The wiry messenger was panting heavily in the desert heat; the sweat from his body making his shirt cling to his surprisingly thin frame. His hand shook with his exhaustion, and perhaps some fear, as he held out a letter with the royal seal of Hyrule on it.

Sheik eyed the letter warily for a moment, before taking it from the messenger with his bandaged fingers. The wiry man shied back, looking as though his soul had been pierced by the Sheikah's blood red eyes. Ignoring the daunted man, Sheik opened the letter with a single wrapped finger, and began to read the message. No readable expression crossed his covered face as he scanned through the hastily written message.

As he read, his sandy blonde hair fell over his crimson eyes, shadowing them well and only making him appear more menacing, despite not being of huge stature. He tugged up on his cowl that covered his bandaged face, ensuring the messenger wouldn't read any emotion his covered lips could give away.

The seventeen year old snapped his deep eyes back up to the older man as soon as he finished. A shiver couldn't help but ripple down the messenger's back, despite the intense heat. He found it strange that this young man before him could wear the skin tight outfit that he did, which completely covered his body. Also, the only exposed skin on him was that of his well tanned olive face, though the messenger knew he'd be a lighter shade if it weren't for the constant sun exposure.

"Um, your uh, your reply Sir?" He squeaked out.

The olive skinned teen seemed to almost hesitate for a moment, though it appeared he was more reluctant to speak than anything else.

"I'll come." His voice was muffled by his cowl, as well as the bandages beneath, but the cool fluidness of his voice was unmistakable.

Having everything he needed already on him, Sheik and the messenger set out immediately, despite the older man's fatigue. One of the most important lessons the seventeen year old had learned in his two and a half years in the desert was that one should always have what they need on them, in case of the unexpected happening. The messenger scurried after him, still tired from trying to find the nimble man.

Sheik took little pity on the older man though, but did allow himself to stay at his pace, not wanting him to drop suddenly and create a new problem for him. Being alone in a desert was tough enough, but having to worry about another's well being was even tougher, and Sheik absolutely loathed it. He was faster and more efficient on his own, as well as more relaxed, but he couldn't just abandon this messenger. He was solitary and cold, but not completely heartless.

By noon the following day, the two travelers had arrived at the gates of Hyrule Castle, with minimum delay along the way. The messenger had managed to keep up with the Sheikah's breakneck pace the entire time, but now looked as though he were about to collapse.

"I can find my way from here." Sheik stated simply, leaving the older man at the gates.

Upon entering though, Sheik was immediately stopped.

"Oye, who are you and what is your business here?" A guard suddenly ran over before the Sheikah could walk up the marble steps, which he saw where stained with old blood.

He pulled out the letter from his travel bag, flashing the royal insignia still attached to it.

"Oh, my apologies, please follow me, I will take you to Princess Zelda."

Sheik gave the guard a disapproving look, but his glowing red eyes made it look more like a murderous glare. He followed the unsettled guard into the castle, which was in fact the finest building the Sheikah had ever seen in his life. Knowing nothing but the desert and the outskirts of it, he was truly breath taken upon entering, but managed to hide it before the guard leading him took notice. He couldn't help but let his eyes wander though as they walked through the grand halls, absorbing all his surroundings in an instant. Mentally, he verified his ogling was more like memorizing unfamiliar territory; useful knowledge if something unexpected were to happen.

The guard led him into the throne room, and upon entering, he puffed himself up proudly, which the Sheikah found somewhat amusing. Despite his amusement with the guard though, he couldn't help but reach up a hand and begin to rub the earring laced through his ear that signified his passage into manhood. He didn't rub it often, but when he did, it was usually because he was nervous or anxious.

On the far end of the room, and young and beautiful woman sat, her long golden blonde hair combed to perfection. At her side stood a young light blonde teen, and he seemed to have been talking with her when they entered. The boy looked up, and his bright blue eyes widened with recognition, which Sheik was surprised to find directed at him. The bright eyed teen quickly whispered something to whom Sheik was assuming was Princess Zelda. Her own eyes widened momentarily, nearly making the Sheikah incline his head in confusion. The guard though was oblivious to all of this.

"My Lady, you're guest has arrived." He humbly kneeled.

"Thank you Leopold, you may go now." She smiled at him kindly, and he swiftly complied, though not before shooting Sheik one last suspicious glance.

The Sheikah went back to rubbing his earring.

"Greetings Sheik, I am Princess Zelda of Hyrule, and this is my trusted companion Link, also known as the Hero of Time." Her voice was strong, yet soft.

He glanced at the teen in green, still puzzled by the baffled look on his face. He flashed his crimson eyes back on Zelda, waiting to see if she'd continue. She read his impatience quickly.

"As you are well aware, I was unable to write any specifics in the letter I sent to you. The reason being, is simply because it is no longer safe to do so. Recent events have taken place that greatly concern you, as well as this entire world."

Sheik crossed his solid arms, waiting for her to continue.

"Ahem," She cleared her throat, suddenly looking unsure, or perhaps that was the wrong word. To Sheik, she appeared to be masking another emotion with uncertainty.

"A month ago, a pair of twin brothers by the names of Castor and Pollux, have gained an immeasurable power from a sacred object know as the Ebony Locket. This locket had been originally sealed away by your ancestors, long before their...banishment." Her ice blue eyes couldn't help but wander down towards the tear on Sheik's symbol that covered his chest. "Because it was a Sheikah that originally sealed away the item, only another Sheikah of pure blood can reseal it. Your sister Impa attempted to do this herself, but since she was of only half blood, her efforts were in vain, and she..." Zelda looked as though she was unable to continue.

Sheik's eyes flashed as it suddenly clicked, and his gaze fell to the floor, allowing his sandy hair to cover his eyes. Impa may not have been there for him for most of his life, but she had been his family, a thing that had always been rare amongst the Sheikah.

"You wish me to reseal this, locket?" Sheik asked, his voice betraying no emotion he felt at the moment.

"Please, you are the only one that can, and if you don't, everything we know and love will die as darkness takes its place. Not even the most peaceful soul will be spared." Her words were strong, but Sheik could read the desperation in her eyes.

The seventeen year old hesitated. If he complied to the princess's wishes, he was certain a hard road of struggle and pain awaited him, but he also knew that if he declined, the destruction of the world could very well be his fault. Not wanting to have to heft around such a burden, Sheik made eye contact with Zelda.

"Okay."

Zelda smiled, and turned to Link happily. "Thank you so much, your agreement will not go unrewarded. Link, please show Sheik to where he will be staying. Tomorrow, you both shall set out for Kakariko Village. This is where Impa was last reported being sighted before she... Link knows the way well, so he will not only be your guide, but aide you in your fights."

Sheik couldn't help but moan mentally. Yes he would need this "Hero of Time's" help, since he had no idea where he really was supposed to go anyways, or what to do once he got there, but having to tow along another person always hindered him.

Not wanting the two to detect his reluctance, he nodded, and allowed Link to show him to his quarters, and ignored most of the teen's curious glances, worried the kid would try to start up a conversation.