Wild Secrets

Epona

Time's POV

I noticed Wild was quiet for the rest of the journey.

He occasionally looked up. But he just looked at air, as though there was something-or someone-there that we couldn't see.

I also noticed that, as we came closer to our destination, the air became colder.

Wind had stolen the Captain's scarf and wrapped himself in it.

Night came early today. Or at least, it seemed like it.

We set up camp in a cluster of trees. It would be harder for any monsters to sneak up on us in them. Plus, Wild won't sleep on the ground.

Soon, a fire was crackling in the dying sunlight.

Wild was making pumpkin soup. Twilight's face had lit up when Wild had told us. It was his favorite.

Wind shuffled closer to the fire.

The kid grew up on a tropical island. He wasn't used to cold temperatures.

It was undoubtedly a nightmare when we were dropped in Snowpeak in Twilight's Hyrule.

When we got to Ordon Village, Ilia had mothered the Sailor, who had gotten sick due to that adventure.

We were starting to assign watch duties when a familiar whinny reached our ears.

Twilight's face lit up with joy as he scrambled to his feet.

He practically ran to the place where the sound came from.

Twilight returned leading a beautiful bay silver mare that I recognized from my quests.

But the two horses had a few differences.

"Umm. Are you okay?" I heard Four ask.

I turned to see him waving his hand in front of Wild's face.

Wild's eyes were glazed over and unfocused. But at the same time, they were trained on Epona.

Wild's POV

My dad and I were riding home from a full day of training.

I had just recently started my training to become a knight.

I was ten.

My dad was riding his horse, Georgia, and I was riding Epona.

I first found Epona when I was five. She had been attacked by Bokoblins. I had brought her home and nursed her back to health.

Mom and dad then let me keep her.

I hope Epona loves me as much as I love her.

I today was really exciting for me, today. Because I met Princess Zelda!

I can't wait to tell mom!

When we arrived at home, I immediately dismounted, gave my dad Epona's reins and ran inside.

My little sister, Adira ran up to me and engulfed me in a big hug.

"Big brother!" She shouted. "You're home!"

My mom came into the living room, flour decorated her face, arms, and apron.

"Hey Link." She greeted. Where's your father?"

"He's outside taking care of the horses." I said.

My mom nodded. Well, what happened over at the castle?"

Adira then turned to face me with wide eyes.

"I met the Princess!" I exclaimed, smiling to show two missing teeth.

"Really!" Adira said excitedly.

I nodded and began to tell the girls about my day with childish excitement.

Which makes sense.

It wasn't until we sat down that I noticed dad didn't join us.

The girls seemed to notice his absence too.

I chewed my food nervously.

Finally, my dad walked in, with a grim look on his face.

"What's wrong?" My mom asked.

My dad looked me dead in the eye and I knew it was something bad.

"It's Epona."

——Pause for dramatic effect——

I felt my fork drop out of my hand.

I rushed out of the house and to the small stables around the side.

Epona was lying on her side.

I felt tears come to my eyes as I knelt beside her.

Adira and my parents appeared in the doorway. My dad knelt beside me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"I sent for a Veterinarian.They should be here soon."

I felt paralyzed. Tears blurred my vision. All I could see was Epona.

I didn't want to look away.

The vet, Dr. Smith, took forever to arrive.

Or at least, that's how it felt.

She gave Epona a check-up before pulling my parents outside to talk to them.

Normally, I would've tried to eavesdrop, but I couldn't bring myself to.

When they came back in, their faces carried all the explanation I could take.

"No!" I cried, wrapping my hands tighter around Epona. "No! I don't want her to go!"

The adults looked down at me with so much pity that it sickened me.

Dr. Smith sat down next to me and rubbed my shoulder.

"I'm sorry but... she's suffering. If we don't put her down, we won't be doing her any favors." The doctor said. "If you truly love her, let her go."

It took a while, but I finally agreed.

I held Epona and looked her in the eye, one last time.

I saw love and trust in those eyes.

I looked away and buried my face in her mane as Dr. Smith did it.

For a while, I didn't move.

I just cried even when there were no tears left to cry.

Eventually, I fell asleep against the dead body of my best friend.

Here. Another chapter.

FYI. I love making myself cry, so now I must share my twisted habits with all of y'all.

I broke a ten-year-old kid!

I feel so proud of myself!

Oh if Rick Riordan could see me now...

(Rick Riordan is the author of the Percy Jackson series and he loves to ruin peoples day.)