Disclaimer: Don't own Zelda, just waiting for the next Gamecube game (but not very well).
Indeed, someone did try to interfere. Tears streaming from her eyes, she pushed the Hero of Time out of the path of the headpiece. Link hits the ground and the circlet ends up on the interloper’s head. Zelda was still oblivious as two pillars of light shot up to the sky. After a short distance, two lights became one. Both of the princess and the interloper felt a bond forged between them. It was a solemn moment in the courtyard as everyone gasped.
Zelda’s revelry ended with a groan from Link. She looked over to the ground where Link was lying on his side. He was recovering slowly. Zelda’s mind unhinged temporarily as logic tried to catch up. ‘If Link’s on the ground, who did I just bond with?’ She looked over and…saw Malon Lon with the circlet on her head. She was holding her head as if she had a headache.
Zelda’s jaw dropped. A look of horror crossed her features. She saw the look of relief on Link’s face. She saw the look of shock in Malon’s eyes. Link got back to his feet and walked towards his best friend, Saria. She met him halfway in a huge hug.
Zelda realized that there was more to this hug than their long-standing friendship, when she noticed Saria wearing an emerald ring on her third finger. ‘I can’t believe I didn’t notice. I almost came between them. I feel so selfish.’ Tears formed in her eyes.
She turned to those gathered around them. “I’m sorry everyone. It looks like things didn’t turn out like we expected. I guess there won’t be a Hero of Hyrule.” She began to slowly make her way back to the castle. Once out of view, the tears came more freely and her slow walk turned into full-blow run.
Unnoticed by the princess, she was being pursued. A familiar red-headed ranchhand was shadowing her. None of the guards stopped her; they knew who she was. She was the milk delivery girl. However, they had not witnessed the scene out in the courtyard, so they were a little confused at seeing the princess so upset.
At the princess’s oak door, Malon stopped hearing the sobbing within. She threw together her courage as best she could. ‘I’m not sure why but I felt like I had to follow her. Why? We’ve always been competitors for Link all these years. I never hated her, but now that we’re ‘bonded’ things will be different… The question is how?’ Answers would have to come from the upset young woman inside the room.
Malon knocked. “Who is it?” Came the voice from inside.
“It’s Malon. I need to talk with you, Princess.”
A short silence. “Come in.” The humble farm girl opened the door. Zelda was leaning on her bed, wiping the tears from her eyes. “Didn’t I tell you that you could call me Zelda?”
“Like 7 years ago…” A hint of a smile appeared on the blonde’s face.
“By the way, I’m sorry for ruining the rest of your life…”
“What do you mean?” Malon assumed a confused look. The blonde sniffed, before she continued.
“The bond is permanent. It’s a very deep connection; as if we’re sharing our souls. We’ll know when the other is in trouble, or in pain. We can sense how the other is feeling. It’s very personal. That’s why I was going to share it with Link. I know it was selfish, but it was my last hope to win his heart. I’m a monster.” She started sobbing again. “I wanted him all to myself and I made a mistake. The kingdom will suffer for my jealousy.”
“I wasn’t acting unselfishly either…” Malon sat down beside Zelda and rubbed her back soothingly, waiting patiently for Zelda to recuperate. Then, patted her arm to get her attention and had her sit up right. Malon stood up. “I know I’m not Link or even a hero,” she kneeled at Zelda’s feet. “but I will do the best I can. I will train and become stronger. I will protect the kingdom of Hyrule and its people. Most of all, I will protect you.” It sounded like vow. Zelda saw the determination in Malon’s blue eyes.
‘Maybe the kingdom isn’t lost.’ “I truly appreciate this Malon.” They met in a hug. “I suppose we should go see who’s left down there and figure out our next step.”
Down in the courtyard, all that remained were Talon, Link, and Saria. The rest had seen the display and decided not to stick around to embarrass Zelda. Link and Saria were holding hands while talking quietly. Talon was anxiously awaiting news from his only child. He didn’t understand what was going on.
Then, together, Zelda and Malon walked out to meet them, hand-in-hand. They looked happier than when they had left. This eased the anxiety of the other three. Malon walked up to her father.
