Hello everyone...
Sorry it's been another doozy of a wait for this chapter. The end of 2020/beginning of this year was a little rough, and it unfortunately sucked a lot of my motivation to write. This chapter is a lot shorter than my usual (yay for small victories, I guess...), but it took awhile to get it going.
(I hope I'm not coming across as too whinny... I know you all are so kind and EXTREMELY patient with me. I just feel better giving an explanation for this hiatus, and to let all of you know that I'm not actually this lazy- hahaha. I do feel really guilty it's been this long again.)
But I can't thank you all enough! I say it every post, and I'll say it for all the rest, that you are all the best readers any fanfic writer could ask for! I appreciate every single one of you so, so much. Your follows and faves, and all the comments. Thank you!
Now, on to what I'm sure everyone wants to actually read- the chapter!
! ! ! A few things before jumping in ! ! !
This chapter is different from all the rest because... *drumroll*... IT'S IN LINK'S POV!
Normally as a reader, I'm not a huge fan of changes in POV's- unless they're done infrequently and with reason. And I have reason. I mean, I turned Link into his wolf form. Gotta know how he's dealing with it, right? (And in all honesty, I had plans to do something like this way, waaaay back when I was first mapping this story.)
*So, just as a chapter disclaimer, this one will be a bit of a rehash of chapter 18, but from Link's perspective.*
So, LilyAllycia and RandomR15 , and anyone else who wanted this as well, here ya go!
ALSO, RandomR15- Just a comment on your comment about the OoO's. They're actually there to indicate jumps forward in time. And the rare _ are indicating a past event. (I don't actually remember if I ever mentioned that in an a/n before, so if I didn't, I apologize.) BUT what you originally thought they were was extremely creative, and I sat in silence for a long time wishing I came up with something like that...
Ooohhh-kay, that should be all for my a/n intro. I'll see you all in the outro!
Disclaimer: I don't own LoZ; only my OC's and plot.
A wolf...
A fucking wolf.
Link knew from the moment it was revealed he was the Goddesses' Chosen Hero, his life was never going to be a simple one. Or a normal one, for that matter.
But this? This was too much.
Life literally couldn't get any worse, Link found himself thinking.
"What, would you have preferred to turn into one of them?" Del's voice echoed in his head, his mind's eye following the memory of her finger as she pointed to a charred shadow beast lying not far from him.
Okay, it could.
But even so, knowing that fate was on his side didn't alleviate how he felt. He was overwhelmed, and humiliated, and angry, and confused, and-
He sighed.
...scared.
Most of all, he was scared.
He could still sense the panic he felt when he woke up in this form, attached to him like a thin shadow, waiting in the corners of his being to become something wretched and palpable once more.
Link huffed hard through the nostrils of his snout, the air taking a fraction of a second longer to exit his body. He gave his head a sharp shake, pushing that panic away as he focused on running.
"This isn't permanent. You will change back," Del's voice echoed in his head again, so soft yet so confident.
But how..?
She didn't give an answer.
It bothered him. He was sure she had an idea or two- he saw the wheels turning behind her eyes. But she wasn't willing to say anything at the moment.
But maybe that was for the best. The way he was feeling, he'd jump at the first suggestion whether it made any sense or not. And right now, there was no time for unnecessary ventures.
Besides, he trusted Del.
Link turned his head slightly and looked up. He snuck a glance at Del, high atop Epona, and his heart thumped.
Yes, he trusted her completely.
He allowed his gaze to linger a moment longer. Her cheeks were flushed from the wind and she was grinning to herself, almost as if she was in on a joke only she knew about.
He brought his eyes forward and smiled slightly- the sensation odd as his lips were now elongated around a muzzle. He made a note to ask what she found so funny. Then remembered that he couldn't.
His smile fell.
Link gave his head another shake and focused on his breathing. Just his breathing. Because if he didn't he'd start thinking about how abnormal it felt to be running on all fours, or how it felt like the fur covering his body were little nerve endings constantly firing as the wind raked over him, or the fact that he'd lost the ability to see reds, yellows, and greens- his world now subdued hues of greys and blues- or-
With a firm shake of his head (the last one of the day, he hoped), Link set his eyes straight ahead and focused on nothing but his breathing.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
After their brief encounter with a band of bokoblins, they came across a stream that cut along the field.
Link led the group over to the flowing water then stuck his snout in, almost up to his eyes, and drank.
He knew he was doing it wrong, sucking water into his mouth rather than lapping it up. But goddesses be damned before he started acting like a beast.
As Link continued to drink his fill, his mind started to wander. Wander back to the bokoblins, and to the relief he felt at running away.
