Link and Sheik run through the rain, out of the graveyard, to a small house near the back corner of the village. They hurry inside, drenched, shutting the door quickly but quietly.

Sheik walks wordlessly to a large dresser, only stopping to look behind him, lighting a small lamp with a flick of his fingers. It lights up the room softly, the glow flickering across the walls.

Link stands, shivering and wet, not far into the room. He watches Sheik gather items, not knowing what to say. He rubs his shoulders for warmth, and finally says, "Where are we going?"

Sheik does not look at him, but continues packing a small bag. "To the desert. There is a gateway there," he looks at Link only for a moment, "one which you can enter." He says so, matter-of-factly. He focuses again on packing, placing one last item inside. "Sleep now. We leave at daybreak."

Now Link is feeling many different things at this moment, confusion mostly directed at himself and his actions at the graveyard, and more confusion, directed at this sudden turn of events. "Zant.." he begins but does not make it through his sentence.

"- Zant wants the Triforce and the Sacred Realm," Sheik interrupts.

Link thinks and says, "The other Sheikah - "

"The other Sheikah are his allies. They side with him," Sheik answers.

Link steps forward, "And you - "

"I side with you," and Sheik turns toward Link, locking eyes, "Hero of Time." He stares for a moment, not breaking eye contact.

Link follows Sheik's gaze, staring intensely. "You and I against the world?" Link smiles roguishly, folding his arms across his chest. "I like those odds."

Sheik looks at the hero still, a heated gaze of pure rebelliousness radiating. He smiles too, unseen under his cowl, and then he drops the glance, returning to his preparations.

Link sleeps soundless on the bed, uncovered, sprawled out, chest rising and falling with every deep breath. His eyelids flicker left and right, body still, cast in the faint glow from the lamp on the tabletop.

Sheik paces, eyes on both the hero and the world outside the window.

'So you are the child of destiny?'

Sheik stands still, memories from another time yet again floating through his mind.

"Damnit," Sheik says aloud, softly. He brings a hand to his forehead.

'Silly boy,' laments Sheik.

'I know! I'm so sorry!' Link says, muffled into Sheik's shoulder.

Sheik realizes their awkward positioning, and he sits up, removing Link's body from his own.

Sheik cries quietly in frustration.

'A while ago, when I asked about these stars, you never answered me,' Link says, gazing up at the ceiling.

Sheik sits on the bed beside Link.

'They're not real, I know that now.'

Sheik lowers his head, bringing both hands to each temple.

'I'm real.'

Sheik lowers his head more, his hands covering more of his face.

'I don't care about the Princess, I care about y-!'

He squints his eyes, shutting them tight.

'This cannot happen.'

Sheik moans softly.

'I thought, if I create a melody that has the power to transport me to another world, then maybe.. maybe someday I could return to you.'

Sheik lifts his head and turns to look at the hero, sleeping beside him.

'For when the time comes that one of us needs to return to each other quickly.. we'll play the Prelude of Light.'

The melody dances throughout Sheik's mind. He lifts his left hand, and places it atop Link's thigh.

'Sheik.. I have things I want to say to you.. things I need to tell you..'

Sheik squeezes the hero's leg.

'You mustn't.'

And Sheik looks upon the hero, words from another place echoing throughout his brain. He traces with his eyes the outline of the sleeping form, from every strong muscle to the places draped in loose fabric. He imagines what lay underneath.

He brings his cowl down, and raises his fingers to his lips, feeling a ghostly sensation of the hero's lips, pressed against his own. The memory lingers there with him, desperation and desire, fleeting under unfortunate circumstances. Sadness. A finite instance, given a second chance.

'He cannot know,' Sheik justifies.

And Sheik wonders then how he himself knows, recollections of events he hasn't yet experienced. Recollections from a future time. How is that possible? He may be prophetic and have an unnatural intuitive sense, but such a strong inclination is a new sensation for him. Especially feelings of the intimate sort, which has been taught to him at an early age to be wary of. Such is the Sheikah way. And feelings for another man, for that matter.. well..

Sheik battles this interior monologue with himself, trying to make sense of something he began encountering the moment Link had walked into Kakariko Village the other night. The memories, the glances, the time shared, the physical interaction.. all too real. As soon as he saw him enter his life his entire mindset took on a new perspective; one of a mentor to this hero in green, a protector, a friend.. and possibly more.

Sheik makes a fist with his right hand, signaling strength to his being, control.

'He doesn't remember,' Sheik's inner voice reminds.

'He does,' Sheik's other inner voice urges.

'Your optimism will betray you..' the first voice responds.

