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The fire steadily burned in the center of the camp. The night was slowly overtaking the plane, the rays of the leaving sun drawing the long shadows. No loud chatter or obnoxious jokes were shared over the fire. The unease was hanging in the air.
After the Chain got unceremoniously woken up in the middle of the night and dragged by the portal into Warriors’ era to be dropped right in the middle of the battlefield, after the whole ordeal everyone was righteously shaken up by it. The stress ran high in the group long after the fight, lasting up till the night camp.
All the heroes tried to keep a brave face, but still, unconsciously or not, cramped all next to each other, distracting themselves with various little chats. Wind took the whole thing probably the worst. No wonder, honestly. The kid almost got his head chopped off by a darknut, before Time intervened and took the enemy down.
It was a long time since Twilight saw the Old Man so vicious in the battle.
And now, the Sailor was practically glued to the Champion’s side, looking over his shoulder as Hyrule introduced them to his little fairy friend, Brea. They held a lightheaded conversation, talking with their hands and smiling to each other, but Twi saw through it all. He saw how tense were Hyrule’s shoulders, how tightly Wind gripped into the Champion’s tunic, how Wild’s ears constantly flicked back and forth, ready to instantly detect any incoming thread. Twilight could sense their fear.
And not only theirs. The whole camp was soaked in it.
On the opposite side of the camp, Warriors was sharpening his weapons, Four right beside him. They spoke in hushed tones, sharing tips and what not. Beside them sat Sky, stress carving some wood. Or, more accurately, just cutting off the parts of the wood and watching the pieces falling to the ground. At the end, when the wood would become too small for anything, Sky’d just throw it right into the fire, before taking another piece and starting the cycle again.
Legend was sitting right beside Hyrule, looking like a guard dog next to them. His ears twitched every time Hyrule moved, eyes darting to check on him. After the amount of magic the Traveler had to use on the group, he was totally drained, tired and exceptionally fragile. Not to draw attention, the Vet had tried to look less intimidating by distracting himself with the book he conveniently had in his bag. Not a single page was flipped since he sat.
And then there was Time. He sat further away from the others, notes and a pen in hands long forgotten while he watched. He was like a hawk on a hunt, eyesight sharp for everything and anything. Nothing today would get into the camp unnoticed.
Their latest fight affected everyone, whether they admit it or not.
Twilight’s own hands shook slightly as his mind was replaying the same scene before his eyes, over and over again. When Wild’s broadsword suddenly broke in his hands and, while he was roaming through his slate for a new one, a stray arrow pierced his palm, drawing a cry out of him. While Twilight and Warriors took care of the archer, thankfully, Hyrule was already next to the Champion, healing him.
That yell of pain still ringed in Twilight’s ears after that, like a sick reminder. Reminder that the battlefields were rarely a pleasant sight.
Taking a deep breath, Twilight stood up from his place on a log. Instantly, eight pairs of eyes darted at him.
“Going somewhere?” Time pierced him down with his stare. His voice was drenched in worry, yet a few could actually pinpoint it under the Old Man’s usual cold tone.
“Just for a walk.” Was a simple answer.
Time looked him up and down, eyes lingering on the shadow crystal under the tunic, but said nothing against the idea, so Twi took it as his que to go.
Leaving the camp behind, Twilight moved through the trees, carefully stepping over the roots. Deeming the distance between him and the heroes safe enough, he stopped and pulled the crystal from under the tunic. Closing the eyes, he clenched the necklace in his hands.
Sensation of the shadow magic washed over him in waves, taking over his form and bending it to its will. The transformation rarely hurt nowadays, and didn't do that for a long time now. The curse finally settled within the hero, accepting them as one and the same and stopped fighting completely.
As the new form finally settled in his bones, the wolf took a big sniff. His receptors bloomed with the various scents, sensitive ears picking up on far distant noises of the forest animals. Twilight didn’t rush to keep going, standing still in place and bathing in the different smells, sounds and other information his canine body was sensing for him. It has been a long time since he was able to be in this form.
