Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Link! Link! Come quick, you’ll never believe what we found!” Link awoke to the sound of Talo and Beth hollering at the foot of his house. They hadn't climbed up to bang on his door, and something about that unsettled him.

“Wh…?” Blearily, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and dragged his body to the window to peek through it. The sunlight was blinding, what with his house being so dreary and curtained off, but he squinted enough to adjust. What he saw below made his stomach flip. There was no way he was seeing this correctly, and he rubbed his eyes once more but it only remained the same.

A Twili, scorching from the light, fully unconscious.

His heart sank.

“Be down in a sec! Get them under some shade!” He called out to them, panic settling into his heart.

That Twili, they were tall, lanky, they looked so much like…

No, He couldn’t get his hopes up.

He scrambled down to the bottom of his home, along the way trying to get any semblance of dressed. Fortunately, he slept in his regular tank top, so finding his capri pants and sandals didn’t take too long to manage. From the point of hearing the kids hollering for him, and him leaving his home, they barely had enough time to move the Twili under the tree’s shade.

Link approached, his heart racing, his mind a mess.

What if it was her? What if she had come back, but how? The Twili Mirror had been destroyed, yes. But if she could destroy it she could create a new one. She had that type of power, didn’t she? Link couldn’t think straight, and nearly tripped as he approached.

“Is he going to be okay?” Beth asked, worry heavy across her face. For all the horrors she had seen, it never got easier seeing her or any of the other kids in distress.

Wait… He?

Now under the tree’s shade as well, Link could finally get a good look at the unconscious Twili, and he was indeed a male. It wasn’t Midna. In the back of his head, Link couldn’t help but feel disappointed. There was no reunion, there was no going back, she was still gone forever as far as he was concerned.

But then that begged a number of questions. Who was this Twili? What was he doing here? How did he even manage to end up here, in the Realm of Light?

“Is he some kind of Zora?” Talo asked hesitantly, unsure of what to make of his pale blue skin and bright orange hair.

“...No, he’s not.” Link answered. There was no way he was going to explain the full story of his personal history with the Twili, let alone what the country’s history with them was, so he struggled to find an explanation. At least, he struggled to find one that would be suitable to tell the two kids who had been so thoroughly traumatized by the events surrounding Zant’s tyrannical rise to power.

“Whatever he is, he needs help.” Beth rested her head on the Twili’s chest, checking for vital signs. She had studied a bit under Renado, so it was understandable she knew at least minor forms of first aid. “His pulse is faint, but it’s still there. His breathing, though… he sounds like he’s in pain.”

Just from looking at him, Link knew what was happening. He was light-scorched.

It wasn’t as severe as what had happened to Midna, but if it wasn’t treated… There was no saying what would happen.

When Midna had been light-scorched, the only way to save her was Zelda giving up her Triforce, but there was no way of knowing how she did that. At least, there was no way that Link was privy to. But there had to be something he could do. He was the Chosen Hero, for Hylia’s sake!

“Step back, I’m going to try something.” There was a seriousness in Link’s voice that surprised even himself. But there was no way he could stand by and do nothing.

The two of them did as asked and moved back from the Twili. Even with their watchful gaze, Link couldn’t find it in him to falter.

He had to do whatever was possible. If not for himself, then…

No. He couldn’t finish the thought.

Link placed his hand against the Twili’s sternum, and tried to focus his energy into the Triforce marking. It glowed faintly for a moment, reacting to his will, but ultimately did nothing. ‘ Please, I can’t let him die .’ He pleaded mentally, but it didn’t respond.

Were the Goddesses trying to tell him something? Was this all a futile effort? Was there nothing he could do to help this poor soul? No, he couldn’t stop after one faulty attempt. He had beaten worse odds than this with ease. There was no way he was giving up now.

He focused once more, channeling his focus to the Triforce. It glowed faintly again, though this time brighter. Behind him, he could hear Beth and Talo let out low gasps of amazement. Though truthfully, this was nothing compared to what he had seen. Midna’s prowess of Twili magic, Zelda’s command for Light magic, this was nothing. But he had to try. He needed to.

If he couldn’t do anything for this poor Twili, they would likely die. He couldn’t allow it. No matter how much the realms had fought, warring for power and domination, he couldn’t allow any more lost souls.

That determination at heart, he tried again, this time the Triforce glowed considerably, and he could feel some of his strength funneling through his hand into the Twili. It was a strange feeling, like an unknown warmth conjuring in his arm only to drain through it. He gritted his teeth at the exhausting sensation but kept at it for as long as he could.

And with his limited magic exhausted, he saw the immediate fruit of his labor. Two bright red gemstones of eyes, stared up at him in confoundment.

The Twili was awake.

Link had managed to reverse the light-scorching, or at the very least put a halt on it.

“I’m… alive?” The Twili asked, his voice quiet, his body clearly exhausted.

Link took this to mean he could finally relax, and leaned back until he was sitting squarely in the grass. What a way to start the morning, truly.

“Yeah, the kids found you passed out, I guess. Didn’t hear where, though.” It was only now that it felt appropriate to ask. Moments before he was too preoccupied with making sure the Twili didn’t expire.

"We found him near the spring. He was already in bad shape when we came across him." Talo explained, though he refused to meet Link's gaze. "We didn't know what to do, so we figured you might."

Link gave him a tired smile. "No, you did the right thing. Thank you, Talo."

The kid practically exploded from joy, hearing Link give him praise. Beth on the other hand hadn't changed out her worried expression, and kept her gaze on the Twili.

"Are you okay, mister?" She asked, and the Twili moved to sit up. His movements were slow, but he seemed to have held a quick recovery.

"...I think so?" He examined his arms, then legs, before deducing he was in fact just fine. "I don't know how, but I am. You have my thanks."

"Link did some cool magic! He's the best!" Talo blurted out to the Twili, pointing at Link.

Even if it was true, being hoisted on a pedestal like that made Link's ears burn red hot. Why did Talo have to say things like that? Of course he was just a kid, an impressionable one at that, but still. Link tried to laugh it off, and rub the back of his head awkwardly with his triforce hand, hiding it from the Twili.

"Magic?" He looked at Link with those piercing red eyes, looking through him as if into his soul. Even Midna's eyes weren't quite that intense. Maybe it was just a quality he had to him. If anything, his eyes reminded Link of Auru. The man could always see straight through him.

And this Twili was no different.

"It's nothing. Just something I picked up on my travels." Link insisted, but he knew his story wasn't being bought.

"...I see. In any case, I should introduce myself." The Twili moved to sit up fully, and Link rested both of his hands behind himself. A casual way to hide the mark of the Goddesses. "My name is Sheik."

Talo and Beth murmured small gossip to each other, the only words Link could pick up on being 'cool' and 'scary'. He would have to find a way to keep them quiet about all of this. If the rest of Ordon unwittingly found out about this Twili, Sheik, then it could open up all kinds of unwanted problems. Even when Link had been transformed into a mere wolf they were less than accommodating to his existence.

A member of the race that stole their children and pillaged their town? They would no doubt try to run him out of town, or worse. No, if anyone was going to be the one to tell the mayor and the other adults about his sudden appearance, it had to be Link.

"Talo, Beth." Link addressed them, and they instantly snapped to attention. "I want to be the one to tell the mayor about what's happened here. You don't need to keep it a secret, but give me time to deliver the news to him. Can you two do that for me?"

They glanced at each other before giving Link a unanimous nod.

"Good. For now, Sheik, let me get you situated at my place. I can't imagine the light feels too good." Link offered and was met with a quizzical look. If Sheik had a question to ask, however, he kept it to himself. Even he was aware that the kids were not to be trusted with sensitive information involving his mere existence.

With a great deal of effort on both Link and Sheik's part, they rose to their feet.

"We're gonna head back to Ordon, kay Link?" Talo declared with a hesitation Link wasn't used to. Usually the kid just did whatever he felt like. Maybe the promise of temporary secrecy made him feel on edge. It made sense.

"Okay. You two be safe." Was all Link offered before they had run off on their way. It was better this way.

With the two kids gone, Link couldn't help but feel that intrusive red gaze on him once more.

"You know what I am." It was a simple statement, but it helps weight to it like lead under water. "You're not like the other Hylian's, there's something different about you."

For a moment, Link debated not answering. He considered the pros and cons of it, debating if this Sheik individual was trustworthy enough to explain his situation to. Ultimately, he decided that if he was going to disclose any information, doing it in the privacy of his home would be the best option.

“Let’s talk about this inside.” Link offered, and this earned him a suspicious side-eye from Sheik. Though he said nothing, only pulled his hood well over his face and waited for Link to lead the way.

It was odd, having the Twili follow him to his home. Even with it being such a short distance, it created a sense of longing in Link, a sense of nostalgia.

Having a Twili follow him in his shadow… he thought he had moved past all of that, but apparently not.

Inside his home, he was grateful to have only just woken up. The dim lighting created a perfect atmosphere to host the shadow-dwelling Twili. Sheik had even removed his hood all the way, revealing his long ears, which also held those traditional Twili markings that glowed unnaturally.

In the dark of the room, with the way his silhouette stood, with the way his red hair was striking against the shadow, his pale skin and bright red eyes… God he looked just like her. If Link didn’t know better he would have thought them related. Perhaps they were. The resemblance was uncanny, and he struggled to shake it from his mind. But he had to if he was to press onwards.

“Link, was it?” Sheik addressed him, and he nodded to confirm his name. “You know a decent bit of knowledge about my kind, the Twili, don’t you?”

In the silent darkness, Link audibly swallowed. There was no getting around it.

“Yes, I do.” He didn’t know how else he could respond. Where could he even start?

‘ Yeah I traveled with your princess, except she was cursed to look like an imp, and I was cursed to look like a wolf, and together we killed your tyrant king and saved the Hylian Princess. ’ There was no way Sheik would believe an explanation like that, would he? It sounded insane. If Link hadn’t lived it himself he may have never believed it, either. 

Even though it had only been half a year since those events had taken place, it felt like a lifetime ago. Sometimes Link still went on midnight walks, and yearned to howl at the moon. Sometimes, he did. It felt comforting, in some strange, sad way. 

“I thought so. Putting me under the shade, keeping my race a secret from those children… You could have left me to die, and yet you didn’t.” For all it was worth, Sheik sounded… angry? Or at the very least baffled. What did Link have to gain from harboring him, from treating his ailments? “I don’t get it.”

Link let out an awkward laugh. “Heh, it’s just what I do. Always gotta be the big hero, y’know?”

Without thinking, he flashed his symbol of the Triforce on his hand. It lit up as if beckoned to, and Sheik moved his hand up to shield his eyes from its brilliance.

“The Goddesses’ power…? Here, of all places?” Sheik practically hissed, and Link could see he had taken a step back in an instinctive recoil. “Why do you have that? Who are you?”

“...Maybe I should be asking you that, Sheik.” Link awkwardly rebuked. He didn't trust Sheik, at least not yet. "What were you doing in the woods, or rather, what are you doing in the Realm of Light?"

In the dark of his home, Link could only see Sheik's expression from the way his outfit and markings glowed. He glared at Link for a moment, but ultimately took a deep sigh and simmered down. It wasn't worth it getting into a fight with Link over it, whatever it was.

“It seems we’re at an impasse.” Sheik spoke sternly, letting out a heavy sigh. “Being that I am the one intruding into your territory, as well as your home, I will explain myself first. But… only on the condition you answer in kind.”

It was a fair agreement, and Link nodded to accept the terms.

“I have been trying to find a way to get back home to the Twilight Realm.” Sheik began. “Moving only in the shadows or at the dead of night, I’ve been trying to find any trace of Twili magic, or anything that could hope to take me home. I came here to speak with Ordona, the light spirit, but when I did… even hiding myself in the shade wasn’t enough. His brilliance… it burned.”

Memories of Midna being scorched deliberately by Zant rushed to the forefront of Link’s mind. It burned, what a horrific description.

“So you’ve been trapped in the Realm of Light for the last six months?” Link asked, incredulous that he could survive that long.

“It’s been difficult, but I’ve managed. The animals of the Realm of Light are kind enough to lend me their shadow, which is how I managed to get here, but… I’m no closer to getting home than when I started. Ordona had no advice to give, and with the Twili mirror gone… I don’t know how I’m going to get home.”

Link could feel his chest tense more and more as Sheik explained his predicament.

“I… I don’t know how I can help, but I want to.” He blurted out suddenly, perhaps even to his own surprise. “I was able to do something in order to get the light-scorching subsided, so maybe I can find some way to get you back home.”

