Here's Chapter 12 of "The Legend of Sheik"
Enjoy!


Sheik's eyes shot open the next morning, there was one thought and one thought only echoing through his mind. It was Princess Zelda's birthday. Even though he was happy for today, his melancholy thoughts from the previous day couldn't be shaken out of his head.

Sheik jumped out of bed and picked up his harp. He began to randomly pluck the strings. Sheik's true happiness was found in playing the harp, and he thought playing music could cheer him up for Zelda's birthday. As Sheik plucked the notes he thought of his past, growing up with the Princess, the training with his father, and most importantly learning how to play the harp from his mother.

"What's wrong, Sheik?" A soft voice said from his doorway. Sheik stopped playing and looked up and noticed Sheena.

"There's nothing wrong, mother." Sheik lied.

"Sheik, you're playing notes similar to something I play when there's something heavy on my mind." Sheena said with a smile as she approached Sheik's bed. She sat down slowly. "Playing music shows the soul. You can't hide anything when you play, I can see something's troubling you. What is it?"

"The future," Sheik said.

"What about it?" Sheena inquired.

"You haven't seen what it's like out there, mother." Sheik said. "Ganondorf is causing so much pain to the land, and seeing it troubles me more and more each day."

"And you feel helpless." Sheena added. Sheik nodded. Sheena wrapped her arms around Sheik. "Oh, Sheik, you don't realize how important you are to the future of Hyrule."

"But how do we even know there will be a future?" Sheik asked.

"You have to believe." Sheena admitted. She paused briefly. "I can tell you do believe in a positive future." Sheik looked up to her looking for answers. "You've been spending all this time searching for these songs, if you didn't believe they were meant for something that would lead to a brighter future, you would have given up ages ago. Sheik, you're stronger than you realize. And I am so proud of you. You've protected the Princess and ventured across Hyrule. You've grown into an amazing young man." Sheena hugged Sheik before she spoke again. "They always say that, it's darkest before the dawn. The paths you take will lead to bright future. I promise." Sheena pulled away from Sheik and looked him in the eyes. "I love you, Sheik."

"I love you, mother." Sheik said with a small smile. Sheena rose from the bed, smiled at Sheik again, and then left the room.

Sheik continued to pluck the strings on his harp, this time to a much brighter up lifting tune.

"Good morning, Sheik." Zelda said as she stood in the doorway. Sheik looked up from his harp.

"Good morning, Princess." Sheik said. He smiled and added "Happy birthday."

"Thank you, Sheik," Zelda said smiling. She soon turned the conversation to business. "Kokiri forest is one of the last places to explore. Are you ready?"

"Do you not want to celebrate your birthday?" Sheik asked.

"It's going to have to wait. We have no time to stall. Are you ready?" Zelda repeated.

Sheik nodded. Zelda created a warp point, and then Sheik began to pluck the notes from the Nocturne of Shadow. The two were transported to graveyard. Zelda hid herself inside the Gerudo Amber and Sheik began the trek across Hyrule field. After travelling southward Sheik reached the entrance to the Kokiri forest.

Our best chance at finding the next song would be to explore the Lost Woods, Zelda said. Sheik nodded and entered the Kokiri forest.

Sheik was first met by a small bridge that lead to a small village inhabited by small children. Sheik walked into the village and the children scattered.

Sheik stalked around the village looking for a place to begin his search. Sheik noticed a ledge and a wooden tunnel. Sheik shrugged and decided to head for the tunnel. He leaped up to the edge and slowly approached the tunnel ready to enter.

"I wouldn't go in there…" A small voice said from behind Sheik. Sheik stopped and turned around. A small girl with green hair stood before him. "Well, at least, I wouldn't go in there alone." Sheik shot the girl an inquiring look. "That tunnel leads to the lost woods. Have you ever been in the lost woods before?"

Sheik shook his head.

"Well, if adults like you wander in the woods for too long, you'll be transformed into a monster."

Sheik didn't respond.

The girl extended her hand to Sheik. "My name is Saria. I live here in Kokiri forest. I know the woods very well. I could help you through if you wish."

"Well, I'm looking for a temple, actually." Sheik responded.