Well, for real that was, he thought to himself. Dreaming about running around as a wolf was not quite the same.
Flexing his paws to feel the dirt between his claws, Twilight woofed to himself with delight. Yeah, he missed this form. Satisfied, he turned to head back to the camp. The others were awfully stressed after the recent events, and would probably be really happy to see their wandering friendly wolf friend Wolfie. That would cheer them up real quick.
Even if that meant that Twilight had to endure a few hours of baby talk to his face and unending pats from the other heroes, he was ready for that.
Slowly trotting through the dense woods, the wolf almost tripped over his own paws when he felt it. The strong sensation of the magic that was woven into this part of the forest. It didn’t feel old, seemingly appearing here only recently, nor was it hostile, actually. It felt rather protective, embracing Twilight in its hands as it didn’t recognize him as a thread to whatever held the power. It was startling, but harmless.
He cautiously looked around. The camp was right around the bush. Did their group step their feet on the grounds of some newly settled spirit?... Twilight only hoped they didn’t anger the whoever was guarding this place.
Cautiously, he proceeded further before promptly entering the camp. Immediately, a shout of joy broke out at his arrival, Wind rushing to the wolf’s side. He huffed as the kid’s body ran into him, hands locking around his neck in a hug.
“Wolfie is back!” The Sailor cheered, voice muffled by the fur in his face. Wolfie gently nosed him in the shoulder.
The others also perked up at the wolf’s return, the tension slowly leaving their bodies as the mood lighted up around the fire. Carefully ungluing himself from Wind, Wolfie went around the camp to greet the rest of the crew. A lot of headpats and scratches were received.
“It has been a while since the wolf visited.’ Legend noted, while opposite from him Sky was aggressively rubbing Wolfie’s fur, holding him by his wolf cheeks and talking to him in that slightly condescending baby talk voice. Despite that, Wolfie did not nibble at him for that, instead smiling at him with his wolf grin. Sky was probably the only one Wolfie allowed to handle him like this.
Not that Sky saw a lot of wolves or dogs along his journey or on the Sky Islands. Maybe he didn’t know how to talk to wolves? Does anyone know? “Who’s the good boy? Who’s the goodest boy? You! You are!-” The Chosen Hero continued, totally ignoring Legend’s remark. Wolfie definitely heard Time chuckling behind him.
Oh, just you wait! Shaking the hands off of his fur, Wolfie swiftly spinned in place and bolted at the Old Man. Time barely managed to throw his notes and pen to the side before a giant body of a wolf landed on him. A surprised oof sounded from the older hero, as he and the wolf landed on the ground, the other heroes laughing at them. They fought for a little bit, before Time, at last, just flopped down, defeated. Wolfie triumphantly barked while laying on top of Time’s chest, receiving his victory ear scratches. “Nice to see you too, pup.”
His tail drummed a rhythm against the ground as he stayed lying with his mentor, neither he nor Time rushing to stand up.
And then a little something landed on his nose. Mowing his eyes, Wolfie looked at the fairy in front of him. Brea snuggled soundly on his muzzle, her trembling wings producing a soft tinkling sound. Or maybe she was trying to speak to him. Twilight never could understand the fairies’ speech, even as a wolf. He quietly woofed as a greeting to her. Brea tinkled louder, circling a few times around him, before promptly returning to the Traveler’s side.
The wolf followed Brea with his gaze as she flew off before-
He met eyes with the Champion.
His fur stood on end, tail falling motionless in the dust. Not breaking eye contact, he carefully sat up, finally releasing the Old Man. “Pup?”
The wolf didn’t respond, continuing to tensely stare back at Wild.