Running away… Link scoffed at himself. They were never in much danger to begin with, really. Bokoblins are slow compared to animals with four legs. And usually lose interest when they realize they can't keep up. But when Del yelled to keep going, he didn't argue. He didn't even pause to reason whether taking out this group of monsters would eliminate a potential threat in the future. He had no fight response. Only flight.
He pulled his snout from the water and sighed, long and soft.
It was a hard truth for him to swallow but he didn't know how to fight in this form. Or if he even could, for that matter.
He was more hindrance than help at the moment.
Still thirsty, he resumed drinking as Del settled down next to him.
Thank the gods Del's as powerful as she is, Link thought as the memory of her magic rippled under his skin. It had an aura that was both comforting and terrifying; and he continuously marveled at the fact that she could wield something so volatile with such ease.
He wasn't joking when he called her powers strong.
"Hungry?" Del asked, holding up a water bean.
Link raised his head, looked at the bean, then nodded.
She broke open the shell then placed the bean on her palm.
Link raised an eyebrow. Seriously..?
"It's either my clean hand or the dusty ground," she shrugged.
Link rolled his eyes at her.
…humiliating.
He gently took the bean into his mouth, trying hard not to nick her with his elongated teeth. He failed as a tooth lightly grazed the flesh of her palm.
A hushed giggle brushed past her lips.
Link's head snapped up as the sound reached all the way down into his gut and squeezed. His heart started to race.
He wanted to kiss her.
He wanted to grab her by the back of the neck and kiss her. Strongly, thoroughly- He gave his head a mental shake.
It was a good thing he was a wolf...
Kissing Del wasn't a smart idea. Goddesses knew he wanted to (with all the shamelessly small attempts he's tried before...) but Rusl made a fair point:
"There are only two options when it comes to a pretty girl," Rusl said around a cup of steaming tea. "One is heartbreak." He paused, taking a sip.
"And the other?" Link questioned, swirling his spoon in his stew.
Rusl turned his head and looked across the dining hall to where Uli was standing, talking to a few villagers. A soft smile graced his mouth. "You marry her," he answered before returning his gaze to Link, giving him a wink.
Link chuckled softly but felt his smile fade. He let go of his spoon and crossed his arms.
The corner of Rusl's lip rose. "Neither option works for you?"
Link sighed. "No."
Rusl placed his tea on the table. "Then best let things alone," he said gently.
Link rubbed the back of his neck. "There's no option three?" he joked.
"Del is trying to get back home, to a life and a family, in a world far beyond our own," Rusl reasoned. "There is no option three."
Link blew out a puff of air and nodded.
Rusl was right. Trying to pursue anything with Del would be… complicated.
Laughter caught his attention and his eyes landed on Del, sitting at the back of the hall. She was laughing at something Charlie was saying, her eyes wandering until they locked onto his. It was brief but it was enough to make his gut twist and his heart pound...
Link's lupine ears picked up something that resembled Del's voice, but it was quickly replaced with her laughter echoing in his head again. But this time the sound was different: a mix of disbelief and amusement.
"Well... that wasn't the kind of first kiss I was expecting," she said casually, wiping her face after he licked her in payback for treating him like a dog.
His embarrassment flared at the memory. A part of him thought that Del was joking with him. However, her own embarrassment at what she said seemed… contradictory.
But jokes or not aside, of all the chances he could've taken for a single kiss, he had to do so unintentionally. And as a fucking canine...
"Link..?"
The sound of his name broke through his thoughts.
"You okay..?" Del asked as her amber eyes (now an odd colour of grey) stared at him with concern.
He nodded stiffly, then pointed his nose towards the bag of water beans, telling her to continue.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Link was relieved. Kakariko Bridge was within sight, the distance closing in quickly. But the closer they got the more he felt his relief turn to apprehension.
He didn't know how the others would react to seeing him this way: the Goddesses' Chosen Hero stuck in the body of a beast. It made him uneasy thinking about it.
Link sighed.
It had been awhile since he'd thought of himself that way- as the Chosen Hero.
Before his failed attempt at finding the Master Sword on his own, he held the title with reverence. But after, when he couldn't find the sword- when he couldn't find the symbol meant for the Hero- he lost all confidence. Confidence in his destiny, and confidence in himself.
It wasn't until one day, when a strange girl with black hair and near golden eyes marched her way over and yelled her disappointment in him, that Link finally snapped out of his stupor.
Of course, when it happened, he didn't understand what the hell was going on. This stranger from another world berated him as if she knew him, and said things that made no logical sense.
But from that moment on, he knew he had to prove her wrong.
Link looked at Del, her face bright with happiness as she stared straight at the mountain range.
...He hoped he was proving her wrong.
