Link: (panting) Are we... there yet?😥
Ben: Here's a news bulletin for ya. First, that's the tenth time you've asked me that! And second, thank the Gods yes we're here!😡

Link looked around. After walking all night and all morning, the unlikely two were within sight of a little town of Hylians. Link could already hear the horses and Cuccos walking in the grass within their fences.

Ben carefully helped Link to the ground so the both of them could finally rest. Ben may have been just over half of Link's height, but he was surprisingly enduring in strength and stamina.

Ben: 😧 Right. How're you holding up "not a hero"?
Link: *groan* ...Alright I guess. Still hurts though...
Ben: Good.
Link: "Good?!" What- Hey! Where are you going!?
Ben: Oh for Farore's sake- Don't you remember what I told ya!? These people see a banged up knight and they'll absolutely flip! I'll go in, snag a horse, and we're off to Kakariko. Got it?
Link: Wh-what about my wounds? I think they're still bleeding... *groan*
Ben: Oh so NOW you decide to start dying! So much for high hopes. Look, if you can last a whole night without bandages, you can last several minutes longer. Just sit here and rest for a bit. I'll be back in a moment, alright? Just... Don't go anywhere.

Ben turned and began walking towards the town. Link sat back and tried to relax. But how can you relax when your home is being ravaged by undead and other horrible monsters?! Especially since you're stuck following the word of some hopeless soul like Ben?

Link tried anyway, but he wasn't all there. I mean, he lost a good amount of blood, and he spent a majority of whatever energy he had walking the whole night. Plus he hadn't ate or drank anything since the battle at the castle. Maybe it was a combination of hunger, thirst, and blood loss that let Link finally drift off to sleep...

Link: .....hmm....hm.....
Ben: I swear. Hey hero! Wake up!
Link: *groan* Hm? Wha..?
Ben: Hyrule to Link! Hyrule to Link! Come in Link come in! You still alive in there?
Link: Hm, I'm awake I'm awake! Ben? That was fast.
Ben: Dude, you've been out for like 15 minutes tops.
Link: I-I was? It felt like I just dozed off for a moment.
Ben: You passed out. It's kinda a good thing I saw those blackberries on the way to town. See, I figured you hadn't eaten much in a while so I picked some for ya. I come back and you're out like a candle. I went to town and I had to tell them I needed to some cloth for your jacked leg. You're welcome for wrapping the bandages for ya by the way.😒
Link: 😕That's... surprisingly caring of you.
Ben: Don't flatter me. It's not very effective on me. Because of you, now everyone's gonna ask me if you're okay, and I'm not okay with that! What am I, you're babysitter all of a sudden!?😬
Link: Well, still, I thank you for this. You really don't have to do all of this.
Ben: Save it for when we reach Kakariko. Now go on and eat these berries. You'll need the strength if we're going to get a horse.
Link: You... You haven't gotten one yet?
Ben: Oh I got one! He's just invisible! Yeah-no I didn't get one yet! You seriously think that a horse would just stick around waiting for ya!? If only I could sarcastically laugh! Where do you think jacka**es get their stubbornness, hm? Honestly, you're the worse person for me to be stuck with.😡

Initially Link was mad at Ben's statement, but while eating the berries Link had thought about it. In Ben's own special way, he was saying that he was so worried about Link's welfare to focus on getting a horse. After all, what good is a horse to Ben if Link was gone? It's the only thing Ben was here for after all. It made sense, now that Link thought about it.

Link had once heard awhile back that there's a method to a depressed person's madness. Was Ben really this way all the time or what? Link kinda wanted to stick around Ben just to see what Ben's "nitch" was.

Both men finished the berries and went on to town. As Ben had mentioned, many villagers went up to Link almost immediately asking if he was okay and asking what had happened. Link figured that there's no merit to keeping secrets, so he warned everyone of the undead forces that had attacked the castle and hoped the village could defend themselves or at least manage to leave the heart of the kingdom before the undead could reach them. The villagers were more then happy to give Link and Ben some food and water for their trip to Kakariko, but they weren't so willing to give up their horses. If they were going to fight or escape the undead, they would have to use all the available horses they had to do it. Plus some of their horses had fell ill or lame, possibly as a warning to the undead's uprising.

Making matters worse, the only horse they could spare was wild and untamable by conventional means. In fact, they were planning on letting the horse go into the wild before Link and Ben had arrived.

