2nd Draft
Saria found Link, Malon, and Epona first.
"Link! Job told me there were soldiers in the woods! Are you . . ." she stopped when she saw the look on Link's face. Never had she seen such an expression. She turned to the stranger, a young girl with red hair who also looked distraught.
Turning back to Link she tried to reach out for his hand but he pulled back and lowered his gaze.
"Blood," he said wiping his hand on the bottom of his tunic. Saria saw that his hands were indeed covered in dry blood. Quickly she scanned the rest of him making sure none of it was his.
"I am fine," Link said noticing what his friend was doing. His voice was dry and distant. Saria was about to say something when the red haired girl spoke meekly.
"You have a fairy too," she said pointing towards Sprite. Saria glanced up at her companion then back at the girl.
"That's right. Her name is Sprite, and mine is Saria. What is your name?" she asked softly with a smile.
Suddenly shy the girl pressed herself against the small fiery horse. Even in the dim light Saria could see the horse was nearly as red as the girl's scarlet hair.
"I'm Malon, and this is Epona." Then she shivered despite the temperate evening. "Can we go home now?" she all but whimpered.
Slowly Saria reached her hand out. "Of course we can." After a slight hesitation Malon took the hand, and Saria guided her into the village. Link walked behind them, eyes locked on something nobody else could see. Saria said a quick prayer for her friend.
The next hour or so had been a blur for Link. Everyone in the village had been awoken and gathered by the Know-It-All brothers. When the four of them came into town everyone rushed forward asking questions about the strangers and the soldiers. Most of them stopped dead in their tracks when they saw Link, and more specifically the blood stained on his hands and splattered on his tunic. Quickly the four brothers had sensed the severity of what happened and went about chasing everyone away and sending them home.
At some point Saria had taken Malon and Epona away, requesting something of Navi before she left. Link did not catch any of it, did not even manage to say goodbye to Saria. Navi guided his step to the spring where he had robotically scrubbed his hands in the brisk water. He had hoped washing the blood would make him feel better, would suddenly wash away the memories of the soldier's sobs, but it did not.
Now he was finally in his home, lying in his bed. He had peeled his tainted, sweaty tunic off and left it hanging on his porch. He curled up under his blanket begging the knots in his stomach to relax.
"Navi," he finally spoke into the dark room.
"Yes Link?" she asked suddenly becoming visible above his head.
"Goodnight." Even as the word left his mouth he began sobbing uncontrollably. Navi fluttered down on top of his head settling there.
"Shhhhh its okay, it's okay," she said comforting him. "Good night Link."
Link rapped his knuckles against Saria's door. It was morning now, though not as early as any other day. Link had gone out to the field only to find it empty, Sheik and Impa nowhere to be seen. So after waiting a few minutes he walked all the way back to Saria's house.
Sheik answered the door, she was fully dressed and looked like she had been awake for some time. She had a puzzled look on her face.
"I went to the field and nobody was there," Link said right away. "Aren't we training today?" he asked.
Sheik opened her mouth then closed it. After choosing her words she spoke. "I thought you could use a day off after so many consistent days of pushing yourself." Link shook his head.
"No, I would like to train." He said. The words came out with more intensity than he'd meant to but it could not be helped. Link knew he needed to stay occupied.
With a knowing and sympathetic look Sheik nodded and asked for a moment to get ready. Link waited outside leaning against the house. He surveyed the village while he waited, taking in its natural beauty in the morning sun. Few villagers were up this early and the ones who were, were courteous enough not to make a lot of noise.
"Link, look," Navi said drawing the boy's attention. She was hovering over a nest of disturbed grass and hoof prints. This must be where Epona bedded for the night Link surmised. When Sheik came out of the house, wearing her skin tight training clothes, Link asked her where Malon and Epona were.
"When they woke up Malon asked Saria to direct her and Epona to an open field with room to run, then she asked to be left alone." Sheik answered. "She also said she would come talk to you this evening if you were alright with that."
Link nodded his head. "Of course."
The two walked together silently to their training field. Link noticed that Sheik seemed very easily distracted today. Every insect that flew by, or bird overhead demanded her attention. Link already knew she had spoken to Saria and maybe Malon too.
When they got to their spot Link wasted no time in setting the freshly cleaned Din's Wrath down, and preparing himself for a fight. For the first couple hours Link's attacks were measured but as Sheik bested him again and again with combinations of strikes and throws he was starting to become frustrated.
