The castle was far behind him at this point. No reason to look back or think about what's already been done. In fact, there was no time. Sheik kept his breathing even. Doing the same thing he'd done before. And his orders were clear.

Buy time.

He jumped to the nearest hanging outside the castle. Paying no heed to the distance between him and the ground beneath, he scaled the side of the building before jumping into the nearest open window he could see. Nailing a roll-landing, he swiftly got up and looked around the room, knife in hand. Because, no, he was not about to be ambushed in combat. Once the coast was clear, he put the knife away. He had no interest in being caught. Not yet anyway. He slipped out of the room with ease, checking for guards. "Time to get to work..." He muttered. The irony of the saying not lost on him. He shook the wavering fear out his head and sighed.

He ran out into the hallway, knife in hand. Instantly, he was noticed. Several Redead guards noticed him. Sheik dodged the first guard, jumping onto the next one and stabbing it in the back. It screeched in pain, and jerked to toss the Sheikah off. Sheik let go, rolling off the monster into his next attack: throwing knives into the guard in front of him. It screeched, loudly, stumbling backwards. It gave Sheik just enough time to jump it, tackling it onto the ground. Instead of finishing it, however, he jumped up and ran down the hallway. Hoping that he'd be followed.

His prayers were answered, as more Redead came from a different hallway behind him. Sheik didn't turn immediately to deal with them, instead he kept running forward. Eventually all the small fish in the pond would scatter, and reveal their leader. He just needed to make more noise.

Sheik stopped in front of large double doors, entering them quickly and slamming them behind him. He looked around, making sure there were no secret Redead lurking about. When he was sure there weren't any, he sighed. "No one here…" He turned back to the doors, surely, he could do better somewhere else. He was surprised, the Hero and Princess Zelda had yet to make their way to the castle. Could something have happened?

Sheik sighed, shaking those thoughts away. All they did was impede his mission, and he couldn't afford any distractions. He huffed out a breath before whipping around and throwing open the double doors. There were still Redead, not as many as before, but they were there. "Hell…" He ran opposite of the hoard, into a clear hallway. They were still behind him, but they were slower in the pursuit. Sheik took notice of this and locked it away mentally, exchanging it physically for his knife. Just to defend himself.

He made his way back to the main hallway. Killing Redeads along the way. A repeated pattern before he made his way to a different set of double doors. Ones that could be recognized even for someone like him. The throne room, at least he figured it was. Instead of an actual throne, he found instead a large organ where he would guess there was usually a throne. Though half of him figured it was a trap, he was sure that he wouldn't be bothered. He quickly ran through the doors, closing them behind him. He relaxed only slightly when he knew no one was there. He snuck around the room anyways, still being cautious as to where he was stepping and how much noise he made. Yet somehow, that didn't even matter. "Sheik?!" His ears perked at the familiar voice. He looked around the dark lord, seeing almost no one in sight. Until he raised his head directly up, to see the princess. She was in some sort of crystal barrier. "Princess?! Where did~" He was sure that she wasn't there previously.

The door slammed behind him, causing him to start. Sheik turned around abruptly, only to see nothing there. "Who's there?" He said, loud enough for it to echo around the room. A stupid question, he knew who it would be.

"A child…" Ganondorf mused, walk over to the throne itself. Sheik scoffed at the word, but didn't respond. If Zelda was here, that meant that either the Hero was dead. Or somewhere else. He just gripped the knife tighter. "You break into my castle, but don't explain yourself? Impudent brat." Sheik didn't wait, instead lunging at the dark lord. He easily dodged, smacking him into a far pillar of the room. Sheik clenched his teeth at his impact with the floor. He stood, albeit staggering. He knew, without even looking up, that Zelda was watching him intently. What was she expecting? Ganondorf wasn't going to play around. Sheik readjusted the knife in his hand, the other arm holding his stomach. Feeling it already rising from his stomach, he spat the blood onto the floor.

