Link jerked awake, panic flooding through his body. The only light was the moonlight streaking into the room. Link always awoke with the sun; what could have happened to make him wake up? An uneasy feeling gripped him. For some reason, he felt like he wasn't alone in the room.

THWAP!

"Ow!" Link's hand flashed to his cheek. The pillow ricocheted off the bed and onto the floor.

"Take that, asshole!"

"Midna?" He could barely spot the shadowy imp in the corner.

"Who else could it be, dumbass? You think Zant's armed with pillows?"

"I don't know! What are you even doing here?"

"To tell you what a fucking blockhead you are! Watching the two of you try to talk was painful. Did you really think that anything was gonna get through from barking? Come on, I'm right here! I can understand you! Face it, wolf boy, you need me."

"I thought we did fine!"

"It took hours! With me, it could've been done in half that."

"I'm trying here!"

"Trying? You couldn't even figure out you needed to transform! You were in Twilight!"

"Sheik understood!"

Midna's tone dropped low and dark. "Sheik? Sheik is a coward."

"What?"

"You're a lot dumber than you look, Link."

Link fists tightened on the blanket. "Why would Sheik be a coward?"

"You're hopeless."

Link huffed. "Is she dangerous or something?"

"Maybe not to you."

"What does that mean? What, should I ditch her?"

"Ditch her? Please. Without her, you'd probably be dead already." Midna laughed.

Link's blood boiled. "Can you, for once, give me a straight answer?"

"You want a straight answer? Fine. You need me, Hero. Sheik might be useful when you're human, but she's shit once you're a wolf. I can understand you. And I know things! I can't begin to help you if you don't try. It's not only your world you have to save. This is my battle, too."

"You think this is easy for me? I didn't sign up to save everyone! You all just keep piling shit on me. How the fuck am I supposed to know what to do?"

"Well, you better figure it out. If this is your best, Hero, then we're all doomed." With a scoff, Midna sunk back into the darkness.

Link grabbed the pillow off the ground and threw it at the corner. He let out a loud, angry groan and dived back into his blankets. Sleep always solved his problems.

Sleep may have solved his anger from the night before, but the morning brought new ones.

The inn's dining area was empty except for Sheik and Link. She hadn't even looked in his direction yet, appearing to be much more focused on the wood graining of the bartop.

"Ugh." Link let out a sigh.

Sheik didn't react.

"Ughhhhh." He huffed louder.

Not even a glance.

"Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh."

Sheik finally turned towards him, her head resting on her elbow. "What is it, Link?"

"Oh, me? Oh, it's nothing." Link batted his eyes. "But, since you asked…this day is the worst day ever."

She looked over at the clock hanging over the door. "It's barely seven. You've only been awake for what, an hour?"

"An hour is enough to ruin a whole day."

"You bring a whole new meaning to 'waking up on the wrong side of the bed'."

"Oh no no. You know how I woke up? In a pile of sweat! I thought I was melting! Stupid sunrise decided my window was the best and almost burnt me for it. I never wake up this early!"

"...That's it?"

"Nope. Then I tripped on a pillow."

"Tragic."

"And then! I washed my clothes last night, right? They aren't even dry. I had to squish my sweaty self into wet clothes. I feel like some kind of worm. A weird, moist worm."

"And all of that is worse than, I don't know, when you got cursed as a wolf?"

"Sheik. A pillow."

"My mistake, then."

"That's all you have to say? I'm hurt, Sheik."

She rolled her eyes, leaned toward him, and grabbed the edge of his tunic.

"Woah, what-"

A surge of heat ran through the fabric, traveling through the tunic and down his legs. Steam fizzed off the edges of his sleeves. The dampness of the clothes disappeared in seconds.

"Wow. Thanks."

"I had to do the same to my clothes this morning."

"Doesn't that use up energy, though? We're going to need that for today. Can't have you fainting on the job."

She shrugged. "It's alright."

He took a close look at her. He had only glanced at her all day. A pang of guilt struck him; she looked exhausted. Deep, dark bags hung under her eyes. Even her normal stiffness seemed to sag under some invisible pressure.

"Are you sure? I'm not trying to be mean, but you look a little dead."

"I'm fine, Link."

"Look, I didn't exactly sleep well either. Midna paid a visit."

"Midna?" He saw her tense. "What did she say?"

"She was just pissed at me. Lectured me about how important it is to save the whole world."

"Did she say anything else?"

Link paused. Sheik didn't really need to know everything. "Nope. Just a lot of yelling. She's got a lot of anger in her for such a tiny thing."