Returning his focus ahead, Link saw that the bridge was about fifty feet away. A shiver coursed over his spine, causing the fur along his back to bristle slightly.
Epona grunted beside him, his ears interpreting the sound as "mine".
"Mine…" he mused, smiling at Epona's call for him. He didn't think he'd ever stop being in awe over the fact that there was an understanding between them- a sort of simple communication that let them speak to one another.
Link took a moment then answered, "Nervous."
"Village," she snorted with excitement, as if that notion should be enough to make him happy.
If only… he thought, becoming acutely aware of the four paws now scraping over the wooden planks of Kakariko Bridge.
As the barriered entrance loomed closer before them, Link felt himself slow. So much so that Epona shot past him and disappeared in a blink.
He didn't follow them in.
Link stood outside the barrier, his chest puffing. He wasn't going in. He couldn't. He was too ashamed to face the others.
A dark growl rose from his throat. He hated feeling this way.
Pathetic… he thought. You. Are. Being. Pathe- he paused, his self-deprecating thoughts interrupted by the sudden reappearance of Del. She was walking- well, hobbling- over to him, her hand on her back and a mild look of pain in her eyes.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
Link's eyes widened as he stared at her. What the hell happened?
"What?" she looked at him confused.
Link nodded at her slightly hunched body.
She groaned. "Epona threw me off."
Link couldn't stop the soft laughter from leaving his mouth. The idea of her sailing off of Epona was rather amusing. He was kinda sorry he missed it.
"Why did you stop?"
Link sobered, dropping his gaze as he sat on the ground, his tail naturally curling around the front of his feet.
"You're not coming in?" Del questioned.
No… he lowered his head and readjusted his seat, settling in place.
Del inhaled deeply then asked, "Why?"
Link's eyes snapped back to hers. You're joking, right? he thought.
She gave him an irritated look and he gave her an irritated answer: swiping a paw over an elongated nose, and across an ear now at the top of his head, and thumping a tail hard to the ground.
Del started to laugh.
He looked away, feeling embarrassed for the hundredth time today. He thought about getting up to leave, maybe taking a long walk along the mountain range, when his body stiffened into place. Del had wrapped her arms around his neck and was holding him close.
"Everything is going to be okay, Link," she breathed. "I promise."
His heart thumped as he gingerly lowered his head and placed his chin onto her shoulder, leaning into the warmth of her hug, his nose picking up her scent as he inhaled.
Del's scent… he thought.
It was a heady mix that reminded him of mist covered trees and sun kissed moss. Like a forest during sunrise. Except, there was something… otherworldly about Del's scent. Something that hovered between the fragrant layers of mist and sun and softwood that told Link she was not from his world.
He never would've noticed- never could've noticed- if it wasn't for this heightened sense of smell. At first, he was overwhelmed; his world accosting him with an influx of scents and odors that almost drove him insane.
But that feeling was fleeting, he realized. Gone so quick, he didn't doubt that smell was the first of his senses to be naturalized.
His mind jarred slightly. Natural... he thought as the word brought up a memory from earlier that day:
"I think that being able to turn into a wolf was always part of your makeup. It was in you, just dormant," Del explained.
A reluctant smile pulled softly at the sides of his lips. Thinking back, he did adapt to being a wolf pretty quickly. And even though this body still felt odd, he could no longer deny the fact that Del was right. The wolf was always there, lying dormant under the surface.
A warm balm tickled Link's nostrils, pulling him back to the present.
Del's scent floated all around him. It was calming and appealing; and as he exhaled he found his body relaxing and his mind easing. Then she pulled away.
Still wrapped in the essence that was uniquely Del's, it took Link a split second longer to realize that her hands were now placed on either side of his face. He felt his eyes widen slightly, but then softened in comfort as she started to stroke the fur above his cheeks.
"No one will think less of you for looking like this. Please come in?" she asked gently.
How can I say no? Link relented, the weight of his head sinking into her hands. What could go wrong?
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Everything will be okay, she says...
I promise, she says…
Everything was not okay, Link huffed, mentally mocking what Del said not ten minutes ago.
Sure, things calmed down once she convinced the others that he wasn't eaten by, well, himself. But he'd rather have been run out of the village with swords and torches over this: Malon attached to his neck with a vice-like grip, Talon and Ilia trying to reason with her that she doesn't have the power to change him back, every single eye within the village trained on him, and Del…
His eyes narrowed, twitching.
Del was laughing. She was fucking laughing… He was in hell and she was laughing.
Talon breathed a weary sigh, bringing Link's attention back to his awkward predicament. "Malon, my dear. Let the poor boy go."
