Sheik's powers were nowhere near Zelda's. His mother had told him once, in passing, that the strength of the magical power from the royal family lied on the female side of it.
He mused on those things as he made his way out of the remains of the Temple of Time, carrying Link on his back. For once, his small amounts of magical power had been enough. For Link at least.
He looked up at the gray sky. The cracks running through it were gone.
He realized that, in a way, he had helped to save the world.
It was a strange, simple feeling. Not the overwhelming joy he used to dream about when they were hiding from Ganondorf's forces.
Just a strange kind of inner peace.
"Finally," whispered Sheik with a deep sigh.
"So it worked?" asked Link.
Sheik startled. "You're awake?" he asked, moving to the side of the road that led to the castle and letting him down.
"I'm back," said Link, leaning against a tree with his eyes closed. "Farore released me only now. Do you know why?"
"What? I…I'm afraid I was unconscious for most of the time since Ganondorf kidnapped me," said Sheik, unable to stop his shame from showing through his voice.
"Ganondorf captured you?!" said Link, reaching for Sheik. "Are you ok? Did he hurt you?"
Sheik couldn't help but smile at Link's concern. He held his hand, but Link's hands trailed up his arms to touch Sheik's face.
"I'm fine, just a little tired," said Sheik, not wanting to retell the story of being slowly drained for his blood. "And you? Are you hurt? Why do you keep your eyes closed?"
Link smiled. "Well, it's kind of a funny thing," he said, opening his eyes. His bright blue eyes had turned a pale shade of gray.
But it wasn't funny, and Sheik would have slapped him, if he wasn't so busy crying.