"So, what exactly are we talking about here? Or, I guess where should I start?" asked Link as he entered the princess's bedchambers again. Sheik sighed as he followed close behind. Abby whizzed around him several times, determining if he was good enough to be let off the hook yet or if she needed to chase him back into the bathroom for a proper cleaning.
"There are several subjects we should discuss but-" Sheik paused as he caught sight of something laying on the giant bed, "Ah, it seems that the princess has planned for this,"
The hero chuckled as Sheik cautiously lifted a white shirt that was obviously meant for him to wear due to its smaller size. Its subtle yet elegant red floral design and soft material was definitely not something worn by the lower class but Sheik didn't seem to care about its worth.
"My bedchambers are not more than a five minute walk from here and yet she felt it necessary to give me one of her blouses? Couldn't even bother to choose a less feminine one either. Exactly what kind of impression am I meant to give here?" grumbled Sheik as he tossed the blouse back on the bed. Red eyes looked sharply at the snickering hero.
"I wouldn't be laughing Link. Your clothing may not cause people to question your gender but it's sure to leave quite the impression," said Sheik with narrowed eyes. He held up a forest green tunic with gold embroidery. Gold tassels hung from each shoulder and a thin gold chain extended from each side of the attachments the tassels hung from to drape over each side of the front before attaching to the sides of the collar. A small smirk lifted the side of Sheik's lips as he turned it around to show Link that the chain did the same on the back as well.
Link just scowled in return, looking at the piece of clothing like it would combust if it went any closer to his person.
"That just looks ridiculous. Aside from the green color of course," grumbled Link as he eyed the tunic with distaste. Sheik raised an eyebrow.
"Would you like to trade?" asked Sheik. He reached down to hook a finger under the blouse he had tossed aside and held it up mockingly. Link rolled his eyes. He tried to be angry. Or even just frustrated but it was hard focusing on anything but the sight of Sheik's lower face. It was nice not having to gage Sheik's reaction to things by the intensity of his gaze or how high that damn eyebrow raised. The hero had been fine tuning his skill of recognizing when his partner felt a certain way by the subtle clues given away from the small portion of his face that Link could see. He picked up on it remarkably fast. As if he had known the Sheikah his whole life.
I think it's because our ancestors had spent years by each other's side.
That thought wasn't as pleasing as he imagined it would be. Just because they were the rebirth of someone else, it doesn't mean that they were the same person as before…right?
"Link? It was only a jest. You wouldn't fit in Zelda's clothing anyway," said Sheik. Blue eyes looked up to see the smirk replaced with a frown on his partners face.
The wolf stirred at the sight but the hero knew it was just out of worry. He wished he had listened to Sheik sooner. Perhaps that whole fiasco while meeting the Lion King wouldn't have happened if he had a better connection with the beast.
"The good news is we won't have to actually wear them until tomorrow. You did say that you were going to retire for the day so we have the rest of the evening to do as we please. I suppose the princess thought that I needed to dress more…appropriately for the higher class if I was to accompany you tomorrow. I certainly have no clothing that could be classified even close to that," said Sheik as he ran a critical eye over each item on the bed. He scowled lightly as he reached for the blouse he was meant to wear and began to fold it neatly, ignoring the urge to toss it across the room and into the wastebasket. Granted, the princess had much more feminine clothing that she could have chosen from but he didn't think it would matter.
"As if the nobility would care. I could walk into the dining hall wearing nothing but the most expensive and elegant attire available and they would still look down on me as if I were wearing bar rags," muttered Sheik. He chewed his bottom lip in thought. Link had no undershirt for this tunic and it seemed to require one by the style. Perhaps the princess would let Link wear his own. That reminded him…where were their packs? The hero's equipment should be close at hand as well. They needed clothing to sleep in as well, but the hero was bigger than both him and Zelda so he certainly couldn't be borrowing any clothing from either of them. Even if Sheik could find something big enough he doubted the hero would want to burden them with such an inconvenience. He'd probably say that he would just sleep in the robe he was wearing now to save him the trouble.
Then he remembered that the hero wasn't wearing anything under that robe.
He shook his head to try and clear his thoughts. He really needed to get them both some night wear. Preferably some that were thick and could hide any potential problems Sheik would rather not be caught having.
The Sheikah froze when arms wrapped loosely around his middle from behind. He felt Link's forehead lean lightly against his back.
"Ah...I thought you looked a bit upset and apparently the wolf thought a hug would fix that…" mumbled Link sheepishly before lifting his head and sighing nervously, "Is this weird? It feels weird. Sorry, I'll just-"
"No, its fine. I think this will actually help," said Sheik quickly. A sound of confusion echoed from behind him and the Sheikah chuckled, fighting the urge to lean back against the hero. He finished folding the cloths he had gathered, at a pace that was sluggish compared to how fast he normally organizes the world around him but it happened as an impulse once he realized that Link didn't appear interested in moving until he was done.
Link quickly got over the anxiety of the sudden act of affection from the wolf once he realized that Sheik didn't seem to mind. Or at least was trying to familiarize himself with the unexpected act. Either way, Link was quite content where he was.
Why would this help though? I still don't know what exactly I'm supposed to be doing here.
Link let his arms drop when he felt a light pat on his arm. Sheik gestured for him to sit on the bed while he walked to the bedside table and set the pile of cloths neatly on top.
"I'm aware that you were…I suppose unconscious for the meeting with King Leonard. So, it would be implausible to expect you to explain what happened. However, I think that the wolf does know what happened. With your help I would like to try speaking to it. Is that alright?" asked Sheik as he took a seat right when the hero plopped himself on top of the bed. The Sheikah bit his bottom lip at the sight of Link sprawled on top of the bed next to him. And the smell. Goddesses, the smell. He wanted to punch himself for letting Link use that cinnamon scented soap. He would never escape it now! It trailed after the hero, relentlessly taunting Sheik!
"Sure. I don't know how that's going to work but I'll try to relay what you say as best I can," said Link as he folded his hands behind his head. Sheik hesitated, an act that made the hero peer up worriedly at his guide. Sheik quickly shook his head and perched himself on the edge of the bed. An uncomfortable stance for certain, but it would make him focus on something other than the man that was starting to smell good enough to eat.
"Link…the response of the wolf will depend on your comprehension and whatever you might be bias toward if you were to be a middle man of sorts. It would best if you allowed me to draw it out so I may speak to it directly," stated Sheik. Link's brow wrinkled in confusion for a moment, but then his eyes widened once he seemed to realize what that meant.
"Wait…you're saying you want me to give the wolf full control?" asked Link cautiously. He bolted upright, a panicked look in his eyes when the Sheikah nodded.
