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)

27. Chapter 27

The first new chapter in a while. Sorry guys! I'm gonna try and keep it up this time. I also should explain that I can't seem to get the line button to work half the time when I'm editing my chapters. So, I've started to use 'zzzzzzzzzzzz' instead to break up the sections.

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Vivi stormed through the hallways but paused every once and awhile. He stressed his magic and gently probed every thin spot he sensed on the light ward surrounding what he calls his fancy prison.

The bastard thinks he's better than me. Humph, I was using magic before he was even a thought!

But he obviously isn't going to go busting through any walls or hiding in anyone's shadow. He'd tried hiding in Artemis's shadow the second day he was stuck here and this blasted light ward had kicked him right out of it!

Where is the bastard getting the knowledge to create something strong enough to faze me?

Vivi paused again right next to the umpteenth door he'd passed but growled and kept going. He rolled his eyes as he turned a corner to enter yet another long corridor full of doors that probably led to nowhere.

There isn't even any windows in these hallways! This is at least three floors away from his precious supposedly hidden library so it's not like he doesn't have the room to work with. Does the fool have no taste at all?

Of the many things he may be though, incompetent wasn't one of them. He knew a thing or two about wards. Of every kind. They were powerful of course but they were only as strong as the effort you put into making them.

That fool seemed to be fond of light wards. It made sense. Considering what kind of man he is but they weren't what he preferred to use. They had limited access and mobility not to mention that most of his followers had all been dark creatures anyway. It was pointless to set up a ward against his enemies when it would keep his minions out too.

He finally sighed and turned to lean his back against the wall of the current corridor he was scanning.

I've spent the last forty five minutes probing every inch of the last three floors! And what do I find? Nothing! Humph, well I do have to hand it to the guy…he knows how to build a decent light ward.

He then narrowed his eyes and hummed to himself.

But…I'm quite certain he didn't have the kind of training I did so he is sure to make the same mistake that everyone does when covering a large area…which is probably how I was able to bring the shadow walker here to begin with.

Vivi straightened and frowned as he started to walk along the hallway and thought of every possible place this type of mistake would be found.

Normally it would be in a place he is often but doesn't bother to reinforce because he thinks no one could reach it normally anyways…the small library at the top floor!

Vivi snickered as he glanced up and then closed his eyes and dispersed into nothing.

Underestimating me will be the last mistake you'll ever make!

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Sheik watched Dude's every move like a hawk as he walked passed him to stand outside with Saria.

"Shall we be handling this away from the hero then? I assume that having me as far from him as possible would be the most comfortable for you?" asked Dude.

Sheik narrowed his eyes but nodded once before cautiously following him out of Saria's house. The Sheikah paused just outside of the Forest Sage's house and without taking his eyes off Dude he stretched out his right arm behind him and dropped the dagger he was holding.

It fell through the air until landing blade first into the ground. The moment it touched the dirt, the Sheikah's magic shot from it and covered Saria's house with a purple transparent dome before crackling with recoil energy and finally disappearing from sight.

"Impressive…it's still hissing with recoil energy even though you've already finished creating it. You must have linked it with the power of the Ballad of Heaven, right? Rather smart of you. Giving it a continuous energy source, but on to business! Where would you like to go? I take it you don't wish to stay in a place that is trying to influence your emotions, huh?" said Dude with a smile. He backed away when Sheik walked forward again.

How could he have possibly known that just because my new ward was still giving off recoil energy that I had linked it to the Ballad of Heaven…?

Sheik had relaxed his stance but was still tense and certainly didn't feel safe with only one dagger out so with a twitch of his right hand, Sheik summoned the dagger that normally sat in his left shoe. He blinked and tilted his head, confused for a moment when nothing happened.

Did I not perform it correctly…? No, I've done that spell so many times I don't need to say the words anymore.

Sheik frowned and tried summoning the dagger that normally sat on in the inside of his right thigh instead and sighed relieved when it appeared in his palm.

Maybe the environment is hindering my magic or maybe it's just that bastard screwing with me…After all, he did somehow catch me when I was still teleporting and I thought that was impossible…

Abby suddenly flew in front of his face and attached herself to his blonde bangs. He frowned but didn't say anything. He was already pouring all his focus into ignoring the swarm of fairies that were watching curiously from all over the village.

"If you need a quick place to talk that's not around us fairies then go just outside of the village, where the bridge is. Our power doesn't cover that area right now," said Abby softly to Sheik as she pointed toward the left of Saria's house.

The Sheikah took a quick glance in that direction and saw a hollowed log like the ones in the Lost Woods and decided that it wasn't that far from where Link would be. So, he turned back to Dude and used his dagger to point over toward the hollowed log.

"Over there. Outside of the village," said Sheik shortly. Dude raised an eye brow but said nothing before nodding and heading over in that direction. Sheik followed close behind with Abby flying above him to settle on top of his head.

"Don't worry Sheiky! I'll keep you company!" said Abby firmly. Sheik smiled softly but said nothing as he followed Dude toward the exit of the village.

Sheik glanced up as they were about to pass Mido's house and spotted the entrance that they had entered this place from.

Where does this new exit lead to then I wonder? Just another part of the Lost Woods?

Sheik glanced back toward Dude and his eyes widened when they neared the hollowed log but he still couldn't see what was on the other side.

Perhaps this wasn't the best idea…it could be a trap.

Dude stepped into the hollowed log and suddenly disappeared from view, his bright aura instantly fading into the darkness that engulfed the inside of the hollowed log. Well, he certainly didn't want to just stand there looking like a frightened little boy so he quickly stepped into the hollowed log but tensed when he noticed that this one was a bit longer than the others. It felt different too. He got the feeling that they weren't anywhere near the Kokiri Village anymore even though he could take a few steps back to arrive there again.

The Sheikah soon stepped out of the other side and onto a short wooden bridge. He glanced down and noticed the planks underneath his feet were worn from obvious years of use and the rope that held it all together seemed ready to give at any moment yet it held strong.

Impressive for something that must be thousands of years old…the magic of the forest must keep it intact.

He looked up to see Dude walking forward still but then stopped just before going through the other side where another hollowed log stood. He gasped when a memory suddenly flashed before him.

That is not possible…! I've never been here! And Link hasn't either! So how…how did I just have a memory of him standing on the other end facing away from me? And why do I feel frightened in it…?

Dude turned and then tilted his head curiously when Sheik suddenly stopped and looked right over his shoulder, like he was remembering something.

"It's not your memories, Sheik. The hero isn't the only one that's been reborn remember?" asked Dude.

The Sheikah suddenly shook his head and faced him, looking like he didn't know if he should be amazed or furious.

"How did you know that? How do you know anything about us when we don't even know you!" exclaimed Sheik as he gripped his daggers tighter. Dude was on the other side of the bridge but it wasn't very big. A few steps and he'd be standing right next to the guy.

Dude sighed as he ran a hand through his wild hair.

"That's kind of a long story…" said Dude with a frown. Sheik growled and thrust a dagger toward him.

"Then you'd best come up with a short version! I'm in no mode for any games either. So, I better not hear the words "I can't" or "You won't understand," said Sheik lowly.

"Awfully demanding today aren't we? Whoa!" exclaimed Dude suddenly as he jerked his head to the side to avoid the dagger that went sailing just passed his left eye.

"Don't test me. Next time I keep throwing until I hit you," hissed Sheik as he summoned the thrown dagger back to his hand. Dude put up his hands.

"Alright, alright! No need to start fighting again. Now, what exactly are we trying to settle here?" asked Dude.

"Everyone seems convinced that you're some kind of saint even though no one really knows who you are. First, how do you know so much about Link and I?" asked Sheik. Dude scratched his head with a thoughtful expression.

"I'm well informed," said Dude simply. Sheik gave him a weird look.

"By who?!" exclaimed Sheik.

"Many people. As you know, I'm a traveler so I tend to meet many different people who tend to know many different things," said Dude.

"We haven't told anyone about our destinies except Princess Zelda! Are you going to tell me you know her too?" exclaimed Sheik.

"Ah, no not this one. Never got the chance to make her acquaintance. Seems like a lovely young lady though," said Dude.

"What do you mean 'not this one'? Are you trying to tell me there is another princess Zelda out there somewhere?" said Sheik unbelievably.

"Of course, just not in this timeframe. No really, you should ask her next time about how many of her ancestors were named Zelda," said Dude.

