SK: Whoot! Another chapter done. Well Zosh, the Ruto Scene didn't make it. Manly cause I wanted to go more in-depth into the years while Silvia was in the ST. But I am slowly getting to it…slowly. Well guys here's my next chapter-hoe you like.
Chapter 2 The Blessed Curse of the Sheikah
Her mind wandered as Silvia lay in the bed she used while at Impa's. The young Sheikah had changed into another tunic, Illiam having disposed of their torn ones. Her aunt had not returned yet and though he said nothing, Silvia saw the worry behind Illiam's tender carefree smile. Her now silver eyes gazed up at the moon. 'Nearly midnight.' The knowledge didn't sooth her any. As midnight approached her back began to burn as ice again.
Closing her eyes she endured the pain. The more she tried to endure the worse the pain grew. With every beat of her heart the blood in her veins froze and then boiled. Clutching the blanket, and her teeth, she tried to endure silently. Her mother would've endured. Her father would've endured. Her Aunt, her Uncle. It kept growing and growing. Her gaze fell to Illiam sleeping soundly. He lay there calmly, seemingly not bothered by whatever pain she was feeling. Why wasn't he…there was nothing covering his mark. Not even a blanket.
In a somewhat desperate attempt, Silvia threw her shirt off and onto the floor. The cool night air touched her back, instant relief flooded over her. For whatever reason, she could feel relief again. Silvia tried to lay down, but shot back up as it came again. The pain faded away. For whatever reason, it seemed as though she couldn't cover her mark. Part of her wished Illiam had not discarded her burned shirt. Though only Illiam was in the house and she was not yet a woman, Silvia still felt a certain female obligation to cover herself. Yet, she couldn't cover her mark.
Covering herself with her sheet, Silvia stood and walked over to her dresser. Rifling for a bit, she pulled out one of her tunics. A blade was never far from reach in her Aunt's home. Reaching under the dresser Silvia produced a small straight bladed sword. If she remembered the name right, it was called a ninjato. Frowning a bit, she felt for a smaller blade and found a dagger with a violet eye embedded into it. A small smile formed on her lips. Uncle Illiam. He never had liked the blood stained eye.
Returning her attention to her tunic Silvia held it to her shoulders and measure with her eyes. Slowly and skillfully she cut along the top so that only the cloth around her neck remained connected. Carefully to measure her back, she pulled the blade down and cut, making sure not to cut too much off. Her job done, Silvia pulled the shirt over her head and examined her job. It was far from perfect, but her back was now exposed while her front was covered. There was enough fabric around the bottom to hold her tunic around her. Not many girls her age could do something like this, but Silvia had to sew her own tunics in order to have the Sheikah eye on her chest.
Exhausted from the physical and emotional toll the day had taken on her, Silvia made her way to bed. Crawling into her bed, she curled up on her side. Carefully, she pulled the sheet over her shoulders and sighed as the fabric hung down, not touching her back. Hopefully it would remain that way til the morning. Images came to her, some were her memories. Others were memories she felt belonged to Illiam. With a reassurance that he could feel her as well Silvia drifted into sleep.
Before the cucco had its chance to crow and awake the Hylians of Kakariko Village, the two Sheikah children were awake. Both were now fully dressed, though Silvia's mark sent some pain, it was considerably weaker and she could ignore it. Illiam was convinced there was a way to return their eyes to their usual colors. Taking a deep breath, he closed his currently silver eyes and concentrated. Focusing his thoughts and will he could feel warmth underneath his lids and when he reopened them his gaze fell to the mirror. They were blood red once again. Giving his younger cousin a smirk, he nodded his head.
Taking a deep breath, she too closed her silver eyes and concentrated. Like Illiam, her eyes grew warm and when she opened them they had returned to sapphire. Illiam's voice sounded from behind her. "It's weird. It sortof feels like I already know how to do it."
"Yeah, like a little feeling in the back of your mind, like when Lady Impa teaches us something, but you can't remember," Silvia agreed. Through the window, the sun began to rise.