Saria paused and shot a skeptical look to Sheik.

"Why?" She asked.

There was a large flash of light and Zelda emerged from the Amber and focused her eyes on Saria.

"Your highness!" Saria squealed in excitement, "Pleased to make your acquaintance!"

"Saria, it's very important that we find this temple. A vision came to both of us. Finding this temple will help us help the Hero of Time, Link."

"Link?" Saria asked with excitement in her voice. "You know of Link? What happened to him, where has he gone?"

"Lead us to the temple," Zelda said. "We'll explain on the way."

Saria nodded. "I know exactly where to take you. Follow me!" Saria stepped ahead of Sheik and walked into the forest. Zelda and Sheik exchanged glances and nodded. Zelda concealed herself back into the Amber, and Sheik followed behind Saria.

The lush, green forest was exhilarating for Sheik. The birds chirping in the leaves, the calm wind blowing through the air. His thoughts were pulled back down when Saria began speaking.

"So, tell me what you know about Link." Saria requested as she continued walking.

"He's safe," Sheik said.

Saria's heart lifted. "Thank the Goddesses, I have been so worried. It's been years since I last heard from him."

"He was sealed in the Sacred Realm, when the time comes he will emerge and help rid the land of Ganondorf's influences."

"Ganondorf is an evil man," Saria said. Sheik nodded in agreement. "His presence can be felt in the woods now. Evil monster have been invading the forest. Ever since the Great Deku Tree died, we have no one to protect us."

Sheik remained silent.

"I've even heard that monsters have been invading the Sacred Forest Meadow," Saria added. "What these monsters don't know though, is that the sacred powers of the forest lock evil monsters like them inside. Once a monster gets in, it can't escape! And once Link comes he can destroy all these monsters."

Sheik smiled. Saria's optimism was refreshing, it lifted his spirits.

"By the way, I never caught you name." Saria said.

"Sheik."

"That's a nice name, Sheik." Saria said with a smile. "I like it."

"Thank you."

"We're almost to the Sacred Forest Meadow." Saria said as she continued walking. After walking through another wooden tunnel a large area appeared before Sheik.

"I come here often." Saria said. Saria walked into the maze and Sheik continued following. After they emerged from the maze, Saria lead them up a staircase, across a flat surface of grass, then up another large stair case. Sheik's heart leapt as he noticed the silver tile placed on the ground in front of them.

"Here's the temple you requested." Saria said with a smile.

"Thank you, Saria." Sheik said. He quickly walked over to the tile and dropped down to the ground. "The Minuet of Forest. Finally." Sheik pulled out his harp.

"Oh, that's a beautiful harp!" Saria said excitedly.

Sheik smiled. "Thank you. My mother gave it to me. It's one of my closest possessions."

"The silver is beautiful! It suits you perfectly." Saria said with a smile.

"I thought so as well," Sheik replied. Sheik held up his harp and began to pluck the notes and played the Minuet of Forest. The tune was upbeat, reflecting the nature of the forest beautifully. Saria clapped her hands along with the beat and smiled. Sheik smiled as well. The tune reminded him of his younger days. The days when he wasn't so scared, wasn't so worried about the future. As the song ended Sheik sighed and placed his harp back behind his back.

"That was beautiful!" Saria said.

Sheik smiled and placed his harp back around his back. There was a bright flash of light and Princess Zelda emerged from the stone.

"Oh! Your highness!" Saria said with a smile. "Welcome to the Sacred Forest Meadow."

"Thank you for your help, Saria." Zelda said smiling. Zelda placed her hand on Sheik's shoulder.

"You're welcome, Princess. Anything I can do to help."

"You were very helpful." Zelda said, "We couldn't have done it without you."

Saria nodded, "Of course, only Kokiri can navigate the Lost Woods without trouble!"

"We must leave now. We wish you the best of luck with the rest of your endeavors." Zelda said. There was a bright burst of green light and the two vanished.

They reemerged in Sheik's bedroom.

"Hey!" Sheik said with a smile, "Come here!"

"What-" Before Zelda could even finish, Sheik pulled her by the wrist and moved here into the living room. When the two entered Impa, Enco and Sheena all shouted.

