Episode 2: Exchange for a Wish

It has been many nights since the disastrous event happen. Back on the cliff stood the Wolf but this time she has no motive to sing to the Moon anymore. Her mind kept going back to what happened… and to what she has done to the Prince.

Wolf: (Whimper)…

The Wolf felt awful for what she has done and was eating her as every day and night passes. She was hoping that the Prince would come back to this place, and maybe, just maybe she could apologize to him. Though she reminds herself that he will still freak out if he saw her. A week has already passed and she could no longer contain her guilt and worry for the Prince.

Wolf: (That's it. I can no longer wait for him. I must go to the Human Kingdom and see if he's alright, no matter what!)

With that she left the clearing and started running on all fours through the forest and reach the Human Kingdom. Of all the Monsters off the forest she is the fastest if she runs on all fours. A while later she reached the border that separates the denizens of the forest and the Human settlement. Here Knights are always on patrol day and night so no Monster can cross and enter the Human land. However, the Wolf is a Hunter, and she knows how to be very stealthy. She silently traversed through the place without making a sound. She hide behind a bush when she saw two Knights patrolling, her black fur and the night makes her nearly invisible. She continues and hides again from two more Knights.

Knight 1: Say, how is the Prince doing?

Knight 2: (Sighs)… I'm afraid it's not so good.

The Wolf stopped when she heard them mention the Prince so she decided to stay close and continue hearing their conversation.

Knight 1: What happened to him? How did he get that wound?

Knight 2: Don't you know? A month ago he wandered into the Forest somehow and was attacked by a Monster.

The Wolf heart began to hurt when she heard. Her accidentally attacking the Prince was a very painful memory for her.

Knight 2: The Healers tried the best they could, but sadly, the Prince became permanently… blind.

The Wolf eyes widened in horror when she heard this. She looked down at her claw, the claw that tore at the Prince's face.

Knight 2: When the King heard of this, he became quite upset. And then…

Knight 1: Then what?

The other Knight was anxious to know what happened next and so was the Wolf.

Knight 2: Well, the King and Queen locked the young Prince inside the tower.

The other Knight couldn't believe what he was hearing, and so does the Wolf.

Knight: From what I heard a Prince having a scarred face like that would bring shame to the royal family. So they have to lock the Prince in the highest tower away so the public wouldn't see him.

Behind the bushes, the Wolf started to tremble when she heard what happened to the Prince. Even though she wasn't part of a pack she knew that a member with a disability wouldn't do any good. But this, that was…

Wolf: That's horrible!

The two Knights got on high alert when they heard that shout.

Knight 1: What was that?!

Knight 2: Behind the bushes! Show yourself!

The two Knights went to investigate the bush, but saw that no one was there. The Wolf quickly but silently left the two Knights as she entered the town and started heading for the kingdom, while her thoughts were thinking about the fate of the Prince that she heard from the Knight.

Wolf: (Oh Prince, I'm so sorry!)

After a while of running the Wolf has reached the Prince's home, which if she remembers it's called Castle Sylvan. She carefully entered inside and hides from the Knights that's patrolling the castle. She remembers one of the knights saying that the Prince is in the tallest tower, which wasn't difficult for her to find. Fortunately the door is opened and the Wolf began scaling the stairs to reach the top. Once she managed to reach the top she saw a jail cell in here. And behind the bars sat someone that made the Wolf's heart hurt.

Sitting on the cold floor is the Prince, but he no longer wears his regal clothes. Instead he was only wearing a ragged dress and was bare feet. And what horrified her the most was the bandages that wrapped his face, blocking his eyes from the world. No, blocking the scars that the Wolf herself has inflicted upon him.

The Wolf brought her paws on her mouth as she struggled to not let out a loud whimper.

Wolf: (This is all my fault. I… I did this to him.)

She could smell the scent of distress and sadness from him. The Wolf doesn't know what to do. She want's to comfort him but she knows she can't even touch him for obvious reasons. All she knows that she could only speak to him, taking advantage of his blindness.

Wolf: Prince…

The Prince raised his head when he heard that someone called him.

Prince: That voice… are you the mysterious singer of the Forest?

