Fan Fiction ❯ Eclipse ❯ The Night ( Chapter 2 )

ECLIPSE
Warnings: See previous chapter.

AN: Hmm. This is going to have a bit more angst in it, reference to rape (Wow! Isn't that the surprise of the century?), some more slightly sexual-crap, and some Sheik and Link relationship references. Some of my sad sense of "humour", too…more about Link's side than Sheik's this time round, but don't worry, still plenty of Sheik action! (as if Thana'al would write anything without Sheik…)

Disclaimer: _____ does not own ___ and does not want to be sued.

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Sheik had managed to drag his battered body out of the temple, after nearly a day of struggling out of that room. The endless sun had beat down on his open wounds, and his bleeding had not stopped. Swimming out of the temple had been so pain-filled for the Sheikah that he doubted that his life was worth continuing. The salty ocean had seeped into his wounds, particularly his foot.

The Sheikah was half dead, his eyes glassy with pain, and his blood spilling freely. He almost wished he was dead. After Link found out he was spoilt, tainted by that foul creature, he would surely want him no longer. And without Link, Sheik didn't want to go on living. It would be too unfair, having being teased with happiness and love only to be forced into a world of cold pain.

The lower half of Sheik's body was in the ocean, and his top half was rested, no, collapsed on the sand. He had managed to force on the tattered remains of his clothes, but the sand still stuck to his revealed bare skin. The grains only irritated his injuries, and his blood seeped onto the sand. He regarded the crimson sand through agony slitted eyes, and his breath escaped with a hiss. It reminded him of home, with Impa, near Desert Colossus.

More agony ripped through Sheik's body, from his foot. The ocean was only making it worse…the thought of such a wound being infected was awful. The fresh pain from his worst cut reminded him yet again. Reminded him of the cold, icy water that had forced itself into his lungs, that horribly familiar body pressing against him…

Sheik's eyes screwed shut. It was too painful to think about directly. The cold, indifferent way that Darkness had taken him, abused him, ruined him for Link. Why? Why did it have to be him…Sheik's body shook with a dry sob. It was known that the Dark side was always filled with spite and jealousy for the Light. The Shadow had wanted Sheik in the way that the Light had, had wanted what shouldn't ever be his, filled with jealousy for what wasn't his life.

Sheik's weak breaths disturbed the sand in front of him, blowing into his long, almost feminine eyelashes. His people, the Sheikah, as well as some branches of Hylian, had myths about the Dark and Light. Of how the bright sun was blocked out at times by the jealous darkness, causing utter blackness. Despair. But then the sun would always reappear, as bright as ever…

The sun stung Sheik's wounds. It brought no hope to him at all. There simply wasn't any hope any longer. It had extinguished with Sheik's fire, back in that empty, endless room. The shame flooded Sheik's veins and his eyes stayed firmly shut. He had enjoyed some of it. The human body was easy to please, and Sheik hadn't wanted to be pleasured.

He never could look his beautiful Hero in the face after this. He had meant to look after him, to defeat this temple. And he had failed. He had failed everywhere. He had lost everything…Sheik's tears mingled with the sand. He had nothing to offer Link. He surely wouldn't stay with him any longer.

Pictures of Link rushed through Sheik's mind, they only brought sorrow. The first time he had seen the Hylian in the Temple of Time, seeing that gorgeous boy appear, master sword in hand. Sheik had been told many stories of how the Hero of Time would save all, but he had never imagined that the Hero would be so beautiful…their first kiss, at the Forest Temple, Sheik almost smelt the leaves, the damp wood beneath them.

He was brought out of his memories with a drop of blood falling onto his lip. His eyes slowly, achingly opened. That Hero, the one from legend, the sweet boy that made him laugh, whose lips were as gentle on his as a breath of wind. Link would hate him now…oh, Sheik could picture the look of disgust on his features…

The Sheikah was overcome by his own filthiness. Forcing his broken, battered form to sit up, he leant into the water. Link could never know. Know what had happened, how he had been betrayed, how he had been failed…Sheik forced the tight feeling in his throat away.

The tired boy scrubbed, ripped with his fingernails at the soft skin of his legs, cleaning Dark Link's release, almost tearing off his own skin. Shivers ran down Sheik's spine. It felt like he would never be clean again. Dark Link's touch was still haunting him…it felt like it was branded all over him, that he belonged to the Shadow.

