A/n) I wasn't kidding when I said I had a lot of time to write. Please enjoy another longer chapter. Chapter 27 will probably take about a week to finish. I couldn't be that guy and leave that awful cliffhanger for too long.
When Nayroedin pulled his sword back, Kiehs fell to his knees, coughing up blood. His breathing was raspy until finally, he stopped, and fell face first.
Knil went completely numb, his own blood pounding in his ears. A sob cracked it's way out of his throat. "Kiehs!" He wailed.
Nayroedin stood there, stunned by what he had just done. That gave Link the opportunity to ram him with his shield, and made him release Nolan. He picked up the boy, and ran, grabbing his sword along the way.
Try as Link might not to be, he was angry. Angry that Nayroedin had hurt his future husband, killed his friend, and threatened his son. With anger darkened blue eyes, he set Nolan down with Sheik, and threw them a red potion.
Sheik took a breath at seeing Link. The absolute fury burning in his eyes would be frightening, if he were on the receiving end.
Link turned around, but stopped at the fierce pulse of his necklace.
Sheik held Nolan tightly, embracing him close "Are you alright?"
Nolan looked up at Sheik tears brimming in his eyes "Daddy!" He cried throwing himself into Sheik.
Knil stood up weakly. His own necklace pulsing quickly. "Kiehs..."
Pulse.
"No..."
Pulse.
"No!"
Pulse.
"NO!"
Both necklaces began to glow fiercely. Enveloping Link and Knil in a bright white light. Pain began to rip through their bodies. They cried out, as both their swords clattered to the ground. A light so bright, the the remaining boys had to cover their eyes, came from them both.
When the light died, Sheik uncovered his eyes and gasped. No longer were there two separate people, but one whole entity standing there. Holding a blue and green double helix sword in his hands.
The man surveyed himself, while Sheik was unsure what to think. This man looked evil, but also he looked good. A little like Link, but rough around the edges like Knil. He had white hair, and armor covering his body. His eyes where pure white with no iris or pupil to speak of. His face looked like a mask was painted onto it of red and blue. The tunic and cap were white, but his undershirt and pants were black. He was beautiful, and frightening. Power was radiating in waves off of him. Almost like a God.
Nayroedin gulped in fear, and took a step back "The fierce diety!"
The now called, Fierce Diety, pointed his sword at Nayroedin with an arrogant smirk on his face. "You will pay for this."
Sheik and Nolan gasped. The voice sounded like a blend of Link and Knil. The diety gathered up Kiehs in his arms, and walked over to Sheik. He leaned over, laying Kiehs' limp body across Sheik's lap.
"His heart is still beating. Use a fairy on him,okay?" He gave Sheik a smile with the kindness of Link. Then he ruffled Nolan's hair.
Nolan's mouth was agape. Staring in wonder at the diety standing in front of him.
"Amazing!"
Sheik dug through the pack, and thanked the goddesses that there was a fairy in a bottle. He uncorked it, and let it out around Kiehs.
The healing fairy spun around Kiehs, and then did a spin around Nolan and Sheik before disappearing.
Kiehs sat up, but then laid back down from the pain.
"You're okay!" Nolan said hovering over the boy.
"Yeah, that hurt like hell." Kiehs wiped his mouth from where he had coughed up blood. "Oh my Goddess! Is that the fabled Oni Link? Fascinating!"
"Oni Link?" Sheik questioned.
"Yes, a blend of the Hero who had the power of a God. Apparently having two halves, both dark and light, and the necklaces, gave them the power to transform."
Nayroedin had an arrogant smirk on his face now. His sword pointed out to the diety.
"Of course. My power is so great the Goddesses gave you the power of a God. How does it feel Hero? To have everything always given to you?"
Oni Link ran towards the fairy. His speed was incredible. He almost seemed to disappear, and reappear in front of the dark fairy. Their swords clashed.
The pink haired fairy looked nervous. His own sword kept catching on the curved part of the blade, and knocking him back.