There wasn’t really anything strange about the Champion as he unblinkingly stared at Wolfie. It was the very first time he ever saw the wolf friend of the group, after all. But… Twilight felt himself being pinned down by that stare, as if the Champion can actually see through the shadow magic. Twi doubted that, but everything could be possible in their line of work.
“Oh, Wild, don’t worry, Wolfie is safe. He visits us from time to time.” Four spoke up, observing Wild’s strange reaction to the canine. “Should have introduced you right away.”
Wild didn’t react to the other hero’s words, continuing observing Wolfie. HIs eyes crinkled just a tad more, a thoughtful expression finding its way on his previously emotionless face. The air around the wolf felt heavier, densier in a way, like before a storm.
It felt like being under an intense stare of Hylia herself. Twilight remembered it as if it was yesterday. The Chain was only slowly collecting itself and, for the time, it was only him and his mentor. The portal dropped them on one of the more populated islands in the skies, thankfully, yet they still didn’t know what was that they were supposed to do there. Splitting up, they headed in different directions, asking the locals for all the information they could provide, looking for any clues about their new Goddess’ mission. That's when he stumbled upon some bully, their squabble causing a scene in the middle of the market.
“Hey!”
And that's when She came.
A blonde girl in a pink dress and ribbons in her hair. Without a hesitation, she stepped right in between Twilight and the other boy, stopping what was a second away from a fight. She first scolded the red haired bully, before promptly turning to the Rancher. She already opened her mouth to tell him off as well, but upon seeing him something in her gaze changed.
A chill ran down Twi’s spine. She tilted her head a little bit to the side, unblinkingly studying his eyes, then marking on the forehead. Twilight sweared her eyes actually glowed a little bit at that moment.
“You need to go with me.” She said to him matter of fact, her voice echoing even as they stood outside.
Only later did Twilight find out that it was not Sun the hero was talking with.
Twilight never felt this small and vulnerable under someone else’s stare after that one time. Not until today, that was…
Wild continued staring at him, his eyes adopting a lighter green, almost shining, color to them. Without even meaning to, the wolf placed a first paw in front of him, then the next one. And the next. Slowly, he approached the Champion, the latter sitting unmovingly and waiting for him on the other side of the camp.
Behind Wolfie, Time was trying to call for him again, but the wolf ignored him. Not that he had a particular choice in it. A loud static started filling his ears, different smells and scents intervening with one another, causing a total confusion for the wolf's nose. The noises of the surrounding woods sounded too loud in his ears, blocking any other sound in the close vicinity.
That was literally the repetition of that one time in Wild's era. When they almost attacked his zora friend, who was also the prince apparently, and Wild was protecting him from the Chain. The Champion didn't look like himself at that moment. After the zora was cured somehow, no one talked about it, but everyone could feel those questions hanging above the group, left unanswered.
Maybe the Champion was also a fairy like Hyrule, Twilight thought. That wouldn't be impossible, with how all of them saw a strange thing or two along their journey. Touched or used a thing or two along their journeys, too.
Somewhere halfway to Wild Wolfie couldn’t deal with the static in his ears and total jumble in his nose anymore, so he stopped midstep, pawing at his muzzle. The overstimulation was really getting to him, and he just wanted it all to stop. A soft whine slipped from the wolf, his instincts fighting inside of him. One side of him told him to turn around and run, to not come closer. The aura that greeted him was protecting-guarded-cautious, like the one he encountered near the camp. It was watching his every step, deciding if it would spare him his life or if he was too much of a threat to leave as it was.
His other instincts wailed to him to come closer, run into the waiting embrace of… something. Twilight was totally confused. It was just Wild, was it not?
A sudden yelp of pain reached the wolf’s ears when Hyrule, not so gently, elbowed Wild in the ribs. Brea on their shoulder tinkled unhappily at the hero as well. The Champion’s focus instantly switched from the wolf to the Traveler, and Wolfie instantly felt like it was easier to breathe.
