Disclaimer: I really, really don't own Legend of Zelda.

~14~

-A childish mind will turn to noble ambition... -

Malon returned home at twilight. She found that her father had returned and they had a joyous reunion. Together, they caught up with lost time as they cared for the horses and cows, giving them more attention than they had gotten in years. Malon made a lovely dinner and the two of them talked deep into the night.

Malon woke late in the next morning. She stretched lazily and took her time rolling out of bed. She leaned out of her second story window and took a deep breath, savoring the fresh, clean air and the overwhelming sense of freedom in her heart.

"Mornin' sweetheart!" She grinned and gazed down at her pa, taking delight in that she could see him again. "Did you sleep well?" He asked, holding a basket of the morning's cucco eggs.

"Yep! Need any help down there?"

"Well, dear, I thought I'd give you the day off. You haven't been free in a long time."

Malon squealed. "Thanks Pa!" For once, she took her time getting dressed. She hummed happily as she slowly brushed her hair. A whole day off! What would she do? Her mind boggled at the foreign concept.

Something on her desk caught the light and glimmered, catching her attention. It was the necklace Sheik had given her a few days ago. She reached over and lifted it into the sunlight, admiring it. He spent a day sidetracking into the Gerudo Fortress itself to get your necklace. You wouldn't believe how determined he was. Zelda's words echoed in her head and she held the pendant to her heart.

She hadn't worn the necklace yet. She had forgotten it until Zelda had brought it up. Remembering the turn of events at Lake Hylia yesterday, her heart pounded. The whole experience made her blush, but filled her with abundant warmth, happiness, and freedom. So much freedom, to finally say and think and feel what she truly wanted. Slowly, she clasped the thin chain around her neck and brushed the little, silver bird with tender fingers.

She smiled and went to the barn, resolved to go riding.

"I'm so nervous Sheik. What if it doesn't work?"

He lounged on a support beam near the ceiling of the Temple of Time. The temple was dark, silent, and lonely, just as it had been for the past seven years. You're the one that wanted to do this. I think we'll be okay. Impa had been very clear in her instructions on the reversal spell.

"You're right, I'm just really worried. Gosh, it'll be weird, having my own body again."

Sheik stifled a yawn. It'll be weird not having to listen to you yammer all the time. I might actually have peace and quiet again.

They were both quiet for a moment, grasping what they were about to do.

I'm going to miss you, Princess.

"And I'm going to miss you, you grouchy sulk." Her words were affectionate, despite her unique phrasing.

Sheik gazed down to see Link's figure enter the Temple. Ready?

"Ready."

See you later, face to face. He jumped down and landed soundlessly behind Link. As he straightened, Zelda slipped in and took over.

Sheik watched one last time as Zelda spoke to the Hero of Time about the Triforce. He relaxed, realizing his role was almost over. He wondered what he would do after this. Impa was a sage now, and couldn't take care of him now. Not like she ever did that anyway, she hardly cared for him as a child, and then let him fend for himself after he turned seven, true to traditional Sheikah training. But he and Impa were the last of the Sheikah, and with Impa busy, it was just him alone. No, not alone – he had Zelda and Malon in his life now. He would probably enlist to help Zelda reestablish her kingdom. She needed a trusted agent and advisor. And he would fill the rest of his time visiting Malon and training.

Wait. He tensed suddenly. There was a presence here. It was sinister and dark, but faint and hidden. It was also painfully familiar from a nightmarish night seven years ago. They were all in grave danger.

Princess? She didn't hear him. Her emotions of affection, longing and hope clouded her thoughts and senses. She started to prepare the reversal spell. No! Zelda, wait! I think it's a tr-

The Triforce glowed on her hand. A light illuminated the whole temple and his head whirled like a tornado. Sheik was yanked into control of his body and lost Zelda's familiar presence. He felt really light, like he was floating…

And fell into a really familiar haystack.

He couldn't see at first because of the bright light from the temple. It was smell that told him where he was – musty hay and animals. Zelda must've teleported him to the Lon Lon Ranch barn. Sitting up, he rubbed his head, which ached madly.

The first thing he saw was Malon's bright, confused blue eyes. "Sheik? What on earth are you doing here? How did you get here?" She stopped brushing a horse and ran to him.

"We…" Sheik winced when the sound of his own voice hurt his head. Lowering his voice to a whisper, he continued. "Link came. He was done reviving the sages. So Zelda revealed herself… Zelda!" He jumped up and lost his balance with a groan.

Malon caught him and helped him sit on a bale of hay. "Shh…what do you mean, she revealed herself?" His eyes glistened with water. "Sheik…?"

"She's gone." He chuckled until he moaned and held his head. That hurt a lot. "Zelda brought her body out of the Sacred Realm, where it was hiding, and returned to it. I...can't hear her anymore." He tried to stand. "I need to go warn her… Right before we split, I felt a presence. She's in danger."

Malon steadied him as he almost fell over again. "But look at you! You're in no condition to help!"

"I've got to do something! I need to go back to Castle Town."

Malon's eyes clouded. He could tell she still feared that place. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She helped him sit and started to tack Cobalt. "I'll go with you."

