Disclaimer: I do not own The Legend of Zelda or anything that relates to it, except for this story.
A/N: First of all I'd like to thank you, reviewers! I'm happy to see that I've now received over 100 reviews for this story, and that's what makes me doubt I'll end it… I'm also glad you obviously liked the last chapter, though Link and Zelda fought. I wanted to make this story somewhat different, which I thought I did by writing about their quarrel.
I also wrote about Marth in chapter 14, and the text also refers to the murder attempt at the ball. If I didn't say it earlier; I can tell you that the Queen bribed one of the Castle soldiers to murder the Prince, but nobody was ever caught for it. The Queen herself was never suspected for attempted murder, either. But that's beside the point. Read and enjoy, and I hope you won't forget to review.
I'd like to thank the following people for reviewing chapter 14: Foofbunny, for being a frequent reviewer and helping me with ideas to both this story and How Things Change. GuruGuru214, for your support and the IM conversations. Ani1, for reviewing frequently and sending the wonderful e-mails. Babonwonsuni, for reviewing. Keaton, for reviewing twice (Marth and Roy, whom you'll see in this chapter, are both from the game Fire Emblem, which was only released in Japan. A lot of people know them from SSBM, and so do I). Anime-Master7, for probably being the most frequent reviewer of this story. You have reviewed every single chapter, I think. Thank you! Aeris Deathscythe, for the review and the nice words. Mily, for sending me wonderful reviews and being so nice to me on MSN. Silver Eyes Bright and Zelda-is-me, for reviewing. Selah Lahai Roi, for the longest review I've ever received and her opinions! And eventually, dan heron, for sending me that neat review. Thanks, I'll ask you if I'm wondering about something. *Thank you, all of you, I'm grateful for your support!*
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Chapter fifteen: In bad faith
Sheik's POV
I moaned slightly, covering my right hand with my other to hide the burning Triforce mark on the back of my hand. It surely did hurt, though I couldn't understand why. I had no idea how I got it, either. I was sure it was the Triforce pattern: three small triangles, forming one big triangle. One of the triangles was glowing as though it was made of gold. But it made absolutely no sense at all. When I touched the mark on my hand, it felt just as smooth as my skin, it was like the mark was inside me, somehow…
And it was that terrible bruise on my cheek, too. It had been inflicted by Link, and it wouldn't heal. Why? I had no idea. Therefore, I had worn my Sheikah garments every day since Link left, making sure to cover my face so Impa would not see the terrible bruise and the tears that stained my cheeks. Don't ask me why I had been crying. I guess I regretted what I did. Yes, I admitted that, I was sorry for what I did and what I said, but there was no way to undo it now. I supposed life would go on…
But how long could I stand it? Living in this damned house, living as another person, not being able to show my feelings, not even who I truly was beyond these crimson eyes of mine. I couldn't show my sorrow or pain for anyone, well, except for Tatl. She was my fairy, and she had been since I left the woods. She could be really annoying sometimes, but all in all, she was a great friend and she meant so much to me. She and I couldn't be seen together, because the Sheikah people didn't have any guardian fairies and people would ask me questions. And I hated questions. I loathed attention I didn't want to have.
I wrapped the pieces of cloth tightly around my hand and wrist over again, covering the glowing mark. In the beginning, it had just been a darker spot on my skin, but lately, it had begun glowing brightly as well. And it hurt so much. It was an indescribable pain, a pain that didn't belong in this world… what am I thinking? I thought. It's just a coincidence, that's all. And it has absolutely nothing to do with him, has it? I hit a heavy iron candlestick that was placed on the table in frustration. It hit the wooden floor with a loud crash, leaving a deep mark in the wood. Like I would care. I hardly cared for anything anymore. So why was I in such a bad mood?
"What's the matter? Something seems to be troubling you", Tatl stated. She had been asleep peacefully on the windowsill until I hit that candlestick. I nodded. She settled herself down opposite me on the table. Although I couldn't see it, I could feel her looking at me.
"Well, sort of, yeah", I mumbled, finishing wrapping the pieces of cloth around my wrist. I didn't elaborate.
"So…?" said Tatl impatiently.
"Okay then, I'll tell you", I sighed. "Ever since Link and I fought, I've been in a really bad mood, so… well, to put it bluntly, I guess I'm sorry for what I did to him. I want to apologize, but I can't."
"Why not?"
"For Goddesses' sake, Tatl! I'm here, he's at the Castle, and he hates me! That's why!" I exclaimed angrily. And now you're getting angry at Tatl, too! You're such a genius, I thought.
