The Legend of Zelda: Glaive of Souls

by lavender phoenix

AU. Nothing was as it should be. That's what Del thought after her and her friends were suddenly transported to the land of Hyrule. Since day one she's running from bokoblins, arguing with heroes, pursued by an unseen force, and searching for a legendary weapon that doesn't even exist in the games. Everything she thought she knew about The Legend of Zelda will be put to the test.

18. The Wolf

Hello Everyone!

Thank you all so so much for your patience during this one hell of a messed up year.

I can never thank you all enough for keeping with this story! You are all, honestly, the most amazing readers any fanfic writer could ask for. So thank you, always and forever.

Please be safe, and be kind.

Disclaimer: I don't own LoZ; only my OC's and plot.

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"Link…?" I said softly, taking a tentative step towards the lupine body.

He didn't move.

My skin ran cold as I started to worry. I circled around, stopping just under his elongated face. His mouth was slightly open and his eyes were half rolled to the back of his head.

"Oh no…" I breathed as I dropped to my knees. "No, no, no, don't be dead… Please don't be dead…" I grabbed at his fur, coarse and hot between my fingers, and gave him a rough shake. "Link, wake up!" I shook him again, then placed my ear to the side of his body, the fur tickling my skin.

I heard a heartbeat. And then another.

"Link! Link, can you hear me?" I called, taking my hand and stroking the side of his face.

His body shifted slightly, and I started running my hand down the length of his back.

"Good. That's good. Take it slow, okay," I encouraged.

His eyes closed, and an odd gurgle, like a mix between a whine and a growl, escaped his mouth.

Then his eyes shot open.

Link started to thrash, eyes going wild.

"Link, calm down! You're going to hurt yourself!" I cried, trying to keep his long canine head within my hands while also trying to avoid being nicked by his claws.

There were one too many close calls, so I let go and scooted back.

He managed to slide himself onto his belly, propping his head up and looking behind him. A high-pitched whine filled the air.

"Link, calm down!" I pleaded. "I know what happened to you!"

He stopped and turned his wolf head towards me, his distinctly human eyes begging me to help him.

"Okay, listen- this may not be what you want to hear right now, but the fact that you're a wolf is a good thing."

The look he gave me called me insane.

"Hear me out. In the game, the Chosen Hero turns into a wolf when touched by the Twilight. It was the goddesses way of protecting him from the Twilight Realm."

Link rolled his eyes.

"What, would you have preferred to turn into one of them?" I questioned, pointing to a charred shadow beast.

The black nostrils of Link's nose flared as he blew out a puff of air.

My voice softened. "This isn't permanent. You will change back."

Link stared at me, his expression asking me 'how?'.

"Uh…" It took me a moment but I eventually remembered the Light Spirits and their role in changing Link back to his human form in the game.

My mouth became dry.

Everyone here believes that the Light Spirits are gone, having left Hyrule a long time ago.

They also believe that the Great Fairies are dead, but it was a Great Fairy that gave you your power… I countered.

Link thumped a paw on the ground, impatient for my answer.

I shook my head, giving him a soft smile. "We'll worry about the 'how' later."

The corner of his eye twitched.

I ignored it. "Right now, we need to get you up and walking."

Link snorted, grumbling as he rolled his haunches onto his back legs and stood.

He was up for about thirty seconds before all four of his legs slipped out from under him, his belly crashing to the ground.

I winced. "Are you okay?"

He sighed loudly, the air flapping out the sides of his mouth.

"You're okay," I said, suppressing a laugh.

With a deep breath, Link pulled his legs under him and slowly pushed himself up. Blue eyes filled with concentration, he locked his shaking joints- surpassing the thirty second mark, then a minute, then a minute and a half. The corners of his long mouth rose at his progress.

Then he looked up at me expectantly, his eyes asking what to do next.

I blinked. "Um… Okay, how about you try lifting each foot- paw, uh…" I trailed.

Link gave me a look.

"How about we stick with foot..." I said with quiet emphasis. "Try lifting each foot, one at a time? Get a feel for your new center of gravity?"

Link nodded. He started with the front left, his foot pawing the ground a few times as he tried to find his balance. I watched as he shifted his weight more to his right, and then held up his left foot for a good moment before placing it back down. He did it again with his front right, but had a little more difficulty with the back.

He lifted a back foot for a second or two, then placed it down before trying to lift the other, only to have the same foot rise up again. It soon got to a point where Link looked as if he was one-foot-marching in place, his hind leg rising to an imperceptible tempo.

Suddenly, Link whipped his head to the side and snarled at his back leg- the sound just as jarring as the movement, which caused him to wobble. He quickly splayed out his front legs, catching himself from toppling over.

He closed his eyes and lowered his head; low growls emitting from his throat in short bursts- the sounds reminiscent of cursing.

It was kind of adorable.

"Link?" I called softly, getting his attention. "It's okay to take your time. Don't rush yourself."

He looked at me for a moment, his eyes filled with so many emotions that I couldn't place my finger on a single one. Then he closed his eyes once more, his canine brow furrowing as he concentrated on raising his feet. He took it slow, each lift deliberate and controlled.

And a couple minutes later he was raising his feet and shifting his weight seamlessly.

"That's great, Link," I smiled.

He gazed at me, eyes bright. Then- as if filled with a sense of confidence- he started to move forward. He got three steps in before his feet tangled, sending him crashing back to the ground.

I crossed my arms. "What happened to taking it slow?"

He glared at me.

"Just saying…" I remarked, raising my hands.

He started to grumble as he pushed himself upright.

"Okay, I may not be able to understand you, but I know those weren't nice words."

Link's dark lupine face gave me a sly look.

"Oh, you think you're funny? Well, try doing this…" I challenged, giving him the middle finger.

Link's eyes narrowed before turning down to his feet, his clawed toes moving and scraping against the ground as he tried to single out the middle digit. Then he stopped.

Head still lowered, the corners of his mouth opened, releasing a strange huffing sound through his set of canine teeth. His sides started to flare, puffing in and out in a way that made me think he was about to have a panic attack.

I took a step towards him, ready to try and calm him down, when I stopped.

He was laughing… Link was actually laughing. And it made me start to laugh, too. I lowered to my knees, wrapping my arms across my stomach as the corners of my eyes prickled with tears.

I wasn't sure how long we laughed for: seconds, minutes, hours? But what I did know was that by the time we settled down, the fear and tension within Link had alleviated.

"Ready to try again?" I asked as I wiped the moisture from my face.

Link nodded, the fur under his eyes streaked wet from his tears. He lifted his front left foot, seemingly ready to take a step, but paused. He looked to me once more, his eyes showing hesitation.

I exhaled as I started thinking, racking my brain for some sort of advice I could give him. My vision wandered as I thought- past the cottages and down the meadow, along the treeline to the spot where we left the horses-

An idea clicked into place.

"Why don't you try and think about how Epona walks and use that as a guide?"

Link looked at me, impressed.

"It's uncanny how smart I can be," I sighed happily, getting to my feet.

Link snorted before becoming focused. He lifted his left back foot, placed it down, then lifted and lowered his front left foot, then his right back, then his right front.

Slowly, he repeated this sequence, taking his time as he traveled a foot, then five, and ten. He turned his head back to me, his dark blue eyes radiating joy at his accomplishment.

I clapped. "Now see if you can pick up a little more speed?"

His first attempt was a little clumsy, stumbling after a few steps. However, he caught himself rather quickly, and was soon walking around a little faster, leading us away from the carnage of the village and into the open meadow.

His progress was amazing to watch- going from an unsteady walk to a comfortable jog.

Running, however, was a bit more complicated for him. He'd start out great, flowing from a walk to a jog to a run. But somewhere along the way he'd trip up- his legs tangling beneath him, snout crashing hard into the ground.

At one point, I thought Link seriously injured himself, taking a nasty spill before laying immobile within the grass. I called his name, and when he didn't respond I yelled it as I rushed over to him- only to find that he was fine, just growling curses into the dirt.

"You jerk! I was really worried about you!" I huffed, swiping my leg in a mock gesture of kicking his behind.

I never came close to touching him; however, my movement caused Link to spring up and bolt away, racing in a steady line across the meadow. Then he put on the brakes, all four legs jutting out as he skidded to a halt. He looked back at me, eyes wide with surprise.

That was incredible! He ran as if by instinct...

Link tried running again, starting off well then fumbled once more. He rolled to the ground, landing on his side. He let out a bark- the sound more annoyed than pained- while his tail took out his frustrations by thumping harshly over some flowers.

I felt sorry for him. He was trying so hard to figure out this new body.

But, then, maybe that's the problem...

Suddenly, I was struck with another idea. An experiment, if you will...

I removed the Hylian Shield and Master Sword that I had previously placed around my back, then I walked over to Link, crouched in front of his nose, and tapped his forehead. "You're it." I stood up and took a few hasty steps back.

Link slid up onto his front legs, looking at me as if I was crazy.

"Well, come on. Gotta try and tag me back," I said. "Rules of the game."

The look he gave me was one of sheer disbelief.

"You do play tag here in Hyrule, don't you?"

He nodded slowly, his expression utterly lost.

When he still didn't move I sighed.

"Alright, I'll be "it"." And I sprang at him.

Startled, Link skirted back, bouncing out of my path and dashing away.

I redirected and darted after him, never coming close to his distance- until he slowed, confusion in his eyes. I quickened my pace, catching up to him and swiping at his tail. My palm touched bone and fur; and I pranced away, yelling that he was now "it".

I looked over my shoulder to see that he wasn't moving. I turned to face him, jogging away backwards. "What's the matter, wolf boy? Scared you can't catch me?"

