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Another Chance

Chapter 3

Link awoke early the next morning, earlier than he had imagined. Today he was going to go to Lon Lon Ranch, to visit Malon. He had figured this out all last night, after putting the marriage situation behind him. He still didn't want to marry Princess Zelda, but knew he had no other choice.

Last night, the King had told Link he needed his final answer by tomorrow night. Link wanted to deny the offer, but knew he couldn't disappoint the King and Princess Zelda. He knew, tonight he had to give his final word. He was going to…after visiting Malon.

Link abruptly dressed into the outfit given to him yesterday. After hooking his sword and shield, he left the room. Getting out of the castle wasn't an easy task. On his way to the entrance, he had to tell Impa, three Royal Guards, and even Zelda herself, that he was going to ride around Hyrule for a bit. He hated lying, but didn't want to say he was just going to see Malon. He was going to regret what he had done, but was pleased to finally be out of the castle.

The Hylian had wasted no time running down to Hyrule Market. It was a beautiful day, perfect to go riding. The temperatures were mild, and the sky was clear, with occasional clouds. There was a small breeze, very light and refreshing.

Hyrule Market was packed, and lively today, just as Link remembered it. The streets were crowded, with kids, dogs, store owners, and local villagers. Kids ran around freely chasing the dogs, adults talked to one another, either laughing or fighting uncontrollably, and storeowners were persuading buyers to make perfect deals.

It was the typical Hyrule Market.

And Link was pleased.

The Hylian left the busy square, and played Epona's song once stepping off the drawbridge. A second later, Epona neighed excitedly and came galloping from over Kakariko Village entrance. Link smiled, and patted Epona's side once the mare had reached him. He mounted her, before saying,

" You ready to go home?"

Epona was a smart horse, and already knew what he had meant. Without hesitating, the mare abruptly neighed once more and made her way toward Lon Lon Ranch.

As the two continued across Hyrule Field, Link imagined what Malon would be doing right now. She would be working, most likely. Either in the corral or the stables. She had worked more than her father, for the old man was either busy sleeping or out delivering milk. Ingo was like their slave, only working when forced or told to.

Malon seemed to be the one in charge. She did so much, it seemed like the ranch was hers. Link had given her a break one day, before they had broken up…before he had left. He had worked the ranch, that hot summer day, and he would never forget the loving smile she had given him. If only things were the same again…if only Link wasn't going to get married.

As they came upon Lon Lon Ranch, Link knew he had to tell her. He couldn't lie to Malon, especially something as important as this. Marriage wasn't something to fool around with. He could only imagine what her reaction would be like…

Link took a deep breath as the two entered the ranch. Everything was the same, nothing had changed, except a few changes on the house. In the distance was the corral, and a couple of familiar horses trotted around. He heard the familiar mooing of the cows in the stable, and saw a couple of vicious cucoo's in front of the corral.

The door to the stables opened, and Link's heart immediately went to his throat, once he saw her walk out. She failed to notice him, as she turned heading deeper into the ranch. Link dismounted Epona, taking a few steps forward as he watched her.

"…Mal…" He called softly.

Somehow she heard. She abruptly stopped, holding the basket of eggs firmly in her hands. Steadily, she turned, and looked back at Link.

She was more beautiful than ever, and Link hated himself for leaving. Her long shiny red hair fell to the middle of her back and her attractive blue eyes shimmered in the light. She wore a long light blue dress, that had brought out the color in her eyes, with an apron wrapped around her waist.

That moment, Link wanted to just embrace her. He wanted to hold her tightly within his arms, never wanting to let her go. But he knew, it was now forbidden. They both kept their distances, just staring at each other with amazement. He wanted to close the gap between them, but managed to keep his legs put.

He watched as Malon's eyes studied him, looking him up and down. She frowned, causing Link to worry, but then a small smile appeared across her face. She took a step forward, but one step was all it was.

" Link?" She questioned.

Link returned the smile and nodded. " Mal, it's me."

" You look…" She stopped, studying him again.

Link chuckled softly, as he looked down at himself. "…Different? I know."

" When did you get back?"

" Yesterday. I had to visit the castle, first." Link answered.

Malon frowned and nodded. Once again, they stood in silence. Link took a deep breath, wondering what to say next. It has been six years since they've seen each other, and they couldn't even keep a conversation going. He felt awkward, and he knew she did as well. He wanted to apologize, and beg for her to take him back, but he didn't. He didn't even know if she still feels the same way for him.