Illiam felt a fire burn through his veins from his chest, immediately followed by a frozen feeling. Reaching out, Illiam grabbed onto the chair beside him. "Uncover your eye Illy!" her voice was calm, yet loud. Not thinking, Illiam unsheathed the knife in his boot and cut the fabric of his shirt. Relief suddenly followed and he smirked to her. It was clear to both that these 'blessing' were not solely a blessing.
"Well, I wonder how angry mom is going to be when she sees my new…uh…tattoo," Illiam mused to her and the air, "guess that throws my modesty out the window."
"I don't want anyone to know," Silvia's quiet request was answered as assurance shown plain on Illiam's features. "Not until we know what these are," she finished looking to the window.
"We'll figure something out Sil," he placed his slightly calloused hand on her shoulder. The reassuring smile he gave her diminished a little as they both turned their faces to the front door. A tingling feeling prodded at the back of their minds. It told them another Sheikah had arrived. A stronger feeling told them it was an older woman-Lady Impa. There was a faint buzz around another presence…maybe they could feel Zelda with her. Illiam tried to smile, but he felt something was off. If it was the Princess, what was this he felt? Slowly opening his mind he allowed knowledge to flow from what seemed like the very depths of his mind. Zelda had a spell over her…a spell of Sheikah magic.
Relief flooded over Silvia as she rushed out to ensure the safety of her princess. Silvia rushed with a speed she hadn't realized she could reach, but was pleased she could. Smiling she stopped in front of her guardian and princess. The calm relief that had rested on her vanished as sapphire eyes met scarlet. Unexplained rage flooded through Silvia as she stared, not at Zelda's teal gaze, but instead staring back at Silvia were the eyes of her father. Now Silvia could sense the magic Impa had used on Zelda. Her powers over illusions had transformed Zelda into a much younger version of the last Sheik. Sylvain, Silvia's father.
"How dare you," the venom in her voice shot to the princess' and Impa's ears, "how dare you wear my father's face!" Pain surged through Silvia's wrist as her fist connected with the stolen face.
All eyes in the room widened in shock. Illiam had entered the room to see Silvia, the girl who hated even practice sparring, strike her princess. When Illiam watched his mother's hand rise to strike Silvia-she vanished. Illiam stood there, baffled. The shadows had just swallowed his cousin. Looking over to Zelda he could see that deep down the princess was sleeping. Yet, another side of her conscious controlled the now male-by-appearance- body. Illiam could easily pass as his brother. So why had Silvia become so enraged that she betrayed her vow? Then he realized just how much this new face reminded him of a much older face.
A rock erupted into several pieces as a dark whip cracked the top. Hot tears, burned from the pain and anger she felt rising inside her. Blinded by her rage her limbs felt numb. She lashed out with something inside of her. Silvia wasn't sure nor did she care what it was. The sound of things breaking did nothing to quell her anger, but it did satisfy her rage. Occasionally she felt the dark whips catch on her skin or clothes, but she ignored it. How could she? How could Impa give those scarlet eyes to Zelda? Silvia didn't even have her father's scarlet eyes. Nor his golden hair.
Her heart ached for a connection to him. Her eyes held the same shape as her father's, but the color, the scarlet eye of the Sheikah had always belonged to everyone-except Silvia. In that way Silvia had felt connected to Zelda. A teal gaze, but it was somewhat blue. No! Lady Impa had taken that from her. The pain in her heart grew, felt as if her heart was about to be ripped from her chest. 'Why? Why Daddy? Why does she have your eyes? Why don't I?' She was vaguely aware of the blood dripping down her arms, but she ignored it. She ignored the scarlet liquid that now streamed down her arms and shown through the rips in her clothing. Scarlet…
Suddenly arms were being wrapped around her. "Get a hold of yourself!" there was something in his voice that was unlike anything she had ever heard, "whatever you're so angry about it's not worth you spilling your own blood!"
Somehow, for some reason, she calmed down. Silvia couldn't really explain it, but somehow she felt safe in his arms. That feeling washed over her and she stopped, pulling back in the darkness she had lashed out with. His voice and the warmth of his embrace.