"Sheik, I'm not-I mean, it isn't-goddesses! Do you even know what that means?! I could black out! I won't know what's going on or if I need to step in-!" he paused when Sheik reached out to cup his face, forcing the hero to look at him. The intensity of his red gaze began to calm him before the Sheikah even said a word. Link didn't realize how much his partner could influence not only his actions, but also his emotions.
A part of him was unsettled by that, but the rest of him wanted to cling to it. Sheik gave him more than a sense of stability. He made him feel in control of himself. Something he hadn't felt in a long time.
I've always thought I was fine before the Twilight spread throughout Hyrule…but now I'm not so sure. Did the twisting nature of that realm take what was already broken within me and make it worse? Have I always been so twisted inside that I just didn't see it until Sheik gave me a taste of what it's like to be whole again?
"Link, listen to me. There is no part of you that is going to hurt me. Ever. If you do happen to fall unconscious again then I shall just inform you of what was discussed if the wolf doesn't share the memories with you," said Sheik slowly. Link felt bashful, like he should know better but he couldn't look away from the fierce faith radiating from his partners gaze.
"That's not…really what I was worried about," muttered Link. Those red eyes narrowed in thought, as if he didn't understand right away but then he sighed. The Sheikah's hands dropped to rest on his shoulders.
"Link, I told you I am quite used to the expressive way animals show their feelings. Though it is true that you are not entirely an animal, nor do you look like one, but it will not be a problem. Alright? Regardless of what happens, nothing will change between us," said Sheik. He tried to filter as much faith as he could muster into that statement to hide how much he wanted it to be otherwise.
He didn't think Link understood. Or maybe he just didn't want to accept it because the hero stayed silent. Watching him with a sudden intensity that made him feel rather exposed. Was the wolf already reaching out? Or was the hero trying to decide if it was worth the risk?
"Alright…I'll try but only if you promise that, if by chance the wolf proves unworthy of the strong faith you seem to have in it, that you will deal with it as if it were an enemy. Don't run away. Don't try to reason with it," said Link slowly.
Sheik sighed heavily. Link has come a long way in learning to connect with the beast within, but he seems to have more faith in it then Link does. How was he going to get the hero to trust more in himself?
"As you wish. I swear that, if the beast in you proves to be a threat then I shall treat it like one. Now, can you handle releasing it or do you require my help to draw it out?" asked Sheik. The hero frowned but shook his head.
"I think I can do it," said Link. He lowered his gaze, using a finger to trace the seams on the comforter to distract himself from the nerves igniting throughout his body. His partners close proximity actually helped calm him enough to focus his thoughts on the fact that any unwanted, or especially inappropriate, behavior toward Sheik was going to earn them nothing but hostility and disgust.
I don't think Sheik would actually be violent with me now. We've been through too much together…but if I'm really going to do this then the only way the wolf will stay in line is if I imagine what will happen to us if it doesn't. Even if it is a bit farfetched.
Whether it was farfetched or not, the image of Sheik glaring angrily at him with disgust blazing in those red eyes was not something that he ever wanted to experience. He could barely stand it and the image wasn't even real.
"Link? You…you're looking unsettled. Is something wrong?" asked Sheik quietly. His voice brought Link out of his dark musings. The hero huffed as he ran a hand down his face, causing the hands resting on his shoulders to slide down his arms until returning to their owner. He swore the wolf felt even farther away from him then when he tried to connect with it a few moments ago.
I guess that image worked better than I thought…
"Ah, maybe this won't work after all. The wolf doesn't seem interested in coming out," said Link finally. Sheik looked ready to reply but a sudden 'humph' interrupted his thought.
Abby flew to hover in between the boys, hands on her tiny hips as they blinked in surprise.
"Well, of course it didn't work! You're both too high strung! The amount of nervous energy coming off you two could power the sun!" exclaimed the red fairy.
"Should I try to coax it out with my magic then? It would listen to me wouldn't it?" asked Sheik. Abby circled around Sheik once before bobbing near his head.
"Your magic hurts you now Sheiky. The doggie in Linky is gonna be super sensitive to that because of all that nervous energy rolling around inside him! It'll avoid you like you had a bad case of the cooties once it realizes you're trying to find it! You two gotta release that nervous energy! Be more open and calm!" exclaimed Abby excitedly. Both boys looked at each other in confusion and then back at the little fairy bouncing up and down in the air.
"I am calm. I feel that is my default emotion," said Sheik with a frown. Link scratched the back of his head as he peered over at the fairy.
"I've just convinced myself to be open too. Which was a feat at the time. So, if it didn't work then I don't think it's going to at all," said Link in confusion.
The red fairy suddenly flew in sporadic circles around the pair, her red light darkening and causing a yelp from the hero when the fairy dust seemed to shock him. Sheik remained silent but the small jerk his body made told that he must have experienced the same result.
"Excuse me?! Who out of the three of us studied magic extensively? Has experience with inner energy channels or the structure of the soul? Huh? Did either of you have a crush course on arcane study while I was asleep?! Have a grand epiphany? Or maybe a premonition? No? Then perhaps you two could stop being such stupid heads and listen to me!" exclaimed the red fairy frustratingly. She then whizzed a few times around the pair and growled, though it sounded more like a low pitched whine them.
Then her red light lightened, the dark angry energy flowing out like waves to be replaced with a green hue that had her giggling with mischief in seconds. Sheik shifted closer to Link, trying to put some distance between him and the mischievously giggling fairy. He shot an accusing glare over at the hero.
"What did you do Link?" whispered the Sheikah. The hero just scowled indignantly as he leaned closer to hear.
"Maybe you guys would understand better with some examples? Yeah!" Exclaimed Abby happily. She hovered closer to the Sheikah, making him anxious with that green hue still present in her color.
"You're first Sheiky! What is an example of what a shy person might do when he is feeling nervous within the presence of other people?" asked Abby innocently. The Sheikah blinked, wondering if this was a rhetorical question or if she honestly wanted him to play this little game with her. Before he could think to answer, she dived down and began to tickle the leg he had perched on the side of the bed.
"They position themselves an in area that allows a quick escape in case the situation gets too overwhelming!" exclaimed Abby with a giggle as she chased the leg Sheik had yanked out of her reach, "Want to create a calmer environment? Then get that leg up on that bed and make yourself more comfortable!"
Link grinned as his partner was herded toward the center of the bed. That is, until the red fairy's attention turned to him.
"You're next Linky! What is an example of what a more aggressive person might do when they are too embarrassed to deal with a problem?" asked Abby innocently. Link's sharp gaze shifted toward the bedroom door but the fairy zipped over to block his line of sight.
