Thanks for the reviews!

Enjoy!

Another Chance

Chapter 4

Link stood in disbelief. He was silent, as Malon continued to softly cry. His heart raced as sweat immediately dripped down his forehead. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words escaped. He wanted to comfort her, but had to think this through. What she had said to him…repeated over and over in his mind.

He had a son.

The Hylian slightly frowned and shook his head. He had a son for six years and never knew about it. It couldn't be possible…then again it was. He remembered clearly, the night six years ago. The night they had both given their love to each other. They had both been so careless, and in love. They were both responsible for what happened.

Link wiped the tears the rolled down her cheeks with his thumb and softly called her name. " Mal…"

She sniffed lifting her head. Link paused, staring down at her soft watery eyes. He saw hurt lurking within him, and forgiveness. His stomach cringed at the sight of her crying. It was his fault. He had left her alone, to raise their child.

" Why…." He sighed deeply, closing his eyes. " Why didn't you tell me?"

" Well…" Malon stuttered, stepping away from him. " I…I…."

"--You knew before I left, didn't you?" Link abruptly understood.

Was that the reason they had broken up? Was it because she was pregnant and he was leaving? She couldn't take the pain that he probably wouldn't come back to help raise their child. She was most likely tired of him always leaving for three to six years.

Malon sighed and nodded. " I was…upset."

" Why Mal?"

" Because you were leaving!" Malon abruptly shouted. Link stepped back, his eyes widened surprised by this sudden anger. " I was pregnant and you weren't going to be here!"

" That doesn't mean you couldn't have told me, Mal!" Link suddenly found himself shouting back, leveling his voice with hers. " I need to know these things."

" If I told you…would you have stayed?"

Link was silent. He glanced down at her, seeing that she determined an answer. He didn't know what to say. He couldn't abandoned his job. Princess Zelda, and all of Hyrule depended on him to get rid of the evil that was threatening their land. He couldn't just walk away, because he had figured out that the one he loved was pregnant, with his child.

Link licked his lips and shook his head. " So you're telling me we broke up because of this?"

Malon became furious that he was ignoring her question. She crossed her arms, stepping away from Link, out of his reach. " I don't know, Link. Is it?"

" You broke up with me!" Link shouted. He took a deep breath, wanting to just walk away, but knew he couldn't. Even though they were fighting, he still wanted to be with her. " Does Hayden know?"

" That you're his father?" Link nodded. " No…"

" What about this…Seth guy?"

" Seth hates kids. Seth won't pay attention to Hayden or do anything with him." Malon's arms dropped to her side. She shook her head, seeming stressed and exhausted. Link noticed this. " I don't know what to do. Hayden needs a father in his life…" She briefly glanced at Link.

Link frowned noticing the glare. " What do you want me to do?" Link questioned, hearing his voice rising once more. He placed his hand on his chest. " Do you want me to just walk in and be all fatherly to him?"

Malon's eyes widened, a little astonished by what he was saying. " You're his father Link!"

" I know that!" Link shouted, this time really loud. He was afraid that Hayden would hear the two arguing, but the thought didn't stay long. He had too many important things filling up inside of him. " I just figured out that I have a son, who's six years old and you want me to walk in and act like I've been there his entire life. You want me to do something that I…." Link paused, looking down at the ground.

Malon gripped tighter to the basket. " That you what? Don't want to do it? Is that it?" Link stayed silent. Malon took a deep breath, fresh new tears suddenly rolled down her cheeks. She abruptly turned walking toward the corral. She stopped halfway and turned back to The Hero of Time. " You can just go, then. Go back to Princess Zelda and live your life with her, forgetting all about Hayden. Obviously…your job is more important than anything."

Link opened his mouth to reply, but Malon just ignored him walking into the corral to find Hayden. He stood alone, with Epona next to him brushing her hoof at the ground. What was he going to do? This meeting with Malon, didn't turn out the way he hoped. He wanted to catch up with her, and see how she was doing, but instead they both end up fighting. They both are getting married to get different people, but end up having a son together.

Obviously…your job is more important than anything.

That wasn't true. Link knew it. She was more important. He wanted to tell her that, but not after they had just argued.

Link patted Epona's side and steadily walked deeper into the ranch, following Malon. He stopped in front of the corral, spotting the two feeding the cucoo's in the distance. Link took one step forward then stopped, not wanting to disturb them.

