A.N. not much to say cause I have writer's block on the Author's Note. It's kind of a weird feeling. But I guess I'm not really required to do one. So let's jump right in to the story.

Quick shout out to Haxutani. Thanks for including Ember in your story. =3 You're the best and I love you. And also Inu girl . . thank you for supporting my Romeo and Juliet. It really means a lot to me 3

"Hang on Wolf, let me sit down for a minute" Her voice was scratchy once again, it didn't hurt to talk, it was just uncomfortable. Ember flopped herself down into the sand. She figured at some point she would have to suck it up and just keep walking until she got back to camp, it was the second of third time she had to completely stop and it felt as though they hadn't made any progress.

She looked over at Link and noticed his breathing cam in short bursts. "Drink some nasty silt water; I'm not the only one who needs it." Link Huffed at her.

I'm not the one who's dehydrated.

"You have to drink something, it's not like you're immortal or anything . . . although I'm sure that golden wolf was."

At least I wasn't insane enough to walk out into the dessert alone.

"Quit looking at me like I did something stupid. Okay yes, it was insanely mad of me to just head out like this, but what was I supposed to do? I had to find them, no matter the cost." Ember looked off to the distance as if she would see her pack upon the horizon and she would be able to run right to them. But the desert remained barren as ever.

Because she wasn't paying attention, she had not seen link's expressions, asking who she was looking for. Link shuffled his paws and he watched her, curious as to what she might be thinking. Ember just kept staring out into the desert; like she was lost. Her eyes were tired and they drooped to where they were almost closed. He didn't like her in this mood; it seemed the most unnatural thing. He could feel the sadness she held and halfway expected tears to run down her cheeks, but none came.

Ember?

She looked down, blinked a few times then turned to her wolf companion and smiled. It was a weak smile, very weak, but a smile none the less.

"Well no use now, is it?" She ruffled the top of his furry head. "At least I have you now, right? I have my path. Let me not stray lest I get lost forever." She grunted as she put her hands on her knees and pushed herself up. "Well come along then, back to camp. Can't be sitting around here waiting now can we? Besides I'm getting a little thirsty." Link made a throaty harking sound Ember could only guess as his way of laughing.

"What do we do if he doesn't come back in time?" Ashei was pacing around the camp, rambling to Auru about Link's brash and what she thought were stupid actions. "If at all; then what?"

"He'll be back, and with Ember too. I'm sure of it. Now sit down, you're giving me a headache." Ashei approached the old man; his head resting on a rock, and his body stretched out in the sand.

"But what if he ISN'T? Do we just rush in swords ready? And even at the slightest chance that there isn't anything going on, there are still dark secrets that live deep in the Arbiter grounds, who knows what we might encounter." Auru looked up at the young warrior.

"You doubt him." She was taken aback by his words.

"What? N-no, I just want to be ready for every situation."

"Tell you what, IF Link isn't back by the scheduled time, we head in anyway. As CAREFUL as we can though. No risks. Not even the slightest. We see danger we run."

And if he come back without that girl? What then? Do we just leave her?" The question caught Auru off guard. He didn't have an answer. What would they do? Even if it's just one person, a life is a life, and it's worth fighting for. If Link couldn't bring her back, than what?"

Shad, meanwhile, had been doing his own silent thinking about what they would do if he really didn't come back and why Ember ran off in the first place. But mainly if she was okay and what he would do if he ever saw her again.

"She was RIGHT THERE!" He scolded himself in his thoughts. "Right next to me and I had fallen asleep. I could have stopped her. Link was right, it IS my fault . . . No; there was nothing I could do. It probably would have happened anyway . . . hog wash, I should have stayed up, I wanted to anyway. to speak with her further." He put his face in his closed fists and grunted in frustration. He was just about to pick up the closest thing to him and throw it as far as he could, but as he looked up, he saw what he thought to be Ember walking with what looked like a big dog.

"Ember?" He squinted and adjusted his glasses. It only took a few seconds for it to register in his head that it really was her sauntering towards their camp. Without saying anything to the other two, he ran towards her. At first his feet stumbled, kicking up sand and making enough ruckus to gain the attention of Ashei and Auru. They only watched as he approached Ember and her canine companion.

She looked terrible, her eyes were downcast and her whole figure was slouched. He noticed her breathing was shallow and he figured she hadn't had an adequate amount of water to really survive in the desert, yet here she was. Alive after enduring the blazing heat of the terrain.