"All right, then. Go there and talk to him and tell me about the whole thing when you've chilled a little", Tatl said icily, slowly floating out of the room. I cursed myself. This is just great. When Tatl had disappeared, Impa entered the room. I knew she had been over at Ryla's place. Of course I was happy for her! I mean, she had found her sister at last, but since she spent so much time with her, she hardly had any time to be with me. I felt lonely… That's ridiculous, a voice inside me said. Of course Impa wants to be with her sister. She hasn't met her sister ever before! Don't be selfish.
"Hi, Sheik", Impa said. "I'm sorry it took so long."
I mumbled something inaudible. "I have something for you… a gift", Impa told me. I looked at her, pretending to be mildly interested in what she was going to say.
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Link's POV
His blue eyes were peering right through me. It felt as though he could read every single thought that buzzed through my dizzy mind at that very moment. Why couldn't he just read all my thoughts so I didn't have to tell him about Zelda?
Although I was certain I didn't bother about her anymore, I couldn't deny that I wanted to protect her. I didn't want her to be revealed. I wanted her to be safe. If she thought I was the lucky one – as she'd told me back in Kakariko – I could at least make sure that her life didn't become worse than it already was. But where was Link when his girl needed him? Standing in front of her brother, who had just ordered him to reveal everything about her and ruin her life forever! This is just great, Link, I thought sarcastically. You're the lucky one. Of course you are. How could you ever think anything else? But how come you have to make all these damn decisions?
Marth raised his eyebrows suspiciously, obviously wondering why I still hadn't responded to his question. "Link?" he said.
"Yes?" I said, snapping out of my thoughts. Barely noticeable, I took a step towards the stable entrance. Marth was now standing between me and Epona…
"Marth, I…" The words were stuck in my throat and I knew I wouldn't be able to pronounce them, no matter how hard I tried. I took a step backwards, and with a last glance at Marth, I turned around as fast as I could and ran away from him, ran from everything.
I was glad Marth couldn't follow me. He would probably tell the King everything – especially that I had disobeyed him – but that couldn't stop me from running. I ran to town, elbowing my way through the crowded Market place and bumping into a person about hundred yards from the drawbridge.
"I'm terribly sorry, ma'am", I said hastily, helping the woman to her feet. "I didn't watch where I was going…"
Suddenly I realized that the woman was staring at me. She literally stared at me. With this uneasy feeling in my stomach, I tried to make my way past her, but she stopped me.
"You! Link!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands together happily. "I was wondering when I'd see you again."
"Who are you? How come you know my-" Hey, nobody could have hair redder than that one! "Malon?"
"You do remember me! I was afraid you'd have forgotten."
"How could I forget about you? It's really been a while, though."
"Yeah, sure has. What were you running from, anyway? You looked like the whole Army was hot on your heels!" she giggled.
I shrugged. "Well, it's a long story. Can we go somewhere else?"
"Sure, come on!" Malon dragged me along with her until we reached the peaceful back alleys of town. It was all calm and nearly quiet around us, but the sounds of yelling voices and barking dogs from the Market could still be heard. I had no idea how to tell Malon about what had happened without revealing Zelda's secret…
"So what did you run for?" Malon asked curiously.
"Malon… I'm not sure if I can tell you. It's a really
long story. But I disobeyed the Prince, and that's why I ran."
"You did?" she said, turning slightly pale.
"Yes, I did, but it doesn't matter. My life can't get worse now anyway", I said, laughing cheerlessly.
Malon looked at me quizzically. "I fought… with a friend", I said, almost inaudible. "And I hurt her… she said she hated me…"
"Nobody could ever hate you", Malon said, and in an attempt to comfort me, she hugged me tightly. I felt my own body tense, but then I relaxed, hugging her back.
"Thank you, Malon", I said when she released me. "I'm glad you understand how I feel."
"I know what it's like to argue with someone", she assured me. "Mr Ingo, you know, the farmhand on the ranch, has gone completely mad. He says he's worked too hard for so many years, while my father just slept all day. That isn't true, of course, but he's a good liar. He's told the Queen that Talon can't manage to take care of the ranch anymore… and now my father has to move from Lon Ranch and Mr Ingo will be the owner instead…"
She paused, trying to keep her tears back, but I saw a tear trickle down her fair cheek. "He's abusing the horses and the other animals, Link. Ophelia almost died when he whipped her, and I'm not sure if she'll survive… I just can't understand why he's doing this."
