~ Disclaimer ~ I don't own Zelda or any other characters involved.

Okay, straight to the point. I'm running fearfully behind!

The dedications for this is to my Dad for loaning me his lap-top on vacation if only for a couple of hours and to my friend CrysSton16 who claims Crystal as her character (^_^; Keep dreaming, CrysSton16)

Okay, so what if Crystal is based after CrysSton16? So what? I created her! Muahahaaa! But out of the goodness of my heart, I'll let CrysSton16 keep her claim. ^_^

For those that are confused, Crystal's grandfather will not be given a name. Not yet anyway. Everyone in Dondoran knows the old guy as Gramps, Grandpa, or Old Man. I bet you would know this already but Link is a kid around the age of thirteen for this story.

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~ It's All a Façade ~

After a fine of shopping, Crystal had gotten Link a new pair of boots, imitations of his old ones, two quiver-worth of arrows (70 arrows), and herself a new waist holster for her new daggers.

With her gold rupee completely spent up, she led Link by the wrist through the marketplace, instinctively finding her way back to the wagon. Link collapsed on the empty bed of the cart, weary from all the walking and his ears ringing from all the noise. He could feel a headache creeping up on him.

Grandpa was beaming with a smile after selling all but one tapestry. That one he had actually kept from showing off for he did like the way that it looked over his own bed. Crystal bounced happily to the front of the cart, which was away from the street and found Shekro laying in sleep on the chair.

Link laid on his back and craned his head up to look at them. They seemed upside-down as Crystal scratched the Wolfos' head. Link giggled slightly and sat up as best he could, dragging the shield and sword up with him.

Grampa looked with a bit of amazement. The boy had no problem with dragging himself as well as his equipment up from a sprawling position. He didn't even have to lift his legs for momentum. The boy was unusually strong in his arms and his stomach than most boys his age. He wondered how the boy's legs were. His shoulders would be enough. But would they be strong enough to learn the special sword techniques? The ones Crystal herself was too impatient for? Time would tell.

Link looked up at Gramps questioningly. Gramps grinned a bit and called to Crystal to fetch the pony and get ready to go. The gates to the market would soon be closed. The sun was trying to sink and the walls surrounding the city had provided shade enough to work without breaking a sweat.

Crystal bounded from the wagon side, telling Shekro to stay put as she untied the mare's bridle and led her to the wagon. Link, knowing how things would go from that point, began taking the bracing stoned from under the four corners of the wagon as Gramps loaded in the posts. Link set the bricks into the back of the seat where Crystal, her grandfather, and Shekro would ride.

The wagon was carefully turned around and the harness set around the mare's shoulders. Gramps took up the reigns as he seated himself in the wagon and Shekro lounged comfortably despite the bandage. Crystal walked with Link as they began to exit the city, one dagger gripped in her fist.

"So, Link. How long do you plan to try and keep up with us?" Crystal was in high spirits as she admired her gift. Link looked at the lod mare, she was obviously old, and then at the old man. He tried a grin on and said, "I don't mean to offend but I don't think it would be hard to keep up with you two."

Crystal laughed but hid the chuckle behind her hand. "Together we are easy to keep up with but if you tried to follow me when get to the forest or even the field, you would have no chance."

Link grinned mischievously, "Is that a challenge?"

Crystal grinned back, "Maybe. Grandpa, would you mind if I put this kid in his place?" Her grandfather chuckled, getting in on the soon to come play and chase. "No right now. We have to return this Wolfos to Katie, remember?" Crystal frowned in sudden disappointment then pointed to Link, "You had better not forget 'cause we are going to settle this!" And then she got up into the wagon.

Link nodded. He too was not happy with turn of events and they kept heading across the field. As though to match their moods, the cloudy sky began to sprinkle, then to rain heavily.

From the wagon, Gramps began to complain that the rain would ruin the tapestry though it really wouldn't. Crystal and her Grandfather hid under an umbrella but Link declined the offer to hide under it. He actually enjoyed the rain a lot. It reminded him of Kakariko Village and the lake as well as Termina on the second day.

Crystal watched him when he wasn't looking. She wondered why he chose to get soaking wet as they all slowly made their way across the land. Link began whistling a familiar tune. Six simple notes whistled clearly and he was done.

With a bray of announcement, Epona charged up to him and stopped with a nudge of her node to Link's shoulder. Link stroked her nose and patted her neck affectionately before climbing up onto her back.