‘ And maybe, just maybe, I’ll be able to see Midna again…! ’ Maybe it was selfish thinking, maybe it was a genuine desire to help, but no matter the reason, he was going to see this through as well as he could. And if it were in Sheik's interest, surely he wouldn't mind.

“You’re an odd one, Link.” Sheik let out a hearty chuckle. “But I can’t say I don’t appreciate it. Maybe with the help of a Hylian we can figure out how to get me back.”

Link offered a hand out to shake on it, and Sheik hesitated for a moment before accepting it in earnest.

They had their work cut out for them.

Chapter Text

“A Twili? What are you talking about, Link?” The mayor was all but confounded at what Link had told him. The Hylian had explained everything to him as soon as he had gotten Sheik situated in his home, and the two discussed the issue as they walked back. It would have been troublesome for Illia to overhear what had happened - her incessant worrying would no doubt cause some kind of needless friction. So instead of staying within his home, they walked back.

Perhaps he just wanted to see the Twili firsthand. It made sense, curiosity of the unknown and all that. Truthfully, though, Link wasn’t sure it would be a great idea to introduce them.

“I don’t want you to panic. But do you remember right before I left last year on my journey, those black monsters that attacked the village?” Before Link could even finish his sentence, Bo was giving him the widest stink eye he had ever given the ranch hand.

“You’re kidding me, Link. I know you’ve got a soft spot for animals but this is ridic-”

“Let me finish.”

Bo let out a frustrated sigh.

“Those monsters were the Twili, but they were being controlled by dark, ancient magic.” With this part of the explanation out, Bo began to simmer down, as well as slow down. It didn’t hurt that they were now in the clearing just outside of Link’s home. “The Twili are just another race of beings. When Talo saw him he thought he was a Zora. There’s nothing dangerous about him… at least as far as I’m aware.”

Bo looked to Link’s house, then back to him. There was a moment of contemplation, a hesitation in his thoughts. No doubt the fear of pillaging and losing their town’s children weighed heavily on his mind. The thought of losing Illia no doubt a sore spot still. She was safe and sound now, but having lost her memories, having gone through so much… No parent was equipped to deal with that. Bo was no exception.

“I don’t know about this, Link.” With a heavy sigh, Bo put his hand on the back of his neck and tried to roll out a crick in it. “Do you even know why he’s here? What if he’s a spy or something? You said that thing about dark, ancient magic or whatever, what if he secretly has more of that?”

“He doesn’t.” Link was quick to shoot that thought down. His words were so terse it caught Bo off guard, but he tried to quickly save face and let out a forced laugh. “Nobody within this realm can access that magic. At least, not anymore. She made sure of that.”

The mayor paused in thought for a moment before it clicked. “She…? Oh, I guess you mean Princess Zelda. Right, of course.” He had guessed incorrectly, but Link wasn’t going to correct him. It wasn’t like Bo was ever going to meet the Princess, and for all it was worth, Link tried his best to avoid her as well as he could.

Even after all he had interacted with her, he could never find it within him to look her in the eyes. Something about her was too intense for him, a light too bright to gaze upon. Maybe he had been touched by the Twilight for far too long to stand under the brightness of her light.

For that alone, he knew he understood Sheik.

“But as for as what he wants… as far as I’m aware, all he wants is to go home.” Link explained after a long pause, and Bo nodded slowly.

“Ah…” Even if he had his own feelings about the Twili, even he couldn’t find problem in a desire like that.

After all, that was the only thing he had wanted of the village’s children, that was all he had wanted for Link; to come back home safely. Who would he be if he denied the Twili such a want?

“I want to find a way to get him home… but to be honest, I don’t know how.” It was troubling to admit aloud, but it was true.

Bo scoffed at the idea. “But you’ll figure it out. I know how you are, Link. You’re resourceful, and you get results.” He gave Link an overbearing pat on the back that sent him stumbling forwards. After taking a second to right himself, Link gave him an unconfident smile.

“I’ll try my best. Just, let Rusl know where I’ve gone if I leave before seeing him.” It was the only thing he could really ask. There was no way he would be able to get any free supplies for this journey, nor was there any way he would be able to tell the rest of the village about it. No, this was his personal burden to bear. He had to see it through on his own.

“I will. You be safe.” There was a clear camaraderie between them, and as Bo left Link’s doorstep, he couldn’t help but feel a bit more at ease about the situation. It was a daunting task, yes, but with Bo’s confidence in him, maybe it wasn’t as impossible as he originally thought. At the very least, he would still have a home to come back to with everything said and done.

Not putting his own family and friends in danger was the primary goal, or at least part of it. And with that aside, he went back up to his home to check of Sheik.

Link had made the choice to leave him in the darkest part of his basement while he recovered, and Sheik had taken to it with little issue. It must have felt nice in there, if anything. The darkness provided a comforting shelter from the light, and would give him time to resuscitate his injured skin and soul. It was where Link went at times to brood, and ever so often he could see his mind playing tricks on him in the dark, providing the outline of a companion who was no longer there.

Maybe having Sheik around for a bit would provide some way to get over that feeling.

Perhaps it would just make the longing worse.

He opened the front door to his home and called out to the Twili. “Sheik? You still in here?”

It was so dark he could barely see. At some point he must have drawn the curtains further together or something, it hadn’t been this dark before especially considering it was only midday.

A noise rumbled from the cellar, and up popped the redhead.

“In here.” Something about it caught Link offguard, and he jumped. Even though he knew exactly where to expect him to be, it still got to him. Sheik laughed at his sudden scared expression, much to his dismay. “I guess you don’t get much company.”

Link let out a cough and tried to redignify himself. “You could say that, yeah.”

It took Sheik a moment to remove himself completely from the basement, still having to come up a couple extra steps, but when he did he seemed… well, back to full health. At least, as far as Link was aware. He held the same tonal healthy glow that Midna had when she had returned to her true form, and Link once again found it difficult to look at him. Surely with time it would become easier, but they looked so similar that he struggled.

“Thank you for letting me recuperate in your basement. The true darkness in there was good for my being. Though, I’m sure you understand well enough." Sheik gave him a hint of a gracious bow, and even that seemed like it was too much for the farmboy.

"It's nothing, really." He insisted, putting his hands up defensively.

For a moment, Sheik looked at him blankly before reaching out to his Triforce hand. "May I?" He asked as he was a hair's breadth away from touching it. Even if it was uncomfortable, Link agreed.

"You are a keeper of the Triforce." It was as if he had never even considered it to be real. Though from the way he shuddered from the light glowing from it, it made sense. The only keepers of the Triforce dwelled within the Realm of Light. It was likely nothing more than a myth to Sheik and his people. "May I ask how you obtained it?"

Link let out a heavy sigh, unaware he had been holding his breath. "I was born with it. For the first two decades of my life I never knew what it meant. Some of the elders had said I was important, or that I was in some way indebted to the Goddesses… but I don't know about any of that." He tried to play it off for laughs, but it was thin at best.

"You doubt your role amongst the legends?" Sheik was astute, that was certain. His eyes saw right through Link's faltering confidence.

On one hand it was infuriating, on the other… It was a pleasant surprise. Link couldn't host false confidence in front of him if it truly meant nothing.

"I never asked for any role. Being the Goddesses' Chosen Hero, bearing the Triforce of Courage… I never asked for it." Link turned away from Sheik, and moved to where he had left a variety of books on his kitchen table - all of which pertaining to magic theorem. "All I've ever wanted was a home, companionship. I'm sure you understand."

Sheik didn't say anything at first, and instead joined Link alongside the table. He grabbed a book and skimmed through the contents.

"Fate be as it may, I believe there is some reason behind you being given the gift of courage. With the way you instinctively looked after me, I don't think any other Hylian would have been right for the job." They were kind words, but they still stung. All of the expectations put upon Link the moment people learned of his Chosen Status, it was a lot to deal with.

"Like I said before, I just did what felt right." Link took the book from Sheik's hand with a delicate touch, and inadvertently opened himself up to that all-seeing gaze once more.

"Well, if I'm to return home then I suppose you would be one of the best for the job." Sheik turned to go towards the door. "Lucky me."

If they were to head out, Link knew he would be better off changing into more adventure-ready attire. Even if he dreaded it.

Months had passed since the last time he had worn the Goddesses' hero garb, and even though he wished he had forgotten where he put it, he knew exactly where it was. It wouldn't take more than a few moments to change.

"I'm going to change, and then we can work on heading out." Link explained, though perhaps he hadn't been clear on the destination.

"Head out to where, exactly?" Sheik had at least done him a decent enough service of keeping his back towards the Hylian.

Tunic on, pants on, Link sat to work on his boots. "Hyrule Castle Town. I've got a couple friends there who might know something. Scouts, adventurers, scholars, if anyone can help, they can." It took a minute to remember how to lace his gauntlets, but he got it. The rest of it took some shuffling, but it all came back as muscle memory. Ordonian sword and Hylian shield in their rightful spot, he was set.

“Hmm… with a group like that, perhaps there is some kind of hope for me.” Sheik let out a dry, unamused laugh. His wit was nothing like Midna’s, where she found enjoyment in sadistic mistreatment, Sheik seemed so much more mild-mannered. Maybe being cursed in her form did something to her brain.

Link pushed the thought from his mind.

“I have a horse, so getting to Castle Town won’t be a problem as far as time goes, but…” He trailed off, hoping Sheik understood what he meant.

“You don’t mind if I borrow your shadow, do you?” He did. Perfect.

“Not at all, it makes it easier if anything.” It was a relief that Link didn't have to ask. Part of him dreaded the idea of having a Twili occupying his shadow once more, the feeling of Midna still haunted him. But he had to push that aside, at least for now.

“Do you have everything you need, oh Hero?” Sheik remarked in a sarcastic tone, he could read Link clear enough to see that it got under his skin a bit. Maybe he did have a similar sense of humor to Midna after all. Just great.

“Don’t call me that.” Link quipped, to which Sheik snickered. “And I should. Let me just pack up some potions and my bow and we should be good.”

It was lucky enough that Link had recently been giving Colin some archery lessons, the boy was desperate to learn under his tutelage, and Link couldn’t find it in him to hand the child a sword. But a bow… that was fine. He could hunt with a bow, he could keep his distance. It was enough to satisfy both of their worries. With it freshly strung and recently flexed, he didn’t have anything to worry about there, and grabbed that along with his quiver and set it just outside the front door.

“You’re well packed to adventure, I see. Will you have to tell anyone of where you’re going?” Sheik inquired, eyes trained on the Hylian.

It was unnerving, but Link ignored it. “Since I already told the mayor, I don’t think it’ll be a problem. My boss at the ranch is pretty lax about my work schedule, too. Being gone for so long, he’s managed to get by without me.” It was meant to come across as being confident in his community, but instead the words came out sad. If Sheik picked up on it, he kept it to himself and simply nodded.

“Even if you’re only able to get me to the Castle Town… I’m sure I’ll be able to find my way from there.” Sheik insisted, though his own confidence was wavering as well.

Every part of this arrangement was shaky at best. The likelihood of finding a spare Twili portal was slim to none, and they both knew it. But the thought of giving up before even trying, that was something Link refused.

“Won’t know until we try.” Link responded with a cheeky grin, though it was hard to say if Sheik could see it in the dark. His eyes having been adapted to the twilight, he likely had better night vision than the Hylian. At least, his response of a hearty chuckle spoke to that.

“Yes, let’s.”

All finished getting everything to the door, Link walked outside and watched as Sheik dematerialized into his shadow. It felt like nothing and everything all at once.

How strange.

With a bit of back and forth, Epona was called forth and loaded up with Link’s traveling essentials. It wasn’t much, but for a trip like this he didn’t anticipate it being too long. Just going to the Castle alone only took a little over a day on horseback, so all of that provided, he only planned out for about a week. It would be the worst case scenario, and even then he had plenty of rupees to get provisions in town if needbe.

It was strange, heading out on the road after being stationary once more. It felt like somehow he had never left this lifestyle, like it would feel normal to come back to a dusty home again.

But it wouldn’t be that long this time.

“Alright, Epona, let’s go.” He gently patted the side of her shoulder. She neighed in understanding before setting off towards the north end of town.

Chapter Text

The woods leading out of Ordon were dark. It didn’t take long to make it through Ordon, and getting to see some of the villagers off was nice. The questions of ‘Where are you going?’ were quelled easily with Link’s green hero garb. Most of them thought he was summoned by the Princess for something royally important, and he wasn’t going to confirm or deny any of those accusations.

Let them think what they wanted, it was easier that way.

Though it didn’t help he could hear the snickering of Sheik within his shadow, amused by his inability to explain his sudden journey. Whatever.

