Sheik stretched as he strode down the hallway toward the hero's room, his arms raised high and fingers laced together behind his head until his back gave a satisfying crack. He sighed when he stopped in front of Link's door.
Plain and wooden, with new yellow paint to give it a welcoming atmosphere but the only thing that he currently cared about is that it looked like no one had come through recently. Surely the hero would have left it open if he had left, which meant that he was still asleep despite the efforts that Sheik had made nearly an hour ago to wake him.
Perhaps the customs were different here? An open door where he hailed from was a sign of welcome and encouraged others to come in while a closed door was a sign of solitude and discouraged others from disturbing the inhabitant.
Then again, he lived with his mother within an empty hidden village with only animals to keep them company. She'd taught him the way of the Sheikah, immersing him with as much of their culture as she could. A dying culture.
He shook his head and knocked on Link's door, but didn't hear a response. He knocked again a little louder. Still nothing, so Sheik cautiously opened the hero's door, only to be bombarded with the loudest snore he had ever heard.
Sheik approached the bed and laughed softly when he saw a white paw appear from the other side of Link's face and swatted at his nose. The hero snorted in his sleep, turning his head, and quieted his snoring. Once the sheikah stood beside the hero's slumbering form, he saw Seshat curled up next to Link's head. She gave him a grumpy sleepy look, as if to say, "You don't know how many times I had to do that…"
Sheik gently shook the hero to try and wake him. Link stirred, mumbling as he turned around again to face Sheik, but then continued to snore. Sheik frowned as he shook him a bit harder this time.
"Ngh…five more minutes Ilia…" mumbled Link as he shoved his face deeper into his pillow. Sheik sighed.
"Hero…wake up," said Sheik as he shook him harder. Link finally cracked an eye open.
"Wha…? Oh, Sheik. It's been three hours already?" asked Link sleepily. He turned onto his back and then threw his left arm over his eyes to block out the bright sunlight streaming in from the window. Seshat left Link's pillow to perch on his chest. She started to paw the air and meow for her owner's attention.
"It has been almost four hours hero…I knocked on your door an hour ago but you obviously either didn't hear me or you did and just went back to sleep," replied Sheik as he picked up his cat and held her. He stroked the fur on her back as she purred. Link groaned but then slowly pulled the covers off of himself.
"Yeah…sorry, not much of a morning person," muttered Link as he stretched. He yawned and then got out of bed. Sheik raised an eyebrow.
"It is mid-afternoon, hero," said Sheik as he moved to the door.
"Whenever I wake up is morning for me," replied Link with a chuckle as he walked over to the table on the other side of the room where he noticed a white undershirt, blue tunic and brown leggings folded on top. He glanced over at the window and saw his clothing was gone. He sighed, hoping that the shaman could repair them but he knew that tunic was done for. He was just grateful it lasted this long.
Renado must have left these for me earlier this morning. He knows me to well. I just wish...no. They are just cloths! Get a grip.
"I see." said Sheik. He frowned, not used to such behavior. His mother never tolerated laziness. If you didn't wake with the sun then you were wasting the day in bed. Sheik had just gotten used to it.
Then his eyes widened in surprise when Link pulled off his brown night shirt and reached for the folded white undershirt. He quickly turned around. "I will meet you at the spring," He then quickly left the room, closing the door behind him.
"Ok," said Link. When he turned to face him, Sheik was already gone. Link just shrugged and unfolded the white shirt but then paused. Stitching criss-crossed the right shoulder that was slightly discolored. His fingers tightened around the garment when he realized that this wasn't a new shirt. It was his old one. Blood is hard to wash out, especially on white garments but it was more then fine with him. He'd have to thank Renado when they got back.
He needed to be ready for anything. He reached for his adventure pouch and pulled out his chainmail. He pulled his white undershirt on first before slipping the chainmail over it. He ran a hand down the small linked metal rings once it was on. The familiar weight was soothing but it still felt...different. Incomplete. He huffed.
It's fine! Perfectly fine. This is not going to suddenly work any differently just because I am not wearing the entire outfit.
Link reached for the blue tunic next, slipping it over his chainmail. He rolled his shoulders, wincing slightly at the spark of pain from his injury but happy to notice that his movement didn't seem to be hindered to badly. That potion really was something. Once Link stepped into his boots, attached his leather gauntlets and strapped on his adventure pouch, he went straight to the spring. He frowned as he walked down the hall.
He was used to having a blade within reach but he tried to ignore the uncomfortable feeling. His sword was currently laying somewhere within the ruins of his home. Or maybe in the hands of the brutes who put it to the torch. That thought made his blood boil but he huffed. No matter. It wasn't like he'd be able to wield it now anyway.
Link noticed the sheikah stroking his stallion's neck at the water's edge. Seshat was laying upside down, an arm curled around her as she laid against Sheik's chest, looking perfectly content. Maelstrom was busy nuzzling Epona, but her ears perked up once she saw him approach. He patted her neck fondly with a smile.
"Sorry girl, but we're taking the quick way today…right?" asked Link as he looked to Sheik for confirmation. The sheikah nodded and than set Seshat on top of Maelstrom's back.
"I am ready when you are," said Sheik. Seshat meowed sadly as she tried to climb back into his arms, but Sheik stepped back.
"No, Seshat. You don't like the princess anyway and I can't risk you wandering around by yourself again…not after the trouble you caused the last time," muttered Sheik. He scratched her behind the ears before walking up to Link's side.
"What kind of trouble did ninja cat get into?" snickered Link. Sheik gave Seshat a glare, who gave an innocent look in return.
"It's a long story…but let's just say the one time the princess happened to convince me to go shopping in town with her ended up being a total catastrophe. They both became a bit over protective, mean words were said, cucco's were angry…It wasn't a pleasant or even normal visit. Now, are you ready?" asked Sheik. Link's eye brows shot into his hairline in surprise.
"What?! That sounds awesome! Any story that involves you and cucco's is one that I want to know!" exclaimed Link with a grin. Sheik's right eye twitched as he withheld a biting comment, making him purse his lips. He was a very private person and the hero was good at dismantling that hostility that surrounded them not long ago.
He needed to remember that Link was not his friend. What purpose could he have at seeking personal information from Sheik other than to use it against him? Still, he appreciated that the hero seemed to be trying to keep things civil between them.
"Well, then perhaps the princess would like to enlighten you because that is not a day I want to relive ever again," replied Sheik with a sigh.
"Challenge accepted! Now, let's get this show on the road!" exclaimed Link. Sheik secretly grinned at his exuberance and then placed a hand on Link's shoulder.
"Hopefully we won't catch her unawares." snickered Link just as they teleported away.
The sensation was near identical to each time Link had teleported in the past but now there was a powerful pull that responded immediately to his sheikah companion's magic. If Link had to compare it to something, he'd say it felt like they had been launched from a slingshot. Teleporting with Sheik hadn't felt so unnatural and uncontrollable before.
To be honest, it's not that different from getting launched out of that cucco cannon.
Fate must have heard the hero's statement. Just when they appeared within the princess's private garden, she seemed to be enjoying a moment to herself. A cup of tea in her hand that she was already sipping from. Their sudden appearance in front of her caused that tea to come shooting out of her mouth.
Link bent over, laughing hysterically while Sheik pressed the side of his index finger against his cloth covered mouth to stop him from following the hero's example.
