Link was startled awake the next morning by Talo, Beth and Colin all jumping on his bed and yelling something that his sleep ridden mind couldn't comprehend. Finally he got them all to settle down.
"Alright, now why in the name of the Three did you guys wake me up at this ungodly hour?" muttered Link sleepily as he rubbed his eyes.
"Your sheikah friend is gonna kill Renado!" exclaimed Talo while Colin and Beth looked worried.
"What!?" Exclaimed Link. A spike of fear pierced through his drowsiness like a knife through butter, making him instantly awake. He threw the covers off him and burst out of his room, heading straight for Renado's house. The children were all trailing behind him as the scenarios started to play across his mind.
Was this a setup…? Is he a spy…? I should have known better than to trust a stranger that easily!
Link sprinted down the long wooden walkway of the inn before reaching Renado's door and threw it open.
Sheik had Renado pinned to the floor, with a sharp knife pressed against his throat.
"Where is he?" growled the sheikah. He pushed the blade closer, causing a thin trail of blood to slide down the shaman's neck.
Something primal in Link reacted to the sight, making his body explode with action.
He lurched forward, his body a blur as he grabbed the sheikah by the scruff of his neck and lifted him off the ground before tossing him several feet away.
Sheik grunted in pain when he smashed against the prayer statue to Eldin that stood in the center of the room. Instinct made him dive to the side of the statue, rolling to his feet and then spinning around with his throwing knife held in front of him protectively.
Red eyes widened when the hero stalked closer, a low menacing growl rumbling from his throat. The hair's on the back of his neck stood on end, making Sheik take a hesitant step back. What he couldn't look away from were the hero's eyes.
They were dilated, their sapphire hue darkening with something wild and dangerous. He looked more like a beast then a man. Sheik had no doubt that Link was a hero of legend now. No one faced that look unscathed.
Sheik couldn't tear his eyes away from that gaze. Afraid of what might happen if he did. Then a small, hesitant voice called out.
The hero blinked, the wildness within their depths disappearing. He turned to see Colin reaching out hesitantly to him but Renado would not let go of the boy's other wrist, forbidding him from approaching them. The other children crowded around the shaman as he sat on the floor, their eyes wide with anticipation.
Link stared at them for a few moments, but didn't appear to see them. He swallowed uneasily before turning to pierce the sheikah with a hard look.
"Get out. I'll deal with you in a minute." Growled Link as his body tensed, looking ready to physically throw him out if Sheik refused. The sheikah just nodded stiffly and headed for the door, giving the others a wide berth. He kept the hero in his peripheral vision. His duty compelled him to stay but his survival instinct told him to go.
The door was still open from when the hero came bursting through it. Sheik passed through and closed it behind him. He was still able to hear the shaman's muffled reassurance to Link that he was fine, stating the incident was a mere disagreement. When Link responded, Sheik was to far away to hear it.
Sheik did not want to be caught eavesdropping anyway. He was already heading for another bad encounter with the hero. He had no desire to add to it.
He sighed, gazing down at the small blade that still had blood along the edge. He knelt beside the water of the spring to wash it off. He could have handled that better but he had panicked when he awoke in a strange unfamiliar place without the hero anywhere in sight. When the shaman had refused to tell him anything other then Link was safe, Sheik had lashed out.
He raised his knee and then rested his elbow against it. His eyes closed as he leaned his forehead on an open palm. His mission just got a whole lot harder. It was obvious that Renado was someone Link cared for. He'd be lucky if the hero trusted him at all now. He dreaded the upcoming conversation.
Red eyes snapped open when suddenly he heard a door swing open and footsteps approaching him. He stood with his back straight, facing the incoming hero. He may regret hurting the shaman, but he did not regret why.
Sheik had to convince him. He had to. So much was at stake.
"What the hell is your problem? You're threatening my friends now? He was helping you!" growled Link as soon as he reached the spring. He clutched his fists in anger but tried to remain calm.
"I am grateful for his help. I did not intend to hurt him. I only wished to know your location so that I could check on you myself...I admit, I might have overreacted when he did not cooperate. " said Sheik. He looked Link straight in the eye, fearing he'd cower if he didn't make the effort.
"What? Why are you so obsessed with me?" asked Link with a suspicious look. Sheik gave an exasperated sigh.
"I'm not obsessed with you, hero. If anything, I'm obsessed with your safety," replied Sheik defensively as he crossed his arms.
"I don't need you to obsess over my safety. Up until yesterday, I've been perfectly fine without you throughout my whole life. I certainly don't need you to baby sit me now," said Link angrily.
"I know you are perfectly capable of protecting yourself, but the world is in danger now. The threat will only grow as time passes," said Sheik lowly. Link scoffed, his face twisting in a confused scowl.
"What the hell are you talking about? Have you been living under a rock this whole time? I've already lifted the Twilight and threw Pigface in the darkest pit of wherever the hell the sages decided to seal him at! The danger has passed already!" Exclaimed Link as he gestured wildly in frustration.
The strange nickname for histories most insatiable, cunning, twisted, ambitiously evil villain threw Sheik for a moment, making him blink several times before disregarding it.
"You cannot tell me you do not feel the shadows spreading across Hyrule! You were almost killed by a creature spawned from it!" Exclaimed Sheik.