Sheik shook his head in amazement before taking a deep breath and pointing a dagger at Dude.

"This conversation is just going to spin me in circles so I'll just ask the one question that will settle this whole mess. Are you the one attacking the Goddess Farore?" asked Sheik steely.

Dude stared at him for a moment, making Sheik nervously shift his feet.

Is he trying to think of a convincing lie? Or preparing to attack? Why is he just staring?!

Suddenly Dude just bent over laughing and slapped his knees.

"Oh my-no wonder you're so hostile toward me! You think I'm the vessel for the shadow?" asked Dude hysterically. Sheik narrowed his eyes. He didn't know what the man was referring to but one thing at a time.

"So, you deny being the mysterious man in the hood I ran into recently? Then why did I sense his power within you if you're not the same person?" asked Sheik lowly. Dude tilted his head thoughtfully and scratched his chin.

"Maybe I unknowingly ran into him and his power rubbed off on me?" asked Dude laughingly but quickly put up his hands when Sheik's glare darkened.

"Alright. I have a theory why you would mistake me for him if you sense his power within me. But there's a big part of this story that you're missing," said Dude sternly. His sudden serous tone made Sheik very uneasy.

"And what part is that?" asked Sheik cautiously.

I was about ready to throw this goofy guy into his next life but now I feel like I'm suddenly facing a dark lord…either this guy is seriously bipolar or I've seriously underestimated this man's skill…

"The beginning. So, you're right. Enough small talk. They didn't want either of you to know this yet but I think it's making things more complicated than they should be. So, you need to know how this all started. But first, we need to clear up this confusion between us," said Dude lowly.

He then crossed his arms and turned to look over Sheik's shoulder.

"Saria, Abby. Please go back to the village," said Dude neutrally.

Sheik glanced behind him just in time to see the stunned look on Saria's face.

I didn't even sense she was here even though she must be like five feet away…I can't feel anything but Dude's power now…and its building.

"Wha-but I can't! I promised Sheiky I'd stay with him!" exclaimed Abby from on top of Sheik's head.

"It will not be safe for either of you to stay here. So, please go back to the village now," said Dude sternly.

Saria's eyes widened before she spun around and ran back into the hollowed log leading into the Kokiri Village.

Abby flew off Sheik's head but hovered nervously near his face.

"But I-"

"It's alright Abby. Will you wait for me in the village?" asked Sheik quietly.

Abby looked at Dude and then back at him before nodding slowly.

"O-ok. I'll be right at the other side waiting for you!" said Abby. Then she zoomed toward the hollowed log and disappeared from sight.

"Now, I'd rather just get this over with," muttered Dude before closing his eyes.

His aura started to shine even brighter, making Sheik squint just to see his figure. Sheik quickly brought his daggers up in a defensive stance as he sensed the presence of Dudes power multiplying from all around him.

Not good…

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Vivi materialized right next to the doorway that would normally lead to the smaller library on the top floor.

Like I'm going to waste time walking up here…

He frowned as he glanced around.

Not any different than the last few bazillion times I've been here but then again…I wasn't looking for anything specific before.

He strode forward, intending to pass the gold and sickly green couch that sat near the entrance and just make a wide circle until he ran into the door again as he scanned the room.

What is with that horrid green color anyway? It's everywhere! I figured the fool would like gold but this shade of green? I don't even know what color green it even is! Puke green with mustard yellow thrown in maybe? Whatever, it's wasting my time with its weird and nastiness! Now…there has to be at least one spot up here that bastard didn't cover properly…

He passed the gold and sickly green couch but then stopped mid step just as he passed the gold dragonhide armchair that the Hooded Man normally lounges in. He thought he saw something. So, he slowly backed up a few steps.

He stepped beside the armchair and tilted his head curiously before walking up the aisle of bookshelves adjacent to it.

What the…?

He walked up to the object laying on the floor and stared at it for a moment before cautiously picking it up.

A dagger? A nice one too by the looks of it. It has a touch of shadow magic surrounding it so I doubt it belongs to that fool. He didn't seem like the type to use daggers anyway.

Vive trailed a finger along the blade and rose an eye brow at the strong presence of protective shadow magic emitting from it.

I don't come across something like this too often. Not too many people know the different between shadow and dark magic. Whoever had this has been using it for years…the magic stored within it doesn't even need to be activated anymore. A simple thought could suffice for a spell that would normally take at least a few seconds to cast. Could it be that girl? No…if she had something like this then she would have busted out of here with Artemis a while ago.

He turned the blade over in his hand and examined it closer.

Hmm…a blade of enchanted silver. A black and blue twisted hilt. And a ruby embedded on the top of that hilt. What is that writing on the blade though? It looks similar to the old tongue but it wouldn't make any sense if it was…

Vive glared at the writing. As if that would suddenly make him understand it but finally sighed and tucked it in his purple robes.

Finder's keepers. Never know when something like this will come in handy but back to business…

Vivi continued to walk down the aisle until he reached the surrounding walls.

I've been up and down this aisle before. So, I won't bother to look somewhere I'm sure it won't be at…

He gently probed the light ward again and immediately noticed it wasn't even half as strong as it had been near the supposedly hidden library.

Well, there is two floors worth of nothing but empty old dusty rooms or lounges with extravert collectables that no one will ever see separating this place from the rest of the mansion…what a waste of space.

Vivi strode along the wall not even bothering to stop and focus on his new task.

The strength of it up here is almost laughable but still enough to be a pain in the rear…but he has to have made-

Vivi's thought stopped in its tracks as he approached something else that was definitely not supposed to be there.

Stuck in the wall right next to the room's single but shattered window was a dagger that looked exactly like the one he had just picked up.

He walked toward the dagger while carefully stepping through the broken glass and ruined books on the floor.

Wait books…?

He glanced just ahead of him and noticed several overturned bookshelves.

Great. Another mess that fool is sure to have me clean up. Whatever, I'll just make Artemis do it later. Wait a minute…

He looked sharply up at the dagger stuck in the wall and suddenly remembered the chase from easier.

Right, this is where it started. That Shadow Walker got lucky and escaped. But that pathetic ninja was standing right in front of the window. So, how did this thing get stuck in the wall right next to him? The only thing I can think of is it bounced off that bastards light shield and hit the wall.

He gripped the hilt of the blade and pulled but the blade stayed firmly where it was.

Humph, that pathetic ninja has quite a throwing arm…

Vivi growled and with a heave, he pulled harder until the blade finally gave away. He fell backwards onto the floor.

"Ahhhhhhh! I hate that fool and his stupid rules and his stupid wards and that stupid face shrouding cloak that he wears and-and this stupid tiny room! None of this would have happened if I could just use my magic without his interference, but no! 'You're too reckless' he says! 'You'd destroy the whole mansion in seconds with a simple whirlwind' he says! I would not! I haven't accidentally caused that kind of damage since my training days! Bloody fool thinks he knows everything!" yelled Vivi frustratingly as he sat on the floor.

He sat there heaving for a few minutes but finally seemed to realize that nothing was there to vent his frustration out on.

What happened to the good old days when I could just summon a minion to throw a few fireballs at?

He grumbled as he climbed to his feet and then looked down at the dagger in his hand.

Same enchanted blade and same blue and black twisted hilt…hmm now that I look at it upside down though…the ruby kind of looks like a tear drop…

His eyes widened when the wording along the blade started to glow. The energy it was emitting wasn't hostile so what was its purpose?

Vivi suddenly yelped in pain as the dagger pulsed with dark energy and then proceeded to wrench itself out of his grip. It left a nice long cut in his palm and then flew across the room until finally imbedding itself in the wall far behind him.

Even with the sting of the cut on his palm, Vivi had to grin as he watched the dagger continue to pulse with dark energy but stayed stuck in the wall.

Ha! Thought you could be all smooth did you Shadow Walker? Well, your pathetic attempts are useless! Say goodbye to your pretty little knives!

He started to laugh but froze when gold lettering started to shine from the walls around the room. Filling it with divine light.

Son of a-!

"Well, I didn't think you'd be so derisive that you'd completely disregard my rules and try to ram through my ward like a raging bull when you think I wouldn't know," drawled the Hooded Man suddenly from behind him.

Vivi spun around to face him.