They had made it just to the edge of the woods and decided it was wise to stop there for a break. With it getting darker on the horizon as well, it would do well to stop where they had some shelter and let Epona rest. If they rested for a few hours and headed out just before the peak of midnight, they would make it to Castle Town before sundown the following day.

Link had made this trip enough times to know the limitations. Traveling at night on Hyrule’s fields was never a wise choice. Even with the threat of tainted Twili monsters gone, it still held host to its own population of hostile fauna.

“You’re thinking quite a lot, hero.” Sheik remarked, long since having come out from the shadows to sit next to Link.

Link groaned about the nickname but tried to ignore it. If he gave into being annoyed by it, that would only entice Sheik to use it more out of spite. “Just planning out our trajectory. I’ve made this trip with Epona plenty of times, so I’m not too worried. But she’s getting up there in age so I don’t want to push her any harder than absolutely necessary.”

“You care about her a lot.” Sheik remarked, and looked fondly at the chestnut beauty.

“I was there when she was born, helped her get to her legs and everything.” It was one of the strangest moments of growing up near the ranch, learning how to deal with animal rearing. Even with it being a miracle of life, it still grossed him out admittedly. With age, he became numb to it. Hard to be grossed out by placenta when he’d been put through the literal horrors of war. “She’s special, not just to me, but in general. She’s a great breed of horse.”

This would usually be the time in which Link would start kindling a fire, but he didn’t. If they were only resting for a short while, the glow from his lantern would provide adequate light. Lighting it up, Sheik shielded himself from it, before relaxing once more when it was set to its dimmest setting. 

Link sat on the trunk of a fallen tree, giving his feet time to rest. Sheik, however, remained standing and leaned against a tree just next to Link. It was a comfortable arrangement at the very least. If they were to set up proper camp it would have done nicely.

“You seem to understand plenty about the Twili.” Sheik commented offhand, and gave Link an assessing glance. “I can’t figure out why, though.”

Link stared at the lantern for a moment, wondering what he should say. Was now an okay time to explain what had happened? Would Sheik react oddly to it?

It didn’t really matter. If he did, Link could simply turn tail and return home. It wouldn’t be like he was abandoning him in the light of day, the woods would provide ample shade for him to survive. Even now, thinking of running, he still worried about the Twili’s safety.

“Does the name Midna ring a bell?” It was an obvious set up of a question. If Sheik didn’t know, how could he hope to explain? But if he did, then Sheik would know that Link had ties to both of the Realm’s princesses. To an outsider, he likely looked like he had an immense political advantage, and yet he wanted none of it.

“The Twilight Princess? Of course, I -“ He stopped mid sentence, and looked at Link with wide eyes. “You mean to tell me, you - Of course. The Chosen Hero. The one who returned the Realms as they were.” It felt like an underhanded insult and compliment all wrapped up into one. A real sucker punch of a delivery.

“I guess you could say I’m the reason you’re trapped here as well, unfortunately.” Link said, punctuated with a half-hearted laugh.

Sheik shook his head, and reached a hand out to the Hylian, placed it upon his. “It isn’t your fault, I assure you.”

For how sudden it was, it was somehow reassuring. An act of instinct, something that Link related to. He was nothing if not a beast of instinct. At times, he found himself missing his wolf form. The ability to run without care, to dig in the ground like a child, it all felt freeing in some strange sense. A blessing and a curse.

This felt the same. For how close Sheik had become, it felt like Link would explode, seeing the very visage of Midna on his face. But at the same time, he yearned for it, he missed her so dearly and getting this imaginary second chance felt unreal. But he wasn’t her. He could never be her.

Link didn’t know if he even wanted him to be her, or not. If anything, Sheik seemed to understand him on some kind of level that Midna had not. Perhaps it was projection.

Just as suddenly as Sheik had grabbed his hand, he released it. Something about it left Link feeling dejected, but why? It didn’t matter.

“Then what were you doing here? In the Realm of Light, I mean.” Link asked quietly. It was no longer an interrogation for information, but just real curiosity. Would Sheik even tell him? He wasn’t sure.

“…I was fleeing.” He admitted, and turned his gaze towards the dim lantern.

There was a moment where Link wasn’t sure if he should say anything or wait for Sheik to continue. What could he say? He knew why he was fleeing. All who were touched by Zant’s wicked power were tainted, turned into true monsters. Anyone sensible would flee from that.

“From Zant?” Link offered, and Sheik rolled his head a bit, noncommittal in his response.

“Partially that.” Made sense.

“And something else?” Link asked, and Sheik nodded.

“I’m just grateful you know who Midna is, otherwise you may not understand.” What did he mean by that?

“What about her? Did something happen with her?”

“…” Sheik turned his back to Link, and suddenly he could feel the metaphorical walls pulling up around the Twili. 

“It’s okay if you don’t want to-“

“I was to be her betrothed.”

Ah. Well. That wasn’t quite what Link expected.

Instead of showing any kind of shock or surprise, Link could only laugh. This clearly wasn’t what Sheik had expected and he immediately reared his head around to make some kind of snide remark but stopped short. His cheeks puffed and his brows furrowed, but he didn’t say anything at first. Just glared.

“You got cold feet, but now you’re ready to return?” Link asked, his words interspersed with little chuckles.

Sheik let out a heavy sigh, and crossed his arms along his chest. “I’m going to call it off.”

Somehow, this didn’t shock Link either.

“I don’t know how Twili courting works, but does the ruler of the Twili require a spouse? Or was it some kind of political gain?” If it was anything like Hylian politics, Link truly wanted nothing to do with it. Even for as little as he understood about it, Zelda had annoyed him enough with requests for his hand in marriage simply for the political gain of being a power couple. He had certifiably refused every attempt.

He wasn’t going to live his life as some trophy husband for a Queen who only considered him for his birth rite. Not that he faulted her for it, she had to. It was a politically sound strategy, but he would never go along with it.

If Sheik was put in a similar situation, he understood. If anything, he probably understood better than anyone else.

“Twili rulership is determined by a gauntlet of sorts. If a ruler is not able to defend their position upon being usurped, they never had any right to it to begin with.” Sheik explained, and the words echoed what Link already knew. “I was to be Midna’s retainer, of sorts. She is the most powerful of us, more powerful than I… by a long shot.”

He laughed, and ran a hand through his bright red hair.

“But I have partially Hylian blood, I am considered an asset.”

Link looked at him with wide, unblinking eyes. “What?”

“Hylian isn’t the correct word for it, the race I belong to is one long left abandoned by history; the Sheikah. I inherited my name from my father, who inherited it from his. We are the only ones who keep this heritage alive, and as such we wear the name like a badge of honor.” The more Sheik explained, the more Link turned his head in disbelief.

An entire race that Link had never even heard of.

No, that wasn’t entirely true, he had heard brief murmurs of them, but only in the form of translated passages. He had always been confused over what his books had referred to as the shadow-dwelling Sheikah, he had always assumed it to mean another word for the Twili. But to find out that it was something different entirely… well, if he were to ever tell Shad about it he knew the scholar would explode from excitement.

“Can I ask a question?” Link inquired, and Sheik nodded with an amused look on his face.

“I would be shocked if you didn’t have any questions.” Fair enough.

“If you’re the last of your kind, and you are refusing to wed Midna, then I take it you have some other partner in mind? Or is that an overstep… Oh, that might be, sorry.” Link realized what he had said after it had already left his mouth, but Sheik only laughed as a response. Clearly he had plenty of time to think it over. This was nothing to him.

“The Sheikah bloodline isn’t one that requires a familial bond, fortunately.” What an odd bloodline to uphold, Link thought, but listened intently. “It is easiest with family, as it requires a strong bond and a blood oath, but the ritual of imparting the Eye of Truth is nothing that can’t be done with an apprentice.”

“…The Eye of Truth?” That stumped Link. He had never heard of anything like that.

Though, perhaps that was why he felt so uneasy under Sheik’s gaze. If it was a literal thing, he could see straight through him and into his heart.

Could he tell how his heart wavered?

Did he know that they had only set out on Link’s own selfish desire to see his companion again?

“I can sense things hidden to the naked eye, dispel illusory magic, and unveil hidden desires from within the soul.” Something about the way he said it told Link everything he needed to know. Sheik could peek into his hidden ambitions, he could likely see the way Link yearned for his previous companion as if it were written across his face.

“…It makes sense why Midna, or any ruler, would want someone like that as their betrothed, or even as their retainer.” Link mumbled, and leaned back against the tree trunk.

“You can understand why I desperately wished to separate myself from it then.” Sheik moved closer once more, looked Link directly in the eyes. It was equally intimidating as it was intimate, and Link could swear he saw something hidden in those red eyes.

Was it sadness?

“I do, yeah.” The mutual understanding of being pined over, not for personal joy or attraction, but simply over political gain and birthrite… It hurt. Link didn’t realize just how strongly Sheik understood it, but hearing what he had, they were so alike it wasn’t even funny. Though, maybe it was. Just a little.

A divine prank to put his ex-companions ex-boyfriend on his doorstep, and for them to get along quite so intrinsically? What were the odds?

Looking up to the sky, Link could see the moon peeking up just along the tree line.

“We should keep moving.” He assessed, and Sheik agreed.

With the lantern blown out, and Sheik returned to his shadow, they continued on their way towards the Castle Town.

Chapter Text

Link was right about his trajectory. Ever since the bridges had been repaired, he had been swift about figuring out how long it would take to get from Ordon to Castle Town, and his timing was correct. The two of them made it into town with the sun high overhead, and he couldn't have felt happier.

It took a bit to get Epona checked in with the stable crew, but after that he was on his way towards Telma's bar. If there was one person who could help Sheik, it would be one of the adventurer's guild members.

"I've never been to Castle Town… it's so busy." Link heard Sheik mutter from his shadow. “It’s kind’ve overwhelming.”

They had made their way to the alley that hosted the bar, and waited for a time with no one around for Sheik to manifest. Since it was the middle of the day it took a moment, but they got there. With the Twili now trailing behind, cowl heavy over his head, they walked inside.

"Welcome in, what can - LINK ?" Telma was ecstatic to see the boy she nearly dropped the glass she was holding. "My word! I haven't seen you in ages, how are you, hun?!"

Link approached the bar with earnest, and pointed his head back to gesture towards Sheik.

"Doing good. Just came in to try and find some help for this guy. Figured if anyone can help me out, it would be y'all." Link explained, and this got a batted-lashes look from Telma.

"Even after everything you've done, you still can't ever stop helping people. You're something else, really. I envy your youthful energy." She let out a hearty laugh, and it was only at that that Sheik felt safe enough to attempt poking his head up. "So, who's your friend, anyway?"

Link paused a moment, unsure if Sheik was going to speak for himself or if he should do the talking.

"My name is Sheik." Seemed he was going to explain it himself. "I need help returning home, so I was hoping for some help with that."

"Help getting home? Oh, you must live somewhere past Hyrule, huh? We've got plenty of mercenaries that can give you a proper escort if that's what you're looking for." She was so close, yet so far. And yet, even the concept of someone else helping Sheik get home filled Link with immense dread.

This was his job.

…Since when? He wasn't being paid.

Though maybe Telma was right with that first statement. Maybe Sheik was his friend. Maybe that was it. That was, of course, if he pushed aside the desire to see Midna once more.

Even having only found him yesterday morning, he already felt such a strong connection to him.

“I heard Link mention you had a scholar in residence here, is he available to speak with?” Sheik asked, and while Telma didn’t seem to know why he would need Shad’s expertise, she wasn’t going to turn him away.

“Shad? Oh, yeah he’s here. You can find him at the table with the rest of them.” She gestured towards with the glass in her hand before setting it down. “And Link, you let me know if you or your friend need a drink.”

Link nodded anxiously. “Ah, of course ma’am.”

She concluded the conversation with a wink and resumed her bartending.

Behind him, Sheik had already approached the table of the adventurer’s guild, what was once known as the Resistance. No longer did they require that moniker, Link had made sure of it. At the table sat Auru, next to him Shad, and in the far corner a knight fully passed out from drinking too much. As was typical with the guard. The only member not accounted for was Ashei.

“-quite the predicament, but - oh, it’s good to see you again, old boy!” Shad perked up at the sight of Link. Another nickname he never asked for, but he had a soft spot for the scholar that he could never tell him off for it. For all it was worth, there were plenty of times he indeed felt like a child in a man’s body, unable to make his own future. Surely it wasn’t what Shad had meant by the nickname, but it felt fitting regardless.

“It’s good to see you too, Shad,” Link nodded to him, then the old scout next to him. “Auru.” The scout nodded back.

