Fan Fiction ❯ The Sin of Hope ❯ One-Shot

Silent Shadow

Presents

The Sin of Hope

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[A/N] This is basically the life story of Malon and what she went through in her life. Erm… not much else to say. Dark.

I can still remember the day. The day I met Link. It was a sunny day, the wind was slightly chilly and the tree's leaves started to grow in the bright spring air. But whether meeting him was good or bad I did not know.

My father fell apart after my mother died, and I was left to pick up the pieces. At age five I had to learn to cook, clean, and do all the chores that was left behind my mother and father. I worked so hard that my once soft hands were callused by the intense work. Yet sometimes I felt as if I couldn't do anything right. What ever I did it was never as good as my mother.

Ingo, the hired hand, made sure of that. He would snarl at me as I tried to make breakfast. He would tell me how ugly I was, how dirty my clothes were, and that if my mother were there she would be disappointed.

Then he would complain about my lack of performance. If he was especially drunk, he would start yelling at me about the overcooked eggs, the not properly trained horses, and so on. My father never stopped it because he was always asleep, but Ingo never hit me, just in case.

Five years passed, new flowers, new animals, but still a lot was the same. I was now ten years old, although I felt older. I was scrubbing down the stalls, humming a tune that my mother use to sing to me. I was half listening to Ingo's complaints, but I've gotten use to them and his biting words did not hurt as much.

"I'M the one who should be running Lon Lon Ranch! Me! Not that lazy bum of your father. And you, you're exactly like your father. Lazy, no good…"

A neighing of a horse from outside cut him off and he quickly dusted all the dirt off his pants.

"Do something about your appearance. You look horrible and we have guests," he sneered and he went outside to greet the man.

I smoothed my flame red hair and wiped my wet hands on my stained dress. I still looked dirty but there was really nothing I could do about it so I went outside.

The man outside on the horse looked like a guard and was talking to Ingo. He looked from me, to Ingo comparing us. One dirty and exhausted looking, while the other was clean and looked refreshed.

I turned red, he probably was thinking about how ugly I was.

"Are you the owner of Lon-Lon Ranch?" he asked Ingo, who scowled.

"No," he said bitterly, "Right now the owner is on his bed sleeping like the lazy man he is."

"Oh," the guard said uncertainty, "Then who do I talk to for milk orders?"

"Me," I said meekly, "What do you want?"

"Oh?" The guard said startled that a little girl took up the responsibility.

I felt incredibly stupid. The guard was probably appalled at the idea of such a homely girl would be in charge of such an important job.

"Well I need you to give me some bottles of Lon Lon Milk to the castle pronto."

I turned white my heart started to sink in my stomach, "I'm sorry sir but we just sold out last bottles, it will be another hour until our next delivery."

"YOU FOOL!" Ingo said loudly hurting my ears, "Do you not realize that this if for the royal family! Can't you get off you lazy ass and hurry it up?!?!"

I tried to push back my tears that threatened to pour out and mumbled, "I'll see what I can do." And I ran into the stable before anyone could see my weakness.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Somehow I managed to get milk in record time and this time my father was going with me to Hyrule Castle. It would the first in a long time.

"Now you stay here Malon," Talon said yawning, "I have to…zzzzzzzzzzz."

"Dad wake up!" I said shaking him and he promptly snapped up.

"Deliver the milk," he finished. I nodded although I would feel better if I went with him.

I waited for him for hours. I did feel a little silly standing here in my grubby dress and sent nervous glances because I was sure that people were looking at me, laughing at that little ugly girl standing all alone without anyone.

Soon the bright golden sun fell down out of sight beneath the closely huddled houses, and the moon was the only light in the sky, for the stars seemed to hide behind the black clouds as if they were scared.

I felt anxious, no one was out except two lovers twirling each other in their arms and street dogs that ran after people.

To soothe my nervousness I began to sing a song. The same song that my mother sang to me when I was a child frightened by the monsters that hid under my bed.