As Nayroedin went to strike the diety's heart, in an act of desperation, Oni Link caught the blade in between the gaps in his sword, and spun it quickly. The fairy felt the blade leave his grip, and sealed himself to his fate.
Oni Link raised his sword, and struck at Nayroedin in a move that should have cleaved him in half. But it didn't...
Nayroedin started to scream in absolute agony. His screams were only heard and diety began to glow brightly. Now, there was a chorus of screams as the diety began screaming as well.
The screams died, and the light dissipated. There was a distinct sound of something shattering. The necklaces around Link and Knil's neck shattered, and now there were four bodies lying on the ground.
Sheik stood, and turned to Nolan "Stay here."
He cautiously walked over. Taking slow steps. His leg still ached. He checked on Link. Strong heartbeat, strong breathe. At his touch, sapphire eyes opened.
"Hi Sheik." Link said with a smile.
"Hi Link." Sheik replied.
Link pulled him in for a soft kiss. Sheik then stood, and walked over to Knil. He was also okay.
"Kiehs?" He asked Sheik.
"He's in pain, but he's alive." Sheik told him. Knil stood up quickly, and ran over to his boyfriend.
Tears were pouring down his face, as he held his hand "Don't scare me like that again. I can't stand the thought of losing you."
"I'm fine Knil. I'm sorry I scared you. Please don't cry." Kiehs said rubbing his face on those pale hands.
Sheik smiled walking over to the next body. He gasped. There, lay a feminine looking boy, with long flowing pink hair spread out behind him. His long eyelashes where resting on delicate cheek bones.
"Knil! Bring Kiehs over here." He yelled.
Knil brought the Sheikah over, and Kiehs started to struggle
"Put me down! Put Me down!" The silver haired boy sat him next to the man.
Kiehs grabbed this mans face "Nay! Nay!" He yelled.
Violet colored eyes fluttered open "Sheik...what's going on? Where are-" realization flashed across his face "Oh Goddesses, are you alright?" The voice was even softer, and more delicate.
"I'm fine. It's alright."
"I hate to interrupt," Link said walking over "but if this is Nayroedin...Who is that?" He pointed to the dark body, lying farther away.
This person looked more like the Nayroedin they had known.
"What's going on here? Is this some sort of joke?" Link asked.
"We should restrain him. The dark energy around him is heavy." Sheik said crossing his arms.
"How should we do that? I'm afraid to get close." Link said.
Sheik pulled out a dagger "Long distance kill?"
"Go for it. Ten rupees say it fails."
"Fools bet." Sheik tossed the dagger. Sure enough, a dark barrier surrounded him, and the dagger bounced right off.
The lighter Nayroedin got up, and shyly walked over to link. He looked so different with his effeminate face. Even the vines around his body looked more vibrant. He even had knee high brown boots on his feet.
"I...I would like to assist you hero. If I may?" He said softly.
Sheik narrowed his eyes in suspicion, his whole body tensed to the situation. Until Nolan grabbed his hand.
"He's different. Not only in looks, but deep down. I feel a benevolent energy coming off of him. A strong one."
Link sighed "If Nolan trusts him, so shall I. One false move, and I will cut you down."
"Understood Hero." Nayroedin said with a nod "That would be the darkness that corrupted my heart. It seems to have manifested into it's own person. I apologize hero, for all the distress I have put you through. You see, this," he showed them the Triforce on the back of his left hand. The piece in the middle glowed faintly "when an evil wish was made, it began corrupt the Triforce as whole. The darkness wasn't being contained. I was created for that purpose, to hold the corruption. But I was too proud to seek help, and therefore I was corrupted as well. Again, I am so sorry."
"Apologize when we live through this." Link said plainly to him.
The dark figure began to stir. Sheik grabbed Nolan, and began to back up.
"We have to find somewhere safe for you."
Nayroedin motioned them to him. "I will take him, and raise a barrier to keep him safe. Don't give me that look Sheikahn hero, Kiehs will keep me in check. I promise."
Kiehs motioned for Sheik to give him Nolan "He will keep us safe. I trust him. I will watch Nolan since I cannot fight. It's honestly the most I can do."
