Chapter 1: The Hero
Waiting. That's all I've done in seven years. I've waited. That's a long time to wait for just a boy. But wait I have.
Slowly I pace in the shadows of the pedestal room in the Temple of Time. A single window allows a yellow beam of light to fall onto the stone pedestal in the circular room. It is silent, except for the quiet chanting of an unseen choir.
The waiting is- and was- long, painful and riddled with guilt. But there was nothing left for me to do. I couldn't- I can't just run away and leave this mess behind and I can't fix it on my own.
Now my wait is nearly over. I don't know what will be more painful, seeing him again and introducing him into this monstrous world or continuing to live like this without the hope of a hero.
Memories that I worked so hard not to remember begin to flood me. That night, when it all began.
Fire, people screaming, chaos. One tall, dark, and imposing figure stands out. Ganondorf. 'Princess!' someone cries. This is wrong, this is all wrong.
An onslaught of emotion suddenly bombards me as I remember. Greif, pain, guilt. I lost everything that night, all of Hyrule did. With the careful control of a Sheikah, I attempt to shove away my feelings. It's not the time to be emotional.
Castle Town is burning. The palace is being attacked. Impa grabs me and throws me onto a horse. We ride past the market. People are fleeing, trying to find safety. Everything is happening so fast, it becomes a blur. We fly over the drawbridge. Ganondorf is following us.
A boy is standing by the bridge. It's Link! He watches, confused and horrified. I want to stop, to warn him, but I can't. He must protect the Triforce. He is the last hope. I pull out the ocarina, the last piece to the puzzle, and throw it with all my might. I don't see where it lands. Impa urges our horse to go faster...
I shut my eyes tightly and swallow.
Seven years. That night has haunted me for seven years, as much as may I try to hide it.
Ganondorf's attack was completely unexpected. I tried to warn them, but nobody listened to me, the over imaginative little girl. Castle Town didn't stand a chance. I thought, hoped, that Link had caught the ocarina and would save Hyrule. But, my attempts to protect the Triforce only helped Ganondorf seize it.
Castle Town was in ruins and soon the rest of Hyrule began to fall under the reign of Ganondorf. The beautiful land decayed and died. Nowhere was safe. The Zoras, the Gorons, even the Kokori were affected by the evil of Ganondorf.
All of Hyrule was brought to its knees.
My heart aches. It's entirely my fault. Hyrule was destroyed, Link slumbered, people suffered because of me. Because I was young and foolish. Now Link is returning to a dead world. I must help him revive it and in some small way atone for what I have done.
The pedestal before me begins to glow with blue light. Slowly a green figure descends. Link. His feet touch the stone floor and the light dissipates. He looks around, his back to me, taking in the temple.
I barely recognize him. It's been seven years since I saw him last.
He was my only childhood friend, the only other person I trust more than Impa. I want nothing more than to fall at his feet and beg forgiveness. I've done so much harm.
As I grapple with my emotions, Link carefully walks down the steps. I quickly swallow my feelings, regaining my cool, calm, and detached mask, before stepping forward into the light.
"I've been waiting for you, Hero of Time," I say softly.
Link freezes mid-step and whirls around. He eyes me suspiciously, not knowing whether I am friend or foe. His stance is stiff and ready for action.
"Who are you?" He demands, "How do you know who I am?"
I get my first full look at him. He's grown, but that's to be expected after seven years. He's taller than expected and his face has lost all its childhood roundness. His shoulders are broad and strong. The Master Sword is slung across his back and peeks up past his shoulder. He's… he's a man now. No, not just a man, he's the Hero of Time.
But as much as he has changed, he's still the same Link I knew. The same ridiculous green tunic and hat. The same lips prone to wry smiles, though now the corners turned down in worry. The same blonde bangs hanging in front of his face. And those brilliantly blue eyes. They're confused now, not bright with mirth and mischief.
The stranger before me continues to stare and repeats his query. His voice is low and tense with worry. The delay in my response increases his anxiety.
"When evil rules all, an awakening voice from the Sacred Realm will call those destined to be Sages, who dwell in the five temples. One in a deep forest, one on a high mountain, one under a vast lake, one within the house of the dead, one inside a goddess of the sand. Together with the Hero of Time, the awakened ones will bind the evil and return the light of peace to the world," I recite.
"How do you know this?" Link asks again, but the edge in his voice has been replaced with curiosity.
I remind myself that he's just woken from a seven years sleep. Everything he thought he knew changed. He's confused and unsure of what to believe or who to trust. His eyes are eager to know more, to understand, and to have someone to believe.
Which is why I'm here.
The battle-ready stance relaxes and he takes a cautious step forward. "Who are you?" he asks, but I know he really means, 'Can I trust you?'
He has no idea who I am. My disguise is working.
"This is the legend of the temples passed down by my people, the Sheikah. I am
Sheik. Survivor of the Sheikahs," I say, "As I see you standing there, holding the mythical Master Sword, you really do look like the legendary Hero of Time."
At that statement, Link's left hand unconsciously moves to touch the hilt of the sword. He looks as though he wishes to speak, but says nothing. I continue.
"If you believe the legend you have no choice. You must look for the five temples and awaken the five sages. One is waiting for the time of awakening in the Forest Temple. The sage is a girl I am sure you know."
Link's eyes widen, "Saria?" He whispers to himself, then says to me, "I don't understand, what am I supposed to do?"
"Because of the evil power in the temple, she cannot hear the awakening call from the Sacred Realm," I continue, "Unfortunately equipped as you currently are, you cannot even enter the Temple. But if you believe what I'm saying, you should head to Kakariko Village."
Link watches me carefully, confused. His brow furrows and his eyes lower, not sure he believes me or maybe unsure he'll be able to do as I instructed. To him, he was only a kid moments ago and now a Hero, being guided by a mysterious outsider. To him I'm just a stranger, not an old friend.
"Do you understand, Hero? To save the forest girl, you need another skill. Head to Kakariko Village!" I repeat to ensure he follows my instructions.
He nods quickly and says, "Yes, I got it. I'll go to Kakariko."
I fold my arms across my chest. Link gives me one more look, studying me. He seems unsure. His lips part to speak, but he just shakes his head and turns to leave.
I watch him, wanting to explain everything, to show him who I am. But I must keep my Sheikah disguise and remained distanced. I can see he doesn't completely trust me, not yet.
If only he knew. The journey ahead of him is a difficult one and the quicker he learns to trust me, the better. I'm closer to him than he realizes.
AN: I've always been fascinated by Sheik's character, so I've decided to write about the instances in which Sheik and Link meet but from Sheik's perspective.
I've recently gone through and edited this as well. Enjoy a slightly more polished version!
Let me know what you think.
-Allie