Sheik's fingers dug into his legs harder, the sharp curves of his fingernails setting to work. He ripped away things that weren't there, tried to rid himself of the taint that was the Shadow. Finally, he started to draw blood, his flesh embedded in his own nails, the scarlet flow running into the water.

Far too weak to continue, the Sheikah fell back, onto the sand. His eyes fluttered shut. His mask was in shreds, so he felt even more helpless, vulnerable…exposed…a blood sprayed hand rested on Sheik's face, shielding it from the sun, and anything else. From his own memories…

A crimson crack appeared as Sheik regarded his surroundings for a last moment, before passing out again. He could see the blood stained sand, and was reminded of his home once again. His own blood, his essence was slipping away, becoming the sand…

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Still faithfully standing where Sheik had left her, Link's mare was cropping grass. Not a great fan of moving, his mount was usually found to be exactly where he had left her, under the guise of waiting for her master. The truth was, the grass was sweeter than Sheik's hand and Epona had been filling herself ever since the Sheikah had left.

Languidly walking down the hill to retrieve more grass, an odd sight caught her eye. Collapsed on the shore was a torn, tattered looking Sheikah, his breathing shallow and weak. Sheik wasn't moving, and from a distance he looked as if life had left him completely.

The mare's head cocked, and grass fell from her working jaws. Curious, she wandered closer, her hooves digging into the sand. She steered far away from the water, hating the feel of it. Having reached the colourful spectacle, her nose lowered.

It was an odd looking carrot.

Epona's muzzle lowered further, and her teeth dug into the bleeding Sheikah's arm. She squealed, and wheeled back. It wasn't a lovely carrot, it was that vile tasting Sheikah again. Her muzzle wrinkled, and she took a step back. Sheik gave a weak cough in his sleep, and startled the mare further, and she shied toward her hill.

Still watching through coal black eyes, she saw as the swooping crows approached Sheik. The equivalent of vultures, just as bad as the cuccos, the crows were known to rip still living creatures apart, their beaks were usually stained with blood. They lowered on Sheik, their sharp mouths tearing at the back of his threadbare Sheikah clothing.

Epona snorted. She knew Link was fond of the bad tasting one, he spent every spare moment with him. Her master wouldn't be happy if he was eaten by crows. She wasn't so fond of the Sheikah, but her master however, she was. It was final, she charged up and gave a cawing bird a hoof in the middle, sending it flying, and the rest scattering.

With a warning, shrill neigh, the rest of the crows scattered. She arched her neck; Link would give her far more food now than if she had left the evil tasting Sheikah. Her mane whipped around her, and she took a step back. She would have to show Link that he was here. And more importantly, collect those carrots.

A dark shape caught her eye. Epona whirled and watched the top of the Water Temple. She shook her head and snorted. It had almost looked as if Shadows were gathered near the top…she shook her head even more violently; that couldn't be true…?

With one last look at the Sheikah, so desolately lying on the sand, she wheeled around and thundered off.

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Link was sitting on the half dead grass of Lon-Lon Ranch, his still bruised back resting against the fence that corralled the rest of the horses that Malon owned. He was recovering, slowly, but surely. The few days off had worked wonders on his broken bones, with some rest and potion, they had fully healed.

Link felt somewhat guilty that he had let Sheik set off for the Water Temple. He felt as if he had failed his beautiful lover, Hyrule even…he scowled at the bandage around his arm. But he couldn't do everything. He couldn't protect Sheik from everything, all the time…much to the Sheikah's misfortune.

But something in Link like the feeling of being protected himself. Being the Hero of Time meant you didn't often experience the feeling of being safe, someone watching over you, fighting for you. And now, here he was, with Sheik battling the most difficult temple yet, all for him…it made Link feel euphoric, yet guilty at the same time.

Link's head tilted back as he recognized the sight of Malon's flaming red hair approaching him, from the stable. He gave her one of his naturally charming smiles and her cheeks turned that cherry colour again. He motioned with a gloved hand for her to sit down, with his childlike ease.

"Sheik's been gone for a few days now, huh?"

Link nodded, his eyes downcast. He had missed his companion terribly, and his bed had seemed especially empty since the lesser built boy had disappeared down that path astride Link's mare. It had been so sudden. One flick of that foaming tail and Sheik had been carried away.