"It wasn't me! It was that!" yelled Vivi. He jabbed a finger toward the dagger stuck in the far wall but gawked when it sat there silently, not making the slightest attempt to break through the wall it landed in.

The Hooded Man glanced over at it and frowned.

"You're blaming a knife in the wall? My ward wouldn't have reacted to something trivial like that. Yet, here you are, wasting my time with your pathetic lies. Looks like I'm going to have to use some reassurance to make sure you stay where you're supposed to be," drawled the Hooded Man. He raised a hand toward Vivi and drew something in the air while he muttered something he couldn't hear.

Gold lettering appeared all around him before criss crossing and wrapped around him like a snake. It then disappeared from sight.

"Did-did you just seal my magic?" asked Vivi hysterically. The Hooded Man rolled his eyes.

"Yes, genius. Maybe that will help stop you from wrecking everything in sight while I'm away. Now, get over there and get that knife out of the wall…actually don't. God only knows what kind of catastrophe will occur if you try to climb a ladder that high. I'll take care of it later. Just get your behind down stairs and clean up that mess! I swear, if it's not done when I get back you'll wish the heroes of old had obliterated you!" shouted the Hooded Man before warping away again.

Vivi stood there for a moment before yelling out in frustration. He stomped passed the overturned bookshelves before approaching one that sat upright. He kicked it furiously but then howled in pain when that just did nothing but hurt his big toe. So, he threw up his hand and intended to blow the wooden menace away but then remembered that his magic was blocked. So, stormed away spitting a whole string of unique but nasty curses.

"This can't be happening! How in the world did that holy bastard get this powerful! Or get this kind of knowledge! Someone has to be helping that uptight fool!" shouted Vivi in rage.

He fumed as he stormed down random aisles. The mere fact that he couldn't use his magic to help vent just made him angrier.

How am I going to get out of here now! Walk?! Only pitiful mortals walk down six floors full of dusty old useless rooms! Not to mention that there was now a broken staircase that I can't just climb down because it's missing a few vital pieces! And arghhhh…! My hand hurts! Stupid Shadow Walker and his stupid pretty knives!

Vivi then stopped and thought about that last sentence before reaching into his robes to bring out the dagger he'd found on the floor earlier.

Wait a minute. This one didn't try to return to that pathetic ninja. Did he realize how useless it was the first time or is he so weak he can only summon one at a time?

Vivi frowned before sighing impatiently and put the dagger back within his robes. He absentmindedly threw a sealing spell over it with his uninjured hand.

Certainly don't want it to take off when it's still on me. Especially after what the other one did to my-

He suddenly paused, and looked down at his uninjured hand.

I just sealed that dagger. Actually sealed it! How can I seal something when I am sealed myself…?

Vivi scratched his chin for a moment, trying to remember the spell he'd used.

Occulto…hmmm that's a shadow spell as I recall. One of my homemade ones too. But it still uses magic so how did it work?

He decided to walk back to the shattered window but started listing off spells as he went, trying to find which's ones actually still worked.

There's no way he could build a complex light ward this strong and then turn around and mess up making a simple seal. Doesn't seem like him at all…

He reached the shattered window just about the same time he heard voices nearby. He froze and listened but then scoffed.

Why should I be scared of a couple mortals? I'm losing my edge…but that fool did say I'm supposed to stay out of sight. But surely if these fools can get in here then he must have sent them…?

He stood there for a moment. Trying to decide if finding out about the mystery voices was worth the nonstop 'you never do what your told' speech again but finally decided against it when he heard them coming nearer.

So far my homemade shadow spells are the only ones that are not affected by this seal he placed on me. Humph, just proves I'm the smarter one! Now, time to use one of my favorite spells…

And with that, he dispersed into nothing just when a maid suddenly poked her head around the corner of a bookshelf to investigate what she swore sounded like a snicker. But she found nothing but a broken window with a hole next to it.

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"Come here," said Dude suddenly.

Sheik stared unbelievably at him for a moment. Or at least where he thought he was. Dude's aura had become so bright that Sheik couldn't decide if it would hurt more to stare at him or the Goddess forsaken sun.

How much of an idiot does he think I am?

"I can't keep this up much longer. So, please come here," said Dude hurriedly.

"Oh, I'm so sorry but I don't feel like making it that much easier for you to attack me," drawled Sheik. Dude sighed impatiently.

"I'm not going to hurt you. Look, surely you've been taught the significance of the magical core? How it can be just as fragile as the soul?" asked Dude hurriedly.

"Of course," said Sheik shortly.

"Then you know once you have access to someone's magical core then it can be just as disastrous as controlling their soul?" asked Dude.

"Obviously, but what is the point of this? Unless…you're not…?" Sheik said questioningly. Dude nodded slowly but seemed to realize that Sheik couldn't see that so he hummed softly in agreement.

"You're being very protective of the hero but that's a good thing. I want to help but that's not going to be possible if you think I'm an enemy. We don't have the time to do this the old fashioned way so I have to do it the quick but normally unacceptable way. So, I will drop my defenses. All of them. So, you can sync with me. You will be in full control of the situation. This way you can see for yourself if I am someone you can trust," said Dude.

Sheik heard him sigh. He thought he sounded nervous and for good reason.

If he's serious about this then he'll be completely at my mercy…no one would willingly sync their magical core with someone they didn't absolutely trust. Maybe there is something I'm missing here…

Sheik took a hesitant step forward before tucking away one of his daggers.

"Alright. If you're serious about this then I will go along with it. I understand the importance of syncing with someone but I am unfamiliar with the process. So, you'll have to bear with me," said Sheik as he approached Dude. He had to continually squint just to see where he was stepping but started to stress his magic to act as a guide.

The Sheikah lowered his other dagger but held it close to his side and then stood before Dude.

Sheik noticed movement within the glare of Dude's bright aura and saw him place his hands behind his back. Slightly comforted by the act of submission, Sheik finally reached his free hand forward and placed it on Dude's chest. He was startled by the sheer magnitude of Dude's power pulsing from his core simply just to keep it accessible to Sheik. It was nothing like what he had been dealing with a few moments ago.

He shook his head though. He wasn't here to get lost in his own head. So, he narrowed his eyes as he stressed his magic. He flinched back when sensed the same harsh holy magic as the Hooded Man hitting him in waves but something made him pause.

Though Dude's magic was phenomenal, it couldn't have two different origins. Yet, as Sheik dove deeper into the man's magical core, he started to sense less of the Hooded Man's magic. Instead a powerful earthlike magic started to magnify, replacing the holy chaotic power of the Hooded Man the farther in he went.

The Sheikah was startled by the feel of this kind of power. It was rich and invigorating. It filled him with such energy that he felt he could run to the ends of the world and back again. He took a deep breath and swore that he could smell flowers at bloom during springtime and felt a cool autumn breeze blow by him. It also felt familiar…

Then he finally reached the blinding presence of Dude's magical core which he was stunned to find had no trace of the Hooded Man's magic at all.

Still uneasy, Sheik reached forward with his magic to touch Dude's magical core gently and jumped as Dude was startled by it. Sheik felt dread as he finally realized his mistake. He widened his awareness and saw the constricting coils of the Hooded Man's magic surrounding Dude's magical core as it reacted defensively to Dude's fear. But might as well have been a mouse trying to escape the strong coils of a giant serpent.

No magical core would have such a contradicting flow of power within it and still be stable…unless…

"You're cursed…" muttered Sheik softly. He heard Dude sigh before the Sheikah jumped as the man's power started to subside like the waves of an ocean when Dude's magical core started to rebuild the barriers around itself. Sheik quickly retracted his own magic, fearing he might drown in the ocean of magic and stepped away from Dude.

It took several moments for Dude to calm the flow of his magic and Sheik could see why he wouldn't let either Saria or Abby stay with them. A curse that steady and powerful might just jump and affect multiple people which made Sheik rather nervous now.

Which is worse…dying from a deadly curse or obliterated by the loopy guy generating it…?

"It's alright…it won't affect you. You're…a special case. It's a long and confusing story and there's still several parts of it that even I don't understand…" said Dude tiredly. Sheik was at a loss for words.

Dude leaned over his knees and breathed heavily before looking up at Sheik.

"Whoa, that was more strenuous then I thought it would be. But at least the bastard didn't seem to notice…but then again it probably would have helped my cause if you suddenly became part of the fray, huh?" said Dude light heartedly. Sheik could barely register what he said but didn't really understand why he was still friendly with him.