"Maybe it takes a moment for something to happen?" Malon replied, determination strong in her voice.
"Mal, be reasonable," Ilia said. "You don't have any magic. And if magic is what it takes to turn Link back, then only Zelda and Del should-"
"SHE can't change him back. She said so herself!" Malon spat.
"And by "she" I'm assuming you mean Del," Ilia said flatly.
"Of course!" Malon nodded, her cheek ruffling the fur under Link's ear. "Her magic is only good for destruction." She paused, stroking the length of Link's neck. "Link needs healing."
"Then Renado or Calli should be the ones to try…" Ilia muttered under her breath.
Malon didn't hear it. But Link did.
He looked at his best friend out of the corner of his eye, afraid that if he moved Malon would only tighten her hold on him.
Ilia's arms were crossed as she looked away. Link couldn't see her face, but he didn't have to. He knew.
Link sighed internally.
He wished he hadn't been such an idiot; that he caught on long before. But when he and the others first arrived at Kakariko there was no denying he was captivated by Malon. She was funny, intelligent, knowledgeable about horses, kind and patient with the children, and attractive.
At first, Link, Ilia and Malon would always be together: going on walks, helping around the village, taking care of the kids. But it wasn't long before Link and Malon would break off from the others. From Ilia.
The two of them would walk alone along the mountain paths, or go riding outside the village. They talked and laughed and kissed a few times, and it was fun. Link didn't think much of it.
Until the day Malon kissed him in front of Ilia.
He was caught off guard by Malon's boldness, and she giggled when she pulled back and saw that his eyes were wide with shock.
However, it wasn't shock that Link felt after the kiss, it was realization. A realization that punched him hard in the gut as he stared at Ilia, her expression shifting from looking as if her heart had been snapped in two, to a pale, emotionless mask in the matter of seconds.
Before that moment Link never understood Ilia's jealousy. She was aware of his and Malon's little trysts. She confronted him after hearing about it from Malon, and asked if he had feelings for their new friend. Link didn't know. He liked Malon, sure. But did that mean he had feelings for her? Link gave a noncommittal shrug and vaguely said that he might.
The look Ilia gave him confused him. It was as if she was both sad and oddly affronted.
"Don't tell me you're finally falling for me?" Link taunted, his annoyance with Ilia's strange behaviour getting the better of him.
Ilia doubled over with laughter. "Not even in your dreams," she sneered before turning on her heel and walking away.
That one hurt. Link may have fallen out of his crush with Ilia a long time ago, but the memory in his heart still pricked at the possibility.
However, a conversation about "feelings" never came up again; and Link started passing off Ilia's jealousy as possessiveness over a new friend. Ilia grew up with no girls her age; Link being her only playmate when he moved to Ordon. So he credited her jealous behaviour at finally having a friend who was a girl her age.
He understood now.
After that day, Link was never alone with Malon again, opting to go on more patrols (to Nobu's delight), or helping the others around the village if Ilia wasn't there.
Malon had asked him many times why he avoided being alone with her, and every time he'd tell her a lie because the truth wasn't his to give.
Ilia was happy again, spending more time with Malon (even though Malon became more dour as the months passed). Her newfound attitude was a little uncomfortable for Link, but he gladly brushed it off as his best friend was smiling once more.
And still Ilia smiled, even though Malon got worse with the arrival of Del.
At the thought of Del, Link's gaze darted forward and found her stepping away from Parker, smiling widely as her eyes burned with amusement.
Link's annoyance flared, his eyes twitching once more.
"Never really pictured a wolf attack as being the cause of my death," Del mused to her friends.
Don't tempt me… Link vocalized, the sound coming out as a menacing growl.
Malon let out a small gasp, releasing Link's neck. "Oh, Link, I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?"
Link turned to Malon, her eyes filled with concern. He shook his head, assuring her that she didn't, then walked a few feet away, her scent of hay and wildflowers dissipating as he created some distance between them. He exhaled, happy to have his neck free from her grasp, only to feel slightly ashamed as his ears picked up a tiny disheartened sigh from Malon.
But he was tired, and the shame was quickly replaced by a weariness that took hold of his spirit, dragging him down to a place of hopelessness.
No one was able to come up with a proper solution of how to change him back, and Del seemed determined not to come forward with what she knew.
Then Calli spoke up.
"What about the Eldin Spring?"
And after a failed attempt at the spring in Kakariko, and a rather eye-opening confession from Ilia about Ordon, Link and Del set out once more, traveling across Hyrule field by moonlight.
Link knew he was being unreasonable, choosing to travel at night rather than rest and go at first light. But he couldn't wait. He had to know if Ordon Spring was the answer to changing him back.