~*~*~*~*~ Flashback ~*~*~*~*~

Little Malon was hugging her pillow of her bed and began to whimper in fear. The door opened and her mother came in holding a candle.

"What is it baby," her mother said in her beautiful voice. It sounded like the chimes of bells. Her mother was beautiful, her hair was a brilliant shade of red and her eyes shimmered like sapphires, bluer then lake Hylia.

"Mommy the monsters… they are here!" Malon said shivering.

"Don't be silly," her mom said kneeling at her bed, "As long as I'm here nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever touch you."

"But when you leave, I can't see you," she said looking into her mother's eyes.

"Then listen to this," her mother began to sing a harmonious tune that filled the room. Malon smiled feeling warm inside and began to doze off into the mass of blankets. Her mother stopped singing and Malon shook her head.

"Don't stop mommy," Malon said in slurred speech, "I like it."

"I have to go," she said, "But remember. Every time you feel scarred, think of the song. It means that I am always there, and that I will always be with you."

"Promise?"

"Yes my sweet, and there is nothing that can make me break it."

~*~*~*~*~ End Flashback ~*~*~*~*~

Nothing but death…

And later that month she was diagnosed with a disease…

And she died leaving me alone…

I was so wrapped up in my memory that I didn't notice that a young boy had tapped me on the shoulder.

"Excuse me," he said and I whirled around.

"Oh sorry," I said, surprised someone wanted to talk to me. I began to study the little boy. He was about her age, bright blond hair hidden behind a floppy green hat, a green tunic… and a faerie?

"You..." I said in amazement, "Are you one of the forest children?" I turned red when I remembered I was being too nosy, Ingo always told me that I did that too much,

"Yeah," he said nodding, "I was wondering, if this was the way to Hyrule Castle."

I nodded, "Yes all you have to do is go past the gate," I said pointing him in the direction. It was really weird that he would miss a huge castle right in front of him, "Why?"

"I'm going to see princess Zelda."

"Wow," I said in awe, "you must be really special to be able to see her." I mentally hit myself for saying something so stupid, but to my surprise the boy turned red.

"No not really…" he said and there was a moment of silence.

"Well." I said trying to find something to say, "My father is asleep somewhere near the castle. If you see him… can you tell him I'm waiting for him?"

He nodded, "Will do." And he scrambled off. I couldn't help but smile inwardly.

It was the first time that someone had been nice to me. Maybe there was a place for me somewhere after all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

But I was wrong.

I was foolish.

I had hope, and it all it did was hurt me.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"You filthy child," Ingo roared at me in the morning, "All you do is sleep. Go and tend to the horses you lazy piece of shit!"

"Sorry Mr. Ingo," I said from my messy bed and I rushed out the wooden door. I stumbled clumsily on the old stairs but quickly recovered, but my arms were skinned but I pushed the tears back as I reached to open the door.

I took all the horses out with Epona first. Epona was my favorite, I named after my mother. I could still remember the day she was born…

~*~*~*~ Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~

The old horse was neighing and writhing in pain. It was giving birth at such an old age, Malon didn't think it would make it.

"It's OK old girl," she said whispering in her ear, "Just one more push."

The horse let out a haunting scream and then it relaxed, and Malon could see the strain come off of it. Malon saw a beautiful foal behind it. It clumsily tried out its thin wobbly legs but fell down.

Malon stroked the old Mare's neck that was now glistening with sweat. "She's lovely," Malon whispered to it, "You did a good job."

The horse nipped Malon's shirt affectionately and then moved towards its child. The baby nuzzled its mother neck and expected a response. But there was none. Its mother died, but this young child, just born did not understand the concept of death.

Malon felt pity on the young horse and she wrapped her arms around the horse, "She's not here anymore. She's gone and you're motherless, just like me."

The horse seemed to understand Malon's words and it gently placed its head on her shoulder sadly.

~*~*~*~End Flashback*~*~*~*~

How many months ago had that been? Too much to count.