Wolf: (He recognized my voice…)

That Wolf was a little surprised as well as a little happy that the Prince recognized her so quickly just by voice.

Wolf: Um… yeah… that's right. My name is… Adolpha.

This is the first time in her life that the Wolf, now known as Adolpha, has ever say name to someone.

Prince: Adolpha… that's a nice name. My name is Chris… Chris Sylvan.

The Wolf was glad that she learned the Prince's name.

Chris: I'm glad that you're alright… I got attacked by a Monster in the Forest.

Adolpha flinched when she heard that. Her heart ached when she thinks at that night, and more when she sees the Prince ragged figure.

Chris: Thank you for coming, but how did you know I was here?

Adolpha didn't know how to respond to that question. She quickly tries to come up with something.

Adolpha: I… I'm a Princess from a nearby Kingdom.

Even though the Wolf knew she was lying, she has to take advantage of the Prince's blindness so he wouldn't get suspicious.

Adolpha: I said I wanted to visit the ill Prince, and they let me in.

Chris just sat there as he was listening to her.

Adolpha: Anyway, forget about that. I can't believe that you are trapped in here!

Chris: But I… I was attacked by a vicious Monster and my face became awful… My vision is gone… I can't wander outside… I'm forbidden from showing my face in public ever again…

Chris's head hanged sadly as he told the Princess his unfortunate experience. The Wolf couldn't take this anymore. She has ruined his eyes and his life. There has to be a way for her to help him. Her paws closed as she could only do nothing but blame herself in anger. But then she remembered something, a story of the one that's ruled the Forest. The Witch Circe.

Adolpha: Let's ask the Witch of the Forest to heal your eyes!

That got the Prince's attention as he "looked" dumfounded upon hearing her idea.

Chris: The Witch…? You mean the Witch of the Forest, like the one from the storybook?

The Wolf has never heard the word "storybook" before.

Adolpha: Storybook? I'm not sure, but the Witch can grant all wishes. She can fix you! The Witch lives deep inside the Forest. I could take you there!

The Wolf was enthusiastic at the prospect, but Chris's head lowered again.

Chris: It'd be hard to take me deep inside the Forest… And the Monster that rendered me blind… I can still feel its claws on me…

The Prince then started to tremble at the thought of encountering that Monster again. Adolpha dropped her gaze after hearing those words. She looked at her paws and all she saw were sharp claws that were made for hurting others.

Adolpha: (I want to take the Prince away from here. But I can't hold his hands with these monstrous claws…)

She really must find a way how to bring trough the Forest, all the way to the Witch Circe mansion, without him never knowing who she really is. She then got a crazy idea that might work. Determined, she clasped her paws quietly and stepped closer to the Prince.

Adolpha: I'll take you to the Forest to see the Witch.

The Prince slowly raised his head again to the Wolf's voice. He knew she said that before, but now he knows how serious she is about doing is.

Adolpha: But just wait here a bit longer. I'll be back shortly.

She then fled the tower and left the Castle, running through the empty streets, and sneaking around the Knights patrolling the border again, though it was more difficult since her little outburst brought more Knights there, but she managed to cross and continued running in the Forest.

The Wolf ran through the Forest all night without stopping. When morning came, she has reached the Witch's House. An old mansion in the Forest that Circe took as her home. Adolpha has never been here before, only heard as tales that the Monsters told. The Wolf was a little nervous to see her do to how powerful the Witch is. But she shook it off as she remembers why she's here. She stood at the door in front of her and knocked. The door then opened but nobody was there. The Wolf just entered the house as the door closed behind her. Inside the mansion she saw many strange things. Hanging on the ceilings were some sort of lanterns with strange glowing crystals in them. What's stranger were the walking objects that's passing to one room to another. Brooms, stools, kettles, there are even books that are flying around. They all have eyes that appears in different location on their "bodies". Adolpha continued walking until she entered a room were a large cauldron is, and beside it stood the fabled Witch Circe herself as she turned around to greet her guest.