"Godessess, Ember what were you thinking?" He nervously eyed the wolf beside her but otherwise ignored it. His first concern was Ember. She mumbled a 'sorry'. The other two finally registered what was going on and came to help her.

Ember could hear what they were saying but it all came to her watered down. She couldn't respond. Her legs went weak underneath her and she forced herself to stay upright just a bit longer. Her world spun around her and she grabbed onto the closest person for support. Her grip failed her and she stumbled to her knees. It only took a split second, but her mind receded into its self to save her from dealing with the further uncomfortability of dehydration.

Shad caught the unconscious Ember before she hit the ground. He scooped Ember up and carried her to the tent. Ashei ran ahead of him and went in to get a canteen and brought it out to Shad.

"Here give her this." Shad kneeled down and cradled Ember like a child, her head resting against his shoulder. The wolf came up in front of him and sat down; watching intently as Ashei slowly tipped the water into Ember's mouth. They both were nervous in a presence of a wolf and kept silent, afraid to upset it.

In the midst of all the commotion Auru looked on the horizon for any sign of Link. It just didn't make sense to him. He left to find her and bring her back, but she came without him only with a wolf.

"Unless…" He turned to look at the canine companion Ember showed up with. It felt his gaze and looked up to meet his eyes. Auru noticed a blue shimmer in the wolf's ears. The same earrings Link wore in his. He smiled knowingly. "Ah yes, that explains it."

Ember woke up to see the fabric of a tent above her head. She was still thirsty but not as much as she was before. She felt a small tickle of air on her left hand and looked over to see Link's canine form next to her. His muzzle close to her fingers.

"Why hello young one." Ember slid her hand up his snout to pet him on the head.

I'm older than you. But it's good to see you're awake.

"And you, they didn't chase you away?" Link shook his head. "Surprising. People think wolves are dangerous. They aren't though, just misunderstood. I guess I'm just used to being around them. So I don't fear them." Link's ears twitched and he stepped aside as the tent opened and Auru walked in. Ember sat up as he handed her a canteen of water. She took it gratefully and drank vigorously.

"You have a very good companion there. He never left your side for a second." He looked at Link. "But I wonder where Link ran off to. He was supposed to be here, in person." He put emphasis on the word 'person'. Making sure Link knew he knew it was him.

"Link was here?"

"After you left. He came charging into camp all raged looking for you. How he knew you were here I don't know. But boy was he in a tizzy about you."

Link huffed, Auru glanced at him and back to Ember. "Where is he now? Is he okay?"

"He's alright. Being taken care of I'm sure." He patted link's head, who shook it off in protest, then stood up to exit. "You should come outside, there's someone else who was just as worried about you."

"Who?" Auru didn't say, just chuckled and left. Ember scrambled to get out of the tent, Link following in pursuit. She almost ran into Shad as she exited.

"Ember!" He hugged her, taking her by surprise. He let go of her, letting his hand slide to hers, holding them in his own and looking her in the eyes. "Good to see you're up. I- uh, we were so worried you wouldn't wake up."

Yes yes, all is good. Now must you do that?

"Are you okay? You didn't get attacked while you were out there did you?" He leaned left and right trying to see if there were any scratches on her body.

Come on let her go now.

"No, I'm-"

"I mean you looked pretty worse for wear when you returned."

HEY! CUT IT OUT! Link snarled a bit at him. He didn't know why but it irritated him he was still holding her hands. Shad jumped, releasing her and letting out a small yelp. Link sat there proudly with a satisfied look on his canine face.

"Um, are you sure it's a good idea to have that beast around?" Ember smiled and rolled her eyes. She bent down and gathered Link in her arms.

"He's alright, Aren't you? Just a big softie." She kissed the side of his face. He was a bit taken a back for a second but something in him made him nuzzle her under the chin. Looking at Shad as if he was taunting him.

"See? He won't hurt anyone." She stood; her hand on the top of his head.

"Ah yeah I guess, but it's still unnerving to have him around. Where did he come from anyway?"

"He saved my life, while I was . . . away." She avoided mentioning how she just up and left. The guilt still was strong in her. "He brought me water. A smart one he is." She smiled at her wolf companion.

"Have you named him yet?" Embers expression went to urgent alert.

"Oh no! no. you NEVER give a wolf a name. They are very proud and noble animals. It would be very disrespectful to them to name them as if they were someone's pet dog. Don't get me wrong, they do have names, but it is for only there kind to know." She stared at the wolf, wondering what his true name was. To her, she felt as if she already knew his name, but couldn't quite place it.

