Sorry again for the delay, I had a severe case of writers block then had four teeth pulled (may they rest in peace, my only perfect teeth). Trying to rush this and lacking in much needed inspiration, I have produced a less than perfect chapter but one that is important to the plot and the one that has forced me to add a genre. A special thanks to BipolarIke for the awesome reviews and LunaAzule829 (who has an amazing Disney Fan Fiction!) for helping me edit my work. Thanks guys! Alright, roll the disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, save for Dawn, Sebastian, and Reus, the rest belong to Nintendo. On to the story!
Sheik sat across from Ike as he devoured even more food, it hasn't more than half an hour since he last ate. She looked down at her hand, a perfect rep apple in her hand. Too perfect. She dug a nail into the side, a crescent cut leaked out some of the apple's juice. Life was unfair. It held no mercy for any who had a heart to beat. It was a beautiful lie, where as death was a painful truth. Death. She looked over at Ike again, still oblivious to her down mood. She turned her eyes on Armageddon, he looked at her with... Was that concern in his eyes? She almost glared at the Hellhound but stopped herself, it wasn't his fault. He was just a constant reminder of what was to come, not the actual deliverer. She let out a sigh through her nose and glanced at her lyre, lying on the table. She considered playing but she felt a bit self conscious, he glanced around the mess hall. No one was there but her and Ike, Oscar had left as soon as he gave Ike a second helping of lunch.
"Ike, what would you say if I asked you to be my friend?"
Ike paused and swallowed. She knew the question sounded crazy, it was crazy. To be honest though, she had no idea how to be sure someone was your friend or they were your friend and you were just their acquaintance.
"I would have to yes," he said before saying, "But only if we share a few more stories."
Sheik nodded in agreement. She had a new piece of information now, The Massacre was the name of the battle that took so many lives, including a majority of Ike's friends and it had been lead by the Black Knight. She wanted to know exactly what had happened though, she didn't like gaps. Though she did wonder what story to share with Ike, she didn't have many she was willing to share but not telling him would go against the whole "friends" thing. Or, at least, she thought it did.
"Alright, another story telling night," she promised. He smiled at her before going back to his second lunch.
When he finished they walked back to Greil's cabin, just check in and see if there was anything to be done.
"Not at the moment, I had someone trail the soldiers who fled to pinpoint their location, he has yet to return. Until he does make an appearance, go have some fun or something," he told them.
"Where's Zelgius?" Sheik asked.
"He's the one I sent to find the enemy's camp," he responded.
Sheik nodded and looked at Ike, his face was unreadable at the moment. They just nodded and departed.
"Well, he said to have some fun. Want to go into town? We have some extra cash on hand from our first job," Ike said.
She was about to object when she stopped herself. Even if she knew Ike had such little time to live, why not make the most of it? She nodded and smiled. They made their way to the stables, making small talk along the way. Once Epona and Aaron were tacked they raced out of camp, nearly trampling Kieran. Once they made it to the forest they had a playful argument about who won, finally agreeing on a tie. Sheik glanced at him, she never would have thought she could become friends with someone who was always the 'hero'. Maybe it was because he was okay with admitting he was wrong and accepted that just because he was a hero it didn't mean he was perfect. Instead of taking the way to the city she had met Link in, Ike turned right until they came to a well worn trail. The path was big enough for both horses to travel side by side with room to spare.
"What happens when we get to the city?" She asked.
(Ike)
He looked over at her with a smirk.
"We look around, have some fun, and maybe buy something. We'll see," he said.
This time it was he who glanced at her. He had been surprised by her openness with him lately. Not that he didn't like it, he was glad to finally see her mildly happy. He wondered what it would be like if they didn't have to worry about Malum and Link. For all he knew, Sheik and he probably wouldn't be going into town now instead they'd be on opposite sides of the camp. The irony of it all, he thought.
Ike heard a snap of a twig, it was Armageddon. He was sniffing the ground, then became enveloped by the shadow of a tree, completely disappearing. Ike pressed his brow together for a moment but shook it off. Hellhounds do what they pleased he supposed. Ike glanced behind them to ensure they weren't being followed. They weren't. After a small silence Sheik spoke again.
"Seriously though, what are we going to do?"