“Wild, collect yourself.” Hyrule whispered under their breath. Wolfie wouldn’t have picked up on it if not for the enhanced hearing, and the quietness that finally fell back upon his ears.
Wild hissed, rubbing his side. “What was that for?” The long pointed look from the Healer was his answer, head slightly tilting towards the animal.
Wild blinked at them a few times, ears flicking, before it clicked. “...shit.”
The Champion turned back to the wolf, the latter taking a cautious step back at the attention back at him.
“No, no-no-no! Wait, don’t go! I- I’m sorry, I didn’t-...” A deep breath. “Let’s start over. Come here, it’s okay.” Wild tried anew, stretching a welcoming hand towards the wolf.
Taking a tentative sniff, Wolfie came to a realisation that air was clear of all the clustering scents once again, the previous uncomfortable sensations disappearing in a faint moment. The dread inside of him settled down, the urge to run away dissolving into nothing. But even so, the wolf moved carefully towards the Champion, lip curling up slightly, revealing just a few teeth as an initial warning. Not that Twilight would actually harm Wild, but his instincts were still running high and the strange aura around the Champion didn’t go anywhere.
Wild’s eyes remained slightly glowing, a little bit unsettling in a sense. But his posture was relaxed, expression much softer than it was before Hyrule intervened. Do they know something about Wild that the others don’t? Wolfie swiftly flicked his gaze at the Traveler, but they were watching the scene in front of them as if it was the most normal thing in the world, Brea comfortably buried in their locks on top of their head. They carefully observed Wild’s every move, but otherwise were totally unbothered by it all.
What couldn’t be said about the other heroes around the camp. Many brows were raised at what was happening before their eyes.
One last step and a hand was dropped on top of the wolf’s head. The strong fingers scratched between the ears. “There you go…” Wild’s voice echoed a bit at the edges.
A warm kind of familiarity bloomed inside the wolf, and striving to chase this feeling, he pushed firmer into the welcoming hand. If Wild’s stare first felt like being observed by disapproving Hylia, then his pats, on the contrary, felt like being hugged by the Goddess herself. It was told, as a legend, that if Farore was to step down on earth one day, all the animals, as if summoned by some power, would right away gather around her, in a chance to welcome her and personally show their gratitude to the deity that created them and all live in Hyrule and beyond. She, in return, would envelope them in her love and devotion, in divinity over their comprehension.
In that moment, as Wild stroked the wolf’s fur and warmth rapidly burned inside him, Twilight could have easily imagined how it could have felt in reality. The Champion was definitely some kind of fae…
“Wow, easy, bud!” Hyrule cried out when Wolfie suddenly flopped on his back, almost knocking down Wild in a process. The hero in question on his part didn’t even flinch.
“Oh, look at you.” Wild’s words still echoed slightly as he cooed at Wolfie. Scratching the belly with one hand, he held one of the wolf’s front paws with the other. His thumb gently stroked the pinkish scar around the canine's wrist. “You remind me of my old friend, you know this, little one?” He asked the wolf.
The wolf let out a confused bark. Twilight would have wanted to ask how many wolves does Wild have for his friends, but Wolfie couldn’t particularly voice his curiosity, so he just flickered his ear, leaving the question for a later review. Wriggling in the dirt, Wolfie thoroughly enjoyed the attention given to him, fully abandoning any dignity about being a hylian in a canine’s body. Tongue out and happily receiving more scratches.
“I’ve never seen the dog this relaxed around any of us.” Warriors amused, smiling at the wolf’s puppy-like behavior in Wild’s presence.
“He’s not a dog!” Wind piped in from behind the Champion, watching everything securely from over his shoulder but not coming any closer. The memory of Wolfie snapping at his over-cuddling was still fresh in his mind. “Storm, how did you do it, though?”
“I don’t know.” He said after a moment, grinning smugly. His voice, at last, returned to his normal sounding. “Animals just like me, I guess.”
And now Wolfie too could advocate for that.