"I see. Very interesting, it sounds like something worth researching. Hey, by the way . . ." Ember looked up to see his face while he spoke, but he was looking down a flash of pink penciled across his face. "Before you left, do you remember um" he took a step toward her. His hand twitched up as if deciding if it wanted to move. "Us . . . well, you." He hesitated for a minute trying to piece together his words. Ember chuckled at him.

"He's so cute when he's nervous." Shad took a deep breath. Link hunched down his shoulders,

I don't like where this is going.

"After all this is over, would you like to . . . well, do . . . something . . . you know . . . together?"

Ember don't. He's not for you. He whined at her and shuffled his feet.

"Hush you." She pointed her finger at him disapprovingly and he quieted down.

But Ember!

"I'd like that"

"Really?" She nodded. Shad grinned widely, taking another step to her.

Don't touch her

He raised his arms. "Ember you don't know-"

I'm warning you

"-how glad I am." He took her hands in his. "That-"

STOP!

Link leapt in between the two, knocking Shad unto the ground. He stood over him like he was prey, snarling at his, teeth bared.

I TOLD YOU NOT TO TOUCH HER!

Link felt the back of his neck tighten as Ember pulled on his scruff with all her might.

"Get off! What's gotten into you?" Ashei and Auru were there in seconds, helping to get the massive beast of Shad.

"What happened?" Ashei asked Ember.

"I don't know, he just went nuts. HELP ME!" The three of them managed to pull Link off of Shad. Ember fell back on her hind, Holding Link in her arms. She held her elbows and locked her arms around him so he wouldn't get away. He had stopped growling, but he still held a terrible glare at Shad. He only looked away when he caught wind of Auru intensely angered face, staring disapprovingly down at him.

Link struggled away, out of Ember's arms. Afraid he was going to attack Shad again, she tried to snatch him back up. He evaded her grasp but instead of heading for Shad, he turned tail and ran behind the tent to hide from the rest of the group. "NO WAIT!" Ember tried to pursue him.

"Let him go, I'll go get him." Auru strode past her. "Stay here and make sure Shad is okay."

What the hell was that? I didn't mean to do it. Shad is my friend. I would never hurt him. Why would I just attack him? I didn't have any reason to . . . bah, must be this damn wolf instinct. It's hard to control sometimes. I learned that the hard way. He recalled the time when he had a fight with a dog in Castle town over a bone before Midna slapped him on the head, telling him to cut it out. Ugh NEVER again. It's just embarrassing . . . Goddesses, Ember must hate me now.

"Mind explaining what that was about Link?" Auru kept his voice to a little over a whisper.

"So you know huh?" He asked him, turning human again.

"I figured it out when Ember came back with a wolf instead of you. But in all seriousness what the hell was that all about? You attacked Shad without reason. He isn't your enemy."

"I didn't mean to. Being a wolf for that long isn't exactly healthy for the mind. Instinct took over I guess."

"That was a little more than instinct. I don't know much about wolves, but I'm sure they don't attack unless provoked. What . . . happened?"

"I DON'T KNOW! Shad was talking to Ember about doing something sometime. I remember getting irritated for I don't know what reason, then when he took her hand, something in me was yelling at me to get him away and I acted on it. I swear I didn't mean to. I would never . . . "his voice trailed off.

"Link that sounds more like jealousy instead of instinct."

"JEALOUS? Why because Shad's flirting with Ember? So? I am NOT jealous."

"Aren't you?" Link pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I don't even know why we're having this conversation. I attacked Shad because of primal instinct. Nothing more. Nothing less. It was an accident and won't happen again."

"Then go apologize." Link looked at him as though he just told him to swim in shark infested waters carrying raw meat on his person.

"Are you insane? For all they know, I'm still out there in the desert looking for her. Do you know how hard I've tried to keep this transformation thing a secret? Very few people know and I'd like to keep those numbers in the single digits."

"At least let Ember know who she's chosen as her 'companion'." Link couldn't look him in the eye.

"I can't. She's the last person I want to know. Even If I wanted to I couldn't. She finds the wolf . . . comforting . . . I don't know why but the first time he saw that form, she wasn't afraid at all, like so many others were. She trusted the wolf immediately, even going as far as putting her life in its hands."

"You speak as if this creature isn't you. Even if your appearance changes, it is still you. Somehow I think her subconscious knew it, recognized you as I did, and acted on it."