The Witch wears a pink feathery dress with a large shape on the chest. She has long pink hair that reaches her back as well and is wearing a bird-like mask covering her face. The stray hat she is wearing is red and there are cuts on the brim and on top of her hat is dangling another lantern with a colorful crystal on it. There are black mush and drips hanging from the brim's edge. Some of them looks like upside down mushrooms. The staff she holds in her hands is a fern like plant which also has eyes on the curled part of the fern just like the rest of the wandering objects has. Despite her appearance being non-threatening the Wolf kept her guard up as she heard that the Witch is someone no Monster wouldn't want as an enemy.

Circe: Oh! What a rare costumer! A man-eating Wolf, coming all the way here… What's this about?

Adolpha then told the reason she has come here.

Adolpha: I wish to become a Human! There's someone I want you to see!

The Witch Circe was surprised to hear such a demand, before she let out a hearty laugh. She knew that Wolf Monsters are sly, but she has never met one to say such things.

Circe: A man-eating Wolf, wants to become a Human?! How amusing. But why on Earth…

The Witch stopped as she looked at the Wolf's eyes, as there's something familiar about them.

Circe: Never mind! No need to divulge the details, I believe I already know why.

Adolpha could only growl in response at the Witch's mockery. Circe then prodded the Wolf's nose, the latter looking ready to bite at any time, but knew she'll get in trouble if she does.

Circe: But of course, I shall grant your wish. Hmm…? But you do know what I need, yes?

More strange glowing spheres appeared out of nowhere as the Witch pulled one to her and sighed, admiring it.

Circe: Beautiful… Each one differs from the others, all unique gems.

The sphere vivid glow pulsed in the Witch's palm. The Witch was a collector with a rather crude temperament. In return for granting wishes, she took the requester's most cherished possession and turned them into crystals.

Circe: The most beautiful hearts are the ones willing to lose what's important to them in order to get what they want. So, what will your heart reveal to me?

The Witch lifted Adolpha's face with her hand as she peered into her eyes, as it to discern a suitable payment.

Circe: Hmm, yes…

Circe then dragged her hand until it reached the Wolf's throat.

Circe: How about your singing voice as compensation?

Adolpha held still when Circe when Circe was searching her heart. But then she stepped back in shock when she heard what payment is needed to fulfill that wish.

Adolpha: M-My singing voice?

The Wolf knew that the Witch had a wicked streak, and she knew she had to sacrifice the most important thing to her. Still, her heart trembled, doubtful. Her singing is what kept her spirits up ever since she was alone as a cub. Still, she had to make a choice. Her beautiful singing voice that the Prince praised, or the chance to hold his hand…

Adolpha: … Okay. I'll give my singing voice in exchange!

The mouth of the Witch's mask curled up, as if giving an evil grin.

Circe: Excellent! Payment accepted! I didn't expect this from one so prideful, but I suppose life is full of surprises. Well, I'm in a good mood, so I'll give you a little something extra.

The Witch's twinkled dubiously.

Circe: I'll give you whatever form you desire. What do you want?

The Wolf thought about it, wondering what form she must take, until she remembered what she had told Chris back at the tower.

Adolpha: I want to look like a Princess.

The Witch chuckled softly at the Wolf's choice.

Circe: My, my… What a lovely idea. But you're sure of that? You and your Human friend will by Monsters before you even get here.

The Wolf was unnerved and hung her head, ashamed that the Witch has seen how futile her plan was.

Circe: Didn't think about that, didn't you? Hmph… Even clever Wolves can be dull sometimes. I'll modify the spell so you can return to Wolf form at any time.

A magical light appeared around the Wolf as she began the ritual. The magical light wrapped around the Wolf's body; a part of the light came from her mouth and gathered near the Witch.

Circe: I've received your singing voice as the toll.

The light around the Wolf suddenly shone bright as Circe watched with an eerie smile, and then faded. Adolpha looked at herself noticed she is still a Wolf.

Adolpha: … But I'm still a Wolf.

She became saddened and disappointed at this.

Circe: It's a complex spell. Give your body one night to get used to it.

With her task completed, Adolpha departed the Witch's House, excited at being able to hold the Prince soon enough. However, Circe stopped her in her tracks as she has else something to say.

Circe: Ah, I almost forgot. Beware of the moonlight, yes? If you fall under it, you will immediately turn back into a Wolf.