"He'll be back in no time at all, Link, don't worry…"

Malon patted the taller Hylian's shoulder, feeling guilty to have brought it up. She gave him a gentle smile. She knew just how fond of Sheik the Hero was. On more than one occasion she had seen that dreamy look in his eyes, that flush to his cheeks. He hadn't stopped thinking about him…

Oh, those hormone-stricken teenagers…

"I miss Epona, too…"

Malon put in, trying to sympathize. She knew a horse wasn't the same as a boyfriend, but she wanted to try and help. Link was fond of the mare, too. But he was more concerned with the whereabouts of Sheik, and whether he was okay…oh, Link missed him…

Link's gloved fingers flexed around one of his potion jars. It contained blue potions, the most potent of all…it gave Link comfort to hold it there in his hands. It gave him a kind of safety, one he couldn't find anywhere else. With that glass he could protect himself, and what he valued above that; Sheik.

He had been using it to treat a sore on his leg, given by the fierce dragon of the Fire Temple. After a short time, he had grown bored of it, and just stared into the clouds. He was still child-like, even if his appearance was that of a man's.

Despite his age, Link was still quite mature. He knew of his preferences, he knew why he loved Sheik, he knew that he did, and he knew how to express it. Most of all, he wanted to…he missed giving Sheik that brief touch, to say he still was thinking of him. He missed feeling Sheik's sun bitten skin under his mouth, as well as those soft lips against his.

Malon noticed the distant expression on her companion's face, and chose to keep silent. She didn't want to startle her friend with meaningless conversation. Despite his title, he was the type of Hylian that was easy to talk to. His sweet nature meant that most of Hyrule took to him, and Malon could feel comfortable sitting next to the Hero of Time.

Link gave a longing sigh, looking up at the clear sky. Malon gave a secret smile. She personally found Sheik and Link's relationship more than a little sweet. They both lay back against the fence, the hard oak digging into their backs. Both lost in their thoughts, in silence, it was easy to tell when the sound of gentle hoofbeats approached.

When the sound of pounding hooves grew even louder, Link was broken out of his daze. He sat up, his clear blue eyes scanning the paddock. All the duns were calmly cropping grass. Puzzled, he turned to Malon. Her expression reflected his own; bewildered.

With a few passing moments, as the sound grew even louder, the mystery was solved. A familiar, bright eyed head appeared at the top of the path of Lon-Lon Ranch, Epona. She gave out a snort, seeing her master, and her legs flew over the ground, and she raced toward the Hylian.

What worried Link was that Sheik's familiar form was absent from the mare's back. He wasn't there. Was he still at the Temple? Was Sheik hurt? Why had Epona left without him? Link's head was full of urgent questions, and his heart pounded in his chest as fast as the hoofbeats.

Sheik must be hurt, otherwise Epona would have stayed outside the Temple…Link's mind invariably filled with graphic images of Sheik drowning, being electrocuted, eaten…but none were as disturbing and heart-wrenching as the truth. Link, mindless with panic, rushed toward his mount.

"Where's Sheik!?"

There was no answer of course, but Link was beyond realizing. He clung to the large copper neck, frantic with fear. Something must have happened to Sheik…his eyes stung with a few tears for a moment. He never should have let Sheik go…

Malon noticed the blonde head buried in Epona's mane, and remained politely silent. It was clear Link was upset and needed to be left alone. She gave a glance at the empty back of Epona. She understood something had happened to Sheik…she shuddered. It was known there were many creatures of darkness in the Water Temple, more so than the other temples. [1]

Link had to cling to that broad neck to keep his knees from giving way. He was still quite weak from his injuries, and the frantic pace of his heart and the terror that bit at his veins wasn't helping his healing. He shook his head fiercely, and gathered the strength in his legs. He had to find where Sheik was…

Epona gave Link's arm a sharp nip, and shook out her mane. She wasn't used to the Lassie shtick, but she had to get Link to Sheik. With a few more savage bites, and a nasty bump to Link's wrist, which had recently been broken, Link finally understood.

Ruto's down the well?

Epona snorted, and gave Link a final nip, before he realized that she would carry him to Sheik…his heart plummeted. It was now completely clear that Sheik was hurt. Cold fear running through every inch of his body, Link's hand was frozen, under Epona's muzzle.