"I don't think that's it, else she'd be insulting me." He chuckled.

"Auru! Who are you talking to?" Auru Turned just in time to see Ember walk around the edge of the tent. He turned back to Link only to see he was once again a wolf.

"wow he's quick." He muttered under his breath. "Oh no one, Ember. Just your wolf. He's a good listener. But as for the attack, he probably just acted on an instinct to protect what he cares for. Most likely felt JEALOUS you weren't paying attention to him." Link snapped his jaw.

I WAS "NOT" JEALOUS!

Auru patted Ember on the shoulder. "He's good to have around. Count yourself lucky to have him." he walked away to see Shad's condition. Not that he thought he was hurt, but it was an excuse to leave them alone in case Link decided to reveal himself. Auru highly doubted it, but you never know.

Ember went up to Link and knelt down to match his eye level. He turned his head to the side. Unable to look her in the face.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean it.

"You are forgiven." She leaned her forehead to his. "Control yourself though" She got to her feet and patted her side so he would follow and he did, padding along behind her obediently. "Or I'll shave all your fur off."

w-what?ALL of it?

Ember laughed heartily. "You should see the look on your face. Don't worry I know your kind pride themselves in their clean pelts." She turned serious. "But really, don't do that to him again. I know it's instinct, and if you must do so, then I won't stop you, but NOT to him. Got that?"

Got it . . . but what makes HIM so special?

"You don't approve?"

You could do better.

"Then who do you suggest? There aren't many other options for me that I would really enjoy. Although there is . . . no nah, never mind. He's too much of a hotshot for my liking. Damn that . . . hero boy" Link flashed his teeth in what Ember took as a devilish smile.

"Don't tell me you know him too." He bowed his head. "Huh . . . really? Hero boy gets around." She paused. "You really think so? Ah no. nope. Not even going to go there. Nuh uh."

Well to be fair. I don't mean him. That is, me.

"If only you were human. I think we would get a long quite well."

Eh heh . . . yeah . . . you have no idea how wrong you are.

"Link isn't back. Just like I said. Now what?" Ashei chided up while everyone else ate their evening meal. Auru said nothing as he knew exactly where Link was; wolfing his meal next to Ember. No pun intended.

"You should go anyway." Ember piped up, swallowing her food as she did. "Who says you have to fight? Just look what's going on and if there isn't too much danger to handle, do it yourselves. But if not, then head back, tell Zelda, and have her summon him with whatever means she does. You don't need him to get a simple scouting job done. Ashei, you know how to fight, and I'm sure you do as well Auru. Shad sorry, but there is no way you fight . . . at least not on the front lines. Too scrawny. No offence."

"None taken. It's true anyway."

"And what about you? Can you fight?" Auru asked her.

"I've had my share of bloodshed. Not necessarily in fighting, but in hunting."

"That's better than nothing. At least you aren't completely useless." Ember put her forehead in her thumb and fore-finger.

"Sigh. Thanks Ashei . . . that's . . . I'm sorry. Can you reword that?" She waved her hand slightly away from her face.

"Oh damn, I did it again. Sorry. I mean it least you have some experience. It will come in handy."

"Ah thanks. Much better. Now I know you have no reason to trust me, but due my hunting experience, I know stealth. If it's alright with you, I could help by taking point and scouting ahead."

"That's fine with me. But let me ask you this. You seem to have taken over our operation, telling us who should be where. I'm not trying to be rude, you're ideas are wonderful. But how did you figure all of it out?" Auru questioned.

"Oh well . . . I mean it's really just common sense. I guess I get a bit of it from group hunting."

"You've chosen well Shad; she's a keeper for sure." Ashei elbowed him in the ribs a bit and he turned his head down in embarrassment. Ember rolled her eyes. This wasn't really the time for teasing.

"So who wants to take what shifts?" Auru broke the awkwardness that settled on the group. "Sorry Ember but I can't risk you running off again, so you won't have a watch shift. Plus you still should get a bit more rest after your little excursion."

"Oh yes of course, I wouldn't expect anything less. Actually now that you mention it, I'm still very weary. So if you don't mind, I'll just turn in early." She got up, plate in hand. Ember looked around for what she should do with it. "What do you want me to do with-"

"Ah don't worry about it; I'll get it for you. Go get some rest."

"Thanks Shad. Goodnight then, wake me when were about to lead ourselves to our doom."

BAH! FINALLY COMPLETE! My god, that was such an ordeal =P