"If you say so." She said, but he felt her eyes linger a little too long.

Renado stepped out of the kitchen with plates, some simple bread and butter. Breakfast came and went without another word from either of them. Link could feel Sheik's suspicion hovering over him, trying to crack him, but he resisted telling her any more details. He'd have to ask Midna why she didn't trust Sheik.

By now, the children had awoken and were all tiredly sitting in the back with their own meals. Link waved a quick hello.

Renado approached them again, grabbing their empty plates. "So, what are your plans for today?"

Link hadn't thought that far ahead.

"Get supplies. Head up the mountain." Sheik interjected.

"Any way I could be of assistance?" Renado asked.

"Do you know how long it should take?"

Renado paused. "You should be able to make it up Death Mountain by sundown, if all goes well. It's a steep trail, but there's plenty of markers and maps."

"And how long do you think we'd be staying up there?"

"At least a day, likely more."

"We'll need some food. Water canteens, if you have them. A tarp or some spare sheets."

"I'll see what I can do. Do you have money?"

Sheik turned to Link. He shook his head. She turned back and sighed. "Any pawn shops around here?"

The pawn shop was a tiny, tiny shed hidden near the front of Kakariko. Renado warned them that the owner might not have reopened yet, much less have the necessities to do business.

"Sheik, I don't have anything to sell." Link tried to tell her, but she continued marching down the street.

"You may not, but I do."

"Like what?"

Sheik ignored him and stomped past him, up to the shed, and banged against the door.

"Not open!" A voice from inside shouted.

"Sheik, we can find another way-"

She pushed open the door, barging inside.

A small, frail man peeked up and glared at her. "I said, we aren't open!"

Sheik took something off her ears and slammed them on the counter. "You'll want to buy."

Link edged closer. There sat two small triangular golden earrings, with light blue gems in the middle. He wrinkled his nose; he'd seen these cheap earrings before. One time, Mayor Bo had traveled to Castletown and brought Ilia back some earrings very similar. Apparently the royalty wore them often. Queen Daphne had the design all over the castle, or so Ilia had told him. She had spent weeks gushing over the earrings before the fake metal plating had chipped away.

The old man scoffed, mirroring Link's thoughts.

"Real gold. The gems are sapphires, too." Sheik said.

The old man rolled his eyes, but grabbed them to humor her. "Don't be silly, girl."

Sheik's eyes were deadly. Link could feel the angry heat radiating off of her.

He watched silently as the man toyed with the earrings. He dropped some solution on them, then held a magnet near, put it in a cup of water. With each test his frown deepened. Finally, after peering at the jewelry with an ancient microscope, the man sighed.

"I don't normally deal with thieves, but times are tough. I'll give you five hundred for them."

"You know they are worth far more than that."

"Five hundred is all I have. Take it or leave it."

Sheik nodded and reluctantly shoved the rupees into her pouch. "Thank you." She walked toward the door then paused with her hand resting on the handle. "Could I… come back for them, later?"

The man shrugged. "If they're still here and you got enough rupees."

Sheik nodded and exited, leaving Link to trail after her.

"A thief? Sheik, you stole those?"

"No."

"Why would he say that, then?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Come on-"

"I said, I don't want to TALK ABOUT IT!" She shouted.

Link held back, stunned, and watched Sheik storm out of Kakariko.

Link decided that Sheik was an awfully selfish person.

He knew she was stubborn, withdrawn, untrusting, and constantly frustrated. She always took lead without consulting him, and never wanted to talk about anything but their mission. But even with all her selfishness, he couldn't imagine her ditching him like that. And over some stolen earrings? No, something had to be up.

Only twenty or so minutes had passed before Link went to search for her. He couldn't just wait around at the inn for her to come to her senses. Link even considered transforming into a wolf to follow her scent. She had this distinct aroma that he'd never encountered on a person before; some combination of summer winds and spring grass. It would get caught in his throat when they were close. But he decided it was best to search in his normal form first. If he was a wolf, he'd have to worry about Midna's lecturing and avoiding being seen.

He trudged around outside of Kakariko until he came to the fairy spring they had camped by the other day. Sheik was kneeling, half submerged in the water, her head down in the traditional prayer. She hadn't even bothered to remove any weapons or armor. He could hear her muffled whisper through her mask.

"... you grant me the strength and determination to fulfill my duty. I pray for your blessing, and the gift of your power. Hail Naryu, for her wisdom and confidence. May you grant me the intelligence and insight to fulfill my duty. I pray for your blessing, and the gift of your wisdom. Hail Farore, for her bravery and boldness. May you grant me the valor…"

Link stood behind her awkwardly. It would be rude to interrupt in the middle of prayer.

