This Legend of Zelda; Orcarina of Time is going to be slightly the same, but will have a MAJOR plot twist, where Link, instead of growing up in Kokiri Forest, is raised in Lon Lon Ranch and will develop a strong bond with Malon from the very beginning. Now, this story is a bit based on a similar story that involves Malon joining Link on his adventures, but instead, Malon will join Link to save Hyrule from the start. It will be written in my own style, so don't see this as a copy of the other story. The Legend of Zelda; Orcarina of Time is one of the best videogames I've ever played and I'm glad that I finally decided to write a fanfic of it.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Legend of Zelda franchise. I only own the OC characters: Ateiti & Irena.
Chapter 1: PROLOGUE
Beyond the borders of Hyrule, deep in the desert to the west, lives a nomadic tribe known as the Gerudo. Their race consists solely of women, but once in every hundred years, a single male would be born. This male is destined by Gerudo law to become their king.
The Gerudo race were very different than the rather peaceful races across Hyrule. The Gerudo were well known for their reputation as a band of thieves and many people feared them.
However, there was one Gerudo girl who wasn't like the others. Though she has the same long red hair like her 'sisters', her skin was lighter, had blue colored eyes instead of amber and a shorter sharp bird-like nose. Her name was Ateiti.
When she grew up, Ateiti's characteristics were far different than her fellow Gerudo sisters. While all the Gerudo girls were eager to become the next generation of thieves, being feared and respected by the other races, Ateiti was more compassionate and kind, believing that stealing was wrong. This 'weakness' alienated herself from the rest of the tribe and was often bullied or beat up for what she is.
The only one that felt pity for her, was Ateiti's best friend, Irena. She helped her most of the time, so Ateiti wouldn't fall behind or being suspected of not having stollen anything.
To ease her pain, Ateiti would sometimes climb up to the highest peak of the Gerudo's Fortress during the night and sing to herself a beautiful song, imagining a place where she truly belongs.
Ateiti's POV:
I had just turned sixteen when I joined Irena with a few others of my sisters for a few weeks to Hyrule Castle Town, to find some boyfriends in order to reproduce. I didn't wanted to go at first, as I didn't wanted to be forced to breed. But my best friend, Irena convinced me to go anyway, as I already had a low reputation 'cause of my kind nature and believing that stealing is wrong. So, Irena told me that if I breed another Gerudo girl to the tribe, it would at least give me some status among my sisters.
During the entire trip, I felt horrible. While Irena was trying to give me some comfort, my other sisters were talking about our king, Ganondorf. I didn't listened much to what they were saying, but I did heard some parts of them saying that our the teenage king had raided a whole caravan and slaughtered everyone, even the women and children. While my sisters thought that our king truly showed some balls to do that, to me, it was despicable!
As we'd finally arrived at the town, all my sisters were already busy on flirting with some men. I noticed that Irena was having an intimate conversation with a Castle guard. But my refusal to breed by force caught up with me again. So, I just remained near the town's gate, alone.
While I sat on a bench, watching the sun going down on the horizon, I slowly started to sing my own song to pass the time. I was so into singing my song, that I hadn't noticed the horse, that pulled a cart filled with bottles of milk, was walking to me. It didn't surprised me, as the horses that my sisters stole and brought back to the fortress, always calmed down once I singed quietly began to sing to them.
As it happily whinnied, I stroke it's head and smiled to the horse. The young man, who rode the shipment, stepped of the cart and said kindly to me "Looks like she really likes your singing."
While I didn't looked at him, I answered "Yes, she sure does." But then, when our eyes meet… we both looked at each other for some time. And for some reason I cannot explain, I started to blush.
The man snapped out of his thoughs and asked me friendly "Uhh… what are you doing out here, all alone?"
I answered by stating "I… I don't know actually…. Well, my… sisters are doing things that I… don't really want to be part of, so… that's why I'm here."
He looked at me with a confused look "Wait, are you a Gerudo?"
I gave a small nod "Yeah… I am."
The both of us didn't said a word for some time, but then he smiled "Well, I've never met a Gerudo that could sing so beautifully as you do."
I started to blush again because of his compliment "Thank you. Uhm… is that milk you're delivering?"
He nodded and took a bottle out of the cart "It sure is. Lon Lon Milk, the best milk in all of Hyrule!" he then gave the bottle to me. I first wanted to pay for it, but he shook his head and said with a smile "It's on the house." That was really kind of him.
As I removed the cover, I took a sip from the milk. It was the most delicious milk I'd ever drank! "Wow! This is delicious!"
"I thought you might like it." he said without stopping to smile.
After I finished drinking the milk, he then asked me "What is your name?"
I smiled back to him and answered "Ateiti. And you?"
"Talon. Talon Lon." he became nervous for some reason, which I thought it was cute. He then chuckled while he pointed to my lip that I had some milk on it still, as I had a milk mustache, what looked funny. I started to giggle as I wiped away the milk.
I started to walk together with Talon, while he delivered the bottles with Lon Lon Milk to some shops and some to the town's people. We talked about almost anything, where we are from and what we like to do. Talon told me that he was from place called, Lon Lon Ranch, what was right in the middle of Hyrule Field and that had been in his family for five generations.
As night started to fall, Talon kept away for too long to deliver milk to Hyrule Castle. I started to get worried and decided to check on him, making sure if he was alright.