Ben had started to complain. "See what walking in injured did? Now they won't give us a healthy horse" he would go on about. Link was once again mad at Ben, but to an extent he couldn't blame him.

Ben: Now what Mr.Not-A-Hero? You plan on taking an army of Cuccos to the undead forces?
Link: Ben, calm down. Look, our only option seems to be taming that one horse.
Ben: Link, do you know how much damage a horse could do? We're talking they can break ya bones with one hind kick to your guts. And it's not pretty either, in case you aren't aware.
Link: You take classes on how to handle horses in the knight academy okay? I know enough about horses to at least try handling this one myself.
Ben: You? Are you crazy!? In your condition?! That horse takes one good kick at you and all of Hyrule's screwed upon your death! You wanna take that risk?
Link: *sigh* If it means saving Hyrule in the end, yes I am. Now just calm down and let me at least try. Okay?
Ben: Hey, it's your death wish. I'm telling you, someone's going to die because of that horse!
Link: We haven't even seen the horse yet!
Ben: That doesn't mean it ain't dangerous. *grumbles*

Link and Ben went over to the stable where the wild horse was currently being kept. Ben only came along because Link urged him, and so he could prove Link wrong about taming the horse. Besides, they say that it's dangerous to go alone.

The horse, Epona, was released into a fenced yard where Link could hopefully control her. Everyone urged Link not to given his weakened condition, but Link insisted. He wasn't going to come all the way here and end up not getting a horse and wasting Ben's time. Plus, Epona looked like a gorgeous horse anyone would've been proud to have, let alone ride. If only she would let anyone get close to her.

Link took a breath and went into the fenced area with Epona. Everyone, Ben included, watched as Link tried to approach Epona. The horse would usually trot to another part of the yard whenever Link got close. Link talked to Epona lightly, trying to show he wasn't there to hurt her, but again she'd move away from him. It was almost as if Epona was messing with Link. After time and again, Link decided to take a drastic approach and tried to jump onto Epona's back and ride her until she gave out. Unfortunately, Epona was quick to act and as she ran, Link slipped off and hit the ground hard as Epona jumped the fence and ran into the surrounding forest.

Link: *groan*😣
Ben: Huh. So this is what it's like to tell someone "I told you so."
Link: *groan* You're not helping here!
Ben: No, I'm really not.😑
Link: *cough* Where'd she go?
Ben: Jumped the fence and high-tailed it outta here like a normal girl who's attacked by a complete stranger. What were you thinking?
Link: I wanted to try an endurance run technique. You know, hang on to her until she would get too tired to buck at me and got used to me riding her.
Ben: 😧 Wow, you really are clueless sometimes.
???: Excuse me mister! Are you okay?😯
Link: Y-yeah, I'll be fine. I've fallen off a horse before. Thanks. *sigh*
???: Oh, that Epona! Why can't she just let people near her?😟
Link: Some horses aren't too keen on being around people much.
Ben: I think horses are starting to plan some kind of uprising against farmers or something.
Link: Ben. Stop it.
Ben: It could happen alright!
Link: *sigh* Hey, what's your name little girl?
???: Malon.
Link: Malon? That's a cute name. Okay Malon, any idea why Epona acts like this around folks?
Malon: Well, she's a smart horse. Her parents were taken away as knights' horses when she was still a fowl, so she may not want to go out there away from home.
Link: Oh? I suppose that could happen.
Malon: She probably knows that whenever a knight comes to take a horse, that usually means there's fighting going on somewhere. 😟
Link: And she doesn't want to leave home because she thinks she'll never come back again!
Ben: Smart horse.
Link: So she's just scared to leave home! That explains it! Say Malon, you seem to know Epona well. Is there any way I could try to calm her down?
Malon: Well, whenever my father Talon or uncle Ingo have to tend to her or whenever I'm out here with her, we usually whistle a little song that Epona seems to enjoy.
Link: Yeah?
Malon: Mm-hm! She's known that song since she was born! We've even begun calling it Epona's Song since she likes it so much!
Ben: Women have always been suckers for love songs.😒
Link: Hmm... I think I have an idea what to do now. Malon, can you teach me Epona's Song so I can talk to Epona proper?
Malon: Sure! It goes something like this! (Whistling)

Malon whistled the tune first, then Link tried to copy it. Multiple times they whistled the tunes before whistling it together, etching Epona's Song into Link's memory as he perfected it.

