A/N: I know you guys read for entertainment. We all do. But it doesn't hurt to read between the lines…

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Malon found herself back in her never-ending field of flowers. Each bud was in bloom and the field radiated in its flamboyant vastness. Malon looked around her, she just found herself there with little recognition on the events before. To her, it was almost like someone had plucked her from the ranch and dropped her to the field. But it wasn't bad; the field of flowers was her dreams and a safe haven. Except for the last time. Last time, that horrible wickedness invaded her sanctuary and came to her. Maybe it meant more but it was dead frightening for Malon. She wondered what would've happened if her angelic Vincent hadn't appeared when he did. To her, it was a blessing, both in the dream and in real life. She had no one to say she was beautiful. Her father did but that was her father, it came standard issue. There was no that wanted to keep her safe like Vincent did. He was ready to die for her if the chance came.

There was nothing around for miles. Much like the last time. Only the farm girl and the blossoming flowers were in her retreat. As Malon finally let down her guard, the formless malice showed itself again. It turned the clouds and sky to a ceiling of gray and thunder. Lightning lit the formations in the sky giving a dastardly warning. Like it was tempting her, the ground under the darkness was completely untouched. It wanted for her to come. It wanted for Malon to step into the dark so that it could finally take her. And Malon almost contemplated going there. She felt like it was the only thing going for her. It would fill her heart and take away the emptiness, if only for a while.

Before she took a step, a strong voice stopped her. It came from behind, leaving her frozen in her tracks. The voice was there all the time. It had kept watch as she made her decision. Malon turned her head to find the divine Vincent. While this subconscious concoction was as close to the original as possible (most likely having the same physique as well), this was Malon's guardian here, the one place the original cannot get to. Unlike last time, however, this Vincent now sported another pair of wings under the ones on his shoulder. They were wider, longer, and simply grander. His eyes were focused on her, a fierce determination behind them.

"Malon, please don't go any farther," he pleaded. "What darkness will give you will never be as pleasant as what the light can give you."

"Like you?" Malon asked. She knew it was a foolish question, how can her dream respond to herself?

Vincent looks stunned at her question. For a minute, his eyes wavered. "It's easy to see what's in front of us and take it. A knight could be in shining armor, but what is that worth if he's nothing more than a total disgrace. What if truly being a knight meant being one at heart? Chivalry is not dead…"

Chivalry, the ideals of knights. Malon knew most Hylian knights practiced it. It was required to become one. Of course, after one was knighted, some ideals became lost in their mind. Is that what Vincent meant when he referenced it to being dead? It wasn't completely dead, but becoming a knight now wasn't heavily depended on those archaic beliefs. Hyrule needed soldiers so they sacrificed honor for power. It was good while it lasted but it created many black knights. These knights didn't hold the beliefs close to their heart. For them, it was another set of rules to follow. They were the antithesis of Malon's long fantasized knight who came to the ranch and swept her off her feet.

"At heart?" Malon asked.

Vincent pointed to his, "At heart."

Malon decided not to go into the beckoning darkness. Vincent walked over to her and with his wings on the left, built a wall to protect her from the closing darkness. He looked over his shoulder to her and smiled. It was warm, caring, and assured Malon of the other's Vincent's promise. Not directly to her but, it didn't matter. It was her dream. He turned his head back to face the darkness approaching.

"Vincent?"

"I know I can't protect you from anything. And, I know I shouldn't. It is not right for me to shield you from the world but I can do everything I can to shield you from harm. Anything that can hurt you will face me. I can always guarantee your safety," Vincent said. "Now, could you please head the other way? I know I have grown stronger. I finally learned more about myself but as I do, this will become a greater threat."

Malon nodded, "Please be careful."

Vincent remained quiet as she said so. He looked down to the flowers. Each one was delicate and easily trampled. How many times can a guy say the same thing about a woman? Vincent knew better. Malon was a fighter to the end. Yes, she was a woman but that didn't mean anything. She fought for respect and when it didn't come, she booted the person who didn't show it. No, not like a flower at all. They would easily fall to one's feet whether they have good or bad intentions.