And Sheik silences both, whilst taking another glance at the sleeping hero. Such was not a good idea, for the feeling that rushes then between his legs and into his core is too much; the arousal, too much. The fire engulfs him then, burning him; his mind, his heart, his throbbing appendage. He curses in an ancient tongue as he swirls in the midst of this, then standing quickly, he rushes for the door, exiting into the night.

Midna paces outside as she awaits the rest of the gathering of the Sheikah. It is nearly dawn, hazy brightness just discernible beyond the mountain tops. She feels an uneasiness, which she justifies as eager anxiety, as she watches those who appear and wait before her. Her stomach drops as more than a few minutes pass by, departure time having already passed, and the one whom she has hoped most would arrive, was no where to be seen. She bites her bottom lip and sighs angrily, scowling then and shaking her head in disappointment.

'Sheik', she thinks. 'You idiot.'

She musters up an attempt at a smile, and speaks to the crowd of Sheikah awaiting her.

"Today is the beginning of a new dawn for the Sheikah. No longer will we exist only in the shadows, no longer will we be inferior to the Hylian race!"

The large group cheers in unison.

"Today we depart into the desert, and together with our leader Zant, we shall claim the Triforce for our own!"

The entire village begins talking excitedly, but soon hushes as Zant appears behind Midna, atop a black steed. He sits still, saying nothing at first. He raises a gloved hand, making a tight fist in the air. "My Sheikah. Hyrule is at war. We have remained here undetected, however as soon as we leave these gates we will be subjected to the destruction that has befallen our land."

Knowing glances back and forth between the Sheikah people of the village. They are quiet now, hands holding tightly to their daggers and weapons of choice. Seeing all of these warriors of the shadows together, was truly a sight to behold.

"There is a power that rises to the north, a man who has intent to become the King of Hyrule. He is not to be trusted! But be relieved, my Sheikah, that you have chosen the right path. For I will lead us into a new age, where we are no longer servants but free people. The power of the Triforce and the Sacred Realm, the blessings of the Goddesses.." his fist becomes tighter, lowering close to his face, "are ours."

Zant lowers his focus down to Midna, standing beside him. Quietly and only to her he asks, "Sheik and the Hero of Time..?"

Midna sighs and turning only her eyes momentarily to the Sheikah leader she says, "They're gone."

Link and Sheik dart past the crowd, sneaking silently and quickly to the edge of the village. Sheik leads the way, motioning for Link to follow, as they soon reach the large gate separating the town from the fields of Hyrule. Link stands for a moment in awe of the structure, for before in his child years the gate had been small and open to whomever wished to enter.

"I take it the Sheikah do not like visitors," Link quips.

Sheik turns to face Link, a slight nod. "These are difficult times," he responds. "Link," he motions toward the other man, then scaling the side of the gate to the top, "we must climb, and quickly." He bends low from atop the structure, reaching an arm down for Link to grab a hold of.

Link looks at the Sheikah, perched above, the fabric-interwoven fingers outstretched, inviting him. The hero's mind blanks for a second, a memory.

Sheik yells, and leans over the ledge with his arm outstretched, hand open and ready to catch the boy on the final stretch of the gap.

Link stares for a moment, focusing on nothing in particular, and with a slight shake of his head, he glances at Sheik, a look of perplexity ghosting his face.

"Link," Sheik urges, waiting. "Take my hand."

"Right," Link acknowledges, and getting a running start, he races towards the gate. Left foot first he scales the side of the wall, gaining enough momentum to reach the top and grasp the Sheikah's open palm.

"Impressive," Sheik murmurs. Link grins and shrugs.

And crouching beside Sheik on top of the massive gate, the two overlook Kakariko Village, taking in the scenery as the sun rises behind the peak of Death Mountain in the distance. Link can only recall his memories of this place, and seeing the landscape - even in its state before his time - issues forth a peace within him. He feels then an awakening of spirit. Almost as if the Goddesses are calling out to him, lending their strength. Link brings his left arm, and rests it on his knee.

"In this moment, I find myself forgetting what awaits us," he says, eyes locked on the rays of light scattering across the rooftops far into the village.

Sheik is quiet at first. "There is no harm in taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of things," he begins, placing his right hand on Link's shoulder softly. "For time has a way.. " he looks at Link, his eyes wavering slightly, the cowl placed around his mouth puffing with each breath, "of taking them from you."

Link takes both of his hands, and rests them on Sheik's shoulders, and leans in very close.

"For once," he is serious for a moment, "I think time is on our side." He then removes his hands, wondering if he has overstepped his bounds, his eyes still on Sheik.