I strode into the open area of Lon-Lon Ranch and let the horses free to gallop. I walked towards the middle and watched over the horses, but I couldn't help but to feel jealous. They seemed so carefree, no worries, no shattered dreams, everything I wanted. I began to feel lonely again and so I unconsciously sang my mother's song again.

Epona walked up to up to me and buried its head in my shoulder and I smiled, Epona was my only friend and vice versa. Epona wouldn't let anyone near her except me.

"Hi…. Malon," I heard a boy's voice say. I spun around and saw the boy from the market Place.

"Oh faerie boy!" I exclaimed surprised.

Link nodded his hat flopping around, "My name is Link." And I had to giggle. He looked so cute.

"Sooo this is where you live," he said.

"Yup, this is where I live," I said uncomfortably. I felt dirty and ugly right now because I had not gotten cleaned up since I didn't think that we would get guests. And even if they did I was almost never aloud to converse with them because Ingo said that I would just scare them off.

"Is that your horse?" he asked looking at Epona with awe. I smiled proudly, "Yes, I've raised her since I was little."

Link reached out to pet her but Epona shied away and galloped away from him.

"Epona is shy sometimes," I said apologetically. I began to hum Epona's song to help her calm down.

"That's a really pretty song," Link said. I was taken aback and then I turned more of a deeper shade of red then my hair. No one has ever in my life since my mom, had ever given me a compliment, so this was special. Even if it was given indirectly.

"It is, isn't it? My mother composed this song before she died." I sang a few notes for him and Link pulled out an orcornia.

"Oh are you going to play with me?" I asked him and he nodded. I grinned and played the first three notes.

"Oh Ah Oh." Link mimicked them and he did it well, too. We finished the rest of the song together and as soon as he learned it he played it once perfectly.

"Wow that sounds nice Link," I said surprised, "You have real talent." This time Link turned red.

"It's nothing," he stammered.

"Maybe…" I started to say but Epona, who ran up to Link and stretched out its neck for him to pet him, cut me off. Link began to stroke its neck and Epona grunted in approval.

"Looks like Epona has taken a liking to you faerie boy!" I exclaimed happily and Link just nodded. I got the impression that he didn't talk much.

"MALON," I heard Ingo scream, "Stop flirting and do some work you good-for-nothing slug!" I quickly nodded and said, "You better leave Link, Ingo can be really mean at times like this."

He nodded and he ran out of the ranch while Ingo shot him daggers out of his little beady eyes. I sighed, I was alone again.

Link never came back. I waited for so long in the fields. I brushed my hair and tried to stay clean despite my heavy labor just for him. But he never returned.

The hot summer rays turned into cool autumn breezes.

But he never returned.

The cool autumn breezed turned to a harsh winds and bitter cold days with freezing snow.

He still never returned.

The cold days and snow melted into new flowers and tree's with a hint of warmth that grew.

He was still not here….

I never gave up hope though. I was a fool. Every the grueling day as I worked my hands to the point of bleeding, I kept an eye out for the golden-haired faerie boy.

But that changed on that spring afternoon. I remember it clearly, it was a horrible day. The sky was an ugly shade of gray, the air was thick and heavy, and the ground was damp from a thunderstorm that happened the day before.

Despite the fact that winter ended the month before the air had a strange chill in it. There was no breeze, it was if the planet was holding in breath in anticipation. No birds sang, no crickets chirped, the world was a deathly silence.

I had pulled up my hair in a tight ponytail and was grooming Epona as the others went to graze. Today the horses were unusually quite, even Epona didn't put up a fuss as I brushed her long tangled hair. Then in the distance I heard a distant sound of horse footsteps drawing nearer. My heart was in my throat as I secretly hoped against hope that Link finally came back to me.

But my hope went crumbling down as I saw a red-haired man on a black stallion. I hear about that man. He was the one that had taken over Hyrule, What would he want with this Ranch? I backed up a few steps in fear taking Epona with me.

"Little girl," he said smiling as he saw me, "Tell me where your father is."