"Still alive, eh?" Ganondorf said, taking stride as he made his way over to Sheik. Sheik took a breath, stomaching his pain. Then in one swoop, he lunged at Ganondorf again. Ganondorf connected his fist with Sheik's stomach, forcing him to cough up blood. And with his fist still in contact, he lifted Sheik into the air. "You didn't even make me try." He stated nonchalantly. He opened his fist and tossed Sheik to the ground.

"I can only imagine what your reasons may be." He said, making his way back to the organ at the center of the throne room. "Maybe it was to defend your princess." Said princess was helplessly watching, hands pressed against the crystal wall. She couldn't look away. Sheik pushed himself up, forgetting the knife altogether. Instead, he struggled to his feet, stopping to cover his mouth and keep his insides where they belonged. He looked back at the dark lord, who was beginning to play his organ. Sheik clicked his tongue.

Reaching into the pouch on his backside, he reached for his needles. He tossed them, not entirely caring if they hit him or not. Even if they didn't, he could still delay long enough to help the princess escape.

But he missed. Ganondorf had stood long before the knives had even gotten close to him. He glided over to Sheik, arm raised, causing him to tense up. Ganondorf smirked, and swung his arm at Sheik. Or more accurately, through Sheik.

Sheik threw himself upwards, breathing unevenly as his eyes darted across the room. The room was dark, as nighttime was still prevalent outside. He closed his eyes, slowed his breathing. Then, when he had calmed down, he put a hand over his heart. "Another one…" He muttered to himself. It had been long past the point of doubting that what he saw were memories. And at one point or the other, he'd stop asking why he had them. He didn't care. What he did care for was why his memories were returning to him only in the form of dreams.

And he wasn't sure they weren't. After all, he knew, somewhere deep inside, that what he saw was true. And it would explain so much that he didn't know about himself. Especially since he woke up at the outskirts of Castle Town. They filled gaps that he had about his own past. Before he could delve deeper into his newest dream or memory, he heard a knock on the door.

"Sheik? Are you awake? I heard some noise." Sheik's head jerked at the familiar voice. "Telma...what time is it?" He asked, looking around his own room. Perhaps he was wrong about the time. He didn't have much to go on in this tiny room.

"It's early for sure, dear. I can fix you some breakfast if you'd like?" She said, her voice booming loudly for how early it was. He heard her shift around...boxes, maybe? Was she working already? He closed his eyes for a minute, then climbed out of bed. "No, I'm fine. I'll eat later." He said, beginning to change his clothes. Telma put one hand on the doorknob. "Are you sure? I can~" Sheik looked towards the door. "No, Telma I'll be fine." He said sharply. Telma removed her hand quickly. It was strange how the boy just seemed to know when she'd tried to help. She put her hand on her hip.

"If you insist." Sheik sighed, looking back to what he was doing. "But I insist that you help out, since you're already up." Sheik groaned internally. But he agreed. "Just tell me what to do." He said, finishing dressing by wrapping the traditional cloth around his face.

"I'll tell when you get to the bar." Telma said, then walked away. Sheik waited until her footsteps were far off, then shook his head. "I already regret this." He said, opening the door.

He walked downstairs, well, most of the stairs. Louise, the little angel she is, was actually laying down on the last step. Sheik picked up the cat, then carried her into the bar with him. She was confused at first, but then relaxed in his arms when she knew he wasn't going to drop her.

He sat down at the table nearest the bar itself. "What do you need me to do?" He asked. Telma looked thoughtfully at the bar as she cleaned it. "Maybe, carry some things from the stock into the bar? Or get some ingredients that i need?" Sheik laid his head on Louise, pouting unseen through his mask. "Why don't you make a list?" He said. Telma walked around the corner, pulling a piece of paper from her pocket. "Now that you mention it, I do have a couple of things…" She said with a sly grin. Sheik looked at her blankly, hiding an scowl underneath his mask. Luckily, she believed his lies easily and handed him the paper. "And we're having another meeting tonight. Are you going to join us?" Sheik released Louise, standing up from the table and adjusting his equipment.