"See? It's okay now little Sheikah," his words were spoken so softly. His grip around her loosened. "You might want to find shelter. There's a dark wind blowing." She sighed and turned to face him, but her head was dizzy. The world around her began to spin, his arms caught her. Looking up, she met a ruby gaze before everything went black.
The next thing she remembered, Silvia was waking up, lying on her back in her bed. "Was he a dream?" Bandages covered her arms and, if she had to guess, were anywhere she had cut herself. Her muscles were sore all over.
"Silvia," a worried and familiar, yet unfamiliar voice summoned her attention with one word, "I'm so glad you're alright."
Silvia felt the arms of the disguised princess wrap themselves around her. Guilt smothered her as understanding came over the young Sheikah maiden. "I'm sorry I hit you."
"Don't apologize. I should've thought about your feelings." Though it had been odd hearing Zelda as a male, feeling it was also a completely different event. Silvia knew now that while Zelda was still there, this being was someone different.
"I forgive you if you forgive me…Sheik," a smile braced her lips as she gave her princess the title of the Sheikah leader, "what happened to Link?"
Sheik released her and turned away, guilt riddled on his face, "he became trapped in the Temple of Time. He wasn't ready."
"When he grows up he will be," Illiam's voice caught their attention, "for now, we must get stronger." Gone for less than two hours and she had been brought back, blood stained her outfit. His heart had been filled with panic as his mother took Silvia in her arms and handed her to Illiam. He had rushed her up to the room and cleaned every wound. Now, he felt relieved she had awoken and seemed fine. Whatever had sent her to the graveyard had vanished upon being reunited with her princess.
"Of course," he watched her stand up. The moon was high in the sky and he had been careful not to cover her mark. Silvia must've felt this, because she kept her back away from their view. "I wish to train away from Aunt Impa."
Panic gripped at him again, "You can't-"
"Go ahead Silvia," his mother's voice cut through the air and kept him rooted to the spot, "you no longer have a charge," he had never heard her so cold to Silvia, "you became a rogue Sheikah the second you rose your fist against a member of the royal family."
Illiam was about to defend her, but Silvia spoke up, "I did not strike my princess," there was defiance in her voice that took both Illiam and Impa by surprise, "My princess is gone. She awaits her hero. I hit a fellow Sheikah."
A gentle smile crossed Impa's features, "Good. If you had said otherwise I would have had to really pronounce you a rogue." 'But she's nine!' Illiam objected in his mind. Even if Silvia didn't have a charge, she was his charge. She had been since she was born.
"Where are you going to train?" he couldn't believe this. He had just lost his father. Silvia's parents were gone, making her the next in line to lead. There were a lot of reasons he could think of to keep her here. And he had the power to, "I am your guardian, it's my right to know." Then, her gaze met his own. A cool feeling fell over his eyes and he watched hers turn silver. Then…he understood. Silvia wouldn't be able to leave later. Now while Zelda was hidden. This was the only chance Silvia had to go out and train. But, if she left he couldn't protect her. Sighing, he gave her his usual smirk, "Go now, it might be your only chance," with a last nod. She disappeared.
She felt so cool as if she were swimming. There was no light, yet she knew exactly where she was going. Shortly after she had been taken into the shadows, Silvia was released. The shadows disappeared from around her. Surrounding her once again, were the torches, the answers she sook were in there. Taking off her tunic, Silvia stepped up to the door. The Eye of Truth stared down at her, Silvia turned around. Somehow, her mark activated the door and once it was open, she disappeared into it. Using the shadows to transverse the great temple. Not to be seen again for four years.
Why could he not sense her? Illiam released an irritated sigh. 'Sheik' as he now called himself, was somewhere with Illiam's mother, Impa. Impa had left Illiam to his own devices. Silvia had been gone for a year or so and he had been training with his blessing. He had discovered several interesting powers, one of which was, no matter what, he could sense if his mother was approaching. Another was, any Hylian who laid eyes on the scarlet eye emblazed on his chest, opened their minds to him. Sometimes that was a pain, but he had learned to block them out.
