Nothing Is Written In Stone

<---Index

As the group traveled through the fields, a terrible storm kicked in. Link yelled over the howling winds, “Maybe we should have taken the swindler's advice and found shelter! The storm is way to dangerous to be out it!” Shadow yelled back, “Hate to tell you this, Green, but this is just a light drizzle! If it were an actual storm, we'd be dead right now!” Sheik replied, “Doesn't change the fact we need to find shelter. Is there any place nearby?”

Shadow nodded. “Yeah! A little further up the road! It's a ranch. We might find horses there too, as well as fresh supplies!” Saria stumbled on a rock and fell over. Shadow turned to her and shouted, “Hey, are you alright?”
“Yeah! Just a sprain!” Shadow knelt down and lifted her in his arms. “Everyone, watch your step! If you get hurt, you're as good as dead! This world is nothing like what you're used to!” He carried the female alongside the others. Saria looked at him a little embarrassed. She never had to be carried anywhere, and least expectantly by a person from the Dark World. Yet, he didn't look like it really bothered him.

After a few more minutes of traveling, they reached a large ranch that looked well maintained. Stumbling in, a female stood there in shock. “Good heavens! There were people still out in the storm?” Shadow smiled. “Hey, Malon. Any free rooms?” The female smiled. “Link! Long time no see!” Link looked at her and said, “I've never even Met...” Shadow cut him off, saying, “Malon. These are some new friends. Meet, Sheik, Saira and... well... Link.”

She looked at the Kokiri and said, “Whoa. That's freaky.” Everyone replied, “We know. Trust us, we know.” Smiling, the Malon said, “Well, we happen to have three room available at the moment. On the house, of course.” Shadow smiled. “Thanks. That's another one I owe you. Link, Sheik, Get some rest. He carried Saria to a room and placed her in the bed, saying, “Don't get up until your leg feels better. We don't want the sprain to get worse.” She nodded and drifted to sleep.

Shadow walked to the table and said, “So, how have things been?” Malon let out a cheerful smile and said, “Great. The horses are doing well, crops look good this year. Everything's just peach and roses.” Shadow smiled. Glad to hear it.” The female poured a white liquid and slid it across the table to him, saying, “You could use it.” Picking up the glass, he said somberly, “How did you know?” pulling out a picture, she poured a glass for herself and replied, “Because after all these years, the pain's still there.”

Sliding the picture across the table, Shadow looked at it and sipped his milk. Shaking his head, he replied, “It's funny. They say Milk can solve your problems. Maybe it can, maybe it can't, I don't care. The thing is, the pain always stays.” Malon took a sip and nodded. “It was your first time doing the trials, wasn't it? When that creature transformed them?” Shadow nodded. “Yeah. I saw him again recently. Hurt him good. But... Hurting that demon isn't enough. I want him to suffer like I have. Every day, with a hole where it's heart should be. The blowing wind tearing and burning the emptyness until it can't think straight. Make it feel what I feel everyday.”

Placing the picture face up on the table, it revealed an image of Shadow, as well as the Saria and Sheik from this world. Taking another sip, he said, “But, the Demon copy of me proved that I'm not strong enough to fight it. That maybe I never will.” Malon smiled and said, “I remember you saying the same thing about doing the trials. The general asked you in person after seeing you three train in the badlands. You'll have your chance. Maybe it's the will of the Dragons that you were brought together with these three.”

Shadow shook his head. “I pray it is. But, they almost met the fate of my friends because I was too weak. I'm scared. I don't think I can survive the pain of being force to kill my friends a second time. I know the Demon might try that again.” Link casually took a seat at the table. Malon and Shadow turned to him in shock.” Sheik said from behind him, “Don't be so surprised. We're a little worried about you.”

“Worried...?” Shadow stammered. “Why would you be worried about me?” Saria limped into a chair and said, “It's what friends do.” Malon smiled and started pouring more milk for the others. She looked at Link and said, “Think you can hold it down?” Saria burst into laughter, saying, “He could drink Shadow clean under the table.” Laughing, the ranch owner replied, “They're the same person.” Link smiled and said, “Kokiri shotgun rules?” Shadow smiled. “Worst hangover in the morning wins.” the two of them then started shooting back mouthfuls of milk, with the others laughing.

The next day, Link and Shadow Staggered to the table and sat down, both muttering, “I feel like a bombflower went off in my head.” Malon put a cup of salted coffee in front of both of them saying, “I guess you just can't beat yourself, huh?” The two elves shot back the coffee and groaned. Saria smiled and said, “Wow. They can actually walk after last night. It's a Miracle!” Everyone except for the otherworldly twins laughed.

Malon smiled and said, “I mad the coffee with Deku spring water. It should help.” Both taking another shot of the bitter liquid, Shadow replied, “It does feel like it's working a little.” The ranch owner smiled and said, “Well, You have a long journey ahead of you. If you like, I can give you my four finest horses and a full stock of supplies.” Shadow smiled, “I can't ask something like that. You've done enough already.” Malon giggled and said, “I'm not waiting for you to ask. You need to get to Skull mountain for the Dragon blessing, right?” The group looked at her surprised. Laughing, She said, “Your fairies told me everything. I'm going to help any way I can.”

Saria smiled. “How can we thank you for all your help?” Laughing, Malon smiled and replied, “Don't be strangers. The door is always open to you guys, so don't be afraid to come through it.” By the way, I think you'll recognize the horses. They came here last night while you were all asleep.”

The group went to the stables and their eyes widened with joy. Link shouted, “Epona!” Sheik smiled. “Hello Calypso.” Saria walked over to her mare and said softly, “I'm glad to see you, Fiona.” Shadow didn't look too happy about his mount being there. “I thought we aggreed that we wouldn't make this a habit, Brimstone.” The horse nudged his  arm playfully and the dark elf smiled. “Yeah, your right. You are a little difficult to just want to be rid of. You still up for saving the worlds?”

All four horses Whinnied and the adventurers smiled. Climbing on to their well supplied horses, Link said, “Now, Let's get to saving the world!” They rode out of the stable and to the gate before stopping. “Uh... Which way are we going again?” Saria asked “The sun still hasn't come out.” The group all groaned and moved along at a frustrated trot.