malon had teased him about the jagged edges, suggesting that he used the sword to cut it. He had given her a tiny smile and answered mysteriously, "Maybe I do."

Malon left her spot for a moment to pump water into her bucket. When she returned Link was waking up.

"Ah, you're awake now. I wish you'd woken sooner and so we didn't have to drag you in here." She remembered not to mention that Mr. Ingo had helped her. She doubted that Link would be happy to know that man had had his hands on him.

Link watched Malon come towards him. It was still strange to see her as an adult instead of the ten-year-old she used to be. He had thought it several times, and each time it embarrassed him, but she was very pretty. When Talon had asked him if he was still interested in marrying her Link hadn't been able to reply. He'd mumbled something and left the room to Talon's laughter. It'd taken several minutes for the crimson to leave his face. Of course, similar things happened to his face when someone asked him about Princess Zelda. He supposed it was a typical response to girls. Despite being in a man's body, Link knew he was not a man yet. The body was almost like getting a tool for battle. He wasn't sure why he didn't blush around Ruto; he just felt fear. His mind supplied an explanation in the difference of temperament. Apparently aggressive girls scared him.

Malon settled on the ground again and handed Link the washrag. He silently cleaned his face and neck before he froze, horror filling his expression. Malon watched him, worried.

"Link, what's wrong?"

"Where's Navi!" he demanded.

Malon paused. She hadn't seen the fairy when Epona rode in. Navi hadn't been hiding under his hat either.

"I don't know. I haven't seen her," Malon replied, beginning to feel anxious as well. She liked the fairy and enjoyed poking fun at their quiet friend together.

Link started struggling to his feet, fully planning to launch a search mission. Malon clamped her hands down on his shoulders, easily pushing him back onto the bed.

"No, you are not going anywhere until you've rested. If I can push you down any creature can."

Link stared right into her eyes with determination. "Malon, I have to find her."

She had seen the boy's courage before but never so blatantly. "Let me check outside first. You really need to rest."

"If you can't find her, I'm not resting. I'm going back to get her."

Malon nodded gravely. She rose from the ground and quickly left the barn in search of Link's missing companion.

The Hero of Time collapsed back onto the mattress soon as he was alone. Malon was right; he did need to stay right where he was. But Link knew he could not stand the idea of something happening to Navi because he was lying around. She had been his faithful guide, risking herself during every battle with him. More importantly, she had become his friend. He tried to remember the last time he had noticed her presence. She had been there when Impa was freed and added her medallion to his collection. He must have lost her just outside of the temple. The absence should have bothered him sooner. Link began to wonder if he went all the way to the Lost Woods without knowing his fairy was missing. Then there was that presence to wonder about…

Link stopped his thoughts for a moment, trying to sense the feeling that had been bothering for the better part of a day. It was gone.

---

Malon gazed around the whole ranch, but it only confirmed what she already feared. The fairy was nowhere in sight.

She wasn't sure what to do. Link needed to stay where he was for at least a day, but he was determined to head out immediately. She debated about checking Hyrule Field just outside the entrance, but Link had made her promise not to leave the safety of the ranch alone. Malon made a stop in the house, grabbing several bottles of milk before going back to the barn.

---

When the door opened and Link saw Malon's sad expression, he knew what he had to do. He ignored his screaming muscles and dizziness to rise and strap on his sword.

"Wait, at least drink this first." Malon handed him two bottles of Lon Lon Milk.

Link gave her a grateful smile and downed both bottles without hesitation. The change was immediate. He felt his energy returning within seconds and decided that he could do what was needed. The milk couldn't fix everything; he was weary in more than one way, but it certainly helped. His shield went on next, and Link was ready to go. He went to the door, ready to leave without saying any partings.

"Wait."

Link gave her a questioning glance, pausing for her to continue.

"If it wouldn't be an inconvenience, I mean, you don't have to let me, but if you wouldn't mind," Link watched her looking more nervous than he had ever seen before, "could I come with you?"

Malon was nervous about asking him, but she was worried about Navi too. More importantly, she was worried about Link. Without his fairy to keep an eye on him, he could disappear or be seriously hurt and no one would know. She didn't know how much help she would really be, but she wanted to try.

