Two Months Later
The air was crisp and fresh against the wolf man's face as his watchful gaze stretched over the grassy plain, his armored frame standing alone on a small hill. Large cliffs spiked out toward the horizon like teeth in the distance, separating the lush grass of Hyrule Field from the rocky crags of Death Mountain. A fire flickered from the bottom of the hill, growing and crackling like a horde of noisy fireflies. From down below, the wind carried the smell of the campfire smoke and the sounds of laughter from his fellow soldiers sitting around it. The moon was large and full tonight like a pale crystal ball, stirring his urge to howl deep within. A few dark clouds drifted somewhere in the night time sky, but otherwise hundreds of stars smiled down on him from their celestial home high above.
In some ways, this scene reminded him of the fateful night he'd first arrived here. Back then, he had been so naïve to the war that raged in these very lands. For two months, he had searched tirelessly for any trace of Zelda. Instead, he had found bloodshed, violence, and hatred. Even in the few days with no violence, the Hylian city was tense with fear. The warrior could seldom remember a day where he had not seen a dead body, Hylian or Sheikah. He had already attended several funerals in the past week alone, many being those of comrades he had come to know only recently. As he learned, this was not a quick war fought with decisive battles, but a dragged out vendetta with smaller, sporadic skirmishes. More and more he was sent out to the field on significant assignments, so much that it seemed he spent more time outside the city than in it.
Tonight was one of those nights. The man that looked out over the vastness of Hyrule Field was only a shadow of his former self; a soldier simply completing a mission for the sake of following orders. What stood watch with feral eyes was not a hero who saved Hyrule, but a wolf trapped in a man's body. The long days and sleepless nights fighting countless battles had taken their toll even on the Hero Chosen by the Goddesses. Deprived of the support of his friends, he fought alone against enemies both physical and mental. In some ways, he not only hoped to find Zelda, but his humanity as well.
Recently, General Daltus had received scouting reports about suspicious activity on the eastern border near Death Mountain. This was close to Sheikah territory. Immediately, he ordered Link and a company of men to investigate. When the feral warrior and the soldiers beneath his command had arrived on the scene, they had quickly discovered the scouts' dead bodies as a welcoming gift. The corpses had been stripped of their armor and weapons. It was without a doubt the work of a Sheikah.
Link had insisted in "mourning" for the bodies alone; using the absence of his men to gain a firm understanding of the situation. Using his wolf senses, he was able to detect a usable scent. He had learned long ago that Sheikah did not leave trails his nose could detect. However, by using the scent of sweat from the weapons they stole, he could pinpoint the direction they had escaped to. With that knowledge, he was able to plan a defensive strategy.
Though the laughter down below gave the illusion of unaware soldiers, it was no more than a ruse to lull their enemy into a soft sense of security. He had carefully instructed his men to be on high alert. Now, as he stood watch atop his perch, he waited patiently for their enemy's arrival.
Soon, his sharp eyes detected the slight movements of shadows in the distance. They had fallen for the bait. The wolf man knelt down and focused his vision. The shinobi moved through the grass like stones skipping on water; even with his enhanced vision, he could barely follow their movements. Their dark clothing combined with their agility made them dangerous opponents to fight at night.
It was time to send the signal. Link quickly grabbed the bow and bomb arrow resting by his feet and took aim for the sky. With the release of his fingers, the smoldering projectile sailed through the air and exploded in a bright cloud of smoke. Shouts from the camp stirred to warn one another. Meanwhile, the feral warrior dropped the bow and grabbed the Master Sword firmly in his left hand. The grass swept gently by his legs as he took off down the hill towards his defensive position.
The plan was simple. If the men were as alert as he hoped, they would meet the opposing Sheikah armed and ready for battle. Sheikah specialized in close combat and surprise tactics, but against Hylian armor and deprived of that surprise element, the Hylians would have the upper hand. Realizing they would be outmatched, the shinobi would attempt to turn around and retreat into the darkness using their superior speed. When that happened, Link would be waiting for them.
The cries of battle and the clang of steel on steel rippled through the air like ocean waves as the hero finally reached his position. His muscles were a little sore from the extra armor, but it was a necessary sacrifice to protect him from Sheikah poison. It had taken him some time to adjust, but the protection it afforded was worth it. Unfortunately, it also hindered his wolf transformation.
From the victorious hollers of his men just around the hill, Link could tell the Sheikah were heading his way. The feral warrior took one last deep breath before closing the lid of his helm. He bent his knees slightly and gripped the Master Sword firmly in his hand. His heart pumped adrenaline fiercely through his body as the thrill of battle took hold of him. He tensed his muscles momentarily, and then relaxed as a familiar and comforting haze clouded his thoughts.
Two shinobi stopped in their tracks when they saw the pale moonlight reflecting off his silver armor. They had heard stories of his superior swordsmanship and ferocious battle techniques. The rumors said he had never lost a battle. Now, they were about to experience it for themselves.
The Sheikah could not afford to stall long. The shouts of Link's company grew louder behind them; they had no choice but to engage the swordsman in combat. With hatred burning in their red eyes, the two shadow warriors raced to test their fate.
Link watched with sword in hand as one of them slammed a Deku Nut to blind him. Instinctively, he closed his eyes and focused on the sounds they made. A soft pattering of the grass to the left told the wolf man to side step, nearly avoiding a dagger to his side. The blade of evil's bane retaliated before the shadow could react. With a quick jab of his arm, the blade pierced and retracted through the shinobi's chest in one smooth motion.
Just as the first Sheikah fell to the ground, Link felt a scrape against the back of his armor. His other opponent attempted to strike the gap between his neck and breastplate. Without wasting a second, Link executed a spin slash, his foe parrying the attack with his weapon but still falling back from the impact. The sheikah was already on his feet when the feral warrior turned to face him, but his dagger had been thrown to the wayside. The shinobi spit on the ground and looked at him in disgust.
"The famous Ordona I've heard so much about. How many of my kind have fallen by your hand?"
The wolf man smirked and stepped confidently towards his opponent. "Not enough." He spun the blade around his wrist. "You'll soon join them unless you're willing to answer a little question of mine."
The Sheikah readied several throwing knives between his fingers. "I have nothing to say to you."
Link shrugged his shoulders. "So be it."
The two combatants twirled around one another in a dance of death and steel. With his armor, Link had no fear of long range attacks. He knew his opponent would have to exploit a gap in his armor at close quarters if he was to be successful. The shadow made several valiant attempts at this, but Link was able to twist and dodge each time; once or twice the knives clinked against his breastplate. The feral warrior kept his sword arm ready, feigning a stab every so often to keep his opponent guessing.
Before long, the shinobi attempted to disable him with a swift sweeping kick to the legs followed by a slice to the helm. However, the feral warrior was familiar with Sheikah martial arts by now. He jumped to avoid the kick, bent back to avoid the slash, and thrust his sword all in one fluid motion; years of combat experience combined with his natural instincts made the difficult moves seem smooth and effortless. The blade pierced through this opponent as it had his last; drawing crimson blood as it poked out of his back. Without armor, the shadow's flesh was powerless against the Master Sword.