"Malon, it's okay, you don't need to go back there…"

She glared at him to silence him. "Someone's got to keep you on the horse. Get on." She let him struggle to mount as she ran behind the hay bales. The girl pulled a bottled fairy out of her secret hiding spot. She'd been saving it for a while now, and had a hunch that she would need it later. Slipping it into her skirt pocket, she walked back to Sheik, who had finally gotten on Cobalt. She swung into the saddle behind him and took the reins. Together, they raced to Castle Town.

Malon slowed as they approached the gate. The drawbridge had broken a year ago, but Cobalt stepped between the broken pieces to cross with ease. Sheik was fighting the urge to pass out from his headache and barely held on to the saddle horn. He really was in no condition to help anyone. It was up to her, Malon thought as she steeled herself. Sheik said Zelda was in the Temple of Time, but her gut was telling her otherwise. She felt like she had to get to the old castle grounds, which required crossing the marketplace.

She took a spare strap and tied Sheik to the saddle. She was going to rush through and didn't want him falling from the saddle. He didn't fight her one bit as she wrapped the leather around his legs and only labored in breath from his migraine.

After a deep breath, she kicked Cobalt into a full gallop. The horse, remembering and smelling the danger, and bolted.

It was terrifying. There were more monsters than she remembered. They all moaned and crept after her. One or two managed to brush her leg, causing her to cry loudly. Cobalt avoided the beasts without her direction, terrified as well.

As soon as they met the creatures, they left them. A dark, black castle loomed before them. Cobalt slowed as he approached a deep chasm separating the castle from the main land. Malon inspected the depths. The castle was on a floating island over a pit of…something. It gave her the impression of blood. Her stomach churned and she looked away.

Sheik moaned and sat up. "Thanks. I know that was hard for you."

Malon dismounted. "Anything for you." She said and helped him off the horse. He decided not to dwell on that statement for the moment. His head hurt too much.

Sheik blinked wearily up at the castle. He lifted a hand to help him focus his senses. "This is Ganondorf's castle. It's good you came here: this is where Zelda is. It's faint, but she's there. I can sense Link in there too."

"Link? He might be there to rescue her. Do you think he'll succeed?"

"I hope so. He-" Sheik was cut off by an earthquake. He stumbled and fell, and would have fallen into the chasm if Malon hadn't dragged him away from it hurriedly. They sat on the blackened ground and watched the castle crumble and fall. It was completely razed, leaving the foundation barren save a few blocks of rubble.

Malon pointed. "Look! It's Link! And that must be Zelda!"

Sheik followed her finger and saw the two she spoke of. Link looked worn and Zelda resembled the embodiment of exhaustion. She held her head whenever Link wasn't looking at her. Sheik figured she was plagued by the same problem he had.

A crash echoed in the valley as a dark figure broke away from the rubble and floated. It uttered a furious roar and began shining brightly.

Malon shielded her eyes and leaned in front of Sheik to shield his eyes. "What's going on? Is that Ganondorf?"

Sheik shook his head. "That's him, but I have no clue what's happening!" The light subsided and they turned towards the field. Malon gasped in horror at the large, transformed beast looming over their friends. It swung one of its dual golden blades at the couple. Link pushed Zelda to safety and rolled out of the way. The beast swung again and Link's sword went flying. It landed by Zelda and both were barred off with a wall of fire.

Sheik swore under his breath. "Crap. That's Link's only useable sword." He pulled one of his own blades from its sheath. "Malon, can you throw this over there? He needs a weapon, or he won't survive."

Malon gripped the sword and ran to the cliff's edge. She spun and threw the weapon, hoping it would make it across. Luckily, or maybe unluckily, the short sword buried itself in the beast's tail. It roared in pain and Malon could almost hear the little fairy shrill "That's its weak point!"

The beast turned to find the interference and Malon hit the ground to avoid its gaze. Rolling, she fell behind a rock to hide. She finally moved again when the beast roared once more. Running, she returned to Sheik, who dragged himself out from behind a rock. He had hidden too.

"Thanks. He's using it now. Oh, there you go Link." The beast roared again and fell. The wall of fire dispelled and Link ran to Zelda to switch out swords. He left Sheik's with Zelda as he charged the beast with the gleaming Master Sword. The princess gaped at the blade and scanned the horizon, trying to find the help she recognized.

Sheik and Malon watched Link start round two with the monster. It was a mighty, brutal battle. Before long, the beast fell to its knees, exhausted, but nowhere near death. Zelda, mustering all the strength she had, cast a spell on Link's weapon. He slashed at the beast and stabbed it, embedding the sword in the beast's nose.

Sheik watched Zelda falter as the creature reeled in pain. This was their chance - she had to seal him now! What was she… His eyes widened with sudden comprehension. She couldn't: she was too drained from reversing Impa's spell.

He lifted his arm towards Zelda. "This is going to hurt" he mumbled. Mustering all his magic, he poured his energy towards Zelda. She rejuvenated instantly and began the sealing spell.

Sheik never saw her finish. His energy flowed out of him, leaving him empty and near-death. He collapsed into Malon's arms, breathing hard. "Sheik!" she cried.

"Sorry…it…needed… to be done…" She turned his ashen face towards the sky.

"Geez, how many times do I need to bring you from the brink of death?" She fished out her bottle and released the fairy. To her relief, the color returned to his face, but he continued to lose consciousness.

"Just enough to keep me alive, please." He smiled crookedly as his world grew dark.

All the near-death experiences! Woo!