"I already answered you. I'm not trying to trick you into something," he assured her.
Ike hoped she'd lighten up to day, he wanted to at least get off on a good note before they had to exchange stories again.
It was mid-afternoon when they came to the city. It was bigger than the one at the harbor and a lot livelier. Before entering they left the horses in the tree line, knowing that they would become bigger targets for thieves. As they walked through the city they talked about types of fighting, both defending their own styles but neither bashing the other's too hard.
They walked around, looking at shops but mostly browsing. As they did Ike noticed Sheik mostly looked at other knives but on the occasion a piece of dark jewelry, whether it be leather or metal, would catch her attention for a moment. He took note of it and continued to browse, nothing really catching his eye... Then he saw it. A thick, black, leather scabbard just lying there. After all his searching he had never found one that would fit Ragnell right but this one looked big enough. He looked at the shop owner and pointed to it.
"May I?"
"Eh? Oh, go ahead," the owner said nonchalantly but still eyed Ike as he pulled Ragnell out and tested it. It fit perfectly.
"How much?" He asked.
"Three hundred," he answered.
Ike looked at the scabbard, gold lined it with intricate designs, like flames with their flickering embers. Three hundred? Did he think Ike was stupid?
"Two fifty," Ike offered. He heard Sheik sigh behind him.
"I'm going to go wait over there while you make a deal," she whispered. Ike looked back and saw her pointing a finger a few meters back near an ally. He nodded and turned back to the man.
"Two seventy-five," the owner said.
"Two twenty-five."
"What?"
"You heard right."
"Two fifty. Just as you wanted before."
"One ninety," Ike said, trying to hide a smirk.
"Are you crazy or just stupid?"
"I could make you a hundred and ninety gold pieces richer or you can keep that scabbard until the leather rots. You think many other people are going to come through with three hundred gold coins for something like this?"
The owner looked at him for a minute. He glared at Ike. Ike kept a neutral face, smirking or smiling would only egg the owner into a deeper defense.
"Two twenty-five," the owner said, his arms folded across his chest.
"Two hundred," Ike offered. He knew how to haggle, he had roamed this city as a kid. A ten year old Ike could learn a lot when accompanied by a thirteen year old Zelgius.
"Fine," the owner said, his eyes displaying his clear hate for Ike. Ike gave him a small nod, thanking him. Ike paid for his item and turned to find Sheik. She wasn't alone. The first name that popped into his head was Link but it wasn't him. It was some other bastard with no boundaries or perception of human life. He half expected Sheik to pull out a knife and stab the man but she was paralyzed. The creep had her pinned against the wall she had been leaned against, his body pressed against hers. He looked like he was whispering to her, a sly smile plastered on his face. Ike's own smile vanished, replaced with an angry snarl as he approached the scene before him.
(Sheik)
Sheik locked her jaw and averted her eyes. She couldn't bear to look at Reus's face. She had been watching for Ike when he took her by surprise, grabbing her wrists and pushing her against the wall. He was stronger than her and was one out of four people that could paralyze her with fear. Even as he stood there whispering in her ear she could feel her chest rise and fall quickly, her breath coming out in short takes. She didn't want to hear him but his voice leaked past her defenses, reaching into her core. His words were sick and sadistic, his grip on her wrists tightening. No matter where she went he always seemed to find her, always in her weakness moments.
"You're always so quiet. I know how to make you talk though," he whispered before a soft chuckle came through his sly smile.
Her breath quickened, Reus was ready to do anything for pleasure.
(Ike)
Ike put his hand on the man's shoulder, just shy of his neck, and dug his fingers into the fleshy area between the collar bone and neck. He heard a gasp as the man registered the pain.
"Let the woman go," he commanded.
"You wanna fight for a whore like her?"
Ike tightened his grip and pushed him to the right, before using his forearm to shove and hold the man against the wall. He looked him in eye, his jaw clenched in anger.
"Call her that again and you'll be singing soprano every time you open your goddamned mouth," Ike spat.
"What? That's all you have?" The man said with a smirk, like life was a game and he was on top of it all.