"I'll think about it." He said quietly. Telma just grinned as she went back to her work. Sheik nodded, put a cloak around his clothes and left the bar without another word. He knew she meant well, to make him interact because "they were on the same team". But, he didn't need to know every personalised detail to get the job done. And his job was simple. Get information. He just needed to keep the resistance informed.

Stuffing the paper into his pocket he went about the town. Thankfully, no one was too concerned with his appearance, which was great because he always seemed to gather attention in any other town. He shuffled about the semi-busy town.

The town moved about as it usually did, at least as much as it could during this impending apocalypse. He swiftly moved between the figures as they continued on with their daily lives. It always confused him as to whether they understood what was going on, but because he knew how hylians acted, he figured they were ignorant as ever.

Sheik made his way through the town, doing any of the chores on Telma's list. As he made his way back to the bar, careful to not step on anyone or thing while he held several bags of groceries. Once or twice, he stumbled over himself, but no one seemed to notice him. Which was good, because his cheeks flushed every time and he'd stand there for a couple of seconds, cursing at himself. Walking back into the bar, he heard new voices greet him.

"You're back!" Telma said first, walking over to take the groceries from him. Of course, he gladly gave them to her, thanking her quietly. Then, he tried to speed across the room to the stairs. But he was caught.

"Hello, Sheik. How are you?" Rusl stated. Sheik paused, groaning quietly before turning around. He said nothing, but sat down at a table adjacent to theirs, crossing his arms. Rusl gave a small, warm smile, before returning his attention to the group. He heard Ashei scoff under her breath, but tried to ignore it. But, Rusl, he had to make him part of the group. "Have you got any new information for us?" Sheik shook his head. "I've done nothing all day." He replied flatly. Rusl just nodded, continuing talking to the others. At least most of them.

"What humbled you to bring you out here today?" Ashei asked. Sheik rolled his eyes. "I've already said, I haven't done anything today." He said, sitting up in his seat. Ashei scoffed, earning a quiet reprimand from Auru. Sheik watched on, in silence. "What? He's never shown up before, even though he wanted to be a part of this!" Ashei argued. "I just figured that if he didn't think he was too good for us, he'd be here more often! Has he even done anything?!" Her voice raising slightly.

Sheik's eyes narrowed at her. "Ashei, that's not true. Sheik's been plenty helpful ever since he got here. Helping me with the bar and making sure that the town is safe." Telma interrupted. Ashei scoffed again, unconvinced. She stood from the table. "I need some air." She grumbled, before leaving the bar in a huff, slamming the door behind her.

Everyone stared awkwardly at each other for a few minutes before the resistance continued their conversation. Telma walked over to Sheik. "She's just not used to you yet, you're new." She assured. Sheik nodded, standing from his seat.

"I'm sure she was." He said quietly. He looked around the room for a moment. "Sheik?" Rusl asked. Sheik just shook his head. "Nothing, I'm going to patrol for the night." he muttered. Rusl just nodded and left Sheik to his own devices. "Perhaps we should continue this meeting at another time?"

Sheik walked repeatedly back and forth outside Castle Town. He wasn't upset about Ashei's words. In fact, he couldn't care less what she said. Because, she was a hypocrite. Oh wait, did he think hypocrite? He meant a bitch. How dare she? "I wasn't doing this job to please you…" He muttered aloud. He was just trying to help, same as anyone else doing what he was doing.

He growled just thinking about it, he couldn't help it. He'd been able to keep a few Bulbins out of the town perimeter, but that didn't make him feel better. He wasn't even able to say anything back to her. He just kept quiet. Scratching the back of his head, he tried to take his mind off of it. Thinking of other things, like buying new knives, helping Telma, or the morning's latest memory haul.

Sheik's muscles loosened, his entire form just slumping over. The earlier memories just made him feel worse, he wasn't very useful in them to be honest. Sheik groaned wiping a hand over his now very tired eyes. He shook his head, deciding maybe it would be best to go back to the bar and sleep. He'd be bothered by Telma to eat something, but he didn't mind entirely. She was annoying, but she made him remember that he couldn't go days without eating.