"You scared the living day lights out of me! Good Nayru…I'll never get used to that." muttered Zelda as she put a hand over her heart. She paused from making certain her dress hadn't suffered from her tea's wild escape from her mouth. Her blue eyes bouncing between them, confused.
"Link? How long have you two known each other?" She asked curiously as she stood up and approached them with her arms wide.
"You're not aware of last night's attack then?" asked Sheik as the princess pulled them both into a hug. She suddenly pushed them at arm's length, looking shocked.
"What attack?"
Sheik glanced over to Link.
"Well, I think the hero has a better idea of it than me. I barely arrived just as they were going to end his life," said Sheik as Zelda stepped back. She stared wide eyed at Link.
"What?! Something almost killed you? Are you alright?" Zelda exclaimed. Link put up his hands in bewilderment.
"Whoa, Zelda! I'm alright, really. Well, now anyway. Like he said, Sheik came in the nick of time." replied Link. Zelda sighed as she ran a hand down her face.
"Alright, just start from the beginning, if you please," said the princess warily. Link nodded and retold everything that he remembered but realized that he really didn't know the full story of what happened.
Link took a seat on the bench that the princess had vacated. Zelda followed and sat next to him as he rested his forehead warily against a closed fist. Sheik sat on Link's other side but not as close and looked at him guiltily. The sheikah never thought that Link hasn't accepted or even processed what really happened to him yet.
Sheik berated himself. He should have been faster. Smarter. The hero did not deserve this pain.
"The kids probably have a better idea then I do but the event must have been traumatizing. I wouldn't know how to even begin asking about it. Renado will probably get it out of them eventually though. He's always been good with them," muttered Link sadly. Zelda leaned her head against his shoulder and gripped his free hand tightly. He leaned his head against hers and closed his eyes.
Sheik never knew that they were this close. A world shattering event could do that to people though. He didn't know how to handle this kind of situation and he didn't think that Link would welcome any sort of support from him anyway so he just sat there awkwardly.
"I take it that you have no idea what's going on then?" murmured Link to Zelda. She gave his hand one last squeeze before sitting upright.
"I'm sorry Link, but I don't have the slightest idea. A whole village. Goddesses. How did I not get any word of this?" Zelda said with a frown. Her eyes hardened as she stood to her feet.
"Don't you worry though. I will do whatever is necessary to save the rest of your family. No one threatens my people. Surely, the border patrol caught wind of this. Perhaps I let myself be to preoccupied with Victor's return notice." Zelda sighed with frustration.
"Who's Victor?" asked Link puzzled.
"Oh, I never told you about him, did I? Victor's my younger brother. My father sent him away when the Twilight Incident happened, but I refused to leave. Up until three days ago, I thought he was dead along with the rest of my family," said Zelda sadly. She took a deep breath and than turned to enter her quarters but then paused just inside.
"I'll send soldiers to Ordon. Are you two going to stay here? I can have rooms set up?" asked Zelda. Link quickly shook his head vigorously.
"Hell, no. I'll never get any peace if I stay here. Both of us already have a room in Kakariko anyway so we'll be fine. Unless you want to stay here?" asked Link as he turned to face Sheik.
"I will stay by your side. We should leave soon however," said Sheik. Link looked curiously at him when Sheik approached the princess and whispered something to her. She looked puzzled but nodded her head.
"Alright, in the usual place then?" asked Zelda to Sheik. He nodded, and then returned to Link's side.
"I suggest we look for that potion and return to Kakariko immediately. I would like to leave for the Sacred Grove by tomorrow morning. Is that agreeable with you?" asked Sheik. Link shrugged.
"The sooner we do this, the better," replied Link. Zelda smiled when she realized that they were traveling together now.
"I'm so glad you guys met! I always told you that you needed another personfor a friend Sheik. Not that there is anything wrong with animal companions like Maelstrom and Seshat but there's just some things that only another person can give. You'll find Sheik is the ideal traveling partner as well Link. You know what? With your good humor and optimistic nature paired with Sheik's logical sense and strategic mind you guys would make the most amazing team!" exclaimed Zelda excitingly.
The hero was confused when it started to sound like Zelda was trying to convince them to stay together, until he caught that teasing gleam in her eye. He grinned.
"Hey! How come he gets all the useful descriptions?" says Link as his grin became a pout. Sheik chuckled at Zelda's good nature but was surprised that the hero hadn't gotten angry and corrected the princess's assumption. A team required willing comrades and the hero would have already sent him packing if it hadn't been for their deal.
"You don't think having good humor and an optimistic nature is useful?" asked Zelda as she put her hands on her hips with a smirk.
"What happens when you face a powerful enemy that any normal person would run away from? Isn't the first thought that comes to mind a way to try and explain the silver lining around the encounter? Or how about when you enter somewhere that's extremely creepy and off putting like a haunted graveyard? Isn't your first reaction to break the unsettling atmosphere with something completely ridiculous like a fart joke?"
She stared at Link and he tried so hard to keep a straight face but he soon broke into a laughing fit. Zelda soon followed.
"Ha, yeah that does sound like me. Damn it all. You know me way to well," said Link as he shoved Zelda playfully. She gave a mock glare as she swatted him back.
"We'll catch up later, alright? Next time I'll introduce you to Victor, Link. I'm sure you guys would get along. I'll meet you at the spot soon Sheik," said Zelda with a smile. She then turned and disappeared into her quarters.
"Shall we go?" asked Sheik. Link turned to nod but paused when he noticed Sheik pulling on a long dark cloak and covering his head with the hood. His exoskeleton and tabard disappeared into the folds until the only thing visible was his striking red eyes and brown leather boots and gloves.
Where did he even get that?
Sheik put a hand on his right shoulder again and teleported them to the southern gates of Castle Town.
"Are these sigil things all over the town?" asked Link curiously. Sheik simply nodded but didn't explain further. Link got the impression it's not something that is meant to be public knowledge. He shrugged and walked into town with Sheik trailing behind him. He frowned, curious when he glanced back and saw Sheik tilting his head down while pulling the folds of his cloak tighter around himself when they entered town. Now even his eyes were obscured.
You'd never know he was anyone but a passerby. Maybe that's the point. He doesn't seem like the social type.
"Alright, so we are looking for something like this." muttered Link as he pulled out the sparkling silver potion. Malo Mart would be a good start, but he had a feeling that Renado would have told him if that branch of Malo's store carried what they were looking for. There were numerous stall's surrounding the town square along with the apothecary tucked away on the other side of town. He didn't know of anywhere else to look.
"We might as well go to Telma's Bar. Maybe one of the others will know," said Link thoughtfully.
"Others? Are they friends of yours?" Sheik asked as they walked down the street and then down a stairway.
"You'll see. Hopefully everyone's there," said Link as he neared the door to Telma's Bar. Once Link lead them inside, Sheik decided he liked the feel of this place. It didn't stink purely of alcohol and it wasn't full of rowdy drunken men looking to start a fight.
Sheik noticed the white cat that sat next to the bar. She got up and sniffed curiously at his boots just as Link walked up to whom Sheik guessed was the bartender. He bent down to pet the white cat once she started to rub against his leg.