"That was from some crazy twisted kid that seems to have some kind of personal vendetta against me! Which is something that happens quite a lot actually. You don't go through what I did without making a few enemies along the way. This has gone on long enough though. Once I get a hold of Zelda, we can settle this whole thing. So, thanks for your help, but I think it's time for you to leave," said Link. He turned and began to walk away. Sheik panicked and reached out to grab a hold of Link's arm.
"Hero, you don't understand-" But Link cut him off with a snarl as he whirled around, making Sheik flinch and jerk his hand back. His eyes darkening with that inhuman gaze from before.
"No, I do understand. That you have some serious issues going on and if you ever touch me again, then you're going to regret it," growled Link with a harsh glare.
Sheik flinched again and backed away when Link took a step toward him, something about the hero's demeanor reminding him that this man, even in his weakened state, was still able to toss him around like a rag doll not more then a few minutes ago. With a deep, shuddering breath, the hero seemed to calm down enough to back off but still radiated with anger and aggression.
Sheik couldn't back down though. He needed to find a way to convince him, but how?
Movement caught his eye from behind Link. Red eyes glanced over to see Renado holding a hand out to prevent the children from approaching them. Attempts to usher them back inside proved futile, though it seemed more because the shaman was splitting his attention between keeping the children inside the house while also keeping an eye on their altercation. Sheik returned his focus to the hero, determined.
"What about your promise then? Those children would not be here if not for me. Will you at least come with me to the Sacred Grove?" asked Sheik as he locked eyes with Link. The hero stared at him for a moment.
"Why?" Link asked finally. He studied the sheikah's face, trying to see any hints of deception. Why take him to such a remote location hidden so far away? How did he even know about it in the first place?
Sheik suddenly glanced away and nervously shifted his weight to the other foot. He was hoping to avoid this part of the conversation.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." replied Sheik hesitantly.
"Try me," said Link with narrowed eyes. Sheik frowned, shifting his weight again.
"The Goddess Nayru…came to me in a dream. She told me there will be darkness rising out of every corner of this world. Born from age old hatred. You will be hunted because you are the only one capable of standing in its way. I was to guide you while you travel to the Sacred Grove with the ancient power of seven where you will gather all of yourself," said Sheik finally. Link stared at him unbelievably.
"You're right. I don't believe you," replied Link with a frown.
Sheik pressed a knuckle against his forehead in frustration. He was losing his patience.
"I can't prove it's true until you come to the Sacred Grove. All will be explained there," said Sheik desperately.
"I don't even know you! If it was more then just a dream, then where were you when the world just had its last crisis? There were plenty of things trying to hunt me then!" shouted Link.
"It couldn't have been referring to your last journey because I didn't have this dream until two days ago! I had to leave my home in middle of the night to search for you and I almost didn't make it in time!" shouted Sheik. He was desperate to convince the stubborn hero.
"You said so yourself that Pigface was sealed away still. What could be more powerful than the Wielder of Power, the Evil King of Darkness or whatever else that bastard is called?" Asked Link as he gestured around in frustration. The sheikah sighed impatiently.
"Hero, if this is as serious as the goddess is implying then your last journey will seem like a pillow fight in comparison! Perhaps you should take into consideration the fact that maybe sealing Ganon is only cutting the branches from a tree, but what of the roots hero? Ever stop to think of what could have made Ganon strong enough to obtain the Triforce of Power to begin with?" asked Sheik.
He had no idea what his dream actually could be warning them against but he could always guess. Especially if it got the hero to listen for ten seconds. Link stared at him wide eyed for a moment, but then finally shook his head.
"No, I hadn't considered that. If Ganon had allies way before my time, or even during my time, then I've never heard of them. He never seemed like the kind of guy to have them. Minions definitely, but not allies. Being a team player was never a skill he seemed good at." said Link uncertainly. Sheik raised his hands in a helpless gesture, making Link narrow his eyes in confusion because he could have sworn Sheik was holding a knife a second ago.
"Perhaps he was a different person then. Or maybe he is simply using whoever had aided him in the past. Or maybe this has nothing to do with King of Darkness at all. I really don't know hero, but I'm certain going to the Sacred Grove would answer every question you could possibly think up," replied Sheik. Link sighed as he ran a hand down his face. He then closed his eyes in deep thought.
The sheikah sighed, gazing down at the water. Perhaps he was the problem.
"Hero…if you fulfill your part of our deal and come to the Sacred Grove…then I will leave you be. If that is what you wish," said Sheik as he clasped his hands behind himself respectfully. Link opened his eyes and gave him a searching look. Finally, he just threw his hands in the air.
"Fine! Whatever. I'll keep my word and go with you, but you had better beat it afterward, got it?" grumbled Link as he jabbed a finger toward Sheik. The sheikah lowered his head.
"Of course, hero…" said Sheik softy. His posture was stiff as he tried to keep his expression neutral. He should be used to this kind of treatment from others, but he had let his guard down. The hero from the start had surprised him. Not a hint of distrust when Sheik had properly revealed himself. Sure, it was there momentarily after the hero had woken from within that rocky crevice beside Faron's Spring due to the blow Sheik had been forced to deal him, but once he had all the facts and the promise of Sheik's aid, the hero had ceased being so stubborn and...angry.
Honestly the anger is what keeps tripping him up. It wasn't just the hero becoming upset. He exuded a powerful presence that Sheik had only witnessed within wild animals before. Primarily predators. A presence that promised danger.
