The Hero's Brotherhood: The Awakening

by PurplePegasus

He just can't get back into the ranch life and of course, when he says something about it, Link would jinx himself. Is Fate trying to tell him something? (Link/Sheik pairing)(Story is under construction)

9. Chapter 9

Footsteps thudded on the surface of the bridge leading out of the city as both boys crossed over. One pair strode with purpose, pace fast and determined. The other pair was filled with uncertainty, their pace hesitant and unsteady.

Link trailed behind Sheik a few paces, not quite willing yet to face the sheikah's 'fuck off' vibes.

Sheik walked the length of the bridge trying to regain his composure. The encounter with the Link-look-a-like was strange enough but paired with the fact that he knew about facts that Sheik had only shared with the princess herself had him suspicious of these potions now. In any other situation, he'd try to convince Link that it wasn't worth the risk to use them but unfortunately, they had no other options.

Was he being overly paranoid? What if the merchant had been through Kakariko yesterday and heard about Link's injury? Unlikely. Also the residents of that town seemed to close to the hero to share potentially harmful information to random strangers even if they do share a striking resemblance to Link.

The more likely scenario is he must have seen Link wandering around Castle Town today with a bandage around his arm. Two plus two makes four.

"...Sheik?"

However, Sheik never mentioned Link by name when he referred to needing that potion for a friend. He'd hidden his face and clothing when they'd first entered Castle Town and that look-a-like had certainly notbeen in the bar. Unless he'd been hiding in a corner just before they went inside then there was no reason for that merchant to simply just assume that Sheik was traveling with the hero.

Granted, the man did ask first if they traveled together but it sounded more like he was confirming what he knew and not asking if it was true. He'll admit that this might just be him being overly paranoid.

However, none of this explained how the look-a-like could have found out about Sheik's secret. Which he'd only half revealed to Link. Or the man's mysterious ability to disappear. It couldn't be teleportion. He knew what that felt like. Especially when done that close to him. He'd lived in a village of people that used to teleport all the time for Din's sake. It's also possible he just wasn't investigating it properly however.

This was so frustrating! There was no one to teach the arcane knowledge that had been forgotten over the ages and any books or scrolls they'd found that contained anything more then a few paragraph's of relevant information spoke mostly of theory but not actual practice.

"Sheik! Stop."

The shout startled Sheik out of his thoughts, jumping back a step out of instinct. Link seemed to have sped up at some point during his mental tirade to stand in front of Sheik. He quickly held his hands up, trying to calm the sheikah.

A quick glance at his surroundings had Sheik surprised to realize that they seemed to have left the bustling city behind and now entered the grassy hillside of the Eldin Provence, just several miles shy of the rough and dry terrain that made up the base of Death Mountain. Still several hours from Kakariko but farther away from Castle Town then he had expected to be.

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you but...I can't standthis tension. I know I made you mad and I'm sorry for that. I just...can we just talk?" Asked Link with an embarrassed look as he rubbed the back of his neck. Sheik blinked, confused at his meaning.

"You believe I am angry with you? Why?" Asked Sheik curiously. He momentarily forgot about his worry, wondering how the hero could possibly believe such a thing. Was he being rude? Was it something he said? He'd be worried about this instead if Link didn't look so embarrassed.

"What do you mean, why? Your pace has been practically burning a hole in the ground with the force of your intensity. That's not the point though. I'm trying to make peace with you here. Listen." Said Link before sighing. Sheik looked on edge again but was still peering curiously at him.

"I need you to understand that I'm notgoing to hurt you. Back there? I was not angry withyou, I was angry for you."

Sheik tilted his head, folding his arms loosely together in front of him. That was a phrase he was unfamiliar with and would have simply let it go but the hero seemed determined to communicate something to him.

"I don't understand. What does it mean to be angry...forsomeone?" Asked Sheik cautiously. Surely the hero didn't mean that in a literal sense?

Link opened his mouth but paused, choosing his words carefully.

I really want to connect with you. Something about you just feels...right.

"It mean's that you become emotional in the behalf of someone else. The fact that you were attacked so blatantly, for seemingly no reason, was bad enough but...you spoke like it didn't matter. That guy was going to stab you. You could have died and it sounded like that didn't matter to you." Said Link. He was hyper-aware of his own emotions, already brewing up in bubbling balls of rage for someone he'd just met yesterday.

He needed to stay calm though, otherwise Sheik would shut down again. The sheikah was already starting to shrink back, but it seemed more from confusion and hesitation, not fear. Progress. Then something Zelda had said earlier came to mind.

'I always told you that you needed another personfor a friend Sheik.'

Link had taken that phrase as simple lighthearted teasing against Sheik but now he wasn't so sure. Did Sheik truly not have many friends? Was this something Sheik sought out for himself?

No way. Sheik may not seem very social but he's as skittish as his horse around people he isn't familiar with. That doesn't happen out of the blue. Something must have happened to him in the past to make him this way. He does seem to hide himself a lot but when he has the opportunity, as far as I can tell, Sheik doesn't discourage people from talking to him. He just seems uneasy, like he expects others to react negatively toward him.

Sheik looked taken aback by Link's words.

"Hero, I assure you that I care very muchthat someone had tried to threaten my life. I am used to it however. Normally I am better prepared to handle such situations but, as I had said, that man had caught me off guard. I apologize if my story set the wrong impression of me." said Sheik cautiously. Link took a deep breath.

He is used it. Used to people attempting to murder him? He doesn't even seem to realize that story is not something to tell as a joke. What happened to you Sheik?

"Sheik...you didn't do anything wrong. You should probably not tell that kind of story when others are excepting a funny tale though. I have to ask, did that man get arrested at least?" Asked Link as he gestured for Sheik to walk beside him.

It feels more like an interrogation with us just standing here facing each other.

"No." Said Sheik as he walked beside Link in a uneasy pace but much calmer then before they left the city.

"What, why? Did he just get away with a fine then?" Grumbled Link.

"Not as far as I know. I doubt that the authorities even know about it. I had to convince the princess not to go after him personally." replied Sheik with a sigh. Link had to fight to keep himself from spiraling out of control again.

"Sheik. Do you not believe that man deserves to be punished for what he did?" Asked Link as he glanced at Sheik from the corner of his eye. He wanted to figure Sheik out. He'd have marched back up those stairs and knocked the guy out himself if he'd been Sheik. Might even have thrown the guy out his own window if he'd been there to see him attack someone he cared about.

A trait that I definitely share with Zelda. Sheik had to have been pretty damn convincing to make Zelda walk away from something like that without any justice for him.

"As a shopkeeper, he has the right to refuse service to anyone. Honestly, I was surprised he hadn't tried to summon the authorities on me." Said Sheik. He stared straight ahead, this time not allowing himself to be distracted by his thoughts. It was becoming difficult though, as the hero's questions were making him defensive.

The princess used to speak like this to him. Still did occasionally but she's all but given up when he began refusing to talk altogether unless she commanded it of him. He doesn't believe he is worth the risk. The nobility of Hyrule were ruthless and they spared her no mercy whenever she'd defend her sheikah servant. The people of Hyrule were no different as a rule.

'Friend, Sheik. Or guardian, if your sense of duty can't accept that, but you're never going to be just a servant to me.'

Sheik couldn't suppress the small smile as he recalled the princess's automatic comeback whenever this subject came up between them. He heard the hero's exasperated sigh.

"It's surreal how calm you are about this." Replied Link with a frown. They began walking down the gentle curve of the hill's slope, the grass crunching lightly beneath their feet.

"If I became angry at every possible transgression thrown against my person then I would be angry all the time. I don't wish to be this way." Replied Sheik, his voice straining from the effort of not becoming overly defensive and lashing out.

It was actually quite baffling that he hadn't withdrawn already from this conversation. He would have in a heartbeat if it were the princess but with Link...he wasn't sure. Sheik just wanted him to understand. Still practically a stranger to him but the hero's option mattered more then Sheik thought it would.

Link battled with his innate curiosity and instinctual urge to pursueonce he realized he wanted something. He knew where this conversation was heading. Could see the line being drawn here. Not only could he imagine himself crossing it, he saw himself taking a flying leap over it.

That's not going to get us anywhere. Except maybe into an actual fight. The Sheik I met yesterday seems like a totally different person then the one that I saw in Telma's Bar earlier. I'm certain either one can kick my ass though, so time to change the subject.