The look he gave me was almost animalistic. It sent a tingle through my stomach. He lowered his head slightly before launching towards me, closing the distance between us in seconds.

I yelped as he bounded my way, turning and putting on a burst of speed of my own. I glanced behind me, seeing him right at my heels. With a small squeal I feinted to the side. And for a moment I thought I caught him off guard, giving me a chance to put more distance between the two of us, when I felt something poke the side of my thigh.

I looked down to see Link running beside me. I instantly slid to a stop, changing my course and chased after him.

I was never able to catch him again- his four legged speed too fast for my meager two. But I kept going, chasing him all over the meadow until my lungs burned and my legs ached for me to quit.

I fell to the ground, laying on my back as my chest heaved for breath. Link came up next to me, sliding into the grass panting, his tongue lolling outside his mouth.

"See... my tag pl-plan worked," I puffed.

A curious whine sailed out of Link's nose.

I turned my head to his. "I think you were getting too inside your head. Overthinking things when you should've been acting on instinct."

Link raised a skeptical brow.

I took a moment to get my breathing a little more under control, then I rolled up onto my elbow and placed my head into my palm. "Okay, let me ask you this? When I came at you the first time, and you ran away without tripping, was that because you were thinking about running or did it just happen naturally?"

Link's dark brows furrowed as he thought. Then he shook his head sharply, the skeptical look returning to his eyes.

I gave him a patient smile. "You acted on instinct, Link. You know you did."

His look didn't change.

"Do you think I chased you all around this meadow because I really wanted to play a game of tag?" I shook my head. "It was to show that you being in this form is as natural as being in your Hylian body."

He snorted.

I smiled, plucking at a blade of grass. "Even though the Twilight Realm isn't fully present in this world, I think that being able to turn into a wolf was always part of your makeup. It was in you, just dormant."

I glanced up at Link. His head was straight, eyes staring off into the distance; however, his lupine ears were turned in my direction. I took it as a sign that he was listening to what I was saying and continued.

"It probably would've stayed that way, too, if Dojan hadn't used the mirror shard," I stated matter-of-factly. "Which has me thinking that, in this world, you becoming a wolf was more of a fluke than destiny."

He returned his eyes to mine, giving me another look.

"Okay- again- probably not what you want to hear right now. But you are lucky- turning into a wolf and not a shadow beast."

Link's nostrils flared as he sighed, then nodded his muzzle in acknowledgement of that fact.

"If it makes you feel any better," I said sitting up, "you look really cool as a wolf." I gave him a wide smile and a thumbs up.

The corners of his mouth rose as a few huffs of air escaped through his teeth. He was laughing again.

"You should try walking around some more. Get a bit more practice before we head back to Kakariko," I suggested.

Link nodded again, pushing up onto his four feet and taking a stroll through the meadow.

I watched in silence as he roamed about; stumbling only a few times as he transitioned from walking to running to never stumbling again as his gaits began to flow seamlessly into one another.

Whenever he passed me I noticed that his eyes were no longer focused, but calm and at ease: almost as if he was trotting around absentmindedly, finally one with his new form.

A couple more circles around the meadow before Link stopped in front of me, sitting back on his haunches.

"Good boy," I teased, scratching him under the chin.

His eyes narrowed as he pretended to nip at my wrist.

I let my hand drop. "What, you don't like your chin scratched?" I said in mock surprise. "I thought all canines did?"

His eyes remained narrowed- then something glinted across them. Quick as a flash, he licked the front of my face.

"Bleh!" I yelped, wiping at my lips and nose. "You licked me? You actually licked me?"

Link's shoulder blades shrugged back, his eyes satisfied with my reaction to his retaliation.

I blinked. "You licked-" then I started laughing. "Well... that wasn't the kind of first kiss I was expecting," I remarked, wiping at my lips again.

Link's eyes widened; and I realized what I'd actually said.

Shit…

I quickly stood up. "Uh, we should- we should get back to the horses now," I said, and started walking towards the treeline. Then I stopped, turning back around as I remembered something. "Need to grab your gear first. Can't leave without those." I let out an embarrassed chuckle as I jogged to where I dropped the sword and shield, picking them up then walking away.

Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit… Del, what are you doing? Talking about kissing him… Could you be any more of an idiot?

I reached the treeline before Link, cooing a hello to both Epona and Suna, when the two mares started to become agitated.

At first I didn't know why, until I felt something brush the side of my leg. I looked down to see Link next to me, eyes round as he stared at the horses.

Suna and Epona lost it, rearing up and pulling at their reins still tied to the trees.

Link let out a low whine, lowering his head as he slunk behind me.

Then the most incredible thing happened: Epona stopped thrashing and started to whinny, craning her head from side-to-side, as if she was trying to look around me.

Link moved away from me, taking slow, tentative steps towards his horse. He stopped a few feet away from her and lifted his snout.

Epona lowered her muzzle, sniffing and nipping at Link's wolf nose, then started to whinny softly.

Suna went nuts at the interaction; her front hooves lashing and her back hooves kicking. I needed to calm her down, but was too afraid to go near her.

Amazingly, I didn't have to.

Epona raised her head and neighed so loud that it reverberated within my chest. Then she snorted harshly and stomped the ground.

Suna ceased moving immediately.

Stunned, I looked back at Epona, who was whinnying to Link once more. Link's tail started to wag as low and gentle growls sounded from his throat.

I blinked at what I was seeing. "Link?" I asked timidly, "Are- are you talking with Epona?"

He looked to me and nodded, then paused and shook his head. He stopped as uncertainty pulled at his features.

"Hard to explain?" I offered.

Link nodded.

I smiled. "Alright, I think it's time we get back to the village," I said, approaching Epona. "Link, if it's okay with you, I think I should ride Epona. I'll feel more in control having Suna tied to her saddle than the other way around."

Link nodded his approval.

"Great." I quickly secured Link's sword and shield to the saddle, then started to untie Epona's reins. Then I added, "And it might be smart if you run alongside her the whole way back, so that Suna doesn't see you and freak out again."

Another nod and Link positioned himself to Epona's side, flanking her as I led her over to Suna. I released the cream-coloured mare's reins and quickly tied it to the pommel of Epona's saddle. Then I walked around the copper horse and placed my foot into the stirrup, pulling myself onto the seat.

After a moment of adjustment I looked ahead to get my bearings, and paused. Link let out a soft whine, and I dropped my gaze to him, seeing his head cocked to the side, questioning.

I scratched my temple. "I, um, don't actually know the way back..." I confessed, my moment of leadership crushed by my lack of navigational skills.

Link gave me a small wolfy smile, then whined something to Epona, who flicked her head in response. Link took a few steps and Epona followed- startling me briefly. I readjusted my grip on the reins and steadied myself as the copper mare followed her master, jogging through the forest of willow-like trees.

Suna was thankfully compliant, keeping pace with her lead. And once we all broke away from the treeline, back into the landscape of grassy hills, Link set us off at full speed.

And at full speed we stayed.

We passed through the hills in what felt like no time, our path soon merging onto the main road as the lands shrank back to the small hillocks of mossy boulders and mahogany shrubs.

And when the landscape changed again, leveling out to the flatlands of shimmering ocher, the sun was past its highest point in the sky.

I started to get a little worried for the horses, and for Link. None of them showed any signs of slowing, or even the need to slow down. But when the dark expanse of a treeline emerged into the foreground, and we suddenly passed the forest entrance to the hilled village we stayed at the other night, I decided to say something.

"Link?" I called down. "Shouldn't we give the horses a break?"

He didn't respond.

"Link?" I called a little louder.

His ears twisted back, hearing me this time.

"We've been riding for hours. Shouldn't we give the horses a break?"

Link lifted his head to Epona, who whinnied loudly. Then Link returned his gaze forward before shaking his head.

Wow, Hylian horses really can travel far without stopping…

"Okay, but what about you, Link? Do you need a break?"

Link shook his head again.

I sighed sharply. I wasn't sure if he was just being stubborn or if he really didn't need to take a break. Either way, I said, "Alright. But Link, if any of you need to stop, then stop. We won't get to Kakariko any faster if one of you keels over from exhaustion!"

He turned his head slightly over his shoulder, just enough to set a blue eye upon me, and nodded.

It was a promise, and I was happy with that.

I remained silent for the rest of our journey, entertaining myself by coming up with different variations of how to sing "500 Miles" by The Proclaimers in my head.

When we passed the roadside shop (me cringing with mortification as we did), I'd gotten tired of "500 Miles" and went on to The Beatles. No song in particular- just lyrics and tempos of whatever came to mind, blending together into this mishmash compilation that would have Parker disown me as family.

The thought made me smile, so I spent a good chunk of time rehearsing my masterpiece so I could torture him with it later. And as the treeline started to dissipate into the background (and I'd almost committed my new song to memory) we entered into the open expanse of Hyrule Field- Death Mountain a looming presence on the horizon.

We continued on, the field flat and devoid of anything- until a squirming black mass caught my eye far up in the distance. It wasn't in our path, but that didn't mean I was going to drop my guard.

And it was a good thing I didn't, because as we came parallel to the mass I realized it was a band of bokoblins, circled around- and stabbing at- a carcass that I couldn't identify.

Link growled as one of them noticed us. It started screeching and waving its weapon, alerting the others and making them look up. Then they were all running our way.

"Keep going," I yelled.

Link listened, keeping us straight on our path.

Thankfully the bokoblins would never reach us. Not at the speed we were going. However, I didn't know how long a bokoblin's stamina could hold out. And I didn't feel like knowing.

