Wolf Link sat on the edge of the bed, swinging his legs carelessly. Sky Link was all finished now and was laying on the bloody mattress. His breathing was still strained but not nearly as bad as before. Zelda was wiping up the tiled floor with a rag, her expression downcast. They discovered some sort of carvings on Sky's back, but they weren't sure what they said. Even Zelda, who had extensive knowledge of ancient writings, couldn't figure it out.

"I'm sure that Ghirahim guy did it," Zelda frowned. "Though asking him isn't the wisest decision. I don't trust him quite yet."

"I'm with you on that," Wolf Link nodded. "But that's not our priority right now…" He looked to his counterpart angrily. "I don't think Ghirahim is safe enough to be around us…especially Sky."

Zelda began to agree, but she was interrupted but a pained groan. Wolf Link smiled in relief as Sky Link slowly opened his eyes and rubbed his forehead.

"Ugh… What happened?" he asked. His eyes suddenly widened as he recalled what Ghirahim did. "Where's Ghirahim?"

"Not sure," Zelda answered gently. "He vanished after handing you to us. I'm guessing he went to speak with Cia. It's the only thing I can think of."

Their conversation was cut off by the sound of approaching footsteps. Sky Link immediately shot up to a sitting position (resulting in a sharp pain in his back), but Zelda and Wolf Link simply stared expectantly at the doorway. Young Link walked in, dragging his feet with his gaze set on the ground. He hesitantly looked up and instantly lit up at the sight of Sky Link.

"Sky!" He sprinted to his counterpart and full speed and threw his arms around him. Sky Link gasped as a sudden jolt of pain shot through him, but he did his best to ignore it. "You're awake! I guess you aren't as much of a wimp as I thought. By the way, how's your back feeling? Can I see it?"

Sky Link blinked stupidly at the sudden show of affection. It wasn't like this hadn't happened before, and yet he still couldn't help but be surprised when Young Link actually decided to act like a child. "Uh, yeah, sure." He carefully inched his way into a position with his back to everyone. He grimaced at the silence. "Is it bad?"

"Not too bad, medically speaking," Zelda said.

"Wha…?" Sky Link slid off the bed carefully, ignoring the discomfort that came with it and stood up. "Anyone got a mirror or something?"

Zelda flicked her wrist and summoned a full length mirror in front of her. She held it up and grinned at Sky Link's puzzled expression.

"Our dear princess is so amazing, she can do magic," Young Link said proudly. "She truly is amazing! So, go ahead. Zelda was so gracious to make that for you."

Though still confused, Sky Link twisted around so he could see his back in the corner of his eye. He couldn't look over his shoulder too well as some of the wounds were beginning to open again. "I can't see," he frowned. "Can anyone else see what it is?"

Zelda hung her head in disappointment. "I'm afraid Wolf and I can't-"

"I can read it."

Everyone silently turned to Young Link. He returned their lengthy stares with a knowing smile. "I said I can read it. Now let me see." Zelda made the mirror vanish as Sky Link allowed his reincarnation to study the marks. Young Link furrowed his eyebrows as he read, his expression darkening. "Huh…"

"What? What is it?" Sky Link asked urgently.

"Err, it's says, 'Property of Demon Lord Ghirahim." Young Link winced at the panic in Sky's eyes. "Hey, I didn't write it."

Wolf Link bit his lip, deciding to sit this one out. Fury was clearly building up in Sky Link and it was going to be let loose soon. "Zelda," he finally said. "Is there any way to get this off?"

"Afraid not," she replied apologetically. "Dark magic creates a barrier. That was created when Cia healed you. But there's another one too that Ghirahim made. Both appear to have been created on purpose, so I don't stand a chance. I'm afraid there's no way to make it go away."

"But it's okay," Young Link said hastily as his counterpart's anger spiked. "It's not like many people are going to see your back anyway. Unless you want to take off your shirt to impress the ladies."

"Yeah, but I'll know it's there." Sky Link glared at the ground silently. No one was exactly sure how to handle this situation. Zelda couldn't comfort him after the information she gave him and Young Link simply wasn't good at this stuff. Zelda turned to Wolf Link and jerked her chin at Sky.