I embraced her again, trying to comfort her, somehow. But I had no idea how to do it. Crying girls weren't what I had to face every day. "It'll be all right, Malon", I said quietly, indeed hoping that it would be.
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"What are you doing out here, all alone?" I snapped out of my thoughts and looked up. Next to the stone bench I was sitting on, stood Roy, one of the young servants. He could be very annoying sometimes – well, to be honest, he was always annoying, but he seemed to like me. But I didn't want any friends. I wanted people to leave me alone.
"None of your business", I responded icily, looking down on the item in my lap. It was the Fairy ocarina Saria had given me. I'd found it among my other things. It's strange, I had forgotten about it, but I could remember what Saria told me, though.
"If you ever want to talk to me, play my song. Then we will be able to talk to each other again…"
I glanced around the moonlit courtyard. It surely was beautiful. When she was a kid, Zelda had ran around here, playing and laughing… I had to stop thinking of her now. I didn't bother about her anymore. So why was she still on my mind? I needed something else to keep focused on. Maybe I should try and play Saria's song? It was worth to try.
"You don't like me, do you?" Roy asked. Uh-oh, I hadn't been prepared for that question.
"Why wouldn't I?"
"You don't seem to like me, that's all…" Roy's voice was sad, and suddenly I felt sorry for him.
"I do like you. But I've been in a bad mood the last week. You see, I fought with… with a friend of mine." Of course I couldn't tell him that this friend was Princess Zelda. But lying all the time was getting too much for me to bear…
"Oh, I understand." No, you don't. Nobody can understand this, you least of all.
There was an awkward silence. I was looking at the little instrument in my hand, lost in my own thoughts. "What's that?" asked Roy eventually. His voice was curious and although I had wanted to, I couldn't say something mean to him.
"It's an ocarina", I said. "It's an instrument that the Kokiri tribe use to play."
"The Kokiri tribe? Never heard of them before."
"Well, they're not exactly showing themselves to people. They're living deep
inside the woods, so nobody can ever see them…"
"But obviously you could."
This boy is quicker than I thought… "Um, yes, but it's a long story. I can't tell anyone… at least not right now."
Roy sat down next to me, with his back leaning against the armrest of the stone bench. Hey, the only person who has hair redder than his is Malon! "Why don't you play a tune for me? I'm sure you're good."
"Oh, well, okay…" Why did I say that? However, I decided to play the song I'd played when Malon and I were standing in the corral at the ranch. It was odd, I could still remember it clearly. I had decided to call it Epona's song, since the horse liked the simple melody so much. I blew slightly into the pipe of the tiny instrument, hearing a loud, clear tone. I placed my fingers above the holes on the surface and lifted them in a different order as I blew into the pipe. It was three simple notes – up, left, right. Up, left, right. Easy, still so beautiful and spellbounding to listen to.
"You are good with that", Roy said and smiled at me. I lowered the instrument, and to my great surprise, I smiled back at him and got this strange feeling inside me. It was almost like I enjoyed Roy's company. Was it possible to have him as a friend? Was it possible to forget about Zelda and move on? Yes, I said to myself. Yes, it's possible.
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Saria's POV
I was lying in my bed, trying to sleep. I couldn't. Although it was nearly midnight, I could not find rest anywhere.
"I might as well go for a walk… maybe visiting the Temple would be a good idea…"
I took the ocarina and a set of Deku nuts with me. I would need the Deku nuts as weapons if I was attacked by some ghastly creature. The ocarina was made of wood and made from the trunk of the Great Deku Tree. He had died shortly after Link and Zelda left and nobody knew why. It was like the two children had had a certain influence upon the Forest spirit, and when they left, his life force vanished. It was almost like Link and Zelda had special powers… but how could it be possible?
I had to be very careful to get to the Sacred Forest Meadow. Beasts and dangerous creatures like Deku Scrubs and Wolfos were roaming around in the maze that was the Lost Woods. Fortunately, I knew the paths in the woods well, and could find my way through the right tree trunks without getting lost. The Lost Woods were actually a huge maze, with hundreds of clearings that were connected by hollow tree trunks. No wonder hundreds of children had got lost there!
It was even more dangerous during the night. A pack of Wolfos could most likely attack you at any time, when you weren't prepared for it. It was too quiet in the woods when it was dark, even the Skull kids had stopped singing and giggling in the trees. Sometimes I would see their dark, gleaming eyes look down at me, but I wasn't scared of them. They wouldn't hurt me.
