The Legend of Zelda doesn't belong to me. I only own the plot and the occasional OC. I won't be repeating this, because once should be enough to cover my ass.

He breathed the clean air in deeply, enjoying the nostalgic scent of Hyrule Field from atop his loyal mare, who whinnied her own happiness at their return. He chuckled softly and bent forward to lightly pat her neck. "Good to be back, isn't it, Epona?" He got another light whicker in response.

Link smiled as he sat back up, gently guiding her along towards the large, walled complex of Lon Lon Ranch in the distance, looking forward to seeing the girl who'd gifted Epona to him. He was sure she would be happy to see her beloved horse again after years apart.

He sighed with happiness as he let his head fall back, looking up at the blue sky, wisps of cloud drifting lazily along its expanse. It was hard to believe he'd been gone so long. Sometimes it didn't seem real. But now he was back, and he looked forward to relaxing for a while. He'd need to see about visiting all his friends. He wondered how they were doing.

Their pace was unhurried as they wandered along the expanse of the Field, simply enjoying the sensation of being back home, so that the sun was beginning to set by the time they reached Lon Lon Ranch's large gateway, the sounds of the many animals housed within its walls easily audible. Epona increased her pace eagerly, looking forward to being in her old home.

They made their way in to the area the horses were kept in as Link looked around with interest. Not much had changed. The buildings were well cared for, as always, Ingo was working on some hay near the corner of one of the building, cuccos were wandering around, waiting to maul the unwary (Link had a particular grudge against the feathered menaces), the horses were running and grazing contentedly, and… there she was.

The red hair of Malon stood out amongst the green of the grass as she stood in the middle of horses, tending to them and murmuring sweet words Link couldn't hear. Epona once more increased her pace at the sight of her old mistress, quickly making her way to her family and whinnied to one of her favorite Hylians.

Malon turned around at the sound, allowing Link to see her properly now. She was exceptionally beautiful, even more so than he remembered her being in the future that would not be. Her pretty face lacked the lines and exhaustion that living through such a terrible time had prematurely given her, and she seemed altogether healthier. Her large brown eyes were alive with a mischievous sparkle that had been missing from her alternate self, and her body was somehow even more filled out, which was something he couldn't help but notice.

Malon looked at them curiously for a moment before her eyes went wide. "E-Epona!?"

Epona tossed her head and moved forward to nuzzle the girl as Link quickly and easily slid off the saddle.

"Epona!" Malon cried happily as she wrapped her arms around the mare's neck, holding her tight as an enormous grin spread across her face, her calloused hands running along her white mane. "Oh, I can't believe you're back! I'm so happy to see you!"

Link smiled as he stood back and watched, arms crossed as he waited. Somehow he got the impression that Malon hadn't even noticed him when she caught sight of Epona.

Of course, he found himself proven wrong when Malon let Epona go, wiping a tear from her eye, before turning to Link with a fierce glare that would have cowed a Stalfos. "And you! Where have you been for the past seven years with Epona, huh!?" She advanced on Link, making him backpedal with wide eyes as she poked a dainty finger against his chest. "Seven years, fairy boy! I expected at least a visit every once in a while, but no! You had to vanish! I started to think you were dead!" She planted her fists on her hips and glared with all the fury she could muster.

Link gave a sheepish smile. "…Sorry…"

Malon kept her glare up for a few more seconds before her lips curled into a smile and she wrapped her arms around Link. "I missed you, you stupid boy." Link chuckled softly and returned the hug. Then she pulled back and held him at arms length. "Let me get a look at you."

Malon studied her old friend. He was wearing a green tunic similar to what he'd worn as a child, except it was of a better, more durable material she wasn't familiar with. It felt sort of like leather, but not quite. A white undershirt and white traveling trousers added protection and actually pulled the look together, and she could feel the chainmail shirt he wore underneath the tunic, the ends of it peeking out of the hems of the green material. Sturdy brown traveling boots and gloves with bracers protected his hands and feet. Completing the ensemble was his usual green pointed hat, this one a bit longer than it used to be, and a sky blue sort of short cloak that was wrapped around his neck like a scarf. A sword and shield were naturally strapped to his back.

A small bit of color appeared on Malon's cheeks. "Looking good, fairy boy. You've been taking care of yourself, I see." Link nodded as the girl let him go to return to petting Epona. "Where have you been all these years?"

Link shrugged. "Travelling. Lots of places. Other kingdoms and lands."

