Legend of Zelda: Wolf Princess

Chapter One: Another Meeting

Link

"The Shadow Crystal won't change you into a wolf when it's around your neck, unless you touch it. When you do change into a wolf, touch the Master Sword to change back to a human."

Link stared at the Shadow Crystal in his hand, his other hand on the hilt of the Master Sword while he lay in bed. It was too early to get up and start working, so he laid there and began to think over last night finally.

Last night, for the first time in a long time he had seen the Princess Zelda. The last time he had saw her, she had given up most of her life force to save Midna and was near death. She almost hadn't recovered from it, but thanks to the best doctors in Hyrule, she was better. He had been by her side the entire time she was sick and then a little while after she was better.

He was also thinking about the last time he had seen Midna. When they both had finally defeated Zant, Midna had left Link with a few parting words. It was about the Shadow Crystal and how he could have it and be a wolf whenever and also when he wanted to turn back. Then she disappeared back to her realm of Twilight.

Link had changed into a wolf on several occasions, just to feel how it felt to be free, to feel the thrill of the hunt (although he never killed the prey), and to let himself just run free. It felt so nice. That is, until last night; he had felt fear to see a human, even if it was Zelda. It was the instinct of the wolf to want to hide from the humans.

He gripped the crystal tightly; maybe it was time to give up the wolf in him. Maybe it was too dangerous to run as the monster everyone was afraid of. But he couldn't just give it up. It seemed to be a part of him, as if it had always been there in his mind, in his blood, in his soul…

He shook his head and dropped the crystal around his neck again. After a moment, he let go of the Master Sword as well. With a sigh, Link got out of bed and slowly walked over to the green tunic sitting on the table. He picked up the top and gazed at it. Should he wear this outfit or not? Even if his adventure was over, he didn't think it would matter if he wore his old outfit. He liked this one better anyways.

As Link was finishing getting dressed, someone knocked on his door. He quickly brushed at his hair in an attempt to make it look less messy, although it was futile, adjusted his hat top and answered the door. "Oh, hello, Link," Colin said shyly. Link smiled at the younger boy.

"What are you doing here this early, Colin?"

"Ilia wanted me to come with and check to make sure you were up before she left Epona with you."

"She's here too? Wow, you guys are early today."

Before Colin could reply, they were interrupted. "Hey, Link! Are you awake yet?" Ilia called from below.

"We should probably head down," Colin said softly, heading down the latter. Link followed his example.

"Good morning, Ilia," Link greeted as he walked up to Epona, running his hand over her flank.

"I'm glad to see you're up early to greet Epona," Ilia said with a nod, finally smiling. "She's ready for another day of work, but be careful with her. I don't want her injured."

"We'll only be going over to Kakariko village. It won't be long, even with Epona taking it slow, so I promise not to hurt her," Link replied, smiling as well.

"I'm glad to hear that. Well, we'll leave you be then. Let's get going, Colin." Ilia smiled at Link as her and Colin left. Then Link was alone with Epona.

"Hey girl," he greeted, placing a kiss on her nose. Epona whinnied, blowing some air in his face. He simply laughed and patted her head as he swung his leg over her saddle. "We'll be taking it slow today. We just have to stop in town first and then we can head over to the village." Epona whinnied again. With a smile, Link took the reign and clicked his tongue lightly. Epona headed off at a slow trot towards Ordon.

The ride was peaceful, with Link talking softly to Epona. She tried to show she was listening, but it was hard to have a human and an animal converse. He wished he could just change wolf and walk beside Epona, chatting, but he knew it wasn't a good idea at the moment. Maybe later though. Right now, he had to focus on the task ahead. That included getting the package for the Gorons.

The town slowly appeared in front of Link, who snapped to attention. Everything in Ordon had turned normal again. The children were back and everyone seemed to be happier. Bo, the mayor of Ordon, greeted Link as he trotted up to the mayor. Link returned the meeting, and then asked, "What package do you have for me to deliver?"

"Yes, it's right over here," Bo answered, walking over to his house. Link dismounted Epona, patted her neck, and followed Bo. It was a large package, too large to take on Epona.

"I don't think Epona will be able to take the package," Link commented, not sure what else to say. Bo grinned.

"Of course not, Link! I have a wagon we'll have to attach to Epona and she can carry it that way."

Link nodded, although he was unsure whether or not Epona could carry the wagon. She wasn't trained to do that. "Bo, I think we would be better off going to Castle town and contacting Telma to see if she could help," Link suggested as the idea dawned on him.

"You sure?"

"Epona's not trained for this work and a lot of the other horses of Ordon are being used by others. Even if this might take longer, I think it's a better shot than making any of the other townspeople angry."

"That's a good point," Bo said hesitantly.

"And if she wants pay, I'll pay her myself. I don't mind."