"I-I am beaten?" The Sheikah suddenly froze, as if the realization seemed foreign to him. Suddenly, the shock of the pain hit him and he coughed up blood. "O-one day we will have our revenge, Ordona." He glared at Link, his body fixed in place as the pain overwhelmed him. "You will be revealed for the monster you truly are. I promise you."
The shinobi moved his arm in one last effort to strike but Link saw it coming. The feral warrior twisted the blade and caused the shadow to drop his weapons from the sheer agony before it ever reached him.
Link withdrew the blade and shoved his dying opponent to the ground with a firm kick. "Poor choice of last words." He stabbed through the shadow's chest one more time to ensure his death, silencing his bitter opponent permanently. As the swordsman retracted the bloody blade, he looked around to find the rest of his men standing there in awe. He barked at them. "What are you staring at? What about the others?"
"All of them were killed except this one right here, Lieutenant." Kieran emerged from the group of awestruck soldiers with a younger Sheikah girl firmly in his grasp. Her weapons were stripped, her hands were tied, and her neck was held at the tip of his sword. Black clothes hid most of her form, and her dark black hair was tied back with crimson red cloth. "This one stayed behind to protect her escaping friends. Only a knight of my skill could have taken her down alone."
Link lifted his helm, curling his mouth in annoyance. "Enough of your accomplishments, Kieran. We have a job to do." The proud knight grumbled to himself but said nothing. Link ignored him and squatted in front of the young Sheikah girl, his armor clinking and locking into place. He lifted her chin with the tip of his finger. "Now tell me, young one, what's your name?"
She flinched and looked away from him. His question was answered with silence.
The lieutenant's eyebrows furrowed. "Do you know who I am? I hold your life in my hands."
Still silence.
Link retracted his finger and backed a few steps away. "Let me tell you a bit about myself. Several months ago, your kind attacked my companion and me without reason. On top of that, they captured her and left me for dead." He let out a soft sigh. "But here I am, still alive with no clue to where you've taken her. But," he paused, "I'm hoping you might be able to help me." He squatted again and looked at her with hopeful blue eyes. His voice was gentler. "Do you know where Zelda is? Is she still alive?"
The Sheikah girl spit in his face. "I have no idea who that is. And even if I did, I wouldn't help a murderer."
The wolf man blinked a few times as the saliva ran down his cheek. "I see then. You're no different from the others." He stood up and closed the lid of his helm. "I'm going to check for more of them. The rest of you stay here and guard the camp. Send a signal if anything happens."
Kieran looked to their prisoner. "But Lieutenant Ordona, what about the girl?"
Link shrugged his shoulders. "Do with her as you will. Kill her for all I care. She is of no use to us."
The Sheikah girl thrashed and screamed. "You monster! You're the reason Midna was taken from me!"
The lieutenant paused for a second, daring even to turn around and meet her gaze through veiled armor. "What'd you say?" A brief image of the twilight princess jumped in his mind, freezing his words and body. For a moment, he was overwhelmed by his feelings for her. Since being stuck here, he had almost forgotten. Yet, the image brought memories of their time together rushing back. He missed her. He wanted to be with her. To touch her face with his hand. But then he remembered how he had foolishly driven her away in Holodrum. He had lied about moving on when he clearly hadn't. A wave of self-resentment washed over him, fueling his previous aggression.
He was met with hateful red eyes. "You heard me, monster. Where is my sister?"
"Lieutenant, should I silence her?" Kieran looked questioningly at the wolf man.
Link broke out of his trance as the desire for blood rose to the surface once again. "Why should she see her companions if I cannot? This is war."
The feral warrior didn't even batter an eye as he heard her deathly shriek; he had long become immune to such sounds. Death was as common as breathing in this wretched place. He continued walking towards the moonlight while his soldiers dealt with the fresh corpse.
Several of his men watched in awe as their lieutenant marched boldly into the unknown. Several commented on how calmly he advanced into the untamed terrain, as if he felt at home in the wild. Little did they comprehend the accuracy of that statement. The feral warrior couldn't wait to leave their presence. There, alone, he could shed himself of the chains of human life and release the wolf inside.
How long had she lived among these people?
Zelda's Hylian blood had slowly retreated into the far corners of her memory. All traces of her former appearance had been cleverly hidden with magic. Her kind cerulean eyes were now colored crimson like blood, her hair had been brightened to a dirty blonde and tied into a tight braid that flowed to her shoulders, and her skin had darkened naturally beneath the sun's constant gaze. Her dress had been switched in favor of blue and white leather armor. She hid most of her hair underneath a white cloth cap, allowing just a few blond bangs to hang over and cover some of her face. As a last finishing touch, she had sewn the mark of the Sheikah on the chest of her clothes, a single red eye with a tear celebrating the race's proud ability to see through deception. Not only had she changed her appearance to blend into the Sheikah culture, but much of her behavior and vocabulary as well. Surprisingly, the physical training she underwent each day under Akime's supervision came easy to her. She had played all manners of sports growing up and had remained in good physical condition should she ever lead Hyrule to war. But what really surprised her was how natural Sheikah weapons felt in her hand, as if she had mastered them in a past life. The training exercises seemed natural and almost mundane even after performing them for only a few weeks. Her muscles had already memorized how to use them; it was her stamina that she needed to improve. She wasn't fast or agile enough to be a true Sheikah yet, but she had seen significant gains in the last two months. Pushing her limits each day in training was exhausting but also exhilarating.
By far the most difficult aspect of maintaining her disguise was the social interaction. For much of her life, she had been trained on how to interact with the nobility and the elite. Her adventure with Link and his friends had given her insight on how to communicate with the average person. But to talk with a Sheikah, a race long thought extinct, she was at a loss. The only past experiences she had to go by were her brief interactions with Kari.
From what she had observed, they were a very driven people. Whatever they did, whether it was work, training, or studying, they did with a full-minded determination and focus. There were no shortcuts or half-hearted attempts. Their village also functioned as a community; if someone had a need, one of their own would help. It still puzzled her to this day why they accepted her so easily, especially for a race that prided their ability to see through lies and deception. Still, she wasn't about to say anything.
The other striking feature of the Sheikah were their varied personalities. In many ways, they were similar to Hylians. Some were belligerent, others studious, others comical, and still others mischievous. If one thing was certain, Kari couldn't blame his lack of humor on his ancestry. However, despite their varied temperaments, they all shared two common traits. The first was a hatred for Hylians. This still surprised her, especially having grown up learning about how the Sheikah had guarded the Royal Family for centuries. Still, there was no denying the stories she heard from the warriors that returned from the battlefield. The second was their unwavering dedication to the Goddesses and their messenger, the Wind Waker. She didn't know much about this mysterious messenger; only that he was leader of all the Sheikah and that he resided in a different village. Still, he was probably of little concern to her.
"Sheik!"
Akime's sturdy voice quickly interrupted Zelda's thought trend. Each day, the two of them met at the same time to go over basic combat drills and improve her physical abilities. However, today was different. Her usually punctual mentor was nowhere to be seen when she arrived at the normal time. In the meantime, she had become lost in her thoughts and didn't hear his approach.