Being civil alone would be more then pushing it if I were in his shoes…

"I…I can't say how sorry I am. For you to go to such a length just to help us…is extraordinary. I don't know what to say…" said Sheik. Dude straightened and then slowly walked over to the wooden railing of the bridge and hoisted himself up to sit on top of it. He patted the spot next to him and Sheik approached and hoisted himself up to sit next to him.

"Listen, you may have jumped to the wrong conclusion here but the intent was good. There's no telling when that insight of yours will come in handy so don't be doubting yourself in the future now," said Dude as he pointed a finger at the Sheikah.

"Things are about to get hectic around here and the hero needs you to be on your toes. As much as I would like to, I can't take on the temples with so much already on my plate. Farore is bad enough as it is without me taking up everyone else's duties…" muttered Dude. He seemed deep in thought but it finally clicked to Sheik why he was seemingly all knowing and powerful.

Of course he would know us and have such a close bond with nature. Why wouldn't Farore keep her mate well informed…?

Sheik saw this guy in a whole new light now.

What was he thinking? The Goddess of Life was probably already planning his death!

Dude chuckled as he finally seemed the notice the stunned look in the Sheikah's eyes.

"Don't worry. Farore isn't the kind to hold grudges. Din however…well, never mind. The point is you have nothing to worry about. Everything you did today was for a good reason. Now, I have a lot to do but I think it would be best if you were at least somewhat informed," said Dude. He tapped his finger against his leg as he thought about where to start.

"This enemy you're facing. It's a bit more complicated than you think. The important thing you should understand for now is the fact that the Hooded Man is just a vessel. The enemy that you need to help Link defeat is who that man is serving," said Dude as he faced Sheik. The Sheikah crossed his arms as he thought about what that meant.

"So, if we can stop the Hooded Man from succeeding in his plans then we will also thwart whoever he is serving?" asked Sheik. Dude scowled, making the Sheikah nervous. Now that he knew who the man was, he would be cautious of anything that Dude had a problem with.

"Dayadin. That is the one the Hooded Man is serving. I'm not sure what his end game is. He was a being of divine justice back then. Hated anything to do with darkness. Yet, here he is using shadow as his main source of power…I didn't think he could even wield like she could…" muttered Dude as he looked off to the side. Sheik heard never heard of this person. He thought he should though. If he's powerful enough to attack a Goddess.

"Who is Dayadin?" asked Sheik.

"He is the father of the Three," said Dude. The Sheikah's eyes widened and he half expected the man to say 'oh, just kidding,'. He kind of wanted the man to say it now…

Well…it's not that surprising if the enemy can attack a Goddess if he's a bloody God himself…

"The story gets kind of complicated. So, I'm afraid I can't explain it now. Just know that the medallions will give Link the strength to overcome the influence Dayadin's power is having over the world. This will allow him to call the Hero's Brotherhood. Collecting the Pieces of Courage will let him survive traveling to the heavens where the Goddess's and Dayadin will be. Finally, collecting the Spiritual Stones will actually get him to the heavens," said Dude. He paused as seemed to think about something but Sheik narrowed his eyes when he caught something he had said.

"You keep saying 'him'…like Link will be the only one there. It may be his destiny to defeat this enemy but that doesn't mean I'm going let him stroll up to the heavens by himself to face it," said Sheik with a frown. Dude sighed.

"I know you want too. But you can't. The environment of the heavens will be too intense for you. You will not survive the journey. If there was a way to strengthen your bond with the element shadow and extend the realm of spirits to the heavens then maybe…but it's not something the Three are going to risk. The Realm of Spirits is the only place that Dayadin seems to not have any influence over and I'm sure they want to keep that way. Have faith in your partner. I'm sure he'll make you proud," said Dude. Though he seemed to have confidence in Link, he also seemed hesitant when mentioning the realm of spirits as a way for him to follow Link to the heavens safely.

The Sheikah tilted his head as he regarded the man beside him.

It doesn't seem like Dude is fond of the idea of Link having to face this enemy alone. If I tried to persuade him…I think I could get him to help me find a way to go with Link. Not now though. Later, I can ask him. But there is something that is bugging me…

"Dude…you still haven't really explained why Link collapses in intense pain whenever he is near you. I would guess it has something to do with Dayadin or the Hooded Man," said Sheik. Dude was silent and looked like his mind away far away. Then he turned to face Sheik with a sad smile.

"That is part of the complicated story that I don't have time to explain. But I will tell you this. Dayadin is the one that cursed me long ago. It is meant to make sure that I can never be near him," said Dude softly and then sighed as he pulled out his emerald ocarina, "I created a song though. It is called the Serenade of Sorrow. It has been the only thing so far that has proven effective against the powerful curse but…the effects aren't permeant and that's only if it works to begin with. That is why I was able to be near Link in Saria's house. Luck was with me that time and the song worked,"

Dude stared down at his ocarina and then sighed.

"It was difficult to rely on this song so I thought it would be easier if I just avoided him. Anyway, when Link wakes up then you need to have Saria give him the Forest Medallion. It will allow you two to get the Kokiri's Emerald," said Dude. He slid off the railing of the bridge and faced the log that went back into the village.

"Link is the one that must touch it right?" asked Sheik as he slid off the railing as well. Dude nodded.

"Once he has it then it will help him interact with the Goron's Ruby. The one thing I will warn you about is the effect these stone will have on those around them. I don't just mean emotionally. If you were to pick up the Goron's Ruby then you would feel this constant irritation always laying under the surface of your mind. You will find fault in everything and everyone you interacted with. The same will happen to everyone that is within…I'd say fifty feet of you," said Dude thoughtfully as he scratched his chin.

Sheik shook his head at the man's behavior. Only he would speak so casually about how a small stone could potentially drive people into insanity. There was a time when it would have been irritating to hear such a thing from him but now it was almost comforting. His overly friendly nature was downright creepy before but now it made sense. Why wouldn't he be like that when his power flowed directly from the Goddess of Life herself?

A constant lively energy always within you…it's a small wonder how he is even sane.

"Alright, I will make sure he is the one that is always carrying it. What about their…defense mechanism? Was that what you said? Will they still have this effect? I can't help but image Link somehow triggering this by accident and we die from being burned alive by lava," said Sheik with a frown. Dude laughed but then patted Sheik on the back. The Sheikah was startled by that but it didn't bother him. He figured it was Dudes way of saying there wasn't any hard feelings between them.

"That is a frightening thought isn't it? But not to worry! Once Link has the corasponding medallion that matches the stone then his touch will deactivate their defense mechanism. This means you two better keep them close though! Once they deactivate then anyone can take them," said Dude as he pointed a finger at Sheik.

"Oh, and once you tell Link about this curse then do me a favor and don't tell anyone else? I'm pretty sure Dayadin has told his followers about it but I have several other…unfriendly adversaries that would make life much harder for me if they knew about it. I need to get going though. There is a few other things that you both should know but I think it would be best to not shove all this information at you guys all at once. So, once you guys have collected the Spiritual Stones then bring them here. This is the place I visit the most, especially since the Three have sealed the heavens in order to keep Dayadin out. I'll tell you what you will need to do then," said Dude with a small smile. Sheik felt bad for the man. If the heavens were sealed shut then that meant that Dude couldn't get in either….how long has Farore been away from her mate?

"Thank you for your guidance. I hope to aid Link in bringing the world back to the state it is meant to be in," said Sheik as he headed toward the log that led into the village.

"I have the upmost faith in you two," said Dude with a smile and then turned to walk in the opposite direction.

"Oh, and tell Link that he can keep the cloak. He used to steal it all the time anyway," said Dude amusingly before he disappeared from view. Sheik sighed as he rubbed his eyes.

Link hasn't ever seen the guy before today. So, he must be talking about one of Link's ancestors. How long has Dude been a part of Link's life?

He turned and headed back to the Kokiri Village.

This is a lot bigger than I thought it would be…and what cloak was he talking about? I only remember that green blanket Link was-

Sheik suddenly flinched as something extremely shiny appeared before his eyes.

"Oh! Sorry Sheiky! So sorry! Are you ok? What happened? Where's Dude? What-" but the shrill voice suddenly stopped with a "ouch!". Sheik looked up to see Abby hovering next to a stern looking full sized Fuchsia.