Malon shook her head with a smile. Her friend had apparently not changed in his preference for short, concise responses. "Were they interesting? I never even thought of leaving Hyrule, but I bet you've seen some strange things."

Link snorted at the understatement she'd unwittingly made. "Yes, some pretty odd stuff. I might show you some time."

Malon nodded. "Looking forward to it. So, want to stay the night? It's a bit too late for you to make it to Castle Town."

"If it's not too much trouble." Link agreed. He was used to roughing it, but an actual bed was nice every once in a while.

"Great! I'll tell dad that you're here and we'll set up our guest room." She gave Epona one last pat before leaving her to roam around with her family as she led the way to the main house, Link following behind.

They passed Ingo, who sneered at Link as he lugged his pitchfork around. Link gave the man a cold glare. He had neither forgotten or forgiven the man's would be actions. If it weren't for the fact that he was sure the ranchhand had never laid a finger on Malon he would have wiped the look off his face none too gently. As it was, Ingo's sneer faltered at the look before he turned away and stalked off angrily.

Malon opened the door to the home and called out. "Dad, we have a visitor!" She moved aside to allow Link access as her father came down the stairs from the upper floor.

"Who is it, dear?" He caught sight of Link, and it took a few seconds before recognition bloomed in his eyes. "By the Goddesses, is that young Link? Ha! You've grown, boy."

Link smiled at the rounder man. "It's good to see you again, Talon."

Talon grinned and took the younger man's hand, shaking vigorously. "Same, boy. Where ya been? And how's Epona doing? You wouldn't believe how often Malon's fretted over what you and that horse might be doing."

Malon's cheeks darkened slightly. "I left Epona in the pen with the others. She looks like she's healthy and in shape."

Talon clapped his hands. "Excellent. So, I take it you'll be staying the night?"

Link nodded. "If you'll have me."

Talon grinned as he headed into the nearby kitchen, from which a delicious aroma emanated. "Of course, of course. You have good timing, my boy. If you'd come tomorrow, we wouldn't have been here. We're heading to Castle Town for the grand tournament."

Link blinked. "Grand tournament?"

Malon nodded. "Haven't heard of it? They're having a huge celebration in honor of Princess Zelda's approaching birthday. It isn't just the tournament. They're having a huge weeklong festival, and the tournament is the centerpiece. It's going to last days. Warriors from all over Hyrule will be attending, even gorons, zoras and gerudo. I hear that the leaders of the various groups will be showing up tomorrow as well."

"Yep." Talon added in from the kitchen as the sound of something being stirred in a pot sounded. "It'll be the first time such important people have been to the castle in decades. I don't think the current royals have even met any of them."

Link listened intently. "Is the tournament open entry?" He asked with interest.

"Oh yeah." Malon said as she grabbed some bread from a nearby breadbox and set it on the table along with a large bottle of chilled milk. "As long as you make it in time to sign up by noon tomorrow, you can get in. They recommend only well trained fighters do so, because of the level of competition and the risk of injury, but it's open to anybody over the age of fifteen." She smiled at him as Talon brought out a large pot of stew. "Interested in joining in, fairy boy?" Link merely nodded with a small smile on his lips and a glint in his eyes. "Alright then, looks like we'll need to leave earlier than we planned, dad."

Talon chuckled. "Ah, that's no problem. It just gives us more time to enjoy ourselves. He can go sign up while we make the delivery of milk." He sat down and spooned some stew into wooden bowls. "Alright, eat up lad. You'll need the strength if you're gonna take part in such a prestigious event."

Malon smiled at Link as he sat down and took a sip of the stew, smiling in appreciation at the home cooking. It wasn't often he had anything other than trail rations.

"So!" Malon leaned forward, looking at Link intently. "Where'd you end up travelling, fairy boy?"

Link chuckled softly at her curiosity before he began talking about some of the less harrowing things he'd seen. The night passed with stories, questions, and good food.

The next morning Link woke to knocking on his door. He blinked and sat up, the blanket falling off his shirtless form as he glanced out the window to find that the sun wasn't even up yet, only the barest hints of color lighting the sky.

The knock came again before the door opened. "Come on, fairy boy, time to get up. We need to leave soon if you want to… sign… up…" Malon paused in the doorway as she caught sight of him in the light of the lantern she held, the flickering light hiding her suddenly reddened cheeks as she couldn't halp but gaze at his bare, muscular torso.