When I reached the Sacred Forest Meadow, a gate was blocking the entrance to the maze, which led up to the Temple. I let out a grunt of frustration. What had caused all those obstacles, anyway? Before I could do anything, a terrifying howl was heard. A Wolfos. I had never fought one of these creatures before, but I did know how to do it, though. I pulled out of one the Deku nuts and threw it to the ground. It exploded, a flash of white light erupting from it. It blinded the Wolfos for a moment, giving me the time to pick up a stick from the ground and use it as a makeshift weapon. I hit the now vulnerable creature, and it yelped of pain, leaping backwards. New Deku nut, a new swing with the stick. This was easy!
Finally, I managed to kill the Wolfos and the gate disappeared, just as I had expected, and I could enter the maze. I did know the dangers inside it, though. When I last had been there, annoying Deku Scrubs had been roaming the small passages, but now, as I peered around the corner, I saw something terrible. I don't know how to describe it. It looked like a crossing between a pig and a bull, it was clad in armor, and wielding a huge spear. Oh my, how long had it been there?
I don't know if it was mere luck or if the Goddesses really helped me, but I found a wall covered in wines just outside the maze. Now when I was able to climb it, I could easily cross the maze by jumping on the tops of the stone walls. And now I could also see that the maze was full of those horrible creatures, patrolling up and down in the narrow passages. I swallowed my fear and tried not to think of what they would do to me if I fell down into the maze.
In the end of the maze, a particularly big one of the monsters stood, holding a huge club in its hands. How would I get past this one? I hadn't time to consider that, though, because the monster had noticed me. It slammed the club into the ground, sending a line of vibrations along it. I stepped out of the way. Then I realized how I would easily get past this beast. When the next wave of violent vibrations approached me, I ran. The creature aimed for me and slammed the club to the ground. I dodged the blows until I could get past the monster, running up the staircase as fast as I could.
Fortunately, there weren't any monsters here. I went to the stump I used to sit on, gazing up into the night sky. The moon was nearly full, it looked so beautiful against the smooth velvet sky. I sighed dreamily. I thought of Link. That we sat here together, watching the stars… suddenly I felt something. It was like I could feel someone enter my body. Like that person could possess my mind… and then a voice.
*Saria?*
*Link?! Is that you?* How could I ever have forgotten the sound of his voice? It sounded more mature now, though. I realized that he wasn't the person I used to know. This Link was an adult, but I could still recognize his voice.
*Sure is.* I could imagine him smirking as he said that. How were we communicating, anyway? I wasn't speaking, neither was he, it was like we were speaking with our minds.
*I played your song, Saria. I had nearly forgotten what you told me. I'm sorry.*
*Don't be. I'm happy you haven't forgotten me.*
*How could I ever forget you? You're still my best friend, Saria. I've realized that by now.*
He seemed to be thinking, because he didn't say anything in a while. I decided to try to ask him something. *How are you and Zelda?* Right when I had asked that question, I knew it was the wrong thing to ask. When Link answered, his voice was muffled and full of irritation and sorrow.
*It's a long story, but we… we argued, and I haven't seen her in a while.*
*I'm sorry for that, Link… I wish I could help you.*
*You can help me. Tell me how to apologize to a girl.* I laughed quietly. The same shy, childish and still cocky Link I used to know!
*I wouldn't know. Just tell her you're sorry for what happened.*
*It's not easy, you know. She probably hates me.*
*I'm sure she doesn't.*
*Well, that's good to know. Thanks.* The usual sarcastic voice I was used to. I really missed him…
*Will you come back for a visit someday?* I said – or thought – hopefully.
*I don't know, Saria. I'm pretty busy right now. I'm in the Army and all.*
*You are? Well, congrats, I suppose. You wanted to learn how to fight even when you lived here.*
*I know. And I'm quite good with the sword, too.* I could imagine him smiling after he said that. I smiled, too.
*I'm sure you are. I miss you, Link.*
*I miss you, too. I promise we'll meet each other again someday.*
*Promise?*
*Promise.*
His presence inside my mind was gone, and I felt how much I missed him. But a promise is always a promise. And best friends do not break promises.
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Sheik's POV
"My Father gave this to me", Impa said. She had placed a beautiful golden harp upon the wooden table. I stared at it, astonished. Was she really… was she really giving that to me?
"When he died, I swore to myself that I would always take good care of it", she continued. I was barely listening. "And I want to give this to you. I'm sure you could use it."
"Yeah", I said breathlessly. "I'm sure I can. Thank you, Impa."
