The following excerpt from my Ocarina of Time novelization contains a deleted scene that I wanted to keep, but it strayed too much from the serious tone of the story, and so I deleted it. It has been modified so that anyone who hasn't read my novel, or does not wish to (which I won't hold against anyone), can read it.
Navi's Nightmare
Many a minstrel has composed their own version of the story of the Hero of Time, adding their own touches to a narrative that has been treasured by Hylians for centuries. One such retelling recounts the origin of Navi's infamous ability to say a lot with very few words…
All through his travels, Lon Lon had been a safe haven for Link. At the mere age of ten, when most children fantasized of adventures or listened to them from the sanctuary of their family's hearth, he'd found himself thrown into a destiny he was ill-prepared for.
Ten.
The Goddesses must have been mad to think that placing the fate of the world in the hands of a ten-year-old boy was a good idea. Thrown into the deep end, nobody had thought to ask Link if he could swim.
Injured in an ill-fated trip across Hyrule Field, he'd stayed at Lon Lon for a time before continuing on his journey.
His misfortune wasn't to end there, as fate had yet one more cruel joke to play on him. No sooner had he done as the Princess of Hyrule had asked, than he'd found himself thrown seven years into the future. Now, he faced a world that he barely recognized. Hyrule, now held within the grasp of the Gerudo king, had changed.
He had known what he'd find beyond the woods. Sheik had warned him. Navi had warned him, for she had scouted ahead to see what awaited them.
He'd left the forest just before dusk, hoping to avoid being seen on the road. The Gerudo would not take kindly to seeing him, and he didn't want to risk the chance of a traveller recognizing him. The Master Sword and his shield were wrapped in cloth, now bundled amidst the rest of his gear. The horse Impa had given him, Blaze, was a good horse, a pureblood from one of the kingdoms that bordered Hyrule. Unlike Malon's horse, who Link had bonded with during his time at Lon Lon, Link felt no connection with this animal beyond the fact he was on its back. Bred for war and speed, Blaze seemed indifferent to anything that didn't look remotely like food.
Link's only landmark was the faint red hue of the clouds that surrounded Death Mountain's peak. Navi was sleeping in his tunic; it was far too risky for her to come out, and her light would be like a tiny beacon to anyone that might wish him harm.
Hyrule Field was completely silent. It made him think of the silence of a long forgotten tomb, long forsaken by the souls of the living. The only sound was the dead grass crunching beneath Blaze's hooves. The moon rose, its pale silver light bathing the dry and barren plains below.
It's like it's dead, Link thought, surveying what little he could see of Hyrule Field. Just like the forest was before we lifted the curse.
Link felt restless. Not having his sword belted behind him, or at his side, did not help his growing unease.
Deciding that he was alone in these desolate plains, and even if they did cross paths with another traveller, nobody was going to recognize the sword or shield in the dark, he donned his sword behind him. This gave Blaze a short moment to rest, for which the horse seemed grateful. Then, they kept going.
Link's eyes drooped as he drifted into a drowsy stupor. There was no sound, except the steady thumping of Blaze's hooves. Twice, he jerked awake as he nearly slipped from the saddle, prompting a mild and muffled outburst from Navi.
"What are you doing?" she demanded on the third occasion. "Can't you stay on that horse?"
Link winced at the angry comment, apologizing for his mistake, but refraining from calling her out for being rude. It had been a long day for both of them, and Navi's usually calm demeanor was all but spent.
He slumped in the saddle as he grew more accustomed to the rhythm of Blaze's gait. He tried to shake himself out of his stupor, wiling himself to stay focused on something that would help him stay awake. In the distance, the black monolith of Ganondorf's tower loomed tall. The tiered monstrosity of black stone rose into the heavens, an obscene reminder to all that Ganondorf now ruled Hyrule.
Approaching so close to the tower seemed dangerous. If Ganondorf knew where Link was, and that he was alone, he would attack. The night offered no refuge from the creatures of shadow.
Thomp.
Thomp.
Thomp.
Link's head drooped against his chest as he struggled to keep his eyes open. He knew he should stop for the night.
Not here.
That would be a bad idea. Even a tree that he could climb up and secure himself to would be safer than the ground. He had no rope to make sure he did not fall out. Nor were there many trees in Hyrule Field that might offer shelter.
He could smell the earthy scents of the woods. Saria was calling him, "Hey, Link, I brought you something-"
Blackberries. Link's stomach grumbled, and he could taste the tart juice of the berries in his mouth even as he thought of them. It was a welcome morsel during a day's hunt. He was surprised to see her; Saria never joined him on hunts. She hated them.