"I hear you, Akime. There is no need to yell when I'm right here," she groaned. She lifted herself off the dirt ground and dusted off her legs. It surprised her how easily she jumped to her feet. "After all this time, I didn't expect you to come."
Akime crossed his arms. "Yes, I am aware of my tardiness. However, I had more pressing matters."
She began to tighten the bandages wrapped around her hands in preparation for today's lesson. "Like what?"
Her mentor's eyes glanced quickly at the ground. "We lost several brave warriors last night. All of them dead. Shari included."
Zelda's hand stopped tightening the cloth around her hand. "Shari?" She paused and looked at her mentor. "Who did it?"
Akime did little to hide the venom in his voice. "Who do you think?"
She sighed heavily. "I see. Him again." Her head turned towards the other side of the mountain. "Are we in danger?"
The more experienced Sheikah shook his head. "Not yet. But something must be done about that man. He may find this place one day." He shifted his weight and began to tap his foot subconsciously. "You should know we will be unable to train today. The Wind Waker is coming to our village. I will be meeting with him shortly to discuss how to deal with this current threat."
Zelda finished tightening the tape on her arm. "That's no problem. I'll be fine on my own."
Akime nodded. "Indeed you will. You have lasted this long." He glanced back at the village. "Well, I should prepare for his arrival. I just wished to inform you so you would be aware." He turned around and began heading towards the village.
"Akime!" Zelda called out before he went too far.
The shadow looked over his shoulder. "What is it, Sheik?"
Zelda motioned for him to come back and he did. She looked around to ensure no one else was within earshot. Large rocks and debris that had fallen from Death Mountain's occasional eruptions had formed a large barrier that surrounded the small clearing that served as her practice field. A few mountain flowers grew in sporadic clusters around the otherwise dirt-filled clearing. A few trees also made their home in the barren field. The spot was not very scenic, but its distance from the village and natural protection from enemies made it a perfect place to practice in secret.
"You won't tell him, will you? You know, about me?" Her voice was hushed.
Akime looked at her inquisitively and shrugged his shoulders. "What is there to tell? You're one of us, aren't you?"
She placed a hand on her chest. "Thank you, Akime."
The Sheikah flashed a quirky smile and turned back around. "Keep training hard." Her heart warmed with gratitude as she saw him disappear over the hilltop leading towards the village.
She decided to take his advice to heart. Since the day was still young, the monarch spent the rest of the morning in training. She started with sprints to hone her agility and ability to move. Handstands, sit-ups, and push-ups helped work on her strength. After warming up, she spent the rest of the morning practicing her skill with throwing needles. Her target was one of the few trees available. She chose a spot twenty to thirty feet away and drew a line in the dirt with her boot. She grabbed a throwing needle from her satchel and twirled it around her finger before throwing the weapon as hard as she could. One by one, she tossed the weapons from her pouch. Unfortunately for her but fortunately for the tree, more than half of them missed that target. Not one to give up, she retrieved them all and repeated the process. Several hours and two tired arms later, she still hadn't achieved the accuracy and consistency she was hoping for.
With the sun high in the sky and needles placed sporadically over the ground, the exhausted young woman retired for the morning. She collected the scattered weapons and placed them carefully in her satchel. They clinked together like coins as she fastened the leather container to her hip. Even though her clothing was fairly light, she could still feel the stickiness of sweat all over her skin. In the past, the feeling would have bothered her, but this journey had put such things in perspective. She gave one last glance over her shoulder at her secret training field before heading down the path and back to the village.
Within only a few minutes, she could see the quaint village she now called home. As she walked casually down the rocky hillside, the stone houses with shingled roofs came closer into view. The screams and laughter of Sheikah children reached her ears as they ran around the village perimeter playing their childish games. The famished mooing of one or two cows swept across the air as they grazed on the few strands of grass they could find. A few of the Sheikah were out by the well drawing water from the center of the village or tending to the few animals that remained out in the nearby field. Most, however, were probably underground and out of her view.
The village contained only half a dozen houses or so on the surface. All of them possessed tunnels that lead further underground or deeper into the mountain. This is where most of them resided. After all, the Sheikah were a cautious people that dwelt in the shadows. They seldom spent much time in broad daylight except to feed cattle or draw water from the well. Only the children regularly spent time in the fresh air.
Zelda walked up to the well and looked down longingly at the water splashing deeper within the hole. Her mouth felt dry from a hard day's training. She looked in mild disappointment to see the rope that normally held the drawing bucket swinging emptily over the bowl. The bucket was missing.
"The children took it for one of their games," an elderly Sheikah woman named Lalita explained. She had a small wooden bucket tucked under her arm with a rope fastened through the hole. The monarch looked to her and then to the children. Lalita continued: "I came to draw as well, but these old bones give me trouble. Perhaps you could give me a hand, Sheik? You look thirsty as well."
Zelda paused for a moment. She was always hesitant to speak. After all, it only took a slip of the tongue or the wrong tone to raise suspicions. She was able to deepen her voice a little with magic, but the pitch was still slightly too high to be called "masculine."
"Of course, Lalita." She purposely kept her words few as the elderly woman handed her the bucket. Zelda placed the rope over the rod holding the roof of the well and gently lowered the liquid-holding container. After manipulating the rope to draw the water, she pulled with all her might. The weight was heavy as expected, but the fatigue of her muscles made it all the more difficult. She grunted and groaned for over a minute until the bucket full of water was finally in her hands. She gladly placed it on the ground, breathing hard to regain her wind.
"Are you okay, Sheik? I did not mean to give you such trouble," Lalita looked at her with concern.
Zelda held up a hand to calm her. "Just a long day of training."
The Sheikah seemed to buy it. "Ah, I see. Well, this old woman greatly appreciates your help." She took a small clay cup, dipped it in the bucket, and offered it to Zelda. "Here, have something to drink."
The former monarch accepted it gladly. She devoured the precious fluid in seconds; not even taking time to savor the wetness in her mouth. She looked to the bucket and asked for a second helping, to which the kind old woman agreed.
"So your training went well?" Lalita asked politely with arms folded in front of her lap.
Zelda shrugged her shoulders and looked briefly towards Death Mountain. Her bangs waved loosely in the wind with the movement of her forehead. "I suppose. I was never good with projectiles. I still need more practice."
The elder chuckled. "Well, the Goddesses gave each of us different gifts." She took a second cup and scooped water for herself. "I know you were gone for quite some time, but will you be returning to the battlefield soon?"
She shrugged her shoulders again. She didn't know quite what the old woman was getting at, so she kept her answer safe. "It all depends on what Akime decides. He leads this village after all."
Lalita's eyes widened a bit in surprise. "Oh, I didn't know you were finally taking orders from your brother. I guess your time among the Hylians finally taught you some discipline." She nodded her head. "This village needs strong warriors like you and Akime."
Zelda's heart began to beat faster. She was treading on dangerous territory. "Well, the past is the past. Speaking of Akime, have you seen him? We parted ways several hours ago."
"Oh my!" Lalita's palm slapped her forehead. "This old mind completely forgot to tell you." Zelda eyed her curiously. "Akime was looking for you. Did he find you?"