"What? You want me to say that I'll hog tie you and drag you through a cactus field? That I'll gut you like a fish and leave you for dead? That I'll break your elbows and knees and let the bears take care of the rest? Is that what you want me to say? Don't doubt for a second I won't act on any of those if I ever catch you around her again," Ike said.
He glared one last time at man before throwing him to the side. He looked at Sheik and tried his best to soften his gaze despite his anger. He gently touched her arm.
"You okay?"
She nodded numbly but didn't move. He put a hand on her shoulder, resisting the urge to hug her. He knew better than that, Sheik would pull away from him if he tried. Under his hand he could feel her shaking as she tried to steel herself.
"C'mon Sheik, it's alright. We're leaving," he said softly.
Sheik took a shaky breath, breaking from his hand. Ike followed her out of the city, all the way to the horses. After a long silence Ike asked her again, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, fine."
Of course he didn't believe her but he let it be for now. She would open up when she was ready.
"Ike?"
He lifted his gaze from Aaron's neck and looked at her.
"Yeah?"
"Did you really mean what you said?"
"Yes. Men like him deserve nothing but they have coming."
"What about men like you?"
"I guess, in a way, I believe everything we do in life leads up to how and when we die."
(Sheik)
She looked down. Men like Ike didn't deserve to die young. The only way to die young was murder, suicide or sickness. Suicide didn't seem like Ike's style. Sickness wasn't likely in June. Murder was the only one left, the way a good man was going to die. She didn't understand why nor did she try. This was something that would happen regardless of the situation. Sheik sighed. What was she doing? Becoming close to Ike was one of the worst decisions she had ever made. This was some sort of torturous, prolonged form of self harm, she was doing this knowing she would end up hurt in the end. Maybe she wanted to believe she was making Ike happy too, it was the least she could do for him but so far she had done nothing but create trouble.
"Sheik, I think it's safe for me to say I don't think you're okay."
She looked up and blinked a few times, registering what he had said.
"Yeah? Well, I think it's a matter of opinion."
"I think it depends on your definition of 'fine'."
"You won't leave it be will you?"
"You've called me a stubborn ass in the past."
"I have?"
"Yeah, a few years ago."
"Hmm. Name still hold true, except maybe the ass part. You didn't turn out half bad."
"Is that so? You aren't too bad yourself, a little rough around the edges but that's not a bad thing."
"I wouldn't be so sure."
"Being guarded isn't bad, being insecure is. People will see that and attack you. Anyway, being guarded means that you only allow genuine people into your heart. Only those you can truly trust."
"That isn't many."
"That's where the insecurity comes in."
"What is that suppose to mean?"
Before Ike could answer her question they came into camp. They went to the barn as per usual but this time Oscar was there, he seemed to be waiting for them. He smiled and approached them.
"Hey guys. I have something for both of you. Sheik, I have a letter from Hyrule. I smuggled it through before someone would take it and proof read it for information."
He handed Sheik an envelope and patted her hand. He turned to Ike.
"As for you I only have orders, sorry. Greil wanted to speak with you, don't ask me about what, he didn't elaborate."
"That's a big surprise," Sheik mumbled.
Both men chuckled. Oscar gave them another smile and said he had some chores that needed to be taken care of and to make sure Boyd was still focused. As he walked away Sheik realized that she liked him. Though kind and friendly he wasn't weak. He was dependable and loyal and even with his odd green hair he had a sense of seriousness about him. She vaguely remembered his brothers, Boyd and Rolf. She had met Boyd once or twice and didn't care much for him but Rolf was different. He was sensitive and shy. She liked him too. She looked down at the letter and recognized the handwriting immediately. She smiled wide and let out a short, soft laugh. She looked at Ike who had a different expression. He seemed grim.
"Are you okay?" She asked, liking the reversal.
"Just wondering what my father wants. He almost never asks to see me alone unless it's something serious."
"You'll be okay. It can't be that bad, it's not like you're having a one on one meeting with my father," she pointed out.
"Yeah, that's true. Just watch your back while I'm gone? Okay?" He gave her a half-smile and left. She looked down at her letter again and went to find Shinon, he would want to hear this.
She found him in his cabin, for once, and after kicking the ever flirtatious Gatrie out, she showed him the letter.
"Hyrule, eh? Who's it from?"
"Guess."