She smiled. "You're welcome, Sheik."
I stood up and took the harp in both of my hands. It wasn't as heavy as I had expected, in fact, it was so light I could easily hold it in one of my hands. I pulled the strings carefully. A clear, tinny tone was heard. A magical sound.
"Can you teach me how to play?" I asked. Impa nodded.
"I know some magical warp songs you can use to teleport yourself to different places, Sheik. I can teach them all to you, if you wish." I nodded curiously.
"The first of them is the Prelude of Light. It can take you to the Temple of Time in Hyrule Castle Town. It's played like this." She took the harp from me and pulled the strings in a certain order. First she pulled the upper part of the string in the middle, then one of the strings to the right, a little lower this time, to make a muffled, yet thin sound. Then she repeated it. At last, the pulled the middle string again, then left. She had played the song slowly, so I'd catch it. I was fascinated.
"Let me try", I said. Then I pulled the strings slowly in order, getting the song right after just two attempts. "Why won't anything happen?" I asked in confusion.
"You weren't playing it fast enough. When you want to teleport yourself, you need to play the song as fast as you can."
"Thank you, Aunt Impa", I said, giving her a hug.
"You're welcome, Sheik", she said again, watching me closely with those peculiar eyes of hers. "I- I think I'll try and play a few songs right now", I said and left the room, and idea forming in my head. Would it really work…? I shut the door to my chamber, sitting down on the bed and placing the golden, magical instrument in my lap. I pulled the strings in the right order and waited. Nothing happened. I sighed in annoyance. Then I tried again. Still nothing. I was beginning to loose the little patience I had now. But I decided to try again anyway. I pulled the strings in what I knew was the right order, not too slow, and then I waited. When nothing happened, I attempted to put the harp aside, but before I could move, I was taken away in a flash of yellow light.
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Link's POV
I was tossing and turning in my sleep, stirring, but not waking up… and I don't think I need to mention whom I was thinking of. Her tear-stained face, looking at me with despair in those heavenly blue, or red eyes, for that matter… Oh Farore, please help me to think of something else. Please.
As soon as I thought that, a sharp pain shot through my body. I opened my eyes abruptly, feeling the pain erupt from the back of my hand. The Triforce mark. It was glowing stronger than ever before, and I winced in pain, pressing my right hand to my left, on the edge of crying. It seemed as though I had upset Them by thinking those thoughts…
"Air", I mumbled, stumbling out of the dorms where the soldiers slept. I looked at Roy's bed. He was obviously awake, his eyes glittering in the dark. He sat up in his bed, but I quickly shook my head. I didn't know why, but I felt that I wanted to be alone.
It must have been about two in the morning, but I couldn't have cared less right then. I staggered out in the fresh air, instinctively heading to the courtyard. The pain was shooting through my body, and I thought I would go insane. Please, just stop it… If the Goddesses really existed, They would help me! How was I supposed to have faith in Them now? They hadn't helped me at all, ever.
I leaned my back against a tree, feeling its rough, cool bark against my heated skin. I didn't even freeze, although I was only wearing a pair of white breeches. I shut my eyes and tried to deal with the pain. It wasn't easy, I can tell you. What had caused this?
Suddenly, I felt a pair of eyes on me. Startled, I opened my own and looked around in the courtyard in confusion. I was alone, it was no one there except me… the white, smooth stone walls shone like silver in the pale moonlight, the windows were glittering at me like dark, empty eye sockets. I got this creepy feeling again, a feeling that sent uneasy chills down my spine. Somebody was looking at me. But I couldn't see anyone.
I heard a slight, muffled sound. I saw a shadow release itself from the shadows underneath one of the trees. It approached me slowly, its footsteps rustling in the grass, which was wet with morning dew. When it stopped about two yards away from me, I suddenly realized everything. The crimson eye on the figure's chest was proof enough…
"Sheik?"
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A/N: There might be one or two more chapters of this story. I'll explain some things for you all in the next chapter. And as I don't think I'm good at writing that stuff, or maybe it is 'cause I don't like those stories too much, I won't write anything too sappy or too mushy. I do know some people like it, and this is a romance story, after all…
I have nothing more to add right now. For those of you who wanted to read more about the evil Queen thing, you will in the next chapter. Please review and I'll be back with another chapter in a week, I think. School is a real pain, and with tests, homework and stuff, it's not easy to update frequently. But I'll try, I'll try! See you soon! Until then, have a nice week and please review! Ja ne!
..::Hylian Heroine::..