I was so scared that I couldn't reply, my mouth went dry as I clutched on to Epona tighter. He seemed amused by this and he rose his hand up and saw a triangle form. Almost immediately I was sent flying backward and the horses began to cry if fear. My father and Ingo both rushed out of the house and looked at Ganandorf in fear.

I don't really remember much of the rest of that day. It was a blur. But I do know that Ganandorf offered to give Ingo the farm if he gave him Epona. When Ingo agreed he quickly kicked my father out but he left me here to do all the dirty work.

In one day my whole life was taken away. My dream of Link coming back one-day to rescue me vanished and it was replaced with a harsh slap from reality. The last of my family, my father, who always slept but I still loved was banished. Banished from the farm, banished from my life, banished from my soul. And then the knowledge that Epona, the one and true friend I had every had, was going to be given away. Given away to the very man that taken over Hyrule and killed hundreds in once swift hand movement.

But most of all, my hope was stolen. Hope for tomorrow, hope that one day I will wake up from this eternal nightmare and my mother would be on the foot of my bed asking how my day was. My soul was starving. I was living off of chores day by day hoping to die.

How long have I slaved?

Seven years?

Was I even ever free…? It feels like a dream…

I just wish…. No. Wishes are for fools.

Ingo was fast asleep in his bed with booze in his hand snoring away on the comfortable bed. I woke up from the cold floor my face battered, my clothes ripped. Last night Ingo had become wasted, tripping on his own feet after a gambling game. He lost a lot of his money, and he was angry.

He came home I was the first thing he saw.

He had taken his rage on me. He backhanded me on my face screaming profanities. Each blow was like having a brick thrown at you. Soon I had fallen on the floor as he began to kick me with fury. When he finally got tired he went up to his room and slept leaving my bleeding and bruised to lie on the floor.

My wounds were bad, a broken bone maybe, many bruises. But it didn't hurt anymore, in fact it the blows stopped hurting a while ago. I grew accustomed to them, I was numb to the pain and numb the words since the first year he started.

I haven't cried either, not for a long time. When he first began to hit me it was all I could do, but now my tears were all cried out. I have been through times when I was positive I would die but I just… couldn't bring myself to shed a tear.

Nor have I hoped. I have taught myself the ways of true life. I will never have a prince charming. I will always have to work like a slave. I will never be happy. And such was the way of my life that was chosen to be mine by birth.

Sometimes after Ingo would hit me, I wouldn't remember it. It will be like I'm almost not there but in my own world. Like in that day, it was the second time he violated me, I was above the ranch and I had to watch as that greasy man pin the young red head girl under him. And I would shake my head in pity as I saw her blue eyes widen in pain and she tried to struggle…

Poor girl…

I had learned not to live for me anymore. If I did live for myself, I would have thrown myself off a cliff by now. But I can't leave the ranch no matter what. Because if I did what would happen to the horses. Yes, you heard me right, I live for the horses. I haven't met anyone else worth living for in seven years, and they don't deserve disrespect. So if I leave, will he take out his anger on the horses?

I can't risk that. Even if I was to be used as a rag doll I will stay and live just so that I might see the day that the horses are set free. It may seem silly to you, but it is my life.

Today was the anniversary of the day Link never left the ranch. Yes I still love him. Silly, huh? I have only met him twice and he never had shown interest to me so why should I be wrapped in him so much. Maybe it's his eyes, kind and beautiful. Maybe because he was nice to me. But it doesn't matter, because he isn't coming back. I am sure of that.

I was tending the horses in the stalls. The stalls would need another scrub down soon. They smell of my sweat and blood. That won't go over to well with the customers, but Lord Ganandorf would probably enjoy it. I dragged a pail of water into the stable for the horses to drink. Strange that they are better fed then I am.

The door creaked as someone opened it and I jumped. Usually no one comes into the stable, they converse with Ingo instead, but he was outside with the rest of the racing horses.

"Good day sir," I say trying to polite and hide all the traces of abuse. However this man doesn't say anything. He walks up and inspects me from head to toe. I felt weird but I didn't say anything. It isn't my right to.