Link started to rub his arm, not noticing the sheikah's interior turmoil.
"Good. Now, I'm going to get some breakfast…and a potion for this wound. Man, it's really throbbing now," muttered Link. He winced as a wave of pain washed over him, but it quickly passed. Sheik gave him a concerned look.
"It's nothing. Probably just slept on it wrong," muttered Link. He winced again when another wave of pain hit him but tried to ignore it. He turned and headed for Renado's house, but then paused once he noticed that they had an audience.
Sheik passed by him, and then walked up to the shaman and bowed his head.
"I apologize. I hadn't meant to hurt you," mumbled Sheik to Renado. The shaman blinked in surprise, but nodded.
"I haven't interacted with your kind all that much. If there's something I do know about the sheikah, it's that they never do anything without a reason. I knew you didn't intend to cause me harm, but you are not invincible I'm afraid. A common fallacy that you seem to share with our young hero here. That is why I wouldn't tell you where Link was. You needed rest just as much as he does. I am sorry if I gave you the impression that I had an agenda by not complying with your request." said Renado as he gave Link a hard look.
"And yes Link, you will be getting back in bed. Don't argue. You will thank me later. I'll send breakfast over to your room. I would like it if you rested as well Sheik," said Renado. He turned and walked down toward the Inn.
"He is a wise man," murmured Sheik as he watched Renado stop and talk to Barnes, the bomb seller. Link let out the long breath that used to be his argument. He didn't bother trying to convince the shaman otherwise. Past experience told him he'd end up in bed regardless of his own wishes if Renado thought it best.
"Yeah, he is. The best man for the job when it comes to someone else looking after your own health. Man, this is going to be a boring day," muttered Link as he stretched. A snort of amusement made him glance over to see Malo leaning casually against the wall of Renado's house.
"He's only like that because you are unbearably reckless." Said Malo with a small grin. Link scoffed and folded his arms as he stared down at the small boy through narrowed eyes.
"Excuse me. I am exactly the right amount of reckless. Subtle and meek, does not a hero make." Snickered Link. He glanced down when Beth and Colin stepped to each side of him, watching Sheik with distrust. Talo stomped forward until he stood proudly in front the hero, pointedly ignoring the sheikah but also creating a barrier between him and Link.
"Maybe you should jump on that crazy horse. He'd be so fast, Renado wouldn't even know you took a ride to begin with!" Exclaimed Talo excitedly. Sheik gave Link a confused look but the hero didn't see it because he turned suspicious eyes on the boy in front of him.
"And how would you know that Talo?" Asked Link with narrowed eyes. The boy blinked, looking away quickly and then laughed uneasily.
"Um...wishful thinking?" mumbled Talo with hopeful eyes. He did not have the gift of puppy dog eyes that he and Colin did. The fact that he was even trying gave him away.
"Try again. This time without the lies." Said Link sternly. Talo finally just huffed and crossed his arms defensively.
"Fine! I followed you outside but only to Kakariko Bridge! Rocky was right there with me!" Exclaimed Talo.
Sheik wondered who Rocky was but then noticed the deep calming breath the hero took. Understandable. Perhaps this boy didn't realize what the monsters prowling their fields would have done if they'd caught him.
"Talo. That was incredibly dangerous. No!" He silenced whatever the boy was about to say with a sharp wave of his hand, making Talo look down guiltily.
"I don't care if Rocky was there! You should know better! You know what bulblin's are like! Look at me. They will kill you and feel no remorse for it. Just another meal or even just for sport. You need to understand that. Do you have any idea what that would do to me?" Said Link as he glared down at the boy that withered under his gaze. Using Beth's words against him seemed to finally drive home the impact of his actions.
Talo hung his head, trying to hide his tears. Link reached out and pulled him close, wrapping his arms around the boy. A muttered "sorry" was heard a few times as the hero softly shushed him.
It actually made the sheikah homesick to see the man surrounded with those that cared deeply for him. That feeling was precious and rare for him. Not many were willing to interact with him once they realized what he was and the few that did were not friendly about it.
Sheik quietly slipped away, feeling that he was intruding now.
"Don't do that again. Do you hear me Talo?" Asked Link when the boy pulled away and rubbed his eyes. The boy just nodded and straightened his posture, trying to act like nothing was wrong.
Malo frowned as he watched his brother. He pushed off the wall he was leaning against and then approached him.
"I could use some help setting up my merchandise since I am, as you're so fond of telling me, to short to actually reach the shelves." Said Malo nonchalantly. Talo snorted in amusement.
"Yeah. You are pretty short. I suppose I could help you out." Replied Talo with a sniffle that he quickly tried to hide behind a cough. They turned to head toward Malo Mart.
Link sighed and rubbed his eyes. He was pretty tired still. His sore muscles reminding him that he should be listening to Renado and getting into bed.
Speaking of sore muscles though...
His gaze swept around the area until he spotted the white stallion at the far edge of Eldin's Spring. Sheik came around the other side of his horse, looking curiously at the bay mare standing a few feet away. Epona seemed to have grown used to the stallion but was watching Sheik cautiously.
The hero glanced down to see Beth and Colin watching the sheikah with suspicion, like they expected him to attack them at any moment. He ruffled their hair and gently pushed them away. Colin grinned at the action but Beth was disgruntled, quickly trying to straighten her hair back to the way it was.