“Dad, I’ve got something important to do, so I won’t be able to come home…” She looked a little sad at telling him this. He just smiled.
“Do I need to pick you up tomorrow?” Talon obviously didn’t understand the scope of the stay.
“No, Dad, it’s permanent. I’ve been accidentally bonded with Princess Zelda. I’m going to train to be Hyrule’s hero for when Link isn’t around. I don’t know if I’ll be coming home anytime soon.” Talon finally got it. Understanding dawned upon him. He didn’t look devastated.
“I understand, honey. You’ve got an important job to do. You’re mother would’ve been proud.” Malon beamed at the mention of her mother. That was who she really wanted to be pleased, even though it had been over a decade since she had lived. Talon gave his daughter a parting hug. “I promise to come and visit while making the deliveries.” Then, he left.
Link and Saria had been waiting patiently. Zelda and Malon walked over to them. Zelda started quietly: “Malon’s decided to stay and train. She wants to protect the kingdom when Link isn’t around.” The Hero of Time smiled. It was one of his biggest worries.
“I’ve got to ask you a favor, Link…” Malon was bowing to her former crush.
“Yes, Malon?” Link was curious.
“I want you to train me. I know you could train me better than the guards here. I was also going to ask Impa for help.”
“Sure. If it’s alright with you, Saria…” Link looked at the Forest Sage who was deep in thought.
“It’s fine. This could be really important someday and I would like to get to know these two better anyway.”
The next day, training started. Link wanted to start with archery. He and Malon had agreed over dinner the previous night. Now Link was checking a pair of bows for tension. Malon showed up a little while after first light. She was used to an early schedule from the ranch.
Today, she was not the ‘little milk girl,’ she was a heroine-in-training. Instead of her usual peasant dress, she was in a pair of tan pants and short-sleeved shirt embroidered with Hyrulian crests and vines. Boots were on her feet and fingerless gloves were on her hands. Malon’s long, red hair was braided down her back. Link looked somewhat surprised, but quickly handed her a bow. He moved a vase of arrows in between them.
While Link was demonstrating proper bow etiquette, Zelda and Saria were buzzing about Malon’s new look, among other things.
Zelda was impressed. “It looks good on her. She might be the best looking hero around.”
Saria’s eyebrow raised. “Nah, Link’s still the hottest thing in the kingdom.” Thump. An arrow hit a few inches shy of the bulls-eye. Link’s jaw dropped. Malon smiled somewhat triumphantly. “Beginners luck.” Saria said, with a good-natured smile. Thump. This time the arrow was a little closer. “A natural, okay?” Zelda smiled. Perhaps Malon had some undiscovered talents.
Zelda’s thoughts shifted gears to something that had bothered her since before the bonding ceremony. “By the way, how are you able to leave the Kokiri Village?”
Saria sighed. “Once Link and I admitted how we felt, we went to the new Great Deku Tree. I wanted to see if there was someway I could go with Link outside the forest. I admit I wasn’t hopeful, but life has a way of surprising you.” She laughed. “There was a simple potion that had to be made.”
“That was it?” Zelda was surprised at how easy it was for Saria to leave. Kokiri would die if they left the forest. Link confused the Kokiri, because he grew up and could leave. However, this didn’t affect his feelings for his best friend.
“Yes. Well, he had to go to Death Mountain again... Now, I’m getting used to the idea of growing old. As a Kokiri, I could have expected to live for hundreds of years.” Saria had changed. She looked more like a girl in her early teens. “I always knew I would face anything for Link… I get to face death with him. I can go with him wherever he goes. I may have limited time now, but I’m glad I get to spend it all with him.” She gazed at the young man in question dreamily.
Zelda felt jealousy emerge again, so she dealt with it the only way she knew how. “I have to admit Malon and I are both jealous of you. I still feel awful for trying to steal him…” Her head drooped.
“It’s all right.” She patted the Princess on the shoulder. “I probably would have tried to kidnap him if he was trying to marry Malon or you.” Both laughed of Saria swinging in like a dashing pirate. “Link didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but we talked and he revealed how he felt. He was really shy about it.”