Zelda placed the small cup back into the bucket. It bobbled up and down like a toy boat on the great sea. "When was this?"
The old women scratched her chin. Her eyes squinted in difficult concentration. "You know…I can't quite remember. "
The monarch shrugged her shoulders. "If he needs me, he will find me."
"Actually, I already have," Akime replied from behind her.
Zelda wanted to jump, but she forced herself to remain still. He always appeared when she least expected it. He claimed it was a frequent tactic of his to keep her on her guard. She suspected he just derived a sick pleasure from it.
The monarch's voice was intentionally dry as she responded. "Quick to find me as always, Akime."
The Sheikah smirked. "Of course. Except this time was out of necessity."
She finally turned around and folded her arms. "Really? What necessity?"
Akime glanced quickly at Lalita and back to her. "Come with me and you will soon find out."
The old woman grabbed the bucket and hoisted it on her shoulder. "Well, if you two have somewhere to be, I will be on my way then." She looked to Zelda. "Thank you very much for your help, young man."
Zelda watched in disbelief as Lalita walked away with the bucket balanced effortlessly on her shoulder. As she walked with the heavy load back to her house, she showed no sign of struggle or difficulty
"You know, I think I was tricked by an old woman," she said quietly.
Akime laughed aloud. "She's done that to me on more than one occasion. I just humor her."
Zelda nodded. "I believe it." She paused for a moment and crossed her arms. "So why did you need to find me so quickly?"
Her mentor raised his brows. "Because the Wind Waker requests your presence, of course."
The monarch's eyes grew large as marbles. "Excuse me?"
"So…you are Sheik."
The Wind Waker's voice echoed in the small underground room reserved for confidential meetings. Small torches on either side of the cavernous walls lit the room with blue fire, a magic flame fabled to burn continuously without the need for any fuel. A large crimson eye painted in dried blood stared at her from the back wall; hanging in the center of the pupil was a violet magnifying glass with a similarly shaped lens. A stone door sealed the entrance, preventing the leakage of any unwanted sound. A violet carpet woven with the pattern of the Shadow Medallion softened the ground underneath their feet.
Zelda paused for a moment. She fingered the leather of her outfit and gave a quick glance to Akime for support. He chuckled to himself and nodded affirmatively.
The monarch nodded and turned her attention to the leader of the Sheikah. Her back straightened and her hands rested at her sides. "I am."
The Wind Waker scrutinized her carefully. His yellow eyes stared through the shadows; the light of the blue flames illuminated just enough of his features for her to see his scars and hard features. "Well met. Though I have heard of you, I do not believe we have formally met. I am Sharlo, Wind Waker and chief of the Sheikah."
As was customary for a meeting, both placed a closed fist in their other hand and bowed slightly to one another.
Zelda imagined she was in just another diplomatic meeting. She kept her tone neutral and her posture under control. The only hint of nerves was the gentle curling and uncurling of her fingers. "What did you wish to speak to me about?"
Sharlo paced to one side of the room with his hands folded behind him. His footfalls sounded like pebbles scuffing the soft floor. "We were discussing the issue of the Hylians before your arrival. Up until a few months ago, this war was locked in a stalemate." His eyes darkened. "That is until a man by the name of Ordona appeared. I assume you have heard of him?" He turned to her expectantly.
She nodded quickly. "We all have. Who can forgive the atrocities he has committed?"
Sharlo nodded in agreement and continued pacing to the other side of the room. His commanding voice held her attention firmly. "Indeed. If we are to have victory, we must find out all we can about this man. His strengths. His weaknesses. Anything that can be of use." He paused briefly to let his words sink in. "In other words, we need a spy to infiltrate the Hylians."
Sweat began to trickle down the monarch's net and her head felt hot. She took a deep breath to maintain her composure. "I see. And where do I fit in all this?"
From his position leaning against the side wall, Akime nonchalantly chimed in. "I suggested you for the task. Your extensive knowledge of the enemy could prove invaluable to this mission."
Zelda shot him a concealed glare of panic. Her heart raced faster. "And what exactly did you tell him?"
Sharlo ceased his pacing momentarily. "He told me how you disguised yourself as a Hylian and lived among them for quite a while. It was thought you were dead, but I suppose we were mistaken." He nodded his head. "I am truly impressed, Sheik. Few men could have done what you did and lived."
"Thank you," she responded tactfully. "So I must gain information on this Ordona?" She nodded her head. "Is that all?"
Sharlo nodded. "One more thing. My son will accompany you for this task. He is of the age to embark on his first mission; I believe he would benefit from your mentorship."
Akime's eyes widened. He pushed off the wall and stood to his feet. "Sharlo! This is not what we agreed on!" He composed himself and lowered his tone. "You know the risk involved with this mission. You would put his life at risk as well?"
"Calm yourself, Akime." Sharlo reprimanded. "You underestimate his abilities. He…possesses skill that far surpasses his age. This will be an opportunity for him to grow."
The Sheikah shook his head. "But you would lay such a burden on Sheik?"
Sharlo stood his ground. "You know as well as I do that our numbers are few, and neither of us can afford to go. We need to use every able-bodied warrior we have. Besides, they will avoid direct confrontation with Ordona. They need only spy on him and discover what his weaknesses are." He folded his arms in finality. "My decision is made."
Zelda sighed softly. Akime looked sharply at her but she spoke first. "Are you sure that is really necessary?"
Her remark received a stare of authority. "Do you question my leadership, Sheik?"
She quickly bowed. "Of course not, Sharlo. Forgive me." Her gaze remained at the floor. "When do we leave?"
Sharlo nodded. "You will meet him at the well in my village; at dawn two days from now. That should be adequate time to prepare."
Zelda nodded. "Understood."
The Wind Waker nodded affirmatively. "Very good. If this matter is settled, I must head back to Kasuto. I do not wish to be gone longer than I must."
Akime reluctantly pressed his hand against the nearby wall and opened the stone door with a hidden switch. He walked out first, followed by Sharlo, and then Zelda. With Akime leading, they turned the corner and walked down a moderate slope. The cavern darkened significantly as they twisted and turned in the underground labyrinth, passing fewer torches the further they descended. Zelda had never been very adept at identifying scents, but even she could detect the growing stench of rotting filth pulling at her nostrils. Her face curled into a grimace; she looked quickly to the other two men but the odor didn't seem to faze them.
"This will be sufficient," Sharlo halted them when they reached a fork of tunnels. "I can find my way from here." He turned around briefly. "Sheik, my son will see you in two days. May the Golden Goddesses grant you each success." They bowed briefly before the Sheikah leader turned around and walked away. Zelda and Akime watched as the Wind Waker plunged into the shadowy caverns; the echoes of his footfalls slowly fading into the darkness.
When she was sure Sharlo was gone, Zelda turned furiously to her mentor. "What in Din's name are you thinking?"
Akime didn't seem to notice her question. Instead, he opened his hand and extended it. With a twist of his wrist and a short incantation, he summoned a blue fire to levitate just above his palm. The eerie light it cast accentuated the Sheikah's pale skin. With a wave of his other hand, he motioned for Zelda to follow.