As she did she noticed that even in the weak light she could spot many scars. Some looked like they came from the claws and teeth of animals, while others looked more like they had been caused by blades or arrows. The was even what looked like a burn scar over the ribs on his right.

Still, to Malon, they made her friend that much more attractive. His strong, chiseled muscles were enhanced by the marks of combat. Her mouth was close to watering as she took it all in.

Link smiled at her. "Thanks Malon. I'll be ready in a few minutes." He reached over for his boots, beginning to put them on, and the girl shook her head as she broke out her trance.

"Ah, right. We'll be downstairs making sure our shipment is prepared. Come down when you're ready." She hurriedly turned and closed the door behind her. She briefly paused to fan her face, which felt quite hot despite the early morning chill, then began to make her way down to help her father.

Ten minutes later Link stepped out into the early dawn air to find a large wagon full of crates of Lon Lon Milk being prepared by Talon, Malon and Ingo. He was pleased to see that Epona was saddled and ready, and after giving her a good morning pat he made his way to the others to see if her could help.

"Much appreciated, my boy." Talon said when he asked. "We've got one crate left to get on the wagon. It's heavy, so your help getting it on is appreciated. Just be careful. The milk bottles aren't delicate, but that's no call to be reckless."

Link nodded in agreement and moved over to the crate. Talon was about to move over to help but was caught by surprise when Link picked the crate up on his own and carried it over to the wagon, setting it in its space without too much trouble. He scratched his bald head. "Well now, you're stronger than I thought, and I already thought you were strong." He chuckled as Ingo glared at Link. Malon was eyeing the young man appreciatively, something her father had a small laugh about.

Before long everything was secured and they were ready to leave. Ingo watched them go with a sour look on his face before heading back to bed with a grumble.

Link rode Epona beside the cart, which was being pulled by two of their best horses, and listened placidly as Malon chattered excitedly at what she hoped to see at the festival, occasionally responding.

The day had advanced till the sun was high and gazing down at them, though thankfully it was approximately almost two hours before noon, before they spotted Castle Town. Link paused to take it in.

It looked even more prosperous than it had when he was a child, banners flying, waving in the wind. The bridge was down, but unusually there was an area outside the city walls with buildings and structures. Most he could see were tents and stalls, but at the farthest end from the drawbridge was a large wooden stadium, its body covered in banners and flags. It looked like it would seat a large amount of people. He assumed that was where the tournament would be taking place.

"Been a while since you've been here, hasn't it?" Malon asked as she saw Link stare.

Link smiled and nodded. "It's different."

Talon shrugged before responding philosophically. "Things change."

The group made their way closer before Talon pointed at the festival area. "You can go sign in somewhere in there, Link. We need to go make our delivery and set up our horses in the stable, so we'll meet you there. Want us to take Epona to the stables as well?"

Link nodded and slid off his horse, Malon quickly reaching over to take hold of her reins. "Good luck, fairy boy. Don't have too much fun without me!" He smiled and waved as he began making his way to the festival grounds.

It took him ten minutes and asking a couple of questions, but he finally found the registration booth, which was set up outside the stadium. There was a line of those waiting to sign up, and Link saw a zora and a gerudo both standing and waiting for their turn. He quickly got into place behind the gerudo with two large scimitars strapped to her back, looking at the signs.

Apparently there was an entry fee to be able to compete. It wasn't large, however, only ten rupees, so Link didn't worry about it, simply patting his wallet to make sure it was secure.

The line moved quickly, and before long it was his turn. He stepped forward as the gerudo left, glancing at him with a cocky smirk, and looked at the official in charge of the sign ups.

"Name?" The woman asked in a bored tone. She'd obviously spent too much time asking the same things over and over.

"Link of the Kokiri." He stated simply, making the woman glance up at him, an eyebrow raised sceptically.

"You look awefully large to be a forest child." She said drily.

Link shrugged. "I'm adopted."

The woman stared before shaking her head and muttering to herself about getting all sorts of nutjobs. "Fine. Age?"

"Seventeen."

"Weapon of choice?"

"Multiple, but primarily a sword and shield."

The woman eyed his form, searching for any other weapons but not seeing any. She sighed tiredly. "Fine, whatever. Got the entry fee?" Link nodded and handed her a couple of blue rupees, which she quickly placed into a chest at her side which was being guarded by a soldier. "Alright, you're number 103. We'll be putting up a list of the fight order two hours after registration closes. Make sure to check it, because if you're not there in time for your fight, you're disquilified. Got it?" When he showed he understood she waved him away, so Link left and began to explore the festival.