They both looked over at Link, who was scratching his head. He paced around while Malon kept filling the target with arrows. His face perked up and he went back inside the castle. A moment later, he came back with two swords. He handed one to Malon. While she wasn’t weak, the heavy broadsword did not seem to suit her. She swung it slowly, testing it. It looked a little awkward. Link, who was observing her, shook his head and took it back. He began to pace again. Then, he and Malon came over to the two waiting Sages.
“Is something wrong?” Zelda asked, worried. Malon looked disappointed.
Link spoke. “I don’t think the broadsword will be good for Malon. It’s a little too clumsy for her. She needs something different, graceful.” His eyes lit up for a second, as an idea arrived. “I think I can come up with something…” Everyone’s curiosity was peaked. They waited for him to continue. “By the way, when’s lunch?” Saria smiled. Zelda and Malon let out a collective groan. Saria handed him an apple, which he took and ate.
Malon crossed her arms. “I want to learn some more.”
Link pondered for a moment. “Well, I’ve already showed you all I know about regular archery. I know that you are a better horse rider than I am. How about we work on horseback archery?” Malon jumped up and down in excitement. They went off to the stables. Before they returned, a couple of guards set up new archery targets.
A little bit later, Link came out on Epona. Malon came out on a gray mare. The borrowed horse looked odd compared to the bright red hair of its rider. Link made a demonstration run. His arrow hit one of the edges of the target. He looked a little embarrassed at his sloppiness. Malon lined up her horse and made a swift charge. Link tried to signal for her to slow down, but it went unheeded. Malon deftly drew an arrow and let fly. This shot made its way to the bulls-eye. Link nearly fell from his saddle. They kept taking turns and both continued to improve until lunch time.
Saria and Zelda weren’t simply watching. They were discussing magic. Saria had been granted a limited amount due to her position as a Sage. It was very elemental. She demonstrated it with a sapling that was planted in the courtyard. She made it grow in moments. It blossomed and flowered. Zelda clapped enthusiastically. It temporarily distracted Malon during her run and she barely hit the target. Then, both her and Link dismounted and walked over to the pair. Link wrapped an arm around Saria. Malon withheld a sigh that threaten to come out and went to Zelda. The blonde royal was examining the newly blooming tree.
The ranch girl patted Zelda on the arm. She turned and smiled at her. “So, how am I doing?”
Zelda put a hand on her shoulder. Malon felt a tingle shoot through her. “You’re doing great! I couldn’t have asked for a better heroine.” Malon blushed at the outstanding praise. “I guess now would be a good time to stop for lunch and rest the horses.”
“All right!” Link yelled grabbed Saria by the hand and left for the dining hall.
“He’s so enthusiastic about food…” Zelda murmured to Malon.
“He was always visiting the ranch to get free milk. Eventually, we just gave him a cow to keep from going broke.” Malon said as she was pinching the bridge of her nose.
Zelda looked scandalized. ‘Link, the glutton?’ She broke out laughing. “Well, we better hurry, so he doesn’t eat everything in the castle.” She grabbed Malon by the hand and pulled her along into the castle.
Malon’s mind was peaceful, but one thought came to the top: ‘She’s awfully comfortable with touching me.’ It didn’t bother her.
At lunch, Link complemented Malon on her archery skills between mouth fulls. “You’re really good, Malon. It took me forever to get decent with a bow. Are you sure that it’s your first time?”
Malon nodded. “Yes, it really confuses me how I picked it up so easily. The closest thing to a weapon I’ve used is a pitch fork to scare off some Wolfos.”
Link laughed at the mental image as Saria shivered. “Well, I’ve got an idea for a weapon for you. I’ve just got to go check with a friend. We’ll have to stop for today though.”
Malon looked a little disappointed. “I guess I should get acquainted with the layout of the castle...” Zelda smiled, knowing she would get to play the role of tour guide.
Link left afterwards on Epona, leaving the ranch girl, princess, and sage to themselves. Zelda and Malon walked back into the castle hand-in-hand. Saria sighed and followed them in. When she saw the other two holding hands, she got a curious look on her face.
End of Chapter 1
So how is it? Like the pairing? Can I really make the characters OOC? I really want to do this right, so if you are going mention OOC, then tell me how they're supposed to act...
Please review now. Thank you, Zelda fans.