He nodded his head as a reply and started to softly hum before deciding what he wanted to say.

"What's your favorite color?" Asked Link as he relaxed his stride. The sudden shift of tone with their conversation had Sheik almost dazed. The sheikah could only stare baffled at the hero for several moments, making Link grin.

"...what?"

"Your favorite color. What is it?" Asked Link with a playful tone. He lifted his head to gaze up at the sky.

"Ah...blue." Said Sheik finally. Strange as the topic change was, it did completely derail Sheik's emotional train of thought. Having to focus on such trivial information made him dive into memories that he hadn't thought of in a long time. Not since his father left.

Because that was the truereason behind the color he'd chosen. Blue was part of his people's uniform and it had absolutely nothingto do with the dark shade of blue he saw within the hero's eyes. It did not.

"Cool. Mine is green. Something about the trees sprouting all shades of green during spring just made the world seem even brighter. Forest's have always been a fondness of mine because of that." Replied Link. He reached toward the sky and stretched his arm's behind his head before letting them drop back to his side.

Sheik tilted his head curiously, in a way that reminded Link of Seshat. The hero chuckled at the image.

"Fascinating. I've lived in a valley most of my life. The weather is cold many months of the year but I find winter preferable to the other seasons." stated Sheik but he paused, looking hesitantly at the hero.

He'd forgotten himself for a moment, not feeling this comfortable around anyone except his mother. Even with the princess, there was a certain barrier that he couldn't bring himself to face mostly because that is what tradition demanded. He could practically feelthe weight of his ancestors disapproval at the thought of treating Zelda as anything but the princess that he occasionally shared minor adventures and a sense of strong attachment with.

Sheik released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding at Link's encouraging smile, slowly relaxing again.

"Winter has always seemed so calm to me. All the colors faded away. All the sounds quietening. Like the world simply fell asleep. That isn't to say that winter can't be harsh. I have been through my fair share of blizzards in the past but even in it's fury, winter has a certain sense of beauty that I can't help but admire."

Sheik quickly turned and dropped his gaze to the ground, as if embarrassed. Link hadn't the foggiest idea why. He had liked the sound of Sheik's soft spoken voice before, but he tended to speak in a matter of fact tone. Now, the sheikah was becoming more comfortable and allowing some of his true nature to shine through.

Some of that hesitation was fading and once Sheik got into a subject he truly feltsomething for, it was like he channeled all that emotion into his speech. The sheikah's voice took on a silvery tone that quickly developed an almost lyrical quality the more attached he was to the topic. Link was pleased to find that hidden in his speech was an accent that often had the sheikah rolling his r's.

I've never really cared about poem's before but I'd kill to hear Sheik recite a few. Something tells me he'd be amazing at it.

Link was disappointed to find that Sheik didn't open up again after that slip up, but at least he hasn't withdrawn yet.

I'm going to hear that accent freely rolling out of him again even if it's the last thing I do.

They had traveled for almost three hours before they started to venture into the field that would lead into Kakariko. They chatted for most of it. A concept that Sheik understood, but rarely ever participated in due to having very few people to actually chat with. Though he felt perfectly fine sharing his thoughts with his mother, she was not one for small talk.

The princess was always up for chatting with Sheik, but she often did most of the talking. It wasn't even a lack of effort on his part. He just didn't know what to say to her half the time. Always worrying about proper language and suitable topics. Something he made the mistake of mentioning to her once. From that moment on she would intentionally let slip a topic, sometimes even wildly inappropriate ones, that he would have traveled to the deepest pits of the dark realm to escape from.

Sometimes he wondered why he was so fond of her.

Sheik had also spent the time keeping an eye out for danger but his mind wandered occasionally. Since leaving Castle Town, he enjoyed his time with the hero. He made the mistake of letting his guard down tomuch in the beginning, but he kept a tight lid around his control now. Reminding himself that regardless of how good it felt to actually have a normal conversation without having to worry about if he was speaking out of turn or if he was keeping the conversation on topic, it wasn't going to last very long. He was only hurting himself by becoming attached.

The last hour they spent in comfortable silence, only broken when the hero would occasionally hum a familiar tune that Sheik couldn't quite place. The sheikah had stolen a few glances at the hero as they traveled, finding him leisurely strolling along. The only thing that seemed to bother Link was his missing undershirt. He'd often pull at the neckline of his tunic, a look of irritation flashing across his face but soon faded.

The sheikah sighed inwardly. The hero was an astounding person all on his own, but he had also surrounded himself with remarkable people. It almost seemed unfair. How many years had Sheik wandered the capitol city, reaching out to those that he thought he could befriend? The farthest he could get was convincing a few merchants not to charge him four times more for the same items they'd often give away as samples.

The cats of the city seemed to love him, however. That was the story of his life. Animals liked him better then people did.

Sheik's eyes narrowed as he immediately noticed those creatures that he had seen attacking Ordon, except that most were riding boars. Not wanting to risk the hero's life, he told Link that they would teleport the rest of the way.

They suddenly appeared next to the spring. Sheik closed his eyes, taking an unsteady step back as a wave of dizziness hit him. He needed a good night's rest before he killed himself through arcane exhaustion. Once the dizziness passed, he was startled to find that he was almost curled into Link's side. An arm wrapped firmly around his waist to steady him and he immediately stepped away when he looked up to see the hero's worried expression. He gave the hero a stiff nod of thanks.

Epona was spooked when they appeared, but Maelstrom just resumed drinking.

Link immediately sat down at the edge of the water and pulled off his boots. He placed his feet in the water with a content sigh and patted the ground next to him in invitation. Sheik dropped down beside him but did not remove his boots. He pulled his knees up and then reached out to wrap his arms around them, lacing his fingers together.

"I think I need rest. I haven't given myself enough time to recover from the strain of teleporting so much recently," said Sheik warily. He sighed tiredly as he watched the ripples along the water as Maelstrom moved closer to Epona.

"Isn't there sigils anywhere else that you could use?" asked Link. Sheik hesitated but remembered how close the princess seemed to be to Link. He figured that she wouldn't mind him telling the hero. After taking a careful glance around to ensure they were alone, he finally nodded his head slowly.

"There are several spread out throughout Hyrule. Most are within the estates of Hylian nobility. However, the only ones that I am able to tap into are the ones located in the capitol city. The princess wishes for Castle Town's main defenses to remain a secret to the public." said Sheik and then frowned as a bitter thought came to mind.

"Something the council will hopefully not undermine tomuch." Sheik froze after muttering this, not intending for the thought to actually leave his mind. Perhaps Link didn't hear him?

"Council?"

Apparently not. Sheik groaned softly, covering his eyes with his palms in a fit of frustration. What is wrong with him? He couldn't just blurt opinionated things like this out. What would it say about him? About the princess?

"I'm getting the feeling that you didn't mean to say that. How about you tell me what the hell this 'council' is and why they provoked the first real negative connotation from you? Afterward, if it makes you feel better, I'll pretend that you didn't say anything about them in the first place?" Said Link with a mischievous tone.

Sheik dropped his hands, looking over at the hero with suspicious eyes. He sounded playful but did he really mean that? He wasn't used to people joking with him. Especially not about matters like this. He wanted to trust him though and Link has done nothing to prove he couldn't be trusted.

"This is not something I would normally speak about with anyone except the princess however..." Sheik sighed and decided to confide in Link. He needed to tell someone his fear. His mother was to far removed from the political games the nobility was so fond of playing and the princess has to deal with the council everyday, fully aware of what they are like.

Most of what he was uneasy about was speculation anyway.

"They are a group of people among the Hylian nobility designated to help the ruling monarch. When there isn't a monarch however, they become a stand-in until one is appointed. Unfortunately, our late king was a casualty, among countless others. Princess Zelda survived, thanks to you. This means that the power of the council essentially becomes equal to her own, since she is the crown princess. Until she is wed, the princess will not be able to ascend the throne." Sheik said, launching into what the princess likes to call his 'lecture voice'. The sheikah had the strangest sensation of feeling self-conscious under the hero's unusually intense gaze, but also proud that he was able to hold this much of Link's attention.

"All that goes over my head a bit but I can't help but notice that among that amazingly informed narrative of what the council is, you didn't say anything about how you think they'll undermine Zelda." Said Link as he laid back and used his elbows to prop himself up.