When I came close to the castle, I saw many castle-guards guarding the way. I figured that my Gerudo training would come in handy this time. So, after climbing over the main gate, sneaking past the guards, I'd found Talon near a delivery post of the castle, sleeping and snoring next to a few boxes filled with bottles of Lon Lon Milk. I tried to wake him up, but it was to no avail as he was in a very deep sleep. So, I decided to lay next to him, and before I knew it, I fell asleep very close to him.
The next morning, he finally woke up. I was already awake, waiting for him to wake up. As our eyes meet, I smiled and said softly while resting my head on my elbow "Good morning."
Talon was surprised to see me lying next to him, but after standing up, he had calmed down and said "Oh… uhhm… good morning, Ateiti. What are you doing here? And… how did you even get here?"
"Well, you kept away for so long, so I decided to sneak past the guards to check on you." I answered while standing up.
This impressed Talon somehow, but didn't wanted that something would happen to me as well "That's very impressive. But… if the guards had seen you, they would have hurt you."
I shrugged as he had a point "Maybe. But I'm okay." he smiled to me and our eyes kept contact for some time.
When we left the castle grounds together, Talon wanted to show me his ranch. I first hesitated, but I became curious to the place after he told me everything about it. So I said yes.
After arriving at his ranch, the atmosphere of the place felt so peaceful. Talon showed me all the animals and even introduced me to his employer, Ingo, who was mostly grumpy and moaning for doing most of the work on the ranch 'cause of Talon's laziness. So, I offered that I could help him around a bit, which surprised Talon, but puts a smile on Ingo face.
And so, I stayed in Lon Lon Ranch for many days, helping around and doing all kinds of work what I surprisingly enjoyed to do, like milking the cows or feeding the cucco's, but feeding and brushing the ranch horse's became my favorite as my singing had a calming and happy influence on them. I even took the opportunity to take a few rides on them, as I was trained by my sisters to ride horses. Talon was grateful for all the work I did, but said I shouldn't have to do it cause I was his guest. But I just gave him a wink and said that it's no big deal.
As the days progressed… I started to fall in love with him… and he fell in love with me too….
But… our romantic fairytale came to an end, as the day I had to go back had arrived. Talon escorted me untill the entrance of the ranch, where we shared a long tenderly kiss. After breaking the kiss, he looked at me really sad… pleading me to stay "Ateiti, these past few days were the best days of my life. But please… stay with me… on the ranch…"
A tear fell from my eye as I looked at him. I so wished I could stay with him. I knew that I didn't fit with the Gerudo, but they are my people. I sobbed as I answered with a heavy heart "I want to… but I can't. I belong with my people… I'm sorry!" I ran away to the castle town, leaving Talon behind.
Tears kept flowing from my eyes as I ran back to the castle town. Once I made it to the drawbridge, I wiped away my eyes and tried to act normal as I was going to meet with my sisters and my best friend.
"Ugh! There you are! What took you so long?!" the leader asked annoyingly.
I just answered with an excuse "Sorry… I… lost track of time."
She just rolled her eyes and signaled the rest of us to follow her back home.
Everyone was talking about their wonderful time with their boyfriends and that they knew for sure that they had all have conceived a child in their wombs. Irena told me that she too had fulfilled her purpose as well with that guard. But as she asked if I did my purpose as well, I remained quiet and avoided giving an answer. This made Irena worried, but I just didn't wanted to talk about it. Little did I know, was that Irena somehow already knew what troubled me.
After returning back at the fortress, I felt I didn't wanted to do anything. I locked myself in my room for weeks and sobbed for my dear Talon. He had made me feel so special and his ranch felt like a new home for me. I felt deep down that I had finally found a place where I belonged… and I had casted it all aside. How could I be so stupid?! I could have stayed… I wanted to stay… but, I belong with my people….
Then suddenly, I heard some yelling outside. When I looked through my window, I saw down below that a few of my sisters had captured new slaves, something that our 'king' needed for his great plan. But what this 'great plan' of his was, was unknown to most of us. My first thought was to stay out of this, but as I checked what kind slaves they had captured this time, I was shocked to see that inside those cages were children!
I rushed down below to stop this madness! I demanded to know from one of the sisters why we now capturing children "What is the meaning of all this?! We capture children now?!"
But she pushed me aside, making me fall backwards on the ground and yelled "Stay out of this, Ateiti! Our king demands these slaves, and we supply them!"
I remained on the ground, as I watched one of my sisters opened the gate and taking the frightened children away through the Haunted Wasteland, to the Desert Colossus.
I couldn't believe that my sisters would capture children now. Irena had seen what had happened and helped me getting back on my feet. While we walked back into the fortress, she said "There's nothing we can do, Ateiti. Ganondorf demanded slaves, so-"
"These are children for Din's sake!" I yelled at Irena "Why does our king need children?!"
Irena sadly shook her head "I… I don't know. Nobody does…"
That night, I knew that I couldn't stay here any longer. My sisters have been corrupted by some sort of evil force from Ganondorf. I needed to go, before it would catch up with me too! There was only one place I could think of I could go to start a new life away from all of this; Lon Lon Ranch.
With my sword attached to my belt, I sneaked past the patrols around the fortress and made it to the bridge at the Gerudo Valley. But, I saw that several guards were guarding the bridge. What's worse, the gate was closed!