"You need to calm down and get up there and help your sisters sing! Sheik is obviously fine so off with you now! Go on!" said Fuchsia sternly. Abby whizzed around Sheik's head once and waved goodbye before flying higher to join her sisters. Fuchsia sighed tiredly as she watched her.

"That really wasn't necessary. She just startled me," said Sheik once he got a firm grip on his emotional state. He had almost forgotten about the powerful influence the Ballad of Heaven had over everyone who can hear it. He was taken aback by the glare that she spun around to give him.

"It was necessary for her! Every voice that joins with the Ballad of Heaven gives us that much more time before the drain of magic from the environment kills us!" yelled Fuchsia angrily. Sheik stepped back, not expecting such a strong tone from someone that looks like a child.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to demean the situation. I just didn't wish to be the cause of any stress for Abby," said Sheik cautiously.

Good Goddess…I'm just upsetting everyone today…

Fuchsia ran a hand through her hair as she seemed to calm down.

"It's fine. It's getting to where this excessive power flow of life is starting to affect even our emotions but we need it. Abby was just starting to worry about you a little too much so the Ballad of Heaven magnified that feeling. She never would have stopped asking questions and babbling at that rate…" muttered Fuchsia sadly.

Sheik frowned as he looked up to watch the fairies dancing around each other in the air.

They do seem more lively then normal but that is harmful to them? And it is just going to get worse…

He narrowed his eyes and then strode toward Saria's house. They needed to get hit the road as soon as the hero was fit to travel. He paused when he approached his ward that he had left to protect Link. It still stood strong and ready to fight any intruders but it had lost its dark aura and was even sparking with divine energy. Something that his wards certainly never did. He stressed his magic and found it hesitatingly responding to him. Also something that his wards never did. They were always quick and ready to change at a moment's notice. He was shocked at the change. He wasn't aware that wards could just swap their origins like that. If he wasn't sure he had built this ward he would have guessed that it wasn't his.

"Yeah, the magical flow has changed since you guys went to have your little chat. The sheer amount of voices singing the Ballad of Heaven along with the emotions that keep recycling into the environment have made the surrounding area a bit chaotic but not harmful. Unfortunately though, any form of magic that stays within this kind of environment is going to shift to eventually join the flow of chaotic magic around it," said Fuchsia from her spot on his shoulder. She chuckled at the confusion in his eyes.

"Every kind of magic comes from the same source you know. It just evolves with the people that use it the most," she said. She fluttered closer to the Sheikah's ward and surveyed it's surface. It looked more like tiny jolts of lightning were shooting through the holes that were starting to form on the surface of his ward.

Her multi colored wings were near impossible to see now because of their rapid flutter. It reminded Sheik of a humming bird but she still looked different than any fairy that he's ever seen. Then again…he could say that for almost every kind of fairy here.

Sheik finally shook his head and reached out his hand to summon the dagger that barely pulsed with his magic as it sat in the ground. He was startled when the dagger shot from the ground but landed a few feet away from him.

"Oh, you must have been using those knives for a long time for them to still resound to you now. I'm surprised that they even have any of your magic left actually. I would have thought the lively environment would have claimed them by now…well, just proves that you got some sharp friends there," snickered Fuchsia. Sheik frowned as he picked up his dagger from the floor. He didn't like the fact that his weapons weren't acting like they should.

If Fuchsia was right though, then he was glade that they were responding at all. He would be furious if he had to retrain his daggers to resound to his call again. He sighed before reaching a hand up to tear down his ward. He flinched when it rejected him and suddenly shattered like it was made of glass.

The Sheikah stumbled back, dazed. His mind started to spin from the magical backlash and the sheer amount of emotional influence from the Ballad of Heaven. He couldn't even think straight but then Fuchsia was suddenly pushing against his back until he was stumbled into Saria's house.

He fell to his knees at Link's feet and raised his hands to cover his eyes. The continuous song was harder to hear inside so he slowly started to regain his bearing.

"Sorry, I thought you would know not to try to interact normally with any magic that isn't entirely yours anymore. Basically, you tried to claim several strands of magic that didn't have a master. So, it just got mad that you tried to control it," said Fuchsia. Sheik understood what she meant but he couldn't help but feel a little betrayed. His magic had never refused him before…but then again Fuchsia did say that it wasn't his magic anymore…

"If all magic originated in the same place then why is it so different when people use it against each other?" asked Sheik.

I don't know as much about the origin of magic as I thought I did…

"Well, it's kind of hard to explain but think of magic users as filters. All magic is basically just energy. During the old days when magic was new, people with magical talent would shape it into all sorts of things. Over the ages the magic started to evolve with the people that used it. Your people were actually the ones that brought shadow magic into the world. You're also the only ones that can use it properly. Lucky!" said Fuchsia with a grin as she punched Sheik playfully in the arm.

"I'm not bad at Shadow Magic myself but only you guys can make the truly crazy illusionary stuff!" exclaimed Fuchsia excitedly. She turned slightly in the air to face the doorway when she saw Saria approach hurriedly.

"What happened? Are you guys alright?" asked Saria worriedly. Sheik sighed as he ran a hand down his face.

"Yes, everything is fine now. You were right Saria. I regret not listening to you in the first place and I apologize for my behavior," said Sheik shamefully. Saria nodded her head but then waved a finger at him.

"I told you so but it's alright. I was expecting it really. You basically have started over from the last time you were freaked out by him," said Saria. Mido suddenly called for her from near the entrance to the mossy hallway leading to Woody's Grove. She turned and waved goodbye before Sheik could ask what she meant.

"Why does nearly everyone in this forest always have some sort of mysterious comment about Link or myself…?" Sheik muttered to himself. He turned when he heard a yawn from behind him. The Sheikah turned just as the hero sleepily tried to detangle himself from the green blanket wrapped around his body. Link let out another big yawn as the last few red fairies giggled as they flew past him to join the others outside. Sheik quickly stepped closer before dropping to his knees beside Link. The hero sat up and stretched but then groaned in pain before laying back down and throwing an arm over his eyes.

"Whoa…I feel like a herd of cattle ran my ass over…twice. Everything hurts," muttered Link. He uncovered his eyes with a slight grin when he felt Sheik checking to see if Link needed anything else tended to.

"Haven't been awake for more than a few seconds and your already back to the old routine. It's nice to have someone around that does that though…I remember one time when I got really hurt while trying to deal with those irritating flying lizard guys that were in the City in the Sky. It was out of any sort of potion so I asked Midna to check this wound on my back to see if I needed some serious help or if I just needed to stitch it up and then be on my way. You know what she told me? 'Oh, it's just a scratch!' So, I stitched it up the best I could since the bitch wouldn't help me. Why does it matter if she gets a little blood on her? She electrifies people and bash's monsters into walls with her hair hand! Like it hasn't happened before! But, anyway I eventually strolled right up to next flying lizard guy and then guess what happened? I get nicked there once and it's like a rock slide suddenly fell on top of me! I was lucky that she could teleport us away or I'd be dead! Geeze, I may trust her to have my back in battle but not with anything else," said Link as he scratched the back of his head. He chuckled when he noticed that Sheik wasn't really listening but nodded his head to acknowledge that he heard.

Link finally sighed before sitting up again and pulled the green blanket to cover his shoulders. He cracked his neck before finally getting to his feet. He winced when his muscles reminded him of how sore they were when he straightened his back. He reached down with both hands to try and rub out some of the soreness in his lower back but paused and tilted his head confused at his guide. Sheik looked down at the green blanket that was now wrapped around the hero's torso with a look of shock but it was suddenly replaced with realization. The hero rose a questioning eyebrow at the Sheikah.

"Dude told me that you may keep his cloak. I didn't think it was anything special but apparently I was wrong," said Sheik amusingly. He quickly tugged at the edge of the blanket.

Link instinctually raised his arm to stop the blanket from falling to the floor but realized that the blanket now hugged his torso. The material of the blanket had thinned and fused together near his neck so it would comfortably hang around his shoulders. The inside suddenly had a metallic dark red mesh that was warm to the touch. Link finally grinned as he ran a hand down the newly fused cloak.

"I don't know what is up with this crazy blanket but you tell that creepy guy thanks next time. Hmmm, I wonder what else it can change into…?" muttered Link. He started to fiddle with the cloak, trying to twist the material to see if it would change again but nothing happened.