Ben: Great, you learned Epona's Song! Now get your butt off the ground and let's look for her! She could be anywhere from just outside town to halfway to Death Mountain for all we know!
Malon: Oh no. She wouldn't run off that far! *giggles*
Link: She wouldn't?
Malon: No. No, she's a bit of a homebody. She's run off before, but she usually doesn't go too far. Sometimes she even comes back all by herself!
Ben: Again, smart horse.
Malon: If she's nowhere in town, then she'll have to be in the forest just outside!😊
Link: Okay, that's good to know. Thanks Malon!

Link got up, dusted himself off, and headed for the forest. Ben planned on taking a nap, but of course Link grabbed the back of his tunic and dragged him along with him.

Link and Ben walked around looking for Epona for a couple of hours. Taking into consideration where she was headed when she jumped the fence, the two decided to split up and search for Epona that way.

Ben wasn't so thrilled, as usual. He wouldn't tell, but he had a pretty good idea where Epona was. He followed his own little internal compass until, sure enough, he found Epona grazing in a small private field within walking distance to the town. Ben sat there in front of Epona for a moment, contemplating things. Epona noticed this and eventually and slowly walked up to Ben and nudged him slightly. He was somewhat surprised but he took it lightly and stroked Epona's face carefully. Guess since Ben wasn't as tall as any normal Hylian adult, maybe Epona thought of Ben like he was a child, like Malon. Ben didn't care though.

He stood up, which startled Epona enough for her to back off alittle. He stood there near Epona as she started to graze again. Ben looked at her for a moment.

What was it that he had warned Link about a while ago? That a horse could break your bones with one good hind kick to you. Ben's seen it. Horses could stomp you to death too. All it would take would be to startle them, as if some Wolfos was attacking them. How to startle them though? Maybe... a kick to their leg? Yeah... yeah, that could work. And given that everyone knew Epona was wild, nobody would be the wiser if Ben...

Yep... This was it. His chance for some actual peace of mind...

Ben took a breath, looked around... and kicked Epona right in her front leg!

Epona immediately was sent into a panic, knocking Ben over in the process. Nothing broken yet, but things just got started. Epona thrashed around before she heaved back and practically stood straight up into the air. Everything seemed to slow down as Ben realized that Epona's front hooves would come crashing down onto him.

That's what he wanted.

He closed his eyes and braced for impact... But it never would come.

Link: EPONA! HEEL!😲

Ben's eyes shot open upon hearing Link's voice as Epona herself backed up as Link suddenly approached her, her front hooves hitting the ground mere inches from Ben's body.

At first Epona continued to panic as she backed up from Link, but then Link's left hand started glowing again. Seeing the Triforce of Courage gave Epona a sense of relief as she began to calm down. Link, half noticing the Triforce piece on his hand, began whistling Epona's Song. Epona heard him clearly, and within seconds she calmed down more then enough to let Link hold her head in his arms. Ben could hardly believe it.

Link: (finishes the song)... There there. Ssshhh. That's a good girl. That's a good girl.😏
Ben: (panting) W-well... That's one way to tame a horse anywhere... 😞
Link: See Epona? I'm not so bad now, am I?
Epona: ...
Link: Listen Epona, I know why you don't like people riding you. You're just scared to leave home like all the other horses had, right? That's okay Epona. It's okay to be scared sometimes. And it's okay that you don't like the idea of leaving home. But for most people, staying home all the time isn't so good. You'd miss out on all the amazing things out there.
Epona: (shakes her head slightly)
Link: I know, I know. You're scared to go out there because you can tell from my injuries that there's fighting going on out there somewhere. You can probably sense it too, right? Listen, I know it's scary to think about leaving home and never coming back, believe me. But sometimes you have to take the chance and go on through it all. Everyone thinks that I'm some big hero of legend just because of some sacred object I apparently have, and not going to lie Epona, I don't like the idea of going out there with the weight of the world on my shoulders. But I still have to think about all the people, the towns, the Royal family, everyone. I have to do all I can and must for Hyrule. I have to go out there and fight if I must. And Epona... I need you right now. I need you to help me help all of Hyrule. Can you at least let me ride you for a spell?
Epona: 😔...
Link: ...I promise I'll take you back here Epona. Me and Ben will take you back home and back to Malon when it's all over, okay? I promise. Just... help me, guide me. I don't want to do this alone. Please...