As I wanted to check how I could pass them all, I was spotted by a guard "Hey, you!" Shocked, I ran as fast as I could, with the guards after me. I hide myself somewhere close to the cliff, where down below in the canyon, flowed the river. The guards didn't see me and looked everywhere. I remained quiet.
But then, I was found by one of them! With her pike, she held it up to my throat. But she didn't say a word. Then I noticed that once she removed her mouth cover, that the guard was Irena. She was shocked and surprised to see me here "Ateiti?! What are you doing here!?" she asked quietly.
I sighed as I sadly answered "Irena… I… I can't stay here anymore…"
Irena was now even more surprised to hear that, but somehow she understood, as how badly I was treated over the years and felt that I didn't belong with the Gerudo.
She was this close to let met go, but then a few more guards appeared "Well, well, well. What have we here? A little deserter." one said with a smirk.
While the other congratulated Irena while patting her shoulder "Nicely done, Irena. I think the great Ganondorf would be very eager to punish this deserter." she evilly smirked to me.
But I was not going to let myself being captured and tortured to death by the evil Gerudo king, Ganondorf. Seeing no other option… I slowly walked back to the edge of the cliff.
Irena's eyes went wide as she noticed what I was about to attempt "Wait… Ateiti! What are you doing!?" I looked down to the river and then glanced back to Irena, who shooked her head widely, begging me "No! DON'T DO IT!"
But I made my choice "Goodbye… Irena…" I closed my eyes and dropped myself from the cliff. I could hear Irena gasp in horror as I fell down. After that… I didn't remembered much after splashing in the water while being dragged by the strong current, to wherever it would bring me, as I lost consciousness.
Normal talking
When Ateiti finally opened her eyes, she coughed out a lot of water. She was lying on her back and slowly stood up. As she looked around, she found herself on the shore of a giant lake while the sun was rising "Wha…? Where am I?" she asked herself.
"You're at Lake Hylia!" a voice suddenly answered. Ateiti was startled by that voice, but then was surprised to see that it was a living scarecrow. It wanted to apologize for scaring her like that "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I saw you floating on the lake and came slowly to shore. I was afraid that you were dead, but after seeing you still breathing, I was somehow relieved. I would have loved to help you, but… I don't have any legs, you see."
Ateiti raised her hand "That's okay… But, you're a… scarecrow, and you can talk?" she asked confused.
"And move, and dance too!" the scarecrow answered as he moved around like he was dancing.
Ateiti giggled "Yes, I can see that." but then she wanted to know how long she had passed out "How long have I been unconsciousness?"
The scarecrow stopped dancing and answered friendly "Since you floated on the lake. A few hours, at least," then he introduced himself "Oh! I haven't yet properly introduced myself. I'm Bonooru, the scarecrow of the Professor's garden. What's your name?"
Ateiti smiled and said "I'm Ateiti. Pleased to meet you Mr. Bonooru".
Being called mister made Bonooru really happy "Oh ho ho! Nobody had ever called me Mr. Bonooru before! Well, pleasure to meet you Miss Ateiti."
Ateiti gave a nod, but then asked him "So… you're the scarecrow of this garden?"
Bonooru nodded and told "Yes. Well, unfortunately, no I'm not. The professor hired me to watch over his garden as long as he required, till he no longer needs my services and I'll be on my way to help watch someone else's garden. If you're interested, you can visit the professor in his house, right there?" Bonooru pointed to the Lake Scientist's house, close to a bridge that went over the lake.
Ateiti politely declined "That's kind of you, Mr. Bonooru, but I can't."
Bonooru shrugged as he understands, but then he wandered where Ateiti came from "Say, you're not like any of the other Hylians that I've met before."
Ateiti shook her head "That's right, I'm not a Hylian. I'm… a Gerudo."
"A Gerudo?" Bonooru asked surprised, but then happily said "I've heard about the Gerudo from my friend, Pierre, but never saw one before. Then, what brings you here, Miss Ateiti of the Gerudo?"
Ateiti sighed sadly. Though Bonooru was friendly to her, she didn't wanted to tell him everything. So instead, she asked "Do you know how I can get to Lon Lon Ranch?"
Bonooru nodded "I sure do!" he then pointed to the path that would lead to Hyrule Field "Just follow this path to Hyrule Field and keep going north. You can't miss it!"
Ateiti smiled, thanking the scarecrow for showing her the way and said goodbye to the scarecrow "Thank you. Goodbye, Mr. Bonooru!" and Ateiti ran down the path, leaving Lake Hylia towards Hyrule Field.
At Lon Lon Ranch, Ingo was raking all the hay by himself, again. It irritated him so much that his boss was so lazy and barely did anything on HIS OWN ranch. Though it was relieving when that nicely Gerudo women, Ateiti was around to help him. And he sure missed her.
But for Talon, he was devastated. He no longer slept and snored, as he always did. He was now depressed and barely even slept. He was heartbroken, that he had lost the love of his life. While he was feeding the cucco's, he looked up the sky, seeing in the clouds only Ateiti's face. Talon sighed deep as he just threw the whole sack of food for the cucco's away, making all the cucco's fighting over the bag of food.
Ingo saw it and ran to get the bag from the increasing cucco's. As he was successful, wanted to say to Talon how reckless that was and he should pay better attention, but yet he couldn't, as Ingo had been working very hard for Talon's father as a kid, he had promised on his dying bed that he would work for Talon. As loyal as he was, Ingo did as he said and not to insult his boss where he was around.
