Thanks for the reviews!

Special thank you to Traiden, TheTwilightPrincess, and Cheez. You guys are the only ones who guessed and guessed right about the what Hayden and Link have in common thing! Yah! Here's a cookie for all of you! And here's the next chapter, dedicated to you guys!

Enjoy!

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Another Chance

Chapter 10

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It was a quiet night at the ranch, as Malon put all of the horses into the stables. The silence had frightened her, for she was used to Hayden talking and helping her close the ranch. Tonight, she was alone. The only comfort she had was her beloved horses as they continued to chew the hay given to them. The cows had suddenly mooed, which was the first noise heard the entire night. Malon smiled as she picked up a basket filled of eggs and walked out of the stables.

The starry night shined down on her, as she walked across the ranch to her house. She stopped in front of the door, and grabbed the doorknob briefly looking up the sky. No clouds were visible, and there was a light wind that gently caressed Malon's face. It was beautiful out, no doubt about it. Malon warmly smiled, and opened the door heading inside.

The living room sat in peaceful silence, as Malon sat the eggs down on the table. She began to count through them with her mind focused on Hayden. She wondered how he was doing at the castle, how he was reacting to a totally new environment. The castle was no place for a child like Hayden; Malon frowned at the thought. Though, Hayden was only there for one night just to spend some more time with his father, there was no harm in that.

How would Zelda react when she sees Hayden? Malon knew that Princess Zelda had feelings for Link so she wasn't sure if seeing Hayden would make her content or only bring her more misery. Then again, the princess is getting married to Link. She wouldn't have to worry about anything, because Link would be her husband. She would finally have what she always wanted.

Malon sighed deeply, noticing that she had stopped counting. A new feeling had came over her as she continued to think about the princess and Link married. It was a feeling she hasn't felt in over a long time, ever since she was a little girl. She felt crushed…a little hurt….

She felt herself hating the princess now…because she was soon going to be Link's wife…

Was she upset?

Was she…jealous?

Pounding footsteps abruptly interrupted Malon's thoughts, as her blue eyes averted to the stairs. Seth walked downstairs, dressed and carrying a bag as if going out. Malon pushed the eggs aside and stepped around the table, watching as Seth walked up to her.

" Where are you going?" She questioned softly.

Seth slipped on his last glove and tossed the bag around his shoulders. " I'm going out…" Seth answered. " I have to meet Jack."

" Jack." Malon repeated. " The man you work with?"

Seth nodded. " I will be back late."

Seth walked by Malon and headed for the door. Malon took a deep breath and turned hurrying after him. She grabbed his arm, causing him to stop. " Seth, are you going back to work?"

Seth turned and looked down at Malon. " I'm sorry, but I can't stay home. They need me."

" It's your day off…"

" Well, I guess I'm doing some overtime." Seth replied. He paused, looking around the bare and quiet living room. " Where's Hayden?"

" With his father." Malon replied.

" Oh…" Was all Seth had said. He stepped forward and bent down giving Malon a light kiss.

Malon closed her eyes once feeling their lips briefly touch, then opened them after hearing Seth step away. She bit her bottom lip, lowering her head to the ground. " Be careful, Seth. There are bandits out at night."

Seth stopped in front of the door and nodded keeping his back to her. " I know…" He whispered. " Good-bye."

" Good-bye, Seth." Malon spoke softly, leveling her tone with his. She watched as he stepped out of the house and closed the door behind him.

Malon sighed deeply, as she removed her apron and tossed it over on the table. She turned and blew out the candles in the living room. After the darkness filled the room she headed up to her room to go to bed.

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" Wow…" Hayden exclaimed softly, as he continued to gaze out Link's bedroom window.

This had been the very first time the young Hylian was in the castle. Everything was new to him, and a big adventure. He was so amazed at how large the castle was up close, and couldn't believe the view his father's window had to offer. From here, he could see Hyrule Market, parts of Kakariko Village and the vast field of Hyrule. With millions of the stars scattered across the black sky, the view was surely breathtaking.

The view was the only good thing about coming here. As he followed his father throughout the castle, he knew that he didn't belong. He had been given looks, words couldn't describe. Even the meeting with the King still lurked within Hayden's mind. He frowned, as he reminisced back to earlier that night. The King was surely shocked to find out Link had a son. It didn't make Hayden feel any better. The King at first wasn't too content about it, but after a while of thinking he had warmed up to Hayden. Of course, Hayden didn't like the king. His first impression with him didn't go very well.

