Thanks for the reviews!

I'm sorry about the wait. I've been really busy; let's just leave it at that.

Enjoy!

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Another Chance

Chapter 15

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The ride to Lake Hylia was a silent one.

The silence was killing Link, but he refused speak. The conversation him and Malon had endured back at the castle sent both of them into silence. Link had wished he taken everything back. He confessed. He had gotten it over with and poured out his emotions, but it only caused him more grief.

And he suffered on the ride to Lake Hylia.

Seth was supposedly waiting there; they had to act fast if they want to catch him before he plans to run. Link still hasn't thought of a plan on what to do once they reach their destination. As the gate leading to Lake Hylia was coming closer, Link knew he was running out of time. Was he going to fight Seth? Or let Malon and Seth get married in the end? How would the conclusion turn out?

Epona neighed in response to Link kicking her sides. His breath was visible in front of his face, as his grip tightened on the reins. Hands were wrapped around his waist, and he felt a body pressed up against his back. Malon hasn't said a word ever since they started their journey to Lake Hylia. Link was beginning to worry if she was okay. He wanted to speak to her, to help calm her nerves, but something prevented him. He stayed focused on his mission, instead of letting himself get strayed away once more.

Link felt Malon shift behind him. Her grip around him loosened, as Malon rested her head against Link's back.

" Link…I want to apologize." She spoke faint, just enough for Link to hear her.

Link tugged lightly on Epona's reigns, causing the brown mare to steadily slow down. Lake Hylia was coming closer in view.

" Apologize for what?"

" The way I acted. It was wrong for me to be so…rude…"

" Malon, you weren't rude." Link stated. " You have no reason to apologize either."

When Malon spoke, her grip once against tightened. Link could feel how tense she was. " I'm a little scared to see Seth…"

" I'm not going to leave you Malon. I'll be right here with you."

" I know you will, Link." In her voice, Link could hear a small hint of relief, and contentment.

Epona jumped the gate.

Once on Lake Hylia territory, Epona's speed had slowed down to a trot. Link kept his eyes opened, as he scanned Lake Hylia in search of that bandit. Once Malon gasped, Link knew Seth was spotted. He was found on the side of the lone building. His mare stood next to him, as he began to pack his belongings, unaware of the two Hylian's approaching.

Once Epona stopped, Malon leaped down and walked closer toward Seth, calling out his name. Link stayed mounted, watching their movements carefully. Seth's eyes widened as he walked out from behind his horse, staring at Malon. Once Seth finally averted toward Link, hatred and revenged filled his eyes. Link could already tell it wasn't going to be a pleasant reunion.

" Seth…" Malon called once more.

" Malon, why are you here?" Seth demanded.

" To see you." Malon replied sternly. " A couple of bandits attacked my home, in search of Hayden." Malon took a deep breath, speaking softly. " Were you behind it?"

Seth shook his head. " Of course not. Why would I want Hayden?"

Link finally dismounted Epona. He stayed near the mare, keeping his distance from Seth. The only thing standing between the two men was Malon, the only woman the two loved and were fighting for.

Malon eyed the bags strapped to the horse's saddle. She frowned, her fragile blue eyes lowering back toward Seth. " Where are you planning to go?"

" I'm leaving Hyrule." Seth explained.

Malon's eyes widened. " But Seth, we are planned to get married."

Seth nodded. " I know. You are leaving with me."

Malon opened her mouth and shook her head. She stepped back. " No…" She whispered. " Hyrule is my home. I will not leave."

Seth seemed angered by this. He stepped forward, closer to Malon, but this time Link took action and ran to her aid. He took out his sword, grasping it tightly at his side. Seth immediately stopped, and smiled at the sight of Link ready to fight. Malon headed back toward Epona.

" So, the Hero of Time wants to fight me?" Seth stepped back and grabbed his blade from his belongings.

" You have gone far enough, Seth." Link explained.

" Well then, I plan to end it now."

Seth didn't hesitate as he jumped forward, leaping toward Link. Link jumped to the side, dodging his attack. Seth quickly charged at Link once more, causing the Hylian to roll back and hold up his sword. Clanking swords echoed into the night sky, as Malon pulled her frightened horse away from the battle.