But this time, it was not his laziness that was the cause of Talon doing a bad job, it was because he was depressed. Ingo then asked Talon "Hey, are you alright, boss?"
Talon shook his head as he sat on the ground "No, Ingo. I'm not. I feel terrible."
Ingo felt sorry for him. After he puts the bag with cucco food away, he sat next to Talon "It's Ateiti, isn't it?" Talon nodded, without looking at Ingo. While Ingo put his hand on his shoulder, he said "I know you miss her, boss. But she's gone now and you need to move on." Talon sighed as Ingo was somehow right.
Ingo then reached his hand to Talon, what he took and got back on his feet. Ingo then smiled to his boss and said "Now come on, you'll probably feel better after doing some work around here."
But then, Talon saw someone coming from the main entrance. As he looked better who it was, his eyes went wide that it was Ateiti! He ran straight towards her "ATEITI!"
She ran to Talon too "TALON!" as tears of happiness flowed from her eyes, both embraced and held each other close.
When they broke the hug, both Ateiti and Talon couldn't hold their tears as they were so happy to be together again. Ateiti then softly kissed him and said "I'm staying here… with you, Talon." He gave her the widest smile he ever gave, he raised her and danced circles with her around.
Ingo saw everything and was happy for Talon.
* Meanwhile, at the Desert Colossus *
The captured children were forced inside the Desert Colossus by the Gerudo women. Inside it held the mighty Spirit Temple. All the children were scared and cried. One Gerudo women yelled to the children while beating them with a stick "SILENCE!" The crying children stopped and moved on.
They were brought before a giant statue in the form of a women, sitting on the ground with her legs crossed. All the children were forced to stand still in the middle of the room.
Then, two voices were being heard "Leave!" The Gerudo women did and left the children in the giant room.
At that moment, a red and blue light appeared, revealing two old women, flying on broomsticks "Ho ho ho! Looks like Ganondorf's servants have brought us some children for the ritual, Koume." the one with a blue chem on her head named Kotake said.
"Hee hee hee! Indeed they did, Kotake." the other one with a red chem on her head named Koume said.
As they hovered over the children, frightening them, both old witches said simultaneously "Oh great Ganondorf, your offering have been brought before thee!"
Then, a dark light appeared before the children. All covered their eyes as how scared they were. Only one opened his eyes, seeing a tall young man with dark green skin, wearing robes of the Gerudo king, hovered in the air. He evilly smirked down at the children "Ah, yes. At long last, the final pieces for ultimate power. To claim my right as the future ruler of this world, demands a sacrifice of innocent blood. Mothers, begin the ritual!" Ganondorf commanded the two witches, who were his mothers for some reason.
Koume's hair changed into flames, as Kotake's hair changed into icy hair. They spoke an ancient curse as Ganondorf raised his arms in the air, summoning his dark powers around the children. All the children held each other close as the powers became darker and surrounded them. And then… all the children screamed in pain, as their bodies were being burned by black fires and vaporized! Then Ganondorf pulled the children's souls to him with his evil powers.
Koume and Kotake spoke one final curse, taking the life energy from the Children's souls and adding them to Ganondorf. He felt his powers increase as dark purple lighting went through his body and his eyes glowed with dark purple light! As the ritual was complete, Ganondorf laughed evilly of how strong he now had become "HAHAHAHAHA! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
- Two years later -
In Lon Lon Ranch, inside the house of Ateiti and Talon, Ateiti was holding a baby girl in her arms, who was covered with a white blanket. She singed to the little baby a song so she would fall asleep.
As the baby girl's eyes closed and slept peacefully, Ateiti carefully placed her daughter in the cradle that lied next to her and Talon's bed. After Ateiti had put her daughter in her cradle, she took a moment to look at her beautiful daughter. She had red hair like her mother and a small nose and pointing ears like a normal Hylian. Her personality was mostly that of her mother, with a slight bit of her father, Talon. Ateiti smiled at her, as she kissed the baby girl's forehead and whispered to her "Sleep well, Malon."
She left the room quietly, so she wouldn't wake up her baby daughter, having named her Malon. After closing the door carefully, Ateiti went downstairs to clean the table. In the living room stood a big mirror. Ateiti looked in it to admire herself for a moment. She was wearing a long dress that consisted of a beige top with some brown lines in it, a long purple skirt and she was wearing brown boots. Though it was far different then her regular Gerudo clothing that she was always wearing long ago, but had liked the new farming dress that she got from Talon.
While she did the dishes, Ateiti sighed happily as she couldn't believe that it has already been two years since she'd moved to Lon Lon Ranch and had married Talon. And now… they had a beautiful daughter together. Ateiti was glad that her daughter didn't had to grow up with the Gerudo. It pained her to even imagine if Malon would have been born with the Gerudo, knowing deeping down that her daughter wouldn't have been better off then she was during her youth.
Talon was not around the ranch, for he had to deliver some more milk to Kakariko Village. However, Ateiti was very worried about her husband's safety, for danger could lie ahead. Over the past few months, the land of Hyrule has been at a state of war. Hyrule was not at war with another nation, but with itself. For the King of Hyrule wished to unite the lands under one banner, but met a lot of resistance from the other lords of the kingdom.