He sighed, putting his knife back into its pouch and then turning on his heels. Before he could begin walking home, he heard shuffling behind him. Quickly whipping around, hand on the knife sheath without actually taking it out. It could always be the mailman, or a stray hylian returning home.

"Who's there?" He called out into the vast field. No one replied. He waited to make sure, and when there was still no reply, he relaxed slightly. Getting lost in thought is not how I plan to go out. He looked around his area again, then began to walk back. As he continued to walk, he heard more shuffling. He kept his attention focused on that while he moved, to see how far away it was. But he could tell, whatever it was, it was getting closer.

Sheik stopped abruptly when he heard the cry of a Bulbins. He turned around, looking for a sign that there was even a fight. He couldn't find any, but he stayed anyway. Someone was out here, why not help them? He'd be proving Ashei wrong, that's for sure.

"Hey~" He started, but quickly had to dodge a beast rushing towards him. He rolled into a sitting position. When he looked to see what had almost trampled him, he saw a horse.

"What the hell?" He muttered, standing up and dusting himself off. Maybe it would have been better to just let Ashei think he was a do-nothing snob. He looked over at the horse's rider. A young man with blonde hair, wearing all green.

"...Link?" Sheik whispered, glad that he had a scarf covering the bottom half of his face. Said Link hopped off his horse and immediately rushed over to him. "Holy shi~! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you and i thought i needed to get to Castle Town. I'm so sorry, are you hurt? I swear I didn't~" Sheik put a hand up to stop him, eyeing him cautiously. "I'm fine." He said." Link visibly softened, taking a breath of relief. "Oh, that's good. I really am sorry…" Sheik shook his head. "No, it's fine. I'm not hurt or anything." When Link sighed again, Sheik took it as his cue to leave. He began walking back to town, taking care to give the horse a wide berth as he did.

"D-do you want a ride? Epona ca~" Link started to offer. Sheik waved his hand dismissively. "No, I'm fine." He said sharply. Link frowned. "Are you sure?" Sheik nodded, not caring if Link could see the gesture or not.

Link quickly jumped back onto Epona, and rode alongside Sheik. "I'm just going to keep you company while you head to the town." He assured. Sheik glanced over to him, then back to what was ahead. "I thought you were in a hurry." Link scratched the back of his head. "I mean, I was. But, I just want to make sure you can get back to your home." Sheik scoffed quietly. "I'm telling you, I'm fine. I'm not hurt. Your horse didn't even hit me." Sheik said. Link said nothing, turning his attention to the road ahead of them.

Sheik walked uncomfortably as he headed back to Telma's bar. He hadn't expected to see Link. To be honest, he figured the green-clad hero had only existed in the world he remembered. The one he kept dreaming about. But, here he was too, alive and well. Sheik tried to rack his brain for information as to why, but unless Link was reborn and tormented with memories, there was no explanation. He just made it a point to ignore the Hero with all his strength.

But that failed when Link found himself heading the same direction too. "Oh, you know Telma then?" Link asked. Sheik just nodded, beginning to open the door. "Are you living in the bar right now? How long are you staying?" Sheik cursed inwardly at Link's questions. He was being too nice. Was he feeling bad for the evening's earlier conversation?

Sheik opened the door quickly and walked inside, not paying attention to the resistance or Telma. Link walked in behind him. "Oh, wait a minute-Oh! Hey guys." He stopped as soon as he spotted Rusl and the others. They all greeted Link and he sat down at their table, to Sheik's surprise. "You're here pretty late, aren't you Link?" Shad asked, putting a book he was reading down on the table. Link grinned. "Yeah, I'm just passing through and I accidently~" He turned around and pointed at Sheik, "~almost ran into him. I wanted to make sure he could get back. I didn't know he was staying here." Telma laughed heartily at the bar. "You've met Sheik already?"

