Chapter 8
A Glowing Wolf

The sun rose from the horizon, causing the small camp to stir. The temperature seemed slightly warmer than the previous day. But a chill still hung in the air, a reminder that winter was coming soon.

Link woke last, which seemed to surprise Rusl. The swordsman thought it was strange that Link had no urgency about this quest. He needed to be turned back into a human. He was trapped in the form of a beast. If that were him he'd want to get this all sorted out immediately. But Link seemed to be relaxed, calm, and maybe a little too comfortable.

Link extended his paws in front of his body and stretched. When he shook he realized just how thick his fur was becoming, it gave the illusion of a much larger animal. Then he noticed that Rusl seemed to be staring off, in deep thought perhaps. A familiar battle raged in Link's mind. Was the wolf a part of him? Was it a curse? He remembered Rusl's reaction to seeing him attack a monster. The man had believed that the form had taken Link over completely. But Link never felt that way. Midna had stated in her letter that it would be wrong for her to keep the form from him. And he had no clue what Zelda thought about the beast. A low growl resonated in his throat in frustration. He shook the thoughts away and started walking causing the others to follow.

They traveled for a while and the humans were deathly silent. Zelda sat as stoically as ever, and Rusl seemed to have no idea what to say to royalty. Link was not big on talking himself, especially during his mission to save Hyrule. But in his defense he was often alone. Well, Midna was there and she was in hiding the majority of the time. When she wasn't he didn't get many words in anyway. This silence was an uncomfortable one. He wondered how different the trip would be if he could speak. At least the animals had made some conversation. The small caravan had begun to space out a little and Link moved in closer to Epona.

"You know, I think our buddy Storm here likes you."

"Don't flatter me." She snorted.

"No, I'm serious. And I don't know what stallions look for in a woman, but you are a beautiful horse to me."

"I'm a stocky workhorse, Link. I'm hardly the kind of horse that royalty or royal equines would want." She held her head up defiantly. Rusl was sitting on her back looking at the pair in utter confusion.

"Without you there would be no royalty, royal equines, or Hyrule as it is today. Don't think I could have done what I did without you. I remember when you were gone Epona, it was excruciating and traveling places took forever. And warping couldn't get me some places." Link gave her an hard look but it quickly softened. "Listen I know he likes you. You might as well at least give the guy a chance."

"You are absolutely crazy."

"Maybe. But if he hurts you at least I know where to find him. And I'll kill him."

She lowered her head a little and he could see the confident gleam in her eyes. "I don't doubt that."

"Besides, I see the way you look at him." Link walked in front of the mare and purposely wagged his tail so that it brushed her face.

"Hey!"

Link ran forward until there was a good distance between them then turned to growl playfully.

"Oh so that's how it is!" Epona darted forward at the wolf so fast that Rusl almost flew off her back.

"Epona! Woah girl!" He screamed and she slowed to a stop. Link circled and jumped around her playfully.

"Are you trying to give your human friend a heart attack?!" Epona was laughing at Rusl's sudden fear. Link continued to prance around.

"Link! Is this some kind of game to you?" The swordsman seemed angry.

The wolf pranced in front of the horse and nodded. He then proceeded to crouch his head low to the ground with his rear sticking up in the air. His tail wagged wildly.

Rusl laughed. Link also heard a light chuckle behind them. Zelda's laugh. It had been quiet and short. But it was a beautiful sound that Link was determined to hear more often. Somehow Epona and Link's little show had broken down the tension. Zelda nudged Storm forward so that she was even with Rusl again.

"Is everything okay up here, Rusl?" Her lips seemed neutral but Link could make out the mischievous grin in her eyes.

"All's well, princess." Rusl was still laughing.

Link's ears suddenly shot to the east of them. The horses heard it as well, and Rusl and Zelda seemed to be aware of the sudden change in the animals.

"Link? Is something there?" Zelda asked quietly.