I turned my torso and ignited my magic, blasting a red beam at them as a warning. I wasn't sure if I'd hit one, and honestly, I didn't care. All I knew was that the band of monsters stopped in their tracks the moment my power sailed towards them, and that they weren't following us any more.

I spun forward and looked down. Link was flanked close and gazed up.

"I think we're good," I called, then checked behind us once more, just to be sure.

The black mass was growing smaller with every passing second.

"They're not following us," I reconfirmed.

We went back to traveling steadily, Death Mountain rising higher the closer we got.

Suddenly, something long and thin glinted along the field's floor, causing Link's head to perk up. And after what felt like hours upon hours of non-stop running, Link finally slowed down to a jog.

Epona followed suit (Suna doing the same), and the three four-legged animals all wandered over to a small stream of sparkling water.

Without any warning Epona dropped her head to the stream, yanking me forward onto her neck. I pushed myself up, letting go of the reins, then slid off the saddle, arching my back while pacing around, loosening my leg muscles.

Once I was done I joined the others in drinking some water, but from the canteen that the Zoras filled for us. As I put the canteen back into Epona's satchel my hand brushed against something bumpy. I grabbed at it and pulled out the bag filled with the water beans.

My stomach gurgled.

Taking the bag, I sat down next to Link, who was still drinking.

"Hungry?" I asked, holding up a bean.

Link lifted his head, eyed the bean, then nodded.

I quickly removed my gloves and rinsed my hands in the stream before I stuck my thumb nails into the shell, breaking it open and pulling out the fleshy bit. I placed it on my palm and held it out for Link to take.

He raised an eyebrow.

"It's either my clean hand or the dusty ground."

He responded with an eye roll before he gingerly scooped the bean off my palm with his teeth. One of his canines lightly grazed my skin, eliciting a giggle to whisper passed my lips.

Link suddenly looked up at me, his eyes filled with an expression that I couldn't quite make out.

"You okay?" I asked. When he didn't respond I called his name.

Link blinked his eyes then shook his head, as if he was snapping himself out of a daze.

"You okay...?" I asked again.

He nodded stiffly then pointed his nose towards the bag, signalling me to continue with the water beans.

I looked around our surroundings. "We're not in danger, are we?"

He shook his snout sharply.

"Alright…" I said, mentally shrugging off Link's odd behaviour. I grabbed a bean and opened it for myself, then opened another for Link.

We sat by the stream for maybe half an hour, resting and taking turns eating while the horses grazed the parched grasses.

And by the time we set off again there were still a few hours before sunset.

We would get to Kakariko Village well before then.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

The sun was languidly sinking towards the peak of the barriered mountain as we reached Kakariko Bridge; the wood sturdy beneath the pounding of animal feet as we rode hard across the platform. Within moments the bridge was behind us and we were diving headlong through the barrier and into the cool, dim surroundings of the mountain pass.

Epona suddenly skidded to a halt, throwing me hard against her neck. The momentum of her stopping- mixed with the powerful jerk from Suna as her rein yanked the pommel of Epona's saddle- had me bouncing out of my seat before I even knew what was happening. At some point during my fall I managed to grab a fistful of Epona's mane, slowing my descent just enough to save me from breaking anything.

I laid where I was, processing what just happened. Then, with a smarting hiss, I sat up and glared at the copper horse.

"What the hell, Epona?" I said confused.

She lowered her head and started softly nipping at my cheek, her breath coming out in hot gusts as she moved to my hair.

I placed my hand on her neck and gave it a begrudging scratch in forgiveness.

Then she raised her head and looked towards the barrier entrance. I followed her gaze and saw why she stopped so suddenly:

Link was still outside the barrier.

I painfully stood up and hobbled back out of the entrance.

"What are you doing?"

He looked at me with wide eyes.

"What?" I questioned.

He pointed his snout up and down my body.

I gave myself a once-over and realized I was hunched and holding onto my lower back. I groaned. "Epona threw me off."

Link huffed softly, the corners of his mouth rising slightly.

"Don't laugh!" I said, letting out an unsolicited chuckle myself. "It's your fault that your horse stopped without warning!"

His eyes glanced with guilt.

"It's fine," I reassured. "I'll grab some Red Chu jelly from Uli when I see her." I paused, looking at him. "Why did you stop?"

His gaze dropped from mine as he slowly sat on the ground, his long wolf tail curling tightly around his feet.

"What are you- Wait... You're not coming in?" I said, flabbergasted.

He lowered his head and readjusted his seat, his body language telling me "no".

My initial reaction was to snap at him- to tell him how ridiculous he was being! But I quickly pushed that feeling aside, concluding that my irritation was most likely coming more from being tired and sore than from him.

I inhaled deeply, then asked, "Why?"

He looked at me as if I was dumb for asking.

"Why?" I asked again, my irritation now truly switching to him.

He huffed then lifted his front foot and passed it over his snout a few times. Then he looked up at me, expecting me to understand.

"I don't-"

He gruffly lifted his foot again and swiped at his snout, then at an ear, then thumped his tail hard on the ground.

I think I understood now. "You don't want anyone to see you like this?"

His eyes relaxed and he nodded.

I started to laugh. I couldn't help it. He really was being ridiculous!

But then Link looked away, the corners of his eyes swirling with a mix of shame and embarrassment.

My laughter stopped, replaced by a soft pitying smile. I dropped to my knees in front of him (ignoring the shooting pain across my back) and wrapped my arms around his furry neck.

Link stilled.

"Everything's going to be okay, Link. I promise."

He lowered his chin onto my shoulder and inhaled deeply, his body relaxing as he exhaled.

I kept my arms around him for a moment longer, enjoying the warmth of his fur against my skin. Then I pulled back and moved my hands to his face. His eyes widened slightly, but then softened as I started to rub my thumbs along the fur under his eyes.

"No one will think less of you for looking like this," I said gently. "Please come in?"

The weight of Link's head sank into my hands before he nodded.

I smiled. "Good. Let's go." I rocked back onto my feet and stood up, groaning a little at the effort. I turned towards the barrier and started to hobble back when I felt my left arm rise. I looked down and saw that Link had positioned himself next to me, my hand resting on his head.

"Looking for ear scratches?" I teased.

He rolled his eyes then pushed his side into mine, my weight now shifting onto him.

"You want me to lean on you?" I questioned. Link was tall by wolf standards, his full height coming to just above my hips. But that meant I'd have to use his head as my brace.

He nodded once, firmly- the gesture saying "you better".

"Link, I'm fi-"

A soft growl emitted from his throat, cutting me off.

"Okay, okay," and I placed my forearm between his ears. "So pushy…" I muttered.

Link snorted as we walked side-by-side, back through the barrier and over towards the waiting horses.

"Ah! There you are!" a voice rang from above.

Link and I looked up. Hanch was standing at the lookout point.

"I was afraid something had happened when I did not see you with the horses!" Hanch squeaked. "I was-" He stopped. "Is… Is that a WOLF?"

"Well-"

"Where is Link?!" Hanch cried as his head swiveled back and forth.

"Uh, he's... he's right here," I said, lifting my arm from Link's head and pointing to him.

"The- the wolf…? Link's in the wolf? Hanch shrieked.

I looked at Link. "Well, in a manner of speaking..." I trailed.

He gave me a look.

"What?" I shrugged.

"That wolf ate Link?" Hanch yelled. "Link is- is dead?"

"Wait, what? No-"

"LINK IS DEAD!" Hanch wailed, turning and running along the top of the mountain pass, disappearing out of sight. His cries of "OUR CHOSEN HERO IS DEAD!" echoed behind him as he made his way back into the village.

"What. The. Fuck. Just happened?" I asked, frozen to my spot in absolute confusion.

Link released a whine, the sound just as confused as I was.

"We should stop him…" I said- then snapped myself out of my frozen state and painfully propelled myself back onto Epona's saddle. I grabbed her reins and quickly set her into a gallop, Suna following behind.

"Hanch stop! Link isn't dead! You have it all wrong!" I yelled. "Hanch? Hanch?!" I looked down to Link, running beside us. "He couldn't be in the village already, could he?"

Link picked up his speed.

...fuck.

We burst our way out of the pass and into Kakariko Village, sprinting past the spring and skidding to a halt by Renado's hut.

The village was empty.

"We had to have beat him here, right?" I asked, looking around in a frenzy.

Link just stood where he was, nostrils flaring while searching.

Then all hell broke loose.

The double doors of the Eld Inn slammed open as a storm of people came out in droves.

"Maybe you should've stayed outside the barrier…" I said as an afterthought.

Link looked at me, his expression screaming "You think!".

Cries of anguish and shouts of fear rolled off the villagers, sailing towards us like a hurricane.

How the fuck did Hanch get to them so fast…?

I heard Link whine and looked down to see him skirting behind Epona's back legs.

"It's okay. I got this," I reassured him. Then I called out, "Whatever Hanch told you, it's not-"

"Is it true?" Bo questioned as he stomped up to me. "Is Link dea-" He couldn't finish the word.

"No! Link isn't-"

"Then where is he?" Rusl asked. "Hanch said he did not see Link with you."

"If you'd let me explain-" I tried, but was cut off again.

"She said that he is inside that wolf!" Hanch bawled, pointing behind Epona.

"Merciful goddesses! There really is a wolf!" Uli said, holding one hand to her heart and her other tightly to a sobbing Colin.

"Oh, no, Colin… Colin, please don't cry," I pleaded. "Link's alive."

"H-he is?" Colin sniffed.

"Yeah, he is," I smiled. "He's just a little... different at the moment."

Nobu removed his helmet. "Different how?" he questioned, his eyes hard.

Zelda stood next to him, her eyes wide and questioning, as well.