"I'd rather not."
"Fine. I'll just read it out loud and then you can guess."
"Damn you..."
"Yeah, yeah, suck it up," she said smiling. He smirked, crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall of the cabin.
"'Dear Sheik, don't you just hate formalities? They seem so pointless if you really think about it. Oh right, I forgot my reason for writing to you. I heard you got yourself in a war? Smooth.'"
"Midna?" Shinon interrupted. Sheik nodded and continued:
"'I want to know all the juicy details, understand? For instance, who's the guy? I know Shinon couldn't possibly make you stay long enough for a war. He better be good looking, not like some of those other royal preps. Ech. Well, I'll see you soon.
"'With begrudging formality and love,
"'Midna'," Sheik finished.
"Soon? How soon is soon?" Shinon asked.
"Knowing her it'll be really soon. Maybe tomorrow," Sheik guessed.
A knock sounded at the door. They looked at each other.
"You don't think she would be that literal, do you?" He asked.
"Shinon, I will kick down this damn door if you don't open it!" A voice threatened.
"It is Midna we're talking about," Sheik said as she opened the door.
Midna walked in and wrapped Sheik into a big a hug.
"You got my letter?" She asked.
"Just now," Sheik managed through the tight embrace.
"Just now? I sent that a good two days ago. Hmm. Slow service I guess."
She released Sheik and looked and Shinon. She cocked her head to the side before shrugging and giving him a hug too. Sheik put her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing as Shinon's cheeks became bright red.
Midna was an interesting one. Though the Mirror of Twilight was destroyed, Midna had discovered a way to travel to this world without it. It was an incredibly complex thing as she refused to tell Sheik how. Instead she just told them she could only travel when their worlds met, at twilight. Sheik pulled down her scarf and smiled. How would Greil handle her presence? Sounded more like his problem than hers. She pulled up a chair from the small desk in the corner and waited for their hurried exchange to end. They both talked fast and looked to the side while speaking. Most romantic relationships made her roll her eyes but since they were her friends and it was nothing more than a silent crush she thought it was adorable.
"So," Midna said turning to Sheik, "who's the guy? Huh? Huh?"
"There's no guy," Sheik said irritably.
"As if. Sheik, have we never met before? You wouldn't listen to Shinon if your father threatened war."
"There's no guy, but Greil refused to let me go."
"That was weak."
"What more do you want me to say?" Sheik blurted.
"What about Ike?" Shinon asked.
She looked at him like he was crazy, "Him? I guess he had a little to do with it but not much."
"Then what was it Sheik?" Shinon asked, his voice becoming tense.
"Who's Ike?" Midna asked.
"Greil's son," Shinon answered.
"This sounds interesting," she whispered.
Sheik looked at Shinon.
"Maybe it was the combination of you Greil and Ike. I don't know!"
"It was Ike who made you stay though, admit it."
"Fine! What did you want me to do? Malum just beat him, and was about to kill him because of me! Yet he told me to stay! After that did you want me to just go against everything he had done to protect me?"
"No, I wouldn't. I just wanted a straight answer," Shinon said quietly.
"Shinon, this doesn't mean I favor him over you-"
"What about everything I've done for you? Didn't that come to mind when I pleaded for you to stay?"
"Shinon-"
"I guess not. I get it
Sheik, I know you've been spending a lot of time with him too. What more would I expect for two people in love though?"
"Love? Shinon where is this coming from? We're friends! Or am I not allowed to have any of those? Of course I think about the things you've done for me! Damn it Shinon! The hurt you've felt I've felt too! Or do you not remember those drunken nights where I found your raggedy ass in an ally with no money?"
"Sheik-"
"I guess not," she retorted. Sheik casted him one last glare before standing up, giving Midna an apologetic glance and then storming out, pulling her scarf back up.
(Ike)
Ike took a deep breath and walked into his father's cabin. Greil was at his desk writing something. Ike closed the door waited for Greil to address him. While he waited for him to finish he thought about all the things that could have brought him here. More orders? Had he done something wrong? An errand? Or, maybe, could it be a father son talk? One and three seemed more likely than two and four. He was brought from his thoughts as Greil set the quill pen down and motion for him to sit. The chair squeaked from wear and groaned at having to support his weight.