Ateiti wished she could have gone with Talon, but had to stay behind to take care of their baby daughter, who had just been born three weeks ago. But, Talon had been gone for two days now. Normally she would have guessed he had fallen asleep again. But this time, she felt something wasn't right.
She called out to Ingo, who came not long after into the house and asked him "Ingo, I'm going to check on my husband in Kakariko Village. Will you please watch over Malon for me while I'm gone?"
Ingo wasn't sure if he wanted to do that, since he has no experience with taking care of babies "Uhh… Are you sure about this? I don't know how to take care of a baby."
Ateiti ensured him "Don't worry, Ingo. Malon is asleep now. I will be back in a few hours before she wakes up. And if she does wake up before I come back, just move her cradle a bit so she'll calm down."
Before Ingo could give an answer, Ateiti quickly went to the stables and saddled one of the horses. Once she climbed on it, she drove quickly to Kakariko Village.
Ingo meanwhile sat at a chair in the living room and said to himself "Well, the baby is asleep now, so that's a good thing. I can just sit and relax and before I know it, my boss and Ateiti will be back-" just then, he heard baby Malon crying upstairs "Oh no!" Ingo moaned as he went upstairs to try and calm Malon.
* Meanwhile, at Hyrule Castle Town *
A women ran through the streets, holding a crying baby boy in her arms. All over town, soldiers of the king were fighting with soldiers from different factions. Many of the buildings were on fire and many citizens ran terror, trying to hide from the fires of war.
The women had no intention to hide somewhere in town, she tried to escape and seek refuge somewhere else. As she reached the drawbridge, she was hit by a lost arrow in the back! She fell on the ground with her baby still in her arms. Ignoring the pain, the women slowly rose up and tried to calm down her son as she walked further into Hyrule Field, losing a lot of blood from the wound at her back "Shhhh. It's alright, Link. I'm… right here…" she wanted to bring her son somewhere else so he would be safe.
At that same moment, Ateiti and Talon came out of Kakariko Village and entered Hyrule Field. Ateiti was glad that her husband was alright and that he indeed had fallen asleep while loading out all the milk. Talon was still feeling a bit sleepy as he rode the cart. To keep himself awake, he tried to focus on something else and looked around the field. That was when he spotted a figure in the distance, walking to the south-east. He saw that it was a women, holding something in her arms.
"Ateiti, look!" Talon called to hiw wife while pointing to where he saw the women.
Ateiti looked and saw the women too and shockingly saw that she had an arrow in her back. As the women fell on the ground, Ateiti used her horse to get to the women quickly. When she was close, Ateiti dismounted and ran over to the women. She heard a baby crying in the women's arms. Ateiti held the women in her arms "Are you alright?!"
The women looked at Ateiti as she felt weak "I… my baby… please, I need to…" she then lost consciousness.
Ateiti looked at her baby as she carefully placed the women on the ground. The blond baby boy was not wounded, but kept crying. Ateiti tried to calm him down "Shhhh. Don't worry… I'm here to help your mommy."
Talon came as quickly as he could. He helped his wife to place the unconscious women onto the cart. The women was able to wake up for a moment while she still held her baby close.
Talon rode the cart quickly back to Lon Lon Ranch, while Ateiti sat in the cart, examining the women's wound. It did not look good. The arrow had broken in her back and she was keeping losing a lot of blood. Ateiti feared that the women may not make it.
Once arrived in Lon Lon Ranch, Talon and his wife carried the women and her baby inside the house. Ateiti could hear her baby daughter crying upstairs and felt that Ingo was upstairs with her "Ingo! Come quick!" she yelled.
Ingo came downstairs, holding Malon in his arms "What's all this commotion?!"
"Get some clean clothes and bandages! Hurry!" Ateiti told while she and Talon carefully placed the women on the table.
As Ingo saw the wounded women, he hurried to get the stuff, but not before handing baby Malon over to Talon.
While Talon was trying to calm both Malon and the baby boy Link from all their crying, Ateiti and Ingo tried their best to take care of the women's wound "It's alright, Malon," Talon said softly to his daughter "Mommy will be done soon." then Talon turned over to Link, trying to calm him down "Hey, hey. Big boys like you don't cry. It'll be alright, you'll see."
The baby Link's crying slowly died out as he then looked at the other crying baby. Link tried to reach her with his hands.
Talon noticed it and moved little Link a bit closer to Malon "You like her, huh? This is Malon." Talon then softly told Malon "Malon, this little guy here wants to meet you."
Link carefully touched her cheek, which made Malon to stop crying and she looked back at the baby boy who held her cheek. Both little babies looked into each other's eyes for some time, till they both smiled. They played with each other's hands, laughing and making coo noises together.
The women opened her eyes, seeing her son, playing with the redhead baby girl. The women smiled, seeing her son being happy.
Ingo was getting worried as the bleeding wouldn't stop "Ateiti. I-I think there's nothing we can do for her…"
Ateiti sighed as she felt it too.
The women could feel that she was about to die. She'd hoped to get to Kokiri Forest, so that her son would be protected by the Deku Tree. But after seeing her son playing with the baby girl, she felt deep down that Link would be safe her too. She reached out her hand to Ateiti "Please…" Ateiti took her hand and glanced at her. The women shed some tears as she asked Ateiti "My son… please, ta-… take care of my son. I… beg you… take care of… Link…"
Ateiti looked for a moment to the baby boy named Link in Talon's arms, playing with Malon. She didn't know what to make of all this. One part of her said that they need to find someone that can take care of the baby boy, but another part said that he should stay. And as she saw how close her daughter and Link already were.