Sheik landed a powerful kick to Link's side as he was throwing a jab. Shaken by the blow, but not defeated, Link caught the leg under his arm, trapping it, and charged forward. Sheik managed to hop backwards twice before being overtaken. Link was on her in a moment as they both hit the ground. Sheik managed to get her hips between her and Link, and her legs around him to hold him back but it did little to stop Link's attack.
Even on one knee Link was growling, throwing fists down catching Sheik in her stomach and ribs. When a punch slipped past Sheik's defenses and caught her on the face she decided she'd had enough. With both hands she grabbed one of Link's wrists and yanked it towards her chest. With that arm isolated from Link's body she brought her left leg up over Link's head, and in front of his face. With dynamic force Sheik made her body as hard, rigid, and straight as possible, pulling on Link's arm and squeezing with her legs. Link tried to pull his arm free but only managed to lose his balance and end up tumbling forward until he was flat on his back. Now Sheik had his arm wholly in her control. Despite all of Link's pulling and turning he could not free himself. Sheik drove her hips straight up towards the sky applying an incredible amount of pressure to Link's elbow. Link gasped at the sudden pain thinking his arm was about to break.
"Stop! I submit I submit!" he cried out. Immediately Sheik let go of Link's hand and arm then rolled away from him.
Coming to her feet she brought her hand to her face and inspected the damage. Link had only caught her on the chin but there would no doubt be swelling and bruising. Link got up and saw what he had done.
"I'm sorry," he said sheepishly lowering his head.
Sheik waved him off. "No, the damage was minimal." Then a thought occurred to Sheik. "That technique I used on your arm, what did you think of it?" she asked.
Link rubbed his elbow, still disappointed that he had been so aggressive. "It worked," he said.
Sheik nodded. "It is a grappling technique called Juji Gatame. Would you like to learn it?"
"Of course!"
Sheik took a step toward Link and lowered her voice emphasizing how serious her next words were. "Link, with this technique, and the ones I'm about to show you, I will be at your mercy. You WILL break my arm if you do not control your strength."
Link clenched his jaw and silently berated himself. "I understand," he said.
An excited smile spread across Sheik's face. "Good, then let's begin."
For the rest of the morning Sheik worked only grappling techniques with Link. The moves were simple enough while Link was learning them but he was having trouble with the submissions. He didn't want to hurt Sheik again so when he was in position for a juji gatame or an ude garami he would slow down, meaning to give his opponent time to surrender. Sheik would promptly slip out of his clutches, then punish him with a move of her own. It was obvious Link would need many more lessons just to gauge the proper amount of force necessary subdue Sheik without harming her.
When it was nearly noon the two ended their training with stretches then headed back to the village.
"You can ask me about last night," Link said when it looked like their walk back would be as silent and awkward as their morning stroll.
Sheik did not turn to look at him, just kept her head forward watching the trail.
"You are strong Link. Strong and courageous. But I will not prod your mind after something so stressful," Sheik said. Now she did turn to him and looked sincerely into his eyes. "I will always lend you my ear if you want to talk about it though." She offered him her most royal friendly smile.
Link dropped his gaze and shrugged. "Thank you," he said. Then, "It will happen again, wont it?" he asked even though he already knew the answer.
There was a short pause. "Yes," Sheik said. She did a good job of not letting her voice sound too morose.
With a sharp inhale the boy looked up at the sky. He blinked twice against the bright sun but did not lower his gaze. He did not want the princess to see his eyes beginning to water. "And it can't be helped?"
Another short pause. "No."
Link shook his head and blinked his eyes rapidly clearing them of any dew. "Then I will be better prepared next time. Thank you for this morning's training."
When the two reached the village Link said a hasty "good-bye" then set off for the Know-It-All brothers' house. As if the Goddesses were showing Link the full extent of their mercy, Link found the hillside and house empty. Relieved that he wouldn't have to answer any questions or deal with any whispers the boy went inside and found his place in the giant tome.
"Are you reading with me again?" Link asked Navi.
"I am," she replied.
"Just let me know when I can turn the page," he said.
"Oh please Link, you read about as fast as a Goron swims," she teased.
Link laughed, ever happy his friend was with him, and started his least favorite part of training.
Today's five chapters proved as dry as yesterday's. Line after line described how the first Hyrulians worshiped the Goddesses and showed their respect. After those chapters came more about economic progress and development of the kingdoms. The iron and precious metal mines discovered throughout the range surrounding Death Mountain, the marine life being cultivated in Lake Hylia, the furs and timber harvested from the forest, and the dyes and spices brought from within and across the dessert were some of the most noteworthy economic relevancies Link read about. Overall Link found it difficult to stay focused, but thanks to Navi he managed to finish his five chapters.