Wolf Link took a deep breath and opened his mouth to say something, but he was saved when Cia marched into the room. "Sorry to interrupt," she apologized as Wolf Link offered the Goddesses his thanks. "But I'll need your help, Wolf. You can turn into…. Well, a wolf. So does that mean you can speak with animals?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "Honestly I can understand animals no matter what form I'm in, but they can't understand me unless I'm a wolf."

"Perfect!" Cia exclaimed with a grin. "You see, our enemy has moved their base to Lake Hylia. I saw through my crystal ball. I also saw their Link brought along his horse…"

She allowed the silence to hang in the air. Wolf Link was the first to figure out what she meant.

"You want me to ask his horse what's going on?" he asked uncertainly. "I don't know. Animals don't speak 'human.'"

"Ah, yes, but here's my plan," Cia explained. "I snuck outside their base at night and put a little spell on the horse so she'd be able to understand them. I want you to meet her tonight as a wolf so no one would recognize you."

"Can I come too?" Young Link asked before his descendant could respond. "I want to make sure my grandson is safe. Sky can come too if he wants."

"…I'll stay here," Sky Link muttered darkly. "I don't feel like going anywhere right now."

"Suit yourself," Cia shrugged. "We leave once night falls."

Night came much faster than anyone had preferred. Sky Link ultimately decided to go with everyone else once he heard that Ghirahim was going to stay at the temple with Volga. But he made it clear he would stay out of it. The other Links couldn't really blame him after what happened. They made sure to give the Demon Lord the cold shoulder on their way out.

Cia warped them straight to Lake Hylia. They remained in the shadows of an abandoned keep on the edge of the area. While Young Link peered out the opening of the keep, watching for any members of the enemy army, the others simply sat with their backs against the walls.

"Any sign of them?" Cia asked, pulling the hood of her black cloak further over her face.

"Don't see anyone," Young Link answered. "I think they've all gone to sleep. I'm pretty sure there's someone keeping watch, but they must be on a different side of the base. Now's your chance."

Cia nodded, satisfied with his answer. "Excellent. Are you ready?" She turned to Wolf Link, who nodded in reply.

"I think so. Young Link, can you see the horse?"

"Yup," Young Link said. "She's tied to a tree in front of me. Be careful, though; she's pretty close to the base."

"Right…" Wolf Link took a deep breath and reached into the pouch on his belt, bringing out a lump of cloth. He unwrapped it to reveal a diamond-shaped black stone with red markings. It rose up and levitated above his hand.

Sky Link stared at it in wonder. "What's that?"

"Shadow Crystal," his counterpart answered bluntly, as if he didn't want to talk about it. "It makes me turn into a wolf. It's pretty much the only thing I have left of…" His voice trailed off and he shook his head. "Never mind."

As Sky Link frowned apologetically, Young Link tore his gaze away from the base to look at his descendant. "So how does it wor-"

Without warning, Wolf Link forcefully jabbed a sharp end of the crystal into the center of his chest. He groaned as blood began to pour from the wound as the crystal continued to work its way into his body.

"Wolf!" Sky gasped in horror. "What are you doing?!"

"N-No," Wolf Link said weakly, holding up his bloodied hand. "It's okay… I'm used to it…"

"You don't look used to it," Young Link replied worriedly, his eyes filled with fear. He ran over and knelt in front of Wolf.

"It's fine, really," Wolf Link laughed shakily. "I just need to let it pass…" He gasped sharply and doubled over in pain. His counterparts shouted out to him nervously, Cia needing to shush them and check to see if their adversary had heard. Young Link, finding there was nothing he could do, rubbed his grandson's back in a desperate attempt to sooth the pain. All Sky could do was simply sit back and watch. Wolf Link growled as… Wait.

Young Link paused from his worrying and looked at Cia with a deadpan expression. "Did my grandson just growl?"

"I'm afraid his voice begins to change before his body," Cia smiled regrettably. "I think the transformation is going so slowly because it's been so long since he's done it the last time. Just be patient."

