Falling Rayn

I

The darkness in the hall of the Temple of Time subsided. In its place cam blue mist and light, illuminating edges of stone carvings, and curves of three shadowy figures crouched on the high ledge near the ceiling.

Not wanting to take the risk of being noticed, one shadow gave a silent signal to move to another part of the hall. But there was no need. The mist had cleared and the light escaped through the patterned window. Where they had been stood a Hylian with a white Guardian Fairy, both looked uncomfortable with their surroundings.

Another shadow figure peered closer down. He recognised the man that stood before them, and with that memory came jealousy flooding back into his mind. He quietly pulled back.

'Do you know him? Is he the one?' asked a different, male, shadow

'Yes.' The other male replied 'My brother, Link, is now the Hero of Time.'

He forced a smile upon his lips. Bitter memories entered his mind. First the Great Deku Tree had summoned him, then he ran significant errors for Princess Zelda that added to his status, making him seem like the noblest of warriors. Now his brother had become the legendary Hero. He fought hard so as not to let his envy show, as he regarded it as a sign of weakness.

'It's been seven years.' the third, female shadow reminded 'Do you want to go talk to him?'

'I think I should wait a while.' Came the reply 'He… he's probably got a lot on his mind.'

'I have to share Hyrule's troubles with him.' The other male told them 'You both wait up here until I call for you.'

The Hylian who was standing by the Pedestal of Time started to make his way out of the temple. The shadow figure jumped down, gracefully landing and only making the slightest sound.

It was enough for the long-eared Hylian to hear. He turned around to see a Sheikah standing behind him.

It was the Eye of Truth that gave it away for him. He had only seen a Sheikah once before, she was Princess Zelda's attendant. Living in the Castle she always looked well cared for, but this one was different. His blonde hair was mangled and drooped over one of his red eyes. His blue clothes looked more like old, worn rags and the look on his face was sad and weary.

'Link?' he spoke

He nodded. The Sheikah saw that he was wielding the mythical Master Sword and the Ocarina of Time.

'Finally, you're here. Link the Hero of time. The entire Sheikah race greets you with joy and gratitude.'

He walked towards him, almost trembling with happiness that their saviour had arrived. He bowed his head.

'Forgive my rudeness.' He said, trying not to let his excitement show 'I am Sheik, a survivor of the Sheikah.'

'Uhh, pleased to meet you Sheik.' said Link

An awkward silence passed, Sheik could see that this was strange for them.

'Well umm, I…'

'Oh, skip the damn courteous routine. Just tell him.' a voice said

'So…'

'How the Hell d'you jump down from so high? I'd probably break my leg or something.' Link replied

Sheik smiled.

'It takes practise, a lot of hard practise.' he laughed

He looked up and shook his hand. Two more Sheikah jumped down. One was a teenage girl wearing almost identical clothes to Sheik, only black instead of blue. She had long black hair and blue eyes instead of the common red. Blue was as rare as violet and both colours reminded Link of a saying he had heard once before, but he couldn't quite remember all of it.

'I'm Shadow.' she spoke

Link found her voice enchanting. He held out his hand. Shadow took it and bowed her head.

'I think you know my friend.' she said 'He recognised you straight away.'

She pointed to the last Sheikah. He bared a striking resemblance to Link, only with short black hair instead of Link's auburn colour.

'It's been a long time Link.' He spoke 'Do you remember me?'

'Rayn, twenty years could pass and I would still be able to pick you out.' Link answered

He paused and saw the small, blue crescent moon tattooed on his forehead.

'You're a fully trained fighter now?' he asked

'Just a sorcerer, but I'm getting there.' Rayn said modestly 'I guess we're both proud of each other. I'm happy for you. My brother, the Hero of Time. I would have never thought it.'

'Yeah well, neither did I.' replied Link 'Have you been waiting all this time? Rauru said that I'd been away for seven years.'

Rayn forced a laugh and rolled his eyes.

'As if.' he said 'No, we just got lucky, it was our turn to guard the Temple.'

'You've met the Sage of Light? Wow, that's like an honour. What's he like?' asked Shadow

'I don't know him that well.' shrugged Link 'He's really smart and, no disrespect, but he has no hands. I found that a little weird.'

'This coming from the man that Ruto said she was engaged to.' thought Rayn 'Well, I'm just glad you're back alright. Are you tired?'

'Well, I am feeling a bit faint.' Link admitted 'But I'll be alright.'

Sheik shook his head. He had to tell Link about what he needed to do and it was probably best if they were somewhere safe. Link could rest at the same time.

'I think you should come back with us.' he suggested 'And if you're feeling faint then you're definitely coming.'

'Whoa, okay mom.' Link replied sarcastically 'Go with you where?'

'You'll see.' said Sheik 'But we can't tell you out here.'

He nodded. The four of them headed outside the Temple, being wary of any Redeads or other enemies they might confront.

'What's happened?' asked Link 'Why's the market all… Hey! How come it's dark?'

'Calm down,' advised Rayn 'we'll tell you when we get back, okay? We need to get out of here.'

Link pulled back from the group. He turned around and looked to where Hyrule Castle should have been.

'Zelda. Is she okay? I have to see her.'

'She's not there,' Sheik told him as he walked off

'I have to see, I have to check.'

Shadow shook her head and ran in front of him, blocking the far view of the Castle.

'I don't think you're ready for this.' she said

'Get out of the way.' Link ordered, trying to push her back

Shadow stood her ground. Link was weak from time travel, there was no way he could force her away.

Or so she thought. Link gave one strong shove and she was on the floor.

'Hey!' Sheik shouted

'Sorry.' apologised Link

He helped her up. Shadow decided that she would persuade him not to go to the Castle instead.

'I know how you must feel, but hey. When you get your rest, we'll show you, okay?' she said 'Just trust me, she's not there. Sheikah okay? We don't take any action if it's gonna hurt the Royal Family.'

Link just nodded, trying not to show his sadness. He went with them outside the Castle grounds, not knowing what he was getting himself into.