Hayden sighed deeply and looked up at the stars that filled the sky. He listened to his father's footsteps behind him, before his father settled onto the bed. Silence filled the room, only for a brief moment, until Link was heard playing his ocarina.

Hayden looked over his shoulder, watching his father, who sat upright on the bed. He played a soft slow ballad, music that could surely put someone to sleep. It was a nice tune that Hayden enjoyed, but he liked it better when his father played Epona's Song.

" Father…" Hayden called. Link stopped, and opened his eyes, looking in Hayden's direction. " Does the King like me?"

Link lowered his ocarina and nodded. " Of course. He was just a little surprised to find out I had a son. It was my fault for not telling him sooner. Don't blame anything on yourself."

" What did he mean by 'the next chosen one'?" Hayden questioned. He remembered hearing The King and his father softly talking about it.

Link's eyes widened as if he were surprised Hayden had overheard. He coughed, turning his attention to his blue ocarina in hand. " Uh, it's nothing…important Hayden. I'll tell you more about it later."

Hayden frowned and walked over to the bed. He jumped onto the bed, and sat down next to his father, bringing his knees to his chest. He yawned lightly, closing his eyes causing Link to chuckle.

" Tired?" Hayden nodded. " Don't go to sleep yet, son."

" Why?"

" There's one last person you have to meet." Link answered.

Hayden frowned. " Who?"

Link opened his mouth to speak, but a sudden knock had cut him off. Link smiled and stood placing his ocarina on the bed near his son as he walked over to the door. Hayden watched carefully, as Link opened the door greeting the person on the other side.

Hayden's eyes widened, as the princess of Hyrule entered the room. He blinked, his mouth slightly hanging open as Zelda politely smiled once noticing Hayden. She carefully made her way over to him. Princess Zelda was pretty, and surely had the looks of a princess, but he still didn't want his father to marry her. He wanted his parents to be together, and have a normal family.

" Hello, Hayden. Nice to finally meet you." Princess Zelda greeted, as she held out her hand.

Hayden reluctantly shook it. " Hi."

" You're father has told me much about you." Zelda explained, as she took a seat on edge of the bed.

Hayden turned to his father, who closed the door and walked closer to the bed. Hayden swallowed hard as he looked back at the princess. " Really?"

Zelda nodded. " Yes. And I must say, you surely have your father's appearance. But as I can see, your eyes are much like your mothers."

" You know my mother?"

Zelda nodded. " How do you like the castle, Hayden?"

" It's really nice and big." Hayden pointed to the window. " The window has a really nice view."

" I'm glad you enjoy it." Zelda replied.

Hayden nodded, but frowned at the awkward silence that filled the room. Zelda suddenly stood and walked over toward Link, softly having a conversation with him. Hayden watched them carefully, noticing the fake smiles that Zelda had given him the entire time. He couldn't tell if she had anger inside, or distraught.

He didn't want Zelda to be his stepmother; he didn't want his father to get married. He wanted a normal family, with his parents still together. He had grown up without knowing his father until now, and already Princess Zelda was taking him. Hayden finally understood, that marriage was the only thing preventing his parents from getting back together.

Zelda turned back to Hayden, who had focused his attention on the window. Once Zelda had kindly called his name, Hayden's eyes averted to the woman standing next to his father.

" Would you like to come see the garden? I'm pretty sure you would like it."

Hayden frowned. " I have a mother…"

Zelda suddenly frowned, and briefly looked over at Link, whose now striking gaze never left his son. Zelda swallowed and nervously chuckled. " Why Hayden, I'd never take your mother away from you."

" You're taking my father away from her…" Hayden spoke softly.

Zelda's eyes widened. Link crossed his arms, as he continued to stare at Hayden. " What did you say, Hayden?"

Hayden's eyes finally averted to his father. He noticed the stern look, his father had gave, and was a little nervous to speak. Hayden steadily opened his mouth, but a frantic knock came to the door as someone entered the room. Hayden watched the older woman, as she ran up to Link and Zelda. She wore a blue outfit, and had white hair that was pulled back into a small ponytail.

" Link, I have some urgent news." The woman explained.

" What Impa?"

" Hyrule Market is being under attacked. It's the same three bandits from Kakariko Village."

" How did they get into Hyrule Market after dark?" Link questioned.

" It appears two of them were already in Hyrule Market. They attacked the soldiers guarding the drawbridge and lowered it." Impa informed.

Link's eyes widened as Zelda gasped. " Does my father know about this?"

Impa nodded. " He ordered for me to get you, Link."