It had been six months since their band of Resistance had no need to congregate, and yet they did. Rebranding as the adventurer's guild, they helped with scouting mission, mercenary jobs, everything above the board as far as Auru was concerned.

"Is Ashei out?" Link inquired, and Shad nodded. "Shame, I would have liked to talk to her about this."

Auru perked up, and looked at Sheik with a certain scrutiny. "Your friend here says he can't make his way home, and is requesting our help. Now tell us, where is this home? I’m assuming you’re far from home to be needing help beyond what Link, here, can provide."

Link looked at Sheik, then back to the two men.

"It's complicated, but… do you remember the temple in the Gerudo desert, Auru?" Link hesitated to explain it outright, it was uncertain what their reaction would be without some winding exposition. Auru nodded again, attention swaying back and forth from Link's face to Sheik. "There was an artifact there, the Twilight Mirror."

Shad took interest in this, and began to write notes feverishly on a scrap of paper.

“That mirror reflected our Realm, with the other side hosting the Twilight Realm. When the invasion ended, and Ganon’s afront was stopped, the Twilight Princess destroyed it, and with it all contact to that Realm was lost.” The more Link explained, the gears turned inside of Shad and Auru’s mind. Without even explaining it, they knew exactly what he meant. Auru in particular was always good at reading between the lines, and this was no exception.

“A portal to the Twilight Realm… Hm, I can’t say I’ve come across the sort, even for all the travel I’ve done.” Auru confessed, though he didn’t look defeated. If anything, he seemed fired up over the dilemma.

“I’ve personally never seen a portal of that sort, but I have a magnitude of books pertaining all sorts of magic, some even touch on Twili magic.” Shad explained as he continued penning down thoughts. Somehow Link knew he would have some kind of information, but the idea that he quite literally just had books lying around about the topic sounded too good to be true.

“What about teleportation? Is there anything about that in your books?” Link asked, perhaps a bit too direct, too eager.

Sheik gingerly placed a hand on his bicep, as if silently telling him to calm down. It would do none of them any good if random patrons overheard these conversations. Magic like that was uncommon among the working class. They feared that which they didn’t understand.

“I don’t think so.” As if a fire extinguished, Link let out a heavy sigh as Shad confirmed the worst. “Though that’s not to say it’s impossible. We’ve seen islands floating above the sky, cannons that can shoot into the heavens, ghosts and specters beyond mortal reasoning. To say we can’t find a way home for your friend is admitting an unnecessary defeat.”

He was right. Link had resigned himself too quickly. For being the Chosen Hero, he found himself faltering so often about not only this, but things in his general life. It was as if Midna leaving left some permanent scar on his soul. Maybe that was just him being dramatic, though. But he had never lost a friend like that before, not dead and able to be mourned, but simply gone. Trapped behind a wall that seemed impossible to pass over.

But looking at Sheik, he felt that wall wasn’t so impregnable. He felt as if somehow, they were going to manage.

Sheik would get home. He would make sure of it… but how?

“Do you think going to see the remains of the mirror would do anything?” Auru suggested, and Link crossed his arm in thought.

“I don’t know. It’s completely gone, but if the sages have remained… then perhaps it would be worth a look.” It was a long shot, both physically and metaphorically, but they had to give it a try.

Going all the way out to the Gerudo desert, however… it wasn’t exactly what Link had packed for. Part of him was convinced he would simply find his answer here, and Sheik would be going on his merry way, but life wasn’t that simple. If they had to travel that far, they would have to stock up, at least on the necessities. Fortunately Link had already loaded up his proper camping equipment so that wouldn’t be a problem, but he worried about the trip there.

The sun was harsh enough on the fields of Hyrule, but the desert was far worse.

“Will you be okay to travel that far? It’ll be harsh sun.” Link checked in with Sheik, and the redhead nodded.

“If it’s what has to happen.” The preemptive dread was clear on his face, but there was no getting around it. They both knew it.

“But remember, boys,” Auru chimed in. “Going there doesn’t guarantee an answer. If what you said is true, and the mirror had already been shattered, there may not be any point to going. Keep that in mind.”

He was right, and Sheik groaned at the thought and pulled his hand down across his face. “I’m going to be stuck here forever, aren’t I?”

It was a bit pessimistic, but Link couldn’t fault him for the thought. How would he have fared, being stuck in the Twilight Realm as nothing more than a wolf, or worse, a spirit? At least an existence like that wouldn’t physically burn him. In a sense, even that would have been considered a privilege.

“Shad, would you mind lending us those books you mentioned, see if there’s anything that we may have better context for?” It wouldn’t do anything to dwell on what they didn’t know as a certainty, and if Link was going to have to travel that far of a distance, he wanted some certainty that they didn’t have the answers they needed upfront. At least, that’s what he told himself.

Perhaps it had something to do with his exhausted body, and how it yearned for a night at the inn. If he got there fast enough surely they would still have some rooms available.

“Of course, old boy. Anything to help a friend.” Shad’s attitude was upbeat as always, and he stood at attention, raring to go and get them.

“While you’re going to go and get those, I think we should try and find a room at an inn.” Link suggested, and Sheik nodded in response.

“Sounds fine to me.” It was decided.

“I’ll go collect the books. We’ll meet up back here in a bit then, I take it?” Shad confirmed, and the two boys nodded. “See you then.”

With an excited pep in his step, Shad left the bar. It was nice knowing that even after they had spent so much time apart, the Resistance still had Link’s back. And truthfully, if they needed it, he had theirs.

“You two better head along and get that booked. These days it’s much easier to travel, so the inns have been getting booked up quickly.” Auru advised, his gaze not quite meeting theirs, but rather focused on the drink in front of him.

“...Speaking of, how have things been lately? We came in with a bit of a whirlwind, but I don’t think I ever asked.” The question got Link all but a glance from the scout. He didn’t want to respond at first, at least that was the impression Link got.

“It’s been fine.” He sounded tense, but maybe it wasn’t Link’s business. “With the Princess’s coronation on the horizon, I’ve personally been on edge. The rest of the group are doing fine, though."

The Princess’s coronation… Zelda was to be recognized as Queen.

“...I see. I hope the coronation goes well.” Link offered, trying his best to side-step any involvement. He knew that Auru knew of Zelda’s political affection for him. He knew that Zelda had asked for his hand in marriage. Being one of Zelda’s old mentors, Auru had strong feelings for her, and Link knew that.

There was never a point where Link wished ill upon the Princess, but he wished for solitude from the frustrating game of politics she could never divorce herself from.

“She asked for you to be there, you know.” The scout took a sip of his drink, and looked at Link with a sly side-eye glance.

“...I’m sure she did. I’ll unfortunately be unable to make it.” Link took a few steps around the table, heading towards the door. “I’ve got a friend who needs help, I’m sure she would understand.”

Auru laughed, and set the empty glass down on the table with a knowing smile. “I’m sure she would.”

Sheik didn’t say anything, didn’t have to. For everything Link knew about him, he understood what was happening. For everything Link knew about his all-knowing gaze, he was well aware the implications stated.

The Twili gave a polite bow to Auru, thanked him for his help, and followed behind Link as they left Telma’s bar. “I’ll be back in a bit!” The Hylian called out to her, and she waved back at him.

Out in the Castle Town air, Link let out a heavy sigh.

“Seems like we both have unwanted political ties.” Sheik laughed, leaning against the wall as Link caught his metaphorical breath. Even just dealing with Auru was so much, the idea of seeing Zelda would simply kill him.

After saving the lives of so many, having the weight of Hyrule on both of their shoulders, Link couldn’t help but feel he had let her down by refusing her hand. But his heart was never in it. She was beautiful, she would make a wonderful wife, she would no doubt give him any kind of life he wanted within reason.

And yet… he refused.

For the first time in his life he had seen a future so tantalizing yet terrifying, and he ran.

For Hylia’s sake, the two of them slayed Ganondorf, the Evil King! They had helped restore peace to both Realms! They had worked together to save their kingdom’s future!

And he couldn’t look her in the eyes. Not once.

“I can’t deal with her.” Link tried to summarize, and what he meant to come off as a lighthearted comment felt like the words of someone on the brink of death. Anxiety had grabbed hold of his heart, and he couldn’t see what he needed to do.

“...You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” Sheik tried to reassure, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

The sensation alone was enough to snap him from his thoughts.

He took a deep breath and stretched his arms, trying to get back into a regular headspace.

“I’ll be okay. Just, a lot to think about is all.”

Sheik gave him a knowing look, and Link couldn’t help but try to avoid it. Those red eyes could pierce his very soul if he let them.

Something about him turning his head away made the Twili laugh, and even if it annoyed him it did put him in a better mood. Something about it was infectious, and he played the annoyance up for the act of it. He gave the Twili a playful backhand to his bicep. "Come on, cut it out. Let’s find an inn to check into.”

“Fine, fine.” Sheik gave him a hearty grin before disappearing into his shadow once more.

Even with no one around, no windows to peek at them, no souls to eavesdrop, Link still felt nervous doing that in the daylight. It would be fine, though. He had done it a hundred times with Midna, what was a few more now?

Now left to his thoughts, he couldn’t help but imagine what the adventurer’s guild had truly thought of their dilemma. Shad seemed more or less indifferent to the whole ordeal, only caring about the aspect of ‘new magical discovery’ as was typical with him. That at least was reassuring. Auru, on the other hand, seemed to genuinely want to help, but at the same time he felt so distant about it. At least, that was Link’s observation.

‘ The Princess’s coronation… she wants you there. ’ The scout’s words replayed in the back of Link’s mind.

Even with the walk to the inn being so short, he couldn’t help but feel his thoughts overwhelm him.

What had happened to cause him to get so lost in thought lately? He shouldn’t be acting this way, he was the Chosen Hero! Why would he be anxious over what Zelda would think or say? She had never pushed him beyond mere words, she had never shown any true contempt or frustration. Maybe she had felt it, but chose to never emoted that outward to him. Had he just missed the signs?

Speaking of missing signs, he was so caught up in his own thoughts he nearly walked right past the inn.

“Distracted?” Sheik’s words rang out from the shadow, and Link shook his head both to deny the allegations as well as clear his head.

“Never been better.” He grabbed the door to the inn and entered.

Chapter Text

Something Link had failed to calculate was the sleeping arrangements. Why on Earth would the innkeeper offer him a second bed with no clear companion? Surely he could lie and say there was another member of his party who was out and about, perhaps collecting supplies, or speaking with the guild. But no, he couldn’t lie. It wasn’t in his nature.

Without any real fuss, he was offered a single-bed room and he took it.

The innkeeper handed over the singular key and must have noticed an odd look on his face. “Something the matter, sir?”

Link shook his head, trying to remain courteous and polite. There was no way this random stranger would understand his situation. There was no way Sheik could show himself without it causing some sort of conundrum. “Not at all, thank you.”

Did the Twili even need a physical bed? Was he able to nap in Link’s shadow, or was that something reserved for the Princess? He didn’t know, and when he got up to the room surely he could ask.

Taking note of what room was his from the key’s tag, he made his way from the front desk up to the room.

The inn itself wasn’t anything fancy, wooden walls and wooden doors, stone accents that looked similar to any other business in Castle Town. It was nicely accented with flowers and paintings, though, and Link found the 40-rupee-a-night price to be more than affordable for the size of the accommodations. 

Getting into the room, he locked the door and immediately set himself on taking off his heavy traveling gear and boots.

Sheik took no time in manifesting from his shadow and took a look around the room.

"Only one bed? That's very bold of you, hero." The joke was meant to get under Link's skin, and it did. Link shot him an unamused glare before returning to the task of unlacing his boots. "Though I don't really need a bed, at least not in this realm."

He walked over to it and laid down. "It is nice, though; getting to rest my weary head."

Comfortable at long last, Link looked at him, then what space remained on the bed itself.

He wasn't about to refuse an afternoon nap - especially having rode through the night - just because there was another warm body next to him. And if nothing else, this would serve the ultimate test of trust. Did Sheik trust him enough to lay next to him, and did he trust Sheik enough to not steal his things and run off if he dozed off.

From the way Sheik barely moved when he placed his own weight on the side of the bed, he figured he could let his guard down.

Not to mention, if Sheik was going to do something, surely he would have done it by now. Being isolated in the woods together, leaving him alone in his home, the Twili was no threat.

And with that the only thing on his mind, nothing else at all, he laid down next to the Twili.

Not quite touching, but he could feel the sensation of bodyweight on the mattress. Even with his eyes closed he could feel Sheik's presence. In an odd way it was reassuring.