Adolpha: … Okay, thank you! Soon I'll be Human and hold the Prince's hand… I'm so excited!

Full of hope, the Wolf eagerly anticipated returning to the castle tower where the Prince was waiting. Circe saw the Wolf leave as she still that smile on her face-like mask.

Circe: A Wolf and a Human Prince… how very interesting.

After leaving the Witch's House, the Wolf made the journey back to the castle tower. She recalled the Witch's words about turning into a Princess. It has already been one night...

She concentrated and then she was wrapped in streams of silver light, and in the Wolf's place stood a Human girl. She has long black hair with four spike-like bits pointing out. She wears a pale dress with a black zig-zag pattern on the center of the waist, a black ribbon on her collar, and a golden crown. Her eyes are large and she has a set of sharp teeth. She is also barefoot.

She was in awe at her new form. She has Human fingers instead of sharp claws.

Adolpha: Is this… me?

She became delighted that the spell worked. She can now take the Prince's as she entered the tower, where Chris sat there waiting for her.

Adolpha: Chris…

The boy got up when he heard his name and went to the direction of the voice, holding his hand forward so he doesn't collides with the bars.

Chris: Adolpha? You came back… Thank you, but…

Wolf turned Human touched his hands were holding the bars, as she tries to comfort him.

Adolpha: Don't worry! I worked hard to be able to let you out!

The Prince relaxed a little at these words.

Adolpha: (Alright, I have to get him out of this cell. I can destroy the bars as a Wolf, but Chris needs to get away from them first…)

Though she has to find a convincing story once Chris ask how she freed him.

Adolpha: Hmmm… ummm… Could you step back off the bars a little?

Chris: O-Oh, okay.

Despite the Prince's confusion at her instructions, he stepped back from the bars.

Adolpha: (Alright, here we go. Now I must become a Wolf again.)

Concentrating, she turned back into her Wolf form. Looking at her claws, which she knows are sharper than the Knight's sword, she began swiping at the bars of the cell, slicing through the metal with ease as the bars fell to the ground with a clanging sound.

Chris: What was that?

Adolpha returned to Human form as she approached the Prince.

Adolpha: I… uh… found a way to break the lock open.

Chris wasn't sure if that was the sound of a lock breaking, but he choose to let it slide.

Chris: Okay then.

Adolpha then saw some things on the floor that she did recognize; Chris's crown and cape.

Adolpha: These are your stuff right? Let me put it back on you!

She grabbed the cape and tied it up around the Prince's collar. She than grabbed the crown and put it back on his head.

Chris: Thanks.

Adolpha: It's nothing. Now, should we get going?

The Princess then timidly grasped the Prince's tiny, warm hand. Though he was scared, he weakly grasped hers back. She started leading him out of the tower as she leads him to a way where she and the Prince can get out of the castel.

Adolpha: (I gave up my singing voice to be Human, but I'm glad I did.) Let's go to the Witch of the Forest. Make sure you stay close to me, okay?

?: Uhhh…

The Prince flinched when he heard that moan.

Chris: What was that?

Adolpha: Oh, it's nothing really.

Before coming to the castle, Adolpha had to knock out all the patrol Knights that's guarding the Forest and the castle. She had to if she wanted to bring the Prince to the Forest without nobody stopping them. The Sun rose as the two has left the kingdom and were closing to the Forest. The two of them were running through a meadow of yellow flowers as the petals were flying around them. They entered the deadly Forest to travel to the Witch's house and heal the Prince. And so, their journey finally began.

I have decided to give names to the games characters. Here are the names meanings.

The Wolf/Adolpha: Means noble wolf. Despite being a predator she's learning to sympathize with other creatures thanks to the Prince. She may have told a few lies, but her heart yearns for companionship and this will help her view the world that the other Monsters hasn't seen yet.

The Prince/Chris: One who carries Christ. The Prince is a very kind boy who wouldn't hesitate to help others. Though his blindness gave him the chance to be kind to a species that he didn't expect he'll be friends with.

The Witch/Circe: It means bird which suits well duo to her appearance. Also, the original user of this name has the power to turn Humans into animals, and the Witch uses hers to turn an animal into a Human. She may have crude temperament, but in the past she met someone who touched her heart.