Malon stood up against the fence, still holding the basket of eggs. She was smiling down at Hayden who was throwing food in every direction. Link's eyes fell to his son. After getting another better glance, he noticed exactly how cute Hayden was. He was having fun, smiling as the cucoo's followed him. A strong smile was held upon the boy's face, his big bright blue eyes shimmered with happiness.

Link suddenly frowned once more, thinking about how Malon managed to raise Hayden alone. It must have been hard for her, to go through being pregnant without comfort and help. Of course, her father was most likely there to help her. But what if it as Link she wanted with her, and not her father? Link knew should have been there, especially on the day of the birth.

What does her father think? Link was a little anxious. Not only did he get Talon's daughter pregnant at eighteen, but he had also left her for six years. She had to do everything herself, without the father around. Talon would surely be pissed at Link, for what he had done.

Like he had said before, it was his fault.

He had to make it up to her…to all of them.

Malon noticed Link has he steadily made his way over to them. Link watched as Malon sat the basket on the ground and walked away from Hayden. The Hylian sudden stopped as Malon approached him. Hayden noticed this and immediately stopped playing, watching his mother carefully.

Link's eyes focused on Malon, as she wiped the dry tears and looked up at him. Link bit his lip and took a deep breath, apologizing. It was because of him that she started crying. He never wanted to hurt her, like he had done today, and only wished for them forget the entire argument and move on.

" I'm terribly sorry, Mal." Link apologized softly, his eyes darted to Hayden who slowly made his way over toward them.

Malon nodded, luckily accepting the apology. " It's okay, Link. I should of told you before…but…"

" Let's not worry about that." Link interrupted. " Let's focus on making things right."

Malon seemed hopeful. " So you mean…"

Link nodded. " I have to go back to the castle, but I promise I'll come back tomorrow." He spoke softly, so Hayden wouldn't overhear their conversation.

Malon refused to look back at their son, but clearly understood why Link lowered his voice. She lowered hers, matching her tone with his. " Do you want me to tell him?"

Link shook his head, his eyes averted from Malon's and briefly glanced at Hayden, who returned the gaze. " We'll tell him tomorrow. I want to be there with you."

Malon warmly smiled and nodded. " Okay. I'll see you tomorrow then."

Link returned the smile, wanting to hug her, but managed to control himself. Instead he briefly placed his hand on Malon's shoulder and nodded to Hayden, giving him a small wave.

Hayden frowned perplexed, and nodded in return. Link turned walking back to the entrance of the ranch, where Epona waited.

" Link!" Malon called.

Link abruptly stopped and swiftly turned looking back at Malon. " Yes?"

Malon was silent for a moment as she fiddled with the ends of her hair. " Uh…" She looked up at Link. "…I'm really glad you're back."

Link softly chuckled and nodded. " Me too."

He turned, silently leaving the ranch.

Back at the castle, Link silently walked alone through the hallways, his mind focused on Malon and Hayden. He wanted to stay longer at the ranch, and explain to Hayden tonight instead of tomorrow, but knew that he had to return. Eventually Princess Zelda was going to be worried. He couldn't do that to the her.

What was bothering him at the moment, was how he was going to tell Princess Zelda, that he has a son.

Link leaned up against the cold wall, rubbing his fingers through his blonde locks. He took a deep breath, watching as a couple of guards and servants walked by. After over an hour of thinking, Link knew how he was going to tell her. He was ready, just not ready for her reaction.

The Hylian swiftly turned and walked outside to the garden. He made his way to the bench, where Princess Zelda sat, twirling a rose using her fingers. This was the same place where the two had first met, when they were kids. Link remembered it like it was yesterday. He was sent here, because of the Deku Tree, saying that he had to meet the princess of Hyrule.

Princess Zelda lifted her head, and smiled at Link as he walked over to her. Link returned the smile and carefully took a seat next to her. Immediately, the two engaged in conversation.

" How was your trip around Hyrule." Princess Zelda questioned softly.

Link panicked, after realizing he had lied to her. " It was…good…"

Princess Zelda smiled and nodded. Link took a deep breath and turned to the blonde. " Zelda…there's something important I have to tell you."

" What is it?"

Link licked his lips, and lowered his hand looking down at his gloved hands. " I went and saw Malon today…"

" The farmer woman?"

Link nodded. " Yes…"

" She's your…ex-lover, right?" Zelda questioned, causing Link to bring back painful memories. " The one you were dating."

Link closed his eyes tightly. " Yes…she…well…I…"

Zelda placed her hand on Link's comforting him. " What is it?"