"Ike, I have some orders for you."
Of course, he thought.
"I want you to take a strong group to attack and weaken Malum's camp."
"Zelgius has returned?"
"No," he said vaguely, "Not yet."
This didn't add up. The orders were so open ended and to give them with little to no information was not like Greil.
"You aren't making much sense," Ike said.
"I'm giving you these orders for future reference, I don't want you leaving with any loose ends."
Loose ends? Was he feeling okay? Being part of Ike's family usually meant you were blunt and straightforward, unless you were a female. Mist was usually pretty cryptic. Ike looked at his father, confused.
"I'm still not sure what you're trying to say."
"Oh forget it, I must be mistaken."
"No, tell me."
"It's nothing. Forget it. I will tell you this though, Mist and Titania went to more than just that little town half a mile from here the other day, they went to several. They were gathering allies. They took Ranulf, Lethe, and Mordecai with them; I never would have guessed they would do that on their own. Anyway, with recruits pouring in the coming days I may have to shift around a few people in the cabins. Just a heads up."
"I'm glad they did, we could use some support."
"I agree."
After a that a silence fell over them, Ike nodded and stood, heading for the door.
"Ike, one more thing."
"Yes?"
"We don't talk often and I know we aren't very close, I regret that. Know this though: I'm proud of the man you have become."
"Thank you," Ike managed.
He bid him goodnight and left. After twenty-one years his father was now just realizing he may have made a mistake by creating a thin bond? He didn't have time to answer the question as he came upon an angry Sheik. He felt himself go into panic mode, he wasn't sure why but he looked around for some sort of exit. There was plenty, he was outside for crying out loud but she had already spotted him. He gave her a pained smile, which she noticed. Her eyes blazed but she still stopped.
"Why the forced smile?"
"Awkward conversation is all. Why the burning anger?"
"Cornered conversation," she answered.
Neither of them elaborated, instead they both seemed to calm down and meet each other's eyes.
"Your cabin, mine, or the forest?" He offered.
"Forest," she answered.
They wandered to the clearing with the stump and sat. Ike on the stump and Sheik against a tree across from him. He gave her a thin smile that lasted only a few seconds before his face became grim again.
"I'll go first again, if you want," he offered.
"I want to hear about The Massacre," she said.
"Right, I know. The day was like any other that you could remember from your short stay. We had advanced a great deal and expected a slow day, we hadn't done too much the previous day either; we weren't expecting a battle for another day. We were wrong. Of course everyone was dressed for battle, we didn't want to be caught off guard and defenseless. When we spotted the Black Knight's army we didn't think much of it, we believed it was smaller than it really was. We met them halfway and a battle ensued but we realized too late that we had overestimated ourselves and underestimated our enemies. For every man we cut down it seemed another was just as ready to take their place. Their lines didn't seem to be thinning either. Pretty soon I lost the rest of my team in the fray, no longer watching their backs but just trying to scrape by myself. I was trying to cut down as many as I could, I didn't realize how close to the edge I had gotten until I broke through the left side of the mass. It dawned me was too late that my friends would need help, so, I plunged back into the blood coated field only to find Dawn and Sebastian left out of our group. The other's forced to rest before their time.
"Coated in dirt, sweat, blood and tears we stayed together and fought. I don't know how long we stood out but it was too long. Our movements became sloppy and before I knew it Sebastian was on the ground, holding his side. Dawn and I tried our best to protect him, hoping he would hold out until Rhys or some other Priest came to us. None ever did. Soon after his injury the enemy seemed to wane, to thin. There was a short pause, long enough for us to check on Sebastian but he was fading fast," Ike paused and took a breath. He could feel Sheik's eyes burn into him, waiting for him to continue. He took one last shaky breath and cleared his throat.