Sheik hesitantly set the boy down, but immediately returned to Link.
Knil kissed Kiehs on the forehead, and walked over to Link as well.
A dark chuckle resonated through the room, and sent chills down their spines.
"Don't you think it is unfair to have three against one?" The dark figure stood up and spread his arms out. Instantly a barrier was erected, and sealed Sheik and Knil away from Link.
Immediately a fight broke out between the dark fairy and Link. Sheik started to think...
'pure evil, pure evil. The Master Sword. But only the Hero can pull it out. Regardless, I have to try. I can't sit here, and do nothing'
He was standing next to the sealed sword, and grabbed the handle. Surprisingly it slid out of the pedestal.
"Link," he yelled "I can't help, but it's dangerous to fight alone. Take this." He threw the sacred blade. It managed to pierce the barrier, and land at Link's feet. He avoided a blade swipe, and picked up the sword.
The fight was stopped as a violent rumble rocked everyone like an earthquake. Link looked over, and saw darkness pouring out of the pedestal.
Link looking away was a bad move."Link" He heard someone cry out. He turned around to see Nayroedin struggling to keep his own barrier up to guard against the barrage of sword strikes.
Link ran over, and knocked the fairy away from the group
'I have to end this quickly.' he thought to himself. 'Every move is changing history. That power must be Ganon. Goddesses give me strength.'
Time seemed to stand still to everyone but him. He knew this calming feeling. He closed his eyes, and took a deep breathe. When he opened his eyes, the Goddess of courage, Farore, stood there "You called?" She asked.
"Every moment we spend here history is changing. I need the Master Sword to defeat this evil, but I am releasing evil."
"Unfortunately, sweet Hero, the blade of evil's bane is also what releases evil. But I can help you. It will change Hyrule's history, but not too terribly. Do you accept?"
"Will Hyrule still be ruled in peace under Zelda?"
"Yes hero, not much will change. Just certain events."
"What certain events?"
"Hero, you know I can't divulge too much. This is a test of your courage."
"Of course," Link sighed "Will Sheik and I still be together?"
Farore giggled out loud causing Link to feel weak in the knees "Sorry. Hero nothing in the world, another world, or any magic would be able to keep you apart."
"I accept then."
"Good. This is why I am proud to be your patron Goddess. Strike down the corrupted soul, and when he's down, raise your sword skyward. The sword will begin to remove all traces of dark magic in the air."
After that, time resumed. Link wasted no time, he snuck under the corrupted fairy's arm, and struck with the Master Sword. He pierced his heart, and cringed as he heard bones break in it's wake. Link never really like to kill. It was always just necessary. The barrier faded, and he ran to the pedestal holding his sword with the tip of the blade pointed in the sky.
Immediately, dark colored, fog like power, began to filter into the temple. It was being sucked into the Master Sword, along with the body of the very dead, corrupted fairy.
The sword began to shake like mad, and Link struggled to hold it. Knil ran over, and grabbed his arm, helping him hold it. The vibrations were shaking their entire bodies. The sword was sealing a great deal of dark magic.
After what seemed like forever, finally it stopped. Knil let go, as Link swung the sword downwards, and stabbed it back into the pedestal. Still holding the hilt, he fell to his knees, panting heavily.
"It's done. We've saved Termina." Sheik said offering Link his hand.
Link grabbed it, and pulled himself up. "We did!" He walked over to Nayroedin, and offered out his hand "Thank you for protecting Nolan for me. I guess, I really can trust you."
Nayroedin let out a throaty giggle, and grabbed Link's hand "Anything, for such a handsome hero."
Link blushed "Yeah. He's a fairy alright."
"Everyone stand on the warp pedestal, and join hands. On the count of three, we will all be transported to present day Termina, okay? Normally, you shouldn't be able to travel from Hyrule to Termina without the Master Sword, but with my power, we should be able to do it." Nayroedin said walking to the warp point.
Cut, banged up, bruised, exhausted, or carried, they all made it, and made a circle of joined hands.