Sheik sighed, eyes following the path of a leaf as it floated overhead before landing in the water, creating ripples on the surface. He watched the ripples for several moments before finally turning to face the hero but not quite looking him in the eye.

"This is not fact. I have no proof other then what I have heard with my own ears and seen with my own eyes. While some of the council are supportive of the princess, others are not. Of those who are not, many have their own reasons. I don't know them all. Some are this way because of me. Others simply have no interest in what she does unless it benefits them in some way. They manipulate her, a tactic she recognizes often...but rarely is able to counter. She just doesn't have the power to do so. The princess cares for her people and they need help now, more then ever, after such a harrowing event like the Twilight Incident." Sheik said this cautiously, eyes tracing the lines of stitching on Link's shirt to distract himself. It felt good to finally start unloading his fear since he couldn't bring himself to bother the princess about it.

"Have you told Zelda about this?" Asked Link, concern lacing his tone. Sheik almost laughed. It was like the hero could pick up on his stray thoughts.

"No. She faces the council everyday. Anything I tell her would only add to her burden because she can do nothing about it. She wouldn't even try unless she knows it will make any sort of difference. The unfortunate truth is, she needs their support. All of them. Order needs to be upheld and the Hylian Royal Family can't feed and protect the entire kingdom all on their own. Until she is wed, she will have to share power with them." Sheik paused as he remembered something that had only happened recently.

"Admittedly, they have been slightly easier for the princess to handle now that Prince Victor has returned home. I am grateful that the goddesses saw fit to not allow Princess Zelda to lose her entire family to that tragedy."

"Yeah. Zelda's suffered enough as it is. I can't wait to meet him. What's your opinion on the guy?" asked Link as he sat up again. Whatever playful energy Sheik had been emitting vanished with the question and Link almost didn't think he'd answer until he turned to face the hero with an inscrutable expression.

"The prince is what you'd expect from Hylian nobility." replied Sheik in a stiff tone. Link decided that was a subject he'd pocket for later so he hummed in thought before remembering something.

He swung around to stare wide eyed at the sheikah, making his companion jump. Link just chuckled.

"If those snobbish bastards that make up this ridiculous council can have the ability to teleport, then I sure as hell want it too! Can you teach me?" Asked Link excitedly. The concept of teleporting was a bit daunting, but he couldn't let the chance slip away if it was there.

Sheik blinked, confused. Each member of the council flashed before his eyes, most of which couldn't decipher a children's coloring book let alone the complexity of a spell as powerful as teleporting. The sheer chaos of the thought sent him into peals of laughter.

"What in the world gave you the idea that someone on the council is capable of such a feat?" Asked Sheik once he calmed enough to speak. He glanced over, wondering why the hero wasn't answering and found a goofy smile on the man's face, as he just stared at him.

"Hero?"

That snapped him out of it and he laughed nervously.

"Sorry, got distracted. You said that many of their estates had sigils. Aren't they for teleporting?" Asked Link as he turned to pick up his boot and fiddled with it. He was trying to stop the image of how good it felt to hear Sheik laugh without restraint. Everything else the sheikah did was held in restraint.

Except when he fights. Then he's like a damn tornado of blades.

"No. Sigils are not reserved for anything. They are simply massive storehouses of energy. They are difficult to maintain however and require consistent maintenance otherwise they can become very deadly. I can't say for certain why or even how each of the nobility has a sigil on their property. I would assume it would be the same reason that the princess has them in the capitol city." Said Sheik with a chuckle. He raised his hand and swept it through the air like he was wiping away dust.

Link smiled, recognizing the habit the sheikah had when he was about to launch into a topic he enjoyed. He did it a lot during their hike through the Eldin Provence. His hands were always moving, gesturing and making his speech seem more vibrant. Rusl did that all the time when he was excited and he remembered Uli always teasing him by saying 'you talk more with your hands then your mouth'.

"The entire castle is covered with a ward. It's like a magical wall. Each of the sigil's in town power it. It's only a small taste of what magic is capable of but there's so much more we don't know about it." Said Sheik with a sigh. His excitement was short lived and he rubbed his temple with his index and middle finger.

"That is why the princess wishes the knowledge of the ward and sigil's that power it to remain secret. She and Prince Victor possess the ability to create them but not the understanding of how they operate. The same is true for a lot of the arcane arts. No one does anymore. There are books, scrolls and even other magical castors that were sought out but the most that was found from them were just theory and knowledge learned through trail and error. For example. The ward over the castle currently is not visible to the naked eye but the ward that trapped it during the Twilight Incident, if it even wasa ward, was visible. Why? Are they two different things? Or are they the same thing that has different capabilities?"

He turned to find the hero's face mirroring his unnerved expression. Link remembered what the castle looked like in the eerie sky of Twilight.

If Zelda is using something she doesn't understand to protect her people then that ward could be something that could be used against her. Like the Twilight all over again.

"I'd almost say that using something like that isn't worth the risk but I've seen what Midna can do. Hell, I've seen what Pigface can do. I'd hate to see us having to go against an enemy like either of them without the protection of a ward." Replied Link with a frown. He glanced over, studying Sheik for a moment.

"You seem pretty passionate about the subject though. In a way that seems more then just a 'this is a cool hobby of mine'."

Sheik looked uncomfortable but nodded slowly, looking down at the water again.

"When the Twilight spread…I couldn't do anything. My clan refused to leave our home but they had me leave once we realized that something was invading our kingdom. Something that wasn't just a person intending to conquer. So, I teleported as far as I could and continued to run until I barely made it out of the Twilight's range before it could reach me...something I wouldn't have done if I'd known that I couldn't get back inside once the Twilight settled over Hyrule. I didn't know what was going on. I didn't know what befell my family or my princess. I couldn't help at all. That's why when you defeated the King of Darkness and the Twilight finally lifted, I did everything in my power to help Zelda come up with ways to prevent such a thing from happening again. The most effective method so far has been the use of wards. But, as I've said, the knowledge needed for such a feat is extraordinary and rare. After I do what is needed with you, then I will return to help the princess," said Sheik softly.

Link looked at him sympathetically. He noticed the slip of Zelda's royal title. It meant that not only was she important to him, but he had been greatly affected by the fact that he couldn't help her when she needed it.

"I'm sorry. That must have been hard to deal with. At least your help is allowing her to make progress right? I'm sure it will pay off in the end," said Link. He shifted and pulled at his tunic but when his chainmail ripped out yet another one of his chest hair's, he growled and leaned forward. He ripped off his belt and then pulled his tunic off. His chainmail came flying off next and he sighed in relief. He pulled his blue tunic back on, attached his belt again and was half way from laying on the ground when he paused, noticing the wide eyed stare the sheikah was giving him.

Sheik's brain seemed to stall when the hero went from sitting calmly beside him to suddenly becoming shirtless within a matter of moments. He could do nothing but stare at the hero's well defined chest. Then blue eyes locked with his own and suddenly his face was burning. He turned his head so fast he feared he might suffer whiplash.

"I-I apologize. I wasn't-you were-ah, I mean-" Sheik gave up and just lowered his head. He silently thanked every goddess for his shawl that covered his still burning face. Link looked hesitantly at his companion, wondering what caused this.

"Uh, its fine. You didn't do anything wrong. I just needed to get this chainmail off before it rips all my chest hair out. I was about to go crazy. Sorry if I startled you." Link finished with an embarrassed grin.

"I see. Wouldn't it have been more...prudent to change inside your room?" Asked Sheik hesitantly. He saw the hero tilt his head thought and then his eyes widened.

"Oh, did I make you uncomfortable? Goddess, I'm sorry! I'm just, ah, well, I'm used to doing this. Not stripping outside mind you. Well, alright. You see, in Ordon we didn't have individual bathrooms or even a bathhouse. We'd bath in the river. There weren't that many of us and to save time all the men would bath at the same time and then the women would go after. Its easy to forgot not everyone has shed a majority of their modesty like we have. I won't do it again." Link said sheepishly.

Sheik found himself strangely disappointed. It was intriguing however. He wondered what it must have been like to grow up in a place like Ordon. It seemed as small as his own home and yet, they still did things differently.

Link stretched and then laid back on the ground on his side with his left arm propping up his head. He wiggled his feet a bit in the water, watching the ripples the movement created.