"Oh, and this is Sheik. He's…ah, someone that I met two days ago," said Link as he suddenly gestured toward Sheik. The sheikah straightened, but then flinched and took a step back when the red headed bartender suddenly was less than an inch away from his face. She chuckled and then raised an eyebrow when she noticed the bright red eye emblem emblazoned on his tabard that peeked through the folds of his cloak.
Sheik clutched the edges of his cloak to hide the emblem and braced himself, watching her warily.
"Sorry for startling you, honey. I just never had a sheikah come into my bar before. You seem nice enough though. I'm Telma," she said with a smile. Sheik was startled by her behavior. He thought those in Kakariko were a special case but this was the capitol city.
Then again, judging by her fiery red hair and facial features, Sheik would guess she had at least some gerudo blood in her. Their respective people shared a lot of bad blood with the world at large according to the stories his mother had told him, but rarely with each other. Strength in numbers and all that but it didn't really help them in the end did it? At least not for his people.
"As for you," Telma jabbed a finger against Link's chest with a scowl, "why haven't I seen you lately? As soon as Hyrule is saved you just up and disappear," she put her hands on her hips, an expectant look on her face. Link sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Well, it's a long story. Can I have a drink first? I think I'm going to need it," said Link as he slid into a bar stool. He gestured for Sheik to sit down as well. Instead he paused by the hero's side and leaned back against the counter, facing the entrance to the bar. The hero gave him an inquisitive look.
"I don't like not seeing what is behind me," replied Sheik softly as he eyed the other people scattered throughout the bar. Perhaps Telma would be open to a discussion? He wouldn't know where to begin, but he'd also never met a gerudo before. Maybe she knew why his people were so hated? All those stories that spoke of how much others didn't trust the sheikah and how they were the scum of the earth and yet, not one source could reveal why.
Telma set a shot of red liquor that smelled heavily of cinnamon in front of the hero. Link shrugged, not really caring what it was and downed the shot. His face twisted into a grimace, looking as if a lemon had exploded in his mouth.
"Holy crap, that stuff is strong! Give me another one, will you?" exclaimed Link excitedly. The bartender rolled her eyes before giving him a fond look.
"Alright honey, but this is the last one. I've seen what this baby can do to people. What do you think of it by the way? I just ordered it a few days ago," asked Telma as she filled the small shot glass with the vibrant red liquid.
"It's actually really good. Crafty too. It starts smooth with a subtle undertone of warm cinnamon before the rest of it hit's your senses like a sucker punch to the face. The only thing I think would make it better is maybe throwing in some kind of citrus." said Link thoughtfully as he gently swirled the liquid in the shot glass and then downed it. He could taste hints of something sweet, but mostly it was spice's that were heavily obscured by the cinnamon.
"That's not a bad idea. Oh, would you like one, honey?" she asked as she gestured to the clear bottle of the cinnamon liquor. Sheik shook his head.
"No, thank you," said Sheik. A small smile tugged at his lips when the fluffy white cat jumped up onto the counter next to him and started to rub her head against his arm. He paused, startled when Telma suddenly whirled on Link with a glare. He tensed, readying himself to defend the hero but couldn't help but wonder what had upset the bartender that quickly. He slowly relaxed when Link just grumbled and put away the few rupees he had pulled out without Sheik noticing.
Telma nodded, humming to herself and went back to wiping the counter like nothing happened. Link rolled his eyes, hinting that this interaction seemed to be a regular occurrence.
"Is drinking not your thing? You really are missing out. That is a fantastic drink." Said Link as he turned to Sheik. The sheikah raised an eyebrow, surprised that Link would want to chat with him.
"I have been threatened with a month of solitude with nothing but spiced pepper cake and bog water to sustain myself by my mother if I so much as tasted alcohol before my seventeenth year of age. Therefore, I don't know if drinking is my…thing," said Sheik. He secretly smirked when Link had a look of amazement on his face.
"Whoa, what? Just how young are you?" asked Link.
"Sixteen."
Sheik couldn't help but laugh softly at the look of utter disbelief on Link's face.
"You're kidding! Man, I would never have guessed you were younger then me. Not by much, but still." exclaimed Link. A low wolf whistle followed his words, making Sheik lower his gaze in embarrassment. He'd heard such a reaction within the halls of the castle by soldiers eyeing the maids or any female among the staff really, but they must not have meant what he thought if the hero was directing such a thing at him of all people.
"I promise you, hero. I am sixteen…though I will be seventeen in two weeks. Perhaps I will try it then," said Sheik as he tried to pull the edges of the hood of his cloak closer to his face. He doubted that anyone could have seen how his cheeks burned because of his shawl but it still felt like they could. And for what? There was nothing that the hero said that should have caused this reaction!
"Alrighty then. At least I'm not the only one that can kick ass at a young age," replied Link. He tilted his head as he wondered about something. Sheik didn't seem like the joking type, so he had to ask.
"Also, when you say bog water, is it literally bog water or some kind of special disgusting drink meant to discourage young boys from drinking themselves into oblivion? Does your race have iron stomach's or something? Pretty sure bog water is not something people can drink normally." Link gave him an inquisitive look.
Sheik relaxed, berating himself now that he realized that it was his combat skills and not anything else that Link had been referring to earlier. This topic was also unexpected, but also welcome. It wasn't to personal and it was something that he'd brought up in the first place. He felt honored that Link cared enough to ask about it.
Unfortunately, he was becoming increasingly uneasy with the people that sat close by, easily able to hear their conversation as well as the amount of customers that was starting to come in. He glanced nervously around but then took a deep breath.
The last thing he wanted was to discourage Link from speaking to him without a reason.
"Honesty, I am not certain. My mother is normally a sweet woman but one does not want to incur her wrath. She's a woman of her word. I'd rather wait two weeks and not risk finding out the hard way." replied Sheik with a frown. Link hummed in response, tapping his chin lightly with his index finger. He wondered how Sheik's mother would even know but to be honest, if he were Sheik, not even he would risk it. He remembered growing up with Uli for a mother. Rusl and her might not have been his birth parents, but they were his family in every way but blood.
Maybe it's a universal constant that mothers always have the uncanny ability to just know when their children have done wrong. Or maybe its women's intuition. Either way, I get it. Everyone in Ordon thought Uli was the pushover parent but they were wrong.
Sheik was trying so hard to not be affected by the growing number of strangers around him. He normally could handle this kind of situation, but he'd always had someone there with him that he trusted. Or at least Seshat. Rarely did he face the people of Hyrule on his own and when he did, he never allowed himself to be surrounded like this.
Telma paused, halfway from mixing a drink for someone when she noticed Sheik's fast approaching panic attack when a customer sat directly next to where he was leaning against the counter. She was uncertain why he didn't move if he was so uncomfortable. It must have something to do with Link since he kept glancing over, looking like he wanted to say something to the hero but could never bring himself to actually speak.
Link seemed to have finally caught one of those flitting glances of his sheikah companion. That made Telma decide to intervene. The hero was a compassionate person, but subtlety was not a skill of his. She didn't think the young sheikah would respond well to more attention drawn to himself. She snatched the dirty rag she'd been wiping the counter with earlier and tossed it over Link's head, earning a disgruntled 'hey!".