They rested like that for a while, a comfortable silence blanketing over them. Link didn’t care about having to share the bed, and from what he could tell, neither did Sheik. That was nice, at least. An amicable solution without any bickering. If this had been Midna, she would have simply resigned herself to sleeping within Link’s shadow… but did she ever sleep? Thinking back on it, Link couldn’t recall if he ever saw her sleeping.

The only time he can recall her being unconscious was when Zant had light-scorched her. What a horrible memory.

Perhaps something about Link’s body shifted without him realizing, (a muscle tensing or a heavy sigh) as Sheik rolled over a bit to check on him. “You okay?”

“...Yeah, just thinking too much again.” He offered. It wasn’t much of an explanation, but maybe Sheik didn’t need it. The Eye of Truth maybe told him everything he needed to know, though Link didn’t really understand the magnitude of its power. Maybe it was more of a lie detector than an all seeing fortune teller.

“Like I said before, if you wanted to head home after getting me to Hyrule Castle Town that’s fine.” Sheik tried to offer, and Link felt himself gutted at the mere notion.

“No.” He needed to put an end to that type of thought. “I said I was going to help, so I am.”

Beside him, Link could feel Sheik tense a bit, but remained silent. Was that too direct? He didn’t know. It was so hard to tell with this sort of thing.

“Maybe this is too much to ask, but…” The Twili hesitated to continue. “This help you’re offering me, is it truly to help me, or is it that you want to see Midna again so badly?”

The tension between them could be cut with a knife, it was so thick.

Link didn’t want to lie to him, he never wanted to lie to anyone, but how could he agree with something like that? Of course, that was part of the reason why he had agreed to helping Sheik get home. But… anyone in his position would have done the same, wouldn’t they? 

And yet it felt horrendously selfish. 

He could feel bile in the back of his throat over his selfish decision.

Respond, Link. 

Say something, anything.

“...I miss her.” Was all he could offer, and somehow it felt like it was enough. He covered his face with his hands, not wanting to look at Sheik or be seen by him. It was too much, not enough, and everything all at once. Overwhelming, to say the least.

What Link was expecting was maybe an annoyed huff, or some kind of joke at his expense. What he got instead was a tender hand on his arm, reassuring in nature.

“I wish I had ever been as close with her as you were.” Sheik offered, his voice low, sympathetic.

“You knew her before me, were the two of you not close?” Link dared to peek through his fingers, and saw Sheik to be completely neutral in his expression. If anything, he looked a bit sad.

Going home just to break her heart, if that was even the extent of their relationship. Did she ever foster romantic feelings for him? Did she foster romantic feelings towards anyone? Zelda had never shown personal interest in anyone other than the Twilight Princess, and for them to be ripped apart by the Realms themselves… maybe Midna never had room in her heart to begin with.

“Midna was cold. Always had been, at least with her subjects. Though, she had to be; it’s the nature of being our ruler.” Sheik offered, looking off to the side as if peering through his memories. "Even at the time of her departure, I could barely consider us acquaintances. Barely more than strangers."

The Hylian didn't know what he expected, but it wasn't that.

“That wasn't how she was with me. If anything, she was fiery, fierce, bratty even.” Link had now fully removed his hands from his face and sat up to look at Sheik. It was funny how they could know the same person and yet have completely opposite ideas of her.

Midna was complicated, if nothing else.

“Well, when everything is done, and I’ve called it off with her, who knows maybe she’ll ask the Goddess’s Chosen Hero for his hand in marriage.” Sheik joked, but somehow the idea only gutted Link.

To have Midna give him the same fate as Zelda, to only be worthy because he was chosen by the Goddesses.

“I think if she did that I would run away, too.” He joked back, but they could both tell from the underlined dread in his voice that he was serious. After a moment, an idea struck him that actually made him laugh. A really cocky idea that he knew would never fly, but was funny nonetheless. “Hell, we can run away together, elope and never have to deal with political nonsense ever again.”

Sheik looked at him for a moment with a hint of surprise on his face before laughing as well. “Yeah. Sure, I’d do it.”

This got Link laughing even harder. What was he even saying?

How did they even get to this point? Joking about eloping, playing some stupid game of chicken to see if the other was serious. Maybe to some extent it would work. If nothing else, it would be a nice tax break and - what was Link thinking? This was stupid. Silly, even.

And yet he looked at Sheik with a devilish glint in his eyes.

“It would be a little bit funny, wouldn't it?” If nothing else, it would make for a good back-up plan. 

"And what about your Princess; Zelda, I believe her name is?" Sheik asked now, a certain quality of coyness in his voice. It was the right time to ask about it after all.

"I suppose the same relationship you had with Midna, which is to say none." Link spoke brashly. Even if he wanted to be delicate about what he said about the Princess, it wouldn't matter. Sheik could see right through him, or maybe his body language was just easy to read. "We've worked together quite a bit, but she never had any interest in me as a person."

He pulled out his Triforce hand and stared at the glowing sigil. "Just this."

Sheik nodded along slowly, then let out a heavy sigh. "I don't envy the life of royalty, unable to make human connections on grounds of antiquated ideology."

When he put it like that, neither did Link.

"I don't envy them either. It sounds like a miserable existence, one I desperately don't care to join." Link moved to lay on his side, facing towards Sheik. "But hey, if we get you home and Midna doesn't want to accept you calling it off, you're welcome to crash with me."

Something about offering that sort of thing within such close, physical proximity made his heart beat harder. He pushed it down, figuring it was just nerves. Being this close to someone had never really happened before. Even the time he had spent batting eyes at Illia, he had never been so physically close to her.

But this, laying next to Sheik, talking about their long-standing affliction for the throne… it was nice.

"Who knows, maybe I'll take you up on that offer if it comes down to it." Sheik responded with a soft smile before closing his eyes.

An afternoon nap was good for the soul.

Even if it was only for a short while, Link was so appreciative for the chance to rest comfortably. It was often in his travels he was left to sleep on nothing but a sleeping bag and dirt floor, sometimes even in the rain. It was often that he would simply power through the exhaustion than try to rest, knowing his only reprise would be mud or sand.

But this, a nice bed, a physical companion… he could get used to that.

In his short nap, the dream that came to him was one of his journey. 

It was often he dreamt of it, and this one felt no different at a first glance; a replay of his fight against the Arbiters. Seeing their ghastly faces and hearing their wails of damnation… it haunted him. Even in his waking hours he feared seeing their visage in the nighttime hours.

Desperately he looked around the temple hall that he fought them, trying to find any hint of Midna, any chance for an attack, and yet nothing. He was met with claws lunging for his face, only narrowly dodged.

" Midna? Where are you? " He called out to no one.

And in the dark, in the far corner, he saw a pair of red eyes.

With a startle, he awoke.

It was now late into the afternoon, dusk settling in through the windows. How appropriate.

At his side, Link expected to see Sheik still asleep, but he wasn't. Instead, he found himself alone in an empty bed. It felt typical, considering the dream he had. Or nightmare, that was an apt description as well.

After a moment of lulling about, he rose, and on the opposite side of the room he saw those red eyes once more. In the daylight, they were less threatening and more just off-putting.

"You sure were tired." Sheik remarked with his chin in his hand, arm leaned against the small table the inn provided. "I've been awake for a while now, but figured I should let you sleep."

"You were watching me sleep? No wonder your eyes showed up in my nightmare." Link tried to joke, but it came off flat. If anything, it gave Sheik ammunition to torment him.

"Dreaming of me, are you? I'm flattered." He was cocky, and Link let out an annoyed huff. This only got a further laugh from the Twili.

Maybe he really was no different than Midna. She would do the same thing. The push-pull dynamic seemed to fit the Hero so well he defaulted to it. They didn't actually annoy him as much as he let off, and in Sheik's case he knew that he understood that.

Maybe Midna wasn't so keen, maybe she took it at face value. Maybe that's why… no. It was too early being awake for dramatic thoughts like that.

"We should head back to the bar, see if Shad is back yet." Link declared, standing to get dressed once more. He chose to opt out of the battle gear, and simply returned his boots and mid-section belt. "How much you want to bet they've been waiting a while?"

"Oh, I'm not a betting man." Sheik assured, but something in his eyes glinted that he was still goading Link.

Resigned to his fate of being eternally bullied by a Twili specter, Link walked to the door and watched Sheik retreat to his shadow. This time didn't feel as strange, maybe he was getting used to it.

Maybe he always had a heavy shadow.

Chapter Text

Back at Telma's bar, the air felt more energized than usual. More patrons had poured in as a result of the workday ending, and Link and Sheik were able to slip in all but undetected. Back at their meeting table they found it littered with dozens of books that Shad brought from home.

"You've got quite the extensive collection." Sheik commented, grabbing a random book and flipping through it.

"I like to be well rounded," Shad explained with a sheepish adjustment of his hair. "Though it's not worth much having all this knowledge at my disposal if I'm not able to apply it. Having Link help with uncovering secrets to my work, that's where the real magic lies."

' You have no idea… ' Link thought to himself and grabbed a book with an impressively thick spine. It was hearty, and as he leafed through the pages he found that it was mostly about elemental interactions. Not exactly what he was looking for, but a fine start.

Auru, who had been present before, had excused himself and gone home for the evening. It was now just the three of them poring over books hoping to find any clue to get them home.

It was a bit of an odd sight for the bar, over half of it full of rowdy drunks, and the small corner they resided in looking more like a book club than an actual club. Link had put his boots up on the table and was leaned back, skimming through book after book. Sheik had taken to actually reading every passage, scouring it for details. And Shad had all but put aside his reading in favor of handing Link book after book. "Another one."

Even after going through nearly every book, they were none closer than they had been. There was very little documentation over the Twili, let alone any distinct way to access their Realm. It looked as if the worst was coming to fruition, they would either have to make the trek all the way to the desert, or worse, Link would have to seek audience with Zelda.

“God, I’m going to have to go ask Zelda for help, aren’t I? Ugh… I don’t wanna go see her.“ Link groaned into his hands after skimming through yet another book that didn't get him any closer to answers.

"But why? Surely she would be more than willing to help you in your quest." Shad tried to reason, oblivious to the implications underneath. "Zelda is a gracious Princess, and I'm sure as Queen she will remain so."

Sheik let out a little chuckle, knowing Link's dismay all too well.

"It's not that, it's just…" He let out a heavy sigh. "If she keeps asking for my hand in marriage I don't know how many times I can tell her no."

Having it all spelled out for him, Shad's expression widened, and his face turned a bright red. "Ah. That's… well, um." For once, the talkative scholar was stumped.

"Last time, I told her I would think on it, give her an answer when I saw her next and…" Link dramatically pulled his hands from his face and stared at the ceiling. "And now I have to give her that answer. How in the world am I supposed to tell the Princess 'No, I don't want to marry you.' What an insane thing to deny!"

Sheik nodded his head, understanding the dilemma, while Shad was nothing if not bewildered. Though, the man was smart, he knew there had to be more that Link wasn't saying. But if he was curious to know, he kept it to himself and instead mulled over it.

"Well, with her coronation around the corner I'm sure there will be plenty of suitors who are vying for her attention. Maybe one of them will strike a personal connection with her and you won't have to worry about giving her that no." Shad offered, and even if it was meant to be reassuring it was ultimately a silly gamble. Wait for someone else to come along and divert her attention? Even Shad couldn't be so naive to believe that.

But then again, she had always had her eyes on Midna.

Maybe, if he could get to Zelda, he could find a way to get to the Twilight Realm. Maybe, if he was able to get to Midna, he could reunite the two.

Maybe, just maybe, he could make it all work out.

Though, that was wishful thinking.

Like Auru had said, just because he went somewhere searching for answers didn't mean he was guaranteed to get what he was looking for. More than likely, he would have to break Zelda's trust, and who knew, maybe he wouldn't even be able to help Sheik either. Without Midna's help, what could he even accomplish on his own?

"Link? You okay?" Shad asked, and tentatively waved a hand in front of his face. Pulled from his thoughts, Link shook his head to get back to reality.

"Just thinking of my options, that's all." Link offered, and the scholar nodded.

"Ah, of course, old boy. You looked very serious for a moment there, is all." He sounded unbothered about the whole thing, if not a bit amused. "Made me worry I had said something wrong."

Link shook his head, and tried his best to quell Shad’s concern. “No, nothing wrong. Just, gave me an idea."

That perked the brunette back up, and he looked excitedly between Link and Sheik. "I'm glad to be of some assistance."

"What's your idea?" Sheik asked. There was a knowing glint in his eyes that Link dreaded.

"We go see her, and try to convince her to help us if it means seeing Midna again." Link practically whispered, and even though Shad could hear the plan he didn't necessarily have context to understand it. To him, Midna meant nothing, and even if Link wanted to explain he didn't really know where to start. There was so much he had to keep secret for the sake of simplicity, and to some extent he hated it.