Epona was an amazing horse. Ready and willing to follow him no matter where, or how far he went.
And Del… He knew she was tired and sore from riding all day. No amount of chu jelly or stamina potion would change that fact. Yet, here she was, riding beside him without complaint, even keeping her grumbles to a minimum as the temperature started to drop.
For all of his minor grievances towards her today, Link couldn't deny how thankful he was to have her with him. The thought of having to navigate this state-of-being alone was daunting.
(Of course, if he'd never met Del, the chances of him ending up as a wolf was probably nonexistent…)
His mind quickly balked.
Never meeting Del? That was a thought he didn't like.
Link briefly glanced at her, her face half tucked into the poncho he once wore. His lips rose up slightly at the sight.
Del was the catalyst that helped set Link back on track with his destiny. She was the companion he needed to face the trials of being the Chosen Hero, and the company he craved to be around when his world became quiet.
When all this is done, and they find a way to send Del home, Link knew he was going to have a really hard time saying goodbye.
He wondered if she'd find it hard saying goodbye to him, too?
But Link didn't get to wonder long as an echoing blast filled the air.
Del pulled on Epona's reins, Link skidding to a stop beside them.
"What was tha-?" she started but was cut off by another blast.
Link followed the sound, his ears picking up the deep rumble of heavy hooves as he focused on a giant dark mass to their left. His sight was enhanced by the light of the moon, his eyes discerning three separate entities within the black shadow.
What the hell..? he growled, low and sharp.
"Bokoblins," Del breathed, but Link snarled, head shaking no.
King Bulblins… he thought.
Kings never traveled together, preferring to battle one another if they ever came into contact.
This… Something wasn't right.
But Link never got the chance to figure out why as another trumpeted sound screeched through the night, signaling the three bulblins to split as they raced towards them.
Del whipped Epona's reins and she shot off, Link right on her heels.
"Faster!" Link barked at his steed, urging her to quicken as the Kings' mounts were gaining on them.
Link put everything he had in trying to stay ahead of the monsters- but was finding that he was starting to slow, his breathing coming out in harsh pants. He felt himself start to panic. He trusted Del and her ability to keep herself safe. But keeping the both of them safe against, not one, but three King Bulblins… He couldn't falter. Not now.
Link kept his focus straight ahead, concentrating on evening out his breathing, when his vision was suffused with flashes of bright blue; the air around him crackling with power.
Del was using her magic.
"I took one down," Del called to Link. "And one just ran away…"
Despite his exhaustion and lack of breath, Link wheezed in amusement. Leave it to Del to surprise him, once again.
But his elation was cut short when a sound pierced his ears that made his blood turn cold.
The fear in Del's scream was almost palpable, and it sent Link sliding to a halt, his claws lacerating the earth as he stopped.
Epona's saddle was empty.
He snarled in anger and fear, his lupine eyes zeroing in on the creature that was taking Del away.
Link flew, his nails ripping into the dirt as he dashed towards the King Bulblin, his jaws snapping, ready to strike, when he was suddenly hit with the smell of burnt hair and charred meat. He was confused until he saw the giant mount go down, throwing Del and the King into the air.
He checked himself, changing directions towards Del, now laying on the ground, when the King Bulblin materialized before her, fist raised, ready to deal a blow.
Link's vision flooded with the true colour of red.
Rushing forward, an urge took over- an urge to kill the threat. An urge to protect his pack. Wild instinct replaced logic and fear as he clamped his jaw around the massive forearm of his prey.
The bulblin roared in pain, and managed to fling Link off in a spurt of blackened blood. But his quarry wasn't free for long, and in less than a second Link was back, attacking the monster's leg, tearing at skin and muscle with his teeth and scraping at sinew and bone with his claws.
The bulblin fell to one knee, hissing in pain. Link quickly grabbed it's injured arm and jerked hard, pulling the bulblin to the ground. The grass around the monster started to drown in thick blood as a moan of pain sang past his ears.
Link approached the bulblin, his eyes trained into the beady ones of his prey, and snarled.
"Kill," he growled, feeling saliva, mixed with blood and gore, drip from his mouth. Then he attacked, taking the bulblin's soft neck into his jaws and yanking hard, the snapping of bones reverberating through his teeth and into his chest.
With his quarry now dead, Link relaxed, allowing his adrenaline to slowly deplete as the scent of blood washed over him. It was weirdly sweet, the bulblin's blood; and Link found that he was curious about it- until the lifeless body of the King Bulblin disappeared, taking the blood with it.
Link blinked a few times, as if clearing his head from a fog, then stiffened as he realized what he just did- and how he did it.
His stomach churned, the sounds and the smells of the bulblin still raw in his memory. It took everything in him not to spit up bile.