"Wow! Look at all these customers! Link, be a darling and help me clean some tables?" asked Telma with a tone that portrayed that she expected nothing less then a 'yes' in response. She winked at Sheik as Link pulled the dirty rag off his head with a disgusted look. The hero paused to give Sheik a worried look but figured Telma knew what she was doing.
"Fine. For the record, I would have agreed to help even without the need to smear my face with whatever was on this towel." said Link with a huff. He stood and began wiping the counters, moving dirty plates and mugs into a pile to take back to the kitchen.
Telma turned to take in the stiff posture, slight trembling and the quickened breathing that Sheik barely held under control. Experience was the only reason he wasn't descending into a panic attack already and that saddened her. How often did this poor boy have to suffer for him to develop such instincts?
"Honey, I have a pile of dishes that still need to be cleaned in the back. I'll pay you for your trouble if you give me a hand?" Asked Telma as she gave Sheik a side glance. She finished mixing the drink, handing it to a customer and smiling as she took the payment for it. Glancing quickly back, she almost missed the look of relief that washed over what little of his face she could see.
"I would be happy to help." replied Sheik shakily, already heading behind the counter before he'd even started to speak. Telma smiled, grabbing a few more dishes and piling them onto a tray to give him. She then pointed to the curtain that stood closed on the left side of the bar.
"Over there, behind the curtain there's a sink. Take your time, honey. I don't need them until later. Thanks again." She placed a blue rupee in his palm. Sheik bowed his head and then took the tray and disappeared behind the curtain.
Sheik paused on the other side, taking several minutes to calm his breathing. A much easier feat now that he wasn't surrounded by strangers and their deafening chatter. His gaze swept the area, trying distract himself as he attempted to regain control of himself. A large round table stood in the center of the room, surrounded by short wooden chairs. It almost seemed like a dinning table. Perhaps it was reserved for large groups of people?
With one last deep breath, he walked to the sink on the right side of the room and set the tray next to the counter where a red and white checkered towel laid over the edge. He braced his palms against the sides of the sink, hanging his head with a hard stare.
This can't happen. He needed to be an asset, not a burden to the hero. He won't allow Link to fail his destiny because Sheik was unable to fulfill his duty. He took a deep breath but then paused when he felt a jolt of pain in his right palm. He turned it over and his expression softened when the blue rupee's surface reflected the light within the room.
He'd read a lot of books and heard many stories from the princess growing up. Royal banquets, balls, festivals and feasts. The hylian royal family had a kingdom full of non-hylian subjects, most with their own ruler. Zelda's often dramatic retelling of her families interactions with Hyrule's other races had him wishing he had the courage to sneak along to one of them just to see the event for himself. Events that he'd been forbidden to take part in because of what he was, despite being bound to the princess as a child. No one trusted him. Not the Hylian High Council. Not the nobility of any of the other races. Not even the majority of Hyrule's population. People that had never even met him would take one look at his red eyes and clan symbol and suddenly it was as if a demon was walking among them.
Once upon a time, he used to wonder why the king had bothered demanding Sheik take the oath of his ancestors in the first place if half the time he couldn't be near the one he had sworn to protect. Then he got older. Wiser. It was never about proving his worth or loyalty. The hylian royal family just wanted to make sure that he was under their control. Whispers of deceit, betrayal and murder followed his back.
Something Sheik took great offense to, because his culture promoted nothing but loyalty and discipline. The sheikah might have excelled at subterfuge, but that didn't mean that they abused it. Nothing he'd ever learned from his mother had revealed what could possibly have caused such a powerful shift in opinion. His ancestors bled and died in waves defending Hyrule during the Great War! What did they do to deserve such treatment?!
Sheik sighed, hanging his head. What was wrong with him? He'd accepted his role long ago. He knew nothing was going to change for him. He wasn't even bothered by that because the princess wasn't like everyone else. From the moment they met she treated him like a younger sibling. Something that embarrassed him at first, while it angered her father. Only once did he turn that anger toward Sheik. That was the day he learned just how loud and vicious his daughter could be at such a young age when it came to those she cared about. With words alone. It brought a smile to his face. Sure, there were certain members among the staff and even some of the guards that could keep things professional at least, but Zelda had been his first and only friend. He'd lost any hope that anyone other then her would bother looking passed what he was.
Then he met Link. They had some rough patches, and they certainly weren't friends but not once did the Hero of Twilight ever mock his heritage. Or refer to him by the many derogatory names favored by the public. 'Blood eye' being a favorite of many. The only time Link had showed any real hostility was when Sheik had been an idiot and overreacted when the shaman of Kakariko had just been doing his job as a healer, effectively ruining any chance Sheik might have had at befriending the hero.
His fingers closed around the rupee in his hand, unable to stop the futile wish that he could return to that moment and do things differently. Zelda was important to him but she was the princess. Someone he was introduced to because of tradition and his duty will always come first with her. She knew this too. Try as she might, she knew his sense of duty was to strong to allow that kind of friendship between them.
That was why she always encouraged him to talk to people. Interact with them. She could see how much he wanted to. Her favorite phrase she'd often use to convince him was 'Someone, somewhere is waiting for you to be a part of their life.'
His attempts so far have not gone favorably. Maybe he was looking in the wrong places though. He'd spent not even a full day with the hero and already met a few people that have surprised him. Yet another failure on his part. As they would undoubtedly want nothing to do with him once the hero had fulfilled his part of their deal.
Sheik sighed as he slipped the blue rupee into his small coin pouch behind his tabard and began to wash the dishes. He needed to stop daydreaming. He also needed to meet with the princess soon. She was probably on her way to meet him now.
He had finished washing them all and had started to dry them when the curtain was pushed aside to reveal Link poking his head through to peer cautiously at him.
"Hey, you doing alright?" asked Link. Before Sheik could reply, Link yelped and shot forward into the room. Telma pushed the curtains aside and walked through, winking at Sheik before turning to smirk at the grumbling hero.
"Hey! Quit it! You know how weird that makes me feel!" Exclaimed Link. Sheik tilted his head curiously as he watched the exchange and then realized what Telma must have done when Link briefly rubbed his backside as a fierce blush spread across his face. Telma snickered, Link's glare just spurring her on.
"If you don't want your butt to get pinched then don't stick it out there." Snickered Telma with a grin.
"It wasn't-
"Ah! You're finished already, honey? My, look at them sparkle! Thank you. Less work for me later." Said Telma as she investigated the clean dishes Sheik has started to pile on the counter, ignoring Link.
"Link told me what happened as well. I have to thank you for saving this stubborn hero's ass. He would have been sorely missed," Telma smiled, patting Sheik's arm. The sheikah bowed his head.
"I do what I must," said Sheik. People he was unfamiliar with touching him without hostile intentions was something else Sheik was trying to get used to. His mother had always been supportive but never cuddled him while growing up. Staying true to their heritage in ensuring their children developed an independent nature early in life. Zelda was really the only person that often used touch as a means to convey her affection.
He looked down when he felt something rub against his leg. Sheik chuckled when the fluffy white cat meowed at him.
"Louise! She isn't bothering you is she?" asked Telma. Sheik shook his head.
"No, she is fine," said Sheik as he reached down and scratched her behind the ears. Link snickered.
"Yeah, Sheik's a total cat person. He's even got a ninja cat of his own," replied Link with a grin.