"Somehow, I doubt even Zelda would know of any way to contact her." Sheik muttered, and while Shad was oblivious to it, Link heard it all too well. This was a gamble.

Maybe he was a betting man.

"It's the only lead we've got." Link declared, shutting the book he had barely been reading.

Sheik followed suit, and the two arose from the table with a plan decided.

"So you're going to go seek audience with the Princess?" Shad inquired, trying to really piece together what little he understood about the situation. As far as Link was concerned, this would be the one and only time he would ever interact with a Twili outside of wartime. It was natural for him to be curious, but he couldn't allow them to fraternize too much.

"I'm going to at least try to. If she doesn't let us in… well, we'll probably have to go with the first plan and go all the way out to the desert." It really wasn't something Link wanted to do, and the other two could tell. "With the way our luck is going, we might end up going out there anyway."

Sheik patted his back, a signal to step aside, and personally handed Shad his book back.

"Thank you for allowing us access to these books." The Twili gave a formal bow in addition to his gratitude, an act so formal that Shad had begun to blush and waved his hands with a certain frantic energy.

"Think nothing of it, really." The scholar insisted, and Sheik let out a soft laugh in return.

Out in the rest of the bar, more patrons had arrived and what was once a comfortable book club volume was now overwhelming. The three of them worked to clean up the small mess of books they had made. Even if Shad had insisted he was fine, Link couldn't just leave it a mess, and it didn't take long.

Perhaps he was just stalling.

After they were set and ready to head back, Shad thanked them for their time. It was nice to see the scholar once more, and even if Link knew he could stay for a while longer, something told him he shouldn't. Maybe it was Sheik's intense gaze on the back of his head.

"Alright, we're heading out now." Link announced to both Shad and Telma, and the barkeep gave him a flirty wink.

"You stay out of trouble." She cooed, and Link could hear Sheik audibly gulp from the way she leaned over. It didn't help that she had a lot of … charm to her. Link had become a bit more used to it, but even he failed to keep his composure around her. She knew this, and definitely took advantage to tease him.

It was all in good sport.

Heading out into Castle Town once more, they found it to already be well into the night. The sun had long since set, and Sheik didn't have to worry about hiding his sensitive complexion against the light of day. It was nice, having a companion to walk beside him.

"It's been a while, y'know." Link started.

"Hm?"

"Since I've have a companion that could walk beside me. One that I could talk to, at least." He knew that if he didn't clarify Sheik would make a joke about not appreciating Epona, a comment that Link had heard plenty from Illia. It had always bothered him when she scolded him for 'not caring about Epona enough', he cared for his horse better than he cared for himself! The audacity.

They walked along the merchant stalls, Sheik taking note of this and that along the way. It was nice, seeing how he behaved so normally. In the dark of night, it was so much more difficult to discern his odd skin tone. Even if someone were to look closely they would likely just take him for a Zora, like Talo had.

It was nice not having to hide.

"I'll agree, it's also nice having someone to walk beside. Not only that, but being able to walk along during the night… it's soothing." Sheik looked up to the sky and smiled. It was a new moon, and he couldn't be happier with the way the stars sparkles against the night sky. Link looked up to it as well, and noted several constellations shining brightly.

"Are these the same stars you see from your home?" It was dangerous to speak of the Twili out in the open, but he skirted around it masterfully.

Sheik paused for a moment, before answering quietly. "I think they are."

Something about that made Link's heart race. Like somehow it meant they were closer to finding an answer. If they both existed under the same stars, then maybe there was a chance they could find the physical locations of the Twilight Realm.

Was the Twilight Realm even a part of the same physical plane? It was hard to say, but something about that made him think it might be. Maybe there was even a chance Midna was looking upon the same stars as them.

They stood for a moment to appreciate the sky, a moment of reprieve from the constant flurry of activity.

"You're just procrastinating because you don't want to see her, aren't you?" Sheik declared with a teasing tone. It made Link's face turn a bright red. Was he really so easy to see through? Could a man not stop for a moment to metaphorically smell the roses?

"Fine, fine. We'll sleep at the inn tonight and go see her in the morning, how does that sound?" Link offered. He was met with a cautious side eye, but that plan would have to do.

For all the traveling and research and contemplation they had done over the day, both their body and mind were tired. A nice long sleep was well deserved. Before getting back to the inn, Sheik made the risky move of evaporating into Link's shadow once more before he headed inside. It wouldn't do for the inn keeper to ask any questions of his odd companion after all.

In the morning they would speak with Zelda, whether Link wanted to or not.

Chapter Text

"Your Highness, there is a guest here to see you."

Getting into the Castle was not difficult, Link found. Nor was it difficult getting an audience with Zelda. In fact, the guard that escorted him noted how she was free at the moment, taking a moment of reflection within the castle's garden. The light that filtered through the trees was gentle, so much so that Link figured Sheik could withstand it to help plead his case. But for now, he stayed hidden.

"...I see you've finally come." Zelda didn't even have to look to know who it was. She always had that keen eye about her. Instead, she remained transfixed on the small well of water in front of her, an ornate bird bath of sorts.

"I have." Link awkwardly adjusted his hair.

Maybe coming to see her in the Heroes garb wasn't a good choice. Maybe it would lead her on.

"I need your help." No use beating around it, he wanted to get right to the point.

This got her attention and she turned towards him. It was now or never, and Link mentally hoped that Sheik would make his presence known without having to be summoned. Much to Link's approval, he did.

Materialized in front of her, a Twili.

For a moment, there was a glint in her eyes that Link didn't recognize. But as soon as Sheik was fully physical, and had looked up to her, that expression changed to one of vague disapproval.

"Princess Zelda, I'm seeking your help… if anyone would know anything, you would. I need to get home, I need to return to the Twilight Realm." Sheik practically begged, though his voice was stoic and professional. In all honesty Link didn't think he would go through with it, but they were running out of leads fast, and running out of options faster.

"What is the meaning of this? Some kind of prank?" Zelda was unamused, and turned away from the two of them.

"It's not a prank, Zelda." Link interjected, which earned him a hostile side eye over her shoulder. Formalities be damned. "I found him outside my home, and I figured if anyone would know how to access the realm it would be-"

"Well I don't." She interrupted, cold and angry.

"I apologize if my presence has upset you, your Highness. It was not my intention." Sheik offered, head still heavy in a bow.

She let out a heavy sigh and turned back to face them.

"...You don't need to apologize. I'm sure it was not your intention to be trapped on the wrong side of the gate." Link may have imagined it but it looked like there were tears in her eyes.

"Zelda, please help us. If nothing else, help him." It was now Link's turn to grovel and she looked at him disparagingly.

There was a moment that Link considered she might not. She could very easily turn her back to them, or worse, have them tried with treason for conspiring with the usurper's people. But instead, she turned once more to the well of water she had been staring into, and contemplated the situation.

"There is no known way to go between realms. When Midna left, she took with her the last bridge between the realms. Never again will the twilight cascade over Hyrule in any way other than the setting of the sun." Her words were factual, and yet Link couldn't help but feel there was some catch to them. There always was, wasn't there? "Unless the Goddesses intervene to bestow upon us a new mirror, there is no way back."

Zelda looked to Sheik, a sorrow on her face that Link had never seen before. "There is no way to return you to your home. I'm sorry."

Sheik stood, and buried his face in his hands. For a moment Link considered comforting him, but wasn't given the chance as the Twili disappeared into his shadow.

"There's truly no way?" Link asked once more, as if somehow it would change her mind, jog her memory, anything. He refused to simply give up after having come so far. "What about the Sages, what if we spoke to them, maybe they can-"

"What can the Sages do for you that they couldn't do for me?!" Zelda lashed out, only to immediately reel herself back in. "I… I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."

Link knew. Somehow he had always known.

"But if it's a victory for me, a victory for Sheik, even. Then isn't it a victory for you, as well?" He offered, and moved to stand beside her at the well.

"Sheik? Is that his name?" She asked, looking into the well with intent.

"Yes, named after his cultural heritage." It was something Link felt some kind of pride over, despite having zero involvement in it. Something about it felt cool to talk about. Zelda thought everything over for a moment, studied the well as if it would tell her something. Maybe it would.

"...Maybe the Sages will allow a one way banishment." She offered.

Even if it felt like a punishment, and by all accounts it was, if it got Sheik home that's all that mattered. He couldn't stay here, in the Realm of Light, he wasn't meant to. The sunlight burned his skin and weakened his resolve. No. He had to return.

But even so, Link felt himself hesitate. To lose a companion a second time… it hurt to think about.

But the faster he got it done, the sooner he could move on with his life.

…Was that truly how his heart felt?

"I think the only way we'll know for sure is making the trip to the desert. It'll be a difficult journey, but if it has to happen then so be it." Link was decided in his resolve. No matter what, he was going to expend every option they had before giving up.

Zelda let out a sigh, followed by a soft laugh. "You never give up, do you?"

Link smiled, glad that she was finally getting through whatever emotional turmoil she was fighting through. For as much as her advances bothered him, he bore no ill will towards the princess. In fact, rather the opposite. He considered her a fascinating individual, and some day he would love the chance to pick her encyclopedic brain. But today was not that time.

"As long as there's something to keep fighting towards, I'll never give up." He offered with a cheesy grin, to which she laughed once more.

She wasn't so bad.

"Well. Be careful in the desert. If you'd like I can procure you a carriage to at least make some of the distance there easier." Zelda offered, and for as nice as it sounded, Link declined.

"I've got Epona to help with that, but I appreciate the offer." He began to walk away, waving his hand absently over his shoulder.

"Of course you do." Zelda laughed, and it was only when Link was finally out of earshot that she turned her full attention to the water in the well.

Ever since she was young, the waters spoke to her. Revealed all sorts of secrets, the likes of which she was never supposed to be privy to. So to see Midna within its reflection, so desperately forlorn at having to pull from her side after the battle… it hurt. It truly hurt her heart.

"...Midna… why would you shatter the mirror like that…?" She knew why, but the selfishness inside of her begged at no one for answers.

With Link gone, Zelda allowed herself a moment to grieve once again. The wound in her heart fresh, she cast her tears into the clear water and prayed it would obscure the view enough to force her to look away.

-

"She hates me." Sheik bemoaned from Link's side.

It didn't take long for them to decide to leave Castle Town, in fact Sheik couldn't get out of there fast enough. 

After a few hours of riding they had decided to take a break beneath a nice outcropping. Link shucked off some of his armor and had sprawled out on the grass. Sheik sat beside him and sulked.

"No she doesn't." Link insisted but it was a weak rebuttal.

"You saw the way she looked at me… disgusted, angry… I know my brethren were cruel to her but to treat me that way, I just-" Sheik rambled, and Link swiftly interrupted that line of thought.

"She's not mad, she's jealous."

There was a pause, then a bright eyed stare. "Jealous? Of me? I know you said she wanted your hand for political reasons but I didn't think-"

"No, not that!" Link laughed at the absurd idea. "She misses Midna… the two were close. I miss Midna, but I can't imagine how she must have felt."

"...Right." Sheik looked away, as if ashamed at his quick presumptions.

"You and Midna had an estranged relationship at best, one out of political necessity. That would have no doubt been my relationship with Zelda if we continued on that path." Link started, closing his eyes against the harsh sunlight that fluttered through the treetops. "But Zelda and Midna… they were close. When Midna was light-scorched by Zant, it was Zelda who sacrificed herself to save her. She had utmost faith in her."

Sheik looked out into the woods, mulling over the information. "To have that type of faith in anyone… I wonder what it's like."

Something about the comment set a fire ablaze in Link's stomach. Was he not enough to have faith for?

No. They barely knew each other. What was he getting worked up about?

"Faith in anything is sudden, I've found." Link answered, voice low, lacking any hint of amusement. "You don't believe in the Gods that be until you're truly in their presence. At least, that's how it was for me."

"The Gods… They light-scorch me and my people." Link peeked his eye over to Sheik and found him fully distraught in his own thoughts, chin heavy against his knee. "Some faith to place in them."

Link let out a heavy, understanding sigh. "It was more an example than anything... Sorry."

There was a long, heavy pause.

"What do I do if the Goddess has truly forsaken me to her realm of light?" Sheik muttered, the reality of everything settling in.

To him, this was a curse. A blight of agony and fear, the uncertainty that came with it unrelenting.

"Then we make you some shade." Link raised his hand up and took a long look at his callouses. "Woodworking isn't my strong suit but there's carpenters in Ordon that could build you something. It's not like I have a lifetime of favors to pull from." All of this felt natural to some extent. If a friend was in trouble, he would help. If he could do anything, he would. This was just what he did.