"Link, we should leave as soon as you're fit to travel. Our first goal I suppose is to visit your friend Shad…I really need to converse with him as well. I'm not doing my job as your guide if I have to always wait for you to ask someone else where to go when we are lost," muttered Sheik. Link looked up but continued to try and wrestle the secrets out of his new cloak.

"Sure, I think Shad would love chatting with you. I'm ready to leave whenever you are," said Link. Sheik sighed, already imagining the argument about to spring from Link.

"Link, I said we should leave as soon as you're fit to travel. Someone that just woke up from being inches away from death is not fit to travel. You should rest more-" but Link shook his head.

"No way. The entire fairy race and this whole damn forest and probably other things out there that I don't know about are dying as we speak. So, I'm not wasting time sleeping," said Link sternly. He looked around to pick the Master Sword but didn't spot it anywhere.

"Resting allows you to heal. That is not wasting time! You can't help anyone if you're dead and the chances of that raise the weaker you become! Look, one day. Alright? Just one day to rest and then we'll leave in the morning. We will make use of the time we spend here, I promise," said Sheik. He expected a long winded rant or even a downright refusal but it just farther proved his point when Link sighed tiredly, already giving in.

"Fine…just a short nap. Then your swinging a sword with me later got it? I'm not flying into battle without a little sparring. For all I know that poison could have damaged my arm to the point that even Saria's special potion couldn't heal it back to its full potential," said Link bitterly. He looked down at his cloak and just stared for a moment before grasping the material in front of his face and pulled. It fell apart like it hadn't been fused together at all and then the material thickened to become the green blanket from before.

"Man, I love this thing. When you tell that creepy guy thanks for letting me use it then also apologize for me. Because he's not getting it back," snickered Link. He didn't know why, but for some reason the hero didn't think the strange man would care. He felt almost giddy when he hugged it to his chest, like he was playing a game of keep away.

Weird…normally I wouldn't do this with someone I didn't know. But I really like this thing and it feels like I've had it forever already.

Sheik sighed as the hero dropped back to the floor and snuggled into the blanket. He was tired himself but he would be damned if he didn't get this wretched smell off him first. So, he stretched and then headed toward the door.

"I'll be back soon," said Sheik as he walked through. He thought he heard a muttered 'ok' but he was startled as he was bombarded by the chorus of the Ballad of Heaven. He hadn't been in there more than maybe ten minutes but he swore he voices were louder then the last time he was out here.

"Hey, not girly man!" exclaimed a playful voice from behind him. The Sheikah turned with a glare and spotted the Skull Kid bouncing up and down as he hummed the Ballad of Heaven. His giant wooden puppets were doing some sort of strange dance with each other as they started to twirl around Sheik.

"Is there something you needed from me?" asked Sheik irritably. He would never admit it to him, but Link was right. This strange child had a gift of being able to get under your skin without really trying.

"Oh, nothing really. Just helping my friends stay alive," said the Skull Kid happily as he twirled his horn. Sheik sighed as he rubbed his temples. It was getting hard to focus.

"You're not looking so good Mr. Manly Man! If you're not going to sing then you should get inside. Or you could stay out here and give everyone a good laugh when you go insane," snickered the Skull Kid.

"I need to reach the water warp pool. I don't suppose you could take me there? Peacefully and without any trickery?" asked Sheik. He would rather have asked a fairy or even one of the Kokiri but they shouldn't leave the village anymore. So, hopefully the Skull Kid would be willing to help him out without making him suffer too much…

"Sure! Can't make any promises though! My puppets sometimes like to get tricksy!" exclaimed the Skull Kid. He then darted away toward Mido's house. Sheik cursed but weaved his way through the Skull Kids dancing puppets and chased after him.

The Sheikah lost sight of him when he entered the large hollowed log that led into the Lost Woods but his puppets seemed to usher him forward with a good shove or playful slap to his backside. That alone almost made him turn around and go straight back to Saria's house but he was sure that the vanilla scent was actually helping mask the smell underneath. He hadn't bathed since he left home. His hair was starting to get rather nasty and he hated that.

Once he burst through the hollowed log he heard a giggle somewhere to the right of him. He immediately saw the giant wooden puppets following him so he increased his pace. He suddenly skidded to a halt when he almost ran into the Skull Kid. He took a deep breath to calm himself when he realized that he was nowhere near the water warp pool. He paused when the Skull Kid suddenly swung around toward the east and glared.

The Sheikah stood there confused at the abnormally serious attitude of the child. His puppets seemed to have disappeared as well. Then the Skull Kid stomped a foot angrily on the ground and growled.

"Someone is where they shouldn't be! Don't move from this exact spot!" exclaimed the Skull Kid irritably before disappearing in a cloud of leaves.

Sheik was frozen to the spot in confusion. Was the child being serious? Should he stay in the area or this exact spot that he was standing in? It seemed silly but these woods weren't normal. The last thing he wanted was to get lost because he moved a few feet from the one place that someone could have found him in.

After standing in the same spot for almost an hour and a half though…he was about to risk finding his way back. If this was some kind of prank…that child is going to regret it. Sheik sighed impatiently for the tenth time and crossed his arms.

Suddenly the Skull Kid reappears in a cloud of leaves and skipped over to him.

"Oh, good. I was wondering if I would have to search for you. Let's get going then!" exclaimed the Skull Kid happily. He skipped passed him in a much slower pace than when they first entered these woods. Sheik followed him and then tilted his head curiously.

"You acted very different then what I've grown used to seeing. Why did you leave so suddenly?" asked Sheik as he trialed between the skipping Skull Kid.

"Someone was where they shouldn't be. Didn't I say that?" asked the Skull Kid as he turned around and started to walk backward. Sheik rolled his eyes.

"You did but that tells me nothing. Was this trespasser in your home or…?" asked Sheik inquisitively. The Skull Kid tilted his head curiously as he thought about it.

"I suppose it's kinda like my home. I spend more time there than anywhere else. If that is what a home is supposed to be like, then yeah," said the Skull Kid. He changed direction and then started to walk backward through a hollowed log. The Sheikah just laughed softly at the sight. He really wasn't surprised anymore at the way the natives of this forest seemed to always know where they were going.

"Then you are referring to the Sacred Grove? How do you know that someone is there if you didn't see them enter?" asked Sheik curiously. The child shrugged and then changed direction again.

"I feel it. You would know how it works better than I do. Or…I guess you wouldn't. It was a long time ago," muttered the child. Sheik's eyes widened.

"You mean my ancestor has something to do with how you can sense intruders that enter the Sacred Grove?" asked Sheik.

"Well, I can sense them naturally. You or he I guess helped…expand it?" said the Skull Kid uncertainly but then just shrugged his shoulders, "I don't really care how it works. The hero is the reason I started doing it anyway,"

"The hero? You mean Link or the Hero of Time?" asked Sheik. The Skull Kid looked at him in confusion.

"Uh, they're the same person. If you mean to ask who I was referring to then I guess it was the Hero of Time," said the child. Sheik shook his head in amazement. This was a small world. He was surprised that the child was sharing it so casually with him as well. He had to take advantage of that.

"So, the Hero of Time got you into doing what?" asked Sheik.

"Being a guide of course. He was worried about the entrance to the Sacred Realm being easy to find once the Temple of Time was destroyed. So, I promised that I would keep it hidden. The Pedestal of Time was still intact so I asked Woody to extend the Lost Woods around it once Hyrule relocated," said the child. Sheik was silent for a few minutes. This troublesome child did a very courageous thing. It didn't even sound like the Goddesses wanted this from him at all. He just did it out of the kindness of his heart.

The Sheikah couldn't look at the child the same way anymore.

"Was the Hero of Time a friend of yours?" asked Sheik. The Skull Kid giggled.

"Of course! He was my first real friend that wasn't a fairy or a guardian," giggled the child. Sheik titled his head at that.

"You didn't have friends like yourself? Or among the Kokiri?" asked Sheik. The child was overly mischievous but that seemed right up the ally of everything else in this forest.

The Skull Kid looked toward the ground and then swung back around to walk forward. Sheik frowned, thinking that maybe he had crossed some sort of line. He was about to apologize but the child sighed.

"I wasn't good at making friends then. I only really had four friends but we got in a fight. So, I left. Then, one rainy day these two fairies found me. They were tricksy just like me! We played all sorts of games and messed with people all the time. But…I got mad that my friends weren't talking to me. Which wasn't really fair. It's hard for them to reach out to others in the mortal realm," said the Skull Kid sadly.