"Well…" I started, but paused as I quickly searched for Parker. I found him standing with Calli and Charlie, all three of them looking pale and worried. I locked eyes with him, his eyebrow rising in question as I continued. "You see, this is Link," and I turned in the saddle.

Link raised his eyes to mine, the look in them so pitiful it was like looking into the eyes of a worried child.

"Come on," I coaxed gently.

Link sighed, then stepped out from behind his horse.

The air was suddenly filled with gasps of shock and disbelief, the cacophony punctuated by an "Awesome!" that rang loudly above the rest.

The villagers fell silent as they turned to Parker.

"What?" he asked, feigning innocence.

I bit my lips to keep me from smiling. I knew he'd be thrilled to see Link in his wolf form.

"Link is that really you?" Colin asked, still pressed against his mother's side.

Link sat on his hind legs and nodded.

A loud whimper rose from the crowd as Malon, face streaked with tears, stepped away from the villagers. Her hands were fisted together and placed on her chest as she walked towards Link.

"Oh, Link. My poor, poor Link..."

The corner of my eye twitched at hearing the word "my".

"How did this happen to you?" she sniffed. She stopped a few feet in front of him, keeping her distance.

Link whined gently and looked up at me. I nodded in understanding and started to explain.

"We ran into-"

"You!" Malon spat, pointing a finger at me. "You should've protected him!"

I blinked, taken aback from her outburst. "I-"

"You're supposed to be blessed with magic, aren't you?"

"Well, yes-"

"Then why did you let this happen to Link?" she cried as a fresh wave of tears fell down her face.

Two thoughts entered my mind simultaneously. One: she was being way over dramatic about this whole thing. And two: she was right.

I should've done something more. Anything more.

And even though it's no secret that Link can take care of himself, when it comes to magic, that's where I'm supposed to step in.

What was the point of having a power meant to protect the ones I cared about when all I've proven to do is protect myself, time and time again.

I looked down at Link, whose eyes were wide as he stared at a crying Malon, and my heart constricted.

"You're right, Malon. I should've protected him better," I agreed. However, her angered expression did not change at my acknowledgement. I brushed the snub aside and addressed Link. "Link, I'm sorry. I should've-"

He interrupted me with a loud bark, shaking his head.

I gave him a sad smile as I stared into his eyes. There was no blame there; but that didn't quell my newly blossoming guilt. I couldn't let anything like this happen to him again. I cared about Link. I cared about him a lot.

My heart thumped at this admission.

Something must've passed over my face at that moment because Link gave me an odd look. I quickly blinked my eyes clear and smiled once more. "Still, I'm sorry," I repeated.

"Del, tell us what happened?" Zelda said, stepping away from Nobu, towards Link. She knelt in front of his lupine form and placed her hands on his face.

I nodded- inhaling first to calm my still-thumping heart- then said, "We ran into that Dojan guy on our way back from Zora's Domain."

"Dojan?" Nobu growled, imitating the sound of a wolf perfectly.

I nodded. "Link and I felt a massive surge of power not far from the Bridge of Hylia. We followed it to a small village and found Dojan experimenting with magic on the villagers. There… there were no survivors," I mentioned solemnly as I dismounted Epona. A sting of pain shot up my back, but I pushed past it.

"Do you remember where the village is?" he questioned.

"Sure," I nodded. I stepped over to the satchel and pulled out our map, opening the folds and scanning its surface. I paused, remembering that I couldn't read maps. "Uh, Link? You remember where the village is, right?" I asked casually.

I heard Nobu exhale hard as I dropped my gaze to Link's, who gave me a look that said he was waiting for me to ask. As I brought the map down to him I discreetly rearranged the fingers of my left hand to where only my middle finger was sticking up. Link snorted as I placed the paper on the ground in front of him.

It took him all of ten seconds to find the village on the map, placing his large furry foot on the spot and looking up at Nobu.

Nobu picked up the parchment, looked it over, then folded it and placed it into my hand.

I stuffed the paper into my pocket.

"Bo, Rusl, you two will come with me to inspect this village," Nobu ordered.

"Nobu!" Telma exclaimed.

He blinked at her, confused. "What?"

"Should we not get Link sorted first?" she said, crossing her arms under her large bust.

"Link? Yes, right. Of course." He cleared his throat. "How- uh, how did this happen, exactly?"

Link gave Nobu an irked expression before looking to me to answer.

"Dojan was holding a shard of sorts, one that was black and reflective. He said he got it from something called The Mirror of Twilight."

"The Mirror of Twilight?" Zelda and Shad both exclaimed, their voices drowning out Parker's gasp of delight.

My eyes fell to Zelda's and I nodded. "Whatever magic came from that shard turned all the villagers into twisted beasts, who... who couldn't survive in the sunlight." My gut pinched at the memory. "And it turned Link into a wolf," I said, gesturing to his form.

Zelda turned back to Link and placed a delicate hand to his forehead. "To be chosen by the gods," she said, her voice gentle with relief.

"The Mirror of Twilight...? Why does that sound so familiar?" Renado mused.

"That's because it's part of Hyrule's greatest known execution: Ganon's!" Shad answered excitedly. "He met his demise in front of that mirror."

"Ah, yes," Renado nodded, remembering.

"But how could Dojan have a shard of it?" Shad wondered, placing a hand to his chin. "Del, are you sure you heard Mirror of Twilight, and not Mirror of something-else?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, I'm sure."

Shad opened his mouth to ask me another question but was silenced by a soft sigh from Zelda.

"Princess?" he queried.

Nobu stepped to her side. "What is it?"

"Del heard correctly," Zelda said, standing. "The Mirror of Twilight has been shattered."

The villagers were silent, but the weight of Zelda's words were lost on them all. All except Shad and Parker, who both released squeaks of emotion. Shad's was one of distraught, and Parker's was one of glee.

"How?" Nobu asked. His voice was low and even; however, there was a hardness to his tone that put me on edge.

And from the look in Zelda's eyes, she must've felt the same way, too. But within a second that look was gone, and she was straightening her shoulders gracefully before answering.

"The Sages believed that when Ganon was executed his soul was sent to a world beyond the mirror, where it would forever remain, never to reincarnate again. About a month before Ganon made his reappearance in Hyrule, the Sages sent a message stating that the mirror had been shattered, and to watch for any ill omens that might befall the land." Zelda sighed again. "Unfortunately, those omens did not arise until it was too late, and Ganon had returned with his army."

"Why didn't you tell me this?" Nobu asked coldly.

Zelda gave him a steely glare. "At the time, the message was nothing but caution."

Nobu matched her steely look. "Until, as you said, it was too late."

My mouth dropped.

Did Nobu just fault Zelda for Ganon's return to power…?

The villagers were no longer silent.

"Nobu!" Uli chastised.

"How dare you speak to the princess that way!" Telma hollered.

"I am going to teach that boy a lesson," Bo thundered, pounding his fists together as Rusl tried to push him back.

"Now is not the time to knock the bastard out!" Rusl grunted against his friend's large belly.

"Rusl, really…" Uli sighed as Colin giggled at his father's choice of words.

"No, Uli, your husband's right. Nobu is a right old bastard, yeah?" Ashei said, placing a causal hand to the sword at her side.

Link snarled low in agreement.

While the villagers were all occupied with dealing verbal blows at Nobu, I turned my attention to Zelda. Her face dropped ever so slightly, her calm and graceful demeanour shifting to one of hurt. But she caught herself before she slipped too far and cleared her throat. The villagers fell quiet.

"That is enough, everyone," she ordered, her voice shockingly calm. Then she turned and knelt in front of Link once more.

"Let me see if I can reverse this curse," she said, placing her hands to either side of Link's long face.

I crossed my fingers in the hopes that it was as easy as Zelda being the solution to changing Link back.

Link closed his eyes as her hands glowed, her magic engulfing him in soft swirls of ice blue light. Both of them remained motionless for a minute, then a minute more; the look of concentration deepening on Zelda's face with each passing second.

Then the glowing stopped.

"I am sorry, Link," Zelda said softly. "The magic that cursed you to this form is dark and corrupted, and one I cannot break."

Dammit… Back to the Light Spirits then...

Link looked at her with sad but understanding eyes.

"Del, perhaps your magic can break its hold?" she suggested, turning to face me.

"Ooh, no," I said, putting my hands behind me as I took a step back. "My magic is only good for two things: Making a shield and blowing things up. I don't think the goddesses would be too happy if I blew their hero to flaming bits."

Behind me Charlie started laughing, but was suddenly cut short with an "Oof."

Thanks, Calli...

"Then how do we change him back?" Bo asked.

Zelda stood, keeping her eyes trained on Link. "With a curse such as this, I believe that only the light can dissipate the darkness," Zelda answered.

I gazed at her, wondering if she knew something about the Light Spirits that the others didn't.

"Light? As in-"

"Place him under the sun!" Hanch squeaked.

I choked on the rest of my words.

"He has been out in the sun all day!" Telma rebuffed.

"I don't think that's the type of 'light' our princess was talking about," Luda giggled.

"Shad?" Nobu prompted.

"I'm thinking, I'm thinking… Not because you told me to," Shad scowled, his fingers circling his temples.

Nobu sucked his teeth.

"Parker, why don't you just go to the bathroom?" I heard Calli say.

I turned and saw my cousin bouncing on the balls of his feet, his eyes narrowed as he replied to Calli.

I knew he would be excited for all this, but his discretion was out the window at this point. I quickly walked over to him.

"Parker, what-"

"Del!" Calli said, pulling me in for a hug. "Are you okay?" she whispered.

"Yeah, why?" I whispered back.

"Malon really went full bitch mode on you."

I chuckled softly. "Yeah, well she had a point."