"Tell me, Sheik, do you know what this place is?" His voice filled the narrow cavern.
Zelda shook her head. "I know we're below Death Mountain."
The more experienced Sheikah chuckled to himself. "A good observation." They continued walking for several more seconds before he continued. "However, these are no mere caverns. This labyrinth leads to a sacred place known as the Shadow Temple." He gave her a mischievous grin. "And do you know what might be inside?"
Zelda shrugged her shoulders. "Shadows?"
Akime chuckled. "Not just shadows." He turned around and moved his face inches from hers. "Darkness in its purest form."
The monarch scowled. "Now you're just trying to scare me again."
Her mentor pulled his face away and scolded her. They continued moving. "Not this time. You see, the Shadow Temple is the gateway to an evil place called the Underworld. There, all manners of dark monsters dwell; both known and unknown. It is a place that has existed since the world began; it is said that all sorts of ancient evils exist there. In fact, it was said that when the world was created, all the demons and dark creatures that rebelled against the goddesses were sealed there."
Zelda cracked a half-smile. "Now you sound like one of my tutors."
Akime paused for a second. "Pardon?"
She shook her head. "Sorry, just talking aloud." She motioned for them to continue. "So why are you telling me all this anyway?"
They continued walking uphill from where they came. Their steps kicked loose pebbles around like grains of sand. There was a slight smirk to her mentor's expression. "Because that is the only way to Kasuto. Our people live in shadow; it is only fitting that the Shadow Temple connects all Sheikah villages."
Zelda bit her lip and swallowed hard. What she wouldn't do for Link to be there. "Please tell me you jest."
Akime laughed louder now. "Finally! A reaction from the stoic warrior!" He snapped his fingers in triumph, causing the blue flame in his other hands to flicker just a little. "But do not worry. I will accompany you to Kasuto. From there, you will be on your own."
The monarch scowled at him. "That makes me feel so much better." They turned another corner and began walking up a steeper hill. The torches were more numerous now as they approached the surface. "But that still doesn't explain why you volunteered me. Why not someone more experienced?"
Akime stopped and halted her with his hand. "If you wish to know, then we must go no further." He glanced quickly in both directions. His ears sensed the air for even the slightest hint of sound. After several seconds of careful observation, he seemed content. "You and I both know you cannot stay here forever. No matter how well you disguise yourself, you can never be like us. We are born of shadow; you are born of light." His eyes diverted to the cave entrance. "This will be your chance to escape to your own kind. Find your companion." He paused. "And perhaps send some information our way."
"Won't they suspect something if I don't come back?"
"I will say you were killed by the enemy. As for the boy…you will have to figure something out." The Sheikah shook his head. "He was not a part of my original plan."
Zelda was speechless. She folded her arms and let loose a deep sigh.
"Why do you look so confused? Were my instructions not clear?" Akime asked.
She shook her head. "They were clear." She looked him in the eye. "I just can't figure out why you'd care what happens to me. I'm Hylian. I'm supposed to be the enemy."
Akime shrugged his shoulders and looked away. "What does it matter? You're safe, right? We should focus on the task at hand."
Zelda rested her hand on the nearest wall. The rock was cold and wet to the touch. "It has something to do with the name 'Sheik,' doesn't it?" She paused. "Who was he before I took his identity?"
Akime didn't answer right away. He continued to gaze into the floor as if it could help him sort through his thoughts. "Some questions are better left unanswered. It would be better if you went and prepared for the journey ahead."
The monarch folded her arms and stood her ground. "Let me reword my question, Akime. Perhaps I should ask what your brother was like before I took his identity. After all, the villagers seem to know more about him than I do."
Her mentor chuckled to himself. "So you found out, eh? Guess it was only a matter of time." His gaze met hers. "I'm not going to go into details, but he was a lot like you. A stubborn idealist. He believed there was another answer to this conflict besides war. He went to Hyrule to test these theories." Akime's voice quieted. "He never came back."
"Is that why you gave me a chance?"
Akime swatted at the air. "Maybe it is; maybe it isn't. Maybe I hoped to revive his dream through you.. Or maybe I thought you were Her Grace reincarnate." He paused. "None of that matters. Right now, you have a mission ahead of you. Pack your stuff together; we have a lot of preparation to do before you leave."
Luckily, Zelda hadn't come with much to begin with. Two days were more than enough to bring all her belongings together and say goodbye to the small Sheikah community. Just before she was about to depart, she sneaked over to her room and moved a lone pot. Digging with her fingers, she soon recovered the Harp of Ages. Lifting the instrument for the first time since taking on the persona of Sheik, she was painfully reminded of how much she was needed in her own time. Tucking the harp underneath her arm, she dashed out of the room.
True to his word, Akime was there to guide her from his village to Kasuto. They followed similar tunnels to the ones Sharlo had taken days earlier. Zelda quickly lost her way as they turned, twisted, turned again, and trekked forward. They were down there for what seemed like hours. Every so often, a stray Keese would cause her to jump, much to Akime's delight. She couldn't wait to be out of there.
The morning was quiet and peaceful when the two companions finally stepped out of the dark caverns and into the fresh air. The sky was ablaze with the fiery reds and hot oranges preluding the impending sunrise. A few finches flew leisurely overhead, adjusting their wings as they passed by to glide on the ever changing currents of the wind. Their calls echoed through the silent village resting in the mountain's shade. A slight wind kicked up small amounts of dust and threw it through the streets like marbles.
"Akime, you're a horrible liar!" Zelda's voice echoed through the quiet village. She folded her arms in disgust. "That was not the Shadow Temple, was it?"
The more experienced warrior let a sly grin part his lips. "No, the temple itself is far too dangerous for a light dweller such as you to enter. We passed through a few dark tunnels, but that is all." He shrugged his shoulders. "I just wanted to scare you."
"I knew it!" She pointed an accusatory finger at him. "I should have never believed you."
He placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "A Sheikah must be able to see the truth."
Zelda just nodded. She paused and let his hand rest there. The lonely breeze played with the blonde bangs hanging over her forehead. She looked up at the sky. "So this is it, huh?"
Akime withdrew his hand and nodded. "It is. This is the village of Kasuto." He pointed in the distance to the well standing at the center of the village. It was a simple stone structure with a decorative arch standing over the gap. Several houses stood around it like watchful guardians, but there were no signs of activity from within. "That is where you will meet the Wind Waker's son."
She shielded her eyes from the brilliant light peeking over the horizon. "And it's almost dawn."
"Then you should go. It would not do well to keep him waiting," her mentor replied.
Zelda let out a soft smile. "Not one for long goodbyes, are you?"
Akime shifted his weight to his left leg. "Where there is a meeting, a parting is sure to follow. However, whether that parting be forever or a short time, that is up to you."
Her eyes brightened. "So I might see you again?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "If the Goddesses allow it." He bowed customarily. "Until then, may they guide you and keep you safe."
She ran up to him and threw herself around him. The surprised Sheikah tensed initially but humored his pupil. His arms rested awkwardly at his sides while Zelda squeezed him tightly.