"Then I started to take things. My fairy friends went along but I didn't treat them very well once I found that mask…but in the end it was fine! Because the hero came and saved the day! He even agreed to be my friend after everything I did. I came back to Hyrule years later when I heard what happened. Then I ran into the hero and he was all grown up with his two partners! Heh heh, he so cute! Oh, here we are!" exclaimed the Skull Kid as he suddenly stopped next to the water warp pool.

"I'll be back later then, ok? Bye!" said the child before disappearing in a cloud of leaves. Sheik dropped the hand he extended out to stop the child and sighed.

Two partners? Who else was traveling with the Hero of Time besides his own ancestor?

He sighed again and began to disrobe. He pulled out a small bottle of oil. He opened it and frowned. Orange…he forgot to grab the unscented oil for his hair. Is this how it's going to be? Every time he wants something done is the opposite thing always going to happen?

He shook his head. It was better than smelling like a street urchin. He stepped into the water and then relaxed against the surface of the white stone. He peered around. He didn't feel as much energy in this area like he had the first time he was here.

The grass was still green and the trees still reached toward the sky but…the magic in the air was fading. The presence of magic was strong toward the west though. He guessed that was where the Kokiri Village was at but he wouldn't trust his mind in this forest.

As he pushed his hands slowly back and forth through the water, he thought about what Dude had said. Link was meant to face this enemy alone. But he admitted that if Sheik could strengthen his connection with shadow and then find a way to extend the Spirit Realm into the Heavens, even if just briefly, then he could follow the hero.

Strengthen his bond with shadow…to be part of one. He narrowed his eyes as he remembered what was said to him the last time he was in the realm of spirits.

"I can help you gain the skill to become part of a shadow, instead of your kind's normal way to move like one. That includes all the power that such a connection to darkness would provide," Ker had said to him.

The ancient greater spirits were supposed to be vast and powerful. Not like the Light Spirits of course but had more of an influence over the mortal realm because of their connection to those that live in it. If there was someone that might know how he could extend the Spirit Realm into the heavens, it would be Ker.

He frowned at the thought though. Perhaps seeking a way to enter the Heavens with the Spirit of Murder wasn't the best idea. Maybe he could get a hold of another greater spirit that would be willing to help.

Sheik nodded, deciding that he would seek power within Ker but find another like him to aid him in his search to find a way to follow the hero into the heavens for the final battle.

After he was done bathing he walked out of the water and sat near the edge to dry off. He could have pulled a towel out of his body suit but he had time to spare. It wasn't even cold tonight. He sighed as he realized that he had no way of telling the Skull Kid that he was ready to leave. What if the child didn't show up until hours later?

He decided after nearly half an hour that he was dry enough so he got dressed and then wrapped his shawl around his face. He paused half way through when he heard giggling but then rolled his eyes and faced the pool to finish wrapping his face when he heard the rapid footsteps of the bouncing Skull Kid.

"Finally ready Mr. Manly Man who smells so nice?" snickered the child.

"Just please take me back to the village," said Sheik as he approached the bouncing child.

"Ok, I'll race you!" exclaimed the Skull Kid before bolting away. The Sheikah sighed frustratingly before darting after him. He had to admit. The child was pretty fast and Sheik was pretty sure he didn't use his little disappearing trick that much either.

Once he burst through the hollowed log that led back into the Kokiri Village the Skull Kid was gone. He tilted his head and looked up when he heard a giggle echo around the area though.

"That was fun! Let's do it again after you and your wolfy go beat up the bad guys!" exclaimed the Skull Kid cheerfully. Then the chorus of the Ballad of Heaven started to reach him. He quickly found his way back to Saria's house but paused, startled when the hero wasn't inside.

As if summoned by his surprise, the Sheikah heard the hero laugh before almost running into him in the doorway.

"Oh, there you are buddy! Man, isn't this song great? I feel like dancing! Which is amazing on its own because I thought nothing but the smell of steak could get me out of bed earlier," snickered the hero. Several fairies of all colors and sizes were laughing as they zoomed in circles around the grinning hero.

The Sheikah was astonished once he got a good look at him. He didn't look tired at all and if didn't know any better, than he would have thought that he was Dude with that green cloak hanging around his shoulders like that.

"I'm sure you do feel that way but we really should be getting to sleep. The longer you stay awake the more I'm going to have to think of a good way to wake you up in the morning," said the Sheikah as he raised an eyebrow. The hero sighed and then turned to address his fairy audience.

"Thanks for helping me find my way around girls but my guide has spoken. I'd rather not give him the time to think of a drastic way to wake me up. So, I'll see everyone tomorrow, ok?" said Link with a smile. A chorus of 'awww' and 'do you really have too?' filled the room. The hero ushered them all out after several goodnights though and then collapsed on the white carpet on the floor with a tired sigh.

"Man, that wore off quick. I'm hella tired now. Where did you go anyway?" asked the hero tiredly. Sheik laughed softly as the hero started to snuggle into the cloak that was starting to become a blanket.

"I needed to bathe somewhere more private. Where did you go?" asked Sheik as he settled down next to him.

"Abby came in not long after you left. She was just chilling with me until some of her sisters came in to ask if she went to the burial or not. I didn't know it was already set up. There's no way I could miss that. So, I went with them. I'll tell you one thing. When I find the guy who's responsible for this, he's going to pay," muttered Link angrily. Sheik nodded in understanding. He might join in if the hero didn't kill him first.

The Sheikah realized that he didn't tell him what Dude had revealed yet. He glanced over at the snoozing hero and decided that he would tell him in the morning. He needed a good night's rest.

So, Sheik turned over to face the doorway tried to get comfortable. Suddenly half of Link's blanket was draped over him and he felt the hero's back pressed lightly against his own. He peered over his shoulder right when the hero buried his faced into his side of the blanket.

"Night partner," muttered the hero sleepily. Sheik smiled softly as he faced the doorway again.

"Goodnight," muttered Sheik. He felt urge to turn around snuggle into the hero's chest like he'd seen Icesis do so many times. He shook his head and closed his eyes. Honestly, he wasn't some blushing school girl with a crush. Because that's all this was. A crush. Once he got used to traveling with the hero then he would see him as only a friend. He just needed time to convince his mind of that.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZ

Vivi punched the air in triumph as he appeared in a different spot high above the small library.

Finally! Found a place that arrogant uptight fool hasn't maintained properly. I actually could have found it sooner if it wasn't for those maids. Walking all over the place with those cute outfits. Damn this wretched child body! The fool couldn't make me my real size could he?! Whatever, I'll just slip right though this little hole.

He peered closer at the spot. It sat directly above the fool's expensively rare armchair. Really? He couldn't lift his lazy head and apply a few extra layers to the ward that sat right above where he's sitting all the time?!

Whatever. I'm perfectly alright with taking advantage of his faults.

He dispersed in nothing and hovered closer to the weakened spot. Wards were invisible to the naked eye unless you made them visible or if you happened to be a Shadow Walker.

Or you could just be utterly amazing like me. Heh heh.

While he was within this place pure shadow, he could see everything that tried to hide from the mortal realm. Well, he could see the shadow of it anyway. Shades of grey flowed continuously around this silent realm but he smirked as he hovered closer and could see the small hole that had started to develop within this ward because of neglect.

He brought his feet up and then dived toward it like he was diving into a golden ocean of rippling waves. He flew through effortlessly and suddenly appeared on the other side. The bright light from outside startled him for a moment but then he looked around in amazement.

Vivi wasn't normally the outdoorsy kind of guy but anyone would be happy to feel the breeze against their face after being stuck inside with a megalomaniac that felt the need to constantly belittle you. The mansion they were staying at definitely was extravagant. More so then he thought.

He peered down from the roof of the place and noticed the tall statues surrounding the place. They were mostly of the Goddesses but some seemed to be of a fat man covered in a noble's attire and expensive jewelry. The jewelry on the statues were real! What kind of idiot would waste money on a statue like that?! One or two might have been a good way to show off but there's at least a dozen of these things!

No one has any taste anymore do they?

He rolled his eyes and then dispersed into nothing again. He hovered down until he reached the second floor and paused when he saw servants walking in and out of an area that looked very much like a kitchen. He couldn't be too sure though. He once walked into that fools bedroom because he thought it was a lounge. The Hooded Man was furious and he thought he would never hear the end of it. Why was there so many blasted couches in the man's bedroom then?!

