Fan Fiction ❯ You Make Me Crazy ❯ Breaking Up is Hard to Do ( Chapter 18 )

The next day, the three of them sat around a table, now fully-clothed. Zelda, being the boldest, spoke first.

 

“I have made my decision. Malon, I'm sorry…but I really don't want to be someone I'm not. I know you liked Sheik, but I'm afraid he'll have to…I mean, I'll have to stay as myself.”

 

“I understand.” Malon replied, a bit disappointed, but at the same time, relieved. Now she could concentrate on her other love, Link.

 

“Malon…Zelda…I decided I'm staying here no matter what. It was my promise to Romani to keep the ranch for her. But, Malon…I want you to stay. Will you…marry me?” he got down on one knee and took her hand in his. “I don't have a ring yet, but…”

 

“Oh, Link.” Malon's eyes welled up with tears.

 

Zelda stared at the two of them, jealous and a bit hurt. Deep down inside, she still liked Link. No; she loved him. Could she really blame him for not wanting to return to Hyrule? He was treated horribly before he saved it. He only got his chance to shine for a mere few hours. The party at Lon Lon Ranch commemorated Hyrule being saved, but after he was sent back in time, it was over. His life was back to normal, without as much as a `thank you' from anyone but herself and the sages.

 

“Malon…” Link cooed, kissing her hand.

 

“I am so happy for you two.” Zelda suddenly blurted out. “Malon, you're a very lucky woman for obtaining such a fine man. And Link…good luck on the farm with Malon.”

 

“Wait! Zelda, what are your plans?” Link asked, rather surprised at the princess' sudden change in attitude.

 

“I'm going back to Hyrule, of course. I'm going to be in a lot of trouble with my father and my whole land, but…I need to leave. I hope you two have a happy marriage…”

 

Malon suddenly burst into tears. “I…I can't do this!”

 

“Can't do what?” Both asked.

 

“I can't get married to you, Link! I just can't!”

 

“What? Why…why not, my love?”

 

“I'm sorry, but the man I truly love is…gone. And he's never coming back. I love you as a friend, Link, but nothing more.”

 

Link looked heartbroken, but he faked a laugh and said, “I guess I lost that contest, then?”

 

“It's not quite that. It's that I love Sheik, because…he understood me. He was arrogant and cocky, sure, but he was sensitive and made me feel like I mattered…even if I came off as a psycho. I'm glad I got sent to jail. Otherwise, I would've never met him…”

 

“I know I may seem insensitive sometimes, Malon, but not all guys understand emotion and feeling…”

 

“Sheik did. That's why I loved him. I never told anyone this, but…when I was a little girl, I always had a dream of a knight coming to sweep me off my feet...”

 

`The Gossip Stone was right.' Link thought to himself, remembering what the stone told him when he talked to it while wearing the Mask of Truth.

 

“But I don't want a knight anymore. I want Sheik.”

 

“Why not me, though? I thought you said you loved me…” he whispered, trying to hide every ounce of hurt swelling within him.

 

“I do love you. But…you made me wait for so long. No girl should ever have to go through that. Knights may be handsome and courageous, but I waited too long to get one. Now that I did, I realize that I don't want one anymore.”

 

“Malon, I'm sorry! This is my entire fault!” Zelda kneeled at Malon's feet. “I shouldn't have pretended to be Sheik! I should've just done my damn royal duties like normal princesses! I just wanted to go off on an adventure…”

 

“Then why don't you stay here?” Malon asked.

 

Zelda blinked. “What? No…I can't possibly…”

 

“You and Link belong together. I just know it. You just need to patch things up, and then you two can marry. Trust me; I know a future relationship when I see it.”

 

“But…what about you?” Zelda asked.

 

“I've made up my mind. I'm going back to Hyrule. Lon Lon Ranch needs me.”

 

“But…what if you get raped again?!”

 

“I don't care anymore. I'll get tested to see if I'm pregnant, and if I'm not, then I'll attempt to save my ranch once more. Or I could return to Gerudo Fortress.”

 

Link cringed when he heard that name. “Gerudo Fortress?! Why?!”

 

“I have friends there.” Malon grinned. “Please, give each other a chance, and I know you'll be happy together. Promise me this.”

 

Link looked into Zelda's eyes, and vice versa.

 

“Even if things don't turn out right, you can always just be friends and help each other out on the ranch!” she added.

 

“I guess so…” Link agreed.

 

“Yeah, sure…” Zelda nodded slowly.

 

“Just take it slow, though. Be friends first and get to know each other. Then see if things improve from there.”

 

“So…I'm staying here, Zelda's staying with me and you're…going back to Hyrule?”

 

“Yes, that is correct. But I must make one request.”

 

“What would that be?” he asked.

 

“I want Epona back.”

 

Link got up from his seat and pressed his face against the window, not letting his gaze leave the horse pen. “Epona…”

 

“Please, Link. She was my best friend. This is the one favor I ask of you.”

 

“I understand.” he replied. “You may have Epona back.”

 

“Oh, thank you!” she embraced Link happily, dreaming of sitting atop Epona's sturdy back once more. No other horse compared to her.

 

“I guess this is goodbye, huh?” Zelda spoke softly.

 

“Yes, it is. Malon, I shall show you the way back to Hyrule. You will have to travel through the Lost Woods through a portal to get there,” Link said.

 

“Thank you.” Malon stood up from her chair and bolted outside to greet Epona.

 

Link readied Epona's riding equipment, sliding the riding equipment on. He tightened the girth and put the bridle over her head. He sighed as he remembered all the good times he shared with his steed. “Breaking up is hard to do.”