"Be patient?!" Young Link repeated incredulously. "How am I supposed to be 'patient' when my grandson's suffering like this? What the hell did he even do to deserve this…?"

By now Wolf Link's normal pointed ears were replaced with wolf ones (which was surprisingly cute if you ignored the agony he was in) and his canines were beginning to sharpen. Things were moving along very quickly at this point, but it didn't make it any easier to watch. After another minute or so, Young Link was staring down in awe at a giant wolf's head resting on his lap.

"Damn," he said after a long moment of shock. "At least it's over now. You okay?"

Wolf Link let out a low growl in reply. Young Link allowed himself an amused smile and ran his hand through the wolf's thick coat of fur.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Cia cut in. "But we must hurry if we don't want the enemy to catch us."

Wolf Link growled again and stood up, shaking out his fur. He took his time, stretching and yawning, and trotted towards the entrance. He didn't look back once, simply dashing off in the direction of the base.

"He's acting a little weird," Sky Link commented. "He just left without saying goodbye."

"It's just his wolf form messing with him," Cia assured him. "He'll be fine."

Young Link raised an eyebrow. "I'm watching over him anyway. If he's not thinking straight I want to make sure he's okay." He approached the entrance to the keep worriedly, secretly praying for his grandson's safety.

Wolf Link caught sight of the horse right away. She was right where he was told: tied to a tree near the base. She seemed quite distressed by her actions; she stomped the ground and pulled desperately at the rope binding her. She looked a lot like Wolf's own horse, Epona. The only difference seemed to be the high quality saddle she had and the front of her white mane being braided in blue and red beads. Wolf Link wondered for a moment if her name was Epona as well. He hoped so. If he could guess her name she may trust him a little more even with this frightening form. However, she also may be more suspicious.

He crouched low in the tall grass once he got close. He listened in on what she was saying, but it was all nonsensical neighing. Sometimes animals just made noises to voice their opinions, not able to deliver their message in words. The horse was obviously crying for help of some kind. He cautiously peeked his eyes out of the grass, allowing her to see him. But she was so caught up in her tantrum she didn't notice. He had no choice but walk right up to her. He slowly began making his way towards her, keeping his head down, but she nearly exploded once she caught sight of him.

"Shh!" he hissed. "I'm not here to hurt you. Just calm down."

"Go away!" she cried desperately. "I-I don't taste good! I swear!"

Wolf Link rolled his eyes. He always heard that from an animal when he tried to talk to them. "Is your name Epona?"

Her thrashing instantly stopped, though she was still tense. "Y-Yes. How do you know my name? Do you know what's been happening to me? Are you going to help me?"

"Um, I can try," Wolf Link answered uncertainly. "Just tell specifically what's wrong."

"…But you're a wolf," Epona argued. "You probably just want to make me comfortable so you can attack me."

Wolf was finding it difficult to keep his temper in check, but he somehow managed. "Want me to tell you a secret?" Epona shook her head. "Too bad. I know your rider, Link."

Epona pawed the ground in surprise. "You know Link? How? How do even know his name? I can only recognize his name from hearing it so much. I can tell he's so stressed lately… Do you know why? Can you help him? Can you make him feel better? Please?"

"Let's just focus on you for now," Wolf Link said, shutting his eyes in frustration. "But I'll get to the point. You may not believe me when I say this, but I'm not actually a wolf. I'm a cursed human."

Epona whinnied, emulating a laugh. "You? A human? You must be joking! Hey, guess what? I'm not actually a horse; I'm a turtle!" She tossed her head back and whinnied again. "Do you think I'm stupid? You're the stupid one!"

"No, really," Wolf Link huffed, beginning to reach his limit. This Epona was nothing like the one he had back at Ordon. She was mature, kind, helpful… She even recognized him in wolf form! But this… Ugh…

"Prove it," Epona dared. "Prove you're a human. This should be good. What's next? The bunny I saw the other day was really an eagle? Maybe Link is actually a cat!"

"Look, I'm not just any human," Wolf Link growled in frustration. "I'm Link in another life! He's my reincarnation."