"He psych's himself out so much that he feels the only way to handle the problem is to avoid it altogether!" exclaimed Abby happily. She then dived down the back of Link's robe and tickled him until he was laughing as he spastically crawling toward the center of the bed.
Sheik had been very nervous at first. This little game of Abby's was starting to approach an area that both of them were not ready for yet but he couldn't help but burst out laughing at the sight of the Hero of Twilight collapse once he reached the center of the bed and then writhed in laughter.
Really, he shouldn't have doubted her. Abby seemed to always know how to defuse the situation. Kind of like a certain princess that he knew.
Sheik covered his mouth in an attempt to control himself but his resolve failed once the laughing hero reared up and reached a hand down the back of his robe and try to grab the fairy while the other one reached behind himself to try and push her up higher.
The Sheikah's laughter started to slowly fade when he noticed the sash holding Link's robe closed was losing the battle of keeping the hero covered because of all the thrashing he was doing.
His mind was screaming at him to hold it closed, or at least to look away but his eyes seemed to have lost the ability. Each new inch of skin presented to him ensnared his attention and wouldn't release it.
He'd always known the hero was attractive but this went beyond that. Sheik hadn't been this close when he'd seen the hero shirtless and now he saw his imagination did the real thing no justice. The same dark shade of blonde hair on his head covered the hero's broad chest but not overly so. Red eyes followed the trail of blonde hair downward, across the well-toned abs and flat stomach. Sheik couldn't help but feel slightly jealous. He's never had thick hair, especially in places where it tended to count in males.
At least according to Zelda. He didn't exactly have a circle of male friends to tell him what was normal in boys his age so he's had to rely on the princess for most of his life when it came to personal problems that most sons just didn't want to discuss with their mother.
The hero wasn't overly hairy and the amount visible was still very appealing but Sheik stubbornly believed the only reason that could explain the difference in their hair growth was the fact that Link was older then he was.
The Sheikah was startled as he caught sight of something that shattered the attention of his enraptured mind. Curving from the top of the hero's navel to stretching several inches until it nearly touched his right hip was a jagged red scar. It was sealed like it had healed but it shouldn't be red like that unless it was fairly new. Or infected. The Goddesses Tears should have taken care of any kind of infection Link might have had and he was certain Link didn't sustain an injury of that magnitude while within his presence. Well, at least not one in that area.
It didn't change the fact that the hero was going to be naked in the next few seconds if he continued to sit there doing nothing. Something that had half of him screaming 'good, I've been waiting for this' but in the end the other half that knew that such an action would be wrong won out. So, he lurched forward and grabbed the sides of Link's robe to stop them from unfolding entirely.
A weight was slammed against his upper back, making him wince and jerk forward right into the chiseled chest he'd been ogling for the last few moments. Sheik froze, startled by the sudden movement with the side of his face pressed against Link's smooth skin. He held the edges of the hero's robs in a death grip to stop them from wandering. The warmth of the hero's body engulfed him and it took every ounce of his willpower not to curl up against Link.
And dear goddesses….the smell had been captivating before, but now it was intoxicating as the cinnamon soap seemed to have mixed with the hero's natural musky scent that reminded the Sheikah of the forest he grew up in.
Sheik's eyes widened when he realized the weight was Link's arms. Panic spread through his mind. Had Link reacted with the thought that Sheik was trying to expose him?
He pulled back slightly and his red eyes glanced up hesitantly. His panic started to evaporate at the look of slight confusion on the hero's face. Then Sheik noticed the red glow from behind his own head. Link must have finally gotten a hold of Abby and had been in the process of pulling her out of his robe. Knowing him, Link most likely was trying to brandish her in front of himself in triumph but Sheik had gotten in the way.
The Sheikah was about to slide away and just laugh it off but a chill traveled down his spine as the hero's sapphire gaze darkened suddenly. The familiar sense of lingering danger that followed the wolf surrounded the pair. Sheik heard the grunts as Abby apparently was trying to escape the hold the wolf had on her but his attention was only for the beast watching him almost hesitantly.
He'd never known the wolf to act suspicious around him. Was it because of Link's confusion? A happy gasp from behind his head was heard as Abby seemed to have finally noticed that the wolf was out.
"Oh! There's the doggie! Go Sheiky go! Make it feel more comfortable or it's gonna leave again!" whispered Abby excitedly next to his ear.
Make it more comfortable? Why was it unsettled in the first place? Link has been startled and confused around him before and it didn't come out then so why would it now?
Sheik sighed as he watched the sharp gaze of the wolf regarding him cautiously. He took note of the tense muscles contracting and loosen constantly in the hero's arms, as if the wolf was unsure whether to move them or not.
"Link? Are you…alright?" asked Sheik hesitantly. The wolf tilted its head slightly, regarding him again. Sheik bit his lip, thinking that maybe he should just explain what he was doing before the beast came out but he jumped when a low growl seemed to vibrate though the hero's body. It didn't sound threatening but it startled Sheik enough when that darkened gaze narrowed and gave off such an air of hunger that it had his mind reeling as it clashed with the fear of the beasts intent and his desire for the hero.
An 'eep' was heard from behind him, making him think Abby must have gotten away finally. He reconsidered that thought when the arms that laid across his upper back unfolded, giving him the impression that the beast might have released her instead.
A sharp intake of breath followed that realization as the wolf did not release the pressure he now held Sheik's shoulders with after unfolding his arms. They slid them down the Sheikah's back, making him shudder, until they rested on his lower back.
That look of hunger seemed to only darken as the wolf licked its lips. Sheik wasn't able to focus on a single thought. He was feeling hot again, his desire coursing through his body but it was overwhelming. He wasn't ready for this. His control was slipping. Maybe he might have been willing to ride with it if the hero had been the one behind that dark gaze but he wasn't. The wolf was acting strange, even for Sheik but he just didn't have the willpower to decipher its behavior at the moment.
He closed his eyes as he took a deep breath and released the hero's robes from the death grip he had over them in order to place them firmly on his broad chest instead. It was meant to help put some distance between them but the feel of Link's smooth skin beneath his hands only heightened the awareness of his desire.
A small moan escaped passed his weaning control, his fingers instinctively curving inward like claws to gain a better hold of the warmth beneath them.
Then suddenly his world was flipped and he was now staring stunned at the ceiling. Half of the hero's weight settled on top of him and his head was nudged upward as the wolf nuzzled the side of his neck. He felt Link's arms tucked in on each side of his chest but his breath caught in his throat when he felt the hero's lips brush occasionally against his neck. Red eyes squeezed shut, trying to control his breathing.