He used the shadow that the wall cast on the floor to enter the building again. There was a time, when he first figured out how to do this, that the silence around a room that should be bustling with noise had unnerved him. Now he sighed in content, because it made it easier to concentrate.

Vivi paused as he suddenly spotted a familiar face. He grinned as he followed the black haired girl into what he was pretty sure was a kitchen now. He reached up and his hand materialized for the briefest of moments to tug at the girl's hair before quickly retreating back from where it came from.

The girl wiped around with a look of irritation but paused when she didn't spot anybody. She narrowed her eyes at the people close by but seemed to have decided that they couldn't have done it. He played this little trick two more times before she spun around and glared at where he was hiding in shadow.

"Vivi?! Is that you? It has to be! You butthead! You're going to get me in trouble!" whispered Lyra angrily. He rolled his eyes but then jumped when he heard a loud sound from behind him. He spun around and saw the chubby women with oily brown hair held up in a tight bun. Her brown eyes glared at the trembling girl behind him as she picked up the large spoon she had hit against the side of the metal table.

"So…thought you could waste time in here instead cleaning the tiles in the lobby like you were told too?" asked the women menacingly. Lyra quickly shook her head and was about to explain but the women shot a hand out and gripped her arm tightly. Lyra whimpered as she was drugged across the floor and then was bent over the metal table.

"You need a reminder then I think!" growled the women and raised the large spoon to strike her. Vivi narrowed his eyes at the motion. Really? Did the women have nothing better to do?

He quickly stepped up to her and whispered sternly to her.

"Stop,"

The women jumped at the sound. It was distorted and the tone wavered as it carried from one realm into another, giving it a very eerie vibe. He chuckled at her reaction and the sound carried over to her in the form of a strange crunching sound. She leapt away from Lyra and pointed the spoon at her accusingly.

"What is this sorcery?! You better stop playing these tricks heathen or you going to regret it!" exclaimed the women angrily. Lyra stared at her in confusion but glanced over where she thought Vivi might be.

He walked casually over to her as she continued to glare at the young girl and raised himself on his tip toes to whisper sternly right into her ear.

"That's only if you live long enough to try,"

She shrieked and bolted out of the kitchen. He laughed fully and her retreating back and Lyra narrowed her eyes as the sound carried over in the form of loud echoing ghostly laughter.

"What were you thinking Vivi? When she tells the master I'm so dead!" exclaimed Lyra hysterically. Vivi sighed irritably. Lyra flinched back when it sounded like an eerie buzzing.

"You have to complicate everything don't you girl? Just wrap up some food will you? I'll be back for it. And don't complain! No one will know the wiser," said Vivi. Lyra frowned as Vivi walked away.

He followed the wild looks and people that looked like they were pushed to the floor in his pursuit of the chubby women. He finally saw her rushing down the stairs to the first floor once he reached the end of the hallway. He rolled his eyes and then jumped into the shadow of the stairs to appear in the middle of it. He waited until she was close before reaching out a hand and it materialized to swiftly push her so she fell the rest of the way down the stairs.

Other servants and guests in the lobby paused as she fell down the stairs until finally landed in a heap at the bottom. Vivi quickly descended the stairs and knelt down next to her. He reached down and materialized his hand to touch her temple. She stiffened and then started to look around confusingly.

Vivi cursed when people started to approach. No one needed to see a hand floating next to this women. So, he bent lower to the ground to try and hide his hand better. He quickly shifted around in her memories trying to find who this 'master' was and finally found the fat man. He rolled his eyes as he recognized the man that he saw from the statues outside.

He paused when he couldn't take the memories that he wanted from her but then remembered that the bastard had sealed his magic. Well, if he can't use his dark magic to take the memories then he'll just have to use shadow magic to create new ones. It created a scene where she had already told the 'master' about the meddlesome child and that she wanted her to gather food to give to a local store.

He was startled at how mush energy it took to implant the memories within her mind. He used to do this kind thing effortlessly. Now he was struggling with it like he was a novice mage again! What the in the hell is happening to him?!

He quickly backway when the people in the lobby started to surround her. His labored breathing was creating an eerie sound like ghostly waves crushing against the shore, making those who were close enough to turn and look in his direction warily. He spun around and ran back to the kitchen. Not even bothering to avoid people. So, many people felt a chilling sensation passed through their body before returning to normal.

Lyra stood nervously near the door way holding a cloth potato bag. He stopped and looked at in irritation.

"That's not food stupid girl! That's what you put into something to make it food!" growled Vivi. Lyra jumped with an 'eep!" at the unexpected sound that greatly resembled low rolling thunder. She quickly straightened though and narrowed her eyes.

"This is just a bag you asshat! I can't be holding a bunch of food that I shouldn't have in middle of the bloody kitchen! What did you do anyway?" whispered Lyra irritably. He quickly materialized a hand to snatch the bag from her before it disappeared with his hand.

"What are you?! My mother? I don't have to explain what I did! Just act like you got punished because everyone is going to start believing that you were. If someone asks about the missing food just say you brought to a merchant outside and you will be fine. Now I'm leaving," said Vivi. He then turned and left without even bothering to hear what she said in return.

He stumbled a bit as he rode the shadow of the wall back outside and almost tumbled out of the shadow realm that he was hiding in. He took a deep breath and then hovered to the roof. He was just blowing off steam when he had exclaimed to Artemis earlier that the ward over this place was messing with his powers restorative process. Now he was recognizing the signs and maybe he wasn't far from the truth.

Light wards aren't built for this kind of thing though. The only thing that could honesty affect my power this much is that damn sword that I'm still somewhat sealed in. That fool would need constant access to it though…surely he isn't carrying it around? No, the princess of Hyrule would know if the Four Sword was taken out of its chamber. Who is this bloody fool? One moment he seems like a naïve spell caster and then next he's a brilliant daunting overlord!

He shook his head once he reached the roof. He would have to settle that later. He dived back though the hole but cursed as he hit the sides of the weakened spot. He felt the light ward flair in warning so he booked it out of the room and then let himself drop into the shadows of the lower floors. He felt the powerful magic of the hidden library rapidly approaching so started to materialize but panicked when he couldn't seem to slow down.

Artemis sighed tiredly as he tried to squint between to pages, trying to decide if they came from the same book but it was hopeless. He could barely sight straight because his migraine had gotten so bad. He jumped when he suddenly heard a loud thud from somewhere to the right of him. He started to get up but stumbled and fell to the ground again when something hit his head.

The white haired boy looked confusingly at the apple spinning around next to him before it was suddenly raining food all around him. He looked up in bewilderment as fruit, little pieces of candy, a few sausage links, and different kinds of muffins rained down from nowhere. Then it stopped and he watched as a brown cloth potato bag slowly floated down and settled on the ground in front of him.

He stared at it for a few moments, wondering if his migraine was making him hallucinate. Then jumped again when he heard angry cursing nearby. He got up and cautiously followed the sound. He eventually turned a corner and then collapsed to the floor in laughter when he saw what was making the sounds.

Vivi's head was rammed clean through a book shelf and he had both his hands and feet planted on the wood in attempts to try and free himself from the wooden prison. He cursed again when he didn't seem to be moving at all but then growled when he heard Artemis's laughter.

"Don't just stand there and laugh you ungrateful little pipsqueak! Help me!" exclaimed Vivi, though the sound was muffled since his robes had bunched up near his face. Artemis finally was able to pull it together and grabbed Vivi by the shoulders and heaved as he pulled with all his might.

After some strenuous effort and a few well-placed kicks around the wood where Vivi's head was stuck, he was finally able to break free. He stumbled back a few steps but Artemis pulled him forward again.

"What was all this about?" asked Artemis amusingly. Vivi just glared and then brushed by him.

"Just eat you little ingrate. I'm going to rest so don't bother me!" exclaimed Vivi as he stomped over toward the middle of the library. Artemis grinned as he looked down at all the food littering the floor. He hadn't had this much to eat in ages!

He fell to his knees and picked up a sausage link to munch on. He looked up at Vivi's retreating back and smiled.

"Thanks Vivi!" shouted Artemis happily as he picked up a few pieces of candy. He chuckled when he heard a grunt in response.