"Hello…. Miss," he said after awhile and I tired to get a better look at him. My age, blue eyes, blond hair, muscular build, his ear pierced. I felt a wave of deija-vu pass through me as I stared at wondering eyes.

I began to talk to him, but all he did was nod. He kept looking at me as if he had seen a ghost and I could feel myself blush. I began to ramble at him about the horses. For some reason I felt comfortable with him around.

When I finished he finally spoke, "So… are you OK?"

I was shocked, why would he ask about me?

"As long as the horses are fine so am I. I just wish that Epona wouldn't be given to Ganandorf," I said sadly avoiding his eyes. It really did hurt me that she was going. Not so much as I wouldn't be near her but I just want her to be where she wants her to be. She is such I wild and free spirited colt…

"I see…" he said and then he sprinted out of the stable. I felt my heart sadden. I liked him, and he looked sort of familiar.

Could it be….

No! I can't! I must get these ideas out of my head. Hopeful wishing… hope hurts. Hope is a sin of the worst kind, how else can I explain the pain it brings.

In the middle of cleaning the manure out of the horse's stall I heard an outraged cry. I quickly ran out of the stable.

"Noooooooo, I can't lose to a kid to you. What will the others say, I'll be humiliated. Hey you… let's have rematch. If you win… I'll give you the horse," Ingo said in desperation.

"Agreed," said the boy I met earlier. I opened my eyes in revelation, that boy was going to rescue Epona for me. I covered my mouth, my body shaking. Could it be him………

For the first time I had a glimpse of hope.

Maybe… just maybe.

The horses were so close and I could see Epona losing stamina. I gripped the door until my knuckles turned white, they were losing. I did the only thing I could think of, I sang Epona's song.

Epona's ears flickered and I knew she heard me. Now she started to strain herself against the wind, her legs moving faster. She was trying to win for me.

And she did win. My legs crumbled to the ground and I cried out happily. They won! Epona is free!

"No!" Ingo screamed, "That as the horse for Lord Ganandorf, I can't let you have it!" The he straitened up and smiled; the smile I remember the first time he looked at with lust. The smiled he had when he found his way out of something.

He swung the heavy metal doors and trapped the boy and the horse.

"NO!" I screamed running to him and I pushed him to the ground. "He won! Let him have Epona!"

Ingo eye's burned angrily, it was the first time I had defied him. Before I could react he raised up to his feet and hit me so hard I literally flew away. I touched my burning cheek and felt a small stream of blood trickle down my cheek. I was use to it though.

I looked up and saw the boy's eyes flash with anger. He kicked Epona and headed for the wall. He was going to crash into it!

"No," I screamed, "Watch out!" I saw him look my way and he smiled knowingly and winked. Then he leapt over the wall… amazing.

I felt myself relax happily. For the first time my hope paid off. Epona was safe. However I wasn't. Ingo was pacing towards me and he grabbed me by my neck. For the first time I felt a wave of rebellion seep through me and I slapped his arm away.

"Why you little," he growled but I looked at him with a coolly.

"I wouldn't worry about me," I said, "When Ganandorf realizes that you had control of Lon-Lon Ranch and decided not to give him Epona he will kill you."

Ingo turned white when he realized I was right, "What am I going to do."

"And when that boy comes back he wont be to happy," I reminded him, "And I thought I saw him carry a sword."

"Nooo," he said suddenly said clutching on my dress, "Do something."

It was new to me, being in power. Having him in my mercy. It was always the other way around. I should leave him to die. I should watch him suffer the way he made me suffer.

But I can't, because if I did then I would be just like him.

"If you give my father and I the ranch I won't let the boy hurt you," she said after a while.

"Yes, Yes!" he said, "Anything."

~*~*~*~*~

Ingo was cleaning out the stalls as I tended the horses. For the first time I didn't have bruises on my arms and scars on my body. And I was smiling. It's been a long time since I had done that.