"Anyway, you better get some shut eye then. I'll probably head to bed in a while as well, if Renado doesn't make me do so sooner. We can look for the potion later," said Link. He could have sounded irritated with the shaman if it weren't for the fond tone when speaking about him. Link paused when he remembered something.

"Oh right, so what happened to make you so agitated in town?" asked Link. Sheik looked sheepish as he pulled out the two bottles of the silvery potion and set them down next to Link.

"What?! You met him?! Did he really look like me? What other cool stuff did he have? Why'd we leave so suddenly if he was right there?!" exclaimed Link, his voice an excited jumble of words. Sheik almost thought the hero was angry with him when Link shot up and stared at him with wide eyes. He couldn't help but laugh. It made Link look more like an excited child with his rapid-fire questions.

"Because he disappeared, hero. I don't know if he is able to teleport or if he has a similar method. If he had other unique items, then he must require potential customers to search for him first," said Sheik dryly. He froze suddenly, looking very nervous. Link had an idea why. That was honest to goddess sarcasm and it rolled off him so well it had to be natural.

I've found my new goal in life. His accent is amazing but that sarcasm is a work of art that be can't be hidden away.

Seshat padded up near the edge of the water and crawled into Sheik's lap. The feline seemed to bring him out of his daze but he stared straight ahead, body tense. The hero could see him ready to spring away at a moments notice. He needed to handle this delicately or Sheik would shut down.

"Humph. Jokes on him. I'm damn good at scavenger hunts," said Link with a grin. He wasn't able to pull a laugh out of the sheikah like he had hoped, but he was glad to notice Sheik slowly relaxing.

Link was trying to think of something to say as he picked the bottles up and stuffed them into his pouch. Sheik turned and was about to reply when Renado walked up to them.

"There you two are. I take it you both went into town already?" asked Renado as he stood behind them.

"Yeah, Sheik found the guy but he didn't stick around very long. He must have been avoiding me but I don't know how he was avoiding everyone elsein town because I couldn't find a single person that saw or even heard of the guy. Probably not that hard I guess if he could just disappear randomly at will." Link replied as he leaned his head back until he was looking at the shaman upside down.

"It wasn't a complete waste of time I guess. I did find that pendent. Don't have the slightest idea why it's a good thing to have it yet, but my gut hasn't led me astray yet," Link scowled as he said this, remembering his half naked sprint through town. He'd never go back to Castle Town if he could help it.

But I've never been the kind of guy to run from his problems.

"That's good to hear. You should look for a way to heal that wound because I've done all I can. Well, I could speak with the doctor in Castle Town to see if he has anything to share on the subject. It doesn't seem natural and the infection is spreading. I will do what I can. Anyway, Link I take it from the absence of your old one, that you have no sword. Here, I'd like you to have this one," said Renado as gestured with the scabbard held in his hand.

Link sat up and turned around to face the shaman. He reached out to wrap a hand around the scabbard, the old leather crinkling under his palm. He wrapped his other hand around the worn hilt and pulled the shortsword partially out. The blade was a bit dull around the edges but he gazed upon it like it was a masterwork blade.

"I know you're right handed, but you should at least carry a proper weapon with you. It would make us all sleep better at night if you did. Malo also just had Barnes set a new blanket and saddle over there next to my house. I'm afraid that no one had the courage to put them on Epona though. Especially with her new sentinel standing guard," said Renado with a chuckle. Maelstrom lifted his head to peer at Renado, as if he knew that the shaman was referring to him.

"Did you need equipment Sheik? I'm sure I could find something around here that would be useful," stated Renado.

"No, thank you. Maelstrom doesn't like saddles much and I normally like riding bareback anyway. I do have a saddle at home if I needed one but it's been quite some time since it's been used," said Sheik. Red eyes turned to peer at his white stallion in thought. He didn't know where their journey would take them. Perhaps it was time to return home to retrieve that saddle after all? Long distance riding shouldn't be done without one. Especially if it could provide another place to store their supplies.

Sheik wasn't comfortable accepting anything he hadn't earned however. He'd been a burden on the shaman enough as it was.

"Alright. Just check in with us every now and then alright? May the goddess's watch over you on your new journey," said Renado as he bowed his head and then turned and walked away.

Link sighed, running his right hand along the blade.

"Man, it feels like forever since I held a sword. I feel much better just holding one. I've always favored my right hand though." muttered Link as he stared down at the blade. He tried to remember if anyone in Kakariko knew how to wield a sword.

It's better then nothing, but I need to learn to fight again. I can't use my dominant hand and my other tools aren't designed to be weapons in a real fight. Besides, I'll be damned before I left some random bulblin be better at swordplay then me.

Sheik wanted to offer his help. He'd aimed to go above and beyond the avenge sheikah with his training. Much of it was self taught once he'd learned how to defend himself. Becoming ambidextrous was a requirement for a Shadow Warrior and he'd embraced it during a time in his life when he'd still been in denial that his father would return one day. Luckily his clan mates excelled at different skills as well. All of which he strove to learn.

However, training with anyweapon was a long term goal. To long for the amount of time that Sheik would be with the hero.

He wanted to train with Link though. Sheik would be happy to do anything with him really. He knew that he was heading down a painful path but he didn't know how to stop. His slip up earlier when he'd been sarcastic, of all things, with the hero almost had him fainting from fright. It had rolled right over Link however. He even joked with Sheik afterward. He was careful to never let it slip around his mother. Knowing well that she'd slap the disrespect right out of him if he even tried. It occasionally slipped by with the princess, which mortified him every time. Her teasing was merciless as well, which was part of the reason why he never tried very hard to stop it from happening again. Zelda found only amusement with his true nature.

It was exhausting trying to continuously hide his true nature. Something that just didn't feel necessary around Link. He wouldn't fall for this trap however. He can't get attached.

"Hey, Sheik. Later, would you mind if I throw myself at you?" Asked Link suddenly. Sheik whipped around to stare at him in disbelief.

"I-I beg your pardon?" Replied Sheik in a pitch a bit higher then normal. A look of realization spread across the hero's face, making him blush fiercely.

"Um...that did not come out the way I wanted. What, ah, what I was trying to say was would you want to train with me later? I mean, I can't imagine those tiny knives to be the only weapon you can wield." Said Link with a nervous laugh as he rubbed the back of his neck. His face was burning. Why did he say it like that? What was wrong with him?

"Ah, well, in that case, then it would be in honor to train with you. I do have a sword of my own." Said Sheik hesitantly. The hero must only want to practice with him while they travel to their destination. He stomped down the hope that Link was changing his mind about sending him away. The Hero of Twilight would know that you can't learn to wield a blade overnight, even if you did have prior knowledge.

Link grinned, and then reached into Sheik's lap to pick up the purring cat curled in a ball. He held her up to his face.

"You think you could give me some good luck, girl? If your owner fights just as wickedly with his sword as he does with those knives of his, then I'm about to get my ass handed to me," cooed Link. He laughed as Seshat pawed his face, meowing.

He didn't notice the blush that spread across the small part of the sheikah's face that wasn't covered with his shawl when Link had reached into his lap. Something in Sheik responded vibrantlywhen the hero's hands brushed on either side of his thighs.

Sheik quickly got up and strode over to Maelstrom. Link looked up puzzled.

"Hey, I thought you were tired?" asked Link as he stood up. He hoisted Seshat on his left shoulder as he went. Sheik paused, turning his head slightly to peer behind him while still facing his stallion. He was thankful that his shawl hid most of his face.

"I just need…to take a ride. Maelstrom is easily agitated when he's stuck in one place for to long." said the sheikah. Link nodded.

"Alright, I'll go check out what Colin's doing then," replied Link. He turned and walked away with Seshat still perched on his left shoulder. Her tail wrapped around his neck as she enjoyed the view.

Sheik hurriedly hoisted himself onto Maelstrom's back and cantered out of town.

He rode out into the field and immediately urged Maelstrom into a gallop. He closed his eyes and focused on the wind hitting his face. His shawl was quickly pushed off his head and bunched around his neck from the force of the wind, revealing his face. He couldn't bring himself to care. The exhilaration of traveling at top speed with nothing around to contain him was one of the few ways he could deal with stress.

Music was another balm to his nearly limitless anxiety, but he was unfamiliar with this village and its people. He was to self-conscious to even try playing his lyre in Kakariko.