Zelda abruptly hurried out of the room, as Link ran to the end of the table in the room and grabbed his shield and sword. Hayden sat up and crawled on his knees to the other side of the bed, as he watched his father equipping his weapons.

" Father, what's going on?"

" I have to go work, real quick." Link replied. He walked over to the bed and placed his hand on Hayden's cheek, staring directly into his son's eyes. " You stay here, Hayden. You hear?" Hayden nodded in response. " Don't leave this room."

Link stood and turned to Impa, who finally realized Hayden was there. " Is he…?"

" Yes." Link answered, before she could finish. " Please look after him."

Impa nodded, as Link hurried out of the room. The room fell in silence, as Hayden continued to sit on the bed, staring directly at this woman named Impa. He felt his heart pound against his chest, as his eyes switched glances between Impa and the door.

He had no clue who this woman was, but trusted her enough since his father did. The only thing on his mind right now, was figuring out why his father had left in such a hurry. Something was happening at Hyrule Market, and his father had to go take care of it. He wanted to go with him. He was terrified. He didn't want to be left alone.

Impa stood near the door, silently tapping on her arm. She mostly stared down at the ground, occasionally looking up at Link's son. The door was wide open, for Link was in a hurry to leave. Soldiers and guards were frantically running back and fourth down the hallways, causing Hayden's face to curl up in fear.

Impa noticed the frightened look upon the boy's face. " It's okay…Hayden."

" What's happening?" Hayden questioned.

Before Impa could reply, a solider stepped into the room, carrying a long spear in hand. Hayden turned his attention to the guard, wearing the heavy amour and helmet. " Impa, the King needs you. It's urgent."

Impa nodded. " Right." She stepped out of the room, but suddenly stopped remembering Hayden. " Hoppkins."

" Yes, Impa?" The guard replied.

" Stay here." Impa answered and abruptly left.

Hayden watched as Impa disappeared down the hallway. The guard stood in front of the door, only for a couple minutes until he was called else where. Hayden was alone.

Hayden took a deep breath and jumped down from the bed hurrying over to the door. He stood in the hallway, noticing a bunch of soldiers at one end, talking in a group. Hayden licked his lips and ran in the opposite direction. He wanted to find his father, and the only place to go was Hyrule Market.

The young Hylian hurried throughout the castle, luckily remembering how to get to the drawbridge leading to the Castle Grounds out front. He managed to slip by without being noticed by any guards, knowing if he had gotten caught would be sent to visit the king.

Hayden's footsteps were heard pounding on the cement ground below, as his panting grew heavier. Once he spotted the drawbridge leading outside, his pace quickened. A couple of guards had spotted the young Hylian, and abruptly ordered for him to stop. Hayden refused to listen to any guards, as he ran across the drawbridge out into the dark open night.

The guards had stopped chasing him, but Hayden knew they had went to tell the King of his escapade. Hayden hurried across the small garden out front and ran passed a couple of trees, being cautious of the guards patrolling. He made it to the tall locked gate, on the path leading to Hyrule Market, with no problem. He walked across the bricks on top of the gates, and made it out of the castle grounds.

Hayden sighed with relief, and briefly paused to catch his breath. Once he spotted some vines in the distance, Hayden felt himself smile as he quickly hurried to his father, and Hyrule Market.

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Link gripped tightly to his sword, as he walked to the fountain in the middle of Hyrule Market. Silence filled the area, and movements ceased to exists. The two guards usually patrolling Hyrule Market at night were found lying inert in front of the fountain. Even the many dogs usually roaming aimlessly around the market weren't out.

The stillness was dreading.

Link briefly looked down at the two guards, noticing they were stabbed to death. He sighed deeply and lifted his head to the drawbridge in the distance. Sure enough, it was down. The bandits were still here, somewhere in the market.

The blonde hero finally moved from his spot near the fountain and walked out to the other side, suddenly stopping at the noise coming from the back alleyways. Link turned his attention to two noisy bandits who walked out of the alleyway laughing. They carried large brown bags in her hands, most likely filled with items they had stolen.

The two bandits matched the descriptions given from the witnesses at Kakariko Village. They had taken their masks off, revealing their true identities. One was short with long white hair, while the other was large and dark, not to mention bald.

Link held his sword out in front him, and ran over toward the bandits, causing them to notice the Hero of Time heading in their direction. The white haired bandit, gasped, as he stepped back a little frightened.

" The Hero of Time!"

" What do you guys think you're doing?" Link questioned, as he stopped, keeping some distance between them.

" We was just leavin." The dark man replied, cunningly.

" Not on my watch." Link lowered his sword to his side.