"Surprise!" The three yelled. Sheik smiled and looked to Zelda who had a big grin break out across her face.

"Oh, everybody! This is simply wonderful." Zelda said with her hands clasped.

"Happy 16th birthday, Zelda." Impa said with a smile.

"I was hoping we'd find the new song as soon as possible so we'd be able to spend the rest of your birthday enjoying it," Sheik said with a smile.

"I couldn't ask for a better birthday," Zelda said as she traveled further into the living room. "Surrounded by those closest to me."

There was a short pause before Sheik spoke. "I... I have something for you Princess."

"Yes, Sheik?" Zelda asked.

Sheik pulled out his harp and held it up, "I've been working on this song for a very long time. Making sure I had it right." Zelda waited intently to hear the song Sheik had prepared. Sheik held his harp up and took a deep breath and his fingers began to pluck the strings. The notes filled the room with a familiar tune and Zelda felt her heart leap.

Sheik was playing Zelda's lullaby.

Zelda listened intently with a large smile as Sheik played the notes with absolute perfection and care. Zelda noticed how each note meant as much to Sheik as it did to her. Sheik opened up his soul as he played the song and Zelda admired watching him play as much as she enjoyed the music he created. Tears began to fill her eyes as Sheik concluded the song, took a deep breath and smiled again. He locked eyes with the princess and strapped his harp back behind his back again.

"Sheik, that was wonderful." Zelda said as she stood up and wrapped Sheik in a hug.

"Happy birthday, Princess." Sheik said. There was a short moment of silence.

The calm silence was brutally shattered. Loud, unfamiliar, stampeding steps barraged the cave, and in crashed several large tan creatures. Sheena let out a piercing scream.

"The dark lord was correct. The Princess is here!" shouted a creature.

"Moblins!" Impa shouted. "Princess, hide!" Zelda nodded and took off towards her room. One moblin roared and pointed his spear at Zelda and rushed towards her. Enco took action and leapt in front of the moblin and pushed him away, allowing Zelda to flee into her room.

"Get the Princess!" Commanded one of the moblins. More moblins rushed into the cave. Sheik, Enco, Sheena, and Impa braced their selves and lunged towards the moblins as they began to advance.

The Sheikahs did various acrobatic moves on the moblins, but all were unsuccessful in completely stopping them.

One moblin reached forward and gripped Sheena by the throat. Sheena struggled to get free. The moblin raised her in the air and threw her with great force into the stone wall of the cave.

"Sheena!" Enco shouted. He ignored the moblin he was fighting and rushed to his wife's side. Sheena coughed as Enco held her in his arms. "Sheena, are you all right?" Sheena nodded her head and smiled.

The moblin Enco had been fighting turned his attention to both Enco and Sheena huddled on the floor. Sheik's eyes widened in terror as the moblin raised his spear and began to charge for them.

"Mother! Father! Look out!" Sheik yelled. Sheik lunged toward the moblin as it was about to charge, but another grabbed the silver harp that was strapped around his back and stopped him from advancing.

Sheik felt his harp being ripped from his back and the moblin threw it on the ground and crushed it between his feet. Everything seemed like slow motion as Sheik continued to fall backwards. He saw the moblin charging towards his parents with its spear extended. Sheik screamed as the spear pierced his father's back, shot through his chest, and struck his mother in the chest. Blood poured from both of their bodies and the life faded from their eyes.

The moblin removed the spear from both their bodies in one quick thrust and Sheena and Enco fell lifelessly to the ground.

"NO!" Sheik shouted, his voice breaking. Sheik growled in anger and took out his daggers. Sheik pulled out several deku nuts and threw them onto the ground. The moblins were stunned for a brief moment and Sheik advanced on them stabbing each in the neck. Each moblin fell to the ground, and attempted to recover.

"Sheik, you have to get us out of here. NOW!" Impa shouted.

"But… my harp. It's…" Sheik said pointing to his shattered silver harp on the ground.

"Use your mother's!" Impa shouted. "I'll get the Princess."