"I must be going but I suggest you start looking for that potion, hero. I will join you shortly," said Sheik. The sudden shift in the conversation surprised the hero, especially when it became apparent that Sheik had no intention of staying with him for the search.
"Where are you going? I thought we'd work together on this," replied Link with a frown. He approached Sheik and reached down to pet Louise as well, who looked more then happy to have the attention. The sheikah was silent for a few moments, an uneasy look in his eyes that didn't go unnoticed by the others in the room. Only Telma smiled in sympathy while Link watched Sheik in confusion, not understanding why his new companion seemed so apprehensive.
"I have something to discuss with the princess, so you will have to search by yourself. Besides…my presence will most likely hinder your search instead of aid it," said Sheik softly. He then teleported without another word.
A thousand questions swarmed within Link's mind while he stared at the spot Sheik had vacated. Everything about his savior provoked every part of his innate curiosity. Also his protective nature. Link had never been one to stand by while others suffered. The very thought grated at his soul.
Why does it bother me so much that he isn't here when I know he isn't in danger?
"Well, that's a handy young man to have around," said Telma as she stared at where Sheik had been standing.
"He acts rather mature for his age too. I wonder if all sheikah are like that?" Muttered Telma thoughtfully. She turned to see Link frowning at the spot where Sheik had disappeared. She could see the wheels turning in his head, but the answers he sought kept illuding him.
"You understand what happened, don't you? That boy obviously isn't used to being around a lot of people. Also doesn't seem like the type to face his problems with a full body tackle like a certain hero we all know and love. You could really use a friend like him. Maybe It'll help the chances that the next time I see you, it won't be because you've faced yet another tragedy. You've had enough already. Something tells me Sheik has too."
Link sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He really did want to get to know Sheik better. He'd been so fierce the night they'd met. Then once the danger had passed, he was quiet and composed. Everything about him just draw him in.
The guy has a prophetic dream, saves my life against all odds and then asks me to travel to a place that most people in Hyrule don't even know exists? For reasons that he doesn't even know himself. I want to trust him but I just don't know him well enough yet.
"I'll work on it. He's a cool guy. Anyway, have you seen a merchant in town that looks like me?" asked Link as he pushed through the curtains and headed for the door.
"Afraid not honey, but you could try the central fountain area. If he's well known enough then he's probably been through there." Said Telma as she walked behind the bar. She waved before serving another customer.
The hero hummed as he walked out of the bar. It was hard enough trying to get around without people recognizing himso trying to find a look-a-like shouldn't be that difficult.
Link cracked his knuckles as he climbed up the stairs.
Alright, I guess it's time to go potion hunting.
Link emerged right next to a Goron selling hot spring water. He breathed in the energizing steam of the water the Goron stood in front of. It reminded him of the hot springs near Death Mountain. Maybe it was from one of their springs but how did he keep it hot?
I could use a trip to one of those hot springs. To bad I don't have the time…
"Hey, how's business going?" asked Link once he approached the stand. The Goron looked over and a big toothy grin spread across his face.
"Brother Link! It has been awhile, but I'm selling even more hot spring water now than ever before!" exclaimed the Goron. Link winced slightly at the volume, his canine senses amplifying the sound. He kept forgetting that Goron's were even worse at subtlety then he was. It made him chuckle though. Prideful and loud they might be, but you won't find a more loyal friend then a Goron.
He noticed the line of people starting to form in front of the stand, many of whom were starting to point at him because of the loud exchange. Attention from the wrong people was the last thing he needed.
"Well, it looks like you have customers waiting. I'll see you later then. Oh! First, have you seen a merchant around here that looks like me?" asked Link. The Goron tilted his head in thought.
"None that I can remember brother. Sorry," said the Goron as he served a customer.
"It's fine. Just give me a holler if you spot this guy, ok?" asked Link. The Goron raised a giant rocky hand in farewell and then went back to his work.
The first place he checked was Malo Mart. He hoped maybe someone sold the potion to the store since Renado had been here last. He still hated it. Not the store itself of course. It was a gem in this town but he swore the merchant had it out for him. Always trying to charge him an arm and leg for the cheapest of items. Refusing to serve him altogether if he walked in with dirty shoes. Luckily he didn't have to stay long, noticing that they actually sold out of red potion and there was no sign that they had any other kind on hand. Especially after asking that snob if they did have any unique potions in the back but all he got was look of disdain as the other man lifted his nose in the air, giving Link a short 'no' before immediately moving on to someone else.
How come that jerk hasn't been fired yet?! Am I the only one he treats like scum?!
Link glowered as he continued to walk down the street at a quick pace, trying to move along before anyone recognized him. His sharp gaze scanned the various stalls. He didn't see anyone carrying anything unique like the potion he was searching for. Eventually he reached a stall and paused. Something was...wrong. No, not wrong. Just unnatural. Something was calling to him.
His blue gaze swept across the items for sell. The majority of the merchandise was jewelry and other precious stones. Hanging around tall wooden stands and display cases. An elderly lady sat behind it and she smiled when he paused to look at them.
Link isn't the kind of guy to wear fancy jewelry. The only real piece of jewelry he's ever worn was the small blue hoop earring. It had been his fathers, according to Rusl. Something here wanted to be found however.
Something caught his eye and he glanced up at a large pendent hanging on one of the tall wooden hangers.
It was surrounded by an elegant design of bright gold while three sapphires sat around the edges. The gold chain was attached to two sides of the pendent but it looked strange to him. The attachment was of fine quality, but it just felt as if the chain didn't belong there. As if the pendent was meant to stand on its own.
He peered closer. The gems of the pendent started to glow when he did and within each of the gems, Link thought he saw a vortex of water. The magic within it felt...familiar.
"Oh, dear…it's never done that before," muttered the old women thoughtfully as she peered over at the pendent he was observing.
"How much is it?" inquired Link. He needed that pendent. He wasn't sure why, only that he knew he couldn't leave without it. She scratched her chin in thought.
"Five hundred rupees," said the old lady finally. Link balked at the price.
"That's crazy! This thing isn't worth that much," exclaimed Link. The lady shrugged.
"If you can't afford it, then I have other pieces that are cheaper," said the old lady as she gestured toward the other pieces in the display case. Link sighed impatiently.
"No, I want that sapphire pendent. I guess I'll come back later with the rupees. Five hundred…right?" asked Link grumpily. He had a stash at Telma's bar that he dip into. He wasn't sure if there was five hundred rupee's inside though...maybe he could get a loan from Telma.
"If that's what you want. I'm just about to leave though. I have a long journey back home. Not sure when I can make it back up to the city," said the old women as she settled back into her chair. Link pressed the palm of his hand against his forehead in frustration. He didn't notice the quick once over the old women gave him, eyes widening slightly once she realized who she was speaking to.
"I'll tell you what young man. How about a trade?" asked the old women. Link dropped his hand and looked at her cautiously.
"What kind of trade? I really don't have anything of value on me. At least, none that I'm willing to give away," replied Link with a frown. The old women just smiled sweetly.
Meanwhile, Sheik suddenly teleported to the roof top of a building that overlooked the towns square. He was glad for the extra sigils around town. He was in no shape to be teleporting more than as few feet at the moment.
