1Author Note: I do not own any of the Legend of Zelda characters or story lines (I wish I did). I do own this story however, and if you try to plagiarize it you will suffer in your old age and die completely alone. Also I would like to point out that in this story Sheik is his own person, independent of Princess Zelda. Enjoy and please be as harsh as you like with your comments. This is my first story on here so please review with suggestions and what not.
The day Impa showed up on my doorstep holding the small trembling princess, I knew things would never be the same again.
"Get your things boy," she commanded glancing around nervously. I had never known Impa to show fear of any kind, but right then she radiated it. Without question I assembled the few items I possessed into a pouch and allowed myself to be pulled out the door. Impa hastily led us down the stairs, which led up to my second story loft-apartment and out the gates of Kakariko village. Luckily, the guard who usually barred the way to the Death Mountain path seemed to have taken a break from his duties.
I attempted to ask why we were running up the path to Death Mountain peak but was only met with a command to be quiet. My thoughts returned to the village. I hadn't gotten the chance to tell the potion shop lady whom I worked for that I would be gone for a period of time. Of course, she probably already knew I was gone. She always seemed to know things even if she couldn't possibly have known about them. Though I did feel bad. She was kind enough to give me work and let me rent the upstairs room.
The breakneck pace continued when abruptly a tekitike sprang to attack the small girl locked in Impa's embrace. The woman's hands were full with the child so she had no way to prevent the oncoming attack.
"Sheik!" she cried causing me to spring to action. With practiced movements I slid the throwing knife I always carried out from under my arm bandages and threw it at the beast. My accuracy was flawless and the thing fell to the ground mid-leap. The princess cringed as I yanked the knife out of the corpse's single red eye. Without another word we continued up the path, dodging the occasional Goron rolling down the mountainside. Finally we halted at the entrance to the mountain abode. The large Goron sitting outside eyed us suspiciously...well, eyed me suspiciously. Two females weren't nearly as conspicuous as a boy dressed in a Sheikah suit with bandages covering every inch of skin.
"We are here to speak with Daruni, we are friends of his" Impa spoke calmly. The Goron instantly smiled and began to lead them into the mountain. I sighed and shook my head. I didn't like Gorons. They were much too trusting and not exceptionally bright. After all they had let themselves be cut off from their food source and it had taken a ten year old kid to make them figure out they could have blown up the rocks with a bomb flower. Plus their natural enthusiasm for everything made me sick sometimes. I was not a very enthusiastic person. Once we reached the throne room Impa set the girl down and told us to wait outside. I sat down and leaned against the wall. It didn't take long for me to realize the princess kept scooting closer to me. I ignored it. When she was pressed up against my side I turned to glare at her. Of course she really couldn't get the intention of my expression with my mask covering everything but my eyes. And even then one eye was blocked by my hair. My eyes met big blue ones.
"I'm Zelda" she offered a weak smile. I admired her for at least taking this disturbing situation with grace. She hadn't cried once during the mountain trek or even when the tekitike had attacked her. The least I could do was answer her.
"Sheik" I spoke quietly looking down. A minute later small sobs started to rack the princess's body. The next thing I knew the girl's arms were around my neck in a death grip and she was sobbing hysterically on my shoulder. At first I was too surprised to do anything so I just let the girl cry. Eventually I awkwardly patted her shoulder. I do not enjoy being clung too. Also I had no idea how to comfort someone so I didn't try much else. After a good ten minutes or so. The crying began to recede but she still clung to me desperately.
"Sorry" she sniffled. I grunted in response. I was never big on words either. A few more minutes passed and her grip loosened but she continued to hold on. It was then I noticed she had begun to sleep. Poor girl, she was only ten and already troubles seemed to plague her. Of course I was one to talk. I was only eleven and being a Sheikah wasn't exactly fun.
After an eternity of awkwardness Impa emerged from the room. I looked up at her begging to be freed from my sleeping burden. For the first time in a while I saw Impa's lips curl into a smile.
"The princess has been through a lot today. You'll need to get used to physical contact". I frowned underneath my mask. "I... I won't be going back to the village will I?" I asked. Impa's smile disappeared.
"No. The time has come for you to take up you Sheikah duties" she responded coldly. The steel edge was back in her voice. I was no longer her friend, I was once again her student. I bowed my head.
"Very well"