The wolf nodded subtlety as his form tensed. Rusl noticed and unsheathed his sword. Zelda readied her bow. Over the next hill five Lizalfos appeared. They weren't wandering like the ones Link had seen lately. These monsters were on a mission to destroy. They began running toward the group of travelers and Link ran up to meet them. He circled three of them quickly and began to bite into their legs as they swung large spiked weapons at him. He led them away from the group and latched on to one of their reptilian necks. His teeth sunk into the monsters throat and it stopped moving then turned to ashes. One of the two remaining opponents was limping horribly from the gash Link had made and he made quick work of the Lizalfos. The last Lizalfos seemed more cunning dodging Link's attacks and occasionally landing a hit on the wolf with the dagger on its tail. Link's biggest concern was the other two that had ran for his friends. He could handle this guy, but he hoped they were okay.

Rusl had cut a large gash in the arm of one of the two Lizalfos that approached him. He had motioned for Zelda to fall back. She complied and brought Storm behind the swordsman, but never lowered her weapon. With one skilled forward jab to the injured monsters head he successfully killed it. Furious, the other monster lunged right at Rusl before he had time to adjust himself. He lifted up his opposite arm and expected excruciating pain. As a reflex he closed his eyes.

ZZZZIIIIPP!

Something had zoomed right past him. When Rusl opened his eyes he saw the Lizalfos' stunned eyes with an arrow directly between them. Blood began to ooze out of the wound before the monster disintegrated. Zelda jumped off of Storm retrieved the arrow, and wiped off the blood with a cloth. Link had defeated his last foe and witnessed the Princess' feat. It didn't come as a surprise to him; he'd seen her shoot a bow before.

Rusl on the other hand was staring at the spot where the monster disappeared absolutely dumbfounded. Link ran down the hill to see that everyone was okay. He barked to get Rusl's attention.

"Did you know she could?" His voice was low. Link nodded knowingly and looked toward Zelda. Rusl's eyes followed his. Obviously, Zelda could fend for herself. Rusl scolded himself internally for thinking she would be a burden on this trip. She just saved his life. "Well, this changes things."

"Princess I owe you my life. Thank you." He offered an awkward bow on Epona.

"You would have done the same for me sir. In many ways you have, you owe me nothing." The silence began to creep up again, but Rusl decided to break the tension early.

"Where did you learn to shoot like that your Highness?" Zelda felt absolutely relieved that Rusl now felt comfortable asking her questions. And if Link trusted him, she could too.

"I have learned many skills growing up in the castle. Archery was a part of the lessons I had growing up. To be honest it is one of my favorites. I also learned some about swordsmanship, but it was never my strong suit. Perhaps I should leave that to you and Link."

"I think you could take Link in a sword fight at the moment your highness." Rusl mused.

She smiled a real genuine smile. Link thought it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

"Maybe."

They had reached the entrance to the Lost Woods. Link turned to the horses and instructed them to stay near the entrance. He would call when they returned. Zelda, Rusl, and Link entered the woods. The two humans seemed to be in awe. The trees were taller here than anywhere they had ever seen. The air even felt different. Link was gazing around the canopy looking for Skull Kid, but he wasn't there. He felt a little relieved at that fact. The way to the grove was still clear. Link ran ahead when he saw the wall.

Zelda gasped. It was the entrance to the Sacred Grove. Something about blowing up part of the wall seemed wrong to her. But she knew that it was Link's intention and that he had to get to the Master Sword. She figured it out before Rusl and placed some bombs at the base and began to light them. Rusl caught on and followed suit. In no time a large BOOM echoed through the ancient woods.

Link was surprised to see that the Sacred Grove looked a bit different. There were fountains with bubbling water and the old stones seemed new again. Yet some places were still rubble. It was as if the Sacred Grove was under construction like much of Hyrule. The symbol of the Triforce stood between two statues and he realized the path to the Master Sword was blocked again.

He stood on the sacred symbol and started howling an ancient song. The ground shook and the two statues came to life. They asked for Link to guide them and he started jumping as the statues mimicked his movements. Rusl and Zelda noticed he seemed to have done this before. At one point he hesitated, unsure of the next leap. Zelda pointed and Link followed her guidance. Rusl gave her a questioning look.

"I like puzzles." She shrugged.

Link had been granted entrance to the chamber that held the sword. He looked back at his companions, but they seemed hesitant to follow.

"We will come if you wish, Hero. But I believe this is something you should do alone."