"I know what day it is..." she quipped.
Then suddenly, her warm smile faded and her expression became one of fear.
"Saria. What's wrong?" he asked, all thought of the berries fading.
"Link, wake up! HEY!"
Saria was yelling at him. Was it even Saria?
It sounded more like a fairy.
"What-"
"WAKE UP!" Navi screeched at the top of her lungs.
Link's eyes snapped open as Blaze reared with a shrill neigh. Disorientated and dizzy, Link fumbled for the reigns. Before he could snatch hold of them, something heavy and furry struck him hard, knocking him from the saddle. Link hit the ground, rolling as he did so, and reached for his sword as the rancid stench of a wolfos assaulted him. Seconds before its teeth could sink into his throat, Link slammed a fist into the beast's muzzle. The wolfos snarled and snapped its jaws shut on his gauntlet. One hand still free, Link wrenched the Master Sword of it sheath and slammed it into the grotesque hound.
Navi's glow reflected in the hungry eyes of a second wolf as it bounded towards him. He slammed his shield into its muzzle. The hound fell back. Not to be deterred from the prospect of food, it rose on its back feet and howled. Link leaped forward just as it lunged at him. Dirty claws scratched against his shield as Link charged. He swung, his sword biting through flesh as it struck its target. The wolfos went down with a whimper. Link's relief was short lived. Behind him, he could hear the telltale sounds of the beast's pack members prowling him.
Link spun around just in time to cut his blade through the muzzle of another wolfos. The animal yelped, lashing its claws at him as it tried to reach for his throat. A quick thrust to the head stopped it in its tracks.
Link stood panting as the adrenaline drained from his body. The respite was fleeting; a cry from Navi alerted him to more wolfos. Only then did he realize that these two were not interested in attacking him. They were after Blaze.
No, not my horse!
Losing his horse now would mean it would take far longer to reach Death Mountain. Link bolted forward, knowing what was at stake if Blaze was injured.
A savage kick from Blaze connected with one beast's skull with a sickening crack. The wolfos went still, while its pack-mate snarled and leaped onto the horse's shoulder.
"NO!" Link bellowed.
Blaze let out a horrifying scream and fell, sending both itself and the wolfos slamming into the dirt. The wolfos yelped, struggling to break free. It never succeeded as Link shoved the Master Sword into its head.
"Are there any left?" he asked, whirling around to find Navi.
"I don't think so," she replied, her voice trembling. "I just heard a howl. When you didn't say anything I flew out of your pocket and..."
She looked at Blaze. The horse had rolled onto its uninjured side and was kicking flew over with Link close behind her. To his dismay, there was a grizzly wound on the horse's neck as well as its shoulder. The sight of the wound and the blood running in crimson rivulets down the horse's coat nearly made Link gag.
"He will not make it far, Link," Navi said.
"I can see that, Navi!" he said heatedly. He hadn't meant to get angry. He just hadn't had much sleep, and he was still shaken from the close encounter.
Breathing deeply, Link considered his options. There were not many. Attempting to ride Blaze was out of the question. The whites of his eyes were showing, and foam flecked his mouth as he tried to rise.
Link had to stop the wounds from bleeding, but he did not know how. They were deep, and he knew from experience how nasty wolfos bites could be.
"We need to get him to Lon Lon, maybe someone in the town can help him, or the ranch even-" he stopped, pausing when he realized something. "Of course, the ranch!"
Malon was still there, at least Link hoped she was; she would know what to do with Blaze's injury. Blaze finally quietened enough for Link to get close enough without having to worry about being clobbered by a hoof. As Navi flew off towards the ranch to see if anyone was home, Link focused his attention on the horse.
How am I going to get him up? Saria would have known what to do. She was good at looking after animals and would probably have been able to tend the horse's wounds without difficulty.
His worry was unwarranted. Once the horse was calm, Link was able to coax Blaze to his feet. He was limping badly and whimpered with even the slightest pressure on his wounded leg.
"It will be alright, boy," Link soothed.
Link gently stroked the injured horse. Blaze snorted as Link guided him towards the small gathering of dwellings in the distance that he knew was Lon Lon.
Link kept surveying his environs, sure he would encounter some bulblins leading the wolfos pack. They never came.
