Chapter Thirteen

Like Eril had thought, Blox had indeed departed from the werewolf camp before sunrise. He had traveled all day, the pain in his head the only thing willing him on. He hadn't even bothered to stop and rest, nor take a break to drink some water. Link's death came first.

The need for revenge had severely affected his judgement, plagued his mind. Link had to die, he told himself, for taking his eye away and hurting his pride, for making those other werewolves laugh bitterly at his weakness. 'I'll drag this bastard's body back to camp,' Blox thought, his tongue lolling and dripping thick saliva, 'that will show them all and shut them up...'

Link's scent had lead him to the ranch, and eventually to this barn. The rain had washed out the newest scent trail, probably saving Malon from getting mixed up in things. Blox had also found a half eaten rabbit lying in the barn, and had helped himself to the remains, not caring who or what it belonged to.

A loud sharp growl suddenly echoed in the barn's small enclosure. Blox lifted his head lazily and stared at the dark silhouette standing in the doorway, dripping rain on the wooden floor. A flash of lightening illuminated the aggressor's profile. Blox cackled.

"I knew sooner or later you would be foolish enough to show up," he said. He licked his bloodied maw and grinned. "So, how have you been since my last visit?" Link answered him with a savage growl.

/What the hell are you doing here/ Link demanded, taking a bold step towards him. Blox's grin spread even wider.

"Why, revenge of course," he said, and then his face became savage and malignant, "you honestly didn't think you were going to get away with taking my eye, were you?" Link could literally smell the aggression and tension in the air. It made the ridge of fur along his neck and back stand on end.

/I have no intention of fighting you/ Link told him, growing agitated. /Leave while you can/ The other wolf stared at him, and cracked one final smile.

"The girl from earlier, does she mean something to you?" he asked almost casually. Again his tongue swept over his brown lips. "She's very pretty. I wouldn't mind having my way with her. Every time I look at her I get...excited." Whether it was genuine or a taunt Link bought into it. His lips curled from his gleaming fangs, a low growl erupted from his throat.

/Leave her out of this/ A clash of thunder and the two wolves lunged at each other, crashing midway and hitting the ground. They broke off, circling and throwing threats before clashing again. This time there was no backing out, even if they wanted to. Each knew as clearly as the other it was simply fail and die. There wasn't another way around it.

- - - -

"Did you hear that?" Malon whispered to Dante. The boy pretended as if he hadn't and shook his head slowly.

"It's probably the rain," he said dismissively. But Malon knew he was lying. There was just something about the way he said it, as if he demanded that she think it was just the rain. Malon frowned slightly and got onto her feet. It hadn't been too long since Dante's arrival. The two had sat, making the occasional small talk then and now. Dante wasn't the talking type, so most of the time silence had fallen between them. And it just happened to be this interval that Malon had heard something odd.

"I'm going to check up on Link," she said. Dante made a low, disapproving sound.

"You would be crazy to go out in that weather Malon," he muttered, his eyes boring into the back of her skull. Malon turned around to meet his gaze. "Link is fine."

"No Dante, I'm worried. And I will not sleep until I know things are alright," she said, challenging him. Dante looked at her almost helplessly, his mouth opened as if to speak. For a moment he hesitated. Malon eyed him suspiciously.

"You know something that I don't, do you?" she noticed. A look of guilt crossed Dante's face. "What is it with you guys? I thought I was one of the most trustworthy of people...with all the things I have done for you; fed you, giving you shelter and warmth...what is so bad that you can't come out and say it?"

"Link is a werewolf," Dante informed her. "He's turned wolf right now, and I don't want you going out there. There's no telling what kind of control, if any, he might have in that state." Malon paused. She looked consternated.

"I thought I've heard it all...but being a werewolf?" Malon stared hard at him with water glazed eyes. "I'm going out there to find the truth."

"But it is the truth, Malon," Dante insisted, "I won't make something up so– " Too late. The girl had already swung the door wide open and slammed it shut, leaving Dante alone in the room. He ran a hand across his face, then sat there, pensive. Maybe it was best for her to find out for herself. 'Apparently you humans still believe werewolves as being nothing but myth, a children's tale to scare little ones,' he mused. 'Malon, how would you react when you realize you've been taking care of two of the them?'

'A werewolf? Of all the excuses he could have come up with he had to choose that one...' Malon thought angrily. The rain had turned brutal, and the wind chilled her to the bones. She had almost wished she hadn't come out and had stayed in her cozy warm room, but the thought of finding out

the truth prevented that from happening. If it meant that she had to force it out of him then so be it, as long as she knew. Goddesses, she needed the peace of mind. All this worrying...

She was almost half way to the barn when she caught glimpse of something lying on the ground. The ripped remnants of clothing Link had been wearing. Then, as if by cue, a loud savage roar escaped the barn's enclosure. As if compelled Malon crept towards the wide open door, and stood, memorized and confused. There were two wolf-like beasts fighting in the barn. And one of them happened to spot her.


Note: Don't worry guys, nothing happens to her. Trust me. -grin-