" We're not scared of you! What the hell do you think we are?" The white haired man cried

" A couple of bandits who are going to be really sorry." Link bent down, holding his sword out ready to strike.

The two bandits dropped their bags to their feet, getting ready to fight the Hero of Time, if a battle really begins. Link didn't hesitate, but a fourth figure entered the scene, causing Link to immediately pull back. His determined blue eyes turned to the tall, buff man who walked out from the darkness and stopped in front of his men.

Link frowned. He remembered about the third bandit, known as boss. This bandit surely knew how to keep his identity hidden, for the mask still covered his face. His green eyes sternly focused on Link, and his short brown hair lightly blew in the wind. In his hands was a long dagger.

" Hero of Time." The man spoke. " We finally meet."

" Who the hell are you?" Link questioned.

" I am known as Boss." Boss replied. " I have some unfinished business to settle with you."

" What are you talking about? What unfinished business?"

Boss chuckled deeply. " You will see, soon enough you will remember."

Link frowned. " I'm not here to remember. I'm here to stop you. You hurt innocent people and are stealing."

" It's my job." Boss explained.

Link clutched tighter to his sword. He bent down once more, and didn't waste any time. In one swift movement, Link was seen jumping straight for Boss. The two bandits abruptly ran away as Boss held his dagger out blocking Link's attack. The two suddenly began to move around Hyrule Market, swords clanking loudly into the sky as the two began to fight.

Boss managed to knock Link's sword out of his hands, but Link gracefully jumped back to where the sword had landed. As Boss swung his dagger in, Link swung his sword forward, managing to cut Boss across the chest. Boss stepped back, and looked down at his green shirt, noticing the cut and blood trickling down his chest. He groaned, and lifted his dagger about to continue with the battle, but a figure in the distance caught his attention.

Link continued to catch his breath as he briefly stepped back and followed Boss's gaze. He turned his attention to the path leading to the castle, noticing a young small boy running up to them, waving his hand in the air. Link's eyes widened as the boy called out to him. He couldn't believe it.

" Father!" Hayden called. " Father!"

" H-Hayden…"

Link's eyes widened as he turned back to Boss. Boss's greens eyes were fixed on Hayden as he ran up to him. His mouth slightly hung open. Did the bandit just say Hayden's name? Does Boss know Hayden?

" What did you just say?" Link questioned.

" Hayden…" Boss repeated softly once more. He shook his head and immediately stepped back. His confident attitude quickly changed to anxious and fear. He turned and immediately ran out of Hyrule Market, disappearing into the darkness, with his two bandits following.

" Father…" Hayden called relieved.

Link immediately dropped his sword and turned bending down on his knees. He grabbed Hayden's shoulders, and staring into his son's now frightened eyes. " Hayden! What are you doing? Didn't I tell you to stay in the room?"

Hayden's anxious blue eyes were wide, as he opened his mouth to speak. He spoke softly, fear heard in his voice. " Y-yes…"

" Why didn't you listen?" Link cried. He was angry and yet frightened at the same time. He didn't know what emotion to show.

" I…" Hayden stopped, his eyes watering with tears.

Link's grip suddenly loosened as he continued to stare into Hayden's eyes, amazed. Every time he stared into his son's eyes, he saw Malon. Then he remembered what she had told him, earlier today before leaving.

He's just like you when you were a kid…adventurous, curious, and could never stay in one spot for long.

Link chuckled as he smiled. He shook his head and quickly embraced his son tightly with a hug. Hayden, a little surprised by the sudden hug, wrapped his arms around his father, returning the embrace. " I'm sorry Hayden…" Link whispered.

Why should he be angry with his son, when he acted the same way as a kid? Link should only blame himself, for Hayden had gotten all of this from him.

" Just…please, don't do it again."

" Okay…" Hayden sniffed.

Link pulled away from Hayden and grabbed his sword putting it back in his sheath. He placed his arm around Hayden's shoulder, guiding him back to the castle. " Let's go Hayden."

Hayden nodded as the two headed back down the dirt path. The bandits had gotten away for now, but Link knew their paths would cross again. The boss knew who Hayden was, which only meant one thing…

And if Link was right…not just the citizens of Hyrule were in trouble. The people he loved were in danger as well…

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A/N:

This had to be the longest chapter yet! Yep. I'm pretty sure it is. Heh. I'm getting back into the story now; I'm so excited. It's starting to get interesting now. Now the secret is out, and hmm…I'm pretty sure all of you know who the bandit is now!

Well, look out for the next chapter soon! I don't really have much to say. Go Hayden!

Until Next Time!