I felt Calli's head shake. "I don't believe that." She leaned back. "Link didn't either."

Still doesn't lessen my guilt…

But I gave her a small smile. "Thanks."

"I missed you," she said, leaning back into our hug.

"I missed you too."

"And what about me?" Charlie sniffed with mock indignation.

"Oh, well I missed you most of all, Scarecrow," I teased, unwrapping myself from Calli and walking into his arms.

"Sure you did..." he teased back, encircling me.

I pulled away and gave him a cheeky smile before stepping over to a still bouncing Parker.

"Parker, what are you doing?"

"What?" he asked, confused.

"The bouncing, the squealing, the "Awesome". You're going to get us into trouble if you don't calm down," I scolded under my breath.

He stopped moving. "I'm sorry… sorry. It's just that Wolf Link is my favourite, and-"

"And you're excited. I get it," I said. "But you have to cool it."

"Okay. Okay… I'm cool. I'm cool," he breathed.

I snorted then wrapped my arms around his neck. "Hi," I said.

"Hi," he hugged back, giving me a tight squeeze before letting go.

"Shad, do you have any ideas yet?" Telma asked, her voice drawing me back to their conversation.

"I'm… Still… Thinking…" Shad strained, now pacing in a square.

"Maybe it's the light of love!" Malon cried as she ran over to Link and knelt beside him. She reached out her arms, retracted them for a second, then boldly wrapped them around Link's thick neck.

I spluttered loudly, quickly ducking behind Parker and smashing my face into his back to muffle my laughter.

The look on Link's face was priceless: a perfect mix of what-the-fuck-is-happening and don't-touch-me.

If there was ever time for a picture, that would've been it.

After a minute I was able to compose myself, and I stepped away from my cousin, wiping away a rogue tear. I braced myself as I looked up, seeing Malon still attached to Link's neck but in the middle of a seemingly heated argument with both Ilia and her father.

And Link… Link was staring at me, eyes narrowed in unadulterated annoyance. Or murderous intent. I had a sneaking suspicion he was leaning towards the latter.

I returned to Parker's back, my braces being swept away as a fresh wave of laughter crashed over me.

A moment later, the wave passed. I took a couple of deep breaths then poked my head around Parker's shoulder.

...Yup, definitely murder.

"You know… kinda looks like he wants to kill you," Charlie commented, picking up on the same vibe.

"Charlie! Don't say something like that," Calli chided in a soft hush. "Link would never- Oh... um, he does look a little murdery, doesn't he?"

"Never really pictured a wolf attack as being the cause of my death," I mused.

Link let out a low growl; his expression telling me that wasn't out of the realm of possibility.

I snorted.

Malon let out a small gasp and released her hold on Link.

"Oh, Link, I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?"

Link looked at her, his eyes kind as he shook his head. Then he moved a few feet away, out of her reach.

"Oh!" Calli said, snapping her fingers. "What about the Eldin Spring?"

My head swung in her direction.

"The spring?" Shad asked, halting mid-pace.

Calli nodded excitedly. "Renado, you're always saying that the spring has special properties, right?"

"I do," he said.

"Maybe the water can heal Link of his curse?"

"Of course... from the Light Spirit's spring!" Shad breathed, palming his forehead as he turned towards the pool. "Why didn't I think of that?"

I beamed at Calli. "Thank you," I mouthed.

"For what?" she mouthed back, giving me a confused smile.

"For steering this conversation in the right direction," I whispered.

"I did?" she questioned softly, looking out to the spring. "Am I right? Will it change him back?"

I re-crossed my fingers. "Here's to hoping."

"Do you think it will work?" Uli asked, directing her question to Zelda.

"It is worth a try, is it not?" she smiled.

Guess she didn't know more than the others...

"Well, get on with it, boy!" Bo urged, punching a fist into the air.

Link's eyes shone with hope and excitement as he turned and trotted over to the spring. He paused for a second at the water's edge, then waded in.

Nothing happened.

Link looked back with questioning eyes.

"Maybe you need to be fully submerged?" Luda offered. "So that the water can touch every part of you?"

Link nodded then walked further into the pool, ducking under the water's surface when he was far enough in. The water rippled then stilled. And after what felt like an eternity of being submerged, the surface bubbled and broke, revealing the head of a disgruntled wolf.

Okay, so scratch Eldin Spring off the list...

Link swam ashore, shaking the water from his coat before he trudged back to us with a huff.

"Damn…" Calli murmured, dispirited.

I placed my head to her shoulder in comfort.

"Link. You're still a wolf," Fado said, pointing a thick finger.

"Good eyes you have, Fado," Ashei remarked, bright sarcasm glinting at the edge of her voice. Then she sighed. "Kinda thought that would work, yeah?"

Uli nodded, sighing as well.

"What about the spring in Ordon?" Ilia offered.

"The spring from home?" Colin questioned.

Ilia nodded sweetly, then turned to Link. "The spring water... it's different in Ordon. I noticed it after you moved to the village. You pushed Epona too hard one day, rounding up the goats," she stated, placing her hands to her hips.

Link's head lowered in shame.

"After I took her from you, I brought her to Ordon Spring to clean the cut on her leg. And when I went to check on her the next day, the cut was gone."

"Whaaa…?" Bo gasped.

Ilia shushed her father, then returned to her conversation with Link. "I was never that talented of a healer, Link. All those cuts and scars you got over the years? They all healed so well because I used the water from Ordon Spring with my remedies."

Link looked at her like he was being duped.

"Fine, don't believe me," she shrugged. "Live as a wolf for the rest of your life. Maybe you'll be better at goat herding this way."

Link grumbled, glaring at her.

I had to bite my tongue- hard- to keep from laughing again.

As the adults from Ordon rounded on Ilia for not mentioning anything about the spring before, I spoke under my breath, just loud enough for Link to hear. "We should go to Ordon, Link."

He whipped his head in my direction so fast it made my neck hurt. He stared wide-eyed and questioning.

I nodded then said loudly, "I think we should try Ordon."

The adults fell silent, looking at me. Ilia smiled with relief.

"Did the goddesses speak to you again?" Telma asked, starry-eyed.

I shook my head. "No, not this time. But something feels right about it."

"And if you're wrong?" Nobu asked, crossing his arms over his armored chest.

"Then I'm wrong and we move on from there," I retorted.

The muscles in his jaw were working overtime, as if he had something he wanted to retort back- but thought the better of it and said instead, "Very well. The two of you will travel to Ordon first thing tomorrow."

A high-pitched whine emitted from Link's throat, and I looked to see that he was shaking his head and pointing his snout towards the mountain pass.

"You want to leave now?" Nobu guessed.

Link gave a stern nod.

"But that is absurd! You only just returned- and from a long trip to boot," Telma remarked. "Del, sweets, eat and rest up for the night. Then travel again at dawn," she implored.

I wanted to agree. I was hungry and sore and tired and all I wanted to do was eat a big meal and soak in the hot spring and crawl into bed. But as my eyes fell to Link's I couldn't bring myself to say yes, because his eyes were imploring me to go.

"Give me 20 minutes then we can leave," I said to him.

Link wheezed with excitement, his tail slapping from side-to-side before he realized what he was doing and stopped. He quickly sat stoic on his hind legs and nodded.

"Del, be reasonable," Telma said. "It is almost nightfall."

I looked around. The golden light within Kakariko Village was dimming as it began its transition to the soft blue of night.

"I know. But we'll still go."

"Are you sure that's smart?" Charlie asked, concerned. "Isn't it really dangerous to be out in the field at night?"

"It can be," I told him truthfully. "But Link and I'll be fine." I gave him a comforting smile before turning back to Telma. "Telma can you gather some food for Link and I? And maybe a little something to eat before we set out?"

"Alright, sweets, alright. I will prepare what I can for the both of you," she agreed with a defeated sigh.

"Thank you." Then I turned and sought out Talon. "Talon would you mind giving Epona some food and water? And anything else she might need before we take off again?"

Talon walked over to the copper horse and gave her neck a pat. "Of course, of course!" he beamed. "Luda, my dear, how about you join me?"

"Sure," Luda said, stepping away from Renado.

"Thanks, Luda," I said as she passed.

She gave me a wink.

I turned to Uli. "Uli, do you happen to have any Red Chu jelly on you?"

"Not with me, no. But I can grab a few for you," she smiled.

"Yes, that would be great."

As Uli made her way to the infirmary Colin walked over and took my hand.

"Del? Was my sword able to help you again?" he asked eagerly.

"Yes. It helped me defeat a monster."

"It did?" he gasped.

"It-" but I froze as I remembered something: The blade! "Sorry, Colin. I forgot something." I quickly let go of his hand and raced after Epona. "Talon! Luda! Wait! I need something from Epona's satchel."

"Need what?" Luda asked as I caught up to them, hissing through the reawakened pain shooting across my back.

"Wh- what Link and I went to Zora's Domain for," I answered with a huff, pulling the wrapped blade of the Glaive of Souls out of the bag.

"Is that part of the weapon to defeat Ganon?" Luda questioned, awestruck.

"It is."

"It is real…" Talon breathed, his eyes becoming beady.

"Yeah," I said, my voice petering out as I stared at his odd expression. "Talon, are you okay?"

He blinked and his face returned to normal. "Oho, I am quite fine, my dear, quite fine!" He smiled. "Luda, let us carry on!"

I watched them go for a second before turning and shuffling back.

All eyes were on me, curious to see what was in my arms. But I ignored them and walked straight up to Zelda and Nobu.

"Here," I said, the ache in my back causing my voice to go quiet. "This will be safe with you." I handed Zelda the wrapped blade.