This was getting out of control but Sheik just couldn't muster any strength into his limbs. As if Link's very proximity was draining the energy from him. He had to keep reminding himself that the beast was just trying to be affectionate and he should in no way encourage any kind of behavior that could be interpreted differently. Link would just die of embarrassment as it is, without any impute from himself.
Red eyes snapped open again when the wolf made a disgruntled sound and pulled back enough to scowl down in mild confusion at the hands he had pressed against Link's chest. His only barrier was then grasped and pulled away. The wolf didn't release his wrists and just tucked his arms back at Sheik's sides, holding his wrists there as it went back to nuzzling his neck.
Anyone would be curious about what they might like during such…intimate moments when they've had no experience what so ever doing such a thing. Sheik never really gave much thought to it mostly because it never came up. Its difficult imagining romantic situations when there's not many that you're attracted too. Constant disdain and hatred tends to dampen the arousal aspect of fantasies.
Sheik came to a realization that he would have much rather have fantasized about when Link was off in the far distance and therefore couldn't see the reaction he compelled from the Sheikah. When he thought about it though, maybe Link actually was off in the far distance but it wouldn't matter in the end if the wolf shared the memories of this encounter. Regardless, Sheik realized something that he didn't think would ever appeal to him. He seemed to have a fetish for being held down.
Good Nayru…he really was a masochist on some level wasn't he?
Sheik bit his lip savagely, using the pain to keep him grounded and not succumb to the mad urge to wrap his legs around the hero's waist. He was just glad that the wolf wasn't straddling him because it would be over then. Din herself wouldn't be able to pry his hero away from him once that line had been crossed. Consequences be damned.
His hero…when had he started thinking of Link as only his?
A startled gasp escaped him once he felt the wolf's teeth sink into his neck making him involuntarily arch his back. The nip wasn't painful nor did it even break the skin but it sent waves of pleasure throughout his body.
Sheik knew he was losing this battle despite not putting up that much of a fight in the first place. His mind was already getting hazy with the arousal that had become almost painful at this point. He thought maybe he could just teleport them a few feet away. The pain would surely awake his clouded mind and startle the wolf enough to allow him to put some much needed distance between them but he just didn't want too.
He wanted to feel the hero against him. He wanted to see the same desire in his blue eyes that reflected from his own. He wanted to have what he saw between couples strolling casually hand in hand through the marketplace while he hid alone in the shadows.
Sheik just wanted to be loved by someone that wasn't family.
A red ball of light buzzed haphazardly across his vision suddenly. Abby didn't seem to know what to do with herself but her sudden appearance provided Sheik with the mindset that he needed.
He was trained to be a protector, guide and most of all, a servant. He was meant to serve the needs of others not his own.
A flashback of what happened in the bathroom suddenly came to mind. He also made a promise and it was high time that acted on it.
Sheik set his face in a neutral expression and drew in breath, trying to put as much emphasis on this one word as he could.
"No!" exclaimed Sheik sharply.
The wolf reacted instantly, flinching back from his harsh tone. A moment later it drew away from him and huddled in a ball a few feet away and whined lowly with downcast eyes.
Sheik took a moment to pull himself together and sat up, careful to avoid putting any pressure on a certain area that was screaming for attention. He needed to act fast but wisely. The wolf would surely retreat back within Link if he didn't.
At first he thought of explaining what needed to be done but it didn't seem like the wolf ever responded to normal communication. It would need to be short and direct.
As he peered at the huddling hero though, he thought that some damage control might be better. He held out his hands and gestured for the beast to come closer. He frowned when the wolf didn't move and just continued to watch him hesitantly.
"Come, it's alright now," said Sheik firmly. Slowly, the wolf inched forward and crawled back over to Sheik.
The Sheikah poured every ounce of willpower he had into keeping his gaze firmly on the hero's face once he realized that his robe seemed to have fallen open sometime during the wolf's flight to get away from Sheik. That needed to be remedied right now.
Once the wolf settled uncertainly at his side, Sheik slid a hand though his dark blonde hair and lightly scratched behind one of its long pointed ears. He felt the wolf push its head up against his hand with a happy whine. Then he reached over with his other hand and, while making sure his sight didn't stray passed Link's shoulder, pulled one side of the robe up and over until he could tuck it somewhat under the hero's ribs.
The wolf wiggled and whined again, making the corners of the Sheikah's lips lift into a smirk. He'd forgotten Link was ticklish there. He shook his head though, now isn't the time for games.
Sheik pushed the wolf gently down so it would lay facing away from him. He curled his legs up closer to himself and leaned fully against the hero's shoulders with a sigh. He stretched out a hand and ran it through Link's dark blonde hair again, waiting for the wolf to relax.
It didn't take long and the Sheikah smiled softly when the beast cuddled itself closer to him. He red gaze flicked upward momentarily when he felt a feather light touch on his head, signaling that Abby had decided that she wanted to watch from a high perch but then returned his attention to the wolf.
"Can you…I'm going to ask you a few questions and I want you to respond, alright?" asked Sheik. He figured leaving it open for interpretation would only confuse it. A rumbling sound seemed to vibrate through the wolf. He wasn't certain if that was confirmation or if it just was expressing comfort.
Only one way to find out.
"Do you know what happened to Link during the feast earlier?" asked Sheik. The hero's forehead winkled as the wolf made a sound of confusion. Sheik frowned. Was the question too complicated or did it not actually know what happened? Perhaps he should start off with something easy.
"Do you know who I am?" asked Sheik. Deep blue eyes that were slightly dilated in an abnormal way peered up at him curiously. It made a sound of agreement. Sheik smiled brightly and the sensation of rapid touches made him think that Abby must be either poking or kicking the top of his head in excitement.
"Speak it,"
"Sheik," said the wolf in a distorted version of the hero's voice. It was slightly deeper and sounded as if it was passing through a filter of some kind. The sensation of pokes and/or kicks increased from on top of his head but he barely felt them through his own excitement. He was expecting it, and had heard it speak before but the sound of the wolf's actual voice from this close sent chills through his body.
"There was a woman with long blonde hair. She walked with Link out of this room earlier, do you know who she is?" asked Sheik.
"Zelda," said the wolf. Sheik laughed, not even really sure why it was so exciting to speak to this side of his-the hero. He leaned his head down and rested his forehead against Link's shoulder. So many questions blazed through his mind and he chuckled when the wolf rubbed its head against his own affectionately.
An indignant 'hey!' was heard as Abby was squeezed between their brief act of affection.
Sheik raised his head, feeling the red fairy crawl around to get comfortable again with a huff. Then he remembered something from earlier.