The women pleaded Ateiti again "Please… take care of him… for me."
Ateiti looked back at the women. She slowly nodded and promised her "I promise… we will take care of your son… as if he is our own."
Talon had heard it and nodded to the women too "Yes. We promise we'll take good care of little Link."
A tear felt from the women's eyes as she smiled a bit to the Lon family "Thank… you…" Her head fell down slowly as she breathed her last breath. The women was dead, leaving her infant son alone in this world.
Ingo sighed as he closed the women's eyes.
Baby Link saw his dead mother and gave small sobs, being on the brink to cry again, but then… baby Malon touched his cheek and he looked at her. By just looking back to her, calmed him down.
Ingo and Talon buried the women just outside of the ranch. After speaking some last rites, they walked back to the ranch.
Ateiti had put Malon not long ago back in her cradle after changing her diaper. Link, who lied on Ateiti and Talon's bed for a moment, was starting to sob. Ateiti took him in her arms and singed to him. Her beautiful singing voice slowly calmed him down. She then placed Link also in the cradle, next to Malon.
Putting them together made them always want to play with each other. Ateiti felt happy that Malon now had a little friend to play with. When she sat down at a chair, she thought back of what just had happened, making Ateiti sad that little Link now had to grow up without his real mother. But she and her husband made a promise to her that they would take care of her son, like he is their own.
She was so troubled with all these things in mind that in reality, she didn't know what to do. But as she failed to calm her mind, she felt something that made her tired. The sun wasn't even down yet and normally she wasn't tired at this hour. The two babies yawned and fell asleep close to each other.
Slowly, Ateiti's eyes began to feel sleepy, and not long after… she fell asleep too, still sitting in her chair.
Unknown to her, she was put into a slumber, by some kind of magic coming from the forest.
In her dream, Ateiti found herself on a big grass field, that went endlessly as far as the eye could see. She didn't know where to go and just walked into one direction.
Then, she heard a strange low voice calling to her "Ateiti…"
She looked around but found nobody "Who's there?" she called, but still saw nobody.
"Ateiti…"
She kept looking for the person that kept calling her, by following where the voice came from.
Ateiti then walked into a strange fog, but still heard the voice coming from it "Ateiti…"
She kept following the voice, until she was in a forest. The area felt warm and magical, with dozens of fairies flying around.
Then, she sees a tall structure in front of her. Her eyes went wide as she saw it was a giant tree, that had a face and a giant mustache. It called out to her "Ateiti."
The women now thought this was a strange dream, but asked "You're… the one that called me?"
"Yes, Ateiti."
"But, who are you?" Ateiti asked.
"I am known as the Deku Tree, the guardian spirit of the Kokiri Forest." the tall tree answered.
Ateiti had heard tales about the Deku Tree, but never thought she would ever see it in real. The Deku Tree then started to explain to her why he had called her to him "Though must wander why thy has this strange dream, Ateiti… But this is not a dream, I had to use some of my powers on thee to put thou into a slumber, for this was the only way for me to talk with thee directly…"
Ateiti didn't understand why the Deku Tree wanted to talk to her "But… why do you wanted to talk to me?"
The Deku Tree started to tell her what she had to know "Listen carefully to what I, the Great Deku Tree am about to tell thee…. The baby boy that has been brought to thee, I can sense that he is the child of destiny, whose fate will affect the entire world…. I foresaw that his mother would bring him to me to protect him and being raised among my children, the Kokiri… but, it seems that the Goddesses have other plans…"
"The child of destiny? You mean, Link is destined to save the world?! But how?" Ateiti asked, nearly shocked by this.
The Deku Tree told further "I shall tell thee, Ateiti of the Gerudo…. This civil war that rages over the land of Hyrule is not mere coincidence…. I can sense that after this terrible war, in time, the forces of evil will gain strength and darkness will fall upon Hyrule…. This boy, will be the one that will destroy that evil and bring light back to the world…. But now that the boy is in thy care, I saw something I never expected…. I can see now that when the boy grows up and will begin his journey, he will be accompanied by… another…"
"Another?"
"Yes… this companion will give the boy strength and will help him to destroy the evil forces… This companion, this partner that will be at his side… is your daughter, Malon…"
Ateiti's eyes went wide as she was shocked by this revelation "What?! My… daughter… Malon!?"
"Yes, Ateiti of the Gerudo… she will be the one that will fight by his side… and together, they will destroy the evil from this lands…. Though I could have told thee to bring the baby boy to me to be put in my care, and my children, the Kokiri…. But the Goddesses have shown me, that the boy and your daughter have already formed a strong bond, something that I, the Deku Tree cannot interfere or break… Both their paths have already been set and the Goddesses plan has already been set it in motion…"
Ateiti almost couldn't believe all of this. Malon and Link are destined to save the world. Then she became worried and scared for when the evil forces will rise "But… when!? When will this growing darkness fall upon us?!"
The Deku Tree however stated "I cannot see…. My vision is not clear on this…. But soon, they will be grown in strength…. Ateiti, thou must protect and watch over the baby boy, Link and your daughter, Malon…. But, thou must promise not to tell this to them… for they must grow and become strong by themselves."
Ateiti understood, but felt she should tell Talon about this "But, what about my husband? He needs to know!"