"He gave us his last few words then he was gone. Just like that, he was gone, forever. We couldn't mourn him, or the others, there was still a battle raging. Again, I'm not sure how we lasted as long as we did but it seems like mere seconds in my memory. It wasn't long before the archers finally came to par. Seeing this we sent our own archers. The effort was enough for them to manage a retreat. Or something closely resembling one. Their remaining archers formed on a nearby hill and took aim. The cloud of arrows they sent our way may have been the clouds of Armageddon itself. My mind was slow, I was exhausted, I barely managed to grab a Daein soldier's body and use it to block the arrows. Dawn had a similar idea but she didn't have the same strength as she did in the beginning. She was as exhausted as me, and she wasn't quick enough. An arrow found its way in her abdomen. She gave me this," he pulled Dawn's necklace out from under his shirt, "and told me to keep it for good luck. She died in my arms. That was the second time I swore I would kill the Black Knight. You know that chest and list you found? They belonged to Sebastian, he made the list, saying he wanted to remember those who died with more than just a memory. He wanted to remember what they died for and when. We never thought it would be so many in one swoop," he finished. He felt a weight on his leg and looked down to see Armageddon's head resting there. He looked up at Ike, his red irises glowing softly in the dark.
(Sheik)
"I'm so sorry," she said quietly. She had been watching his face as he talked, it had gone from a hint of happiness, to anger, then to a great sadness. His cheeks glistened with tears, he was a man who wasn't afraid to cry. He was a man who had been through more than he appeared to have. He was a man she trusted with her story.
"Nothing could have changed what happened, nothing I could have done. At least, that's what everyone says."
"What do you say?"
"I say there could have been something I could have done. I could have at least carried Sebastian to a Priest while Dawn covered us. I could have saved Dawn if I had only thought about her instead of myself. I say that if I hadn't been so wrapped up in saving myself I could have saved some of them."
"You all would have died trying. Everything happens for a reason, it's better to except them than to question them. It's like questioning the meaning of life, you'll never get an answer, and you just go along with it."
"The meaning of life doesn't make leave you with a weight on your heart. Anyway, your story."
"I requested yours. What do you want to know?"
"Today at the market, the man, he gave you that same paralyzing fear that Link and your father do. Who is he?"
"His name is Reus. I met him a few years back, about six months or so before I came to help with the war. I was living with the thieves of my city at the time. I was wandering the city, picking pockets and the whatnot when I chose the wrong pocket to pick. It was Reus, he was an ex-thief, and went into attack mode at first. Just a simple smack to the face before he realized I was a girl. That was worse than getting beaten to a pulp, he looked me over and I guess he took a liking to me. The feeling was far from mutual. He tried to take me back to wherever he lived when Dax, the leader of the thieves, came looking for me. He saw Reus trying to take me away and saved me. Trying to fight Reus did nothing, he was, and is, stronger than me and my fighting means nothing to him. After that, he just popped up in the most random areas, always catching me off guard. I don't know how he finds me, I don't want to know," she said.
"He's never-"
"No. Someone's always been there to keep him off. I've had close calls but no, he's never succeeded."
"Good. I was worried I'd have to go on a man hunt. He was whispering something to you, wasn't he?"
"I'd rather not talk about that, Ike," Sheik said more quietly.
"Alright. Sheik, when my father said he wouldn't let you go because you were one of his men, he meant you were part of this family."
"Ike, I don't want to be rude but I don't fit in. I don't need a family anyways, I've had enough of them."
"Sheik, he's right," a voice said.
"Shinon?" They said in unison.
Shinon stepped into the clearing with his hands up.
"I'm not eavesdropping, I came to find Sheik and I heard what Ike said. He is right though. Everyone needs some sort of family. Look at me, Shinon the drunkard, even I need a family. This is it."
"Even though some of us don't get along we still have each other's back. Foreign waters have been tested but we always end up back here," Ike added.
"Yeah, and Sheik, I'm sorry. I'm sorry about earlier. I just over thought the whole situation-"
"And thought I would rather listen to him than my own brother? A man I barely knew, over my brother. You must have a talent for over thinking things," Sheik said with her arms crossed.
"Yeah, it's a family trait apparently, just look at you," he teased.
"I forgive you, by the way," she added. She looked over at Ike, wondering what he was thinking at their conversation but he was gone. She looked at Shinon and pointed at the stump.
"He left after I apologized. He knows when he's not wanted."
"Shinon, can you at least try to be nicer? I don't understand why you hate him so much."
"I don't hate him, I'm just not a fan of him."
"Why?"
"He... Sheik, I've known him for years. We've never gotten along. That's just the way it is."