Sheik stares expressionless into Link's eyes as well, contemplative. Both peering at one another, trying to figure each other out. Seconds slow as they do this, asking questions without saying a thing; they look for a hint behind each other's eyes, something that justifies this strange electric sensation they both are feeling. And then without a word, the Sheikah jumps off the gate, landing quietly below on the other side.

Link shakes his head, trying to ease the warm feeling creeping up his neck to his face, and then follows suit, jumping off as well and rolling onto the ground beneath him.

The breeze whips around the two as they ride swiftly on horseback across Hyrule Field. Link leans forward and sends his horse galloping, yelling joyfully. He looks back at Sheik to find the other man simply shaking his head, continuing on in a steady gait behind him. The sun is bright, already mid-day, and Link finds himself feeling genuinely happy - something he has not felt for quite some time. The state of Hyrule however is not the greatest, as buildings in the far off distance smoke as fires that were set continue burning to completion. He notices Hylian patrol units near the castle; seemingly all races protecting themselves from each other. He sees then Hyrule Castle in the distance, looking a bit different than it did in his time, perhaps not yet officially royally connected due to the absence of a king.

Through all this, surprisingly Link feels centered, focused. He knows that when he returns to his time, it will be his duty then to save Hyrule. That is his main objective, his purpose. The events proceeding now, are out of his control. He has no place in them. He feels sadness briefly in his chest then, as he continues riding across the fields, thinking back to his first day in the market, and the unfortunate and unstoppable series of events that led to his mother's death. How strange it is, to be somewhere and have utter lack of say or power over the events that occur. For if he were to change them.. well, the outcome would be uncertain and potentially catastrophic to himself, in the future if he returns.

'When I return,' Link reassures himself.

And almost as justification, Link sets a determined expression, and kicks his heels to the horse's sides, galloping past the castle and to the desert beyond.

They ride on until the evening, when they finally dismount and set up camp for the night near a small stream that trails out the western edge of Lake Hylia. Under the canopy of a large tree and the sun beneath the horizon, they build a small fire and lay out woven Sheikah blankets that they had taken with them from the village.

Sheik sits quiet by the fire, unwrapping the white fabric from around his wrists. He flexes his arms in the firelight, relishing the feeling of exposed skin to the night air. Link sits quietly too, watching the Sheikah's every move, and pretending not to. The air is thick between them until Sheik, breaks the silence.

"What is it like?" he asks.

Link pokes at the fire with a branch, not looking up. "What is what like?"

Sheik rests casually, leaning against the trunk of a tree. "Being the hero."

"Well," Link sighs, his chest and shoulders slumping after such a heavy breath, "It's all I know." He shrugs and stops for a moment, thinking, before continuing. "However, I can remember being a child, in the forest. My life was simple then; I played games with the other Kokiri.. we knew not of danger or battle. We never saw any outsiders." He pokes at the fire again with the branch, sending embers into the night sky. "I dreamt of it though, engaging in battle with fierce opponents."

Sheik nods, his lips tensing and eyes squinting slightly before responding. "And then you left the forest?" he asks, carefully.

"I was summoned by the Great Deku Tree to fulfill the prophecy." Link looks up then at the Sheikah, "the same one you spoke of, in the village." He looks down again, but continues speaking. "I ventured forth, leaving the forest for the first time to the sprawling fields of Hyrule. I entered dungeons and fought dangerous creatures.. retrieving stones, for the princess."

"The Princess Zelda?"

"That's the one," he acknowledges, smiling a bit, chuckling to himself. He shakes his head, almost in disbelief of his situation.

Sheik closes his eyes as he leans his head back on the tree. "What is she like?"

Link clears his throat. "She.. is kind and fragile. Adventurous and curious." He shrugs again. "I only met her while we were both children."

"Was she beautiful?"

Link toys with the branch, playing with the thorns. "I suppose you could say she was."

"Did you think she was beautiful?"

Link stops for a moment, thinking. "I.. don't know." He stares off perplexed, an unemotional and disinterested look upon his face at the thought.

Sheik opens his eyes very slightly, peering at the hero. He studies the other man for a moment, and smiles slightly. He closes his eyes then, and changes the subject. "And after you gathered the stones..?"

"I went into the Temple of Time, and lifted the Master Sword from its pedestal."

Sheik waits a moment for Link to continue, but he does not. "Is that all?"

Link stares strangely into the night sky, his eyes glazing over. "There was a very bright light, a very strong magic... and I woke up here, in Hyrule Market, just days ago."

"Link," Sheik starts, folding his arms casually, "how is it that you converse with the literacy of a learned adult, fight with the skills of a hardened warrior, and only have been grown to this age for a mere few days?"

"I wondered that myself," Link says bashfully.

"Have you ever thought, that perhaps you are forgetting something?" Sheik trails.