The wolf nodded. He knew the princess was right. Besides, he was expecting company. He walked up the stairs and gazed upon the sword. Maybe it was a blessing and a curse, but he missed it. He longed to wield it again. Something about having the Master Sword felt… right. In the corner he noticed a glowing gold wolf.

"I think you missed the memo." The golden beast approached him. "I said take sword in hand…"

Link looked to the Master Sword. "I intend to."

"Ah, but what if that particular sword is done with you?"

"It's worth a try isn't it? I thought you were gone. You said you had eased your regrets…" Link knew the Hero's Shade would only manifest himself as a wolf here. He was only in his skeletal form when they were in the Ghostly Ether. "And you seem… different." Link wasn't sure if he should feel more uncomfortable with the ghost's new attitude. Something about this change made him feel as though he was talking to a friend, not an ancient hero.

"Is that so?" The Hero's Shade offered a wolfish grin. "I wish to speak with you in my true form." No sooner had he said the words did he jump into Link's body transporting them both to the Ghostly Ether.

Link found himself standing in his Hylian form complete with weapons and his sword Zelda had given him. He had never been transported here in wolf form, but apparently in this strange place he was a human. The hero had been admiring his hands and wasn't prepared for the sight when he looked up.

In front of him stood the Hero's Shade. If his attitude hadn't confused Link, his current form certainly had. Link couldn't help but swallow in slight disgust. The hero of the past was a gruesome sight. His body looked as if it was decomposing, or perhaps the opposite. Organs and intestines were visible some parts looked whole, others were small bits and pieces. His intestines had places that were black and dead and other places that looked healthy. There were muscles scattered over bones, while some remained bare. Occasionally, Link was sure he heard a heartbeat, but it was weak and only happened twice in the span of a minute. Skin seemed to hang from everywhere. His one glowing red eye seemed half-blue. Veins and arteries seemed to grow around muscle-looking tissue. Once crumbling armor seemed to shine like new. It was the strangest thing Link had ever seen, and that was saying a lot.

"What ails you boy?" At least that was familiar. So was the sound of the ghost's "breathing" it sounded like wind rustling through tin. It was grating and not at all pleasant to hear. "It's not polite to stare."

"I… I'm not sure I understand." Link wasn't sure how to react.

"Honestly, I don't understand it either." The form shifted and seemed to place his weight on one foot. It was strange to see the Hero's Shade relaxed. "My spirit was formed of pure regret. When I taught you the skills I expected to just cease to exist or to move on. But it seems the rest of my spirit wants to reform itself." He waved a gruesome hand over his body. "A nice look huh?"

"Sure…" Link was still dumbfounded.

"I believe I have more to teach you. But it has nothing to do with the sword. You're spirit is fractured." The zombie-like figure seemed sure of his statement.

"What?" His eyes widened.

"You are fighting a constant battle with this wolf… thing." He flailed his arms in the air as he spoke. Link's gaze darted to the ground. He seemed to think a minute before looking up again.

"When you were, you know, alive." Somehow saying that felt disrespectful. "Did you have a wolf form too? I mean you come to me in the form of a wolf now so I was just-"

"Goddesses no! That's your fault boy." The spirit seemed almost bitter.

"What?! What do you mean? How did I turn your spirit into a wolf? That doesn't make any sense."

"I have a question for you boy. Do half the things the goddesses do make any sense?" The spirit rolled his one eye, which seemed to switch between a red glowing orb and a blue human eye. Link wouldn't dare speak of the goddesses in this way, it made him wonder for the zillionth time who in the world this guy was.

"I was just drifting through time as a spirit of regret, waiting for the next hero. When suddenly, my spirit seemed to become attached to a couple of travelers. I couldn't leave them. Back then my form was the skeleton you are used to seeing. Which people that actually saw me always called me a stalfos. Goddesses! How insulting! I am not nor have I ever been a stalfos!" Link just stared at the spirit. "Sorry. Anyway, the couple had a child. This kid came crying into the world and BAM I turn into a wolf."

Link realized by now that the Hero's Shade was speaking of his family.