Everywhere he went he found food and games set up everywhere, along with vendors hawking their wares. He stopped in interest, as there were examples of goron and gerudo blacksmithing along with zora weaving, and foods from all three. He smiled widely as he began shopping.

Zelda sighed from within her chambers in Hyrule Castle as she looked down at the colorful festival grounds. She smiled slightly at the sight. She had been pushing her father for something of the like, an event to bring the various peoples who called Hyrule home together. It would not only strengthen the bonds between them all, but it would also give her a good excuse to see her fellow Sages.

It only irritated her that he had caved in by making it a celebration of her seventeenth birthday rather than something more important.

If it were up to her, it would have been a celebration of Ganondorf's fall. Of course, that wasn't exactly feasable, as nobody but the Sages and a certain hero knew anything about the entire affair.

Link... The thought of the Hero of Time made her smile. She wondered where he was. He had left shortly after their return to the current timeline to search for his fairy, and hadn't been seen since. Which was ironic, seeing as...

"Hey Zelda, today's the day that the others arrive, isn't it?" Navi asked as she floated over from the pillow that was her bed in Zelda's bedroom.

Zelda turned to the glowing blue fairy, just barely able to make out the small woman's form through the light she gave off. "Yes Navi. Darunia, Ruto and Nabooru will be arriving today for the beginning of the tournament."

Her tiny friend gave a shake of delight. "Great! Too bad Saria can't come. And I have no clue why Rauru doen't join us. Still, I'm looking forward to this. It would only be better if..." The fairy drooped at the memory of her partner.

"We'll see him again someday, Navi." Zelda said gently. "That boy is far too stubborn to die. He'll return. And when he does, you can yell at him all you want for worrying you." She said lightly.

Navi brightened (literally) and nodded. "Right. In the meantime, I can see the others all together rather than one at a time as your messanger."

After Navi had suddenly showed up looking for Link a few months after he'd left to search for her, Navi had spent her time as the Sages' messenger. It kept her busy, and was a reliable way for them to keep in touch without worrying about the messages being intercepted. In return, Navi got any information on Link, and pretty much whatever else she wanted from the Sages. She didn't ask for much, so it was no hardship.

There was a knock on the door, and a maid opened it to peer in when Zelda gave permission. "Your highness, the King requests your presence. The delegations from the other peoples have arrived and are making their way to the castle."

"Thank you, Pomona. I'll be right there." After the maid left Zelda turned to a seemingly empty patch of wall. "Impa, are you ready?"

Zelda's old nanny and bodyguard, and the Sage of Shadow, appeared as if from nothing. "Yes, princess. It will be good to be all together for once. Are you prepared?"

Zelda checked her dress, feeling the daggers and throwing knives hidden about her person. Ganondorf may have been defeated, but she'd kept up her training. "Yes Impa. Come on. Let's not keep the others waiting."

Impa and Navi both nodded, and followed the princess out of the room to see their old friends.

Welcome to, yes, yet another new story!

Yes, I know, Musie is a bitch for making me do another. To be fair, though, this one was actually on the poll. It got the least votes, but it's the one I felt the most like writing at the moment.

This fic was inspired, as stated during my poll, by the excellent, if weird, I Just Want A Vacation by funkmasterjo. I highly recommend it, though the ending gets kinda twisted and meta.

So, first thing's first, timeline differences, since I know people get rabid about them. In this story, Link wasn't the only one sent back to the past. All the Sages were as well, and as stated, they've kept in touch.

Navi didn't leave after they returned, either. She just didn't appear till later. I'll probably go further into it another time.

Pairings! ...I dunno. Link and a girl, I guess? That's pretty much the extent of my plans in that direction.

Oh, yeah, Link's look is inspired by his Hyrule Warriors outfit. (A game I've never played *glare at still broken 3DS*) This isn't just cosmetic. There's a reason for the look. You'll find out during the tournament.

As for the tournament itself, that's just the beginning of the story. Things are going to escalate. There will much awesome.

I... think that's all? Oh, wait, theme song. I'm not going to say what it is, though it's been picked out. It's just a bit of a spoiler. I will say it's a song by Bullet For My Valentine, see if you can guess. I know, not what you'd think of for a Zelda fic, but it fits.

Well then, till next time, which will be a chapter of Brightest that will make a lot of you pissed off at me, hope you enjoyed, and please review!