"I will…"

Malon's eyes fluttered open. She was back in her room, safe and sound. Like many dreams, her latest one was difficult to recall. It was locked away in the recesses of her mind. But that didn't mean she wasn't going to try to remember. She did last time and she was going to do it again. After sitting up to help herself remember, it almost all came back to her. Some details were fuzzy but it was nearly there. She thought long and hard about what it meant. She questioned herself why did Vincent keep coming back. Malon could not think of the answer, more than anything she was still admitting it to herself. She got up from her bed, leaving it in the rustled mess, and walked to her mirror. There was little light in her room, but there was enough to see her reflection.

"Does he really like me?" Malon asked to the dead air. She stared at herself in the mirror. She saw the redheaded girl that never really had a man actually become more then friends with her, the young lady that was always passed over for the ditzy blond. Of course, she was far more beautiful than a simple mistress found on any street. But that never really hit Malon. "But he can do so much better. As much as I would love to…" Love? Was Malon actually thinking that she had fallen for him? Any one could see she was smitten long before. But she didn't see it; maybe because they were meant for each other and instead of finding a new friend, it was like reuniting with an old lover.

"Time to get dressed," Malon said. She heard the cucco caw, marking that it was morning. She wondered if Vincent was up. He was becoming accustomed to living on the ranch. There was little doubt he was still in bed. There were times when Malon asked herself how did he even get through the day. He woke up earlier then her and went to bed later. The came the outlandish answer, was he really the super man he wanted to be?

Vincent raised himself out of his bed. Fully clothed, bathed, and waiting for the day to begin. His heart always began to race at this time. The thought of Malon getting out of bed made his heart skip. While he would've loved to catch the arrow Cupid shot, he didn't mind that it had been done. He knew it was a tricky relationship to pull off and only because it was that he was scared. That and total rejection. For someone that was never denied anything, that was a fate that could break him. "Today's the day," he said to himself. He did that every morning, but he never follows through with it. Unlike the real hero, he lacks enough courage to reveal his emotions. He stood and rehearsed it. "Malon, look… I love you. No good, too blunt. Come on Vince, this is your girl isn't it? Say it with more emotion. How hard can it be? Malon… I'm in love with you. Worse..."

There was rap at the door. Vincent eyed it curiously. He trotted over to it and opened it. Malon stood there with her eyes looking up to his. Vincent mind became as blank as a sheet of paper.

"Come on Vincent, let's eat breakfast before we get to work," Malon said nonchalantly.

Vincent sighed as Malon turned and walked back into the dim lighted kitchen. He almost envisioned how it could've gone. He pulled her close to him and looked into her sapphire eyes. She would be a little surprised but the close physicality of it all would cause her to blush. She would question him and then he would respond, 'Malon, I want to be your knight.' But that didn't happen. Vincent stood by as Malon left him at this door, alone. He adjusted his white jacket, like he always did. He walked out of his room and went over to the breakfast table. As Malon headed to the table with two plates in her hand, he withdrew a chair for her first and then took his own seat.

She said a soft thank you and sat down on the seat. Malon didn't feel much like eating, unlike Vincent and his rapacious appetite. That always brought a smile to her face and sunshine to her darkest days. Knowing that there was someone that really enjoyed her, even though she cooked terrible. Vincent wasn't like other people. He loved her cooking, he was a perfect (give or take) gentleman, and held this innocence when it came to her. Almost like him and women were still a new experience. Malon thought it was because she was his employer. But as time wore on, Vincent was still the same. He was a man after all and they always end up thinking about sex, no matter who they were.

Sex, that gave Malon a thought to sink deeper into Vincent's mind. "Vincent, when you're married, do you plan to have kids?" she asked.

Vincent almost choked on his food. Malon softly giggled as he tried to calm himself. "Kids, as in children and not baby sheep? Well… I- I don't have a clue. For one, I don't really like children. Little monsters that drive you insane but then again, I can't deny a lady's request. So if my wife…" Vincent paused at the word, looking to Malon to see how she reacted to it. After being answered by a curious stare, he went back to his answer. "wants some, I guess I would have to prepare myself to be a father."

"You don't like children?" Malon asked.

Vincent shook his head. "They are so small and with mischievous thoughts in their head. On top of that, once they learn to talk, they begin to know every single thing in the universe. And they want you to know it too…"

"You know you were one too," Malon said. She was amused at Vincent's dislike for children.