"Hey now you two, there's no need for the mean looks. Sheik and I just had a misunderstanding. Go run along now." Said Link as he made a shooing motion with his hand. They giggled at his antics and then turned and walked away.
The hero chuckled when he noticed Sheik trying to hesitantly feed Epona something from the palm of his hand. She certainly was not as skittish as the stallion but she still was not fond of strangers. She reached out her neck, sniffing it suspiciously. Her ears perked forward, showing that she liked whatever it was and licked it out of his palm. Link trudged through the shallow water to join them.
Sheik was running a hand down the stallion's face fondly when Link approached. He couldn't help but bark a laugh when he saw Seshat curled up on the stallion's back.
"Good morning Speed Demon." Snickered Link as he grinned at the white stallion. The horse snorted, whipping his long white tail in Link's direction. The hero stumbled back a step when Epona butted her way to his side so she could search him for any treats.
"Sorry, girl. I've got nothing." muttered Link as he patted her neck. She puffed out her bottom lip and whinnied. Link rolled his eyes with a smile.
"Oh, stop acting like you're not spoiled rotten. Don't think I didn't see that little gift you got from Sheik either. You keep that up and soon you're going to get fa-" Link jumped back with a laugh when Epona tried to stomp on his foot.
Sheik chuckled at their antics. It was nice to see someone as attached to their horse as he was to his. Then he remembered that his company was not wanted here. The only reason the hero was here was his own horse.
So lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice Link studying him for a few moments. The hero sighed, scratching the back of his head.
It's going to be difficult traveling together if Sheik is going to be so withdrawn the entire time.
Link stepped forward and laid a hand against the white stallion's neck, intending to find some common ground to bridge the gap building between him and Sheik. He was startled as Sheik gasped and then shot forward, shielding Link's body with his own. He gripped the stallions bridle, bracing himself.
"What are you doing?" Asked Link with a confused look. Sheik seemed just as confused as he was. He watched his stallion paw at the water playfully and than whipped Link in the face with his long tail, prompting a disgruntled "hey!".
"Maelstrom has never tolerated anyone's touch but mine before." said Sheik in amazement. He shot away once he noticed how close he was to the hero.
"F-Forgive me. I honestly believed Maelstrom would lash out at you." replied Sheik stiffly. He was watching the hero cautiously, prepared to defend himself if necessary. Link just waved the matter away, to focused on the fact that this speed demon had a fitting name.
A whirlpool of energy ready to spring at a moment's notice. Maelstrom you are indeed.
"Relax. I'm not going to lash out if you touch me. That was mostly my anger talking. Besides, it's not like you were wrong. The action just came a day to late." Said Link as he rubbed circles into Maelstrom's coat. He laughed at Sheik's astonished look.
"Let's just say Maelstrom and I had several hours of bonding time yesterday." Snickered Link. He grinned when Sheik's eyes looked ready to pop out of his head. The hero told the story of how he rode a bullbo across Hyrule Field and above Lake Hylia until finally getting a hold of the stallion.
He left out his little break down though. That will be his and Maelstrom's little secret.
"I'm impressed, hero. You are the only other person that has ever ridden him. I must say, you are quite the wrangler," Replied Sheik as he nodded to Link.
"Also, thank you for going after him…you didn't have to do that," said Sheik gratefully.
"Well, I'd be crushed if something like that happened to Epona when I wasn't there to help her," replied Link. He was startled by a sharp "meow!" before having his arms full of Seshat. He looked down into her sharp green eyes.
"Meow!" Seshat pawed at his shirt for attention. Sheik laughed fully, making Link just stare at him.
"What?" Sheik said as he reached forward to pet the top of Seshat's head. Link quickly shook his head.
"Nothing...just realized that's the first time I've ever really heard you laugh…but ah, anyway, what's up with your pets?" asked Link somewhat nervously. Sheik tilted his head to ponder the question.
"I'm not really sure actually. Seshat has never liked anyone but my mother and myself. Maelstrom has never liked anyone but me but he doesn't seem to have a problem with you," said Sheik thoughtfully. Maelstrom suddenly walked up beside Link to nuzzle Epona's neck.
"Or perhaps it's just your mare he has no problem with?" said Sheik with a slight chuckle.
"Hey, you! Don't be knocking up my mare now. She has enough to deal with at the moment," replied Link sternly to Maelstrom. The stallion just seemed to give him a dull look as if to say, 'try and stop me.'
Renado suddenly walked up to the edge of the spring and yelled for them to get their behinds in bed. Link sighed and began to drag his feet through the water. Sheik followed, until he realized he didn't know where he was staying.
"Where am I staying?" asked Sheik as he followed the grumbling hero. Link shrugged when they entered the Inn. Link set Seshat down on the floor and she immediately begin investigating the area.
"I'm sure you can stay in one of the rooms in here. Just ask the lady," said Link as he pointed to the lady standing behind the desk. He didn't stop to see what Sheik did. He didn't even bother to listen before walking up to his room, hoping that his food was already there.
Link quickened his pace when he caught the smell of bacon.
"Meow!" Seshat padded alongside him, sniffing the air. Link chuckled, not expecting the cat to follow him.
