There were many things Malon did not understand. Life was an uncanny subject that no one seemed to comprehend. She had so many unanswered questions running through her head. It was almost too much for the young woman to process all at once. She knew that things happened for a reason even if it did not seem very plausible. Fate had a peculiar way of working. No matter how difficult things became, everything made sense to her in the end.

Malon thought this situation was an exception to the rules.

The redhead let out a drawn out sigh. She hated being a damsel in distress. It wasn't her style. She had lived her whole life on her own initiative and had never depended on anyone to take care of her. Malon did not understand why this time was different. Was she incapable of taking care of herself? Was she not meant to help the people she cared for? The thought of being unable to help her loved ones made her cringe.

Malon shut her eyes tightly. "What am I supposed to do? I wish someone would just give me a sign."

Suddenly Malon felt a heavy blanket cover her entire body. Startled, Malon yelped and sprung into a sitting position.

"Oh. You're not dead."

She sighed again. "No. The last time I checked I still had a pulse."

Link rolled his eyes. "Well if that's the case, I'll bring you home."

Her curious eyes watched as the young man slowly turned and walked away. It had been seven years since she last saw him. They were only innocent children not tainted by the cruel world then, but she had felt very strongly toward him. His cheerful demeanor had always brightened her gloomiest days. He had always had a grin stuck on his face when he came to the ranch, but there was something different now. His eyes were no longer bright and full of energy. They were now dull and tired, and his aloof demeanor was overbearing. He barely spoke now, and when he did, his harsh sarcasm stung. He was not the Link she had remembered.

"So what happened?" she asked suddenly.

Holding Epona's reins, he turned his head toward Malon. "What do you mean?"

"The temple… What happened?"

"Ganondorf's phantom… He's dead now, so don't worry."

"I see." Malon bit her lower lip nervously. "And… If you don't mind me asking… Where have you been all these years. It's been seven years…"

He remained silent.

"I'm not angry at you for leaving, if that's what you think. I'm sure you had your reasons for disappearing," she continued. "I can tell something bad must have happened to you. You just aren't the same as I remember."

He stroked Epona's snout gently. "People change. Nothing you can do about that."

Her brow twitched. "People do change, but that still doesn't explain what on earth happened. Are you just going to avoid my question?"

"You're too curious for your own good."

She scoffed. "I'm proud of my curiosity. Knowledge is something that I don't push away."

"Good for you."

Although the fiery redhead wanted to press on, she sensed an oncoming argument and stopped pestering him. There was something that he was hiding. It did not take a genius to see that. Malon wanted to know what it was that he was hiding from her. It had to have been something very bad to have changed him for the worse. She bit her lower lip as she pulled herself to her feet.

"How is the ranch?" he asked suddenly, pulling her away from her train of thoughts.

She hesitated. "It's… gone."

He paused for a moment before replying. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's fine. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, eh?" she chuckled uncomfortably.

"Hmph. I suppose."

"Ganondorf destroyed everything," she lowered her head. "He killed so many people all for his own selfish desires. I hate him so much. My whole life was shattered because of his greed and lust for power. I just don't understand why people are so horrible."

"Unfortunately, neither do I."

"I just want to make a difference, you know? I just want to be able to help the people I love. You can call my actions reckless, but I don't care. If I can make a difference in someone's life, then all my sacrifices are worth it," Malon smiled. "I hope you feel the same."

Link chose to ignore her last comment. She was too hopeful for her own good. Why sacrifice one's life for people whom one does not even know? It was pointless. It was even more pointless to be sickeningly optimistic. People are wretched beings. There was no end to greed and hatred, no matter how optimistic one was. Optimism would never change how the world worked. That was what Link kept reminding himself. No matter what he did, nothing would ever change…

…Right?

After he had defeated Phantom Ganon, Link had encountered a familiar face from his past. His childhood friend had appeared before him. She had thanked him for his help and had told him there were others Link needed to rescue. He clinched his fists. Why him? Why was he chosen to pursue a worthless adventure to save a forsaken kingdom?

In the back of his mind, there was something urging him to press forward. He did not know what it was, but he knew that if he continued, maybe he would discover what it was.

"Are you okay?" Malon's sweet voice snapped him back into reality.

He nodded. "Where do you stay now?"

"I'm staying in Kakariko Village now. There is a woman there who lets me stay with her," Malon chirped. "She's a very nice elderly woman."

"Hop on the horse. I'll bring you home."

Author's Notes: It's been a long time since I last wrote a chapter. I promise, I haven't forgotten this story. I will definitely try to update it as much as possible. I have so many ideas that I'm just itching to write. I'm not going to push myself to write lengthy chapters. I actually prefer writing smaller chapters. Even if that means more chapters, then so be it. I'll get my message across somehow.