Crystal nodded and looked ahead forward. With a sharp flick of the reigns, Gramps got the aging mare into a trot as Link easily kept up beside them.

~~~~~~

It was slow going for the company but they eventually came upon a citadel sitting on a tall hill dangerously close to the forest.

They made their way up the well-worn path and to the front gate. Link noted the wagon marks that made the rode to the front gate of the palace- like home. Smoke drifted from a chimney and Link looked forward to warming himself by the fire burning inside.

Yet, when they came up to the massive doors, there was someone there waiting for them, someone with thick white fur and unfriendly black eyes. Link drew his sword and stared at the Wolfos. It cocked its head and let out a long, plaintive howl, which was added to the thunder rolling through the clouds.

The great door opened and a thin, beautiful woman stepped onto the sheltered front door just behind her lounging pet. Another equally white and dangerous looking wolf was at her side. "Ah, we have visitors. Is that you, Crystal? I never thought I'd be seeing you so soon. And this must be the young foreign swordsman Drakkie has been telling me of. How handsome you are!" She gave Link a wink and he found himself at a loss for all words. Then she turned to Gramps, "Grandpa, as always you are welcome to my humble citadel."

"Humble citadel my-" Link heard Crystal mumbling under her breath. The woman who must have been Katie set her hand on her pet's head, "Now, that will be enough, Shast. Kelty. You two behave, got that? Now, please all of you come in. Oh, but the horses stay out, of course. Drakkie!" She called. Link didn't listen to a word of what she said. He was doing all he could to keep his mouth from falling agape.

Katie was beautiful. She must have been only sixteen but she looked much more mature. Her dress fell to the floor and gripped her lean thighs. It was cleanly slit at one side to allow movement but still seemed to cling to her slim legs and waist. A jeweled belt was tied around her waist and fell down her front to end with a small tassel.

She wore white gloves that went up to her elbows, not unlike what Zelda used to wear. But she wore a large silver ring with a clear but beautifully crafted stone embedded on top on her index finger. Her hair was like spun gold tumbling down her back. The hair at her temples was pulled back, however to keep the rest from falling in front of her shoulders.

Link could not understand why Crystal did not like the lady. She must have been jealous. Katie nodded her head to Link in greeting and smiled sweetly. Her teeth were white and her lips a lovely red shade while her eyes were a gentle hazel color. Link felt his heart pattering about in his chest like it would sprout wings and fly. As Link gazed upon Katie, he didn't feel the rain at all as it continued its downfall. Katie laughed pleasantly as Link stared wordlessly until a familiar guy came up to Epona.

Link snapped out of his trance to see the person fully. It was Andrake. For a moment, Link wondered why Andrake was there but then remembered hearing that he worked for Katie. Lucky guy, thought Link as he slowly dismounted and let Epona wander away once again.

Andrake helped Crystal down as Crystal stared daggers at Katie. Then he aided her grandfather. They started into the citadel as Andrake shook his head sadly and led the old mare to the stable beside the house. This was going to be rough.

Inside the citadel, the first room they came into had a fire burning warmly with the two wolves staring warily at the newcomers. Katie told them to leave all weapons at the door. She said it would help the wolves to settle down. Gramps asked her, "I hear you had a couple new litters, is that true?" Katie turned to him with a warm smile, "Someone told you right. But one litter was a little too weak. It just means I'll need to try a different blood."

"Katie! You let another full litter of puppies get killed?! You have to put an end to these experiments. They're cruel and unnecessary!" Crystal said, trying to get through to the woman.

Katie shook her head, "Crystal, you never did understand my wishes." Gramps said as he stood by the fire with his hands outstretched, "Katie, will you please enlighten our new friend about your plans?"

She nodded and turned to Link who was still standing in the door, "First, how about we get you to the fire. You must be chilled to the bone!" She took his arm in hers as though he would lead her. Link blinked hard and shook his head, "Uh, sure. Fire would be nice." Katie smiled, "Ever since my father died at the fangs of those horrible Wolfos, I have tried to find a way to tame the creatures. People from Dondoran were kind enough to help me in my quest-"

"You mean to say you enticed some men from the safety of the town to go to their deaths in the Wolfos' home."

"Crystal, it's rude to interrupt! Go ahead, Katie." Gramps said. Crystal blew into her cold hands and avoided all eyes looking at her. She remembered what had happened to those men. She remembered all too well the pain there families felt when their husbands, fathers, brothers would not return the next morning.

Katie picked up where she had left off, "So we traveled into the forest to find the Wolfos while they were young and not blood thirsty. They are so cute when they are young but even when I raised them, they were still hostile toward people. I guess it is an instinct.

"Anyway, I tried a new approach. I began to mix the blood of their young with the loyal palace hunting hounds. That attempt went for a good three years with success but the dogs were far too ugly! So, to make them into loyal, strong, and handsome pets, I began to search far and wide for the perfect dog. I came upon a rare species called the Husky. They were common in cold places but Wolfos love hot places anyway. Thus," Katie strolled calmly over to her two hounds lounging by the fire, "I came up with these two wonderful creatures. They were the pick of the litter of five and twins! I was beyond thrilled. "The other three were sold to promising princes of far away lands for a healthy sum. I received word just recently that they are doing well protecting their masters, not one report of an attack.

"Best of all, there loyalty runs very deep. They have faced and killed those evil Wolfos from the wild even to save my own life. I fear I've made enemies of the original wolves…" Katie placed her hand on her heart but Crystal leaped up, "Exactly! Katie you steal their children from them!"