"Thank you for everything, Akime. I will never forget you. I promise." She whispered.
She broke the embrace and stood awkwardly in front of him. Akime gave her a puzzled look but smiled nonetheless.
She began to play with her fingers. "That's a Hylian gesture for displaying gratitude. You have taught me so much already; I thought I would return the favor."
The Sheikah chuckled to himself. "Interesting." After a slight pause, he nodded towards the village. "Well, you should get going. I will be praying for your safety."
Zelda nodded and gave one final wave. "Goodbye, Akime."
She watched in silence as her mentor nodded in acknowledgment and turned back to the caves that he called home. The crimson eye he wore on the back of his clothes seemed to stare at her in reminiscence for a few seconds as his lithe figure disappeared into the darkness once more.
A stranger in a foreign village, Zelda meandered over to the well. She couldn't help but notice the similarities of this village to the one she had spent the last few months. The wooden houses looked inviting and homely. The entire landscape was eerily quiet, disturbed only by her soft footfalls against the sandy path and the persistent howling of the mountain gust. The morning was surprisingly cool, especially with the wind, but she could already feel the warmth against her cheek as the sun climbed over the base of Death Mountain. She shielded her eyes from its startling rays and took a seat on the rough stone wall surrounding the well. Her Sheikah clothing was well insulated, so she had nothing to fear from a tiny chill. Still, she felt an anxiety in her chest that she couldn't quite explain.
She took out the Harp of Ages and let it rest gently on her lap. For fear of accidentally triggering its magic, she refused to play it; she only rotated the elegant instrument in her hands. Once again, as its weight pressed softly against her hands, she was reminded that she did not belong in this time.
Her thoughts turned to Link and she pondered if they would ever meet again. She wondered where he was now and how he had managed since their separation. She knew he was perfectly capable of handling himself; she just feared he had succumbed to the power of this mysterious Ordona. She recalled their first meeting and their more recent conversations. Ambi's words also floated somewhere in the back of her mind as the monarch came to a startling realization.
She actually missed him.
The revelation startled her, but she had little time to ponder its meaning. Her attention was drawn to her side as she heard the sound of crunching sand.
"You are Sheik?"
Somewhere in the back of her mind, she had known it might be a possibility. A slim one, but a frightening and very real one nonetheless. Even after several centuries, neither his appearance nor his demeanor had changed in the slightest. Perhaps the only difference was the absent of the silver baton in his hand.
"You are the Wind Waker's son?"
The young man folded his arms and scrutinized her. "Yes. I am Kari."
Zelda sighed to herself. This complicated things immensely. With her mind racing, she rose from the stone wall and tucked the harp underneath her arm. "Well met. I assume Sharlo informed you of our mission."
The future wind tamer nodded.
"Very well. Let us be on our way."
Zelda had gone over the route with Akime multiple times leading up to their departure. Though the land was vastly different from her Hyrule, a few familiar landmarks like Lake Hylia made it possible to recognize the geography of the land. Their destination, the Hylian capital, was about half a day's hike from Kasuto. They covered as much ground as they could, but Zelda was forced to stop for breaks on several occasions. As much as her physical stamina had improved in the last two months, it was still not as good as a natural born Sheikah.
It was during these brief pauses that she would take out the Harp of Ages and gaze at it. More than once, the fear of never finding Link crossed her mind. She refused to return to her own time alone, but what if she never found him? How long would she be able to blend into a culture that was not her own? And then, there was the problem with Kari. Every so often, she snuck a glance at him when she thought he wasn't looking. The young Sheikah seemed to be preoccupied with thoughts of his own. It was rather interesting, really, to see him in his natural environment. She just had to be careful.
By twilight, they reached their destination. A massive stone wall rose from the field like a formidable juggernaut. The clear water of Kakariko Gorge formed an additional protective hurdle to overcome. The only apparent entrance to the Hylian city was a large wooden drawbridge extended over the moat. It was watched vigilantly by a few guards who stood by the opening mechanism; several more stood guard in watch towers. The bustling of Hylians within the market carried over the walls as shoppers bought their last goods and merchants closed up their stalls for the night. Even further in the distance, the silhouette of Hyrule Castle clawed at the sky.
Zelda dropped to the ground and motioned for Kari to do likewise. The young Sheikah followed her lead and the two crawled through the grass on their stomachs until they reached the crest of a large hill. As the sun bowed behind the mountains to the west, twilight took its place on the celestial stage. Vibrant goldenrod and yellows basked the Hylian city in a way Zelda couldn't quite describe. It amazed her to think this was the city where the Ancient Hero and Princess had accomplished their legendary deeds. And hopefully, here she would find Link as well.
"We're here," she whispered.
Kari merely looked at her and turned his attention back to the city. His face curled into one of disgust.
"Let's go." She directed with a wave of her hand.
Kari didn't move. He glared at her with eyes full of hostile suspicion. "Not until you tell me why you are really here. I've seen the way you've been looking at me, judging whether I am capable of fending for myself."
She was speechless. Where had this come from?
At last, the monarch spoke with surprise in her tone. "You noticed?"
Kari gritted his teeth. "Of course. You planned on abandoning me, didn't you?"
She let out a deep sigh. "Where would you get an idea like that?"
The younger Sheikah didn't back down. "Because you didn't come here to help me. You had another reason for coming, didn't you?"
Zelda paused for a second and directed her gaze to the ground. He was sharp even at this age. Perhaps she had underestimated his abilities of discernment.
"You're right. I do have another reason for being here." She looked at Kari intently. "But I never had any intentions of leaving you."
Kari's voice became venomous. "Then tell me! Does it have something to do with that harp you always carry?"
Her brows locked and her voice rose slightly. "If you'd just give me a chance to explain."
"Then explain!" Kari snapped, his voice louder than it should have been.
Zelda placed an urgent hand over the young Sheikah's mouth to quiet him. "Calm yourself. You'll get us caught," she hissed. Kari tore away from her and crawled a few steps backward. Zelda let out an exasperated groan and shrugged her shoulders. As far as she knew, the future wind tamer still saw her as Sheik. She would just have to continue the charade. She softened her words but kept her tone assertive. "If you must know, the harp was given to me by someone very dear to my heart. Right now, that person is being held in captivity somewhere behind those walls and I intend to free him."
Kari quieted significantly as the words hit him, but the embers of mistrust still smoldered in his eyes. "I'd like to believe you, but I'm not sure if I can." He threw his hands in frustration. "But what choice do I have? The sooner this is finished, the better."
FWIP!
Without warning, a flaming arrow stuck the ground only a foot away from Kari. Zelda looked to the Hylian capital as her heart sunk. Yelling echoed from the castle wall as the sound of horses galloping over the drawbridge grew louder.
"We've been spotted!" Zelda cried. She shoved the young Sheikah out of his shock and jumped to her feet. "We must retreat!"
The two wasted no time in sprinting as fast as they could from the deadly barrage. Arrows fired from the castle wall nipped at their heels like piranhas. Zelda jumped and twisted her body to dodge the dangerous projectiles. Every once in a while, she glanced at Kari. Much to her surprise, he dodged the arrows with experience that defied his age. As they fled down the hill, they spotted a medium-sized boulder in the distance they could use for cover. The dangerous projectiles screeched by the pair multiple times, but none were able to land a clean hit. At last, they jumped behind the boulder and sat in silence. Like reaching the eye of the storm, the barrage of arrows stopped.