With a sigh-and a smile, Illiam rose. He knew who he would go visit. Running the distance from Kakariko Village to Lon lon Ranch in half the time it would've taken him before the mark. Another change was his stamina and speed had increased. Usually he'd stay away from the sight of Hylians, but she was special. Walking into the ranch he searched for her. He held a gentle smile as he watched her round up some cuccos. "Malon."
"Illy," her little face brightened up as she raced over to him. His heart began to beat faster as she grew closer. She giggled as she grabbed his hand, "come on Illy. You can catch the cuccos too!"
His voice seemed to leave him, but he giggled with her and as they reached the cuccos, he began to chase after them as well. Making sure he went no faster than she did, "You're good at this Malon."
"Cause I'm a ranch girl silly Illy," she giggled and handed him a cucco, "here, now you have one."
"Yeah now I have one," Illiam humored her. She seemed so sweet and innocent, despite the war that had been raged in Hyrule Market, she remained safe at the ranch. Illiam inquired, "What do I do with it?"
Before Malon had a chance to answer Talon called her name. Illiam watched her run off, waving to him. Releasing the cucco, he looked around the ranch and observed Mr. Ingo feeding the horses. His gaze narrowed, he wasn't a bad guy, but something about him today. He snapped his head towards the entrance. A dark aura was coming from the visitor. His eyes widened as Illiam ran towards the entrance.
"Illy what's wrong?" Malon was taken by surprise as Illiam wrapped his arms around her and pulled her behind the barn. "What are you doing?" She demanded a little frightened.
"Shhh," he kept her head tucked near his chest, "please May, just trust me." And she did place her trust in him. She leaned her head against his chest and held onto the opening of his shirt. A faint blush formed on his cheeks, but he ignored it and listened to the conversation outside.
"Talon," the voice was malicious and dark, "you are not worthy of breeding horses for my warriors." There was a darker feeling to it. Malon heard it too and held tighter.
"Now just wait an' hear me out," he pleaded with the dark King, "I'm old, I'm no threat to ye. Please my wife died and all I 'ave left is mah ranch and mah daughter." Illiam inwardly cursed Talon for mentioning Malon's existence.
"I've heard of your Gerudo daughter," his laughter could only be described as evil, "She belongs with her mother's people. Not here on this lowly Hylian ranch." He could only imagine the horror on Talon's face. Malon began to struggle, but Illiam held her in place.
"Father," a voice interrupted the conversation. Illiam and Malon both froze. Illiam knew that voice, it was the voice of the young man who had carried Silvia's bloody and battered body back over a year ago, "it isn't right to separate a child from the only home she's known."
"Gano-"
"Gan," the venom 'Gan' used to correct whatever his father was about to call him gave Illiam hope.
"Gan," the evil kill relented, "Ingo."
"Y-yes my most gracious and evil King," his pitiful voice disgusted the young Sheikah as he listened to him suck up to the King who was taking over Hyrule and ruining lives.
"You knew the girl's mother correct?" a sickening feeling crept through Illiam, "her name."
"Michella," his response was more than eager.
"You mean-"
"Yes Gan, he means your aunt Michella," another evil chuckled erupted; "Malon is your cousin. Do you still believe she belongs here? Do you think she belongs at the ranch?"
"Yes," there was no hesitation in Gan's voice, "I believe she belongs where her mother left her."
"You cursed idi-" The king seemed to stop himself, "very well then. Talon, I share spare your life and allow your daughter to remain here at that ranch. However, you must leave. Ingo, the ranch is now yours."
"Oh thank you your most-"
"Now wait just righ' thare-"
"Father that isn't what I-"
"Silence!" his voice boomed and Malon began to shake in Illiam's arms. "Ingo you may show your gratitude by presenting me with a horse. Talon I want you gone before the sun sets today. Gan you are to see to that! If he's still here I will not hesitate to kill him." With that, Illiam felt the evil king leave. Malon ran from his arms to her father.
"Daddy!" Malon cried in dismay. Illiam watched her tears fall as she threw herself into her father's arms.