Nayroedin smiled, "One...two...you may get a bit dizzy," at this Nolan squeezed Link and Sheik's hands harder "and three."
Dizzying it was. Except for Link. Honestly, he had been back and forth through time so often it really bothered him no more. He squeezed Nolan's hand tightly to help keep him upright when they finally touched the ground.
They weren't expecting the three goddesses to be there.
Nayroedin bit his lip, and whined "I've been bad!"
Nayru held her arms out "We forgive you."
He ran to her, and all the Goddesses hugged him tightly. Truly, everyone watching felt their heart melt. Knil and Kiehs walked over to the Goddesses, with a sad look on their faces.
"No keeping secrets now. We have to go." Knil said.
Although it hurt, it wasn't a shock. They, as much as they didn't want to admit it, knew Knil and Kiehs would have to leave.
It was a shock to Nolan. He ran up, and hugged Knil around the waist "No, you can't go!" He cried. Tears pouring down his face.
Knil leaned down, and grabbed Nolan by the shoulders "We are only the shadows of the heros. We aren't meant for this world."
"But...but..."
"But nothing Nolan." Kiehs said kneeling down to hug the boy "We will meet again. I just know it."
Sheik walked over, and hugged Knil first "I finally forgive you."
Knil gasped "Just now? Really? Thought you would have forgiven me earlier."
Link walked over to hug Knil now "He's hard to please. I'm really going to miss you guys. At least we got to experience the power of a God!"
"Yeah, even though our necklaces shattered."
"Two halves of the same whole, harnessing Demi God powers. Too much power, and the necklaces shattered." Nayru answered.
"We are going to miss you too. I've grown rather attached to you guys, this is why we avoided telling you we had to go." Knil said not wanting to let go.
Sheik moved on,and hugged Kiehs "You keep that blockhead in check. It's our job to watch the hero. I'll miss you."
Kiehs was crying openly now "I'll miss you guys too. I didn't know good byes would hurt so much."
"It isn't good bye, just we will see each other soon." Sheik said walking over to the goddesses, and bowing in respect.
Nayroedin walked up "I'm sorry for everything I did. I will atone for my misdeeds, and then take up my own fountain in Hyrule."
Sheik nodded in response. He gasped when Nayru walked over, and he pulled the material covering his face down as a sign of respect.
She kissed his forehead, and immediately he felt instantly soothed. All his wounds, and even his fatigue, were gone.
"Well done, hero." She said.
Link hugged Kiehs, who was sobbing beyond words now, shook Nayroedin's hand, and then took off his cap as Farore kissed his forehead "You make me proud every day hero."
Link exhaled loudly, feeling calmness throughout his body.
Nolan squeaked as something picked him up from behind. He gasped as Din kissed his forehead, soothing even his own regrets.
"You are a hero in the making little one." she said to him.
"Why don't you all speak out loud?" He asked curiously.
"Because our real voice might kill you little Nolaboru. Now Link, Sheik, why don't we end this with some happiness. Isn't there something you want to say to him?"
Link turned to look at Nayru. She shrugged
"Infinite wisdom."
Link looked at Sheik who nodded, and walked over to Nolan in Din's arms, hand in hand.
"Nolan...well Nolaboru do you...do you want us to adopt you?" Link asked.
"Is this because I called you guys dad? Because I'm sorry, it slipped." Nolan answered blushing.
"This is by no obligation Nolan. We truly want to raise you as our own." Sheik said to him.
"Even you Sheik?" Nolan asked. After receiving a nod he started to cry.
"You don't have to say yes if you don't want to." Link said hurriedly.
"No no! I mean yes! I want you to be my dad. I want Sheik to be my Daddy."
Link picked him out of Din's arms, and cuddled him close "Look Sheik! We have a son."
Sheik walked over, and wrapped his arms around Link with Nolan in the middle "I assume we are a family now."
Nayroedin, Kiehs, and Knil were all sobbing. Even the Goddesses brushed away a few tears.
"We must depart. Link if you could, play the Oath to Order to call the Guardian Giants, so that they may collect their stones." Nayru said to him.