"I'm not allowed to interfere with your fate." The figure looked down and seemed sad. "Your parents, they were attacked. I wasn't able to do anything. Your father died and your mother was dying. I knew you were the one. Nothing else had affected my spirit in hundreds of years. Know that I wanted to save your parents. I know what it is like to never know mine. All I could do was howl. But that was enough to get the young man you call Rusl to find you. It was enough for the village of Ordon to raise you and for your destiny to begin."

"Oh…" Link let the information set in.

"The point is…" The Hero Shade stiffened. "On the day of your birth I became as a wolf. Since then that is the only way I can manifest myself in the natural realm. I just really don't think it's a coincidence."

Link shuffled his boots on the ground. Again someone was telling him the wolf was a part of him. But Rusl's reaction the other day… and the fear people had of him. He had forcibly been turned into the wolf right? It was a part of the curse of Twilight the only reason he had been turned into the beast was because the Triforce of Courage. He hadn't become a spirit like the others had… Or maybe, just maybe, the beast was his spirit somehow. Maybe it was just paranoia that could be the cause of him being concerned that the wolf would take over. But he wasn't being possessed as a wolf. No. He was in complete control. This battle had waged in his mind far too long. A battle he was tired of fighting, when he knew the answer.

Midna was right.

"The wolf…" Link mumbled.

"The wolf what? If you are having an epiphany you are going to have to speak up."

Link shook his head for a moment. "You know you almost seem immature now."

The Hero's Shade chuckled. "That's fine by me, at least I'm not just a bunch of regrets anymore. Besides, in my defense I never expected to grow up."

"What?" Link was beginning to see the spirit in a different light.

"Nothing…" The Hero's Shade was sitting down a boulder that seemed to have appeared from nowhere with his bloody chin leaning on the hilt of his sword.

"Link."

"Are we speaking in third person now?"

"No." Link's voice was serious. "You are Link, the one from the old book. The one who thought he was a Kokiri child."

The zombie-like man was silent.

"You are the Hero of Time."

The spirit dropped his sword and it clanged loudly through the seemingly endless ether. He stood up. There was no point in trying to deny the truth.

"I am." He tried to make a sound as if he was clearing his throat but it came out like metal scraping metal. "But this isn't about who I am, it's about who you are. And you need to stop this constant battle within. Trust me, those can be the most dangerous."

The realization that the Hero's Shade was the Hero of Time somehow made him more at ease. It meant that they had shared the same burden. The Triforce of Courage had been with this Link in his lifetime. The mark was starting to pulse and glow on the hero's hand. The Hero of Time was watching it and seemed almost amused.

"So what about the wolf, boy? Is it a curse?"

"No." The mark glowed brighter.

"Then speak boy. What do you believe to be the truth?"

"I…"

His voice faltered, but he swallowed hard and continued. "I am the wolf, the Devine Beast; the wolf is a part of me. And it's not a part I wish to lose!" Tears began to well up in his eyes. Months of denial seemed to have built up in his chest. The light from the Triforce of Courage became so bright it was nearly blinding.

"The form is a blessing and I accept it for what it is. It is not, nor has it ever been a curse!" He was screaming now. As if he didn't care who heard, and dared anyone to challenge his statement.

The Hero of Time seemed to smile. A loud scream echoed through the mist. Link felt a familiar feeling in his chest and he let the change come. His body, even now in the Ghostly Ether, rearranged itself to his wolf form. He felt as though the weight of the entire kingdom of Hyrule had been lifted from his shoulders. Power surged through him.

"Would you look at that? Here we are in this realm and you are a wolf." The skin sagging from the skeleton's face seemed to form a gruesome smile. "But what now boy? Which are you? A wolf or a man?"

Link felt a new confidence burning inside of him. He had never felt more powerful that he did at this moment. The Triforce continued to glow and pulse to his heartbeat. His form shifted until he was standing in front of the skeletal figure as a human. He leaned so that his face was inches from the Hero's Shade and looked directly into his strange eye defiantly.

"I. AM. BOTH."

With that, the Hero's Shade smiled before collapsing onto the floor of the Ghostly Ether. Perhaps he had finally completed his mission.

-

Author's Note: Thank you so much for continuing to read, and hopefully enjoy, this story.