Vincent gave a quick laugh, "Was is the key word."

"So, what's this saying you can't deny a lady's request?" Malon asked.

"Damn, I let that slip…" Vincent said under his breath. "No use in hiding it now. I guess Malon, it's the way I've been raised to not deny a lady's request. If a woman asks something of me, that I really have no choice in actually completing it. Like, how you asked me to create your garden or… all the chores. Well, that part of the job but…"

"No, I get what you mean," Malon said. A part of her just wanted to ask questions to reveal his real secrets. It was simple to her; just ask to get what she wanted. Hell, if she didn't care about Vincent's feelings, she could've asked for a kiss to see how it felt. But she didn't. It wasn't fair to Vincent. That didn't mean she wouldn't use it to her advantage later… She laughed, "Get to work, will you, Vinnie?"

As the workday began, Vincent and Malon found themselves bumping into each other more often. Sometimes it was intentional on both their parts. They craved each other and it was natural that they try to see each other more. Every time Vincent saw the curvy redhead, his spirits raised and found himself working more vigorously. Malon only wanted to keep him in her sight. He was a god on earth just for her and she was going to enjoy all she could. As she watched Vincent take off his shirt once again, the chink of armor and heavy footsteps reached her ears. She turned her attention to Maxi who came walking with his horse trotting far behind him. His stallion was losing footing and had a hard time keeping up with his master. Maxi came to a stop and waited for Malon to come greet him.

"Sir Maxi, what do I owe this pleasant visit?" Malon asked as she reached him. Maxi was undoubtedly handsome. Probably even surpassing Vincent's devilishly good looks. Was that even acceptable to her, devilishly good looks on her guardian angel? While it seemed contradictory, it was the only way she could accurately describe Vincent.

He chuckled to add to his charm, "Well if it isn't the sexy farm girl. Listen, my horse had been a bit uncooperative in morning routines. I think something is wrong with it, and I was wondering if you could take a look at him."

"No problem," Malon answered. She walked around to the naked horse. It didn't have a saddle on or all the decorations from before. At least Maxi cared for the horse enough to do so. Malon bared the poor creatures teeth and examined them. After a thorough check up, she decided it was best for intensive care for the horse. It was borderline ill and without proper care, it wouldn't be a bright future for him.

"As far as I can see, Sir Maxi, it looks like he need to stay over so I can properly treat him," Malon said.

Maxi looked disgruntled at the news. It wasn't good for him to have no horse. He needed it so he can prove he was the best knight in the Hylian army. "That's not going to do me any good. Can you just do a quick fix now?"

"I'm sorry but I will not do such a thing," Malon said sternly. "I need to keep the horse for at least today so I can administer the suitable care for your horse. He came down with something that can prove fatal for horses if left unchecked."

"Fine," he said. He didn't like it but he didn't have much of a choice. "Can I get a rental? I really need a horse for tomorrow."

Malon questioned the urgency for a horse. "I could do it but I'm not sure any of our horses can be right for you."

"Just take me," Maxi demanded. "Take me to see the damn horses, damn…"

"Excuse me," Malon said sarcastically. She took Maxi over to the coral so he can browse through the horses like they were just some items at the store. He looked at them all and he still had the same disappointed look plastered on his face.

"Your right… they all do suck," Maxi said.

"I told yo-."

"Wait, what about that one?" Maxi pointed to the silver horse that galloped around the corral. It was a perfect horse for him and Maxi knew it. It could have been better than the one he just had to forfeit.

"I'm sorry," Malon said. That horse was Elliptus, the stallion of Vincent. There was nothing she could do, that horse wasn't hers. Maxi may have wanted it but there was no way that he could hold it. "Elliptus isn't Lon Lon owned. In fact, his owner is over there." Malon pointed to Vincent who was working on her garden. The garden itself had been finished a while ago and now it began to sprout the herbs and natural vegetables she made him plant. He tended it to every day with care. So Vincent could grow something from an infant, maybe he was suited to be a father soon.

