Shad paused when seeing the… situation. Link had come to ask him a favor and, of course, he agreed to help him. But, he didn't expect THIS.

He had entered the Princess Zelda's room and his eyes widened as he saw the atrocious mess. Books were scattered and the curtains were torn and the bedsheets were scattered on the ground. And… There was a bird. Sitting on the desk. Staring at him.

He tried to shake off the weirdness. He knew Link was good with animals, so maybe, JUST MAYBE, there was a good explanation…?

Nope.

Link chuckled nervously, "So… Zelda was practicing a spell and…" He gestured to the bird.

Shad's eyes widened. Link was joking… right? However, now that he thought about it, he's seen a lot of strange things. He bowed, a full 90 degrees, "P-pardon, your highness!" Now he was bowing to a bird…

Zelda gave a small caw and ruffled her feathers in response. Link tapped Shad's head and he stood straight as Link handed him a book, "Can you read this?"

"Ancient Hylian?" Shad paused as he pushed up his glasses, "It's been a while… I'm a little rusty, honestly."

Link nodded, "Can you try?"

Shad nodded. He paused as he read over the words a few times. He then took a deep breath and raised a hand, chanting words under his breath.

There was a long pause… Until Link's eyes widened and he grunted as he fell to his hands and knees. Shad's eyes widened as Zelda cawed loudly and watched Link with worried eyes.

'Link!'

Link's eyes widened when realizing that he could understand Zelda. Was she back to normal? Why was he in so much pain? Did Shad do the spell right?!

Shad's eyes widened as the book fell from his hands, "Uh oh…"

Link shook his head as he regained his senses and the pain died down til there was no more. That's when Link realized that he was stuck on all fours and…

'I'm a wolf again?!' He exclaimed.

All that Shad would understand were loud caws, barks, and growls. "E-er… I'm gonna get Rusle-"

'NOOO!' Link exclaimed as he turned to Shad when hearing that. Shad's eyes widened and he held up his hands.

"N-nice d-d-dog." He stuttered.

Zelda huffed, 'Link! Stop scaring the poor guy!'

'I Don't want Rusle to see me like this!' He argued.

'Oh, but Shad can see me, then?!'

'Come on! It's Shad!'

'What's THAT supposed to mean?!'

They suddenly froze when finally realizing that Shad had left while they were arguing. There was a beat of silence between the two of them. Then…

'I cannot believe you!' Link exclaimed before taking off. He ran out of the room and down the hall.

Zelda's eyes widened, 'Wait, Link! You idiot!'

She flew after him and perched on his back, nipping his ear and tugging to make him halt. Link did so and looked back at her with a light glare.

'What?' He asked aggravated.

She cawed and nipped his ear, 'You can't let anyone see you! They'll kill you!'

'Well, we can't stay here! Someone will find us!' Link huffed.

"See?! I told you, I'm not crazy!" Link and Zelda froze when hearing Shad's voice and turned in the direction they had heard him. Link's eyes widened in horror when seeing Rusl standing next to him.

Rusl froze also, eyes wide in surprise as he examined the wolf. He… He knew those eyes. Those piercing blue eyes, "...Link?"

Link took a step back, growling. Maybe he could play it off?

Rusl paused before smiling warmly and stepping forward, "Shad may have some crazy stories, but he's no liar." Shad didn't know if he should take offense to that, "And I'd know those eyes anywhere."

Link paused, his growls ceasing. Rusl chuckled as he gestured to his own ear, "Plus, I gave you that piercing when you came of age. Nice try on hiding it, though."

The wolf's ears drooped and Rusl knelt next to him, patting his head. He then looked at the hawk and bowed his head out of respect for the princess, "And Princess Zelda, right?"

Zelda gave a soft caw in greeting. Rusl stood, "Shad, you go grab that book you mentioned. Until we get them turned back, we'll need to get Link and Princess Zelda out. I don't want to risk anything and the castle wouldn't be the best place for them to be."

Shad nodded and hurried to grab the book he had dropped.

Link glanced up at Zelda, 'Where do you think he's taking us?'

'I don't know…'

I made Shad's character a little different from the game. But I DID keep his super nerdiness which we'll see more of next time

Alex out! Peace!