"Earlier when Link fell and hit his knee, you came out. I heard someone speaking that wasn't Link but had sounded like they were. Do you know who it was?" asked Sheik cautiously. He sighed when the wolf made a sound of confusion but before he could think of a way to try and simplify it, the wolf spoke with an uncertain tone.
"Is,"
Sheik's eyes widened as he thought of what that might mean.
"Is? What is?" asked Sheik.
"Is us,"
Red eyes narrowed. Is us?...Did the wolf perhaps not distinguish the difference between itself and Link? Which meant that Link was right. There was another part of himself. One that hasn't bothered to show itself until recently….but why?
And what did it represent in the hero if the wolf was instinct?
"The part of Link that spoke then…what is it?" asked Sheik. The wolf bared its teeth but it seemed out of irritation and not anger.
"Shadow,"
The word made the Sheikah's gaze involuntarily seek out what had been named. The hair's on the back of Sheik's neck raised anxiously once he realized that the wolf didn't seem to cast a shadow. He's never thought to look for it before but at the same time…he is certain such a thing would have stuck out to him if it had been missing the entire time they had been together.
"Is his shadow…here?" asked Sheik as he cast a worried glance around the room.
"No. Resting,"
Then it clicked. Link's shadow can separate from him. Without him even knowing it.
It had to have been what was speaking to the Lion King as well. He was starting to get an idea of what this part of Link represented.
"Is it dangerous?" asked Sheik. He knew it had to be but perhaps the wolf could elaborate on how much of a threat it could be.
"Yes,"
Sheik cursed in his native tongue. Even a part of Link was trying to harm him! Is there no where that he can find peace?
"How can I protect Link from it?" asked Sheik. He'd sworn to protect Link, even from himself. How can he protect him from something he can't see though?
The wolf tilted its head confusedly.
"Protect us? From Shadow?"
"Yes," said Sheik. The wolf regarded him for a moment and then shook its head.
"Shadow protects us,"
Sheik paused, trying to wrap his head around that fact. So…this shadow was dangerous but not to Link?
"Why would it protect Link?" asked Sheik. There had to be a reason. This entity didn't sound like something that helped people out of the goodness of its heart. Especially if it was the same…creature that wore the hero's face once he returned from the feast.
"Instinct. We die, Shadow dies,"
Sheik nodded. That would explain why it would suddenly take over and reveal itself during the feast then. The Lion King would have surely reacted violently if the encounter didn't go as he had expected and Link was in no shape to be defending himself. Which reminded him…
"Why did you hide from the Lion King?" asked Sheik. He'd barely gotten the sentence out before the wolf was burying its face in the comforter with a muffled whine. The Sheikah frowned as he ran a hand up and down the hero's back in comfort.
Link was many things, but a coward wasn't one of them. He'd faced many fearsome monsters and lived through plenty of nightmares. What had made the beast react like that when Link had already faced similar situations without batting an eyelash?
"Shush now, nothing will harm you here," said Sheik gently. He felt a bit strange saying this to a creature that had once exploded an entire anti-magical area with magical flames.
"What made you so scared?" asked Sheik softly. The wolf didn't raise its head but a muffled answer still reached him.
"Fear,"
Sheik paused. He almost thought that it was seeking conformation to his question but it sounded more like a shaky answer then an uncertain question.
"Fear? You were scared because…" then Sheik's eyes widened in realization, "Because Link was scared?"
The wolf made a sound of agreement. Sheik's eyes narrowed in contemplation.
Link hasn't been completely fearless this entire time. He had even admitted it. So, what made that encounter with King Leonard different than any other time when Link had gotten frightened? It couldn't only be because King Leonard had a beast within him as well could it?
Red eyes glanced up as he ran his fingers through the hero's dark blonde hair and watched the wolf slowly relax and lay comfortably again. He got the feeling that the beast wouldn't know the reason. Or at least wouldn't know how to express it.
Sheik tilted his head in thought. Maybe the beast would know why the hero was changing so much lately.
"Why has Link been…" he trailed off, knowing that 'changing' could be interpreted in many different ways. Perhaps he should center the question more toward the major problem?
"Why is Link so unstable?" asked Sheik finally. He hoped the answer was more then, 'Because he has a possessively feral wolf and an occasionally absent shadow running around inside his head,"
The wolf gave a sudden big yawn as it rubbed its eyes sleepily.
"Vessel always unstable," muttered the wolf. He might have taken that as a jab toward Link's state of mind but this was the wolf. It doesn't make fun of Link. He doubted it even knew how. Sheik's brow winkled in confusion as a slight growing feeling of dread began to grow in his heart. The wolf didn't distinguish itself differently from Link.
Was 'vessel' how it viewed Link's entire being? Was all of Link the 'vessel'? And if it was, what was Link containing? Vessels were meant to contain something weren't they?
"Is Link the vessel?" asked Sheik hesitantly. The beast hummed sleepily in agreement. He felt Abby shift a bit from on top of his head.
"The doggie's energy is fading Sheiky," said the red fairy softly, trying not to disturb the moment. The Sheikah lightly shook the hero's shoulder to keep the beast awake.
"Wait, don't go yet! Stay! Just a few more questions," said Sheik hurriedly. The beast yawned again and twisted its body around so quick that one moment Sheik was leaning against its shoulder and then next he was leaning against its chest instead as it wrapped around his middle with its head buried in his covered stomach.
As long as the beast remained still and didn't stray any farther south than he was pretty sure he could handle the proximity for now.
"Tired," was the muffled reply against Sheik's stomach. He vaguely wondered what could have suddenly made it this tired when it seemed fine mere moments ago.
"I know but just stay a bit longer," said Sheik soothingly as he reached a hand over to scratch behind one of his pointed ears. He opened his mouth but the question stalled on the edge of his mind as the wolf lifted its head and pushed it against his hand, inadvertently exposing the hero's neck.
The Sheikah stared down at the smooth skin, his hand moving from behind the hero's pointed ear to gently cupping the side of his face.
"Sheiky…" said Abby quietly, snapping Sheik out of his trance and jerking his hand away. He took a deep breath, cursing his lack of focus. He thought he had better endurance then this but maybe it was just the stress catching up with him. Red eyes glanced down at the sleepy hero next to him. He probably had one question left before the beast retreated back within Link.
Sheik shook his head. He needed to calm down. He could always just speak with it again at a later time. What would be good to ask now? There was one thing he was curious about, considering that if it held any merit then perhaps there was more to the Hero's Brotherhood then what meets the eye.
"What is Link a vessel of? What is he containing?" asked Sheik cautiously. Sapphire eyes closed slowly as the beast cuddled itself closer to the Sheikah.