"Sorry girl, but you aren't getting any of my bacon," said Link as he reached down to run a hand down her back. He stepped inside and then turned to close the door but Seshat suddenly zoomed in and leapt onto his bed. He blinked, surprised at the speed of the cat, but then noticed her starting to chomp down on a piece of his bacon.
"What the…you're a speed demon too? Hey! Get away from my bacon!" exclaimed Link. He lunged at her, but she quickly jumped out of his reach with a piece of bacon held firmly in her mouth. She zoomed across the room and leapt onto the desk and then on top of the tall dresser. She laid at the edge, seemingly eating the bacon more slowly, as if just to mock him.
"You little-!" Link ran up to the tall dresser and tried reaching up for her, but she always jumped just barely out of his reach.
"What's going on here?" Asked Sheik as he peered into the room curiously. Link spun around to give him a slight glare.
"Your cat just stole my bacon," grumbled Link. He suddenly noticed that there wasn't any left on his plate.
"What?! How did you eat all of it?! We weren't even in here that long!" exclaimed Link as he tried reaching for her again. Seshat had already finished the piece of bacon, so she had her behind high in the air with her tail swinging from side to side playfully. She happily swatted at his hands when they came close.
Sheik shook his head, secretly smiling.
"Well, I will be staying in the room beside you. I will talk to you later hero…since you seem to be a bit busy at the moment," chuckled Sheik. He laughed softly when Seshat began pouncing on the hand grabbing at her. He then walked down the hall, heading for his own room.
Sheik paused only briefly, halfway through his doorway. Seshat would eventually return to him but after the awkward encounter with the lady at the front desk, he didn't feel comfortable leaving his door open. He sighed, gazing at the ground. The experience was still a step up from what he is used to however. Awkward is better then hostile. He closed the door behind him and leaned his back against the door. His red gaze trailed down to his tabard. The only indicator of what he was, other than his eyes. His gaze was easy to hide. It was rare, but other races do occasionally have red irises. His tabard was different.
It was a symbol. It was made to draw attention, because his ancestors were not ashamed of who they were. Guilt ate at his heart at the thought of hiding it away. Sheik ignored the dark whispers in his mind reminding him of what that pride had done to his people. Instead he approached his bed. Seshat would let him know when she was ready to come in.
Down the hall, a certain hero had given up on his task.
"Fine! You win, you thief," grumbled Link after glowering up at mischievous green eyes. He turned and sat down on his bed, eating his now cold breakfast. He glared at Seshat when she jumped back on the bed and sat right in front of his plate.
She just lowered her head, giving him an innocent look. Big green eyes peered up at him pleadingly. Link rolled his eyes as he offered her a piece of his sausage. Meowing happily, she took it out of his hand and swallowed it whole.
"Damn, don't choke now," chuckled Link. He ate the rest of his meal in silence, occasionally offering Seshat a piece.
"Ok, I'm hitting the hay now. Time for you to beat it," said Link. He then walked to the door and opened it wider.
Seshat tilted her head to the side and looked at him curiously so he snapped his fingers and even smooched to get her to come over. She yawned and stretched before walking up the length of his bed and curled into a ball on top of his pillow.
"Hey! I meant beat it out of here, not onto my pillow!" exclaimed Link as he walked up to his bed. Seshat just closed her eyes and purred. Link just rubbed his eyes tiredly.
He felt so drained. He'd rested pretty well, all things considered, but he couldn't shake this lethargy.
"Oh, whatever." muttered Link. He left the door ajar so she could leave whenever she felt like it and then padded his way to his bed. He pulled back the covers and after pulling off his boots, he got into bed and laid his head on the little section of the pillow that Seshat wasn't on. The last thing Link remembered was the sound of Seshat purring in his ear before falling asleep.
Not more then an hour later, Link suddenly woke up with a gasp. He clutched his right arm as waves of intense pain raced through every vein. He closed his eyes, clenching his jaw as he tried to not scream.
Seshat was startled awake by the sudden movement. She jumped off the bed and ran off. Link just continued to lay there, his breathing quickening as he started to panic.
Man, it's not letting up this time…I need to see Renado. Something is wrong.
He was struggling to sit up, his eyes watering from the pain when Sheik came bursting into his room. Seshat followed closely behind him.
"Hero? What's wrong?" asked Sheik urgently as he ran up to his side. Tears started to trail down Link's face, but he quickly wiped them away. He took a deep breath to try and steady himself.
"My arm feels like something is ripping through it again. It won't stop hurting…I think it's getting worse." grunted Link. His voice was getting strained with every word. Sheik cursed softly and then reached out to gently push him back down onto the bed.
"Stay. I will go and get help." Replied Sheik reassuringly. He pivoted and then sprinted out of the room. Seshat leapt onto the bed and curled next to his side. She gave him a worried look. Link just smiled weakly, scratching her between her ears.
"Link? What's going on?" Asked Renado as he came striding into the room within minutes. Sheik followed close behind him.
"I don't know…I woke up because my right arm started hurting." grunted Link. He brought his left hand up to press against his eyes, attempting to stop the flow of tears threatening to break through.
Renado hummed in thought as he sat next to Link and pulled his right arm gently to himself. He began removing the bandages, and then gasped when he saw the wound underneath.
The wound had blackened veins sprouting from the edges that slowly were stretching outward. Thick purple liquid oozed from within, smelling like rotten fruit. Thinking quickly, Renado turned to Sheik.