He opened his eyes and had Maelstrom veer to the right of Kakariko's southern gate. This went into a narrow passageway that soon lead right into the field that led to the road that separated Castle Town from Kakariko. Once he entered the field he slowed his mount into a canter again and then let him go where he pleased. He closed his eyes again and tilted his head back, warmed by the sunlight hitting his face.

The sheikah was rather confused. He has never been so emotional around somebody before. Yet, he has lost count of how many times the hero was able make his heart race. There was plenty of times it beat with anger though. He had been taught all his life to notbroadcast his emotions to the world. Yet, the hero was tearing down his walls with very little effort.

Sheik was so deep in thought that he didn't notice that Maelstrom's ears suddenly flattened against his head until an arrow flew and pierced Sheik just below his left shoulder blade. The impact knocked him off Maelstrom's back and he landed hard on his side with a cry of pain. Sheik looked up just in time to see a charging bulbo heading straight for him. It suddenly veered to the left when Maelstrom skidded to a halt in front of him and reared up, screaming in anger.

He quickly rolled away from a bulblin that had attempted to bash him over the head with it's club, but that placed him in front of charging bulbo's again. He hadn't noticed that there were so many of them! What in the world was he thinking? He should have been paying attention to his surroundings!

Sheik scanned the area with a sharp gaze, sparing a moment to quickly wrap his lower face with his shawl. There was no time to wrap his hair again. Hopefully it wouldn't hinder him to much. He cursed once they had him surrounded. Maelstrom began to panic as he ran around in fright trying to avoid the arrows being shot at him. Sheik narrowed his eyes in concentration, and then teleported out of the circle of bulblin's. He appeared on the other side of the circle, near his panicking stallion. Many of the creatuers cried out in surprise and pointed where he was last.

The sheikah quickly began throwing knives at the bulblin archers trying to take down his horse. With the biggest threats now taken care of, he called for Maelstrom.

He kept moving, trying to make his movements unpredictable as he avoided the charging bulbo's and throwing knives at every bulblin that got to close. He swung himself onto Maelstrom's back once the stallion was able to get close enough and urged him into a gallop. He needed to get away from this mass of enemies before they overwhelmed them.

They were easily able to avoid the slow moving bulblin's that wielded clubs, but Sheik never thought to check if the ones he'd already taken down earlier were dead or not. This cost him, as now one of the fallen archers suddenly stood up on shaky feet. Blood spilled from the wound in it's shoulder, soaking its clothing with it's red hue. A scowl graced its face as it drew back it's bowstring, aiming at the one that hurt it first. It couldn't hold the shot steady with its wound and the arrow flew toward the charging white stallion instead. It pierced him on the right side of his chest.

The stallion screamed in pain as he toppled to the ground, taking Sheik with him. The sheikah hadn't known about the archer until Maelstrom suddenly fall to the ground. He was dazed from the fall, his head spinning and now he was caught halfway underneath the stallion.

Sheik heard the thundering hooves behind him, and swung around to see the line of charging bulbo's heading his way. He was still heavily dazed from the fall and his vision was blurry, so he just braced himself. He couldn't teleport with such a lack of focus so he just laid there, cursing himself for getting them into this fatal mess.

Suddenly he heard the whistling of another arrow as it flew through the air from the other side of Maelstrom, but this one sounded like it was hissing.

The line of charging bulbo's suddenly veered in different directions when an explosion suddenly knocked the bulblin in front right off his mount, it's body a smoking charred copse flying through the air until it crashed to the ground motionless. The bulbo's that weren't spooked by the blast were knocking into each other as the heavily wounded and still on fire riderless bulbo in front run into the ones alongside it. Sheik swung in the direction it came from just in time to see Link speed passed on Epona, chasing the retreating bulblin's.

Link easily chased away the main group by either throwing his Gale Boomerang at random bulblin's, taking wild left handed swings with his new sword or just hurled bombs at them. Soon he cleared the area.

Link quickly dismounted Epona when they approached where Sheik was pinned. He ran up and knelt next to Sheik, but the sheikah waved him away. He didn't want to move Maelstrom so Sheik closed his eyes and then teleported a few feet away. He almost fell to the ground as a wave of dizziness hit him but he pushed passed it.

"Why didn't you just do that in the first place?!" exclaimed Link. Sheik ran around and fell to his knees next to Maelstrom's head. He paused when he raised his hand and saw the blood staining his glove. The sheikah began to shake with the force of his emotion, sheer panic clouding his mind.

"I was distracted, hero! It is extremely difficult to teleport when you can't focus. Now please, watch over Maelstrom. I have-have to go-go get help!" shouted Sheik desperately. Link reached forward, about to shake some sense into him but he suddenly teleported away.

Link immediately pressed his hand against the stallion's wound to try and stop the bleeding but he couldn't help but notice how much was already on the ground. Maelstrom was fading fast.

Sheik isn't going to make it in time…but hopefully we won't need him to.

He quickly dug around in his side pouch with his free hand and finally pulled out the sparkling silver potion. He poured some over his fingers. He gripped the arrow firmly while pressing his potion covered fingers against the wound to stop any flares of pain.

"Hang in there buddy. This isn't going to feel very good but bear with me, ok?" said Link soothingly to the dying stallion. Maelstrom just whined pitifully in response. Epona walked up beside the fallen stallion and nuzzled his neck.

Link took a deep breath and yanked the arrow out before quickly sticking his potion covered fingers through the wound. He was amazed when he immediately felt the wound began closing around his finger. Maelstrom jerked once, but was suddenly still as soon as the wound sealed itself. Link leaned back to inspect his handiwork and was pleased to see that aside from the blood staining the horses white coat, the wound had completely vanished.

Sheik suddenly teleported back with Renado. The shaman had to grab a hold of the sheikah as his legs seemed to almost collapse from under him.

Maelstrom jumped to his feet and trotted up to Sheik once the horse noticed the sheikah struggling to stay on his feet. Sheik stared in shock. He suddenly bent down, forcing Renado to bend with him, and saw that there was no wound. He sagged in relief against the shaman and then reached out feebly to place a hand against the stallion's forehead.

Link watched worriedly at Renado and Sheik's strange dance as the shaman tried to sit Sheik on the ground while the sheikah refused to let go of his horses mane. The stallion neighed, shaking his head before lowering himself to the ground so Sheik laid against his side.

Link quickly scanned his own horse to make sure she was alright. She snorted, flicking her tail at him as if insulted that he thought she couldn't handle herself. He trusted Renado to handle his wounded companion, so he turned and quickly went to retrieve his bow that had dropped somewhere on the battlefield. It had been hard enough trying to keep it steady, but there was no way he was able to keep a hold of it once he actually managed to fire that bomb arrow.

Sheik stared up at him with a hazy pain filled red gaze once he returned.

"What happened, hero?" muttered Sheik tiredly as he gripped Maelstrom's mane, struggling to stay awake as the loss of blood and arcane exhaustion began to get to him. Link stepped closer and then knelt at his side. Renado nodded to Link, gesturing to keep the sheikah occupied. The hero's sharp gaze caught the arrow sticking out of the sheikah's back.

Link reached out to pat Maelstrom's neck, giving Sheik an encouraging smile. Tired red eyes watched him warily, half-lidded as Sheik struggled to stay aware.

"He's a stubborn one, that's for sure. You had nothing to worry about Sheik. I had potion remember? It's pretty damn strong to. Not that we didn't already know that-" Link immediately reached out to keep Sheik from moving when Renado expertly removed the arrow. The sheikah gasped, his body jerking out of it's half asleep state.

Link stiffened when Maelstrom's ears flattened against his head and looked back at his distraught owner, grunting in warning. Sheik kicked weakly, eyes widening but he didn't focus on Link. He wasn't focusing on anyone. He began slurring words in his native tongue fearfully.

It was painful to watch, mostly because he knew what it was like. To be suffering from wounds and exhaustion and have them drag you down, only to have painjerk you back so fast that your mind is not able to keep up. Leaving you thrashing out in fear, believing that you're still being attacked.

Link grabbed a hold of Sheik's weakly thrashing arms and pushed them down until they laid against the sheikah's chest. He then wrapped an arm around Sheik's neck to keep his upper body pinned against Link's chest. He grunted in frustration when Sheik tried to bend out of his hold, so he laid his upper body over Sheik's so his side was pinned against Maelstrom's back.