Something brushed against his back. He jumped, the instinct to fight flaring- only to quickly dissipate when he saw that it was Del.
"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice trembling softly.
Link looked at her, unsure of himself. He may be in the body of a wolf, but he never thought... he never thought he could lose himself like that. Become a mindless beast, no better than the one he just killed.
He was disgusted with himself.
Lost in his growing self-revulsion, Link didn't notice Del's arms wrapping around his neck until it was too late. He tried to pull away, but that only made Del grip him tighter.
"Thank you for saving me," she said as she pressed her face into his fur.
An odd sound crept up his throat as he gave up to her touch, his body softening into hers as the scent of mist and forest floated from the exposed skin of her neck.
Del was okay. She was safe. The method of "how" didn't matter. It couldn't matter, or else Link would most likely lose his mind. He did what he did and they were out of danger because of it.
Perhaps one day, Link would look back on this and remember the power he felt, raw and pulsing and wild. And the strange sense of freedom that came with it.
But that day wasn't today, he conceded as he pulled Del in a little closer with his chin.
The sound of soft footfalls reached his ears, followed by the word "mine" as he felt Epona's giant muzzle nip and wedge itself into their embrace.
Del laughed, then stood and walked to the satchel on Epona's saddle.
Epona reached up to his ear and nipped at it softly, then moved to the fur atop his head.
"Safe," Link whined in answer to her ministrations.
Del set out a drinking pan for Epona then opened a couple of Red Chu vials for herself and Link. Once they were done and healed- and after some stubborn persuasion on Link's part- the three of them set off towards Ordon once more.
As they neared the outskirts of Faron Woods, Link was overcome with a new bout of energy- his excitement fueling his legs and lungs to keep going, to keep pushing forward. The solution to his problem had to be there. Ilia believed it, and he was sure Del did, too.
They were so close, and he was ready for this ordeal to end.
But as he looked up at Del his heart pinched a little. She was exhausted, fighting against the pull of her heavy eyelids, trying to stay awake- for him. For his sake, and his alone.
Link decided her needs were more important than his, while ignoring the fact that his own fatigue started settling deep into his bones. He kept his pace until they cleared the treeline of the woods, then went about finding a water source and a place to camp for the night.
The area Link chose was not lost on him. He couldn't explain why he was drawn to this place. As he explained to Del before, any trace of the magic that brought her and her friends to Hyrule was long gone. But it felt safe here- almost as if this small clearing was now a haven after being touched by magic.
"We couldn't make a small fire, could we?" Del's voice broke through his thoughts, teeth chattering.
Link gave her an apologetic look. This place may feel safe but a fire could spell trouble for them. They were both exhausted. Neither of them could fight if danger walked out from the trees. Del's magic would be a liability rather than an asset, and Link… Well, Link wanted to avoid combat if he could.
"I get it. Easier to stay hidden," Del nodded then asked, "You're not cold?" as she pulled the poncho hood over her head and closed the neck.
Not with this stuff, Link thought as he ran his nose over the fur of his body.
"You must be boiling then, after running for so long."
The jealousy in her voice made Link chuckle. Feel, he thought as he bumped her hand over to his shoulder.
"Gods, you're like a furnace," she sighed, a look of bliss on her face as she stuck her fingers deep into his fur, down to the skin.
Link closed his eyes, reveling in the small coolness her fingers offered against the heat of his body, only to snap open when he felt a weight leaning into him.
Wide eyed, he stared as Del curled next to him, fingers still wrapped in his fur, her head resting on his shoulder.
He froze, not sure what to do. But when he saw the peaceful look on her face he started to relax.
He didn't mind...
Having Del this close... well, he'd be lying if he said he's never thought about it. Wondering what it would be like to lie next to her, imagining how it would feel with her body pressed against his as his arms held her near...
Link looked at Del huddled on his shoulder, then down at his lupine form. He grumbled in annoyance at the irony of his circumstance.
Would it be wrong of him to let her continue to sleep? Saying that he didn't want to disturb her if she questioned it?
Would she wake up embarrassed? Wishing that he'd woken her so she could move away?
Or would she laugh it off? Telling him that sleeping like that was something friends would do?
Friends... Link thought. He could just be friends with Del. He could listen to Rusl's advice and pretend that it wasn't a struggle not to kiss her- to have to constantly look away from her lips when she smiled, or stop his hands from pulling her in whenever her eyes blazed at him with annoyance, or catch himself by redirecting to her forehead- like he did the morning at the inn.
Link sighed.