"I think we're safe." Kari spoke after a moment of silence. "But how will we get in now?"
Zelda motioned with her hand for Kari to remain quiet. Her sensitive ears could detect vibrations against the ground. "I think that's the last of our worries. Do you hear that?"
To their utter dismay, they heard the thumping of hooves against the hard field quickly approaching.
"That must be the infamous Lieutenant Ordona I've heard so much about," Zelda said dryly as she peered over the edge of the boulder. Galloping straight towards them were five mounted knights. The leader, riding a black horse, was covered almost entirely in silver armor. A majestic sword with a blue winged cross-guard bounced gently in his grip. When the monarch saw the weapon, she gasped.
The Master Sword? But how?
"I-it's impossible." She turned urgently to Kari. "Run!"
Kari didn't need to be told again. The pair bolted from their rocky shelter and raced back towards Death Mountain. The Harp of Ages thrashed against her side, hanging onto her shoulder by a leather strap she had constructed before her departure. Despite the pair's best efforts, the cavalry were soon hot on their heels.
"Kari! Let's split up! I'll see if I can lure some of the riders away so you can escape." Zelda yelled.
His mouth tightened with the pain of hesitation. "But you'll never make it!"
She urged him away with a wave of her hand. "I'll be fine! Just go!"
She felt all her senses come alive as she veered away from Kari. She could feel her heart pounding against her chest. The thumping of horse hooves tickled her ears. Her breathing felt harder than a stallion in full gallop. Her body seemed to lift effortlessly off the ground as she ran.
"You four get the boy! I'll take care of the older Sheikah!" Lieutenant Ordona shouted orders from atop his horse. While the other soldiers split off to chase after the wind tamer, the revered soldier maneuvered his steed to chase after the fleeing monarch. His eyes narrowed beneath his helm as he caught sight of his moving prey.
Grass, rocks, and trees raced by in colorful blurs as Zelda fled for her life. Her path was straight and instinctive; the sound of hooves and the pained snorting of Ordona's horse spurred her on like a frightened goat. Ordona drove his steed hard, steadily gaining on her until at last he was only a few feet from his target. The monarch panicked when she saw the determined soldier riding almost by her side.
She changed direction abruptly to throw him off, but Ordona would not be shaken so easily. Within a few seconds, he was once again on her tail. She turned sharply once again, but this time he recovered quicker. With her breathing giving out on her, she didn't know how much more she could take. As her pace slowed, the lieutenant maneuvered his horse to cut her off once again. She cut to the left and followed the stone wall of the city to wherever it took her. Ordona galloped on her side, chasing her along the wall's edge until the high rise leading to the Gerudo Desert stopped her short. Between the stone walls that protected Hyrule and the large cliffs leading to the desert, she had been successfully fenced in like cattle. Surprisingly, the harp was still attached to her shoulder.
Ordona dismounted and let his horse run to safety. He unsheathed the Master Sword and pointed it in her direction. From the confidence in his voice, he knew he had the advantage. "You, Sheikah scum. Did you really think you could penetrate our defenses while I was around?"
Zelda refused to answer. She scrutinized him carefully. Something about the lieutenant's voice seemed familiar, but the muffling and distortion from his armor made it difficult to be certain. She clenched her fist tight to maintain her composure. To her surprise, she felt a loathing of her own bubble to the surface. Something about his arrogance rubbed her the wrong way. Not to mention the countless Sheikah that had died from his sword. How dare he call himself Hylian!
He nodded in her direction. "Where did you get that instrument?"
Her eyes widened. The Harp? Why would he want that? As she looked at the weapon in his hand, a horror jumped into her mind. This monster must've done something to Link and taken his weapon. He must want to do the same to me.
She began to feel around for the dagger strapped to her hip. "What about that sword? I bet it wasn't yours to begin with."
This only made the soldier angry, and Zelda quickly regretted her taunt. Catching the suspicious movements of her hand, the lieutenant closed the distance quickly between them despite his armor. She barely jumped back to avoid a swing of his sword. She was about to strike back, but the soldier caught her off guard with a sturdy shoulder charge that sent her reeling against the stone wall. The rocks dug into her back and neck; she bit her tongue to stop herself from groaning. Disoriented, she slumped against the wall and fell sitting to the ground. The feral warrior walked up to the disoriented monarch and placed an armor clad boot firmly on her stomach. His sturdy hand quickly pinned her wrist, and the dagger fell to the ground. She struggled to retrieve it, but a swift slap with his gauntletacross the face sent her reeling.
"Listen Sheikah, I'm going to ask you a question." He growled at her as he grabbed the dagger and threw it aside. The cold steel of his blade rubbed softly against the cloth surrounding her neck. "If you can answer it, then I may let you live. Otherwise, I will not hesitate to kill you."
She scowled. "Very well. What is your question?"
Ordona's voice seemed to soften. "I see that you carry that harp, so I will only ask you once: What have your people done to Zelda?"
Somewhere amidst the lightheadedness of the blow and the panic constricting her veins, she finally recognized the voice. Yet, despite what her mind suggested, she denied the possible truth. After all, was it really possible for this man to be anything but a monster?
At first, the words were slow and pained. "I…I am Zelda."
Ordona shoved her harder against the rocks with his boot. "Liar! You look nothing like her!"
Pain sparked up her entire body. The man in front of her was now just a blur, but her spirit finally saw with perfect clarity. The warmth of the Triforce tickled her left hand and she knew with certainty who was before her. With blood dripping from her bruised cheek, she attempted to reason with her captor.
"Please, Link, you know I speak the truth. But if you still require proof, unwind the tape around my left hand."
The cautious soldier glared at her but followed the suggestion. With his sword still pressed to her neck and his boot pressed against her torso, he grabbed her arm and yanked away at the tape. As the cloth slowly unwound, a soft golden glow peeked between gaps in the cloth. Ordona gradually lowered his sword, unwrapping it steadily faster with both hands now. By the time he was done, the Master Sword rested on the ground and the Triforce of Wisdom shone visibly for both to see.
The lieutenant was hysterical. He quickly lifted his foot off her and backed away several steps. He brought his hands to his helm and began to mumble incoherently, stumbling around like a drunkard. Zelda, somewhat confused, called out to him.
"Link?"
The lieutenant paused for a moment. He quickly unfastened his helm and threw it to the ground. The metal headpiece clanged loudly, but Zelda's attention was drawn to the tattered face of the hero who had worn it. His bloodshot eyes were wide and feral, darting to and fro like a frightened animal. His skin was pale and his cheeks were thin. His blond hair was filled with dirt and even more unkempt than usual. It was as if he aged ten more years. Even so, there was no mistaking the young man who had first appeared before her all those years ago and gone on to save her kingdom.
The wolf man looked in her direction. "Zelda? Is it really you?"
Somewhere between the ringing in her ears and the pain in her jaw, she brought herself to nod.