"Okay, fine, have it your way. Is Midna still here?"
"Yeah, I showed her your cabin and she said she was going to bed."
That's fine. I'm tired too, I'll see you tomorrow. Night."
She came closer and hugged him. He mumbled a goodnight and let go, walking with her back to the cabins. After a time they parted ways and she more wandered to her cabin rather than actually walked. She thought about what story she had considered telling Ike, one she had never told but relived in her nightmares. She had hesitated and now he knew about Reus instead of her mother. That was fine with her though, Ike didn't need to know about her darkest fear just yet. She had opened up to him more than she had anyone else. The others who knew about her family life and her past were the ones who had witnessed it, she had never once told it like a story.
She opened her cabin door and looked at one of the previously empty cots, a bundle now rested on it. It was no doubt Midna, asleep and unaware of her presence. Sheik closed the door and changed into her night clothes. She laid down and stared at the ceiling, wondering what was going to happen in the coming days, wondering when this foolish war would end.
"You came in late," Midna said.
"You came in early," Sheik responded.
"Did you transport from another world using nothing but the magic stored inside you? No. I didn't think so."
"Yeah, yeah, so what brings you here? Or better yet, how did you hear about the war? Much less the circumstances around it?"
"Truth be told? Well, I've been in your world for some time now. I lied just a moment ago; I didn't find you in Hyrule so I traveled around to find you. You pick up things, rumors."
"What? Don't you have a kingdom to take care of?"
"I resigned. There are few people I trust now, even fewer in my world. I left my people in the hands of one who I trust deeply. I've been pestered about marriage for the past few months and I couldn't take it anymore; there is no one I love in my world, not in the way they want me too. I love my people but nothing more. I came to find love I suppose..."
"Interesting, yet sappy. I can't believe you left. Just up and left..."
"I still hardly can. Sheik, we should go to bed. Who knows what tomorrow has in store for us," Midna said, her voice trailing off.
Sheik smiled and rolled to her right, closing her eyes.
(Ike)
Ike dumped himself onto his cot, a sigh escaping him. Armageddon jumped up on the small cot and laid across Ike's legs. He reached down and scratched the dog between the horns then blew out the candle on his stand. He thought about the night; he had wanted to talk to Sheik longer, he would have if Shinon hadn't come along. No, he wasn't mad with Shinon, he was just disappointed their time had been cut short. These thoughts were strange ones that he had had only a few times before. When just the thought of spending time with Sheik made him smile, he knew he wanted more than just a friendship with her. He liked Sheik, a lot. He was probably getting ahead of himself but it was too late now. He shook his head, this was the last thing he needed, to fall in love.
C'mon on guys! Review! I need to know if I need to work on character development, plot, dialogue, all that kind of stuff. I would also love to hear your thoughts on it so far. I have some news: Yes, the dreaded genre is Romance (*shiver*). Good news: I'm working on the next chapter already and I'm writing a new Fan Fiction, Avatar the Last Airbender. I have little twist of my own to it so feel free to check it out. Some lyrics for how I think Ike and Sheik feel sometimes:
This world will never be
What I expected
And if I don't belong
Who would have guessed it
I will not leave alone
Everything that I own
To make you feel like it's not too late
It's never too late
Even if I say
It'll be alright
Still I hear you say
You want to end your life
Now and again we try
To just stay alive
Maybe we'll turn it all around
'Cause it's not too late
It's never too late
No one will ever see
This side reflected
And if there's something wrong
Who would have guessed it
And I have left alone
Everything that I own
To make you feel like
It's not too late
It's never too late
Even if I say
It'll be alright
Still I hear you say
You want to end your life
Now and again we try
To just stay alive
Maybe we'll turn it all around
'Cause it's not too late
It's never too late
The world we knew
Won't come back
The time we've lost
Can't get back
The life we had
Won't be ours again
This world will never be
What I expected
And if I don't belong
Even if I say
It'll be alright
Still I hear you say
You want to end your life
Now and again we try
To just stay alive
Maybe we'll turn it all around
'Cause it's not too late
It's never too late
Maybe we'll turn it all around
'Cause it's not too late
It's never too late (It's never too late)
It's not too late
It's never too late