"Will you go to the store on the right side of this Inn and get me a red potion and a fairy?" asked Renado. The sheikah nodded once, and than spun around and headed out of the room.
"I'm going to try and clean your wound alright Link? It will hurt, but bear with me," muttered Renado. He walked out of the room, and soon came back with a bowl of clean water and several towels. He lifted Link's injured arm over to his lap, and then began gently cleaning the wound. The hero grimaced and shoved his face into his pillow.
The shaman frowned in concentration, studying the wound. He'd never seen anything like it and had no idea how to begin treating it properly. That troubled him. Medicine was a passion of his and it pained him when others suffered needlessly. He ran solutions through his mind, weighing the odds of success.
Red potion was always the first step since it was designed to treat any kind of flesh wound. Which was also why it wasn't cheap. Especially not the kind that little Malo sold here in Kakariko. They were Renado's own brew that he mixed himself. He did not trust the majority of alchemists within Hyrule. Most had no issue and even encouraged watering down the mixture or using expired ingredients just so they could increase the quantity of their products.
Infuriating that was, considering how dangerous it was to consume a misbrewed or expired red potion. A severe headache and projectile vomiting would be the least of your worries. He'd heard stories of misbrewed potions that created internal bleeding because of the acidity. Honestly, it was as if people just forgot that you can't just slap whatever you want together to make a potion. It was science with a bit of magic mixed in. Mess with it, and it will not end well for you.
Malo would definitely be excepting compensation for both. Fairies were notoriously hard to catch and that was only if you managed to find them in the first place.
Sheik burst back into the room, carrying the red potion and fairy. Renado took both from him and quickly popped off the cork of the red potion.
Even with the waves of pain hitting him, Link took comfort in the smell of Renado's handiwork. He lifted his chin, his heightened sense of smell picking up hints of chamomile, sage and red chu jelly. You'd think the strange gelatinous creatures would be toxic or at least not edible but apparently not. He'd caught and scooped up a few in his travels and even though cooking them was best, Link would mostly eat them raw since he often ran across them in his wolf form. They didn't taste the greatest but they did have healing properties or other useful abilities.
Well, most of them. Link was a bit more cautious about eating them after his experience with a purple one. He'd eaten a few that color before but they didn't have any adverse effects on him. Not that time. It went in one hole and eventually out the other, making him scurry into the bushes all day as his body tried to get rid of it as fast as possible.
Midna had laughed for ten minutes straight, just rolling on the ground and pointing a stubby little finger at his retreating form because of course it had to happen while he was a wolf. Sometimes while under attack because that was just his life.
The shaman poured some of the red liquid on one of the towels, and then gently pressed it against Link's wound. Drinking it was standard practice but with wound's like this, Renado preferred to treat the surface damage first before targeting what lay underneath so his patient would not suffer as long.
The hero instantly shot up and away from Renado with a scream of pain.
"Oh, goddess that hurt…a potion has never hurt before." muttered Link warily. Sheik sat on the end of the bed, growing more worried as the minutes passed.
"The red potion is not effective...humm. I must say I've never heard of a red potion intentionally causing pain either. I brewed this potion myself, so the issue has to be the wound. Hopefully, the fairy can help us," said Renado thoughtfully. He silently thanked Nayru for giving him the insight to fall back on his old habits. The shaman had put barely a few drops of the potion on that towel. He shuddered, trying not to imagine what would have happened to Link if he'd downed the potion like he normally did.
Renado released the bottled fairy. Link tensed as it began flying around him, its magic seeping into his wound. Link released the breath he'd been holding. It wasn't healing, but it seemed that the little fairies efforts were helping. The pain wasn't escalating.
"It's still hurting like a bitch, but the pain has stopped getting worse I think," said Link gratefully. He forced a grateful smile at the little fairy that hovered hesitantly above him, also confused why he wasn't healing. She had exhausted her magic however, so with a sad wave she zipped out the open door.
Renado scratched his chin in thought and then remembered something.
"I have one more thing that might be effective. Hold on, I'll be right back," said Renado. He walked swiftly out of the room. Sheik moved closer.
"This could be a poison or perhaps a spell designed to cause harm from a distance?" muttered Sheik as he studied the hero's abnormal wound.
"Thank you for that. I feel so much better now that I have an idea of what is causing this hellish experience that I have no way of stopping." Spat Link.
"I apologize, hero. I was thinking aloud," replied Sheik softly as he hung his head. Link groaned, immediately regretting his words.
I've never felt anything like this before…what the hell did those damn shadows do to me?
"No, I'm sorry. This isn't your fault. I'm just not the greatest person to be around when I feel trapped." Muttered Link shamefully.
I really need to work on my temper. Sheik is never going to talk to me if he thinks I'll keep biting his head off. I like listening to his voice too.
Link then felt Seshat curl back into his side.
"Well, I guess you're forgiven for stealing my bacon since I'm pretty sure I would be a pile of writhing misery halfway to the Sanctuary if it hadn't been for you," Said Link softly to Sesaht. She looked up at him and licked the tip of his nose, but then swatted his face once before meowing and laying back at his side. The playful look she gave him seemed to say, "Good, because I hope you know it's bound to happen again,"
Link laughed softly as he shook his head. He winced as he turned and laid on his back. Seshat decided that she'd like the view from his belly, so she crawled on top of it and curled into a ball.