Link shivered all over as he saw the pile of blood dripping onto her Sheikah uniform. "What have I done to you?" He looked in horror at his armor-covered hands. "What have I become?"
The air chilled Zelda's mouth and the back of her throat as she inhaled and exhaled. The Harp of Ages lay on the ground. Drops of blood sprinkled down her bruised cheek like splashes of rain, creating red puddles on her clothes. It was difficult to think straight through the pain throbbing around her head, but she tried anyways.
Even with the divine gift of Wisdom, Zelda could not understand the dichotomy before her. How could Link be capable of such brutality? Where was the innocent smile of the ranch hand she used to joke with? Where was the carefree spirit that mentored Colin, sparred with Kari, and inspired her?
"I-I don't know what to say, Link," she managed at last. She wiped the blood from her lip with her sleeve and winced as she moved her back off the rock. "I imagined they had captured you or something worse…but not this." She looked away. "What has happened to you?'
The look of shock slowly receded from his face, but his eyes still carried a painful regret. "It's a long story." He looked to the ground as he rolled a stray rock with his boot. "Day after day of constant war takes its toll on a person." He looked up and cringed as he saw her bloody face. "Sometimes it's difficult to tell friend from foe."
Zelda closed her eyes and shook her head slowly. "I still don't understand."
Link looked away again. "When you were captured, I was rescued by some Hylian soldiers. I didn't know where you were, and they offered to help find you, so I joined them." He kicked the stone beneath his foot. "Those wretched dogs kidnapped you. I didn't know what else to do."
The monarch clenched her fist. "Those 'wretched dogs' spared my life when I could have been killed." Her voice began to rise. "Those 'wretched dogs' trained me so I could defend myself." Her eyes narrowed. "Those 'wretched dogs' sent me here so I could find you. How dare you refer to the Sheikah as mere animals!"
"What are you talking about, Zelda?"
She pointed to the eye on her tunic. "I lived among them. I became one of them. All so I could live to fight another day." She glared at him. "Do you have any idea what they call you?"
The hero shrugged his shoulders. "Should I care?"
Zelda slowly rose from her position. "You should care! They are people too!" She pointed an accusatory finger at him. "Perhaps more human than you right now."
Link's eyes flashed for a moment. The word had struck a nerve deep inside him. "What did you say?" he growled.
"Look at yourself! Look at me!" She grabbed a handful of blood-stained cloth. "This isn't half of what you've done to my people."
The hero leaned his weight to the side. "Your people? So you're a Sheikah now?" He crossed his arms. "Could've fooled me." He rolled his eyes. "At least I know what I am."
The monarch took a step forward. "And what's that? A monster? I totally agree."
The wolf man's eyes narrowed. "Am I really hearing this? You spend two months among savages and killers and call me a monster?"
Zelda jerked her head away from him. "If not a monster, then definitely an animal! What happened to the simple ranch hand from Ordon? The one who saved my kingdom?"
Link grabbed his sword and sheathed it. "I'm afraid you never really knew him."
Zelda shook her head. "I don't believe that for a moment. I used to hear legends of the kindness and nobility of the ancient hero."
The feral warrior grunted to himself. "Well, this is who I am, like it or not. Sorry I don't meet your expectations."
The monarch sighed. "I am not the one being disappointed."
Link paused as he stooped to pick up his helm. He placed it beneath his arm and looked at her. His lips quivered as he grasped for words.
At last, he was able to form an answer. "I don't need to stay here and listen to this. Maybe it was better we didn't find each other." He turned around and began walking towards the horse that awaited him.
Thoughts and emotions flashed through Zelda's mind as his footfalls moved away. She looked to the ground and back at the hero. Biting her lip, she stepped forward and waved her hands at him. "Link! Wait!"
He turned around sharply. "Well, excuse me, Princess! What is it now?"
The words grated against her ears; she had to fight hard not to respond with venom. Instead, she shook her head and softened her voice. "Look at us, arguing like this." Her eyes diverted to the ground. "Forgive me. I was wrong to say what I did. Perhaps you're not the only one affected by all this violence."
Link clenched his fist and pounded it against his armor. "Let's just go home. I'm sick of this place."
The monarch looked to the harp and back at Link. "We can't. Not yet."
She did not like the disappointment that crossed his face. His voice rose slightly. "Why? Did you forget the song?"
Zelda took a deep breath. "No, that's not quite the problem. It's something a bit more… complicated."
"Then what in Hyrule is it?"
The monarch began to play with her hair braid. "Well, let's just say I didn't come here alone."
"Zelda, you keep circling the subject."
She looked right at him. "Remember how I warned you not to change history? Well, I think we already have."
Link rolled his eyes. "I know that. That's why we should return to our own time. Before I can do any more damage.
Zelda raised her voice again. "Link, you're not getting it." She paused for a moment to find the right words. "That Sheikah your men went after…the one traveling with me…that was Kari."
The wolf man was speechless for a few moments. The statement finally seemed to calm him. His breathing slowed and his eyes stared off into the distance. "Kari? You mean I just…?"
She nodded. "I'm afraid so, Link." She folded her arms. "We have to rescue him."
The hero shook his head. "But do you realize how difficult that would be? They won't just let him go." He sighed. "Not to mention I've already caused enough damage."
Zelda folded her arms across her chest. "I know. But we have to find a way. After all, it's our responsibility to fix this."
Link squatted and grabbed a handful of dirt. He watched it slowly trickle from between his fingers. "I still don't trust the Sheikah, but Kari is different." He paused for a moment and released his grip, allowing the wind to take the rest of the fine particles. "I'll do what I can."
The monarch looked over to Death Mountain. "In the meantime, I will journey back to the Sheikah and seek help."
"How much time until you return?"
"I don't know. I might be able to buy you a few days at the most."
Link sighed. "In that case, take the long way to wherever it is you're going. No patrols will pursue you; I'll make sure of that. But there's little I can do if you're spotted by the sentries." He paused. "Will you be fine on your own?"
Zelda chuckled nervously. "Yes, I should be fine. Where should I meet you?"
The hero shook his head. "If they've captured Kari, he will be at Lon Lon Prison. You will want to take your…friends… there. But be warned, if they attack, the amount of chaos and bloodshed will be enormous. Are you willing to take that much risk for one individual?"
The monarch hesitated. She was reminded of Zant's first attack and the soldiers who gave their lives. Her hands slowly dropped to her sides. "We have no other choice."
Link nodded. "Very well. See you when the entire Dark World breaks loose."
As she picked up the Harp of Ages, she turned back to watch the hero saunter to the horse that awaited him. He stared in the distance for several seconds, absently patting the horse's side as he thought. Eventually, he turned to face her. She smiled back; he just nodded. He jumped up and adjusted himself in the saddle. With a kick to the spurs and a loud "Hiyaaah!" the wolf man left her, the clomping of horse hooves fading into the distance as he rode away.
A/N- This is my longest chapter to date. Hope you guys enjoyed it! Luckily, the next chapter is already written, I'm just polishing it up so expect it within the next week or two. As always, reviews are appreciated. Until next chapter! ~Vopi