She took the blade gingerly in her hands and smiled. "You found it," she said, her face alight with hope.

"Two more to go," I nodded, then looked down as I felt something brush against my leg.

It was Link, joining us.

"Do you really plan to travel to Ordon tonight?" Nobu asked, directing his question at me.

I gave him an odd look. Not because of his question, but because of the mild concern I heard in his voice.

"Yes," I answered. "Traveling by day, traveling by night. Is there really such a big difference?" I shrugged.

"There are things that lurk in the dark."

"Things lurk in the day, too," I said, thinking about the Poe floating within the decimated village. "But if you're worried, don't be. You trained me well."

He raised a questioning eyebrow.

I crossed my arms. "Maybe I'll tell you the story over a cup of tea someday."

He sucked his teeth at my lack of details, but gave me a curt nod, accepting my 'maybe'.

"Do you really plan to go to that village tonight?" I asked.

"I need to see Dojan's damage first hand," he said. "You're sure there were no survivors?"

I shook my head. "I'm not. But if there were, Link and I never saw them."

Link made a noise of confirmation.

"There's something I forgot to mention before. Something important," I said, my voice low.

Nobu and Zelda gave me their full attention.

"Dojan's heard of me."

"What?" Nobu said.

Zelda's eyebrows rose in shock.

"But that's not the worst part… Ganon knows of me, too."

Nobu's eyes widened then narrowed as he started scanning wildly behind me.

I knew what he was doing- because the thought had crossed my mind at one point, too. But it just felt… wrong... to think that one of the villagers could be a spy.

"Do- do you suspect anyone?" I asked. I was curious about his thoughts, but also afraid of his answer. I just couldn't picture anyone in this village working for Ganon.

Well… except maybe Pig-Face guy. He always struck me as a little shady.

"Everyone," Nobu answered.

My eyes bugged. And before I got the chance to ask why the sound of clinking glass filled the space, announcing Uli's return.

"I grabbed a few extra, just to be on the safe side," she smiled, handing a bunch of vials over to me.

"Thank you," I beamed, splitting the bunch between my empty and map-filled pockets. I held onto one and quickly uncorked it, downing the contents in one gulp, relishing the heat as it seared away my pain. "Want one?" I asked Link.

He nodded, taking an uncorked vial between his teeth and tipping his head back, the red jelly slipping from the glass and down his throat.

I took the empty vial, to which Uli took both from me. "I will get these washed and refilled," she said.

Uli turned and walked away; and I turned back to Nobu, the question of "why" still on my lips. But I never got to ask as he and Zelda walked away, heads close together in rapid discussion, their anger at each other clearly set aside for the time being.

I pushed my curiosity and concern away and looked at Link. "Meet back here in 20?"

He shook his head.

"Huh?"

He looked at the ground and then started to scrape something into the dirt. It was two symbols, but I didn't know what they meant.

"Parker?" I called. "What is Link writing?" I asked as he jogged up to us.

"Fifteen," Parker read.

"Fifteen?" I said, puzzled. "Wait… fifteen, as in 15 minutes?"

Link nodded.

"What happened to 20?"

He gave his head a casual flick to where Nobu and Zelda were standing before.

"Wha- That doesn't count! I was telling them important stuff!"

His eyes glinted as he lowered his head and scratched into the dirt once more, two more symbols.

"He's writing "10" now," Parker translated.

I glared, crouching down to Link's height. "Is this because I laughed at you?"

His eyes gleamed silver in the dying light.

"You know, I can easily stay here and let you go on your own," I challenged.

Gaze steady, he raised an eyebrow as he challenged my challenge.

He'd win, of course. There was no way I was going to leave him to go to Ordon on his own. But that didn't mean I wasn't going to push for my 20 minutes back.

Link broke our eye contact and started at the dirt again.

"Now he's writing 5-"

"Alright, alright!" I conceded, then stood and walked away. "Meet back here in 15!" I called over my shoulder.

"Link's tapping at the 10," Parker called back.

"Gaah, fine!" I cried, raising my hands in defeat as I made my way to the Eld Inn.

"Wait up!" Parker yelled, catching up with me a moment later with Calli and Charlie in tow. "Why is 20 minutes so important?" he asked as we entered through the double doors.

"Because I wanted to take a 15 minute nap," I sighed, thumping up the stairs.

The four of us parted momentarily so I could use the bathroom, then rejoined in my and Calli's bedroom.

The three of them were pestering me with questions about the trip to Zora's Domain. Well, Parker was asking the questions. Calli and Charlie were just agreeing with them all.

I told them I had no time to relay the details right now, and grabbed what I thought would be necessary for the trip. Turns out it wasn't a lot, just my toothbrush and paste, and a towel to use as a pillow or as an extra covering in case it was cold tonight.

As I wrapped my toothbrush and paste into the towel Parker pleaded with me to tell him something, anything!

"I can't!" I sighed as I walked out of the bedroom and down the hall to the stairs. "There's so much to say, so much that's different from the games. If I tell you one thing you'll just go crazy until I can tell you the rest."

"I can handle it! I promise," he said as we descended the staircase. "One thing, please! Please, please, pleas-"

"Ah, sweets, perfect timing," I heard Telma say from below. I looked over the railing to see her smiling up our way. "I have dinner waiting for you in the dining hall. I also left a sack of food for you and Link on the table."

"Thank you, Telma."

She nodded then exited the inn.

"Please?" Parker started up again.

I shook my head.

"Plea-"

"Oh, just tell the guy something already," Charlie groaned.

I reached the last step and turned to face my cousin. "The Zora King isn't dead."

Parker's eyes fell out of his head. "He- he's not?" his voice trembled as he trailed me into the hall.

"Nope. He's alive," I confirmed as I sat down to my dinner of pink rice mixed with grilled veggies and a large chunk of crispy bread.

"Okay… Okay, I can live with that…" Parker said, his eyes glazing over with the strain of not asking me more.

"He can't," I mumbled around a full mouth to Calli and Charlie.

After a few minutes I was done with my meal, my belly full but a little sore from eating so fast.

Then the four of us walked back towards Renado's hut, wrapped in the soft hues of dusk that descended upon the village. A light breeze swept past, caressing the back of my neck and sending a small shiver over my skin.

Link was nowhere to be seen.

I adjusted the food sack and towel in my arms as I looked around, irritation starting to bloom at my temples, when the door to Renado's hut opened and out sauntered Link, followed by Shad, Telma and Ashei.

"Ready to go?" I asked, my voice mildly bothered. But he didn't seem to notice, his deep blue eyes large and shining with the anticipation that everything will be back to normal. And soon.

I instantly regretted my tone, my heart melting just a bit.

"Did you eat?" I asked.

He nodded.

"And you're not too tired to set off again?"

"Ah, we got that covered," Shad interjected with a grin. "Stamina potion." He held up a tiny vial, the contents glowing neon green in the growing dark. He handed it over to me. "For you."

I took the potion with a wary look. "Why would I need a stamina potion? I'll be riding Epona."

"It's to help keep you awake, yeah?" Ashei answered.

I liked the idea of a "caffeine" kick for the ride, but not at the cost of having my heart beat out of my chest. "I don't know. This potion didn't react well with me the last time."

"I remember," Shad chuckled. "The amount is less than half of a regular dose."

"Okay," I said, trusting him. I opened the vial and drank the potion, shuddering at the taste of overly sweet, medicinal berries. My heart started to pound a little faster- and I was afraid that Shad's dosage backfired. But then the beating evened out and I started to feel more awake and alert. I smiled.

"Good?" Telma asked.

"Good," I nodded. "Guess it's time to go," I said to Link.

He made a huffing noise, snapping his jaws in an excited "yes".

I turned towards my friends. "Okay guys, I'll see you… when I see you, I guess."

Calli wrapped her arms around my neck. "Be safe," she murmured, then pulled away.

As Link and I made our way over to the mountain pass I quickly spun on my heel, walking backwards. "Hey Parker?" I called. "The Zora Armor is amazing, by the way!"

"Oh come on!" he hollered as I spun back around.

Link whined, his head cocked to the side in question.

"Have to torture him somehow since my awesome song mix will have to wait for another day," I answered.

He looked at me, confused.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

I sat atop Epona, scanning the vast field from behind the mountain barrier. The moon was low but bright, illuminating the field in a powdery glow.

I heard a sharp snap, and I looked down to see Link giving me an impatient stare.

...Here we go again.

"Lead the way," I said.

Link trotted away from the barrier.

As Epona- without any order from me- followed after her master, I sent a silent prayer to the heavens: That Ordon Spring was not abandoned. That it was still blessed with Light.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

We had been traveling at a decent pace for a few hours now, taking this journey a little slower than before.

The night was clear, the stars barely visible as the moon overtook the sky. Its pale light highlighted my breath as the air around me began to chill. I tucked the lower half of my face under the collar of Link's poncho, alleviating some of the night's sting.

As we continued, the temperature dropped a degree or two more. Not enough to freeze the extremities, but enough to cause me to grumble in annoyance.

A sound blasted through the air, loud and echoing, cutting through the wind that was rushing past my ears.

I pulled on Epona's reins and listened. "What was tha-"

The sound erupted again, long and deep, coming from somewhere to my left.

"It sounds like a horn…"

I heard Link start to growl, low and harsh. He was staring at something in the distance.

I followed his line of sight and my gut froze.

A massive shadow was moving fast across the field towards us, pinpricks of cold light flashing within the dark.

"Bokoblins," I breathed.

Link snarled, shaking his head.

"Then what-"

But my question was cut short when another horn trumpeted through the air and the shadow broke apart, birthing giant rotund beasts with giant rotund riders.