"Sanctuary?" Questioned Sheik. Link gestured blindly in the general direction of where he thought the building was.
"It's what people here call Renado's house sometimes. It sort of doubles as a hospital, which was why you woke up there in the first place and not here in the Inn. Renado takes his duty as shaman pretty seriously." Muttered Link as he threw an arm over his eyes, trying to relax his nerves that spasmed each time another wave of pain hit him.
Stop being such a baby. Renado will be back any minute. You can hold it together til then.
Within a few minutes, Renado came striding back into the room holding a bottle full of sparkling silver liquid. Link eyed it suspiciously.
"I thought potions weren't going to be effective?" asked Link cautiously. Renado walked up to the bed and sat at Link's side.
"I was hesitant about this potion myself at first but after watching a demonstration from the merchant, I had to investigate it. Even after trying to determine what has gone into its creation, since the merchant wasn't sure himself, I was not able to identify all of the ingredients that went into it. I was told it would cure pretty much anything and I have yet to prove that wrong. I've tried it myself and was amazed at the results. It took just a sip of this to heal what a whole bottle of blue potion couldn't handle," said Renado.
Times like this made Link very grateful for the friends he'd made in his travels. The study of medicine had always been both a natural talent and passion of the shaman. The hero knew Renado probably spent weeks, if not months studying that potion. Excited to uncover the secrets it held but here he was, giving it away to someone in need.
"I'll just put a small amount on to see how you react to it," said the shaman as he grabbed one of the towels beside him.
The hero's nostrils flared as soon as Renado popped the cork off and the smell of the potion begun filling the area. It had a floral scent to it, with an undertone of spice and earth. He tilted his head up and sniffed, momentarily enthralled as his pain faded to the background. A strange sensation overcame Link.
He stood at the center of a vivid landscape full of rolling hills and tall mountains reaching toward an endless sky. The world around him blended together in a way that made it look as if someone had painted a scene of nature but used colors that didn't belong anywhere but on a canvas and than placed him in the center. There was a warm summer breeze that carried the aroma of a land he couldn't quite place but still felt familiar. It swirled around him, his hair waving in the wind. Whispers wafted through the breeze, beckoning him forward into this feverish vision of paradise.
Then he jerked back to reality when he felt a sharp pain. He shook his head, blue eyes blinking until his blurry vision focused on the pair of red that hovered in front of him. Those scarlet eyes studied him worriedly as Link lifted a hand and placed it gently against his own cheek.
"Did someone slap me?" Asked Link hesitantly, uncertain if he was imagining the sting or not. Sheik rocked back to sit at the edge of the bed next to Link. His form was defensive while his expression was uneasy.
"I...saw the effect the potion was having on you but did not think it necessary to interfere since it seemed unnatural and not dangerous. I had second thoughts when your awareness began slipping away. Forgive me...I reacted without thought. I only aimed to bring you back." Said Sheik timidly.
The hero groaned, rubbing his eyes.
Bring me back? Where the hell did I go?
He paused with his hands in the air and slowly lowered them to study his right arm that was now fully bandaged. Link stretched out his right arm, flexing his muscles. He grinned, an astonished laugh escaping him when he felt no pain.
Renado kept a watchful eye on the hero as he flexed and stretched his injured arm. The shaman began cleaning and packing up his supplies. Sheik relaxed once he realized Link was not angry at him. He chuckled softly once the hero started punching the air, an action that didn't last long as the shaman reached out and laid a hand against the hero's arm until he laid it back on the bed with a sheepish smile.
"Unfortunately, it didn't entirely heal your wound. It did seem able to target certain symptoms created by the wound however. Primarily the strange liquid the wound was producing and the black veins growing from it. Both have diminished considerably. They are not gone though and that makes me worried. It's very likely that this will happen again. Therefore, you should refrain from your normal theatrics. It's quite possible you are still in pain but simply can't feel it yet." Stated Renado as he raised an eyebrow. He turned to face the sheikah that tried to not laugh at the now pouting hero.
"Can I count on you to keep him from hurting himself to much?" Asked Renado, surprising Sheik. Red eyes glanced at the hero.
"Of course." Chuckled Sheik. Link narrowed his eyes at him and muttered something that sounded suspiciously like 'traitor'.
"This is also the only bottle I have of this potion but you may have it. I suggest going to Castle Town soon to find someone who is selling it." Said Renado as he stood to his feet.
"Are you sure? This potion couldn't have been cheap. Let me give you some rupees at least." Said Link as he curved his right arm around Seshat. She reached her head forward so Link could scratch her behind the ears.
"That is appreciated but unnecessary. I didn't have to pay anything for that as a matter of fact. Initially, I didn't intend to take it even after the demonstration since I was quite certain it would be out of my price range but the merchant gave it to me for free. Called it a sample. Convinced me that I'd actually be helping him out by spreading the word after I'd tried myself." Said Renado as he lightly scratched his chin.
"It was an interesting experience to be honest. At first, I thought the merchant was you." Said Renado thoughtfully.
The hero gave him a puzzled look.
"What? The only one I've sold anything to is that jerk Malo hired to run his shop in Castle Town." said Link.
"I only thought that because he bore a striking resemblance to you. Except a few years older and perhaps a bit more travel worn. Maybe you'll meet him when you leave," replied Renado.