The hero stayed like that, now watching Renado over Sheik's shoulder as he made quick work of the wound. Link whispered soothing words to the slowly calming sheikah. The shaman checked his work and was satisfied.

"I suggest we leave the open field. I trust you can handle the horses, Link? Sheik will not be awake much longer," replied Renado as he started to move Sheik into a better position to pick him up. Link nodded, pulling away but then paused when he felt a hand grip the top of his shirt.

Ruby eyes, still hazy but no longer filled with pain looked up at him through his blonde bangs. Sheik whispered a word in his native tongue that Link would have missed if not for his sensitive hearing. He didn't understand the meaning but he could understand the feeling.

Emotions spiked in him as Sheik laid his head against Link's chest and closed his eyes, his body sagging against him. He reacted instinctively when Renado tried pulling him away. He snarled, sapphire eyes flashing dangerously as he curled forward to shield Sheik's body with his own. Renado jumped back, alarmed.

The hero's entire body shook as he wrestled control back, swallowing nervously.

"I'm s-sorry. I-I don't know...I was-" Renado waved it away with a raised eyebrow.

"I believe we've been through this. There is no need for you to be sorry. I think it would be wise for us to switch roles, however." Stated Renado. He treated the reaction as if it was an everyday occurrence, which had the hero feeling even more guilty.

Renado began to approach Epona but paused, smiling down at Link.

"I am pleased that for once, I did not have to rush to your side because of a life threatening injury. I had my doubts for a moment when Sheik came stumbling into my home begging for help. He wouldn't even let me see his own injury before taking us back here. I suppose it's good practice to keep me on my toes." Renado chuckled at the thought and reached forward to grab a hold of Epona's bridle.

The mare shook her mane, but followed the shaman when he urged her forward.

Link sat on the ground with Sheik in his arms, trying to regain his bearings. He was uneasy. He and Renado hadn't been through this before, because this wasn't the same as before. This wasn't him getting used to having a whole new set of instincts. This was something else entirely. This was the strongest lapse of control he'd had so far. What in the world was happening to him?

He felt a nudge against his arm. He turned to see Maelstrom snorting impatiently, pushing against his arm again.

Well, I won't look a gift horse in the mouth.

He carefully arranged Sheik against his chest. Bracing his good arm against Sheik's back while slipping his injured one under his knees. One of Sheik's arms hung loosely while the other one still gripped the top of Link's shirt. Sheik's head laid against his shoulder, making strands of his blonde hair tickle Link's nose.

The hero paused, realizing that his injury won't take the strain for long. He took a deep breath and lifted his companion in the air and quickly stepped over and sat on the horses upper back. He slowly released the breath he'd been holding, allowing the flair of pain to subside while he focused on setting Sheik down so he rode sidesaddle in front of him. Link quickly wrapped his injured arm around Sheik's torso to keep him steady while gripping the stallion's mane as the horse stood to his feet.

Maelstrom started to follow Epona at a slow pace. It almost seemed like the stallion was attempting to step lightly, making the ride less jarring. Link glanced up and couldn't help the chuckle at the mare's mildly suspicious eyes. Like she wasn't happy but wasn't complaining. She whinnied and faced forward as if to say 'Just this once. For Sheik.'

They were walking through town when Seshat suddenly appeared and jumped onto the ledge of the bomb store. She waited until they got closer but then paused. She seemed to notice that something was wrong with her owner, so she jumped to the ground and followed beside Maelstrom instead.

Renado paused as Epona trotted away and headed farther into the shallow waters of Eldin Fountain. Maelstrom followed right up until the edge of the spring.

Link peered over the side of the horses back, trying to judge the distance to the ground. He could handle such a thing just fine normally but with no saddle to grip and an injured arm he was pretty sure Sheik was going to go tumbling to the floor when he tried to dismount.

I guess I'll get off first and try to hold him steady on the way down...

Renado had been ready to help but Maelstrom suddenly lowered himself to the ground, making Link clutch Sheik to his chest to stop him from falling forward. He nodded in thanks as the shaman took hold of his companion. Stomping down the spark of aggression that compelled him to lash out at Sheik's absence.

Link shook his head with a huff. He gave the white stallion a grateful pat on the neck before standing to his feet.

"Thanks buddy. I'll look after him. Don't worry." Muttered Link as Maelstrom climbed to his feet again. The stallion turned to stare him in the eye with a narrowed gaze as if to say 'you'd better'. He then trotted away to join Epona in the back of the spring.

Link walked along the wooden walkway of the Inn, noticing that Renado had already disappeared inside. He sighed, glancing down at the bandage on his arm. Part of him just wanted to go to sleep and find that this whole thing was a nightmare.

But then Sheik wouldn't be real.

He paused in front of his room, realizing that thought was more troubling then he thought it would be. Blue eyes glanced over to Sheik's door. It was slightly ajar and he heard Renado shuffling around inside.

Link hesitated, but then approached. He gently pushed the door open and saw Sheik laying on his side with his back facing the shaman. The bed was perfectly made. Each item in the room placed exactly where they belonged. In such a way that was far to organized for whoever normally cleans these rooms.

Sheik really likes things organized.

Renado nodded to him once entered. He had a bowl of water on the bed beside him and a half full bottle of red potion sitting on the table beside the bed.

"I was just finishing up here. I'd like him to finish this red potion when he awakens. The wound shouldn't trouble him in his sleep now." Renado paused to dip a towel into the water and wring out the water.

"I believe our young friend values his privacy to much for me to be of any more help. I've cleaned the wound. I trust you'll keep an eye on him?" Link nodded absentmindedly as Renado began to pack up his supplies. He'd been to distracted recently to really look at his sheikah companion. First the battle. Then the ride back was filled with the fear of whatever the hell was happening in his head.

Now he noticed just how long Sheik's hair was. It bunched in front of the shaman and trailed over the side of the bed. It had come lose from the shawl during he fight perhaps and some of the long tresses were wet and Link realized Renado must have been wiping away whatever blood that must have been left over from the fight. It was confusing and also fascinating why something as mundane as hair arrested so much of his attention.

Sheik hides so much of himself. Every new bit revealed is like uncovering a mystery.

Link blinked when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Renado held the bowl in one hand and stared at him with a frown.

"I have a feeling that something big is a foot. Fate has yet again forced you to be a part of it. I hope you understand that you have people that are not just willing, but actually want you to lean on them?" Renado said with a soft tone. Link smiled gratefully, nodding since he didn't trust his voice yet.

With one last reassuring squeeze, the shaman left the room. Link sighed tiredly.

Something 'big' huh? I haven't even recovered from the last time I was forced to be in middle of something 'big'.

Link glanced down, gaze trailing along his sheikah companion's prone form. Everything changed the night they met. He wasn't complaining. Well, maybe he was, but not about Sheik.

Maybe I should tell him. Maybe Sheik would know what the hell is happening to me. He certainly seems far more informed about magic and the supernatural then I do.

He ran a hand down his face. Link didn't know the guy well enough to confide something like this to him yet. He shook his head but then paused when he noticed the slight shiver that passed through the prone body laying on the bed.

Link frowned and then walked along the length of the bed until he reached the chest at the foot of it. He flipped the latch up and then lifted the lid. He pulled a woolen blanket from inside laid it over the sheikah's form.

When Link stood at the head of the bed, he paused. He stared at the white material covering the lower part of Sheik's face.

Part of him was worried Sheik might suffocate if he slept with that on but another part was simply unbearably curious what he looked like under that shawl. It was a tough battle he waged with himself but he jumped back when he heard a sudden hissfrom below him.

He huffed, looking down at the sharp green feline eyes glaring up at him from her hiding place under the bed.

"Chill out, I wasn't going to do it! I'm just gonna loosen it, so I'm not worrying about him suffocating in his sleep. Promise." Whispered Link defensively, choosing to ignore the fact that he was trying to argue with a cat.

He tugged gently at the white material enough so that it didn't sit so tightly against the lower part of Sheik's face but didn't reveal it. He quietly left Sheik's room, closing the door softly behind him. He stood in the hallway for a few moments, trying to decide what he wanted to do. It was only midday.

Link turned, surprised when he heard something from inside his own room. He cautiously stepped up to the door, leaning closer until he heard a familiar giggle. Link grinned, throwing open the door and then rushed inside.