Blaze was almost stumbling by the time they reached the road leading up to the ranch. The faintest sliver of moonlight revealed the shuttered windows of the townhouses of the nearby village of Lon Lon. There was no welcoming light, nothing that promised hot food, a warm hearth, and a comfortable bed. There had been a time when Link didn't care about such creature comforts. He'd been more than happy to sleep in a stable, despite Talon and Malon's repeated protests.
When he first caught sight of Lon Lon Ranch, Link was suddenly afraid that they would find the ranch deserted. He assured himself that if this were the case, Navi would have told him by now. She was nowhere to be seen and her absence worried him. Why was she was taking so long? Finally, he spotted someone striding down the road towards him. It was not Malon. Link could barely make them out from the lantern light they held in front of them. If he had thought his heart couldn't sink any further than it had when Blaze was attacked, he was wrong.
Ingo.
Of all the farmhands at Lon Lon, Ingo had been his least favourite. In fact, Ingo and favourite probably didn't belong in the same sentence. Link had perceived him to be a very unpleasant man, even before he'd tossed Talon off the ranch. Before Link could think of something to say, and before Ingo could reach him, someone else came storming along the path. It was Malon, with Navi zipping into view just behind her. Judging from Malon's clenched fists, and the fury on her face, Navi had not caught her at a good time.
"Oh, you're not Gerudo," Ingo grumbled as he came to a halt. "If you're after the inn, the town's that way."
He thrust a finger towards the village.
"A wolfos attacked my horse," Link explained, pointing to the wound on Blaze's shoulder. "He needs help."
Ingo took one look at the injury and scowled. He ignored Malon, whose gaze met Link's own, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Her warm demeanour faded swiftly when she shot Ingo a foul look while his back was turned.
"Put the beast down," Ingo grunted with no hint of concern. "Be kinder to put it out of its misery."
Link was not sure what Ingo meant. He knew it must not have involved helping Blaze because Malon looked utterly horrified.
"Ingo!" she hissed.
Ingo merely shrugged, "It's a waste of time, girl. That horse will be nothing but a rotting corpse when that bite festers!"
"I think I can take care of it!" Malon said angrily.
"Fine," Ingo grunted, spitting on the ground, "Look after it. I don't care if it lives or dies so long as it doesn't interfere with your duties and there's enough feed for the other horses. As for you," he looked back at Link, "You can sleep in the stable until she's done or choose the inn. Probably be about the same given how rundown the place is."
Although he did not care for a nice room as much as the average Hylian, Link flushed with indignation. He struggled to form a retort, but Navi beat him to it.
"Hey, we're not some kind of lowlife that's just wandered off the street," she screeched, her voice pitched with indignation. "Our horse will die if you don't help us and we need to get to Kakariko on an urgent errand."
Ingo ignored her, turned his back on her and Link, and stormed off towards the ranch. Navi spared a few vehement words to his back. Link was tempted to follow her lead, but his concern turned back to Blaze.
"Will he be alright?" he asked Malon. She was bent down as she examined Blaze's injuries, her lips pursed.
"It's difficult to say. I will have to get him up to the stables right away," Malon stood up and looked at Link. Her earlier smile reappeared, albeit faintly. "It's good to see you again, fairy boy. I thought..." She faltered, looking at Blaze.
I was dead?
Link just inclined his head towards the ranch and Malon nodded.
"When Navi came, I couldn't believe it. I will need you to take your gear. I doubt Blaze will make it to the stables otherwise," Malon said. "Here, will you be all right carrying these?"
Without waiting for an answer, she unceremoniously dispatched the saddlebags and saddle onto the ground.
"Uhh, sure." Link said. Malon beamed, her smile was almost motherly, and he caught himself staring into her twinkling gaze.
"Hey, would you two hurry up!" Navi snapped them back to the task at hand. She was close enough to Link that he could see a smirk on her face.
As Malon led Blaze, Link followed, laden with his gear. Trudging up the winding path, he caught himself staring at Malon again.
Navi's light illuminated her red silk-like hair which fell neatly about her shoulders. He stared, admiring the way she held herself, and the way she almost skipped as she walked. Her hair seemed to ripple in the gentle breeze and-
"AHEM!"
Link flinched as Navi scooted to within an inch of his left ear, snapping him from his reverie.
"What?" he asked, smiling innocently.
"It's rude to stare at a girl like that," Navi said, still wearing that infuriating smirk.
"Is everything all right back there?" Malon called. She'd stopped, and was peering back at the pair.
"Yes," Link and Navi said at once. They looked at each other and then back at Malon. "We're fine."