The Deku Tree agreed to that "Thy husband… will understand… but keep this to thyselves, or this revelation will bring great danger to thy loved ones…"
Ateiti understood that this had to be kept a secret from anyone else. So she vowed "You have my word, Deku Tree. What you have told me, will only be known to me and my husband. I and Talon have already gave Link's mother's pormise that we will take care of her son. And we will… we will raise him as he is our own son…"
Then the fog started to get bigger, and bigger, till she could no longer see the Deku Tree or all the fairies that flew around.
Ateiti woke up in her bed. She sat straight as she rubbed her forehead. The sun was rising, as morning had arrived. Ateiti could not believe that she'd slept the whole night, while it felt like this dream, or vision with the Deku Tree had lasted only a few hours. As she looked in the cradle, she noticed that the babies, Link and Malon were no longer in it. But then she heard baby laughter coming from downstairs.
After she put on her dress, she walked through the door to take the stairs down. There she saw her husband with little Link in his arms, feeding him with a baby bottle, and Malon lying in a different cradle. Both were laughing and reached their arms to each other, wanting to play.
Talon saw his wife coming from downstairs and smiled to her "Oh. Good morning, Ateiti. You were really tired last night. You even slept through both Link and Malon's crying." he then yawned "Don't worry, I already changed their diapers and finished with feeding Malon. Though… I do feel very sleepy…" he yawned again as he then put Link back with Malon in the cradle to play.
Ateiti looked at how happy her daughter and Link were together. Talon smiled and said to his wife "It's amazing, isn't it? They only know each other for a day and it's almost like they know each other since birth."
Then Ateiti looked serious to her husband "Talon. I need to talk with you about something. It's important."
Talon didn't know what it was all about but allowed Ateiti to tell "What is it, my love?"
Ateiti sighed to find the right words to tell. And then told Talon everything what she had experienced in her dream, her talk with the Deku Tree and that both Link and Malon are destined to save Hyrule.
After she told him everything, Talon was stunned by all of this. He became worried about their daughter, just as much as Ateiti. But as he looked at how close Link and Malon already were, he held Ateiti's shoulders and said softly "I guess… we should let the Goddesses let this path they set for Malon and Link to pass".
This came as a surprise to Ateiti, that her husband said those words "But, she-"
"We shouldn't let ourselves be troubled by this, Ateiti. If this is their destiny, the least we can do is to be there for the both of them. We'll be there for them, and guide them if necessary. If the Goddesses have a plan, then it is for the better for all of us… and Hyrule." Talon stated softly.
Talon's wise words had calmed Ateiti. Slowly she nodded and accepted this.
Then Talon was called by Ingo to help him with something "Hey, Talon! Could help me with this hay for the cows for a minute?".
Talon sighed to himself that he had to work, even though he's tired. Ateiti rubbed his cheek and said softly "Just go, Talon. I'll take care of the children." Talon nodded and walked out of the house.
Some hours passed and Ateiti was putting Link and Malon in the bigger cradle that Ingo had made for them today. As she slowly moved the cradle, she singed her song to the two babies, so that they will sleep peacefully. And after some minutes, they fell asleep, holding hands together. Ateiti smiled and kissed them both on their forehead. She then slowly walked out of the bedroom and closed the door behind her quietly, leaving Link and Malon to sleep.
- Four years later -
Link and Malon grew up like brother and sister, even though they are not related, the both of them were really close. Link was told before that his mother had passed away when he was just a baby. He felt unhappy for not knowing his real mother, but was grateful that he got a wonderful adoptive family in return.
Link was doing mostly of the heavy work together with Ingo, who liked to have an extra help around. But could also be very grumpy and moaning that his boss did barely anything and had to do all the work, as Talon was lazy and just slept most of the day. This made Link angry at Ingo for insulting his adoptive father, but luckily Malon was always around to calm him down and telling Link that Ingo isn't worth it.
Link loved it to help Malon around more and always joined Malon with her father to deliver Milk to the people of Hyrule.
When they were finished with their work, Link and Malon played a lot with each other. But what was most interesting, is that when Link practiced sword fighting with a stick, Malon wanted to join him as she wanted to learn sword fighting too.
However, when Link wanted to play the hero in shining armor and that Malon should play the damsel in distress, Malon wanted to be a hero too. Link agreed to that and they just made one of the cucco's the damsel in distress.
Malon was also very talented in singing, just as her mother and all the animals loved her singing too. Link however was a terrible singer, making all the animals run away from Link when he tried to sing. It made Malon laugh any time when he was singing false, what annoyed him. So, Ateiti made an instrument for him, an ocarina to play on. And surprisingly, Link was really good at it. And every night, Ateiti would tell the two children wonderful bedtime stories and would always sing them to sleep. Though they could have their own beds, Link and Malon always wanted to sleep together, what Ateiti and Talon didn't mind, for they were so close.
But one day, Ateiti became sick. First she thought it was just a flu and that it will pass away. However, the sickness wouldn't leave her body. As the days went by, Ateiti was slowly getting weaker and now had to stay in bed, day and night.
After more than a week, a doctor came by to see what was wrong with Ateiti.
While the doctor was examining her, Talon remained at his wife's side. Link and Malon waited downstairs in the living room. Link was just sitting with his food on the table, playing with it. He didn't took a bite as he was so worried for Ateiti. He looked at Malon and saw she was also not eathing "Not hungry?" Link asked.