"Yes ma'am." Link said. When he pulled out his ocarina he waved to the group in front of them.
"See you later guys."
Soon they all disappeared. "Let's collect the stones, and head outside. The giants I doubt could fit through here." Link gave his soon to be husband, and son a kiss on their cheek. He grabbed the stones, and put them in his pack. With Nolan between them they walked, hand in hand, out of the clock tower.
"Let's not cause the Town panic and do this outside" Sheik said
"That's a good idea."
"I'm going to miss them Link." Nolan said sniffling.
"Lesson one of being a Hero. Learning to say goodbye. You have to let go of memories, people, time, friends, and much more." Sheik said to him.
"That's a harsh way to put it, but he's right." Link said.
"I guess you're right. I already said goodbye to family and friends. Being a Hero is tough."
"It sure is. At least you got a goodbye. I don't even know what my parents looked like." Link said looking sad.
Nolan looked up and squeezed Link's hand tighter
"What about you Sheik?"
"Hmm," Sheik looked down at him "Oh, my father died in the war, my mother in labor. I saw them for the first time in the Shadow Temple with Link a few months ago."
Once they were in Termina Field, Link played the Oath to Order.
First one to come running out was Skull Kid, with Tatl and Tael.
"You guys did it! The evil is gone! Whose this?" Tatl asked talking a mile a minute.
Link laughed, and held his hands out for the fairy "Did you have any doubts?"
Tatl just gave him a look. He cleared his throat, and felt the tell tale rumble of the approaching guardians. "Remember the Gerudo boy you found? This is him."
"He doesn't look Gerudo."
"It's a long story, but watch what you say. This is my son."
"Is that even physically possible? I mean this kid is at least five."
"I'm seven!" Nolan whined.
"Well you're short!" Tatl said.
"Takes after his Daddy!" Link laughed.
"Link!" Sheik yelled blushing to the tips of his ears.
"Sorry. Tatl, you are a fairy. Are you in any position to call someone short?"
The guardians finally made their way over to the group. Link took the stones out of his pack.
"Thank you for allowing us to use the stones. We want to give them back for you to protect." Link said.
"Thank you, for saving our land." One of the guardians said.
Two of the guardians waved their hands, and the ruby and emerald disappeared. He was left with Nolan's stone and the sapphire in his hand.
The guardian of Nolan's stone stood there "The Gerudo stole this stone from me so long ago."
Nolan got on his knees "I apologize for the actions of my ancestors. Please accept the stone with my apologies."
The guardian chuckled "No, I will not."
Nolan looked horrified "But...but"
"They kept it safe for many years. Little Gerudo, I want you to uphold the tradition. It's a little piece of your heritage, and your mother."
Nolan started to cry, and got up to take the stone from Link.
"I will. I will take good care of it. Thank you so much."
"You shall be the guardian of spirit. I will take post as the guardian of wisdom." He waved his hand, and the sapphire disappeared.
The guardians began to walk away.
"Well back to the inn. Skull Kid, we are going to make plans to head back to Hyrule." Link said.
"Aww..." The kid and the two fairies chorused
"But we will return every year to Termina. Maybe, we will actually salvage a vacation." Link laughed.
"We will miss you, but we understand." Tatl said going over to hug Link's face, followed by Sheik, and then Nolan.
They said their goodbyes, and then head back to Clock Town.
"Link, why do you get along so well with them? And fairys?"
"I worked with Tatl, met Tael, and beat the skull kid kid almost eight years ago. As for fairies I'm a Kokiri. I just got my fairy late, and then she left."
"Oh. I'm sorry Link."
"It's alright. You have a lot to learn about us. You know I have been wondering something myself Sheik."
"What is it Link?" Sheik said looking up.
"How were able to draw the Master Sword? I thought only the chosen hero was able to pull the sword from the pedestal."
Sheik shrugged "I guess I am just a different kind of hero."
"And now we are a different kind of family." Nolan said with a giggle
"We sure are." Link said picking up the boy in one arm and holding Sheik's hand with another.