His display of generosity earned him a noise he hadn't expected; a small cry. As if ashamed of the notion, Sheik hid his noise as best he could and tried to dry his eyes.

"I don't deserve your favors." He tried to argue.

Link propped himself up fully now and looked at Sheik.

For a moment, he struggled to find the words. Red eyes met his, but only for a moment. The shame raging behind them was clear, and Link wanted to do anything he could to quell it. This wasn't what he wanted, wasn't what he would allow.

"You deserve everything, Sheik." Link tried, and this got Sheik to look at him with a confused smile.

"How can you keep saying that?" What had changed that made him so suddenly forward? He couldn't put a finger to it but he refused to let Sheik continue down this path of self-degradation. 

"You're important, not because of your lineage, or your 'potential' or anything like that. You're important because you're alive." Link decided, and his serious tone demanded Sheik's attention. Not in a commanding way, but a comforting one. He had gotten through, or at least he hoped he had. Much to his relief, the tears stopped. The combative attitude ceased.

"The Hero of Hyrule… they really gave that title to the right person." Sheik joked, laughing despondently at his own comment. Before Link could even inquire to what he meant, Sheik had disappeared once more into his shade.

"I just say how I feel, that's all…" Link muttered to the now empty clearing.

Off to the side, Epona let out a high whiney, as if she was laughing at him.

Chapter Text

The Gerudo desert was brutal. Just as Link remembered, the heat was pervasive and unending. Stretching on for miles and miles, never ending, the sand beat against his face and he was extremely thankful he had thought to bring his sand cloak.

"What're you talking about, this heat is nothing!" Sheik joked from within Link's shadow, to which he kicked it. As if that would do anything.

"Can you even feel heat as a shadow?" Link grumbled, and tightened his grip on his water canister.

They had opted to leave Epona at the edge of the savanna, the convenient outpost located there more than happy to tend to the hero’s trusty companion. It wouldn't be right to bring her out to a world of heat like this. Utterly inhumane conditions. But they had to persist.

Link had to persist.

"With the sun going down we should find a place to camp." Link muttered, knowing that Sheik could hear him well enough even if he didn't shout over the windstorms. The desert was unforgiving, and he knew well enough not to mess with it.

"Good idea." Sheik agreed, and popped out in shadow form to scout around.

"Will you be okay to do that? Doesn't it burn?" Link asked cautiously, and found Sheik unbothered.

"Can't hurt me if I'm non-corporeal." Cheeky remark after cheeky remark. "I borrow a bit of your energy to do this, I hope you don't mind." Link didn't mind. In fact, he looked at Sheik with his own bit of jealousy, not that he noticed. Sheik had his eyes set out towards the horizon.

“Over there, do you see that? There's some kind of structure.” Sheik pointed out into the distance, and sure enough. There was a dilapidated building that looked to be barely held together against the beating winds, but it would serve as shelter enough.

Walking during the day was brutal, but walking at night would be certain death. Monsters were far more active, not to mention the ones that silently lay in wait in the sand, or the sheet cliffs that led down into perilous ravines. There was no saying how many ways Link worried he could meet his end. They had to rest.

Step after miserable step they made it.

Link drank from his canteen like he had never been so desperate - truthfully it was a strangely nostalgic experience, doing this all a second time. Meanwhile Sheik simply remained in his shadow.

“I'm surprised you didn't collapse.” Sheik offered, voice echoing off the clay walls of the adobe hut they holed up in. Slumped against the wall, Link could do little but laugh.

“Me too. It's miserable out there.” He could feel sweat and sand in places better left unmentioned. Absolutely dreadful. But it would be worth it, wouldn't it? He prayed it would be. At a minimum, they needed an answer. A definitive yes or no, a finality that could not be mistaken or taken back. In some way that scared Link, though he refused to let it show.

Instead, he closed his eyes and splayed his legs out in front of him.

“You should eat.” Sheik offered, finally materializing from his shadow to sit next to him. If Link had any more energy he may have laughed off the concern but no. He was right. All of this hinged on Link’s wellbeing. If he collapsed, there was no way Sheik would be able to make it there. At least, not without injury of some kind.

“How far away are we to the temple, do you know?”

Link shook his head. “Don’t know. Maybe we’ll reach it tomorrow.” He closed his eyes and rested his head back soundly against the wall. To think that just a couple days prior he was snug at home in his temperate forest with fresh water abound. It wouldn’t do anything to complain about it now. He had committed. No matter what he was going to see it all through to the end.

For Midna’s sake, but most importantly for Sheik’s. He owed him that much at the very least.

Truthfully he knew he didn’t owe him anything, but at some point he had convinced himself he did. It was what kept him going. A selflessness that now left him sweating profusely and exhausted in the middle of the Gerudo desert.

Link heard Sheik shuffling about the bag they had brought with, and in it procured some trail rations - something Link had snagged on his way out of Castle Town - and placed it in the Hylian’s lap. Wordlessly, he ate. A silent understanding.

“Do you always do stuff like this for others?” Sheik asked, moving to settle himself down beside Link. “Put yourself on the line, I mean?”

“For those I care about, yeah.” An immediate answer, instinctual. Words spoken between bites, only to then pause and stare out and upwards towards the twilight sky. “If I can get you home, if I can get a message to Midna, then… then this will all be worth it.”

Sheik moved his head down to rest against Link’s shoulder, an act of intimacy that may have felt out of place if they hadn’t been joking about eloping just the day prior. He left himself there, head heavy as the implications of care. Not that Link minded, no, he didn’t move, didn’t try to push the Twili away. They watched the sky turn to night, watched the stars peek out from the clouds, decorating the heavens in glitter.

Eventually, Link heard his companion’s breathing turn heavy, rhythmic.

‘ Making the trip back alone is going to be miserable. ’ He thought to himself. The first time he made the trip back from the desert sans Midna, he had Zelda to accompany him, along with the royal cavalry once they hit the edge of the desert. It hadn’t been so bad. But now? It would just be him and his thoughts. But that would be fine. Even if he never got a reply back, even if he was dropping Sheik off to be whisked away forever, it would be fine.

Would it?

Link couldn’t even convince himself.

Back in Ordon, Illia would no doubt be waiting for him with questions, the mayor would be happy to see the Twili returned home, and the kids… they would be even more fortified in their belief in Link’s heroism. And yet, he couldn’t bear the thought. Perhaps he was right that he had spent too long suspended in the shade of twilight that he could no longer withstand the blinding light they shined with.

He looked down, and stared at Sheik’s sleeping face. Those piercing red eyes couldn’t stare into his soul, couldn’t offer any intimidation factor. As a result, Link could now see just how truly soft his features were. Sheik was not an individual built for hardy survival, and Link couldn’t imagine just how awful it must have been having to live in such a state for so long. The constant light scorching, the threat of death at any wrong turn… he looked tired.

On instinct, Link reached forward to tuck a stray hair back that had fallen into his face, and in doing so stirred the Twili.

“Hm?” He was barely conscious. Didn't even open his eyes, just sleepily hummed out an acknowledgement.

“Sorry if I woke you, but I’m going to get my bedroll set up, okay?” Link whispered, so soft to not fully wake him, but enough to get the point across. So slowly, Sheik nodded and dissipated into Link’s shadow.

Alone in a corporeal sense, Link hoisted his tired body up and properly settled in to sleep.

The desert winds were cold, a refreshing change to the scorching heat of the day. Link slept easily, only stirring at the occasional sound of snakes and other insects scurrying across the sand.

As day broke, he awoke. It was impossible to call such a rest beauty sleep, but it refreshed him enough to get back into the swing of things with ease.

“Did you have to cross through the Arbiters Grounds to get out of the desert when you came through?” Link asked, chugging down some much needed water and resaddling his equipment.

“No, I didn't even come through from the mirror. I was able to warp in further away, ended up in a small town on the east, actually. I believe it was called Kakariko.” Sheik explained from the shadows, already having tucked himself away as the sun rose. It wouldn't have hurt him to be visible, but it was simply easier that way. “Why, is it dangerous?”

Link grabbing subconsciously to his sword was all the answer he needed.

“Yeah.” The hero stood at the crumbled wall on the side of their shelter and looked outwards. In the far distance he could see the tip of the mirror's arena poking out against the clouds. “It shouldn’t be too bad, hopefully, I dispelled the worst of the lot the last time I was here, but whether or not the traps have reset is another battle altogether.”

Sheik laughed. “Just traps? Then we’ve got nothing to worry about.”

“I appreciate the vote of confidence but that's hardly everything.” Double checking one last time that he had grabbed everything, Link set off.

“Well, yes, I’m sure you’re very capable, dear hero, but perhaps I was not clear enough in my meaning.” Out from the shadows, Sheik materialized, looking at Link with an intensity that he physically recoiled from. “With the Eye of Truth, I can see through corporeal guises. Any trap that may try to spring at us I’ll be able to see at a glance, among other things.”

“How convenient.”

Sheik nodded in approval. What was meant to be a somewhat sarcastic remark only served to fuel his - likely artificial - ego.

“Let’s just hope everything is as quiet as I left it.” Link muttered, and watched as Sheik hid himself away. It would be a long walk, but at least the company would make it easier.

-

It neared sundown once more by the time they made it to the gates of the Arbiter’s Grounds. What had once been a fortress laying at the foot of the hill was now an empty encampment home only to desert dwelling critters. It was nice being able to walk through without the worry of ambush by goblins and the like lying in wait.

It was so quiet it unnerved Link.

“What’re you waiting for, let’s go.” Sheik insisted, having materialized in full once the sun sank below the horizon.

Link took the first step up, and felt his blood run cold.

The haunted aura of the place felt the same as the last time he had been there. Only now he didn’t have his advanced animalistic senses to rely on to help. It was only his human eyes and ears, which were dull as wood by comparison.

“What, the Chosen Hero of Courage is afraid?” Sheik gouded, walking brazenly up to the front door. If he had sharper senses and felt at ease, then perhaps there was little to worry about… though something felt wrong to the hero.

“Stay close to me, Sheik, I’m serious.”

That got his attention. Taking one more look upwards, he paused on the stairs and waited for Link to pull up beside him. “What is it?”

“This place was haunted with poe’s before, I thought I had cleared house but I can sense more inside.” Link whispered, sword unsheathed and leading the way as they cracked the front door open. It was coated in dust and piled up with sand, but they managed. Walking inside of the grounds felt like entering a different world; cold, devoid of any life, and draining. Even the heat of the desert didn’t pull on Link’s energy like the haunted aura of the catacomb.

“You’re right, I can sense something in here.” Sheik offered, whispering to not cut the thick silence. It would benefit them both to avoid alerting anything.

“The way forward should be cleared, but let’s proceed with caution. Stay close to me and if anything dangerous happens; hide.” He never had to direct Midna like this - if anything she was always the one barking orders at him - and it felt reassuring seeing Sheik simply nod in agreement. If nothing else, he was easy to work with.

As they continued from one room to the next, Link found the place to be in about the same state as he had left it. Doors remained unlocked, traps remained disabled. It made traversing it easy.

Though that quickly soured as they made their way to the main hall of the estate - a room lit by four everlasting blue flames.

Deadcenter in the room sat a single dangling lantern, blue flame swaying from side to side in a slow pendulum swing. A stray poe. It wasn’t a Great Poe at the very least, but it was an entity that Link knew good and well would not leave them alone should they make themselves known to it.

“Hide.” Link ordered, and much to his surprise, Sheik did as he was asked.

Even if he couldn’t directly see where the thing was, or what it was looking at, he could at least sneak by better as just one person. Or at least, that was the idea. In truth, he had been spotted the moment they entered the room, and the poe was winding up an unforseen attack at him.

“ Dodge! ” Sheik cried out, and without thinking Link did so.

In the space he had just occupied a bloom of dust and sand exploded from an invisible attack. No doubt the poe had thrown something of the sort at them. Link scrambled to get upright and ran towards the ghost swinging. It whiffed, connecting to nothing but at least getting the damn thing on the defensive.

“How did you miss that?!” Sheik yelled, as if it were some sporting event.

“Hard to fight something I can’t see!” Link rebutted, and felt something graze past his arm.

“Y-you can’t see it?!” As if it weren’t obvious. “Here, I’ve got an idea.”

Before Link could possibly think to protest, Sheik had manifested in a shadow form and taken control of his arm. It felt as though he were a puppet on a string staring down a beast that he recalled being more ragdoll than flesh. How appropriate.

As the poe reared back once more Link jumped to the side, arm slicing down in a motion he would have never chosen. In doing so he watched the blue flame tumble and fall to the ground.