"Sheik? Is that your name?" Link asked. Sheik only nodded, gripping the banister to the stairs. "Well, I'm Link." He smiled. Sheik looked down at the floor. "Nice to meet you." Link nodded, then turned back to the resistance. Sheik thought about going back upstairs, but decided to remain downstairs. He wanted to check something out for himself.

"How's your journey going? Did you get to do what you needed to?" Telma interrupted, starting the conversation from behind the bar. Link became flustered for a moment then scratched his head. "Oh! That...that's going as well as expected." He finished quietly. Telma just continued cleaning nothing behind the counter, leaving ample room for anyone to join the discussion. Rusl was the next one to jump in.

"That's right, you said you had something to do. I guess, it's not going so well. Are you okay?" Link nodded quickly. "Yeah I'm fine! It's just taking a while."

Don't entertain these people, Link.

Sheik's ears perked. He wasn't sure if he'd heard correctly. He looked around the room, but found no one else in sight except for the ones that were supposed to be there. He tuned back into the conversation. "~And so far, the travel is taking its' toll on me." Link finished with a laugh. The others had seemed interested in Link's story, so Sheik was disappointed that he couldn't hear the whole story.

Link, let's leave. I don't know why we're here.

Again, a voice that seemed to belong to someone in the room. No one else seemed to notice it was even there. And he had made sure that was the case. Sheik looked around again, to no avail. Finally, Link himself stood from the table. "Sorry to keep you all here for so long, I'm sure you need you rest." He turned to Telma, "And I need mine. Mind if i borrow a room, Telma?" She shook her head, finally putting down the dish in her hand. She really only seemed to pretend to clean when the resistance was around.

Sheik watched as Link walked upstairs, then as Telma bid the resistance goodbye. He sat there for a moment then stood, saying goodnight to Telma herself. She just gave him a smile and waved him off.

As he got to the top stair, he heard it again. A voice that shouldn't there.

Excuse me! I don't want to sit around while you play catch up! If you want to know how they're doing, next time send a letter!

The voice was high and shrill, like a little kid. Sheik strained his ears to listen more. "Look, you may not have too much of a need for...well, anything really. But, I need to rest right here and now. At least before i pass out and die." Link didn't appear to be talking to any person. But his words weren't directed at Sheik, the only other person in the hallway. He heard a snicker in response. Not everyone can be as resilient as myself. Link growled in response.

Sheik thought about the advantages to standing in the hallway, just watching Link talk to, well, nothing. But, they didn't outweigh the Sheikah's need for sleep. So he went back a couple of steps, then loudly stomped up the stairs. It made him sound like he was angry, but it was better than making a fool of himself trying to say something.

He heard Link shuffle around in front of his door. As Sheik made his way past him, he seemed to shift around even more. Like he was hiding something. "Are you alright?" Sheik asked, stopping mid-stride. Link jumped at his outburst.

"Oh yeah, I'm good! Goodnight Sheik!" He said, opening the door and rushing into the room. Sheik paused a moment to understand what just happened, but he decided to walk into his own room. Closing the door, behind him, he wasn't really ready to go back to sleep. Sheik gave a heavy sigh, going to sit on his bed. He didn't lay down, however. He wasn't ready to go to sleep yet. Too many things were going through his mind. First, what was apparently his "death" flashing before his very he had to deal with an extremely rude, bitchy Ashei. And now, Link, who might not even be the Link he remembers, was just all of a sudden here. He wasn't going to be able to sleep without putting all of his inquiries to bed first. Sheik groaned then stood and walked out of his room.

"Let's deal with this first." Sheik walked out of his room into the deadly silent hallway. Had he not been living here for the past couple of weeks, he'd probably believe this place was haunted. He crept alongside the wall for no reason, until he got to the room he knew was Link's. He thought about knocking, but if someone was there, would they still be if he knocked? He knew what the answer would be. But, he wasn't about to go full-scale sneak at around 10 at night just to see if there's 1 extra guest at Telma's Bar. He groaned internally, but made his mind up quickly. So, he wrapped his knuckles against the door.