For a moment Link stood there leaning his head against Epona's head while he stroked her mane. The Triforce of Courage glowed faintly still as Link's left hand rested on the side of Epona's face. For a moment, they stood there, waiting for the other to respond.

Finally, Epona made the first response and nudged Link's cheek in a somewhat playful manner. Link took the hint and walked around to Epona's side, then he carefully began to climb onto her back. Epona swayed alittle, but she stood up proud as Link rested on her back. Seeing that he had finally won Epona's approval, Link patted Epona's shoulder, praising her, as the Triforce piece faded away from sight. Ben was awed, but he wouldn't let Link know that.

Ben: 😧Well Mr.Not-A-Hero, we got a horse. Can we leave now?
Link: *sigh* Oh alright, but let's get back to town first. Everyone will probably want to see Epona off, I probably need a bandage check, and you need to get cleaned up. You have dirt all over your tunic.

On cue, Epona began trotting forward towards town with Link riding her. Ben stood up and looked down at himself. Sure enough, he had dirt nearly everywhere on him from the shoulders down. He watched Link and Epona leave, and he figured that Link must've not seen Ben kick Epona into a frenzy like he had.

...Better not say anything then. Link was bound to figure out that Ben was serious about his depression if he knew what Ben had just attempted and worse... He would find out about HIM...

As you could imagine, everyone saw Link riding back with Epona. Like, actually RIDING Epona back to town! It was a miracle! Little Malon couldn't help but run up to Epona and hug her for opening her heart up to someone!

After changing bandages, cleaning up, and gathering supplies, Link and Ben were set on heading for Kakariko. Link promised that he'd bring Epona back home once everything in Hyrule was finally straightened out. Malon hated to see Epona go (and Epona felt the same way to be honest), but Epona was now a horse on a mission and there wasn't time to delay. Link said his farewells and thanks before him and Ben rode Epona off out of town. Epona secretly felt somewhat uneasy leaving home, but she remembered what Link said and she held firm to his words. She'll come home in no time as she imagined. Next stop, Kakariko!

Later

At one point Link asked Ben why Kakariko of all places. The Zoras were probably already planning a counter attack, and the Gorons wouldn't be far behind them. Ben only stated that, though Zoras and Gorons would begin the fight, only the inhabitants of Kakariko would understand the full implications of this upcoming war. "Besides, if anyone will convince you that you're not "not a hero", then these people will." Link was still unsure, but Ben hadn't faltered on him yet. He had to trust him.

Night was falling fast, and Ben decided they'd better go slow from here on out. The undead forces were strongest and more active in the night's light. Link could get detected by the undead if him and Epona moved so fast, and Ben explained that Kakariko wasn't so far now anyway. Link agreed, and Ben slid off and took Epona by her reins and guided them. The rest of the way was a silent one for Link and Ben.

Ben began thinking to himself. He was having a strange feeling in him. It wasn't because of the spirit though, it was a different feeling. Was it... guilt? For what he nearly done to himself with Epona perhaps? Why!? He never felt this way after nearly attempting such drastic actions before... Up until he had met them. Those weirdos everyone associated Ben and his d**n spirit with. They told him not to do this to himself, and now he was suddenly feeling guilty for trying to set destiny or fate or whatever right. It took years to even understand what had happened to him, now he suddenly had "feelings" again?

Ben shook his head and realized they were in front of the entrance to Kakariko. The wooden gate of sorts stood there wide open (then again there weren't any doors) as the painted signs swung slightly in the wind with their symbols of... whatever they meant. Finally...

Ben: *sigh* Well Mr.Not-A-Hero Link, here we are. Guess this is where we part way- Link?
Link: ...😴

Link had apparently either fell asleep or passed out again between Ben taking the rein and, well, here. Ben went up, took his finger, and bent Link's pointed ear down before the ear sprang back to its usual place. Hylians hate that!

...

Either Link was a deep sleeper or he really was passed out from fatigue, slight hunger, and some blood loss.

Ben: 😐... Well. Um... Guess I'll have to stay with you just a minute more huh? Come on you two. The Sheikah are gonna love you.

---

For the record, this all takes place in my Under My Wings universe. Just so you know.