"The sun," mumbled the wolf sleepily before drifting off. The Sheikah's mind exploded with more questions at the simple statement but he could recognize the signs of the hero waking again.
Sapphire eyes fluttered opened again and even though they still shone with fatigue, the abnormal dilation that signaled the presence of the wolf was gone.
Link sighed contently, looking like he was ready to sleep practically right in Sheik's lap. Then his head pulled back slightly, those blue eyes narrowing in confusion. He seemed to finally realize what he doing and who he was doing it with.
Sheik waited patiently for Link to calm down and five seconds later he raised an eyebrow as he watched the hero hurriedly try to detangle himself from the many throw pillows he all but fell into during his rushed crab walk away from the Sheikah.
Then a frown slowly pulled at the corners of the Sheikah's lips once he realized just how many small pillows filled the top of the bed. He was fairly certain there weren't that many when they were in here last. Zelda must have, for some odd reason, added more while they were in the bathroom.
Link seemed more startled then embarrassed as of now, so Sheik had a suspicion that he hasn't seen the memories of the wolf yet. Such an event had happened almost immediately so he guessed that Link wouldn't be getting them at all.
Which he was eternally grateful for. Underneath the good humor he portrayed, Sheik was terrified that Link would interpret the turn of events the wrong way. How would he even begin to explain why it had taken him several minutes to do anything other than just lay there, let alone attempting to remove the wolf, in such a comprising position when all he had to do was yell at it?
Then the red fairy exclaimed that Link could at the very least be respectful to the lady in the room by making himself more decent. That finally caused the embarrassment to match the startlement within the hero once he realized that his robe was not covering much of anything. Something that Sheik had somehow found the strength to pointedly ignore by facing his entire body away from the hero.
Then the hero had flown off the bed and disappeared into the bathroom. A fine idea. Too bad there was only one bathroom in here and he couldn't leave to use another one. He'd just have to wait for Link to come back because there was no way he could carry a proper conversation with this kind of…pressure.
Link didn't come back for almost ten minutes, making Sheik slightly worried, but he seemed to have calmed down now. Sheik rose from the bed and had to carefully approach Link in a way that hid his burning arousal.
The hero had cast his eyes downward but his gaze snapped up to meet his own when he began to cautiously step around Link.
The Sheikah was momentarily captivated by the waves of emotion rolling in the depths of those cerulean eyes but Link seemed to struggle with forming a coherent thought long enough to voice it aloud.
Sheik's body quickly reminded him that his sappy feelings weren't going to overpower his body's reactions much longer.
"I need to relieve myself-" Sheik paused for the briefest of seconds to fight the wince that fought to show on his face at the multiple meaning of his words, "I will join you shortly,"
Then he pivoted around and briskly walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him without waiting for a response.
With his back pressed against the door, Sheik gave a long sigh. Red eyes closed. Images of intense dark blue eyes hovered almost hypnotically within his mind. The ghost of Link's touch still lingered on his skin and guilt erupted within him when he had to remind himself that it wasn't Link. It was the wolf. Yes the beast was a part of him but obviously that was becoming less of a fact and more of an assumption. The hero was changing and Sheik felt that he had even more questions after talking to the beast.
Despite that though….he couldn't bring himself to regret his actions. Which is why he sent a silent prayer to Farore to never let this kind of situation happen while they were alone because he knew he would be just as selfish, if not more, then he was now with his blatant attempts to steal such deep affection from someone that was unaware he was giving it in the first place.
Sheik shook his head and headed farther into the bathroom. He didn't come in here to fantasize about a relationship that was never going to happen. He needed to pull himself together and get back out there because there was a few things that he needed to ask Link.
Meanwhile, Link stared after his partner as he rushed into the bathroom. He seemed somewhat anxious but not upset so Link figured he must have been holding it in for a while. He glanced up with a grin as Abby went whizzing by with a giggle.
"You guys are just too cute!" cooed Abby as she circled around Link's head a few times. The hero tilted his head, remembering the last thing that happened before he blacked out but before he could question the excited red fairy the door that led into the hallway suddenly burst open.
Link jumped and swung around only to stare confused at the huge pile of small pillows that seemed to float into the room. Then he caught sight of the wobbly legs underneath the pillows as the pile made its way toward the bed. He chuckled once he heard the whispered curse of the princess as she apparently stumbled over one of the pillows that had been knocked off the bed during his mad dash away from his partner not too long ago.
"Link?! Is that you?! It has to be. Sheik wouldn't be daft enough to laugh at me when I'm already frustrated. Why am I tripping over pillows again?! I just picked up the disaster that you two left in my room earlier! What in the world were you guys doing?!" exclaimed the princess frustratingly when the rest of her body finally appeared once she dumped her pile of pillows on the bed.
Zelda narrowed her eyes at him when he just snickered but then paused as she swept her eyes once around the room.
"Where's Sheik?" asked the princess, her tone changing from irritated to worried instantly.
"In the bathroom…why?" asked Link hesitantly. Zelda pursed her lips as she looked toward the side, her thoughts apparently elsewhere.
"Just…keep him close. In fact, I don't even want him going out into my personal garden on his own alright?" stated Zelda finally. Link stiffened, his overprotective instinct kicking in and expected the wolf to rise at that implication but instead of the fierce possessive presence of the beast that normally rose when it sensed any intent to harm Sheik, its reaction was almost nonexistent. If Link wasn't straining to try and gage the beast's reaction he would have mistaken its weak response as a lack of interest.
"Of course, Zelda. There's no way I would let Sheik wander around on his own after what happened to him recently. Why do these people hate his kind so much anyway?" asked Link before pausing to finally take in what was becoming less of a bed and more of a mountain of pillows, "And why are you bringing so many little pillows in here?"
Zelda scowled as her irritation returned but glanced over to give a brief look of fondness toward the slowly growing mound of pillows.
"I'm not entirely sure why the Calatian's react with such hostility toward the Sheikah. I'm not even sure if the reason is the same as the Order of Sol but at least the majority of the order seem better at composing themselves like civilized adults instead of throwing their hatred around like savages barbarians," Zelda took a deep breath and her angry tone lowered to a mild one, "There's a tournament being held tomorrow and many of the members of the Order of Sol are going to be here. It would be unbecoming of me as the host to not offer my home to them during their stay so they will be using the guest rooms within the west wing of the castle. These guest rooms happen to have these as a decoration and I am not…comfortable leaving them there," said Zelda as she arranged the small pillows neatly on her bed.
"So…you think that the majority of these civilized adults within the Order of Sol are going to arrive tomorrow and show their gratitude for opening your home to them by ripping up your little pillow decorations?" asked Link with a grin. Zelda paused to throw a sharp glare at him before returning to her pillows.