He got no response at first and felt really foolish for what felt like ten minutes at least. But, eventually, Link came up to the door and opened it. Sheik was greeted by a very different legendary hero.

He was wearing common clothing. And by that he meant, not green clothing. "...oh." Sheik wasn't sure if it was even Link standing in front of him, let alone what to say now. "Oh, hey Sheik." Link gave him a confused look, but smiled anyway. Sheik Immediately grabbed the door handle, pushed Link out of the way and swung the door shut.

He spun around and walked away from the door quickly. He heard some mumbling at the door, but didn't care to figure out what. What did he expect to do? What did he expect to say? Maybe he was more tire than he thought. Before Sheik could open the door to his room, he heard Link's door open.

"Was that your idea of a joke?" He heard Link say as he poked his head into the hallway. "It was a little weird, to be honest~oh! There you are." Link grinned, then stepped into the hallway. "What's up?" Sheik fidgeted slightly before looking Link in the eyes. "Nothing, I just wanted to know...no, nothing. Nevermind." Sheik turned around and disappeared into his room. He waited by the door to see if Link would do anything, and when he was satisfied he wouldn't, he locked the door.

Sheik sighed as he prepared himself for bed. He still had so many questions, and he wanted to be done with it quickly. But, he was so damn cowardly that he just had to wait until tomorrow to ask link, permitted that he woke up before the hero left.

Sheik sighed one last time before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

Sheik woke up with a sense of foreboding. He didn't have any dreams that night, none at all. But, when he sat up and looked around his room, he just knew that he was going to have to do something. Most likely something he didn't want to do. He dragged himself out of bed and he changed his clothes. Before he even put his hand on the doorknob, he heard Telma.

"Boys! Wake and come downstairs for breakfast!" She called, walking downstairs herself. Sheik laid his head against the door for a moment, groaned loudly at the door itself, then swung the door open to go downstairs. As he walked out his room, Link walked out of his.

"Oh, hey." He said cheerfully, to which Sheik didn't respond. His eyes just narrowed. You anomoly… He thought, almost as if Link could here him. After staring at him for a few more minutes, he just walked past him. Link followed behind, a grin still plastered on his face. As Sheik walked, he could hear behind him someone giggling. He suppressed the urge to turn around. Now was not the time to question Link's strange friend.

Sheik nodded in Telma's direction before sitting down. Link, however, greeted Telma warmly. "Good morning, Telma. How did you sleep?" He asked? Telma gave him a big grin. "Well, isn't someone lively this morning? How'd you sleep?" Link just smiled and chuckled as he sat down. Before Sheik could even make a comment, someone beat him to it.

You sound like overexcited puppy.

Sheik chuckled quietly, covering his already covered face with his hand. Telma gave him a quizzical look. "Sheik? What's funny?" She asked him, handing him a plate of food. Sheik shook his head, but didn't answer. Link pouted, but his smile returned when Telma handed him something to eat. He and Telma carried on a conversation for literally hours, going on and on about nothing in particular, and changing topics when they saw fit. Sheik paid them no mind, he was thinking of a better plan that would let him know whoever, or whatever, Link was hiding. He had thought of several instances where he could confront the hero, but quickly forget about them. They all made him seem much worse than he intended.

Just gotta think of a plan where I can see it. Sheik thought, supporting his chin with one hand. He thought about recuperating in his room to think some more when Telma's voice broke through his thoughts.

"So, Link, when will you be heading out?" She asked, picking up the used plates. Link shrugged. "I'm not~ow! I-I mean I'll have to leave right away." Link said, rubbing his shin. "I still have a lot to do. Do you need something?" He stood from his table. Telma shook her head. "No, no. I was just wondering. IT's good to have company who will speak back." Sheik twitched. He knew that comment was directed at him. But, he took this as an opportunity. "Excuse me." He said, standing and quickly walking upstairs. Once he got to the top stair, He shrunk away into the shadows. Literally.