Colin and Beth sat on the edge of his bed, legs swinging back and forth. Whatever conversation they had been in middle of disappeared within the shouts of surprise as Link went charging into the room and headed straight for them.

They all dissolved into a giggling pile of limbs as Link jumped on the bed and dragged both children into a bear hug. They roughhoused for awhile, with Beth surprising Link at how involved she got. She had always been the prissy, 'don't get my hands dirty' type of girl and yet, here she was wrestling with two boys.

"Alright, alright. Not that I mind, but what are you two doing in my room?" Asked Link as he took a seat and stretched out so he could lean his back against the headboard of the bed. Colin and Beth sat at his feet, side by side, with their legs crossed in front of them.

To Link's surprise, Colin elbowed Beth lightly. She looked embarrassed but perked up a bit when Colin gave her an encouraging smile. She crawled off the bed and walked over to his window. Hanging over the edge was a familiar green tunic and another white undershirt.

Beth picked up the tunic and smoothed out the wrinkles. She turned and then presented it to Link, a nervous look on her face.

"I found some green fabric in Malo Mart. Borrowed a sewing needle from Renado. I thought maybe you'd want to keep it so I fixed it as best as I could. I like to sew but I'm not really good at it yet." Said Beth nervously. Colin frowned and crossed his arms.

"She's being modest Link. She's really good. She started taking over for mom when cloths needed mending at home after she learned to sew from Ilia." Colin seemed to realize what he said and the three of them were silent for several moments.

Link reached forward to take the tunic. He ran his fingers along the seams, noticing the patches over the right shoulder and parts along the back. They were a slightly darker shade of green then the original color but the stitching was expertly done. Even Ilia didn't have this level of skill.

"I'll say. This looks amazing Beth. You are a true natural." Replied Link as he gave her a grateful smile. He'd thought to actually take it to be professionally repaired but it just didn't sit well with him. Ilia never understood. Hell, he didn't even understand. It just felt wrong. It didn't feel like that now.

Honestly, I'm not sure how this thing survived, totally intact, after the last Great Hero's journey in the first place.

"You don't know what this means to me Beth. Thanks for fixing it." Link reached out and ruffled her hair, making her scowl and straighten it, but not without hiding a smirk. Colin sighed as he glanced toward the door.

"We should get going Beth. Talo said he wanted to spar with me and I can't keep putting it off or he's gonna start jumping out of nowhere, trying to start a fight." replied Colin with a frown. Beth rolled her eyes, returning to her normal confident nature.

"Well, if he does, then hes gonna get slapped! That boy needs a lesson in respect." grumbled Beth as she crossed her arms and headed for the door. Colin followed behind her, chuckling as she continued to explain in detail what she would do to Talo if he tried to jump scare them. They both waved goodbye before leaving the room.

Link glanced back down at his tunic, smiling. He got up and laid it over the dresser in the corner. He then took off his blue tunic and after a moments hesitation, stuffed it into his adventure pouch. He could always use an extra shirt. A sharp blue gaze narrowed at the chainmail laying on the floor next the door. He'd left it there earlier when he decided to follow Sheik outside. A stupid idea since he ended up in a fight anyway so he really should have been wearing it.

The hero still glared down at it. He could just image how many of his chest hairs must be caught in that thing. He left it on the floor as punishment. He'd put it on later.

The hero stood staring at his tunic but decided that he just wanted to relax for a bit. He unfolded the brown sleep shirt Renado had lent him and changed into the brown pants as well.

I'll relax for a bit and then stock up on supplies. Malo probably has that shop running like a well oiled machine by now.

It was almost dusk when Sheik finally stirred, groaning tiredly. Red eyes fluttered open, lazily surveying his surroundings as he tried to remember how he got here. Then it all came rushing back to him.

"Maelstrom." gasped Sheik as he shot up. His muscles protested the jarring movement but at least the dizziness had faded. He needed more rest but first he needed to find his horse and then he needed to find the hero.

Sheik berated himself as he rolled off the bed, pausing when his long blonde hair spilled over his shoulder and over the side of the bed. He subconsciously reached up to tug his shawl up higher. He sighed as he pulled his shawl off and then wrapped his hair within its folds, leaving the tail end to wrap around his lower face. He tucked the rest of his long hair into the back of his exoskeleton.

A frown pulled at his lips as he finished. His hair really needed a good wash and a thorough brushing. It was the one thing he indulged in and it made his left eye twitch in annoyance at the state his hair was in. Grumbling, he pushed the blanket off of himself and slowly climbed to his feet. Nothing should come before the hero, especially not his personal feelings toward his personal hygiene. Besides, unless his memory was failing him, then Maelstrom also should be fine.

The sheikah paused again when he noticed the half full bottle of red potion on a table beside him. Guilt tugged at him. The shaman must have patched him up again. He shook his head. He had to at least pay the shaman for his trouble. Though he didn't have much. He opened his door and stepped into the hallway. He suddenly flinched, not even fully into the hallway yet before something small and brown bounced off the side of his head and landed on the ground. He had just enough time to look down and recognize a small piece of meat before Seshat came skidding to a halt on top of it.

Ruby eyes looked up to see Link hurriedly walking toward him. At least Sheik didn't have to search for him.

"Sorry about that. I was sacrificing part of my dinner so Ninja Cat could show off her acrobatic skills. You feeling alright now?" Asked Link as he reached him.

The hero had a strange gleam in his eye. It was not the dangerouskind that Sheik had seen before, but it was inhuman nonetheless.

"I am fine, thank you. If you will excuse me." Replied Sheik as he stepped around the hero. Link was relatively unharmed therefore Sheik's sense of duty allowed him to check on his horse. Sheik's body still gave the odd twitch, a side affect of arcane exhaustion.

Sheik was vaguely aware that Link was following him outside. He did not know the hero's agenda but didn't have the energy to face it right now. His nerves were calmed when he spotted Seshat frolicking about, running in circles around them both.

He passed Renado's house and stepped into the shallow waters of Eldin Spring. Epona noticed them first since Maelstrom seemed to be snoozing nearby. Sheik slowed his pace as he neared his stallion, feeling bad about waking him. He almost turned around and went back but a whinny from Epona when she noticed her own rider at the edge of the water had the stallion grunting in irritation at being woken.

The stallion's ears perked forward as he noticed his rider and he walked through the water to greet him. Sheik reached a hand out and laid it against the horses long forehead, brushing some of the hair out of his eyes. Maelstrom nickered, lifting his head and pushing his soft muzzle against Sheik's palm.

"I am glad you are safe. I will let you sleep now. I only wished to check on you." Whispered Sheik fondly to the stallion. The horse shook his mane and nibbled on his hand playfully before turning around to head to a more secluded corner of the spring.

Epona stood at the entrance to the spring, her tail flicking as she pawed the shallow water with a hoof. Link stood on her left side, rubbing his hands in circles over her bay coat. He hadn't followed Sheik into the water but he could tell there was something that Link wanted with him. Why else would he follow him out here? He appreciated the moment of privacy at least.

Once the sheikah approached the edge of the spring Link paused, studying him. The hero frowned when Sheik remained silent, standing motionless in rays that reflected in the water from what was left of the light of day. Sheik stared back at him, his red eyes giving off that same defiant energy Link had seen the first night they'd met.

It made Link's innate curiosity nearly unbearable. There were brief times that Link had thought he might have mistaken his first impression of Sheik. After all, the person that had saved his life seemed like an entirely different person from the one he'd spent most of today with.

Then Sheik did things like this. Spinning Link in circles within his own mind.

The spell was broken with a sharp 'meow!" at the edge of the water near Link. They both jumped and then turned to see Seshat pacing back and forth at the edge, watching Sheik. She'd pause briefly to raise on her hind legs, as if judging the distance between her and Sheik, but then returned to her pacing with a frustrated look.

Link chuckled at her antics as he watched Sheik stride through the shallow water towards her. He bent down to pick her up as he stepped onto dry land. Link gave Epona one last pat before approaching Sheik.

"Sheik, I have two questions for you and then you're turning around and going back to bed. You're in no shape to be doing much of anything right now, especially if you really intend for us to travel to the Sacred Grove tomorrow. It's not a short walk, nor is it an easy one." Replied Link as he crossed his arms.