"Then go race off to Castle town, Link!" Link nodded, then ran off for Epona, and mounted her easily. He took the reins and ran Epona out of town. Now it would be a longer journey. About another day's worth at least, but Epona would be able to take it if they went easy. Link could definitely do that and he was sure Telma wouldn't mind either.
As they began heading towards the Faron Woods, Link said, "Epona, I think we should probably go by Kakariko Village. It would be quicker, especially since the Royal Family fixed the bridge over there." Link dropped his voice to a whisper. "Besides, I hear there are still some monsters are over at the other entrance. They're from the Twilight the Royal family of the Twili hadn't been able to reign in on their own."

Epona whinnied and the two began their ride towards the village.

It was about noon by the time they arrived in the Kakariko Village. They couldn't stop to chat, although Link did wave over towards them when he spotted someone he recognized. "It would be easier if we could warp," Link said softly as they continued through the town. Epona gave a soft whinny as if to say she didn't like it. "Oh, right, you wouldn't be able to," Link continued, chuckling slightly. "It was just faster that way, but I like riding with you Epona. You're a great companion."

Epona seemed to like this, although she didn't change her pace much. Link could just sense it. "Epona, we're going to want to pick up the pace a little. We're behind," Link said, clicking his tongue and urging her forward. She followed what she was asked of and took off a fast gallop, almost a run.

It was two in the afternoon when Link finally dismounted Epona, leaving her alone to graze for a while, and ran into Castle town, heading for Telma right away. Several guards nodded towards him as he entered the town. He nodded back, but didn't stop to chat and went for Telma's bar. He entered the bar, being greeted by Telma, who stood behind the counter. Link greeted her back and sat down on one of the chairs. "I have a favor to ask," he said after he ordered a glass of water.

"Oh, what's this?" she wondered, looking curious.

"I have a package I need to deliver to the Kakariko village from the Ordon Village, but it's too big for Epona to carry alone and she can't take a wagon because she not trained properly to travel with it."

"So you need me to come with and help with this package?"

"Yes."

Telma grinned. "Well, why didn't you say so? I've always wanted to go back to Kakariko Village. Now this will give me an excuse to." She paused. "I'll have to wait to leave though. Auru, Shad, and Ashei should be back soon. They can watch the bar for me while I'm gone."

"I can wait. We're not in too big of a rush."

"Great. Would you like something to eat before we head out?"

"That would be great." Link was starving. He ordered a simple meal that wouldn't take too long to eat and waited for it to be done. He chatted with Telma for a while and continued to while he ate, but before long Shad returned. The others were just behind him, so Telma could head out now. Telma said she would meet Link at the front gates of Castle Town. She would get everything ready.

So Link was sitting in the grass, watching Epona. He so badly wanted to be a wolf, to run for just a few minutes… He glanced around. There was a patch of trees right over where he could change back and forth… It was very tempting indeed. He hesitated for one moment, then took off his Master Sword from his belt, ran over to the trees, sat the sword down, and finally changed into the wolf once more.

Epona didn't seem effected to see her master as a wolf. She just spoke to him quickly, telling him to change back soon before Telma appeared. Link replied back and then ran off happily, bounding around. He would stay close to the patch of trees, but would run as well.

He didn't know how long he ran; only that he was running for a very long time indeed. So long that he actually ran into Telma as she was coming down. He took one look at her, turned tail, and ran over to the trees. He shook his head to clear the thoughts and quickly changed back, pretending he had been in the trees and attacking the monster. He ran out from the covers, giving Telma a quick apology. "Did you finish that creature off?" she wondered.

Link swallowed, but answered, pretending to not look so scared at how she spoke of the wolf side of him. He mounted Epona afterwards and listened as Telma explained what she brought. It was a simple amount of supplies; some blankets, a tent, food, and an oil lamp. Link didn't mention it, but he was going to stay up and keep watch all night if they had to stop for the night in a field. It seemed Telma planned on it, so he didn't mention anything yet.

They got to the Kakariko village in a couple hours and didn't stop until it was close to dark. Epona was tired and Link allowed her to stay at the Ordon Spring while he went to find Bo with Telma. She had never traveled this far and several townspeople spoke with her. Even Ilia did and thanked the woman several times over.

Soon, after a nice meal, Link and Telma headed out again after Link picked up Epona. They made it to Kakariko village by ten PM and luckily, there was a Goron out late. He took the package, giving thanks, and said good-bye to Link and Telma. Link insisted on going back with Telma to Castle town, but they had to stop half way for the night. Link started a fire while Telma set up two beds in the tent. He offered to take first watch (although there would only be one) after a quick snack and then Telma lay down to rest.

For a while, all was silent in the area, but then Link heard someone not that far off. He pulled off his Master Sword, prepared to fight as a wolf if it was an enemy. But as he left the shelter of the trees and walked out to a clearing, he realized it was someone from the Royal Family.

The moonlight shined down on her face, making it so bright in the night. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, but Link would notice the face anywhere. She was standing in the water, her pants rolled up slightly, and she was staring up at the sky. That's when he noticed for the first time. The stars were slowly blinking out, one by one.

~Author's Note~

Thank you to my first reviewer, Inkwoven! Anyone else reading this, review! It makes me happy =^.^=

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