He wasn't sure when, and no dream came to him to explain it away, but he could always just sink into the shadows at command. They just seem to swallow him whole, and comfort him in the darkness. He guessed it was easier to get around and hear what needed to be heard, basically a real nifty gift. Almost dancing, he made his way back downstairs, hiding in the shadows of the furniture. Link and Telma were just finishing the conversation.

"Well, next time you're in Castle Town, don't forget to drop by!" Telma said. Link nodded, and made his way to the door. Sheik carefully followed behind, making sure to not upset whatever was hiding in Link's shadow. He instead kept to the shadows of buildings to see if he could hear anything else from them. He could hear muttering from Link. Things like "I know, I know" and "Get off my back already!" Just harsh whispers like that.

Link's companion, however was a lot less talkative out in the open. And when they did talk, they were barking orders. Keep it down, mutt! Or, We can't waste time! Sheik only got more interested as he continued to follow them.

"What could they be so animated about this early in the morning?" He muttered. Sheik found them getting closer to the edge of town, and he knew he'd have to make a decision: Join Link's shadow, or turn back and go home. It was kind of a simple decision considering the trouble he went through. Without hesitation, he jumped in the hero's shadow.

Navigating in the shadows of buildings or the townsfolk was simple. It was like a river, and all Sheik had to do was wade with it. Link's shadow, was not so easy. As soon as Sheik jumped into the hero's shadow, he felt more presences than normal. Obviously, Link's and then...more. Sheik felt a heavy presence around him, but he wasn't sure what it was. Or where it was. His heart began to beat fast, panicking he came to realize it as. He was in unfamiliar territory and he was not liking where it led him. When he finally could find his bearing, he was face-to-face with a small...animal. Who the hell are you?

Sheik felt himself jump back, but with too much force. He landed outside of the shadow and back into the normal realm, onto his rear. He gritted his teeth with how hard he landed on the ground. Link turned around abruptly. "What the~?!"

Sheik rubbed his back, groaning. "Sheik?! How did you get here?" At the same time, the animal appeared beside Link. "Hey, Link, someone's messing with your~oh, they're already here." Sheik looked up at, well what he thought was, an animal. Looking more at them, they resembled a child. Just a child who could float, and wasn't wearing clothes?

"What? Midna, you've seen Sheik before." He said, looking at first confused, and then more matter-of-fact to the floating child, Midna. Midna, who then folded her arms and scoffed. Sheik, stood up, still rubbing his back. "Sheik, how'd you get out here? Were you following me?" An accusation, a correct one, but one that didn't sting any less. Literally and figuratively. "..."He didn't know how he was going to formulate his words. How does one explain that they wanted to see the floating child hidden in a complete stranger's shadow? Yeah, not very likely that would go down well. "I.." He tried anyway.

"We gonna ignore the fact this boy was in your shadow just now? Like, he just popped right out." Midna said, turning to Link. Sheik just listened, not looking directly at anyone. This Midna was definitely the voice he heard the other evening. Link, folded his arms. "Yeah, I was getting to that." He said, frowning. "Well, Sheik?" Now, his voice had a hint of anger. Sheik looked him directly in the eyes.

"I heard an extra voice everywhere you went. I wanted to know what it was." Sheik said blankly. It was easier to explain when he hid behind that expressionless mask. And the cloth one he wore over the bottom of his face helped make it even easier. "I didn't mean any ill-intent. Once I figured out what it was, i would have gone back. Link shoulders dropped slightly.

"Jeez, I'm surprised you can see or hear Midna at all." He said, unfolding his arms and scratching the back of his head. "Look, just...just don't do it again." He said, wear creeping slowly across his features. "And how'd you get in my shadow?"

Sheik shook his head. "I've been able to do that for as long as i can remember." Which hasn't been long. "I do it when i need to." Link ran a hand down his face. Midna's expression never changed. She looked Sheik up and down a couple of times to observe him better. "Is that right?" She asked, her high pitch increasing slightly. She looked intrigued, but said nothing. Link sighed loudly. "O~kay then, let's get you back to Telma." He began to walk past Sheik. "Why do you always insist to walk with me, you don't think i can take care of myse~" Sheik felt himself stumble on his words. And his feet. And basically met the ground with a hard thunk. Link whipped around just in time to see him fall.