The discussion he'd just had with the princess played over in his mind. Most of it had been simply updating her of the situation and his prophetic dream. Her innate wisdom was a blessing. Helping him recognize a few pieces of this puzzle that had illuded him before. How much he revealed to the hero depended on what level of cooperation he got from Link. A quest was in the making. One that Link was unaware of as of now and Sheik was honestly terrified of how much was riding on him to make sure that the hero reached his goal.
Sheik rubbed his hands together nervously, beginning to pace. He received a summons from the Goddess Nayru herself. He felt honored and excited for the chance to prove himself and yet...he also just wanted to hurl his guts over the side of the building because of his monumental anxiety.
Why him? He was more than willing but he wasn't even a fully trained Shadow Warrior. There had been no one to train him, as his mother wasn't a full blooded sheikah and therefore never received the training herself. His father had intended to properly train him but all of their Shadow Warriors had been called away because of an attack on their southern tribes. That had been eleven years ago. He was taken in by Impaz once it became apparent that his father was not coming back. He didn't even know what happened to his birth mother. There had once been fifty other sheikah living with them, making their little hidden village a paradise after having to deal with the bigotry and hatred of Castle Town.
Sheik had known every one of them. His clan had been very close with each other. After their Shadow Warriors left, their number's had dropped to thirty. They were not defenseless however. It was tradition to teach their young how to defend themselves but misfortune seemed to follow his people wherever they went. Disease, hate crimes, war. By the time he'd reached twelve years of age their numbers dropped to nine. He had grown so angry at his clan's refusal to leave for a safer place that Impaz revealed to him the legend of the Ancient Sky Book. It was just a book full of meaningless words and missing sections to him but his clan-mates explained that it wasn't their place to judge it's value. Only to protect it until the Messenger to the Heavens arrived. He was never told who had tasked them with its protection or why it was their duty to do it in the first place, but at the time he was still just a child. His family's safety was all that mattered to him.
Then the Twilight Incident hit Hyrule. It was just his mother, Farza, Koli and himself left. He remembered seeing the veils of Twilight expanding from the castle. Remembered being torn between his duty to his princess and his duty to his people, because surely if anything happened to them then it would fall to Sheik to protect the Ancient Sky Book instead? The choice was made for him when his clan told him to flee to the south. As far from Hyrule as possible. He didn't understand when they had told him that he was far more important than any ancient artifact, but there had been no time to explain. He didn't even get to say goodbye to Farza and Koli before teleporting as far as he was able without killing himself. A devastating reality made worse when the Twilight disappeared from where it came only to find that only his mother had survived the six months it took the Hero of Twilight to complete his journey.
Six months of torture that left him hovering at the edges of the veils of Twilight because he couldn't teleport back inside nor pass the barriers that housed the monsters that held the land captive. Six months of wondering what happened to his family and worry plagued him every second about the safety of his princess because he knew the Twilight had started there, at Hyrule Castle.
Sheik sighed, tilting his head back to look up at the clouds above. He'd been absolutely useless back then. He knew he shouldn't question divine judgment but he couldn't understand why it was his destiny to aid the hero. Surely there were other sheikah that were better qualified? With real world experience and a properly trained Shadow Warrior?
Unless...there wasn't? Was he simply the only choice left?
Sheik clutched his fists with a huff, glaring at nothing in particular as he rolled his shoulders. He refused to believe that he was the only full blooded sheikah left in the whole world. Something was at play here. Hopefully with time, he'll uncover what that is.
It had been almost an hour since he left the hero to search for that potion. Hopefully Link had found it by now. Sheik considered his options and figured that Link would go back to the bar they had been to earlier. He'll wait for the hero there.
As he walked along the edge of the building, he surveyed the people browsing in the streets. No one ever looked up to the top of the buildings and even if they did, he would be long gone by the time they showed up to investigate anyway. Something suddenly caught his eye and the sight of it made his eyes widen comically. He blinked and then rubbed his eyes but the image was still there when he turned back to look.
Sprinting down the street completely shirtless, was Link. A mob of people, who Sheik noticed were mostly female, were close behind him. He seemed to be holding his blue tunic in one hand and something silver that glinted in the sunlight in the other. The hero ran with long strides, tan skin only heightening his appearance as his muscles rippled-
He gasped when he suddenly ran out of solid ground to walk on. The sheikah instinctively started to flail his arms around, trying to grab a hold of something. He twisted his body around and shot his hand toward the building he was falling off of and managed to grip the edge of it. With a heave he pulled himself over the edge and rolled the rest of his body over. He sat there panting, his body trembling as he tried to focus on anything besides the three story fall he'd walked right into.
Dear goddess...I hope no one saw that.
After one last deep breath, he got up and concentrated on the sigil closest to where the bar would be. The hero better have a damn good reason why he nearly made Sheik walk off the side of a building.
Once he stepped inside the bar, he paused. The place had been packed when he'd first been in here but now it was nearly emptied out. What drew his attention was the group at the bar. Several people crowded around in front of the red haired bartender. Then Sheik noticed that in the middle of them was the hero.
He seemed to have found the time to put his tunic back on and now he saw that in his other hand was a suit of chainmail, half of which lay coiled on the floor. Link heaved as he sat hunched over the counter with his forehead resting against the surface, allowing his other arm to hang at his side.
To the left of Link was a young woman with black hair swept up in pigtails. She wore armor and held herself with a confidence of a soldier. She also seemed to have a rather aggressive nature that portrayed itself in the way that she was rapidly jabbing a finger into Link's shoulder to get his attention.
To the right of Link was an older man with grey hair and neatly trimmed beard. He surveyed Link curiously, showing a keen insight and perceptive eyes as he watched Link's almost lazy attempts to swat the black haired woman's persistent finger away from his shoulder.
The other people nearby the hero seemed to just be customers that had been in the bar when the hero came in. Not all of them had drinks or even a meal though, making Sheik curious why they were still in here since it looked like many of them wanted either a drink or a meal. They kept looking cautiously up at Telma, as if waiting for something.
"I am so done with the city life," Sheik heard the hero mutter as he approached the crowd around Link. Telma glanced up and noticed him.
"Oh, good. Maybe you can get this stubborn man to explain why he felt the sudden need to become an exhibitionist?" said Telma to Sheik as she pointed to Link's slumped form. Sheik raised an eyebrow.
"Hero, I didn't think you would go to the extreme to try and find that potion but I guess it's the effort that counts," replied Sheik. He forced himself to ignore the glares of several of the people he passed to reach Link. He regretted not pulling his cloak on. He hadn't been thinking clearly after the hero's half naked sprint through town. Link suddenly lifted his head and swung in his direction with a look of shock that soon morphed into frustration.
"Din damn it! I knew I forgot something!" exclaimed the hero. Sheik suddenly noticed that his white undershirt was gone.
"You didn't find it even after all this time? Has anyone seen the merchant that sold it at least?" asked Sheik. He was curious about the missing undershirt but he didn't think it was any of his business to ask about Link's personal attire. The hero short him a dirty glare. Sheik tensed, fighting the urge to recoil.
"I waslooking for it but then I got distracted by this," grumbled Link bitterly. He reached into his adventure pouch and pulled something out.
A large sapphire pendent laid against the hero's palm. A soft glow emitted from the gems, quickly filling the area with an ambient aura of magic. Sheik tensed at the sudden but strangely familiar energy trying to tap into his emotional state. He was able to shield his mind from it but the others around Link looked at the pendent in awe. Then they started to look at each other in confusion before a gloomy atmosphere started to settle around the room.