"Oh shit!" I yelled and snapped Epona into action. She shot like a bullet over the field, Link sprinting alongside her.

I glanced over my shoulder, biting back a yelp as I saw the three beasts not far behind.

"Link they're gaining on us!" I bellowed.

Link let out a bark and I felt Epona accelerate. I duct down close to her neck in an attempt to lessen the drag.

We managed to stay ahead of them, but not by much. And from the way Link started panting I knew we couldn't outrun them for long.

Still keeping low to Epona, I twisted my torso as far as it could go, pulling my right arm across my chest and aiming at the rider in the middle. I summoned my magic and released a streak of energy, the glow igniting the world in a blaze of red before returning to its powdery state.

My beam missed its target: the giant rider pulling its beastly mount to the side, avoiding the blast but plowing into the rider to its right, sending both creatures off course.

Taking advantage of the distraction I re-summoned my power, inhaling a shaky breath as I focused my aim on the rider to the left. As I exhaled I released my magic, this time hitting the mark dead center in the chest. The rider keeled over, landing and rolling into the field, its carcass disappearing from sight.

The riderless beast squealed and reared its head, its features becoming more visible in the moonlight before veering off and running in another direction.

They're giant hogs! I thought as a vague image of those creatures from Twilight Princess flashed across my mind.

"I took one down!" I called back to Link, twisting my body the other way to better aim at the rider on the far right. I created a ball of energy in my palm- then paused wide-eyed as I watched the rider pull his hog into a sweeping arc and bolt away. "And one just ran away…" I yelled stunned.

I turned my gaze to Link and frowned. He was no longer ahead of Epona, having fallen back to her side. His pink tongue was poking out the side of his mouth, his panting heavier and strained as it mixed with the sound of pounding hooves.

...This ends now!

I twisted once more, magic already pooling in my palm, waiting. But just as I was about to release my power, a sound cut through the air: a heavy whumping sound that sailed over my head and landed deep into the ground in front of Epona.

The copper mare spooked, her speed breaking as she skidded around what looked to be a small boulder attached to a stick.

But that break was all the rider needed to close the gap between us, its shadow looming above me within seconds. I screeched as it yanked the back of the poncho, ripping me away from Epona and slamming me unceremoniously over the giant hog before swerving and racing off.

Coughing, I tried to wriggle myself away but was pinned in place by a large and heavy hand to my back.

I wriggled harder, kicking and pushing against the weight, only to have it increase. My ribs started to crush between the hog's back and the rider's palm, and I felt myself start to panic.

I had seconds to react before fear took over my senses.

I ignited my power and smashed my hand onto the hog, releasing the beam point blank through its muscular neck.

The smell of singed fur and charred meat filled my nostrils as the hog crashed to the ground, throwing me and its rider into the air.

I hit the dirt hard, rolling a few times before stopping on my back, my head aching. I remained where I was, trying to get my eyes to stop seeing two moons in the sky, when they were suddenly eclipsed by a black mass. Cold, beady eyes stared at me as the rider garbled something unintelligible. Then he raised a thick fist, ready to bring it down on me, when a vicious snarl cracked through the air.

The monstrous rider yowled in pain as shadows in the shape of large wolves hung from its massive forearm.

As I blinked my vision back together the rider swung its arm back and forth, trying to dislodge Link from its darkening appendage. Then with one hefty swing, it managed to fling Link away.

Quick as a flash Link was back on his feet, barreling towards the rider and attacking its leg, shredding its flesh with both claws and teeth.

I sat up to see the rider fall to one knee; Link taking the opportunity to re-attack its injured arm, growling and snarling as he pulled the creature to the ground.

The rider was groaning in pain as the grass around him started to turn slick with darkness.

Link paused in front of the giant mass, blue eyes gleaming silver in the light of the moon. His lips were curled back, fangs sharp and dripping with gore as a growl erupted from him- guttural and savage.

My heart stopped.

Then Link pounced, taking the rider's neck into his jaws and yanking sharply- the sound of snapping bones echoing in my ears.

Link released his kill; and we both watched as the monster silently imploded, disappearing without a trace.

"Are you okay?" I asked breathless.

He didn't move.

"Link?"

Nothing.

I picked myself up with a groan and limped over to him.

"Hey, are you-" but he jumped away as I placed my hand on his back.

He was starting to worry me. "What's wrong?"

He gave me a look as if he didn't know what just happened. Or he couldn't believe what just happened. Then a shadow passed over his eyes, one that closely resembled disgust.

I reacted.

I strode over to him and dropped to my knees, wrapping my arms around his neck. A small plume of creature dust floated from his coat before dissolving away in the night air.

I felt him start to pull away but I just held on tighter. "Thank you for saving me," I said, burying my face into his fur, the smell of canine, earth and warm rain radiating from his body.

He let out a small sound, like a mix between a whimper and a sigh, and relaxed, placing his chin on my shoulder and inhaling deeply a few times.

We stayed like that for a minute, then for a minute more- until a large velvety muzzle started to nip and push its way into our embrace. I laughed as Epona stuck her head between us, her hot breath warming my chest.

I released my hold on Link to give her cheek a scratch. Then I stood and went to the satchel, reaching in and taking out a small tin pan, a canteen of water, and two vials of Red Chu jelly.

I placed the pan down and filled it with some water for Epona, then opened the vials for Link and I to take. After we were done I took a small swig from the canteen to wash away the grit, then offered the rest to Link.

He took the spout between his teeth then tipped his head back and drank.

With the canteen and pan now empty, I gathered everything up and placed it all back into the satchel.

I turned to Link. "Do you want to rest for a bit?"

He shook his head.

My eyebrows rose. "You still have stamina potion in you?" I was pretty sure that I burnt mine up during the attack.

He grunted in a noncommittal sort of way, avoiding eye contact.

"Link, you-"

He started to walk off.

"-should rest…" I finished with a sigh. "Fine, we'll keep going." I pulled Epona's reins over her head. "But we'll go slow. Walk for a little while."

Link whined in protest, but I shook my head.

"You're going to collapse if you keep pushing yourself. Walking will keep us moving while giving you- and Epona- a bit of a break." I said, leaving no room for argument. Then I gave him a small smile. "Shall we?"

Our journey was silent as we walked Hyrule Field; all ears trained for sounds that warranted danger. We heard none; and by the time a rough hour passed I started to relax a bit.

Then I started to feel myself fade, blinking my eyes furiously as I tried to keep my head from drooping. I yawned deeply once, then twice, the corners of my eyes filling with moisture.

Link poked my side.

"I'm good," I assured, rubbing an eye. "Shouldn't be too much longer to Ordon, right?"

Link whined and gestured something, but I was preoccupied with another yawn to try and interpret.

Link growled sharply, snapping me alert.

"What? What is it?" I asked, looking around the field for any threats.

He stepped in front of me and stopped, causing me to almost plow into his nose.

"What's going-"

He cut me off with a soft bark, then pointed to Epona.

A part of me wanted to protest, to tell him he needed a longer break. But a bigger part wanted me to get atop Epona again, to let my body sink into her rhythm while the cold air kept me awake.

I agreed with a nod and readjusted the reins, but stopped before pulling myself onto the saddle. "Are you sure you're ready to run again?"

His eyes were clear and resolute, telling me that he was.

"Okay," and I climbed onto the saddle. I settled in then looked down at Link, letting him know I was ready.

He took off, Epona following right behind; the wind slapping me awake as it hit my face like ice.

We traveled steady, the moon guiding our way through the sky.

Then- after an indefinite amount of time- the moon must have illuminated something that got Link all excited. He started barking and sped up.

With our new pace it didn't take me long to see what he was worked up about: a thin, black line that was growing against the horizon.

I almost sobbed with joy. I wasn't sure why- Ordon Village was still another couple hours away. Perhaps I was just excited for a change of scenery, exchanging the empty haze of the field for the pitch black of the forest.

Either that, or it was just the delirium setting in.

Link spurred us on; and after what felt like nothing more than a blink of the eye, we were slowing to a heavy walk as we entered the trees.

It was too dark and I reflectively ignited my magic, saturating our surroundings in a blinding white light.

The shock to my retinas had me dropping my power, engulfing us in darkness once more. I crushed my eyes closed as large white splotches danced behind my lids.

"Ow…" I breathed. "Sorry, that was stupid."

I heard Link snort somewhere to my left.

After a moment I said, "I'm going to try again. Brace yourself."

Link huffed, the sound now coming from somewhere to my right.

His movement gave me pause. His foot falls were soft but I could hear him roam around the area. "Link… can you see in the dark?"

He grumbled something resembling both a yes and a no.

"What are you doing?" I asked, trying to stifle another yawn.

His only response was a light whine- and then Epona turned to the left.

Link was leading her somewhere (to the path that brings us to Ordon?), and I just sat back, continuing on with the ride. I thought about kindling my light once more, to offer better visibility, but decided against it as the idea of putting energy into magic had me slumping with exhaustion.

But, as it turned out, it was a good thing that I didn't ignite my power. Link walked us to a spot where the light of the moon was able to glow through the breaks in the trees.

As my eyes adjusted to the deep ivory of the clearing, a large outcropping became visible straight ahead.

A crisp trickling noise came from my right, my mouth becoming dry at the sound.

Suddenly Epona stopped.

I looked down at Link, confused. "Why'd we stop?"

His dark form stood in front of the outcropping then sat.

"Uh…" I voiced, my sleep laden brain refusing to work.

Link got up and walked back to me, taking the heel of my boot into his jaws and giving it a light yank.

"Down?" I questioned.

He nodded.