"I had to end the attacks on the town, it worked didn't it?"

"Katie, there are bigger wolves out there. They are the original Wolfos. The naturals! They are the mother and father of all Wolfos and they are unpleased at what you are doing to their kind to say the least. They are killing the 'weak' creations. Just like that litter you threw out! Katie, you should charged with murder. No, you should be charged with much worse. How much more pain does the world need? Where is Shekro?"

"'Shekro'? Crystal, did you claim one of the weak ones?"

Link seemed to return to life then "Yes. A small black one with red markings." Katie held a grim face and snapped her fingers. The two white ones jumped to their paws. "Crystal, you should have let it die out there. No matter. I'll make things right. Kelty, Shast, go find it!" The two were side by side as though hunting as they exited the room and went through the door to the outside. Katie waited patiently while Link tried to focus on warming himself.

Within minutes, Shast and Kelty returned with a wet bundled of black in one of their mouths. Katie indicated them to set it by the fireplace and it did so. Then received their award, a treat of dried meat.

Link and Crystal looked closely at Shekro. It was plain to see that he had been beat up again. Link decided he didn't like those white bullies at all as he carefully untied the bandage. "Katie, might I have a few towels and bandages? We can help him still."

"That would not be for the best, Link." Katie said sadly, then the door opened. Katie brightened as Andrake made his entrance. He unbuckled his soaked cape and set it on a deer antler on the wall by the door. "Ah, Andrake. Just in time. Could you deal with this thing?" Katie indicated the injured Shekro. Andrake drew his sword.

Both Link and Crystal protected Shekro with their own bodies. Crystal stared at Andrake with a pleading look, "Andrake, you can't. Look what that woman has done to you! You would kill a injured, defenseless puppy when we can still help him? This is not like you used to be, Andrake! You used to have honor, dignity, a code to follow. Where did it go, Andrake?"

Andrake stared at her coldly but her words reached deep into his heart. "Crys, don't make this hard. It's suffering, this won't hurt at all."

"NOOO!" Crystal shrieked. The two white wolves glared at her but Katie set her hand before their noses to stop them. "Crystal, stand aside." She said calmly. Crystal glared at Katie with new malice in her eyes. Behind the al, Gramps was gathering their items from the door, tossed Link's sword through the room, and went unnoticed out the door.

Crystal gathered Shekro's body in her arms and Link caught his gilded sword. He stood before Crystal and Shekro and said, "I don't know why you want to kill this small creature. All things have a right to life and none more than this brave wolf. I've seen this one face the two 'naturals' and run from the ones who would take his life. He's earned his rite to try and survive but can't do that alone. Therefore, I wish for both Crystal and I to take care of it. If that means buying it, fine. If it means fighting for it, the so be it."

Link stood relaxed. Ready to fight if he had to. He called to his mind the quick spin. It would be his trunk card in this fight. Only if he had to fight. Andrake stood his ground, sword drawn but the tip was aimed to the ground. Crystal held onto the wolf as though it were an infant and just as easily.

Katie strode forward, her eyes pasted cruelly on the wolf but she set her hand on Andrake's hilt. "I wish for no blood shed in my home. If you two absolutely must fight do it outside."

Crystal stared uncomprehendingly at Katie. Was it possible the woman did not understand the dire situation? "Katie, they are fighting for the life of Shekro. If you will let me take him, there will be no fight today and here. Just let me take him. You don't need him and killing him will come to no good."

Lightning lit up the darker corners of the room in a cold, white light but was gone quickly. Thunder followed and when Katie said nothing, Crystal shouted through the room, "For once in your miserable life, Katie McAndrew, do the right thing!"

Katie pressed her red lips into a narrow line as she stared hard at Crystal. Finally, she let her fists relax and said, "Go ahead and take him. Just don't let me see him around if he lives. Got that?"

Crystal nodded. She started to the door while Link sheathed his sword, confident the tension was broken. He nodded to Andrake as he stood strangely quiet and then to Katie as she crossed her arms and stared into the crackling fire. He followed Crystal out the door.

Katie whispered to the two white wolves, "Get rid of that black runt! That lycanthrope will be fully healed soon and then who knows how strong it will become? This, Crystal, is the right thing." Kelty and Shast stared hard at the door. In the center of their black eyes, a red light formed. They knew their mission and deemed it all too easy. Katie wrapped her arms around Andrake's waist as he held his blank expression and stared into the fire. "Good work, my Drakkie."

"Don't call me that anymore. And do not make me kill Crystal. I'll do whatever you want but not that." Andrake said softly. Katie grinned. Every man had a weak spot after all, even this fine specimen. She ran her hand up his chest and whispered into his ear, "We will see…" Thunder rolled ominously in the air as she kissed his throat.

Link and Crystal discovered Gramps with the wagon and all their equipment all loaded up. Crystal had no idea how he always did that but se was beyond grateful that they could leave.

Link looked back at the door. He had a feeling in his gut that the confrontation over Shekro was far from over.

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Ooh, I must admit that I like that one. I hope all of you do. Consider it my apology for not uploading chapters for so long.

Andrake vs. Link. Who would win? Place your bets!

Oh, those white wolves…There is something unnatural about them. And we see that there is much more to Katie…

*Grinds teeth and counts slowly to ten*

…than meets the eye.

BTW, a lycanthrope is another name for a werewolf. And legend has it that werewolves have miraculous healing powers…

Until next time!