" I have a son!" Link confessed, finally relieved that the truth was out.

Zelda seemed speechless…as she steadily removed her hand standing to her feet. Link lifted his head, looking up at her. Princess Zelda tried to speak, but said nothing. Her mouth slightly hung open, as her eyes widened in astonishment.

" You…" She paused.

Link nodded. " Yes…" He spoke softly, now calmer. " I have a six year old son, named Hayden."

" Six?" Zelda's brows arched perplexed. " I have encountered the redheaded farmer, several times while you were away. She never told me about this."

Link stood to his feet, facing the princess. " Unfortunately, she never told me either. I just found out today."

" Link…what do you want to do?" Zelda asked, holding her hands.

Link shrugged and sighed deeply. " There's nothing I can do. I have to head back tomorrow, so Malon and I can tell Hayden."

" He doesn't know?"

Link shook his head. Zelda swallowed, slightly sighing. Link noticed the anxious look that appeared on her face, as she walked away from Link, holding her head. Link frowned, surprised Zelda had controlled her emotions well. She was a princess, hiding how she truly felt came natural to her. Even though she seemed okay about it, Link knew she was being tortured on the inside.

" Princess, what's wrong?"

" The prophecy…it's…"

" What prophecy?" Link questioned.

Zelda abruptly shook her head turning back to Link. " Nothing." She walked back to Link, setting the rose she still carried, on the bench. " Link, you know that…Hayden…will follow your footsteps, right?"

Link was silent as he nodded. He knew, but the thought never occurred to him when he first heard the news.

" He is the son of the Hero of Time. No matter who the mother is…" Zelda paused briefly closing her eyes. Link waited patiently, watching as her gaze returned, this time her eyes slightly watered. "…Hayden will carry a piece of the Triforce in him. He will become the next Hero of Time, after you."

" Princess…are you okay?" Link placed his hands on Zelda's shoulders.

Zelda nodded. " Link, if you'll excuse me. I must be going." Zelda stepped back, walking out of Link's grasp and headed back inside.

Link took a deep breath and sat down on the bench. He wiped his exhausting, burning eyes, and glanced down at the rose next to him. He carefully picked up the rose, and stared at its beauty, smiling.

Princess Zelda was correct, by saying that Hayden will become the next Hero of Time. The legend passes down in the bloodline. If or when Link falls, Hayden will take his place, when he's older of course.

The thing that was bothering Link was, what Zelda had said about the prophecy. He was clueless as to what she was talking about, but knew it was about him. What is supposed to happen in the prophecy?

" You still love her…"

Link jumped startled at the sudden voice and turned looking behind him. Impa stood leaning up against the castle walls, her arms crossed. She held a plain calm and causal look, the one Link was used to. Impa was very silent, only speaking when necessary and needed. She never overreacted about anything, and was able to keep her temper down when in drastic situations.

Link sighed a little relieved, and waited for his heart to return to normal. How long has she been there? Did she overhear the conversation?

" What are you talking about?" Link questioned.

" Her…"

Her.

Malon.

" You mean…"

Impa nodded silently.

Link lowered his head. " Is it that obvious?"

" Not really, but I know certain things."

" You're not going to tell Zelda…are you?" Link grew anxious.

Impa shook her head. " It is not my part to say."

Link stayed in his spot, next to the bench and crossed his arms. " Do you know what Zelda was talking about…when she said something about a prophecy?"

Impa nodded once more. " The legend had it that one day the princess and the hero were to be wed, and have a child. Unfortunately, you already have a son with another woman."

" So…you're saying…"

"She wanted it to be true, but I guess it doesn't happen this time around."

" This time around?" Link questioned perplexed.

Impa nodded. " The legend continues on, and so does the prophecy."

" What am I going to do?" Link rubbed his eyes once more.

" Do what your heart says." Impa explained as she moved from her spot and headed back inside. " Do what you think is right…"

Link stayed silent as he watched Impa disappear, heading back inside the castle. He returned to his spot on the bench, and began to think.

Do what your heart says…

What was he going to do?

It didn't matter what he was going to choose…either way…someone was going to get hurt in the end.

A/N:

I know it's been a while since I have updated this story, and I'm really sorry. I'm glad to finally update! Yah! Go me! Uh, nothing much to say about this chapter. Hopefully it turned out okay. I have finals so that's the reason why it took me a while to finish this. I'm not out of school until June 21st.

Note: I have put my characters up for this story on my profile. So you can check there and read about Hayden and Seth.

Until Next Time!