Feeling the heat rising in his cheeks, Link quickened his pace to catch up with her.
~ 0 ~
They quickly got Blaze into an empty stall in the stable. It was almost as Link remembered it except that all the animals were gone. When last he'd been here, there had been a chicken coop behind the stables, Nosy usually curled up with him at night, and Tingle would chase Navi from one end of the stall to the other. Now there were no dogs, no cats, or chickens. Insead, a gloomy silence hung over the stables, broken only by Blaze's pitiful whinnies.
Link didn't have time to linger; he helped Malon procure a pot of boiling water, filling it with an assortment of herbs as she directed him.
They returned to the stables and coaxed Blaze into lying down before Malon cleaned and sutured Blaze's wounds. They talked while they worked, in between Malon's instructions and trying to make sure Blaze kept still.
"Are you going to tell me what you have been doing these past seven years?" Malon asked.
"Sleeping mainly," said Link. Navi gave a small chuckle while Malon looked up from Blaze's leg and frowned.
"What?" she looked bemused. "Is that a joke?"
Link struggled to find an answer. How could he explain away the fact that he'd spent the last seven years sealed away in another realm? Would Malon even believe him?
He was spared the trouble of answering when a white fairy zoomed into the stable. Navi's eyes went wide at the sight of the small sprite. Malon, meanwhile, blushed a shade of crimson that matched her hair. "Oh no, I must have left her cage door open again. Hello, Navi. Come and meet Link and Navi."
Navi gave Malon a quizzical look, "ummm.. what?"
"I..." Malon stammered, going even redder if that was possible. "My cousin got me a pet fairy... He knows I like them... I named her Navi."
She was pointedly not looking at Navi now.
"Really?" Navi said, sounding far too hearty. "That's... nice of you, Malon. I'm honored."
Link distinctly heard her whisper, "I think."
"Hey," the other Navi said with a shrill squeak. "Hey."
"Umm... hello," Navi said, sounding deeply unamused. "Nice to meet you."
"Hey," the fairy repeated, giving no indication she had noticed Navi. "Hey."
Navi raised an eyebrow, her hands now on her hips. "Malon, what did you do to the poor creature?"
"Nothing..." Malon replied, sounding affronted that Navi could think she'd harm the sprite. "My cousin found her injured in the forest."
"Hey, listen! Hey-"
"Does she say anything else?" Navi demanded.
Her earlier sympathy Malon vanished beneath a tone of utter disgust.
"Hey, listen-"
"Ok, stop that!" Link's fairy ordered the other sprite.
"Hey, listen! Look!"
"I have only taught her several words so far," Malon said.
At the look on Navi's face, Link choked back a laugh, and dived beside a barrel so Malon couldn't see him.
"I hadn't noticed," Navi replied sarcastically.
"You don't approve?" Malon asked, looking unhappy at the fairy's obvious displeasure. Link thought he better step in before Navi caused any offense, but he was too busy trying not to laugh.
"Oh umm... yeah, sure I approve." Navi's hearty lie was obvious; she was absolutely seething. "Do you realize that it's like one of those birds people teach to talk? It's totally corrupted and-"
"You will have to forgive Navi," Link said, interrupting Navi before she could say anything else. "She doesn't approve of keeping fairies as pets." Navi glowered at him, her look clearly saying "Don't make me find a way to hurt you." He had to admit, the other Navi was beginning to give him a headache. Navi must have been getting one because her patience quickly snapped.
"Hey, I have an idea," Navi spun around so that she faced the talkative sprite. "Be quiet... please? No? All right, that's enough. I'm serious. BE QUIET!"
Epona jerked her head up so fast she ended up colliding with the wall and then shied away from it.
"Navi!" Link scolded her. "You're frightening Epona!"
"Sorry," Navi said, far more quietly. The other fairy had finally stopped talking. Navi gave a loud sigh as she attempted to calm herself. "Can we talk... without her?"
Malon nodded, retrieving a bottle from another part of the stable while the other fairy zoomed after her.
"That was not nice, Navi," Link said as Malon went to bottle the other fairy. "How could you be so mean?"
"That was not a fairy!" Navi said crossly. "Fairies don't act like that when they get injured. I never act like that! It's something masquerading as a fairy."
"You sure?" Link asked.
"Yeah, I am."
"What do you think it is?"
"I don't know. Maybe it's a pixie?"
"A pixie?"
"Yeah..." she grumbled irritably. "And now it's named after me."
- From The Legend of Zelda- Ocarina of Time