"Hero, that should not be around people like this. It is manipulating their emotional state," said Sheik stiffly. Link blinked, surprised but seemed to notice the sudden change in the people around him. He quickly put it back into his pouch. The people surrounding him suddenly blinked confused again and they immediately started chatting among each other as if nothing had happened.
Link stepped away from the increasing amount of noise at the bar. He gestured for Sheik to follow him to the area that was covered by the curtain. Link slumped into the seat closest to him and then gestured for Sheik to sit next to him. Telma suddenly sat in the seat on Link's other side just as Sheik sat down. The black haired women and the older man followed as well but Link didn't seem to mind.
"I don't think so honey. You're not walking away without some kind of explanation for why I just kicked out a whole mob of people out of my bar. Hop to it before I get serious," said Telma sternly. Sheik leaned forward on the round table as the three other people settled around the table waiting for Link to spill his story. They didn't seem to take much notice of Sheik.
Except the older man finally glanced up when Sheik just happened to lock eyes with him, making the sheikah quickly glance away. He regarded the sheikah curiously but Sheik couldn't really get a read on this guy. Link rolled his eyes.
"Alright! Fine! I wasn't trying to be an exhibitionistthough. I just realized that some sweet old lady turned out to be a demented old pervert," grumbled Link. This caught Sheik's attention.
"I was walking on the west side of town looking for that potion, whatever it's called, but then I suddenly felt this weird sensation. I turned and suddenly that pendent was just there. It hung on that wooden pole like it was waiting for me to come strolling along and notice it. I'm not sure why but I needed to have it. Not wearit of course, but I just needed to have it," said Link as he tried to make it obvious that he had no intention of wearing such a girly piece of jewelry.
"So, I asked the price. I was expecting something along the lines of twenty or maybe even fifty rupees but she charged five hundred for the damn thing! Well, maybe it had something to do with the fact that it didn't start to glow until I suddenly showed up but come on! Five hundred rupees?! That's insane but I was willing to scrape it together somehow. Then the crafty lady said that she's leaving soon and she doesn't know when she would be back again. She offered to make a trade. I thoughtshe was gonna ask for something as collateral or that maybe she would let me pay her with installments but no! The twisted old bat wanted my undershirt! I had to agree, because my gut was telling me not to leave without that damn thing. So, I said I would go and take it off somewhere more private and then bring it back if she wanted it that badly but then the lady started packing up her stuff!"
Link started grabbing and pulling at his hair in a fit of frustration, something that sounded far to much like the growl of a wild animal rolling out of him but none of the others seemed perplexed by this so Sheik figured he was just thinking to much into it.
"So, I practically had to strip right there in the street since I couldn't get to my undershirt without taking off my tunic, chainmail and belt first! She finally handed that damn pendent over but then I was suddenly swarmed! A few of them even got together and started to play tug-o-war with me over my damn tunic! Once I finally got it back, I got the hell out of there and came straight here," exclaimed Link. He looked ready to break something but then suddenly slumped forward and hit his forehead against the table with a sad sigh.
"That was my original shirt too. Faron gave me that along with the rest of my hero's outfit," mumbled Link with his forehead still against the table.
"I'm sorry Link," said a new voice sadly. The hero lifted his head and turned, curious at the familiar voice and and then grinned.
"Luda? What are you doing here?" asked Link. The young girl with black hair cut in a bob smiled at him before giving him a hug.
"She's working for me now. A good thing too, because business has been really starting to boom nowadays," said Telma.
"I wash the dishes and clean the counters so Telma can stay at the bar to serve customers. Plus, dad has to come see her every other day now to pick me up," Luda said with a giggle. Link gave Telma a grin.
"You got Luda to help you hook Renado, huh? You're getting sly. I guess you don't mind Luda or you wouldn't be here," snickered Link. Luda grinned at Telma and then jogged back behind the curtain. Telma smiled as she watched the girl leave and then got up to follow her. She nodded in farewell to Link and Sheik and disappeared behind the curtain.
He didn't think it possible, but Sheik became even more grateful to Telma. Obviously, she didn't need his help earlier if she had hired someone specifically for that kind of job. Luda may have been a child, but he was doing things far harder then manning a bar at her age. Sheik wished he'd had the courage when he was younger, before he'd given up on trying to make friends, to enter this bar. Places where many people gathered had always intimidated him though. Maybe he would have met Telma sooner. Perhaps he could have even met the hero and the events of that terrible night they'd first met could have turned out for the better.
Sheik sighed softly as he tried to stay focused. There was a lot of things he wished had happened differently in his life.
"So, Link. You got a shadow now, ya?" asked the black haired woman cautiously as she regarded Sheik. It made him uneasy. She didn't look friendly but at least she didn't appear hostile.
"Oh, I didn't introduce you guys, huh? He's Auru and she's Ashei. Guys this is Sheik. He's my, ah, traveling companion at the moment," said Link as he pointed to everyone in turn. Sheik nodded his head in greeting but was startled when Auru reached over to shake his hand. He was hesitant but eventually accepted the older man's hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Sheik. It's understandable that you would feel suspicious but you needn't worry. I don't share most people's distrust for your race. Neither does Ashei. Don't let her dour personality fool you. We've both had good experiences when encountering others of your kind. In fact, I've even lived with them for a time in my younger days," chuckled Auru. He winced, but still continued to chuckle when Ashei punched him on the arm.
"Who are ya called dour old man? I'm a perfectly pleasant person." Ashei rolled her eyes with a huff and settled her sharp gaze on Sheik, "He's right though. If it seems like I'm eye balling ya, its because I don't know ya. Not because you're a sheikah."
Then she gasped, snapping her fingers with a grin.
"Ah ha! I knew I'd seen ya somewhere before. Ya see Auru? I told ya I saw someone fall from the sky! He's that lad that landed in old Marvin's cucco pen last week! What in the world were ya doing? Don't ya know how vengeful those birds are?" Asked Ashei as she tilted her head.
Sheik groaned quietly, covering his face with his hands. Sweet merciful Farore, he'd really hoped no one had seen that. Link whirled on him, eyes wide with excitement.
"That's right! I forgot to ask Zelda about that story you mentioned. Something tells me this is that story. Come on Sheik! Tell us." Exclaimed Link with a grin. Sheik slowly lowered his hands, taking in the excited looks from both Ashei and Link. Auru just shook his head, looking at his companions like a grandfather would at misbehaving children.
Sheik leaned back in his chair, not used to the attention. Not used to being joked with in a manner that wasn't malicious. At least by people that weren't Zelda. He secretly gave a small smile, deciding he'd take a chance.
"Very well. Yes, that was me. However, I assure you that l had absolutely no intention of entering that pen, especially since I am well aware of the nature of those birds. Unfortunately, I had no control over the situation. In short, I was accompanying a...friend while she shopped in town. We stopped by one of her favorite clothing stores but as we were browsing the second floor the clerk working there recognized me...the encounter turned sour very quickly. The clerk caught me by surprise. He carried a small blade and would have injured me if Seshat, my cat, had not lashed out at him. The momentum of his attack still pushed me back and then out the open window...and into that cucco pen. I teleported back to my friend and we left immediately." Sheik paused when he noticed that both Ashei and Link's look of excitement slowly disappeared as his story went on. Auru just looked at him sadly.