After marking his page and ensuring the empty house was the way he found it, Link left in search of dinner and Malon. He found dinner first. After an invigorating meal of grilled stuffed mushrooms and nuts, washed down with Ellie's fresh apple juice, Link went to find Malon.
Link found the two just outside the village. Malon was sitting back and humming while Epona lay with her head in the grass. The filly's ears turned as Link approached, then she lifted her head to investigate. Link stopped, so as not to spook her. Epona eyed Link suspiciously while he reached inside his tunic. To the horse's delight Link produced Zelda's ocarina and started playing her favorite song. Malon looked over her shoulder hearing the song she had taught to only one person.
"Fairy boy!" she exclaimed. Epona flicked her ears at the sudden loud noise. "Come sit with me and Epona," Malon said patting the spot beside her. Link happily obliged.
"Your home is so beautiful." She said when Link settled in. "Epona and I spent all morning running through this field." She patted Epona on the neck affectionately. "Some of your forest friends came to watch us but I think Epona frightened them."
"Were you riding her?" Link asked. Last he heard Malon had started breaking Epona in with a saddle. But even in the forest last night there had been no saddle, only reins.
Malon nodded enthusiastically. "Uh huh! We have to go slow since it's bareback but Epona makes sure I don't slip off."
"That's very impressive." Navi said, appearing from under Link's hat. "Link has enough trouble riding with a saddle and stirrups."
Link waved his gossiping companion off. "Only because Bart's saddle was too big for me."
"Link!" Malon declared hitting in the shoulder.
"Ow! What!?"
The red headed girl furrowed her little brow, an expression Link could not help but find more cute than foreboding.
"You don't swing at Navi, she's a lady!" she said.
Link nearly retorted, but then he remembered striking Zelda in the face when he lost control that morning.
"You are right," he said defeated. "Sorry Navi."
Navi bounced off his nose, now outright teasing Link with the courage from Malon's company.
"I forgive you," Navi chimed mischievously.
Link looked back at Malon while rubbing his shoulder. "That really hurt you know."
Malon rolled her eyes. "Sheik told me that you fought dragons and wolves and sharks and monsters. You'll be fine."
Link chuckled giving up the charade. "Not dragons," he said remembering his sojourn through the Goron caves. "Dodongos."
"What is the difference?" Malon asked batting her eyes, acting completely enthralled to tease Link. The boy chose to ignore it.
"Dodongos are fire breathing reptiles, sure, but they aren't very intelligent. Even the King Dodongo, as huge as he was, kept trying to crush me and cook me even though he knew I would get out of the way. In the end I managed to trick him into inhaling one of my bombs while he was trying to breathe fire."
The girl gasped, now genuinely interested.
Link continued, "Dragons on the other hand. . . " He shook his head and made a clicking noise with his tongue. "They are nightmares on wings. Big as mountains and clever as foxes. They say some can even use magic and talk! No, I've never fought a dragon. I don't think people actually CAN fight dragons."
Malon shuddered. "The world sure can be scary." Then she took a far off gaze that Link was now intimately familiar with. Before his friend could be sucked into that dismal abyss he took her hand and held it in his own. She turned to face him, tears preparing themselves in her eyes.
"But it's also an incredible place!" Link said forcing his best smile. "I've made tons of friends throughout the kingdom. Brother Darunia, Princess Ruto, Princess Zelda, Impa, Sheik, and you and Epona! There are beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers to see. Whales and kings that eat too much, cuccoo farmers who are allergic to their birds, beggars who only accept fish and bugs. Why even here!" Excitedly he pulled Malon up to her feet. "Come on, I want to show you something."
With the confused Malon in tow, Link stepped off into a part of the woods he had found some time ago. As they got closer Link was sure Malon could hear it.
"Is that music?" she asked. Link brought his finger to his lips then gestured for her to get low and follow him. The two crawled through the forest, their path lit by the setting sun. As they pressed forward the lively flute music became louder and louder. Link pulled the last brush aside and Malon could finally see where the music was coming from.
Two tiny imps, dressed in straw clothes and hats, were dancing wildly, playing a lively tune on their flutes. In seconds Malon was bobbing her head side to side keeping pace with the music. She let out a laugh.
"They are really good!" she said. Instantly the imps stopped and sprang away into the bushes and trees. "Oh no!" cried Malon. Link smiled and patted her on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, watch this," he said. Link stood up and walked into the clearing where the imps had just been. Curious, Malon scanned the darkening tree line to see if they were watching. If the imps were even still in this area, Malon couldn't see them.