Link pushed Seth back, and swung his sword managing to strike at Seth's arm. The brown haired Hylian quickly recovered from the blow, and continued to keep up with the battle. Link noticed the determination in Seth's eyes. He could see how far Seth was willing to go to win the battle.

Link and Seth began to counter each other's attacks, only getting themselves weaker. A cold liquid splashed up against Link's legs finally realizing that they were heading back to the water. Seth began to use physical attacks as well as weapons, and kicked Link in the stomach, causing the Hero of Time to fall back into the lake.

Seth laughed, as Link sat up with water dripping from the ends of his hair. His clothes stuck to him, as he began to shiver. Link noticed Malon standing up on dry land, her hands gripped tightly to Epona's reigns. Fright and anxiousness was clearly seen in her face.

She loves Seth, this repeated over and over again in the Hylian's mind. Link didn't have the cruelty to kill the man Malon loved. He was once again letting his emotions get the best of him.

" Seth, I don't want to fight you anymore." Link explained.

Seth raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden surrender. " The Hero of Time has given up?"

" I'm not giving up." Link corrected, he steadily stood to his feet. " I just want this to end. Malon loves you, and I'm not going to take you away from her."

Malon's eyes widened, as she steadily shook her head. She had just realized what was happening.

" Link, you are pathetic. You know that?" Seth laughed.

Link noticed Malon running over toward them, but he didn't move. His eyes averted back to Seth standing in front of him. Seth stepped forward, his blade still gripped within his hands.

" Let's call it a truce." Link suggested. He held his hand out toward Seth.

Seth frowned looking down at Link's hand. He sighed deeply, and smirked as he reached forward, accepting the handshake. Link noticed the evil glare Seth held, and how tight the grip had gotten. Before Link had any time to react, pain exploded inside of him. Link's eyes widened, as Malon's scream was heard in the distance. Link gasped for air, as he looked down. His eyes fell upon the blade that pierced his stomach.

" You are pathetic." Seth repeated, firmly.

Seth pulled the blade out, causing blood to pour down Link's shirt. Link fell to his knees, as water splashed against his face. The pain made it hard for Link to concentrate. His sword was still gripped in his hands, but he found no strength to stand back up.

" Link!" Malon ran passed Seth, but suddenly stopped. Seth gripped tightly to her arm, preventing her from heading any further. " Let me go, Seth!"

Link looked up, and noticed Seth was pulling Malon back to his horse. The blonde Hylian took a deep breath, as he used the remaining strength to stand to his feet. He lifted his sword and charged toward Malon and Seth. Malon managed to pry away from Seth, and fall to the ground, as Link came up from behind.

Time seemed to have stopped, as Seth turned around just to see Link right behind him. Before Seth had a chance to react, the Master Sword had cut through his flesh, causing the brown haired Hylian to drop his blade. Seth's green eyes widened, as he felt himself falling. Link stepped back, watching as Seth fell to the ground, blood pouring out of his chest from the wound.

Link smirked, but only for a brief second. A frown returned to his face as he fell to his back, the pain still lingering in his body.

" Link!" Malon ran to Link's aid, tears rolling down her redden cheeks.

" Mal, I'm sorry…" Link whispered.

Malon shook her head hovering over Link. Her red hair fell down over her shoulders, as she immediately bent over pressing her lips against his. Link was astonished, but closed his eyes enjoying the moment. Malon was the first to pull away, but stayed close to Link brushing his soaked blonde hair out of his face.

" Don't apologize…" She spoke softly. She briefly kissed him again. " Please…"

" Mal…" Link steadily closed his eyes, as he felt himself drifting away. Darkness was moving in, and the pain was ceasing.

" Link, I…"

Malon speaking was the last thing Link had heard, before he lost consciousness.

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A/N:

Again, I'm sorry for the lack of updates for this story. Uh, it was almost a month, right? Anyway, moving on from that. This is probably not what you all expect, but work with me on this. Only one chapter left, and unless I am in the mood and write two, but I believe one chapter is left for this story.

Thanks for being so patient with me!

Also, I posted the prologue to my new story, Twisted Love. Check it out if you are interested. It's a romance.

Until Next Time!