"... pray for your blessing, and the gift of your courage. Hail Hylia, Mother to Us All. I pray you watch over our journey and offer us the lightness and goodness in all things. Protect us from the darkness and temptations of evil. Take care of the loved that we have lost, and show us the light to love on. May you rest in our hearts and blood forevermore."

Silence washed over them. He saw Sheik's body rise and fall with a heavy breath. Right as he summoned the courage to speak, she opened her mouth again.

"Hail Din, for her-"

"Ahem." Link coughed. He wasn't going to sit through all that again.

Sheik turned towards him. He couldn't tell if her eyes were rimmed red, or if they were just always like that. She didn't appear surprised to see him. If anything, she looked relieved.

"Anything you'd like to say?"

"I owe you an apology."

She had stunned him once again. It was that easy?

Sheik lifted herself up out of the water, droplets beading down her legs. "I let my emotions better my judgement. I should not have taken my anger out on you. You were only concerned, and I am grateful for your care."

"You know, you can just say sorry. Don't have to be all formal about it."

"I'm sorry." Sheik extended her hand to shake.

Link bumped it with his fist, earning a weak smile from her.

"It's okay if you stole the earrings. I mean, it doesn't seem like you, but I get it. You did what you had to."

"I didn't steal them."

"Only royalty get those. Even people in Ordon know that."

Sheik shook her head. "They were my mother's."

"Really?"

"She was rather influential in the castle. She gifted them to me when I turned sixteen."

"Oh." He felt stupid.

"They were not something I wanted to give up."

"Would she be mad or something?"

"No. She's far away, now. I don't believe I'll ever see her again."

"Well, we're traveling all throughout Hyrule. Maybe we'll run into her."

"Perhaps." She said dryly. "We should get going. My outburst has cost us enough time already."

"Sheik?" Link asked, walking beside her on the trail back to Kakariko. "Why were you praying?"

"I'm not quite sure." She paused, slowing her pace. "When I was younger, I was forced to pray often. But I was allowed to abandon that as I aged. Once this whole mess started, I began to pray at every goddess statue I saw. It's comforting, I suppose. Gives me some stability."

"I never really prayed. If we wanted something done, praying never helped. You just had to do it yourself."

"It's not about that."

"Then why do it?"

"What else is there to believe in?"

Renado accepted fifty rupees and nothing more. He looked guilty enough accepting the money, even such a small amount, but they both knew he couldn't keep up feeding and housing the children for free.

He had directed them to a much closer spring. A hot spring, specifically. A decade ago, when the Gorons were on friendly terms with Kakariko, they had dug it as a gift. Death Mountain was well known for it's abundance of hot springs. Rumor was that they were planning to open up spas, though it was likely those plans were on hold now.

Beth, Malo, Talo, and Colin had begged to come along. Link could tell how hesitant Sheik was, but this was the last time he could see them for a long time.

Link filled up the canteens and jumped into the springs with the kids. They laughed and splashed him and he would grin back, picking up each one and tossing them into the water. Sheik chose to stay on the sidelines, packing Epona's saddle bag carefully. She hadn't said much since they got back to Kakariko.

"Link?" Colin pulled on his pant leg.

"Yeah, buddy, what's up?"

"Are you going to take us home? I miss dad."

"Renado will take you home."

"Then when are you going to come home?" Beth rushed up.

"Um, not sure yet. Soon, I hope."

"Why aren't you coming with us?"

"I have to find Ilia."

"Where is Ilia?"

"I don't know yet. But I promise I'll find her."

"Why is Sheik here?"

"She's helping me."

Talo beckoned him close and whispered in his ear. "She's kind of scary."

Link stifled a laugh. "I think so, too."

"Maybe I could help, too!"

"No, Talo. It's dangerous."

"Dangerous?"

"Yeah. Lots of scary monsters."

"Oooo! Have you killed any?!" Beth jumped in.

"Um-"

"That's not nice to ask." Colin said.

"Shut up, Colin! I bet he's killed like… like a hundred bad guys!"

"My dad says fighting is no fun!"

"You're just jealous because you can't fight at all!"

"Can too!"

"Can not!"

"Can too!"

"Guys, please-"

"Link." Sheik called out. "We're ready."

"Noooo!" Chorused all the kids, clinging around his legs.

"Yes." Sheik said firmly, giving such a glare that even Talo pulled away.

"Thank you." Link mouthed silently.