Impa darted towards Zelda's room while Sheik ran to his parent's bedroom. Impa returned with the Gerudo Amber and Sheik returned with his mother's golden harp.

"Get us out of here." Impa shouted.

Sheik plucked the first song that came to mind, the Minuet of Forest. In a devious plan, Sheik extended the warping to the moblins on the ground. The green balls of light swept Sheik, Impa, and the Moblins away into the sky, returning them all in the Sacred Forest Meadow.

Sheik rolled the moblins down the stairs at the Sacred Forest Meadow and yelled as they began to stand up.

"I curse you all to wonder these woods." Sheik yelled as anger filled his eyes. "Only the Kokiri can leave these woods successfully. I curse you all to remain here forever until the Legendary Hero returns and slaughters you all for the heinous crimes you have committed. I sentence you all to die!"

Sheik dropped to his knees and screamed, rage consuming him completely.

"Sheik," Impa said sternly. The Sheikah boy remained unmoving.

The Moblins began to roar and advanced towards Impa and Sheik.

"Sheik!" Impa yelled, "Get us out of here."

Sheik stood up and pulled out his harp again and plucked the notes of the Serenade of Water, escaping the Sacred Forest Meadow and arriving safely at Lake Hylia.

Once they appeared Impa stood silently as Sheik dropped to his hands and knees and screamed once more. Then tears swam into Sheik's eyes as he slammed his fists into the ground. He yelled in anger once more. There was a bright flash of light and Zelda emerged from the stone. She advanced towards Sheik.

"Princess, remain hidden," Impa demanded.

Sheik stood up and turned to Zelda, uncontrollable rage burned in his eyes.

"This is entirely your fault!" Sheik yelled in anger. Zelda took a step back, terrified at the anger Sheik projected towards her. "Why did you have to come into our lives? My parents would still be alive if it wasn't for you!"

"Sheik…" Zelda said quietly, "I'm sorry."

"Sorry? SORRY? That's all you have to say for yourself. Because of you my parents were murdered." Sheik shouted. "If it wasn't for you—"

"Sheik…" Zelda said her eyes beginning to fill with tears.

"If it wasn't for you-" Sheik breathed heavily, "If it wasn't for you-"

Sheik took a deep breath then collapsed to his knees again. Zelda looked to Impa then looked back to Sheik. Zelda crouched next to Sheik and placed her arm around him. Sheik and Zelda collapsed on the ground together and both of them cried. Sheik tried to speak but the tears overwhelmed him. Only the sounds of the two children's deep sobs could be heard over the still waters of Lake Hylia.

Zelda hugged Sheik tight as they both let the tears fall down their cheeks. Impa stood behind the two, watching over them. Sheik sniffed and sat up to face Zelda.

"Princess," Sheik said slowly. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to… It's not your—" Sheik began to cry again.

"I know, Sheik. I know." Zelda said wiping her tears as she wrapped her friend in a hug.

"I'm so sorry," Sheik repeated.

The three stood in silence for a few moments more until Impa spoke.

"The sun is setting, I suggest we take refuge in Kakariko village."

Sheik removed himself from Zelda's embrace and wiped his eyes.

"Princess," Sheik said turned to Zelda. "Ganondorf can sense your presence better than ever. You must remain in this stone permanently. Otherwise he will find us again."

"Permanently?" Zelda asked.

"Yes," Sheik and Impa said simultaneously.

Zelda nodded solemnly. And picked up the Gerudo Amber, and in a burst of light vanished into the stone.

Sheik picked up his mother's golden harp and played the Nocturne of Shadow allowing him and Impa to warp the Kakariko graveyard.

"Dampé's shack is empty," Sheik suggested as they arrived in the graveyard.

"We'll take refuge there." Impa stated and the two leapt off the edge. And made their way to Dampé's shack.

"You take the bed, Sheik." Impa said gesturing to the lone bed in the shack. Sheik nodded and laid on his back looking at the ceiling. Tears filled his eyes again as he began thinking of his parents.

Good night, Sheik echoed Zelda's voice.

"Good night, Impa." Sheik said aloud, "Good night, Princess."


Thanks everyone for reading.

Shadow-38