When Link was safely across the barrier, Midna dropped him on the ground, rather unceremoniously, on his butt. He gave her a viscous wolf glare as she hovered above him laughing, but then he just walked away realizing it had little effect on the imp. He went through the little clearing and headed toward Faron's Spring to see what happened to the Light Spirit. There was a little crackle in the air and suddenly the large post-like rocks dropped down again, the pink barrier lighting up the space between them. He looked up to see the vortex form where the Shadow Creatures seemed to drip out of the sky, but this time there were three. Since the last fight seemed easier than expected, he latched onto the nearest creature, planning on dispatching them one at a time. The first one went down with no problem, but while he was biting at the second one, the third one was slashing at him. The second finally went down, Link having a few cuts of his own to show for it, when the third one stepped back and let out a wail. As the shrill cry rang throughout the pen, loud enough to wake the dead, the first two creatures were reanimated. Link panicked as they stood up and came at him again. He yelled out to Midna for help, not knowing what to do. He attacked the closest one again to defend himself, waiting to see if she would appear. As the first one went down, Midna descended on the other two, her orange hair glowing like fire. The crazy hair formed into a hand and swiped at the last two creatures, taking them out with a double slap. The creatures fell and were vaporized, changing the new portal turquoise.
Link looked at Midna, quite relieved that she finally showed some real concern. She explained how the last creature standing would cry out, raising the dead. She wouldn't always be able to help him, especially out in the open, but the woods were secluded and it may be safe for now. He thanked her and hoped he wouldn't run into any more of them. Link finally entered Faron's Spring, a dim glow barely bathing the upper falls. There was a gold shimmer hovering in the air, looking almost like the green spirits of the frozen people. He could hear it whispering quietly but more in a trance than to him specifically. It said something about a stolen shadow and recovering it from the Temple. He could have sworn it was speaking of Sheik. It made no acknowledgment to his questions, just repeating itself in an timeless loop. Midna told him that it's light must have been quelled by the shadow and, as it said, they should go to the Temple to recover it. He decided to follow her hopeful instructions since that was his destination already and, most of all, he needed to find Sheik. Midna said she would not be able to enter the Temple, although its sacred halls were consumed by the shadow, she sensed something else holding her back, perhaps the trapped Light of Faron still lingered there.
He continued down the path, alone again. He took out several dark plants that continued to snap at him blocking his way. He dug under the gate and entered the cave, taking care of some other shadow vermin. As he came out to the swamp, he saw that it was covered in a dense purple fog, an acrid smell hanging in the air. He tried to avoid the noxious mist that swirled below, jumping from rocks and branches, making his way circuitously through the trees. He eventually jumped back on solid ground, a platform not too far from where he started, seeming to have gone all the way around the whole swamp. He entered another little cave only to be met by another energy barrier. Luckily Midna was still hiding close and decided to be helpful. She floated down and just casually swept the three creatures aside, relinquishing another portal.
He passed into a small clearing nestled in between a cleft of rocks, tree root growing all around. The ground was now covered in patterned tiles, crack from age and the intrusive roots .It led to the edge of a high cliff, the bottom being far beyond sight, shrouded in a dense mist from the humid forest. Giant trees grew up out of the fog, continuing upward until they were lost from sight again, the haze clouding the view of their tops. A giant branch came out from the closest tree and its broken tip rested in the clearing. It was hollowed out, the tiles seamlessly continuing onto it. It created a path that spanned the immense gap, leading up to the Temple. As Link ran across, he could see the simple detail around the entrance, just a few timbers and crossbeams. Nearing it, he felt the hope rise within him, surging him forward. He hesitated only for a moment before plowing through a giant cobweb that blocked his way. He entered into the darkness, hoping he wasn't too late.