"Look, I don't care, call him here and I'll bargain for that beast," Maxi said. He persisted Malon but she wasn't sure. Vincent would not easily give up his horse. She took a few steps forward when she felt a hard slap to her ass. She fixated her glare on Maxi but with a smile, he said "Get the lead out."

Steamed, Malon marched toward Vincent. As she did, she watched as Vincent began to get more aggressive with the tending of the patch. Did he see what happened? Malon hoped that nothing would happen. Vincent was sworn to protect her and that wouldn't settle well with him. "Vincent, Sir Maxi over there wants your audience."

Vincent's gaze was narrow and hard. "For what?" he asked callously.

"Um," Malon said. This was the first time since she had known him that Vincent showed such a cold side. No, cold was not the word. More like heartless. It scared her. "Sir Maxi just wants to talk."

Vincent scoffed as he turned his head away. He set down the hoe and walked toward Maxi. Malon followed behind him. Vincent, in is bare-chested glory, was face to face, eye to eye with Maxi in his armor. "What do you want?"

Maxi smirked, "A guy like you probably need a bit of glitter here and there right? How about letting me you use your horse for tomorrow? I'll bring it back just like how it is."

"He," Vincent said, stressing that his horse wasn't a thing. "won't let anyone else ride him but me. Why would I help you win the games tomorrow anyways? Do you really think I'm desperate for money? Yeah right… I think the perfect answer is hell no."

"Fine, anything you want just let me get the horse," Maxi added, a bit agitated.

Vincent smiled, "How about this. If Elliptus deems you worthy enough to ride him, then you can use him. If not and he throws your ass off, then you get out of here with nothing. You can just walk your shiny ass all the way back to the castle."

"Deal," Maxi said. He looked over Vincent's shoulder, "Woman, how about getting that horse prepped?"

"I'll do it myself," Vincent said, bumping his shoulder with Maxi's. Flesh against metal always leaves flesh hurt. This time it was no different. Vincent was scrapped in the process and his fair skin turned red. It was large enough hit to make Maxi stumble, so it was bound to leave Vincent with collateral damage.

As Vincent fitted the calm Elliptus with his custom saddle, Malon walked up to him. Vincent didn't bother to look at her as he strapped the saddle onto Elliptus's body.

"Vincent?" Malon asked.

"Don't let anyone disgrace you Malon," Vincent stated. "He's a good looking guy but that's about it. You're a woman and no where do I read that your supposed to let him touch you anyway he wants. If I wasn't right, I would've beaten him into oblivion."

"So my angel isn't above punishment."

Vincent whistled for Maxi to come. As Vincent and Malon stepped back, Maxi touched the horse with his gauntlet. Elliptus began to get restless and began to buck. Maxi placed a foot on the foothold and was about to hoist himself when Elliptus made haste and created a gap between himself and Maxi. Malon looked over to see Vincent enjoying himself at Maxi's predicament. Maxi walked over to the horse again and almost succeeded if Elliptus didn't rear up and gallop away again. It may have been half an hour until Maxi was able to get close to Elliptus again. That time, Elliptus let Maxi climb onto him. As the knight yelled in triumph, Elliptus took off like a shot out of a gun. Maxi held on for as long as he could until the horse reared up again and let Maxi fall to the floor.

"Time's up," Vincent yelled. "Looks like you have a way to walk."

Maxi grudgingly got to his feet and walked to the gate. He passed Vincent and Malon, giving Vincent a dirty look. It said it all, you may have won this time but you wont always be lucky. Vincent returned that stare, saying you wish it were luck.

"Okay you had your fun," Malon said. "We have to take care of a horse."

Vincent nodded. Darkness came and the two were found in the barn. They sat together, side-by-side, tending to the ailing horse. Their conversations consisted mostly about Maxi's horse. They worked hard all night, alone in the barnyard. Malon looked over to Vincent. He was with her all the night. Defended her but she didn't want that. She would've done something but…

"Malon?" Vincent asked. "Something wrong?"

"Huh? Oh, no," Malon said. "Well, I could've handled Maxi myself."

"I know you could've," Vincent said. "But… I guess I couldn't help myself. Sorry…"

Malon smiled sadly. She leaned to Vincent and kissed him on the cheek, "Its okay Vincent, I know you meant well."

A/N: I'm done this chapter, Believe it!