"Its alrigh' darlin'. It's alrigh'." Talon held her close and tried to comfort her. Illiam looked to the youth who had been left behind. His face didn't look any happier than Illiam felt. There was no dark aura emitting from the young man. Illiam watched him run a hand through his short scarlet hair.
"I can't tell you how sorry I am," his voice had deepened past childhood, but Illiam could tell he wasn't yet a man, "my father's can be such a-" he stopped himself as his gaze rested on Malon. His eyes were ruby like fire instead of scarlet like blood or the traditional golden. "-Not nice man. I wish there was something I could do." His frustration moved Illiam. He stepped from the shadows.
"I can help." Illiam offered.
"Who are you?" The young man demanded. Instant defenses went up for both of them, Gan's defenses slowly faded as recognition flashed across his features, "aren't you that little Sheikah's cousin?"
"My name is Illiam. And I can help Mr. Talon," he noted Gan's doubt and quickly added, "neither of us are strong enough to beat the King right? So we have to take the chance to get Mr. Talon out of here. My mom is protecting Kakariko Village. He could hide there."
"I'm coming too!" Malon protested as she held onto her father.
"How old are you Illiam?" Gan looked torn. It was like he wanted to go comfort Malon, but didn't know if he should. "Ummm…..May..lon?"
"Illy is twelve," she answered as she looked up from her father's arm. Her cheeks were still tear-stained, with fresh ones ready to come, "w-was my mom really your aunt? Illy can take care of my Dad and me." Her trust in him filled Illiam's heart with warmth.
"Malon," Gan squatted down and hesitantly placed his hand on her hair, "we'll take care of your Dad. But, you need to stay here." Before she could protest he spoke up again, "You need to make sure the horses are well taken care of okay? And I promise I'll visit you."
"I'll come everyday." Illiam offered stepping forward.
"But-"
"I recon' it's a great idear darlin'," Talon tried to comfort his daughter. Illiam didn't like the eager look in Ingo's eyes as he just stood back. Watching them all, Ingo began to rub his hands together.
This was doing no good. Pain surged as she slammed her fist into one of the stone walls. It stood, firm and in place. The room she remained in was empty, she had disposed of the keese that inhabited it. Silvia needed a strong opponent. If she focused enough energy, Silvia could control the shadows around her. They would forge weapons, or pull her in and take her wherever she wanted to go. This didn't do any good unless she could practice it against someone.
A thought came to her. Focusing with everything, she tried to forge someone from her own shadow. Silvia had rummaged through many of the hallways. Some contained secret rooms with books containing their history. She remembered a story. A story of creature known as Lis Noka. It was said that for several generations, the Silver Clan gave their children names beginning with the letters 'Sil'. Backwards, Sil became Lis and Lis meant Shadow. A Lis Noka was a warrior made from the Shadows using the Silver eyes.
She understood now. The Silver Eyes came from the cursed blessing. So maybe….she concentrated. Her shadow began to rise from the ground. It formed into a darken silhouette of Silvia herself. The shadow's eyes began to glow an eerie red. "You of the Silver eyes. You who summon me. I will not exist without a name. Do you know what I am to be named little one?"
Her voice was eerily like Silvia's. Yet it was distorted and sounded much older. "Aivlis. You are my Shadow and you will fight with and for me."
"Very well little one," a grin formed upon what would be her lips. "You must become stronger. You do not currently have the strength to use me and still breathe." With that Aivlis faded back into the ground. Dropping to her knees, Silvia gasped for air. She felt exhausted. It would take several hours of rest before she could even stand again. After a few moments she glanced down at her hands and her shadow. Laughter filled the air.
"Blood red eyes," Silvia threw her head back and ran a hand threw her silver hair, "my shadow warrior. She'll have blood red eyes. Well Lady Impa….what do you think of that? I'm not such a mutt after all. No," she looked back to her shadow, "I am a true Sheikah. I am the next of the Silver Clan to claim the title of Sheik. I'm the Young Sheik. Watch me Impa, I will grow stronger and I will protect my Princess! One day," her voice grew softer, "One day even you might accept me."
SK: And hello again. I think I got the edits out. And now Illiam and Silvia's journeys are about to take their own turns. Opinions?