Confidently Link produced the blue, glass ocarina. Bringing it to his lips he started playing his own tune. It was not quite as energetic as the imps' bit but it was just as fun. Link played several measures alone until the sound of a flute floated in from the darkness. To Malon's amazement the two imp's appeared almost out of thin air. The two creatures were bouncing from foot to foot approvingly, following Link's tune in perfect time. She watched as the three played in perfect unison, and now Link was joining in the jig. Again she laughed in delight.
Instead of disappearing this time the imps starting playing louder, and picking up the tempo of Link's song. Link lowered his ocarina and threw his head back to laugh. It appeared to Malon that the three of them had played this game before. Link turned to Malon's hiding spot in the bush and gestured for her to join them. Without a moment's hesitation she joined Link's side and started a dance of her own, twirling around in her dress. The imps were so delighted they started doing flips, while somehow managing to maintain their duet.
Link grabbed Malon's hand and the two twirled and bounced and jumped. The tempo increased again, then again. Futilely Link and Malon tried to keep up but they became too dizzy and ended up tumbling into a heap. The imps, who found their clumsiness hilarious, stopped playing to laugh at their heavy footed company. Good sports about it, Link and Malon clapped for the two performers, who in turn offered their most gracious bow. Mischievous laughs on their lips the imps disappeared back into the trees and into the night.
The two kids stayed where they were and laughed like the innocent children they were supposed to be.
"It's getting dark," Link said after they had been lying in the grass for some time. "We should get back. Saria and Sheik will be worried about you and Epona."
Malon sighed. "Yea, you are probably right."
The two got up, shook the dirt from their hair and clothes and headed for the village.
"What about Epona?" Link asked, sure that Malon would never leave the horse alone in the woods at night.
Malon put her index finger to her nose then stood up on her tip toes. Beautifully and loudly she sang the song she taught Link, appropriately named Epona's Song. After just four measures Epona's hooves could be heard. The fiery horse appeared just moments later, delighted to have been called by its owner.
"That's a neat trick. Will it work if I play it with my ocarina?" Link asked.
Malon shrugged. "Only if she likes you."
"Hmmm," Link extended his hand slowly to Epona's nose. Playfully she nibbled his fingers with her lips. "We're good aren't we girl?" he asked. Epona whinnied as though she could understand. Malon was delighted.
The three walked back to the village as nightfall truly set in. Link walked Malon all the way up to Saria's home after putting Epona in the stable behind Link's house.
"Do you think daddy will be okay?" she finally asked Link when they stopped outside Saria's house.
Link thought for a moment. She had never told him exactly what happened or how she ended up in those woods. Looking at Malon though he decided now was not the time for questions.
"I'm sure Mr. Talon will be fine Malon. He's probably just sleeping outside the castle again," he said trying to be funny. Malon just nodded her head.
"Thank you Link," she said, then rushed inside Saria's house.
"No problem," he said to nobody. Link turned and started for home.
"Link." It was Saria.
"Sorry I didn't have dinner with you today," Link said. "I lost track of time."
"Oh it's alright. It was good of you to keep Malon company." Saria smiled. "She cares about you."
Link shrugged. "She is my friend. The first one I made after leaving."
Saria exhaled audibly. Link looked at her confused. All he saw was the same smile that was always there.
"It is good that she has you as a friend. Good night Link." With that she turned around and went back inside.
Link waited until she was gone before leaving for home. On his walk back he caught a glimpse of Mido, heading into the forest for his nightly patrols. He had the Kokiri dagger and shield strapped to his back, and a purse full of bullets for his sling no doubt. Link had to admit, though not out loud of course, that Mido, armed up, scarred and defiant, looked like a hero. The true hero of Kokiri. Link thought to himself. The Kokiri treasure never should have been discovered by me. I'm Hylian, he is the real Kokiri. Link adjusted Din's Wrath on his back, then climbed up his ladder.
For a few minutes Link thought about how different Mido would have handled these adventures. He probably could have taken Ghoma. Link mused. I doubt he would have made friends with Brother Darunia, or even Princess Zelda. The thought of Mido walking through the courtyard to talk to Zelda was comical. I wonder if Princess Ruto would have liked him?
Deciding that he HAD in fact done a better job than Mido would have, Link readied himself for sleep.
"Goodnight Navi," Link said.
"Goodnight Link."
Author's note: Malon has joined the party! More character building this chapter, hope I haven't been overdoing it. Yes those were more Judo techniques taught by Sheik/Zelda. Youtube them if you want a visual. Let me know what you think so far, review or PM me with advice, critiques and the sort. Thank you!