Link mentally debated the situation. It was true that he always went without another person on his journeys, but he had never been alone before. Some of the things he had fought against would have been much more intimidating if he hadn't had his fairy backing him up. His common sense told him that bringing Malon along would be a horrible idea and would just result in her getting in the way or hurt. His heart begged to let her come, begged to not be alone. It was remarkable how much it sounded like a lost child.

"I suppose you can," he said slowly, "but only as far as the village."

Malon's face lit up with excitement. She had never been on an adventure before. Even if she was only going part of the way, it was better than nothing.

Link couldn't help but grin lightly at her response. He had to admit that she would be pleasant to have with him.

"I'll be back in a moment!" Malon scrambled out the door in front of him and dashed off to the house.

Link wondered if that was one reason he was so comfortable around her. She could still act like she was ten. But that wasn't fair, part of him reminded. She was very much an adult as well. Link wasn't sure how it worked, but he knew that it did. She was just Malon.

It took a bit longer than the promised moment, but Malon returned quickly, changed and ready for action. She had donned a pair of leather riding pants and a traveling tunic, similar to his own but light blue. Though he noticed it, he didn't comment on how the shirt brought out the color in her eyes. Link waited patiently while she called the horses.

"Do you think I need to take anything with me?" she asked him.

He considered it briefly before replying. "No." He had more than enough money for both of them, and she wouldn't need anything to stay in the town.

"That's fine, but you'd better protect me, Fairy Boy!" She said it entirely in jest with a light tone, but Link knew it all too well. He would not let anything happen to her.

Epona came to Link and waited patiently while he saddled her. Malon had readied one of the bay horses for herself and was already mounted.

"Link, meet Sehiro."

Link reach out to pat the other horse's neck. "He's beautiful."

"He's Epona's brother," Malon said distractedly.

"We need to leave now."

"I know," Malon said quietly. "It's just… I've never left the ranch before without knowing when I'll be back."

Link sat on Epona, unsure of how to make her mood lighten.

"I'm okay," she supplied. "Now, let's go before the trail gets cold!" Malon boldly pointed ahead and spurred her horse on.

Link chuckled to himself and followed.

---

Link wished again for the twentieth time that Kakariko would give up their 'no horse policy'. After sending both horses back to the ranch, Link had led her to the heart of the village where the fire had taken place just a few days earlier. Luckily the damage was minimal, and the shooting gallery was still open for business. However, it was unusually quiet even for midnight; Link went on guard immediately. They made their way around the buildings cautiously, searching for any signs of life. The only thing moving around was a lone cucco. Malon was beginning to feel fear but kept silent.

An unsettled feeling sat in Link's belly. The magical residue reminded him of the presence he had felt earlier. The whole scene brought forth images of the malevolent spirit that had attacked the town just days before. Link wished he'd thought to ask Impa about the spirits in the temple when he had the chance. He also began to seriously regret bringing Malon along. It was true that he always fought better when protection was part of his motivation, but now that strange things were happening that he didn't know how to handle, Link really didn't want to chance something happening to her.

Link had to decide what to do. Sending Malon back to the ranch alone was out of the question. He couldn't imagine having her out of his sight and not in definite safety at the moment. Escorting her back to the ranch also wouldn't work. Whatever was going on, he needed to stop it before it got worse. For once Sheik was mysteriously absent. Usually he was mysteriously present but rather predictably. Link had to assume that whatever was going on did not directly connect to his effort to free the sages. Once again he desperately wished that Navi was with him. He hadn't realized how much he had come to rely on her insight or jeering to keep him moving. It simply drove home how helpless he really was. Hyrule was doomed if she was relying on him to save her.

The voice had returned. See, there is no point in even trying. Why bother trying to save an ungrateful world when you probably don't even have the strength to do it. A dark feeling sent a tingle throughout his body. You're rather helpless without your fairy, Fairy Boy. The mocking tone of the voice made Malon's nickname so very bitter-sounding.

Link was so possessed by those foreign thoughts that he almost didn't even hear Malon calling frantically to him.