"Goddesses, are you okay?" He said, rushing to his side. Sheik blinked a couple of times. Then, he looked up to see Link with a concerned expression. "Probably." He sat up. "That was a delayed reaction to jumping out of your shadow." He looked over at Midna, who had yet to move. She smirked. "It's not like you were forced from his shadow, remember?" She swiftly made her way over. "You messed yourself up, huh?" She asked, sounding more amused with the situation than concerned. Sheik didn't feel that "courtesy" was in her nature, so he let her be.

Link gave Midna a hard glare, then helped Sheik stand. "You gonna accept my offer now, or~?" He said. Sheik glared at him. Link gave an awkward laugh. "Ah, sorry." Sheik pushed Link away from him. Must drained my energy by jumping out of Link's shadow. That stupid little imp. He glared at Midna. "Don't let me ruin your day, I'm going to head back now."

Link gave him a weary look. "Are you sure? You don't look to be in any condition to go anywhere." He said. Sheik glared at him again. "So you suppose i should just stay right where i am? Throughout the night?" Link stopped to think about what he said. "Oh, Goddesses no." He said immediately. Sheik nodded, "So there you have it." Link was about to speak again, when Midna stopped him. "I think you should come with us."

Both Link and Sheik gave the same, shocked faces. "Midna, what?" Link spoke first. "Why?" Sheik, quickly rid himself of the shocked expression in exchange for a more muted one. But, he too wanted to know. He only met the imp mere moments ago. Surely, he wasn't that intriguing to her. Midna shrugged turning away from both of them. "Because I feel like moving. And you two are just gonna bicker until the moon is high in the sky." She turned and gave a sly grin. "Which i don't mind too much, but the monsters will become a hassle." She turned away again. Link looked at Sheik, then back at Midna.

"So, do you want to ask him to join us?" Link asked, gesturing to Sheik. He was a little concerned that Midna made the decision on her own. That usually meant something bad. Or that she wasn't willing to lose her cards before she played them, which was equally bad. She'd done that before. Link knew personally.

"Why? I've already decided. He doesn't have to." Before Link could protest more, she disappeared into his shadow. "I'm done talking about this now, let's move." Link looked down at his shadow for a couple of minutes. "...I'll tell Telma." Link said, turning on his heel. Sheik looked after him. "Didn't the Imp say to just leave?" Link waved his arm at Sheik dismissively. "Can't go anywhere without Epona!" He called over his shoulder. "Just wait there, I'll be right back!"

Sheik did as he was told and stayed put, clutching his stomach. He was beginning to think back to how he felt earlier in the day. "Why didn't i just trust my gut?" He muttered. He sighed. All of sudden, sans the energy drain, he felt really tired. But, there was no way he was going to sleep right outside of the town. He wasn't stupid. He didn't too much like the idea of waiting any longer.

He stood, just in time to hear galloping coming his way. "Hey! I'm sorry did you wait long? I told Telma and she handed me some of your things. And then i had to strap them to Epona because i know you can't carry them~" Sheik glared at him, forcing him to stop talking. "Uh, sorry. Can you get on a horse?" I hate horses. Sheik though, but "Yeah." Link smiled and helped him get on the horse. "It's already pretty late. Midna, where's our next destination?"

Midna appears beside Sheik, arms crossed. "What did the old lady say?" Link shook his head, as Epona began to run. "Didn't get too much information from Telma, but I did see something interesting on the map. We're headed to Snowpeak." Midna settled herself in front of Sheik. "Not hiding in the shadow?" Sheik asked over the wind. Midna snickered. "Of the horse? I think not, puppet." She looked ahead of them, already losing herself in her own thoughts. Already she began to formulate what she wanted to do, especially with their added guest. Not too many Hylians can so easily manipulate and hide in the darkness.