He cared for Del, that much was true. His reaction to her being seized by a King Bulblin was evidence enough. He could tell himself that it was the wolf who took over, the wolf who went wild at seeing her being taken away from him. But he knew better. Hylian or wolf, he would've reacted the same way.
And here he thought his life was complicated with just being the Chosen Hero.
Friends… Link sighed once more. With Del, that's all he could hope to be.
Del stirred against him, then snapped up, her face flushed silver in the moonlight.
"Oh gods, Link… I'm really sorry. You're like the perfect space heater," she giggled, then groaned. "Okay, I'm just going to scoot back and get out of your space."
No, don't! Link's mind pleaded as he quickly bumped into her side. Del fell back onto him, eyes wide.
Link looked away, worried that his desire for her to stay close was written on his face.
"Are you sure?" she asked, her voice soft.
Link kept his eyes averted as he nodded firmly before lowering his chin to his front legs, exhaling in quiet contentment as he closed his eyes
Del curled herself along his side, once again placing her head just under his shoulder, and drifted off to sleep.
Link marveled at how fast she fell back asleep. And slightly envious. He was beyond exhausted- his body turning to lead in complaint of all that he put it through, today. But he didn't think he could sleep. Not in the state that his mind was in: buzzing with images and emotions and-
Link woke up to the feeling of something moving against his side. Startled, he was about to jump up when a familiar scent hit his nose. Del… he thought before his eyes found her, settling into him once more. Smiling, he curved his body a little closer to hers then yawned, falling back into an easy sleep.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Link was fresh with energy as he coursed next to Epona through Faron Woods. The air was cool in his lungs and the sun dappled warmth on his back; and his spirits rose the closer they got to Ordon.
"Home," Epona snorted, excitement in her very breath as she recognized the path they were taking.
"Home," Link whined as a childlike excitement started to grow within him.
He missed his village more than he thought; and he couldn't wait to walk its roads again. To see its familiar sights, and smell its familiar smells. He was proud of his village- and he wanted to share it with Del. He wanted to show her where he lived. He wanted to show her his home.
That is, if his treehouse was still intact...
Before they left Ordon for Kakariko, he, Rusl, and Fado were fixing up the place, covering the holes in the roof, and replacing the ladder with one that didn't splinter every time Link set foot on it. He was normally good with the upkeep- maintaining his house on his own since he was twelve. ("Proper house care" Uli called it, and it was one of her conditions for allowing him to move out of her and Rusl's house at that age. (The other condition was that she was able to visit Link anytime she wanted.)) But this past spring, Ordon was hit with an unseasonal blizzard. It lasted for days; and Link wasn't able to repair any damages to his home until the storm passed. And once it did, he and the villagers left Ordon not long after.
Now his treehouse sat unfinished.
I hope there isn't any water damage... Link winced, thinking about the heavy rains that Ordon gets in the summer, and his roof's leaky shingles.
Okay, one problem at a time! he chuckled to himself, aware that a ruined house was not the worst of his problems right now.
Smiling, Link allowed his eyes to wander to Del, taking in the sight of her before returning to the path ahead.
Her face was filled with joy as her onyx hair flowed in waves behind her. The sunlight that touched her seemed to cling to her skin, and made her glow in a way that reminded Link of the first time he ever saw her. He was returning from a patrol, taking the hot spring path back into Kakariko, when he paused, his eyes trained on a girl, standing alone in the middle of the village road, luminous in the light from the setting sun.
Beautiful, he thought then.
Beautiful, he mused now.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Link felt like he was going to be sick as he walked up to the edge of Ordon Spring. His nerves were getting the better of him again, and it took everything not to vomit.
He looked up at Del, who was trying to keep a neutral expression on her face as she scanned the spring.
His stomach dropped- until she crouched down and placed her hand in the water. Her face lit up.
Is this it? Link thought, raising his eyebrows in question.
Del's smile grew wide. "I think we're in the right place."
Hope flickered within him. He lifted a foot, ready to enter the spring, when he hesitated. His hope was snuffed by a bout of uncertainty.
What if this spring is a dud, just like Eldin? What if all the spirit springs are duds, and there's no way to change him-
Stop it! Link rebuked. Stop with the pathetic self-pity, already! It hasn't helped! He exhaled. Just trust that there's a way to change back. If not here, then somewhere else.
"What's wrong?" Del asked.
Nothing... Link shook his head, then waded out into the spring, stopping just as the water touched the underside of his belly. And waited.
A minute passed, and nothing happened.
Another minute, and still nothing.
Fuck… Link huffed. Fuck, fuck, fuck… his mind chanted as he turned, making his way back to the shore.
Well, check this one off the list, he yapped at Del, not caring that she couldn't understand him.