"No, I just want…they are…I really like them alright?! They are…supportive. In more ways than one," said Zelda. She felt a gentle hand on her shoulder and turned to see the grin the hero wore had softened to a smile.
"Hey, if sleeping on a mountain of pillows instead of a bed is what brings you a peace at night then you do that. Not sure what other reasons they could be…supportive but as long as you like them then that's really all that matters," said Link. Zelda chuckled, reaching over to pat his chest playfully but her brow wrinkled in confusion once she seemed to finally realize what he was wearing.
"Why are you wearing a robe? You can't be that cold," said Zelda with a frown. Link scratched the back of his neck as he gave her a sheepish smile.
"Ah, I haven't found my pack yet but Sheik said something about getting us some cloths for the night," said Link. Zelda gave him an exasperated look before brushing passed him to kneel in front of the bed.
"I should have known he would have paid more attention to you then what I was trying to tell him," muttered Zelda. She reached under the bed and pulled out his adventure pouches and pack. Link's grin returned full force when she tossed a familiar brown shirt and pants at him once she stood to her feet.
Granted, these may not be mine but they are heavenly compared to this nightmarish bathrobe.
"Thank Goddess. I've got to remember to thank Renado again when I get back to Kakariko," muttered Link as he gazed down at the clothing in his hands like it was a solid gold rupee. Zelda suddenly cast her eyes downward and cleared her throat awkwardly.
"Link…you will have to stay here tonight. After the tournament tomorrow I'm sure everyone would love it if you went to pay them a visit though," said Zelda softly. Link sighed but then turned to head toward the bathroom with a shrug. He chuckled as he waved away the curious red fairy when she hovered closer to his pouches to see what he had in them.
He paused once he caught sight of the closed door.
Right Sheik's still in there…
"Well, am I staying in a guest bedroom then? I would really appreciate if it wasn't anywhere near the servant's quarters this time. Or the main lobby. Or the lounge. You know which one I'm talking about. Not even the training area. You know what? I would be totally fine sleeping in a broom closet somewhere at this point. Goddess knows people wouldn't think to look for me there with their unwanted late night presents and creepy chats…" muttered Link with a scowl. Then he sighed while glancing at the bathroom door again.
"Damn…I can't do that to Sheik. Well, at least place the room somewhere with an easy exit so we can high tail it out of here in the morning. And don't get mad if I end up having to push all the furniture in the room up against the door because Sheik and I have to escape through the window. I would have a good reason to this time! Not that any other time wasn't a good reason! No matter how much you may say otherwise!" examined Link as he jabbed a finger toward the princess. He paused with narrowed eyes as Zelda appeared to struggle holding in laughter.
"Oh Link, you're too much sometimes. But you don't have to worry about any of that because you and Sheik will be staying in my bedchambers tonight. Everyone will expect you to share a room with me but they don't need to know that we aren't sharing a bed," said Zelda with a chuckle before turning to gesture toward the archway that separated the bedroom with the rest of the bedchambers, "There are doors that separate my bedroom from the rest of the room. I will sleep in here while you two sleep in the front lounge area. There's a couch already in there and you can just grab this couch here push it into the front lounge area so you both will have somewhere to sleep,"
She paused to smirk at his interested expression once he turned to peer at the couch in question.
"In fact, maybe you could just forgo moving the couches and…make a pallet on the floor with the cushions? I could give you some blankets too? Sleeping close together is something you should be getting to use to if you haven't already," said Zelda as she turned to fluff the small pillows on her bed. She raised her head and smiled as Abby whizzed around her head with a giggle.
"Now that I think about it, that would make it much easier for you guys to get to know each other better! A familiar setting with no chance of strangers bothering you randomly. It could be fun," said Zelda excitedly. She rushed over and grabbed a hold of Link's arm and dragged him over toward her walk in closet.
"In fact, I'll start setting it up while you change in here. Sheik should be out any minute so start thinking of things that you guys could talk about. Fun things not the important stuff that you both will be sharing with me and Victor tomorrow, got it? Think of this as a bonding time!" exclaimed Zelda and then rushed away before Link could reply.
"Zelda! We aren't a couple of kids at a sleep over! Oh, whatever. Maybe it could be fun. As long as I don't embarrass myself," said Link as he scratched the back of his head. He sighed and then walked farther into the walk in closet, fully believing that the princess had probably an entire store of clothing stocked in this giant space.
Several minutes later he walked back into the front lounge area to find several cushions that definitely belonged to more than two couches pushed together on the floor. There were a few long pillows that Link recognized as the ones that Zelda normally used on her own bed but she must have decided that she didn't need them because of the mountainous amount of other smaller pillows she had to choose from.
Sheik entered his line of vision holding several blankets and dressed in a dark blue shirt and pants. What caught his attention was the fact that they seemed to be made of satin. The shiny material fit his frame nicely and though he was more than ok with that, it seemed too different from what he normally wore. The sight of his unmasked face quickly pushed that thought from his mind and made him pause to admire it for a moment until Zelda looked up and sharply called to Sheik. The Sheikah just gave a small smile to the princess.
"It's alright Zelda. Link has earned the right to see my face. He is...," Sheik paused as he glanced up to lock eyes with the hero and finished in a softer tone, "A friend,"
They stood there for a moment, just staring until Zelda leapt off the floor and rushed the Sheikah into a bone crushing hug.
"That's wonderful! I hoped you would let someone else close enough know you like I do!" exclaimed Zelda gleefully. She then surprised both of them by lifting the Sheikah off the floor and spinning him around.
"Thank you Zelda…now please put me down," wheezed Sheik. He blinked when a grinning Link suddenly appeared in front of them and wrapped his arms around the pair. The surprised quickly passed and was soon replaced with a growl at the familiar feeling of being squeezed between the two people closest to him again.
"Why am I always the one in the middle?" grumbled Sheik. Laughter echoed around him and even though he tried with all his might to stay irritated, he soon fell into the cheery mood as well. It may have been a blow to his pride but it was a small price to pay for the moment of serenity that surrounded him. With those he trusted more than anyone else.
The only thing that would have made it better was if his mother had been there. The image was more appealing then he thought. The hero already knew where he lived and his mother already knew him.
Zelda dropped him back on the floor with a smile. The new position instantly focused his attention to the hero that was now pressed up against his back but the hero immediately backed away with a chuckle.
"Alright. I'm going to bed now. Shout if something important happens, which it better not if you both know what good for you," said Zelda sternly as she pointed a finger at each of them in turn. Then the sternness changed to a cheerful expression so fast that Link wondered if he imagined the stern look in the first place. She grabbed the sides of the doors to her bedroom and with a final wave she disappeared into her bedroom.