Epona stared at him in awe. A long silence followed. Everything went absolutely quiet…

"BWAHAHAHA!" Epona stomped the ground once more, this time in amusement. "Someone as stupid as you can't be Link! And Link can't turn into a wolf. He's one hundred percent human. One hundred!"

Wolf Link was gritting his teeth by now, his wolf instincts telling him to kill this annoyance. "If I prove it will you listen to me?"

"Of course!" Epona teased. "I'll do anything you ask. But that'll happen when pigs fly. Oh, wait! Perhaps the birds flying in the sky really are pigs!"

Another fit of laughter followed. Wolf Link knew he had to turn back before his anger took over. He shut his eyes tight and concentrated, groaning as he felt the crystal forcing itself out of his forehead. He collapsed on the ground, pawing at the wound. Epona cried out in fear, returning to her previous tantrum. However, the transformation back into a human went quicker. His wolf ears sunk into his head, his bones cracked and shifted, and he soon found himself lying on the ground as a human again.

"Eek!" Epona shook her mane out and stepped back. "You really are a human! Sorry! Don't eat me!"

Wolf Link put a finger to his lips, prompting her to be quiet. The soldiers in the base would hear her constant neighing. He stayed laying in the grass on his back so no one would see him. Cia told him to stay a wolf so none of the soldiers would be able to recognize him, but it didn't turn out that way.

"It's okay," he whispered. "I'm sorry I was mean to you. It was the wolf part messing with me. Just stay quiet, alright? I'm not supposed to be here."

"Why?" Epona asked. "Are you playing a game? Can I play?" She lowered her head and sniffed Wolf Link's head. "You smell like Link. You even wear his clothes. Are you him? Could you be?"

Wolf Link smiled. Now that Epona recognized him as a human she was much friendlier. "Epona, how can you understand me now? You shouldn't be able to."

"Right!" she gasped. "I was getting all scared because I could tell what the others were talking about. But I didn't know why. It's weird! Can you make it go away?"

"Sorry," Wolf Link smiled, reaching up to pat the side of her head. "I'm afraid a friend of mine did this to you. But she did it so you could hear Link and the others. I promise she'll turn you back once we're done talking."

"That was mean," Epona huffed. "So why do you need to talk to me?"

Wolf Link suddenly got serious. "Epona, Link has gotten pulled into something bad. If you want to protect him, you have to tell me what they were planning. I know you heard."

"What? What's wrong? Is Link in trouble?" Epona pawed the dirt in thought. "What can I do? Oh, right? They said they were going to some weird place. A temple? They said they had to get a sword. They're going in full-force. But I don't get it. The sword he has now works fine."

"The temple?!" Wolf Link gasped. "When? Did the mention it?"

"Um… I think they said a week. To get stuff ready. Like, troops and stuff. I don't understand. That's all I know. Was it helpful?"

"A big help," Wolf Link grinned triumphantly. "You're the best, Epona! Just hold on while I change into a wolf again. I don't want to be caught."

"Wait!" Epona said. "You're Link from another life, right? Was I there?"

"Yeah," Wolf nodded. "I have an Epona of my own. But she's a lot older than you. She's almost as old as I am. But you're still pretty young, huh?" He ruffled her mane affectionately. "That's okay. You're still very helpful. Watch over me while I change back, okay?" He grabbed the crystal from where it landed in the grass.

"Okay!" she nodded. "I'm really good at keeping watch. Really, really good! Link always says I do a good- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

Wolf Link cringed at her loud voice. "It's alright. I have to do this to change. But I'm…" He groaned as his voice began to fade. The crystal had now worked its way fully into his chest. The transformation went smoother this time since it handed been long since his last change. He stood up once in wolf form, nodded his thanks to a horrified Epona, and ran off to tell his team the news.

*Uuuuuuugh…. This chapter was haaaard… Everything leading up to the Epona part was difficult, but once I got to her everything went smoothly. I tried to make her sentences and thoughts really short. I thought a young animal would think like that. XD Anyway, please review! If you do you'll get your very own Epona!

k bye.*