Link nods slowly. "It is strange actually.. I feel as if I have done things, things which I have no memory of. It is difficult to explain. I've felt it since I awoke."

"Then maybe you are not supposed to remember," Sheik adds, softly.

Link shakes his head, rather roughly. "No.. I don't like the idea of that. If I experienced it then it is my memory to keep." He thinks aloud, "I know there are things.. just like I know I've met you before."

"So you've mentioned."

"Sheik.. what do you think of me?" Link asks, dropping the branch and looking the Sheikah in the eyes.

Sheik stills, pausing. "You are.. unfaulteringly brave and unselfish. You are quick to learn and eager to please. You are.. something not of this world, almost inhuman.. you radiate an energy which I cannot describe. You haven't changed."

Link looks taken aback, head tilting slightly, eyes opening wide. Did he hear that correctly?

Sheik changes the subject quickly. "What do you think of me, Link?"

Link raises his eyebrows, almost at a loss for words. Then, finally after a deep breath, "I feel that you are more than you let on. There is something about you.. I think you are more powerful than the other Sheikah from the village. You can sense things." He pauses. "You are very wise but true to yourself. You are strong and loyal and.. very.." He raises his eyebrow, making an approving sound, his cheeks blushing fiercely. He catches himself doing so, and shakes it off. His demeanor then suggests deep thought; an inner battle of sorts. He stands up abruptly and walks to the far edge of their small camp, resting a foot on a large rock, turning his gaze out into the night beyond. His form, lean and muscled, outlined by the luminance from the fire and moonlight above.

Sheik looks over to him, watching wordlessly as Link surveys, his eyes trailing along the perimeters of the hero's body. He senses something off about the hero, however, and it makes him slightly apprehensive of what's to come. "You really do look like the legendary Hero of Time.." he says, words lightly through the air, breaking the silence between them.

Link glances over his shoulder at Sheik, narrowing his eyes and smiling slightly. He says nothing. After a minute or two, he turns fully around, a focused and odd expression set on his face, and bravely saunters towards the other man, keeping his eyes locked on the Sheikah. "And why do you say that?" he asks softly, confidently, still walking ever closer.

Sheik swallows and focuses on unwrapping the fabric around his head, breaking eye contact.

"Do I look like how you imagined?" Link continues. Closer.

Sheik stops briefly, gazing into the firelight. "Imagined.. is not quite the right word." He begins with the fabric again. This is new, the Sheikah thinks as he feels the situation falling out of his control.

"What is the right word?" Link stands now very near, and Sheik can see his boots out of the corner of his eye.

Sheik continues unwrapping the fabric, his arms up, back arching. He takes his time, letting the hero look. Two can play this game. "The legend is passed down from generations and generations. There are depictions of you in books, paintings.." Sheik explains, feigning ignorance.

"That's not what I am asking."

Sheik unwinds the last bit of fabric, hair free from its usual head piece, and he looks to the hero. Not directly in the eyes, but starts at his legs, firm and covered tightly in white, and up.. the hem of his green tunic, that space in between, his belt..

Sheik turns away quickly, breathing deeply. He thinks before responding, knowing full well the events he could be setting in motion. "Are you wondering if I fantasized about the Hero of Time?"

"Fantasized?" Link asks, emphasis on the past tense. He crouches, eye level with the Sheikah.

Sheik's eyes remain on the hero's thighs, pressed and thick now against his calf in his current position. "So what you are really asking.." his eyes trail up and into the darkness between Link's legs, "is if I fantasize.. about the Hero of Time?"

Link leans forward, looking down to the ground, a second of timidness. "Do you?" He waits for a moment, and brings his eyes up to meet Sheik's.

Their gazes interlock with heated intensity. Their faces begin to near very slowly with uncertainty. It is time in slow motion. Shallow breaths. Then, with noses almost touching, Link takes his fingers to Sheik's cowl, and pulls it down carelessly, exposing the Sheikah's mouth. Link stays there, eyes searching, his lips feathering Sheik's own, an inch apart. Sheik licks his own lips. Almost..

"I don't think you fully comprehend what you are doing," Sheik musters out, pulling away awkwardly, getting up quickly. He turns and stumbles away from the fire, haphazardly walking towards the stream.

Link sits unmoving, eyes cold, wondering if he had gotten the wrong impression all along.

Shorter chapter this time, but it's necessary for the flow of the next coming parts.

Huge appreciation to those who left feedback, and I'm hoping to hear from more of you as the story progresses.

I just briefly want to mention that this story won't be incredibly long. I feel it is a very moving tale, and it needn't be sweetened with too much filler. All together it comes in at around 30k words.

Thank you for all your support!