"The power of shadow… Now that is a magic I have not felt in a long time…"
Link paused, one foot in the air. He looked behind him but saw nothing. He brought his gaze back to Del, who was wide-eyed and searching.
So, it wasn't just me. Del heard a voice too…
"Come to me…" the voice said.
Guards up, Link turned and walked back into the spring, scanning the area for its source.
Who's there? Link growled softly. Show yourself.
"Is that any way to speak to a spirit..?"
Link stopped. Wait… You can understand me? he barked in surprise, then quickly asked, Are you a Light Spirit?
"Ordona, if you please..."
The water around Link's feet started to glow, the light spreading until the entirety of the spring was consumed in brilliance. Then the light began to move, flowing towards the monolithic stones lining the back of the spring, and trailing upwards over their surfaces. As the light climbed, intricate designs began to shine through the rocks. The ancient looking curves and spirals started to grow brighter, and brighter, and brighter; and Link had to squint his eyes and turn his head from the onslaught of radiance.
Then the blinding light faded, and Link looked back to see a giant orb floating among the stones. The orb pulsed and flared then grew, sprouting four limbs that ended in claws and a head crowned with antlers. A sphere, like a small star, hovered within the circlet of its horns.
"Link… It is good to see you…"
Link's eyebrow rose. You know who I am?
"Come now… You believe I would not know my own goddesses' Chosen Hero when I see him..?"
Uh, no... Not in this body.
"Hylian or beast, the form does not matter..." Ordona shook his head. "You bear the mark of the Hero…"
Link felt a warmth on the top of his left paw, and he looked to see the Triforce of Courage shimmering to life beneath the surface of the water.
"There is no doubt of who you are…" Ordona stated as the shimmer of the Triforce faded away.
Link smiled softly. It was comforting to see the Triforce again. To see that Courage was still his (...even though he'd been severely lacking in that department, lately).
I'm searching for a way to turn back into a Hylian, Link explained, looking up at the Light Spirit.
"Searching..?" Ordona titled his head. "Is my help not the reason you came here..?"
Link's eyes widened. You- you can change me back? he whined, his heart pounding.
Ordona smiled, his lips drawing wide across his goat-like face. "Am I not Light..? The very element that can dissipate shadow..?"
Before Link could respond, Ordona bowed his head and said, "It is already done…"
In a flash of scalding light, Link's world became vertical. He looked down to see two legs planted firmly on the ground, two arms moving freely at his sides, and when he raised his head it settled above his shoulders. His Hylian hands roved over his chest and checked his face, and his eyes reabsorbed every colour that the wolf's were missing. He bowed his head as he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you," he whispered, his throat feeling a little rough. "Thank you."
Then Link lifted his head, beaming. He turned quickly, the movement causing the spring water to splash around his shins as he faced Del.
She was still standing at the edge of the spring, hands clasped together as if she'd been praying all this time. Sunlight bounced off the rippling water and danced across her face, her eyes glinting a deep gold whenever the light touched them.
She lowered her hands and gave him a gentle smile.
"Welcome back," she said.
Grinning, Link sloshed his way over to Del, cold water soaking up the legs of his pants. But he ignored it. Instead, he focused on not knocking her over as he wrapped his arms around her waist, and checking his balance as he lifted her off the ground, laughing.
He held her like that for a moment, his heart sinking a little when he realized that he wasn't able to pick up her scent anymore. But he brushed that small loss aside as he lowered her down and took a step back.
"Hi," Link said, his voice sounding normal despite the roughness of his throat.
"Hi," she responded, smiling through her look of bewilderment.
Her smile drew his attention, seizing his focus. He felt a rush coarse through him, his heart racing as all he could think about was-
He acted.
There were no thoughts. Only feelings. Feelings that, in that moment, were not going to be held back.
And in one swift movement, Link reached a hand to the back of Del's neck, pulled her in close, and kissed her- Hylian to human- full on the lips.
So-
I hope this chapter was okay overall. You know, satisfied some needs, some curiosities... that sorta thing. Like I said, this one was a bit of a rehash of the last one, but I'm hoping I made it different and entertaining enough that it didn't feel like a repeat. And that Link's voice came through.
I did have a lot of fun with this one, but I won't lie, I'm a little nervous about it. It took me a week to edit because I loved it one day and then overthought and didn't think it worked the next. I kept adding scenes and then taking them away, and the adding different ones- and it was a bit of a mess. But sometimes you just gotta get it to a decent place, say fuck it, post, and hope for the best.
But even if the chapter is a bit of a fail, I feel like the ending is a table-flipping-slice-of-satisfaction... ;)
Okay, I'll stop yammering now...
Comment, follow, and fave if you like what you read!
~lavender phoenix~