#wolf-link

“GOOOOD MOOOORNING NINTENDO. AND WELCOME TO TODAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP AGILITY COMPETITION!!!!”

 The booming voice of the announcers thundered across the near perfect-looking agility stadium. The crowd gathered in the stands clapped and whooped loudly, the numerous figures in the stands shifting and wavering with pixelated art.

It was another day in the world of Nintendogs, and, for some reason, Midna and Link- in wolf form, of course, were centered in the middle of the stadium. Neither of the two was quite sure how it had happened. All of a sudden, the two of them stood in the middle of the arena; pixelated fans cheering with electronic voices, unseen announcers booming throughout the large room.

“TODAY’S COMPETITOR, WOLF-LINK, WITH HIS OWNER, MIDNA!! WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WOLF-LINK, ARCHIE?” The voice boomed.

It occurred to both Midna and Link that there must be two announcers. There was a short blip in the speakers, barely audible, as if someone had shifted slides on a presentation.

“WELL, TED, THAT DOG REMINDS ME A LITTLE BIT OF ME IN MY SALAD DAYS. TALK ABOUT VIM AND VIGOUR!” A different voice boomed through the stadium this time, much lower pitched and not as refined. The voice did not hold the same level of smooth baritone as “Tedd”.

“YES, WELL, TIME FOR TODAY’S COMPETITION,” Tedd called. “OUR CURRENT CHAMP, WITH A SCORE OF 8.67 POINTS, IS JOHN’S DOG, FIDO. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF FIDO, ARCHIE?”

As it is now apparent, both of the announcers had loud, booming voices that continued, and still shall, to blare throughout the arena. The author has decided, upon much speculation, that their dialogue will no longer require to be typed in all caps, as the point has been made to express their obnoxious voices.

“Uhh, great dog. You know, Tedd, I really need to practice my autograph, my fans-“

“Let’s begin!” Tedd’s voice cut off Archie over the loud speakers with an abrupt buzz.

And suddenly, loud beeps resonated over the speakers.

Wolf-Link felt his initial canine instincts taking over. He knew he suddenly stood in life or death territory. He had to win, had to finish ridding Hyrule of the Shadow Realm. He couldn’t let Midna down. Couldn’t let Princess Zelda down.

The third, and final, beep sounded, and Wolf-Link was off. He dodged and bolted over jumps and weaved through blue tunnels. His heart raced, he felt Midna’s grip on his neck tighten and she urged him forward, urged him toward winning.

Meanwhile, past the floor of the arena, past the pixelated stands of cheering crowds, sat the announcers box. No one knew the small, cream colored box existed, outside of the creators of the arena. No one bothered looking for it.

However, this is where the renowned Tedd Rumsworth and Archie Hubbs resigned each and every day of competitions.

And Tedd was just about sick of it.

Day after day his patience was worn thin by Archie. He made such lame jokes, could never focus on his job, and he was absolutely unprofessional in every way! Everything about Archie made Tedd’s blood boil.

What he would give to just shut Archie’s big fat mouth for once.

“Tedd,” Archie called. The man was leaning in his seat, elbows jutting on top of the viewing window-sill as he peered at the arena below. His brown eyes shifted with each movement of the blurred figure completing the agility course. “About those autographs…”

Tedd’s fingers clenched together tightly. He curled them around his coffee cup and brought the Styrofoam to his lips precariously. He swallowed the hot liquid in one gulp before returning his attention to the other.

“You sure do love to make your fans happy,” Tedd spat, a tight smile stretching across his face.

Archie returned Tedd’s smile with a wide grin. “Gotta keep ‘em happy, Tedd,” he boasted.

Tedd’s grip tightened around the cup. “You make me feel like a man, Archie,” he hissed.

Archie’s electronically wired voice wavered a few pitches, his cheeks tinting pink. “O-Of course,” he stammered. He averted his gaze back to the arena. “Why is it the new comers always win tournaments?” he asked.

Tedd’s gaze snapped to Archie. “What?”

“Why can’t Fido or Biscuit ever win a competition?” he whispered.

Tedd was unable to stop the major eye roll that escaped him. “We’re a video game for eight-year-olds, Archie! The level of difficulty here is miniscule!” he snipped. For once, Tedd was grateful the competition wasn’t focused on them.

Archie glared. “I know it’s a game! If it wasn’t do you really think I’d be a lame single, straight man living in a condo and announcing at dog shows for a living?”

Tedd nodded, taking another sip of coffee. “I couldn’t see you doing anything else,” he commented snidely.

Archie tugged Tedd toward him, knocking the coffee cup askew.

Back on the field, Wolf-Link was nearing the finish line. He skidded around the last curve, his paws digging into the plastic grass as he propelled himself forward.

Midna yanked harshly on his fur, screeching for him to move faster. He needed to hurry. Time was almost up. Stop being such a klutz. How was he going to save Hyrule from Zant if he couldn’t even complete an agility competition?

Wolf-Link glanced toward the crowd, a particular shout of courage reaching his ears. His eyes roamed the stands, finally landing on a familiar blonde and pink princess.

It was Zelda! She was here to cheer him on. She was supporting him!

He burst through the final jump with one last leap, soaring over the last hurdle with ease. He landed on his haunches, breathing labored and head swimming.

“Today’s trial had officially ended!” Tedd boomed. “Now, let’s see our final standings! In third place, with a score of 7.54, is Rodrick’s Shiba Inu, Biscuit! In second, with a score of 8.67, is John’s sheltie, Fido! And in first place with a score of 9.98….” He trailed his words, dragging out the suspense.

Suddenly, loud trumpets blared through the stadium, rockets shot off and confetti fell from the ceiling. The crowd roared. And suddenly, a large gold trophy was clamped tightly in his jowls.

“Midna’s dog, Wolf-Link! Wolf-Link has received $1000 in prize money and will be in the championship round next time!”

Archie’s voice soon blipped over the speaker. “I know what Wolf-Link’s thinking, Tedd! Treats, and lots of ‘em!”