Fan Fiction ❯ You Make Me Crazy ❯ Tough Decisions ( Chapter 17 )

Zelda comforted a crying Malon in her arms. “Malon, Link is a bastard. There are plenty of other men to choose from.”

 

“Like who? The guy who raped me?!”

 

“Um…what about Sheik?”

 

“Sheik isn't real! He was you in disguise!”

 

“I can be the real thing for you.”

 

“What do you mean by that?”

 

“If you want, I can…permanently transform into Sheik. Then we can be lovers again.”

 

“So I was right about you being bisexual.” Malon snorted.

 

Zelda sighed. “I'm serious. There is a special way that I can remain Sheik forever.”

 

“It's just not the same.”

 

A door cracked open, revealing Link, who was back in his tunic.

 

“What the fuck do you want?” Zelda hissed.

 

“Can I speak to Malon…alone?”

 

“You may certainly not.” Zelda replied.

 

“Zelda,” Malon said. “Please.”

 

“You want to speak to him? Alright…” She got up from her spot and strode over to Epona, stroking her on the nose, trying to resist the temptation to eavesdrop.

 

“Malon, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me someday.” Link begged.

 

“Whatever. But when are you coming back to Hyrule?!”

 

“I don't want to go back.”

 

“WHY THE HELL NOT?!”

 

“I just don't want to go back! You can't make me!”

 

“What are you waiting for?!”

 

“I WANT TO FIND NAVI!” Link burst out, causing Zelda and Epona to stare in surprise and confusion.

 

“Your fairy?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Perhaps it's time to let go.”

 

“Never!” Link exclaimed. “I'm not leaving until I find her.”

 

“You can't let that one thing hold you back! You can live on the ranch with me!”

 

“Navi isn't the only reason I'm staying here, Malon!” Link paused. “When Romani was assaulted from bandits during a milk delivery, she made one last request when she was dying in my arms…”

 

“Tell me everything.”

 

“One night in the Lost Woods where I was traveling with Epona, trying to decide on where to go after saving Termina, I had a dream. In it, Romani got attacked by bandits. I decided to go back and make sure everything was okay…but it wasn't. She was dying from serious wounds after being attacked by bandits when I saw her again…just like in my dream. She made me promise her to look after the ranch for her, since her sister was murdered from them.”

 

“That's very noble of you, Link. At least this farm is in good hands. My farm was taken over by the man who raped me and murdered my father.”

 

“Then we're both lonely.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Oh, Malon, will you please stay here with me…forever?”

 

She remained silent, not knowing what to say. Zelda just couldn't take it anymore; she had overheard Link's request and jumped into the conversation.

 

“Link, she can't stay with you.” Zelda argued, walking away from Epona and protectively resting her hand on Malon's shoulder.

 

“You know what, Zelda? I know you're a princess, but that doesn't mean you have to make decisions for everybody.” Link said.

 

“I'm only trying to help!”

 

“Well then, don't!” Link shouted.

 

“You little…”

 

“Zelda! Please! He's right! I want to make this decision by myself!” Malon said.

 

Zelda simply nodded her head, blushing in embarrassment and anger.

 

“Well? What'll it be?” Link smiled. “Will you…stay with me? I love you. I know it was wrong to love both you and Romani, but sometimes it's not easy to dedicate yourself to one person.” He pointed at Zelda. “Like the way you loved me and Zelda…I mean Sheik.”

 

“I see what you mean...”

 

“If you stay with me, I promise you, I will be the best husband I can be.”

 

“H-husband?! Link, you're going so fast!”

 

“I know, but I think we'd be great together. Please, Malon…give me another chance.”

 

“May I have a word with her?” Zelda asked.

 

“Sure.” Link respectfully bowed for the princess and went over to the pen to feed Epona.

 

“Malon, think about what you're doing! Link wants you to spend the rest of your life with him! He's a great guy…and I know it. In fact, I loved him when I was a child. Sometimes I think I still do. But…is this what you really want? Do you want to leave Hyrule? Do you never want to see your farm again?”

 

Malon soaked all this in, carefully thinking over each action and its possible consequence. “I love Link…but I still feel betrayed. And I betrayed him as well when I made love to you…I mean Sheik.”

 

“I can offer you something as well.”

 

“Yes, I know you can remain as Sheik forever, but do you really want to never be true to yourself again? Don't throw it all away just to be with me. I'll bet your royal subjects and your father are worried sick about you! In fact, they told me you were too `busy' that day I went to see you. They must've lied about your disappearance.”

 

“They did. They always try to keep these things hidden so nobody gets worried.”

 

“Anyway…I think we should all think about this tonight.” Malon suggested.

 

Surely enough, night came and everybody went to bed. Zelda and Malon shared one, while Link had the other. Nobody slept.