Ashei now looked as if she wanted to punch something again, shaking her head with a glare.
"Disgusting. Simply disgusting." muttered Ashei. Link looked confused.
"Wait, he tried to stab you? Why?" Asked Link with a perplexed look that bordered on anger. Sheik regretted telling the story now. They were just starting to get along.
"I am not certain why he was so hostile toward me other then what I am. Perhaps I did something to offend him..." Sheik started to shrink back a bit in his chair when Link now looked more angry then confused.
"That's no excuse for attempted murder!" growled Link. His chair shot back as he stood up, unable to sit still anymore. Sheik reacted with a gasp, rolling out of his own chair and to his feet in one fluid motion.
"I-I am sorry. I d-didn't intend to upset everyone." said Sheik timidly as he backed away from Link. He should have known better. Nothing has ever gone well for him when he tried to open up to people.
The hero blinked, surprised by his quick movement. He had been half turned, intending to start pacing. He took a moment to glance over Sheik's defensive form. His anger slowly faded, replaced with guilt when he realized that Sheik must have thought Link was going to lash out at him. Ashei looked back and forth between them, uncertain what to do.
Auru was the one to step forward, his movements slow and relaxed.
"Now, now. No need to be afraid. No one is getting hurt." Said Auru. Link also approached, hesitatingly reaching a hand toward the sheikah. Something in the hero's expression making him slowly uncoil from his defensive stance.
"Sheik, I-"
Suddenly Link gasped and clutched his injured arm, doubling over. Auru and Ashei whirled toward him, worried. Just as fast as it came, it disappeared. Link gestured that he was fine.
"It didn't last this time. Weird," muttered Link. Sheik was suddenly at his side, his expression closed off.
"We need to find more of that potion or at least information about it, hero." said Sheik stiffly. He turned and then disappeared through the curtain.
Auru and Ashei looked to him for answers so he gestured for them to follow as he trailed after his sheikah companion out of the bar. After waving goodbye to Telma and Luda he began to explain to Auru and Ashei about what had happened to him in Ordon and how he met Sheik.
As he spoke, his blue gaze searched for the sheikah once they were outside. He realized that Sheik was wrapped in a cloak again at the top of the stairs, waiting for them.
"That's intense! What were these creatures? I didn't think anything that strong would still be around after the Twilight Incident, ya?" asked Ashei. Link shrugged as they started to climb the stairs. He pulled at this tunic, uncomfortable with how his chainmail was rubbing against his chest without his white undershirt there. Not to mention the hairs that kept getting caught in the links. This was going to get old real fast.
"I don't know. I've never faced anything like them before. I'm pretty sure I've never even met that weird kid before either. I would remember someone like that," said Link with a frown. He was certain he'd never met that strange kid but something lingered in the back of his mind. Maybe he's heard of him before? From where? They paused at the top of the stairs when Auru put a hand on Link's shoulder.
"How are you holding up boy? It can't be easy witnessing your hometown going through something like that again," said Auru softly. Ashei gave the hero a sympathetic look. Sheik walked away to give them some privacy.
Link watched him walked away with a sigh.
"I'm coping as best I can. What is troubling me now, besides this wound, is Sheik. I'm fascinated by him but I keep screwing up whenever I talk to him." said Link with a frown. Auru and Ashei exchanged knowing glances behind the hero's back as Link worriedly watched Sheik weave through the crowd to stand on the other side of the street.
"Well, time helps foster any kind of relationship. You just need to get to know him better and give the lad a chance to know you." Said Auru with smile. Ashei rolled her eyes.
"Sure. That's great and all but the best way to make your interest known is direct confrontation." Said Ashei with a slap to Link's back. Auru raised an eyebrow at her.
"Confrontation? It would be best if their conversation didn't involve arguing or aggression of any kind." Replied Auru. Ashei waved it off.
"Tomato, potato. The message will still get across but faster, ya?" Ashei with a laugh. She then headed off without another word. Link snorted with amusement. Auru sighed, shaking his head.
"Well, as long as you try to communicate then that is really all that matters. Good luck to you." Said Auru. He nodded and headed off himself.
Alright, I can do this. I'm just talking to the guy after all. Man, why am I nervous?
Meanwhile, on the other side of the street, Sheik stayed away from the bulk of the crowd in the marketplace. He eventually settled on the other side of the street next to an empty stall, keeping to the shadows to avoid attention but kept a watchful eye on the hero.
"Hello young sheikah," said a voice from behind Sheik. He turned around, curious at such a friendly tone but then did a double take when he saw the person.
The man looked almost exactly like Link, except that he appeared to be several years older. His golden blonde hair was much lighter than Link's and it had a wild look to it. Almost as if he rarely combed it. Sheik was amazed. Even the stranger's eyes were the same sapphire blue as the hero's.
"Are you looking for something?" asked the Link look-a-like. Sheik shook himself out of his daze.
"We have a friend that received a potion from you. A sparkling silver one. It is now the only thing we have found to be effective for a particular problem we are having at the moment. Would you happen to have any more of it?" asked Sheik.
"I sure do. Say, you wouldn't be traveling with the Hero of Twilight would you?" asked the Link-look-a-like. Sheik nodded slowly, growing suspicious.
"Wonderful! Then here, take these," exclaimed the Link-look-a-like. He swung a giant bag from his back to the ground. He dug around inside and finally pulled out two bottles of the sparkling silver potion. He handed them to Sheik. The sheikah nodded and then pulled a bag of rupees out from behind his tabard, but the Link-look-a-like shook his head.
"Please, just take them. It's the least I could do for the man who saved us all. I'm a bit on the shy side though. Otherwise I would give them to the Hero of Twilight myself," said the Link-look-a-like as he ran a hand through his wild hair.
"I call it the Goddess's Tear's. It's a rare potion unfortunately. I don't carry it very often but it would make me feel better knowing it is in good use. Just remember that it can restore magic, health, and spiritual injuries. It can't heal his arm though. It can stall dark magic but not reverse it I'm afraid. You'll need aid from someone that specializes in something like that. Oh! I have something for you as well." replied the Link-look-a-like. He dug into his bag again and pulled out a map and handed it to Sheik. The sheikah raised an eyebrow. He was about to say that he didn't need a map. Especially one that looked only half filled out. Then his eyes widened when he noticed that areas were filling as he watched. Even hidden area's that he knew about were filling in. Such as fairy fountains and secret passageways.
"Thank you," said Sheik in reverence as his eyes greedily tried to absorb as much of the map as possible. The Link look-a-like laughed.
"Of course. You do seem like a knowledgeable young man…but even a good guide can get lost sometimes,"
Sheik's eyes widened in shock before quickly looking up at the stranger, but he was gone. He was looking up and down the street for the man until Link walked up to him.
"Ok, I'm ready…what's wrong?" asked Link. Sheik noticed that Ashei and Auru seemed to have left.
"Come, we should head back to Kakariko. I will explain on the way," said Sheik. Link looked puzzled but followed as they headed out of town.
Sheik realized something as they walked onto the bridge that lead in the direction of Kakariko. He never told that stranger that Link was part of their particular problem, or that his arm was injured. So how did he know? How did he even know about his own secret?