I noticed a man on a horse riding near me. It was the boy that saved the ranch, and he was on Epona. He walked up to Ingo who immediately started to kiss his butt. He looked at him cynically but when saw me and he walked closer.

"Thank you for saving our ranch," I said before he could get a word out, "After you took Epona away he became a regular nice man."

"If you say so," he said inspecting me, "Are you OK?"

I turned red, "Yes… hey are you…"

My heart leapt when he smiled as if he was expecting this.

"The… faerie boy?" I said finishing hopefully.

"Yup," he said and I spontaneously jumped up and gave him a big hug around his neck.

"I've missed you so much," I said not letting go but I could feel Link jump in surprise. We didn't know each other that well. He gently pushed me off and gave me a crooked smile.

"I have a present for you," he said.

"…"

"My Malon you have grown into a fine young woman," I heard a voice say behind me. I twirled around and I saw my father. He was a little skinner, a little grayer, but it was still him. I nearly flew to him and I wrapped my arms around him.

"Daddy," I whispered and I was surprised to feel something cool and wet trickle down my cheek.

I was crying.

It was the best day of my life. Here I was dying inside and out. Nothing to live. And now I have my life back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Link had save Hyrule. It was weird that little boy from so long ago now joined with Princess Zelda manage to defeat the Lord of Evil. He told me all about the long seven years sleep, so that was why he never visited me.

Today there would be a huge party at our ranch. I immediately began preparation. I cooked like I never cooked before. I made decorations and strung them all over the ranch. By the time I was done my hands were so callused I could barely feel them.

But it was worth it. It took 3 days, but when it was all done I showered and cleaned my dress. Today was the day, I could feel it in my bones. Today was the day I will say "I love you."

The party was great. The Zoras danced, I sang, the Gorons played. All the townspeople were gossiping. Occasionally someone would come and congratulate me on what magnificent work I did. And then there were the few that would me ask to dance. I declined every time though.

I was waiting for Link, he was my knight in shinning armor.

I noticed bright sparks fly in the sky, were those that Sages?

I looked higher and I saw Zelda with Link. I felt my blood run cold. She had an intense look of sadness on her face as Link. She placed her hands, her nice soft gloved hands on his. Not like my callused overworked hands.

I tired to hide the tears as I tore away from the festivities.

'Why are you doing, you fool?" a voice hissed in my head, 'He didn't kiss her. Maybe they are just friends.'

'No,' I said, 'It's so obvious. They are destined to be together. It is their birth right.'

Yes, a birthright. Hers was to be a princess with magical powers. To live in a castle and be saved by her handsome prince.

His birthright to save the world and be announced Hero of Time. To have women flock him… and I was just one of those many women. But he would fall in love with the lovely princess.

My birthright was not intertwined with any of them. Mine was to live in the dirt. I would work in the mud for all the years to come. To do backbreaking work and become old and ugly, dying alone.

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

Oh my God Link is here. And he is coming over to talk to me!

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

He is saying something, but I can't comprehend the words. I'm trying to fight back the tears.

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

It's so hard not to say I love you. To not kiss him and cry into his strong-arms. But I must try and restrain myself.

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

"NOOO!" I screamed cutting him off and he looked surprised and my sudden outburst, "LEAVE ME ALONE! CAN'T YOU SEE I'M HURTING ENOUGH AS IT IS!"

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

This is me.

That is him.

He looked at me strangely, "What?"

Tears freely escaped my eyes, "It's my birthright to stay alone and yours to love a princess."

"………?"

"And ride happily ever after in the sunset…"

"…Malon?"

" This is I. That is you."

And with that I fled from him. He was so surprised he couldn't respond. I went to the house and locked the door behind me, and then ran into my room, and locked that door.

I finally collapsed onto the floor sobbing.

All these wishes...

All these hopes…

All for nothing.

Hope is a sin of the worst kind.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A/N: What do you think? I worked my butt off for this story and I really really hope you like it. I worked my butt off for this story. Well toodles. Oh and I'm sorry for any third person replacing first. I was making it third but I decided to change it in the middle.