" How have things been?" Link asked, to break the silence.

Malon nodded. " Things have been going well…"

" That's good to hear."

" Father is out of town, right now. Visiting our family in Termina." Malon explained.

" So, you're the running the ranch alone?"

Malon shook her head. " Ingo is here helping. Along with a few others…" Link was about to question who the others were, but Malon abruptly continued. " So, how was your journey?"

" It was interesting, and exhausting." Link lowered his head, chuckling softly. " I had gotten home sick."

Malon raised her eyebrows, nodding. " Don't we all?"

Epona neighed from behind Link and trotted her way over toward Malon. Malon abruptly smiled, once seeing her old horse again and hugged Epona lightly, kissing her nose. Link smiled, content to see Malon happy. Her smile…it was the one she had given all the time when they were both together. The one he enjoyed seeing, and loved.

" It's good to see you Epona." Malon cried happily. " I've missed you so much! You've grown so beautiful."

Link frowned and sighed deeply, remembering the marriage. He had to tell Malon about it, and right now was the perfect opportunity.

" Mal, there's something I have to tell you." Malon turned her attention to Link. Link stepped forward, stopping next to the mare. " The King… he…he wants me to marry Princess Zelda."

There, he said it.

Malon was silent for a moment, as she continued to stare at Link. She licked her lips, letting go of Epona and returned to gripping the basket. A small frown appeared on her face, as lowered her head to the ground.

" It's funny…" She spoke softly, almost hurt.

Link cocked his head to the side, perplexed. " What is?"

She lifted her head, their eyes met. " I'm getting married too."

Link's mouth hung open in shock. This was not the reply he wanted to hear. Malon was getting married…to another man? Nothing could make this moment any worse. She was getting married as well…Link blinked, noticing he was having trouble speaking.

She can't get married. Link thought. I still love her.

" Who is he?" Link managed to asked, hidden anger was heard in his voice.

" His name is Seth." Malon answered. " He works at Lake Hylia. His father and my father were good friends growing up."

" And he proposed to you?"

" Well, my father believed that it was time for me to get married. So he had asked Seth, and Seth agreed." Malon explained.

Link frowned and lowered his head. He wanted to meet this "Seth". He wanted to see exactly who Malon was going to marry. Her father had suggested it…does Malon even love this man?

The Hylian was about to ask, but a young voice from the corral had caused him to immediately stop. Link focused his attention passed Malon, to the young boy running up to them. He looked no older than six, with shaggy blonde hair and bright blue eyes. The young boy, wore a white shirt tucked into his loose baggy tan pants with brown boots.

" Mother!" The boy cried, waving his arms in the air.

Malon smiled and turned facing the boy and bent down so she was at eye level with him. Link stood in shock. Malon has a son?

" Yes, Hayden?"

" When are you going to come with the eggs?" The young boy questioned. " I've been waiting, ya know."

" I'm coming soon." Malon stood wrapping her arms around the boy's shoulders. " Hayden, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. Hayden this is Link. Link, this is my son…Hayden."

Link forced a smile, and shook the boy's hand. " Nice to meet you, Hayden."

" You too, sir." Hayden eyed the Master Sword. His eyes widened as he looked up at Link. " Are you a fighter, sir?"

Link chuckled softly. " It's part of my job."

Malon nodded, and pointed back to the corral. " I'll be there in a second, Hayden, okay?"

Hayden smiled and nodded. " Okay, mother."

Link watched as the boy waved to him and turned running back to the corral. A sudden frown appeared on the Hylian's face, as he turned looking back at Malon. " You have a son?"

Malon nodded, ashamed. "… He's six now."

" I take it, he's Seth's son..."

Malon frowned; her eyes watered. Link noticed the tears building up her eyes. He stepped forward, now close to her, and placed his hands on her shoulders comforting her. " Mal, I'm sorry. Was it something I said?"

Malon sniffed, and blinked looking up at Link. A fresh tear rolled down her soft reddened cheek. " Link…Hayden isn't Seth's son…"

" He's not?"

Malon shook her head. " Hayden…is yours."

A/N:

Duh, duh, duh! Well you all know what the surprise is. Surprise! Tahitiliz was the only one who had guessed and was pretty close. Instead of it being Durnal, I had decided to make a new character as their son.

Hmm….I decided to put this chapter up early, because I couldn't wait! Haha. I was proud of it, and hopefully there aren't any mistakes. Now, Link is really in a dilemma. How is he going to get out of this one?

Until Next Time!