"Perfect. What is this stuff called? I can talk to Zelda while I'm there," said Link happily. He tried getting out of bed, but Renado pushed him firmly back down.
"No, Link. You didn't sleep very long. You can leave for Castle Town in a few hours," said Renado sternly. He silenced Link's protest with a sharp look. He straightened and headed for the door.
"You should rest as well Sheik. You also didn't get much sleep," replied Renado as he paused at the sheikah's side. He gazed at Sheik with warm brown eyes and a soft smile. Sheik nodded but then caught sight of the cut along the shaman's neck. It was nothing serious but still a reminder of a personal failure.
This man did not deserve such treatment from Sheik. He was surprised Renado wasn't hostile, let alone even acknowledging him after what he'd done. Sheik felt terrible. He rarely met such people willing to treat him so well.
"Please, allow me to make up for my earlier transgression. I'd offer to buy you a potion for that cut but I feel that might be redundant as I'm sure you make plenty of your own. Is there any aid you require? Perhaps I could gather any supplies you need while the hero and I are in town?" Asked Sheik as he bowed his head.
Renado blinked in surprise but then reached out to place a hand on his shoulder. The action was unexpected and if it had been anyone else Sheik would have shied away from the contact but the shaman had an air of confidence and serenity that reminded him of his mother. He made it feel like home.
"I appreciate the offer but no. My body will heal and this wound is nothing. Barely noticeable. I'd much rather save any amount of potion I might have used for someone that could use it more. I hope you understand that I took no offense to your action against me. You were only worried for a friend after all. The only thing I would ask is that you continue to keep an eye on our young hero here. He does tend to attract trouble. As I'm sure you are aware of by now." Chuckled Renado. He raised an eyebrow at the hero, making Link cross his arms and pout again.
Sheik only felt his stomach sink into the floor. A friend? The hero probably saw him as little more then an occasionally useful hindrance.
The shaman bid them farewell and then left the room. Sheik sighed, and then looked down at the grumbling hero.
"Hero…if you wish, I can teleport us to the princess's private garden once you have rested," said Sheik as he stood up from the bed. Link gave him an astonished look.
"What? You can do that and not get arrested? Wait, that's miles away too. Can you teleport that far?" asked Link wide eyed. Sheik chuckled at his expression.
"Yes. The princess is an old friend of mine. Her garden is among the few places that allow me to use something other than my own energy to teleport," replied Sheik as he walked over to the doorway. He paused as he turned to glance at Link over his shoulder. The hero was giving him a confused look.
"Something lets you teleport freely? Why don't you use it all the time then?" Asked Link. Sheik frowned, debating on what to reveal. The princess had been adamant about keeping their defenses a secret. She'd always spoken fondly of the hero however, and with his role during his last journey, Sheik figured Zelda would trust Link.
"The castle is covered by a protective ward. One of it's power sources is a sigil inside her garden. The princess has allowed me access to it so I may use it's energy to teleport instead of my own. It is not a way to freely use this ability however, as the sigil will only take me to her garden." explained Sheik.
Link hummed thoughtfully. He didn't remember seeing anything weird around the castle the last time he was there. His blue gaze trailed back over toward the sheikah that was watching him curiously.
"She's never mentioned you. Or this ward. I'm glad for the upgrade though. Not that it will matter all that much if the castle guards keep being such oblivious idiots," muttered Link. Sheik couldn't help the snort of derision that escaped him.
"Thank Din! I thought I was the only one that noticed that the castle guards weren't quite…up to par," replied Sheik with a chuckle. Link rolled his eyes.
"You're giving them to much credit but you are a pretty nice guy. I could fill a book with what I thought of them. Maybe make it a spin off of the Tales of Pigface. Anyway, if Zelda is such a good friend then why hasn't she mentioned you?" asked Link.
"That is most likely because her family, along with most of the nobility, are not fond of my race…I actually learned the layout of the castle rather well at a young age because I would always avoid the nobles of the castle. I doubt she has told anyone of our friendship," replied Sheik. Link wondered how anyone could dislike Sheik, let alone his whole race, but shrugged, and then laid down. He did not have the will power to dive into that yet.
"Fine. Three hours then?" asked Link as he got more comfortable.
"As you wish. May I ask you a question though?" Asked Sheik hesitantly.
"Sure."
"Why do you call Ganondorf...Pigface?" asked Sheik exasperatedly. Link laughed at his expression.
"Well, humor is kinda a defense mechanism for me. The bastard is a lot easier to think about when he's Pigface and not any other name that's meant to show just how powerful and corruptible he is. Made it easier to deal with how he was not just capable of literally crushing me beneath his feet, but very happy to do so." Said Link with a frown.
Sheik had never thought the hero, the Wielder of Courage, would not be fearless at the height of his power. The princess told him once that the pieces of the Triforce resonate when close to each other. He couldn't even imagine the amount of energy the pieces of courage and power must have unleashed when their wielders clashed.
The sheikah had a newfound respect for this man. A man who, despite being afraid, never gave up.
Sheik nodded with a thoughtful hum. He turned and left for his own room, making a promise to himself that he'd do everything in his power to help Link. If only to let him know he wasn't alone.
Seshat seemed comfortable where she was, so she began to purr loudly. Link sighed tiredly as he laid his arm down by his side and closed his eyes.
It's been awhile since I've seen Zelda. Maybe she'll have an idea of what the hell is going on here.