He turned to see Sheik settling into the pallet farther away from the princess's bedroom. Abby's red light disappeared as she apparently decided that her portion of the bedding would the bottom, far away from any chance of being sat on.
Link approached, his bare feet sinking into the cushions instantly. A grin slowly spread across his face as he curled his toes in the soft material of the blankets. Red eyes watched him with a raised eyebrow so he just chuckled and then dropped onto the cushions with a content sigh.
"Heh, the last time I did something like this was during Colin's last birthday," said Link as he settled into the blankets more comfortably. Sheik stretched his body out, laying on his stomach and peered over at him as he leaned his head on a closed fist. His long golden hair cascaded down over his shoulders and back before disappearing into the blankets surrounding him. Several strands still hung over his right eye though, as if actively trying to cover half of his face.
Link quickly raised his hands and rested his head against them to stop himself from moving those loss strands away. He crossed a leg over the other and closed his eyes.
"For some reason, it's not hard imagining you around several children," said Sheik with a chuckle. Link snickered as he bounced his raised foot.
"Please, I was the life of the party. Though Talo could give me a run for my money. When he's not being an obnoxious brat that is," stated Link with a subtle fondness in his tone.
"You always speak of those children as if they are siblings. You even told me on the night that we met that 'those people are the closest thing I have to a family'…what is that like?" asked Sheik curiously. Link peered over in confusion.
"What do you mean?" asked Link. Sheik lowered his gaze, apparently finding the seams on the blankets rifting.
"Living in a town with people that consider you family? What was that like?" asked Sheik softly. Link tilted his head in thought as he returned his gaze to the ceiling. He never really thought about it before but at the same time he really couldn't imagine living in any other kind of place. Sure, he'd love to travel but settling down was a whole other kind of story.
His musings apparently took to long since Sheik seemed to mistake his contemplation for unease.
"Forgive me. It's not any of my business. I shouldn't have asked," said Sheik as he lowered his head to his pillow. Link frowned and then dropped his leg back on the mass of blankets. He thought of simply telling him, but then a grin slowly spread across his face.
Actions speak louder then words.
"You want to know what it was like?" said Link nonchalantly. Sheik raised his head, but before he could say a word a pillow suddenly made contact with his face. The Sheikah flinched back, stunned for a moment. He was able to take in the smirk on the hero's face before Link's other hand found ammunition in the form of a small round pillow and throw it at him.
"The few times Ilia didn't feel like getting me up herself, she would ask the kids. They would invade my house and do this in order to get me up," said Link. He laughed as Sheik ducked under the swing he aimed at his face.
The Sheikah chuckled, his red eyes full of mirth as he grabbed a hold of the pillow Link used as his main weapon.
"Well, I can only imagine what Ilia would do since this is already a startling way to start the day," grunted Sheik as tried to wrestle the pillow away from Link. The hero narrowed his eyes and suddenly let go of the pillow, causing Sheik to fall back.
"Normally Ilia simply yells to get me up but this," Link lunges forward before Sheik had a chance to straighten again and pinned him down, "Was actually her favorite way of getting me up!" He then reached forward and ran his fingers down his partner's sides, trying to tickle him. Sheik's quick reflexes allowed him to catch those wandering hands before they could do much damage but they still forced several barks of laughter from him first.
"Oh? I thought you said you weren't ticklish?" asked Link with a grin as he tried to pin Sheik down again. The hero wasn't even certain how Sheik had gotten out from under him in the first place. It was like trying to trap a snake with hands wrapped in thick immoveable material.
Of course the first thing my mind does is think of how useful that flexibility would be in bed…
"I'm not ticklish. That was a shout of surprise not laughter," grunted Sheik as he shoved Link away. The hero stayed close, sharp sapphire eyes watching his movements.
"Is that so? Well, I'm gonna have to call your bluff. I hear your laughter so rarely I've pretty much committed the few times I do hear it to memory. In fact, I'll even submit evidence of that right now," said Link before spreading his arms and throwing his full weight against his partner.
Sheik still managed to get most of himself out of the way by the time Link got anywhere near him but the hero needed was a solid hold and that's what he got. With his guides ankle in his grasp he wrapped both hands around it and pulled with all his might.
The Sheikah should have went down instantly but he twisted in the air, using his other leg to wrap around the hero's torso to prevent him from getting pinned. Link couldn't help but laugh. Yes, it was loaded with sexual tension for him but for once it was easy to forget that in a moment of pure challenge that laced every escaped hold and smug glance those red eyes flashed him.
It was a chase. Link almost felt like the predator that rested within him, causing adrenaline to race through his veins. He could feel his sight sharpening. His sense of smell getting stronger. The wolf must be joining the fight then. He sought out his partners gaze and locked on with him, meeting his silent challenge.
His muscles tensed, ready for an attack. His feet slid along the cushions as if they were solid ground. When Sheik moved to mirror him the act made him pause for a moment, but he was startled to find his body still moving as if still in battle.
Link's mind reeled once he realized the wolf was barely interacting at all, watching almost lazily. It was as if the warmth of its presence was acting of its own free will.
If the wolf isn't fully doing this then what is…?!
The beast's presence had always been warm but this…he didn't have any word to describe it. Whatever was connected to the beast was too vast for him to even comprehend. He'd never known the wolf to act like this. Then again, the wolf has never been driven to this level of exhaustion before.
The energy surrounding the beast was getting hot as well. Uncomfortably hot. To the point that he was sure he'd burn from the inside out if he didn't find a way to calm down real damn soon.
He happened to look up and caught sight of his guide's fierce gaze as he nimbly dodged out of the way from a lunge and managed to trip him. He saw Sheik's lip's moving as he spoke but it was as if another's voice was coming out instead.
"Better luck next time hero," said Sheik with a smug grin. The words were layered with another's voice. Vast and deep. With an edge like ice.
Deafening pain erupted within his mind as images started to flash before him. Why did it hurt so much?! He didn't even try to access his ancestor's memories!
He saw radiant swirling colors in a place that couldn't possibly be in the mortal realm. Wild elemental activity. Monstrosities that put his worst nightmares to shame rushing at him in waves. Yet, he was apparently cleaving through them like it was nothing.
Battle.
Bloody, fierce, ruthless, righteous battle. That is what surrounded most of the burning memories searing through his mind until the last one.
The energy surrounding the last memory was like a roaring inferno clashing with a frigid blizzard.
Rudy colored eyes flashing from the deepest depths of shadow and words that were all too familiar.
…'Better luck next time hero'.
Then blackness overtook him.