“There’s your chance! Quickly!”

Link sprinted to the poe, and in a dramatic flourish pierced his sword down with Sheik’s assistance. To him it appeared as though he had hit nothing but the ground, but the sudden resistance told him otherwise. In a flash of cobalt flame, the poe disintegrated, leaving nothing but a dark glowing orb pierced at the end of his blade.

“Not bad.” Link offered, a nervous laugh leaving him as he caught his breath.

“Was it really invisible to you? I thought you had said you could sense them?” Sheik fully materialized once more, and kicked awkwardly at the ball of darkness that had made up the poe’s heart.

“Just cause I can feel the wind doesn’t mean I can see it.” Link explained. Making sure there wasn’t anything else laying in wait he continued on towards the stairs that lead further up. “Come on, I don’t want to stick around for more to show up and ambush us.”

They made for the stairs, checking over their shoulder to make sure nothing followed.

Chapter Text

The closer they got to the dias, the slower Sheik's pace crawled. As they peered up towards where the mirror had once rested, he stopped entirely. Paralyzed by some unseen force. For a moment Link wondered if it had been another poe, grasping at his very soul with invisible chains, but no. This was all self inflicted.

The fear on his face, the faltering facade of courage as he noticed Link staring at him.

“What if they can't send me back?” Sheik asked, voice so quiet it was barely audible above the gusting winds of the desert.

A fear that would only be answered with a yes or no from the sages. A fear with a simple binary of outcomes, and yet no matter what it left someone unhappy. Link tried to push down the sensation in his gut, the one that told him to offer his home once more, or his hand. The one that overextended simply because it was easy to.

“We won't know until we get up there.” Another hundred stairs laid out in front of them - ones that Link had been able to ride past thanks to the spinner board that he had unfortunately left at home. “It’ll be okay, I’ll be there with you to plead your case. Like you said, I’m the Goddess’s chosen hero, my word should have some weight to it. We just need to keep going.”

As he made the first several steps up, Sheik grabbed the bottom of his tunic’s hem. A desperate act. One that the hero could see himself reflected in.

“Link, I…” He paused, swallowed hard. His piercing gaze could no longer meet Link’s. So badly he looked like he wanted to say something, but couldn't. Stuck in his own throat, the words died and he quickly gave up. “You're right. Let's keep going.”

Instead of wasting his own strength on the stairs, Sheik dissipated into Link's shadow once more.

Climbing those stairs, the stars flickering overhead, it felt like last time. It felt like saying goodbye once more.

Link took another swig of his canteen, trying to alleviate the way his dry throat hurt, but it did little. This was no physical ailment, but one of the head, of the heart. So badly he wanted to get that message to Midna; how much he missed her, how much Zelda missed her, but it felt futile.

If she didn't want contact to ever happen between the realms, who was he to change her mind? His selfish wants had brought him here, endangered both him and Sheik, and he had little faith it would even work.

Courage wasted on a fool, he felt.

No one else would have faulted him, no one else would have judged his actions quite as he did, and yet it felt natural. Self flagellation separated him from the average courageous fool.

As he reached the top, he made eye contact with one of the sages, and they gasped at his appearance. If they hadn't heard the two men talking at the bottom of the stairs he would have been surprised. Reaching the flat ground of the top floor, he gasped and finally felt the full weight of his exhaustion. His legs burned, but he had done it.

“The Goddess’s Chosen One… why are you here?” One of them asked, their strange voice echoing in Link's mind.

After a moment to catch his breath, Link pointed below himself. “I'm here, huff, for him.”

On cue, Sheik appeared. In near unison, the sages gasped. No doubt they had assumed they had seen the last of the Twili. They looked amongst themselves, taken aback by Link’s brazen display.

“We seek a way home for him.” Link began in earnest. “He's been stuck on the wrong side of the mirror and we need to return him. Please, if there's any way-”

“Chosen One.” One of the Sages interrupted, and the two men glanced at each other with apprehension. “You know what has transpired. You know the fate of the mirror.”

Link felt his body run cold, ice in his veins as they expounded in no short way that their journey was for nothing. Just as they had been warned, their fate had already been sealed when Midna destroyed the mirror.

Sheik stared up at them with wide, disbelieving eyes.

“Please, surely there must be some way!” He begged. “I cannot continue to live in this realm, it burns me at the mere existence! Even if it is banishment, I can handle it! But I cannot… I cannot…” Sobs tore from him, legs no longer strong enough to hold himself up he fell to his knees.

Instinctively, Link rushed to his side.

“Twili, we know not how you persist in this realm, but… unless the Goddess herself were to grant you banishment… we cannot send you home.” Just as Zelda had said, they could offer them nothing more than what they could offer her. Link’s thoughts raced, trying to figure out anything he could do in the moment to plea to the Goddess herself. There was no way his words would reach her, this was a moment of little consequence to her. There was no usurper to banish, no war to cease, no, there was only a single soul stuck in a land unkind to him.

“There’s absolutely nothing you can do?” Link insisted once more, leaned over to keep hands on Sheik’s shoulders and keep him from fully collapsing into a face-to-floor, begging fetal position. “He can’t possibly stay here the way he is now, surely…!”

There was a long pause from the Sages, and they muttered about themselves. If anyone could find a solution, it would be them.

The fragile silence of the atrium was broken up with heaving sobs from the Twili, as he grappled with the reality of the situation. All of the accumulated fear, the fruit of his efforts, all rotted in a single instance. This would be the point that marked suffering for the rest of his likely short existence. There was no way around it.

A fate so cruel, and yet even the Goddess wouldn’t hear his plea. Inconsequential, trivial, she had all but forsaken him. Did Midna think him a deserter? Did she hate him so truly that she wouldn’t even attempt to find him? Perhaps she assumed Zant had killed him, or he had fallen victim to the Light as soon as he stepped into it.

Abandoned by his Queen, abandoned by the Goddess, all he could do was cling to Link.

And by God, Link didn’t disappoint. He held sturdy, held tight, held him upright and kept him from groveling in the filthy sand. He offered soft words to the Twili, though he couldn’t entirely understand what he was saying through the dry heaving. Maybe he wasn’t saying anything of note at all.

Eventually the Sages turned back towards the two travelers, and Sheik tried his best to regain composure. It was difficult, but with Link next to him it somehow made it easier. He breathed in deep, suppressing the hiccuping sobs as best he could. No doubt he looked like a wet, pathetic stray.

“We may have a solution.” The Sage furthest to the left offered, and Sheik nodded hard and stumbled to his feet as best he could.

“Anything.” Sheik pleaded.

“We will not bore you with what you know, the mirror is lost, the Twilight Realm is without reach, but… you said you could not live in this realm as you are.” Another Sage chimed in, and the two boys looked at each other briefly. Link couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy at Sheik’s appearance, the Twili’s eyes were puffy and red. He turned his attention back just as quickly.

“What do you mean?” Link asked, though he had some idea of what they meant. The exchange of power he had performed on Sheik had only been temporary, but if there were some more permanent solution then perhaps he could survive that way. Perhaps the Sages knew of something of that sort that they would have had no way of knowing.

The centermost Sage raised his arms, a soft light growing from between, becoming more and more brilliant with each second until it shimmered as though it were a star. Even Link had to turn his eyes away momentarily, and as he looked back he saw something that seemed so familiar and obvious it should have been something he considered from the get go.

In between the Sage’s hands, an ornament that looked just like a fruit and glimmered with an ethereal glow.

“Take this Vessel of Light.” The Sage spoke, and tossed it down to the boys with grace.

Sheik caught it easily, and held it with delicate care.

“What… is this?” It illuminated Sheik’s face as he held it close, looking into each gemstone like drop.

“It’s a Vessel of Light, I’ve only ever seen these in relation to the Spirits. Sages, what do you mean by this? What are we to do?” Link asked, looking up to them for further instruction.

“You are to consume it. Not all at once, but over time. When the Light on the outside burns, you must inhabit Light on the inside. There will be pain, there will be hurt, but it will change you. It will allow you to stand under the Goddess’s grace.” As the Sages explained their idea, the two exchanged a worried glance. The great Sages wanted Sheik to eat the Tears of Light? Was that a good idea?

It was such a bizarre premise it snapped Sheik out of his sorrow, and he stared at it with confusion.

“You want me to… eat the Light? Won’t that burn me from the inside?” A valid concern, and one that the Sages didn’t have an immediate answer for.

“It will hurt.” They spoke once more, and Sheik blinked in disbelief. This was what they came to the desert for? This is what they could do? “But it will work.”

“So it’s exposure therapy.” Link offered, as if it were somehow obvious. He wanted it to come across as casual, but in truth he was elated. He had wanted there to be an option, he wanted there to be a way for Sheik to keep living no matter what, whether it be on the other side of banishment or at his side. Funny how those were the only options he had considered. “You get what this means, right?”

Sheik blinked slowly, a sad smile forming on his lips. He nodded once, and pulled Link into a crushing hug.

“I get to stay.” He whispered into the Hylian’s ear, and Link hugged him back just as tight.

Detangling themselves from each other, Sheik tied the Vessel of Light to his hip before bowing deeply to the Sages. “I cannot say enough to thank you.”

“We cannot will the Goddess to act, but with what little power she bestows on us, we wish to help. This should be enough to help.” Another Sage offered, and Link nodded along. “Chosen One, we trust you will see this one to safety?”

“Of course.” Link agreed wholeheartedly, and gave Sheik a swift pat on the back, which he sheepishly stumbled from and gave the rancher a side eye for. “Thank you, Sages, I won’t forget this.”

The Sages offered a bow in unison back to the Hero, and with that their goal had concluded. All that was left was the long journey home.

After everything that had happened, Link fully anticipated he would be saying goodbye, he fully expected he would be making the way back on his own. But no, he was allowed to make the trip back with Sheik, a luxury he had all but assumed lost. Without discussion, the Twili melted into his shadow, and as he did Link couldn’t help but feel right, like the weight within it was how his life had always meant to feel.

Departing the mirror’s resting place, Link spoke freely to the Twili, unsure if he was listening or not but he didn’t care. In some ways it was simply speaking out loud.

“I really thought I was going to make the trip back by myself. It’s nice that I don’t have to. I know I’ve been rather selfish in all of this, expecting you to deliver some message to Midna for me, expecting you to stay by my side if you couldn’t, it’s pure selfishness.” Link admonished himself, and when he heard no reply he simply continued. Perhaps it was easiest to be chatty when it was unsure if anyone was listening. “When we get back to town, if you want to go separate ways you can. Though, if you wanted to stay in Ordon I…”

He paused, unsure of what to say.

Sheik dragged himself from the shadow, staring at Link with those piercing red eyes, staring into him. There was no hiding what he meant. Truly, Sheik could see right through him. No guise of casual endeavor could hide it.

“What makes you think I would want to go anywhere you’re not?” An off the cuff answer that left Link’s face bright red.

They had made it to the bottom of the atrium, nearly entering back into the Arbiter's Grounds, and something about the brisk desert air, the warm breeze and the gentle sweeping sound of the sand dancing in the breeze… it all felt right.

“Out of anyone that I’ve passed on my travel through this realm, you’re the only one that’s stopped to truly help, the only one who’s dropped everything to see it through. Why would I go separate ways at some random town?” Sheik asked, and the more he spoke the closer he got, to the point he was mere inches from Link’s face. This charade of back and forth, jokes leading on more than either of them could bargain for… it had lead to something more. They both knew it. No amount of pushing it down would help. And with Sheik there to stay, the unwillingness to follow through nearly melted. “You said you would build some shade for me, and I’ve seen good and well you’re a man of your word, Link.”

As Sheik stared at him, head dipped just under his face, Link audibly swallowed.

He wouldn’t let this escape him.

Inexperienced but so completely sincere, he closed the distance and pressed a soft kiss to Sheik’s lips. In an instant, everything felt like it was worth it in some strange fate-driven way. The pain, the sweat, the exhaustion, the tears, if it all culmonated into a reward like this then Link figured it must have been worth it.

Sheik pressed both his hands into the Hylian’s cheeks and pulled him in as best as he could. There would be time for more desperate displays of affection later, of course, but he wanted this moment. A brief reprieve from the anguish.

In some strange, roundabout way Link had done exactly as he was tasked to do, he had brought Sheik home.

When the two finally pulled apart they looked at each other for a moment and laughed.

“How obvious was it?” Link asked, scratching his cheek out of embarrassment.

“I haven’t actually had to use the Eye of Truth on you at all. It’s plain as day.” Sheik practically sing-song’d before giving a little turn and disappearing back into Link’s shadow.

Left alone, Link let out a tired laugh. Of course.