"What? I'm sorry, is something wrong?"

Malon watched him anxiously. He had been standing in the same spot for several minutes without moving a muscle or saying anything. She considered that grounds to be worried.

"It's nothing, Link. You just seemed lost for a bit," she said slowly. "Are you all right?"

He nodded, not looking at her directly out of embarrassment. "We should check for people."

They went first to Impa's house. At first everything was pitch black; someone had put all the fires out. Link pulled out a bottle of blue fire that made the room an eerie shade of gray. There was definitely no one there. Even the cow had left. They left that building and moved on to the next. Link went around the spider house, not making eye contact with Malon's questioning look. He didn't want her to go in there. He knew she wasn't particularly fond of spiders, and leaving her in there was the last thing he would do. Link remembered the gold skulltula that had been outside her window when they had been kids. She had refused to sleep at night until he had removed it.

They checked the kind woman's house, but even she was absent. The hyperactive man who was always desperate to buy something was strangely missing as well. As a last idea Link checked the Bazaar. As he had almost expected, the shopkeeper was inside, making grumbling noises every few seconds.

"Katrow," Link addressed him. "Where has everyone gone?"

As soon as the man caught sight of Malon trailing behind him, Link knew he couldn't leave her in the shop either. His good eye took a definite path down where Link could imagine her body was. He took a half-step to the right, obscuring the gruff man's view.

"Ah, I know nuthin, I tell ya," he rumbled. "I heerd some strange noises, not long ago, 'bout two hours I'd say."

Link was tempted to use the Eye of Truth to find out if that was truly all, but he decided to let it pass.

"You have my thanks," Link said, taking a step closer to the counter. "I need to purchase some arrows."

"Thirty rupees." Katrow grinned as he palmed the money Link gave him. "You know, the rooms upstairs're empty if you're looking to do a little business." He gestured one very large hand in Malon's direction.

Link knew he wasn't entirely sure what the man was talking about, but he had a vague idea. "No, thank-you. We will not be spending the night anywhere."

"Suit yerself." Katrow shrugged.

---

Malon's thoughts turned sour as a steady downpour started as soon as they left the Bazaar. She had no idea what was going on, but Link seemed fairly upset, and that was enough reason to her to worry. She immediately made a pact with herself to do whatever Link told her to and to avoid getting in the way. She didn't know why, but Malon had a feeling things were only going to get worse from there.

"Come on," Link instructed. He didn't like the idea of taking Malon into the temple at all. If there were any other option that seemed reasonable and safe he would do it immediately. Unfortunately, the safest he felt she could be was at his side where he could keep an eye on her. He paused for a moment, not entirely sure how one teleported two people. An idea formed in his mind, something along the lines of the intent that he used the spell with. Link pulled out the blue ocarina. Malon watched him curiously, wondering why Link would stop to play his instrument at such a time.

"Malon."

"Yes, Link?"

"Hold on to me." Link waited patiently, oblivious to the implications of that command.

Malon reminded herself that she had decided to trust Link implicitly and that just because the situation embarrassed her did not mean that she could back out. Hesitantly she stepped forward and grasped the front of his tunic. Link wrapped one arm around her to reach the ocarina and began to play a very mournful song. Malon was in utter shock as the air around them shimmered with energy. She blinked. Kakariko Village vanished, and Malon found herself leaning heavily against Link, standing on a stone engraved with a large rendition of the triforce. Her body shivered with the cold rain and the shock of experiencing a magical spell for the first time.

Link's voice rumbled against her ear pressed to his chest. "We're in the graveyard now."

Malon jerked away from him, unbelieving that she had been in such a position. Link seemed unaware of anything and turned to head down a short slope.

Link was very scared and hiding it well. He wasn't thinking about the temple, had essentially forgotten about Navi. He had learned the first true difference in being an adult, having a woman close caused him to turn crimson. It was also very pleasant, but it was likely that it was in part to the rarity of such occurrences. He couldn't remember the last time someone had touched him casually. The young boy who still occupied his mind was frightened of having to grow up so quickly. He immediately decided that thinking about it was the worst thing to do at the moment.