Those red eyes flashed defiantly again, filling Link with anticipation. He could practically feelSheik's indignation. He did not like being told what to do. Or maybe he just didn't like Linktelling him what to do. It really didn't matter.

He's getting into that bed if I have to knock him out and drag him there.

Sheik closed his eyes and then turned his head away. His body still rigid with tension but he responded with a deceptively calm voice.

"Very well. What answers do you seek from me?" Asked Sheik softly. Link frowned, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. Why is he acting so docile when he wants to be otherwise?

You're locking so much of yourself away. Why?

"First, I want to know what in the world were you thinking. Those pig riding raiders shouldn't have gotten within shooting distance of you, especially on that speed demon you ride. I know that personallynow." Replied Link. He watched the sheikah stiffen, but made no move to answer. Link almost thought he wasn't going to, until Sheik opened his eyes and stared at something far on the other side of the spring.

"I was distracted." Said Sheik stiffly, some of that calm persona cracking. Link stepped closer to him, pausing when Sheik actually stepped back into the water.

"Do you even realize what would have happened if I hadn't been there?! I almost wasn't! If the kids hadn't told me to get lost when I tried to hangout with them-" Link paused in his tirade as he remembered something during that moment. He'd thought nothing of it at the time, but he remembered Beth quickly hiding something when he'd entered the room.

It must have been my tunic. She was still working on it.

Link shook his head, running a hand down his face. Chance. Chance was the only thing that saved him.

"If I had stayed with them, then you'd be dead. If Epona hadn't felt like taking a ride, which she has absolutely no problem letting me know about, then you'd be dead. If I hadn't left so soon after you did, then I wouldn't have seen where you went. Meaning, you'd be dead! Help me understand Sheik. Help me understand why you got so distracted that you missed over a dozen stampeding boars carrying monsters that were shouting in your direction?!"

Sheik was speechless. What could he say? He couldn't tell the hero that he'd been distracted because he'd been stressed about his unraveling emotions involving Link!

"I…ah…" Sheik trailed off, unable to think of what to say. Seshat's ears twitched, looking cautiously up at Sheik. She could sense that he was becoming uncomfortable.

"Din damn it! I nearly had a heart attack when you were knocked from your horse!" shouted Link.

He unconsciously stepped closer to the sheikah again, entering into the shallow water. Sheik's grip tightened on Seshat as he stepped back again but stumbled over a loose rock in the water. Link quickly tried reaching out to steady him but Seshat hissed, startling Link and making him jerk back.

Link took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair as Sheik quickly straightened a few more paces away.

"Sheik, you frightened me. You're a damn good fighter so it baffles me how this happened." Replied Link with a sigh. It occurred to him that Sheik was probably having a harder time trusting him, then Link was of trusting Sheik.

This isn't going anywhere.

"Everyone is safe now. That's all that really matters anyway. Let's just hit the hay," said Link warily. He turned and headed toward the Inn. Sheik hesitated and then followed him, trying to smooth the fur standing up on Seshat's back as he went.

They entered the Inn and had almost reached Link's room when Sheik finally brought up the courage to speak.

"I believe you had two questions you wished to ask me. What was your second one?" Asked Sheik quietly. He cradled Seshat against his chest but had flipped her upside down at some point during their walk. He gently rubbed her fluffy belly as she purred.

Link paused, his hand hovering over the doorknob to his room. Images flashed before his eyes.

An arrow striking Sheik at such a force that it threw him off his horse.

Maelstrom tumbling to the ground half on top of him.

Unfocused ruby colored eyes hazy with pain and fear. The firm grip on his tunic as he heard a whisper of a word his heart seemed to recognize, but his mind did not.

Link turned to look at Sheik from the corner of his eye. The sheikah seemed to have regained some of his composure but still had an edge of vulnerability.

I don't think he's ready to revisit that moment. Honesty, I don't think I am either.

Instead he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"You know what? I forgot what I was going to ask. It's not a big deal. Maybe I'll remember later." lied Link with a sheepish smile.

The sheikah's tension seemed to lighten at his carefree attitude. Then he tilted his head, red eyes drawn to the bandage around Link's arm. Then his eyes widened as he thought of something.

"Hero? How were you able to wield your bow with your injured arm?" asked Sheik curiously. Link barked a laugh, forgetting about his spur of the moment decision that almost had him shooting his own foot.

"With awesome skills and a ton of pure luck. I was speeding toward you when you got pinned under Maelstrom, but I knew I wasn't going to reach you in time. So, I improvised. Pulled my bow out and then had Epona run a little to the left, keeping the line of pig rider's in my sight." Link said this with a grin, one sapphire eye closed as he positioned an imaginary bow and arrow.

"I notched a bomb arrow with my left hand, and then held the bow steady with my right foot. This was verydifficult on a moving horse might I add, and then just let it fly. I knew I'd drop my bow afterward but it didn't matter. I figured even if I missed the guy in the front, I'd still hit one of them. Which would make them scatter and that was what I was aiming for," Link finished it off by acting out the move like he was on an imaginary horse, complete with a 'twang' as he released a bomb arrow and then a 'kaboom'when it hit something.

The scene was so ridiculous, Sheik couldn't stop himself from laughing. Hard. He let Seshat leap to the ground as he bent over from the force of his laughter.

"And if Iwas that target you ended up hitting?" asked Sheik dryly as he raised an eyebrow. He didn't even notice he'd been sarcastic until Link suddenly beamed and then causally leaned on the doorway.

"Hey, beggars can't be choosers. I could have just let your ass get trampled, but I didn't did I? Which means we're even now. You saved my life, now I saved yours. Besides, my aim wasn't anywhere near you," said Link flippantly. He looked down as Seshat rubbed herself against his leg.

"I guess you're not mad at me anymore?" said Link cautiously. He reached down to pat her on the head. She gave him a calculating look as if to say, 'for now'.

"She's really taken a liking to you. Anyone else would have most likely ended up like that child that opposed us back in Ordon," Sheik said as he watched Seshat rub her face against Link's hand. The hero snickered.

"Yeah, I bet he'll think twice before messing with us now. Who wouldn't when we have a ninja cat like you?" Cooed Link as he scratched her under the chin. He looked up to grin at Sheik.

"She actually would have been nice to have around like six months ago when I had no one to talk to but Midna. That wasn't always a bad thing. She was my partner in crime after all. It's just that, there's only so many times I can take the classic "why are you wearing a dress?" joke. Or how she used to tack on "werewolf" to every other sentence when talking to me. I loved her like a sister but damn, there were so many times that I just wanted to stuff her into that helmet-mask of hers and hurl her into Lake Hylia," grumbled Link fondly as he straightened and opened his door.

Sheik laughed softly, feeling somehow lighter. It had been a long time since he had laughed like this. He didn't understand the hero sometimes. Link was able to make Sheik do and feel things that he just couldn't explain.

Especially when he become sarcastic. It was a side affect of all the negatively he'd faced growing up. Most of his thoughts were sarcastic to be honest, but he always took care to rarely voice them aloud.

Sheik had been terrified the first time it happened, thinking the hero would surely lash out at such disrespect. Instead, he seemed to relishSheik's sarcastic nature when it slipped out. Responding with gusto.

It had gotten to the point where Sheik was certain their parting would be difficult no matter how distant Sheik tried to be. Link was the only person where Sheik thought he could really just...let go. Be himself. No restraint. No tradition. No people threatening or judging him simply for what he was.

Link smiled, suddenly deciding something and scooped up Seshat.

I really like his laugh…is that weird? Maybe it's because I hear it so rarely.

"Well, she will be difficult to get rid of since she is so fond of you. I hope you are ready for what that means." Said Sheik with a snicker. He reached for his cat, but Link pulled his arm away with a smirk.

"You know, I wasn't much of a cat person before this. She totally has convinced me otherwise though. It's a given that she'd totally love me." Said Link with a wink.

"The question that you shouldbe asking yourself, is are youready for what that means?" Asked Link as he raised Seshat to his face. He grinned when she meowed happily and pawed at his face. He snickered, sticking his tongue out at Sheik then quickly jumped into his room and shut the door.

Sheik just stood there, stunned. Did the Hero of Twilight just stick his tongue out at him? Then steal his cat? Why did he think that was horribly cute?

Sheik strode back to his room, grumbling. Well, he hadn't been much of a people person until he met the hero.