He could see the light coming from the end of the tunnel, revealing the large room ahead as he neared. The light seemed to be coming from a torch at the other end of the room, basking it in a green haze. The Forest temple was full of plant life, lush and green. The rock walls were covered by vines and moss, adding a softer feel to its dark interior. As Link made his way to the opposite side, dodging plants and spiders, he saw that the flame came not from a brazier as first thought, but in fact was contained in a small wooden cage. The green flame was very familiar, and his heart leapt as he ran toward it. He could hear the soft murmuring of the frozen spirit, calling to him from within, "I am coming, Link, hold on!" He nudged his muzzle into the cage, finally finding the soul he was searching for.
The tears in Link's eyes made his sight waver, his vision appearing as if in a dream. He reached his paw into the cage to touch the trapped spirit, and as it came into contact with the flame, the Triforce of Wisdom lit up with a brilliant intensity, and then it disappeared, burning into nothingness as it had before. A blue diamond grew within the green flame causing it to flare and spark as it was consumed. The light of Nayru's Love expanded outward in a blinding flash, bursting the cage, unable to contain it. As the flash slowly faded, it revealed a Hylian form laying helplessly on the ground. Link lay next to Sheik and nuzzled his hand, the glowing symbol now burned on to the back of it. The blond stirred and slowly opened his eyes, the warm rubies locking onto the cool lapis. Although the blue eyes seemed familiar, Sheik was confused at the form that lay snuggled up next to him. "Link, is that you? What happened?" he asked with uneasy skepticism. The wolf tilted its head with understanding, but only a bark came out.
As Sheik sat up, the encompassing light finally faded away. He suddenly felt a sharp jolt as tendrils of pink energy zapped and crackled around him. The wolf stood up and frantically ran around him barking in panic. A burning sensation spread through Sheik's body. The scream that burst from his lungs cracked and became a high pitch screech, then he crumpled to the ground. After some gentle nudging from Link, he opened his eyes again, returning to consciousness. He looked up at Link, noticing something was different. Link was a lot higher up than he seemed before. He looked around the room, then finally at himself. He saw a sleek body covered in feathers. He spread out his arms, only to see a great span of wings. All but the white underbelly was covered with blue-grey feathers, and ended in a black tipped tail. His familiar red eyes seemed to pierce the air with crystal clarity. He stood on bright yellow talons with long black claws.
"So this is how you see yourself?" Link said with a little smirk. "I am so glad I found you," he searched the red eyes for confirmation, "in whatever form you come." Sheik perked up at the sound of Link's voice. How he missed that voice. Although it wasn't coming from his mouth, he heard it in his head, but knew that it was Link speaking to him. He leaned on the big grey wolf, nestling his little face in Link's soft coat. Link laid down and rested his head over the eagle's back, pulling him in close. He wasn't alone anymore, and that was all that mattered. They were both perfectly content to just stay there for a while, but they had another promise to keep, and eventually looked to the task at hand.
"I guess this is a fitting form for me." Sheik said as he pulled back from Link, eying himself a little more closely. "Our ancestors saw the eagle for its swiftness and strength, possessing wisdom, intelligence, and keen sight. It represented the illumination of spirit, with its ability to see hidden truths. It was a carrier of lost souls, and had great knowledge of magic." Sheik's eyes reflected the inward realization that he had: his guiding animal carried his most valued traits and he hoped that his actions reflected the honor of being this animal. He looked back up at Link appraisingly, "I can see that you are well suited to your animal as well. The wolf embodies dignity, courage, instinct, and intuition. Its ability to learn and outwit enemies, combined with its skill in protection, make it a loyal guardian. It is no wonder Zelda sees you so clearly for who you are." Link smiled in appreciation, and Sheik would have smiled back if his beak would have let him.
Link stood up and looked around, getting his bearings and formulating a plan. Since he hadn't actually been inside this Temple before, his only plan was to find the map that always seemed to be hidden somewhere within. So far the only door he had seen was the one on the platform above him. Sheik flew up easily, but Link couldn't really climb. He decided to take a running jump, and managed to just reach the ledge and pull himself up. Then when they came to the door, Link slammed into with his side, managing to dislodge it, then let the counterbalance roll it to the side. They made their may cautiously forward as they entered the main hall of the Temple.