"I'll miss you." Colin mumbled.

"Me too." The rest chimed in.

"I'll miss you all." Link bent down, wrapping them all in a hug. It was hard to stop tears from forming. "I'll be safe, I promise. Be good. No fighting. When Renado brings you home, tell everyone I love them."

Beth sniffled.

"Don't cry. You'll make me cry." Link wiped his eyes and stood. "Now, go to Renado. I'm sure he has lunch prepared for you by now."

He watched as they all toddled off, each one casting him sad puppy eyes. But he stayed firm until he saw the inn door shut.

"You care about them quite a lot." Sheik walked up behind him, holding Epona's reins.

"Yeah."

They stayed there silently together, staring at nothing. It was a comfortable, supportive silence, if there ever was such a thing. He didn't feel the need to say anything to fill the air.

Link didn't know how long they stood together for, but by the time he felt ready, the sun was already halfway across the sky. He took in a deep, heavy breath. "Let's get going."

It was dusk by the time they reached the entrance of Death Mountain, much longer than the 'short walk' Renado had implied. There was a set dirt trail that they got lost on a few times. Signs that had trail maps and directions had been hacked off or painted over, with various versions of "Get Away" scribbled across them. Luckily, the path was well worn enough that it was easy to backtrack.

The hours passed in silence. Link was grateful for it, even though it would've been the perfect opportunity to tell Sheik about what Midna said. It felt wrong keeping it from her. But he didn't feel particularly chatty after sending the kids away.

Sheik didn't seem up for conversation either. He couldn't tell if it was out of courtesy for him or if for her own sake.

Link had seen a Goron only once before, when he was very young. Her name was Volcona. They were a large, rock-shelled species, twice the height and three times the width of a Hylian. Link had always thought of them as overgrown armadillos, although that wasn't the nicest comparison. But even with their scary exterior, Volcona was one of the funniest and friendliest people he had ever met. He remembered how scared he had been of Volcona until she opened her mouth and told him stories and jokes from her travels. When Link had excitedly told Rusl about how much he liked Volcon, Rusl had laughed and said Gorons were known for their good nature.

But the Goron they were seeing now did not seem very good-natured.

Ahead, a Goron sat in front of a rocky cliff, sharpening black metal spikes. The rock wall behind him was already half full of spikes jabbed into the surface. Up on top of the cliff, just barely too high to climb, lay the entrance gates to the Goron domain. A Hylian-sized ladder now sat in splinters at the Goron's feet.

"They really don't seem to want visitors." Link whispered.

"So it seems."

"If we got past the Goron, could we use the spikes to climb?"

Sheik shook her head. "They'd burn us, even through clothing."

Link peered closer. Sure enough, he could see the heat waves rising off each spike. The Gorons were smart. Not only could they jump and climb better than Hylians, but they also had high heat resistance.

"We could persuade him to give us a lift."

"Persuade, or bribe?"

"Either one works. Come on." Sheik marched ahead.

Link trailed at a nice, safe distance with Epona in tow.

The Goron sneered as they approached. He stood at full (very intimidating) height with one of the metal spikes in his massive palms. "You're not welcome here. Leave."

"We wish to speak with Chief Darbus."

"He doesn't want to see you. Go. I won't warn you again."

"We have money."

"We don't want any of it."

"We come under the authority of King Rhoam."

"Even we know he's dead." The Goron looked uneasy. "Leave. Please. I don't want to have to hurt you."

"Sheik-" Link started.

Sheik ignored him and stepped closer to the Goron, puffing her chest.

The Goron gave her a shove, knocking her back.

Anger boiled in Link's chest. He left Epona's side and stood in front of Sheik, throwing his arm out in front of her. "That's enough. We'll be going." He held onto Sheik's arm tightly. He practically dragged her away from the fight. He didn't stop walking until he reached Epona, far out of sight from the Goron.

"Link, we need to get in." Sheik yanked her arm out of his grasp.

"Wait, wait, wait. I'm sorry."

Sheik halted. She still had an awfully dirty look on her face. Gods, those eyes were scary sometimes.

"Are you hurt?"

Sheik let out a dry laugh. "Am I hurt? Link, I'm not fragile."

"Right, yeah. Just checking. Anyway, I don't think either of us could take him on."

"Well, we have to get there somehow."

"But even if we could take him down, he'd probably be able to call for help before we could knock him out. A whole army of Gorons could crush us in seconds. I think there's a better way we can do this."

Sheik paused. He could almost see the rage leaving her body. "What's your plan, Hero?"