I slipped off the saddle, my knees buckling slightly as I landed. "Sorry," I said as I caught myself. "Guess I'm more tired than I thought." I raised my hands above my head, trying to stretch out the fatigue, when I felt the poncho being pulled. "Link, what-" but I cut myself off as he started to guide me over to the rocky wall. Once there, he gave the poncho a tug, my body complying as I sat on the chilly ground.

"I think we should keep going," I sighed. "If we rest now, I won't be able to stay awake."

I stilled as Link placed his forehead to my chest and pushed, stopping when my back made contact with the wall.

I blinked at his dark head. "Are- are we staying here for the night?"

His eyes met mine- deep blue gleaming with the silver of the night- and nodded.

An ecstatic smile broke onto my lips. I could've kissed him, I was so relieved.

I didn't, of course. Kissing Link in his wolf form… Well, that would be weird.

Besides- I shouldn't be thinking about kissing him in the first place!

In any form..!

Ever...

Pushing those thoughts aside, I stood up, Link protesting as I did.

"I'd like some water," I said, and walked over to Epona- who was drinking from a tiny stream. I reached into the satchel and grabbed our last full canteen. I took a few sips but stopped as Link approached me with a grunt.

"Yeah?"

He pointed his nose at the canteen.

"You want water?" I asked.

He nodded.

"...From the canteen?"

He nodded again.

I turned my head towards the small stream of water then back to Link.

Deciding I didn't care about his preference of water source, I took one last sip before passing him the rest.

Once it was done, I put the empty canteen back into the bag, my hand brushing against the lumpy sack of food. "Are you hungry?"

He shook his head.

Yeah, me neither… I thought as I left the food bag and pulled out my towel instead. I unrolled the material and took my toothbrush and paste to the stream. I quickly brushed my teeth, placing the brush and pot back into the satchel once I was done. Then I rolled the towel into a tight coil as I headed to the rocky wall and laid down with my back against the cold stone. And my side against the cold ground. And my head resting on a soft piece of cloth that soaked up the cold air.

I started to shiver.

I pushed onto my hands looking for Link and found him settling down a foot away from my head.

"We couldn't make a small fire, could we?" I questioned, my teeth chattering a little.

Link looked at me with apologetic eyes.

I exhaled, nodding. "I get it. Easier to stay hidden." I pulled the poncho hood over my head and closed the neck tight. "You're not cold?" I asked, curious.

He shook his head then ran his snout across his fur.

"You must be boiling then, after running for so long."

He made a wheezing sound, almost like a chuckle. Then he leaned over, bumping my hand with his nose, leading it over to his shoulder.

Getting the hint, I placed my hand on him, and then the other, burying my fingers deep into his fur. "Gods, you're like a furnace…" I sighed, wishing I could soak up his warmth. My eyes drifted close as I envisioned heat surrounding me, curving around my upper back and along my shoulder, my head cradled by thick, coarse fur-

I jerked up, my face flooding with fire.

I almost fell asleep using Link as a pillow.

"Oh gods, Link… I'm really sorry," I giggled, half out of embarrassment, half out of fatigue. "You're like the perfect space heater," I blurted before I could stop myself. I groaned. "Okay, I'm just going to scoot back and get out of your space."

But before I had the chance to move Link bumped into my side, causing me to fall onto him. I looked at him with wide eyes. "Are you sure?" I asked, all embarrassment melting away as I was surrounded by heat and softness once more.

His eyes didn't meet mine, but he nodded his head firmly. Then he placed his chin onto the fronts of his legs, exhaling as his eyelids closed.

I smiled, my cheeks warming slightly as I adjusted myself, placing my back a little more flush to his side and my head just beside his shoulder blade and my fingers blanketed in his fur.

The ground was still cold and hard, sending a shiver through me every now and again. But as Link's heat started to radiate across my body, I found it easier to ignore the chill, and eventually slipped away into a dreamless sleep.

I awoke sometime in the early AM, the sky a light orange through the trunks of the trees. My stomach gurgled slightly, and I entertained the idea of getting up to grab a little something to eat. But I brushed the thought away, deciding I didn't want to get up just yet.

Besides, I didn't want to disturb Link, who was sleeping so soundly.

I snuggled in a little closer, searching for some warmth that didn't dissipate during the night, and closed my eyes.

Eventually, consciousness started to peel away at the edges of my sleep, its fingers hot and sticky- playing across my skin.

Hot…

It was too hot...

I opened my eyes and immediately felt my back and neck bead with sweat. I needed to remove this poncho- quick.

I gently pushed myself away from Link, trying not to disturb him, when I saw him lift his head out the corner of my eye.

"Morning," I smiled. "I didn't wake you, did I?"

Link shook his head.

"Oh, good," I said, pulling off the poncho then stretching my arms. My eyes roved around our surroundings, now visible in the daylight, and I smiled.

I knew this place. It was where Parker, Calli, Charlie and I landed when we fell into Hyrule.

Funny how Link and I ended up here for the night.

Link yawned, his tongue curling back as his mouth opened wide. Eyes bleary, he looked to me and started yapping, as if he was asking me a question. He must have realized what he was doing because he cut himself off mid-yap with a snap of his jaws.

"Did I sleep well?" I ventured with a giggle.

He exhaled sharply, looking away as he nodded.

"I did," I smiled. "You make a great pillow."

He grumbled as he stood, stretching his body in a very canine fashion.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked seriously.

His eyes found mine. They looked bright and rested as he nodded.

"I'm glad" I smiled. Then my stomach growled. "Hungry?"

He grunted a yes.

I stood and immediately my bladder screamed for attention. "Uh, bathroom first, then food," I rectified.

At my mention of "bathroom" Link blinked, nodded curtly, then took off into the trees.

I went in the other direction, following along the outcropping until I found a nice recess within the stone, modestly dotted with tall shrubs.

When I got back Link was waiting for me, sitting close to the wall where we slept.

I stepped over to the small stream of trickling water to wash my hands, then walked over to Epona. I gave her neck a pat before grabbing the sack of food Telma prepared for us, then headed back to Link. I sat next to him and riffled through the contents, seeing a few apple-kiwis, a chunk of dried meat, a square of hard cheese, and a circular loaf of bread.

I ripped the bread into fourths, tore the meat into manageable pieces, and cubed the cheese into small morsels.

We ate our breakfast in silence- both of us too hungry to make any other sound other than chewing. We finished about half of the food and packed up the rest. I quickly gathered Link's poncho and my discarded towel-pillow, then put all the items back into Epona's satchel.

"Excited to be going back to Ordon?" I asked.

He gave me a nod, the corners of his lips rising into a soft smile.

"I can't wait to see it," I said as I pulled myself onto the saddle. "Would you show me around?"

He whined a "yes".

"Cool. Now let's go see if there's still a Light Spirit living in Ordon Spring."

Link barked then ran out of the clearing, back into the forest, Epona following right behind.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

The trail leading to Ordon was beautiful- full of dappled moss and thick trees and pathways carved low into the earth, lined by rough barriers of green granite.

A nice breeze weaved its way around me as Epona ran. I released my ponytail and reveled in the feeling of the velvety air sliding its fingers through my hair.

There was something about these woods that made me really happy.

But what that something was, I didn't know.

Perhaps it was the light and how it glinted gold between the leaves. Or the way the air smelled, reminding me of clear water and wet stones. Or was it the feeling that I got in my chest the further we rode? A feeling that was akin to nostalgia…

A feeling that whispered to my heart: ...home.

I gave my head a little shake, clearing my mind of all thoughts as I continued to enjoy the ride.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

It didn't feel like it took us very long to traverse Farin Woods.

We slowed to a jog as a small clearing became visible just off to our left, seeing a low, three-tiered waterfall set over a pool of rippling water as we passed.

Not far from the small spring was a long rope bridge, swaying lazily in the breeze over a sizable gorge. Epona started to bounce under me, her head bobbing as we made our way over.

"I think Epona's excited, too," I chuckled as the copper mare's front legs started to march.

Link looked over his shoulder and snorted, then whined something to his horse. Epona steadied herself with a shake of her mane.

I gave her neck a scratch as Link led us across the bridge and down a narrow path, turning into a new clearing.

The space was large and circular and sunny- the trees keeping to the outskirts of the area, stopping just shy of a wall of stone that climbed up the back of the clearing. Three thin streams of water fell from the stone, landing into a pool which overflowed to the spring below. Five monolithic stones of varying sizes dotted the upper and lower parts of the spring, each one carved with a unique design of swirls and circles.

The compact dirt of the path shifted into loose sand the closer we got to the water. Link and Epona stopped right at the water's edge, the waterline lapping inches away from their feet. I dismounted, sinking a little in the soft sand before standing with them.

I scanned the clearing, keeping my face as neutral as possible. I didn't feel anything… extraordinary... about this spring, and it made my heart sink.

This isn't the last spring… I reassured myself. I dropped my gaze to the water and watched as the ripples shimmered along the shore of white sand. It looked really inviting.

I crouched down, removing my glove before placing my hand into the water.

I blinked in surprise.

It was cool and crisp and… bright. As if a radiance existed within the water itself.

I looked up at Link, who raised his eyebrows.

I smiled wide. "I think we're in the right place."

Link's eyes grew as he stared at me, hope swirling rampant within the dark blue of his irises. He stared out at the spring, lifted a foot, and paused.

"What's wrong?"

He shook his head as if it was nothing then stepped into Ordon Spring, wading to where his belly just touched the surface of the water.

He stood immobile, waiting.

And I watched, holding my breath.

---

So, we end on another "cliffy"- sorry, SandNinjaBunny... ;)- but I have specific plans for the next chapter that required this one to end.

Welp, as always, comment, follow and fave if you like what you're reading.