Malon shook her head "No…"
Link sighed as he puts his fork down "Yeah… me too."
Both heard Ateiti couching loud upstairs. Malon started to sob. Link felt sad for seeing Malon like this, so he shoved a bit closer and hugged her, letting her sob on his shoulder "I'm so scared Link. What if mommy is going to die?"
Link tried to tell that all will be alright "Don't say that, Malon. The doctor is here to make her better."
She looked at Link, while wiping her tears and slowly nodded.
Just then, the doctor came downstairs with Talon behind him. He looked sad. Link and Malon didn't know why he was so sad.
"I'm truly sorry for you. Mr. Lon." the doctor said in a way he felt sorry for him. Talon sighed deep as he nodded and the let the doctor out.
After he escorted the doctor out of the ranch, a tear fell from his eye as he walked back into the house "How am I going to tell this to the children?"
As soon as he opened the door and went in, his redhead daughter ran up to him and asked concerned "Daddy, what's wrong? Is mommy going be okay?"
Talon had it very difficult to say it to them.
Link walked up to Talon too and asked as soon he stood next to Malon "Talon? She's gonna be okay… right? The doctor came her to make Ateiti better, right?"
Link still had hope that everything was going to be okay. But his heart sank as he saw Talon's teary eyes.
He bend a knee and held his children close to him as he sobbed. Both Link and Malon were frightened of what he was going to say.
Malon's eyes became teary as she asked "Don't tell me…. Is mommy going to die?!"
Talon looked down for a long time, till he looked at both of them again and stated with a very sad voice "The doctor… he… he said that… there is nothing he can do for her. I'm sorry…"
Now Link started to form tears in his eyes, shocking his head widely that this couldn't be true "No… that can't be! Is she going to die!?"
With tears flowing from his cheeks, Talon hugged his daughter and adoptive son tightly. He nodded, not having the strength to say that their mother was going to die. Link and Malon held Talon tight as well, sobbing on his chest. All the hope that Link had that his adoptive mother would be okay, faded away. He already lost his mother before and now was about to lose another one.
As the sun went down, Ateiti wanted to see her children one last time. She wanted to tell them something, before she would pass away.
The door slowly opened. Standing at the opening were Link and Malon, looking very sad. Ateiti, who lied on her bed, smiled to them "Link… Malon…"
Hand in hand, Link and Malon walked slowly to Ateiti's side. Malon's tears kept flowing from her eyes. Ateiti reached her hand to Malon's cheek and wiped away her tears "Shhhh. I know, Malon. I know." Ateiti said softly to her daughter.
Link then held Ateiti's hand. He looked very sad to her "You can't die…. It's… it's not fair…"
Ateiti shook her head that he was right, that this wasn't fare "I know it isn't, Link. But sometimes… these things can happen." she couched a bit more.
Then, she held them and stroke their cheeks. Tears formed in her eyes as she smiled a bit "Malon… the day that you were born, was one of the happiest moments of my life," then she looked at Link "And Link… even though I'm not your real mother… you've always been a son to me, from the day that me and Talon took you in and raised you as our own…"
Link started to sob as he held her hand "You will always be my mother…. Always…!" Ateiti smiled as a tear fell from her eye when Link said that to her.
Then she wiped away her tear and said "Listen… I don't have much time left… so, please listen carefully…" with her hands, she took one hand of Link and of Malon and held them together "When you both grow up… many dangers will lie ahead of you… I don't know what they will be, but I want you both to be strong when you face them…. Please, I want you both to promise me that… no matter what happens, even if the situation is hopeless, that you both always protect each other. Stay together… no matter what…. No matter what happens, you both face these dangers together, you understand me? Please, promise me… Malon… Link… my babies…. Protect each other and stay together to face them!"
Link and Malon did not understand what she meant by dangers that will lie ahead, but as they saw how serious Ateiti was and held both of their hands tight, they knew that whatever she meant by that, that they'll face them together.
Both sobbed, but then nodded "We promise, mommy…. We promise…" Malon said.
Link nodded again and said "We promise. We'll stick together… no matter what happens…"
Ateiti sighed as she nodded, still holding the children's hands. She was feeling more weaker by the minute. She looked at Link and Malon one last time and spoke softly "…I… will… always be… with.. y..ou…" her hands loosed from the children's hands. She closed her eyes… and breathed her last breath…
Their mother was dead….
Malon and Link still held hands as they both cried for the loss of their mother.
A few days later, Ateiti was buried outside of Lon Lon Ranch, under a tree, not far from the entrance of the ranch. Everyone stood before her grave, mourning for her death. Talon was devastated for losing his wife. Ingo was sad too as he spoke some last rites for Ateiti.
Link and Malon were holding hands the entire time. They made a promise to their mother and adoptive mother, that they will always stick together, no matter what. And they will keep that promise.
And that's all for the first chapter of my Legend of Zelda; Ocarina of Time fanfic! I hope you all like how I made the first chapter, how I made Ateiti's character and how much Link's life would be different if he had been raised in Lon Lon Ranch. If you felt how awful it was of how Ganondorf killed innocent children, only for a ritual to get stronger, I'm sorry for that.
So, the next chapter will be the beginning of Link and Malon's adventure, as they will be visited by a certain fairy, that will guide them on their journey.
See you all in the next chapter!