Pushing down the ever-insistent fear, Link managed to stand without his legs shaking. His gloved hands were tangled in mane, and he swung onto his mount's back. Sheik had tried to help him. It was time he returned the favour…

Malon gave a patient smile, and saw him off. She knew he would stop at nothing to make sure the Sheikah was safe. She understood, and with a slight pang of loneliness, watched as the determined face of the Hylian disappeared down the path, astride his mare.

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Link just couldn't move quick enough for his liking, even the wind was stinging his soft blue eyes, and whipping his light hair back, images of a dying Sheikah refused to leave him, driving him on, faster than ever before. His sharp eyes darted across the horizon, searching for anything at all that would lead to Sheik.

Always heading in the direction of the Water Temple, Link spurred his horse on, until her legs were but a blur. His legs were tired, not used to being in the stirrups, and his body was still injured. His eyes drifted shut for a moment, and he nearly fell. Scolding himself, he bit his lip, almost drawing blood.

He felt his mount leap over the fences that led to Lake Hylia, and was grateful he was still concentrating as her back legs scrabbled for leverage. Snowy mane whipping into his face, Link could only just see the outline of the Water Temple. A shiver ran through his body. Was this the Temple that had murdered his beloved?

Only slowing the pace slightly, as Epona's hooves were sinking into the growing sand, Link made his way down, ever closer to the Temple; and Sheik. His ocean blue eyes searching, ever looking for the Sheikah, the mysterious boy that was his lover.

As Epona let out a snort, that disturbed the sand beneath them, the Hero of Time's gaze fell on the badly wounded Sheikah, half in the water, his blood making the sand around him turn a fierce red, a chilling sight. As Link's sapphires saw the familiar blonde head, slumped across the blood stained sand, his vision blurred with swimming guilt, his own tears.

He roughly forced his mare into a gallop, sand spraying everywhere, into Link's eyes even, forcing even more tears to spill from his azure orbs, staining his pale skin. He could barely see Sheik now, through the sand and tear filled eyes that were his own. It looked as if he was dead…oh, Link couldn't go on if it was true…

"Sheik?!"

His voice wasn't as strong as it normally was, it trembled with emotion, but it was still the clear voice of the Hero of Time. There was no answer, of course, and Link's dread increased. It was obvious now that it was Sheik, and it was blood that definitely surrounded him, and his clothes were ragged and almost in shreds.

He only just pulled up Epona, sending more sand into the air, covering his tunic with a fine spray, not to mention the copper coat of his mount. He hurled himself off, his legs not being strong enough to maintain his full weight suddenly, he slid into the sand as they gave way.

Not content to lie there with his injured lover so close to him, he struggled to his feet, and they trembled with the effort it took to raise himself out of the sand so quickly. He stumbled toward Sheik, as fast as he could, but not as quick as to force his tired legs to collapse again.

When he reached Sheik, he threw himself down on the sand, ignoring the blood that starting to stain his tunic; Sheik's. An arm reached out to touch the Sheikah, praying, hoping it wasn't true. If he had been killed trying to protect the Hero, Link would never forgive himself.

As Link's arm rested on the bruised back, he felt the comforting rhythm of breathing, Sheik's chest slowly moving up and down. Reassured he was at least alive, Link's lips brushed against the scratched cheek of the other boy's, a hot tear falling onto the tan skin.

Link stayed there, his face next to the Sheikah's, worry, guilt and fear forcing him to stay still. He gave another gentle kiss to Sheik's cheek, but he did not awake. Link sat up, Sheik's blood staining the back of his tunic. His hand reached out and very softly shook the crimson eyed boy, afraid that he might injured him further.

Sheik did not awake, his eyelashes only slightly fluttering through his rest. Link whispered to him, frantic words of love, begging him to open his eyes, to be alright. Sheik gave a weak, hoarse cough, and the Hylian's hopes lifted a little, and his hand caressed the bleeding cheek that was his boyfriend's.

As Link sat back further, examining Sheik, he couldn't help but wonder what happened. His delicate, almost feminine features were covered in deep slashes, ones that were horrifically big…that had to have been from a sword…Link's gaze wandered over the rest of the Sheikah's body.

It was clear, that through his shredded clothing, his body hid many more injuries. Link's eyes were fixated on a nasty bruise on his lover's waist…a frown marred Link's handsome features as he saw some blood had been streaming down Sheik's thighs. Link just prayed he had been cut there…

A pained gasp escaped Link's lips as he saw what had happened to Sheik's foot. He couldn't bear to look at it for long, or his heart would start clenching painfully, blaming himself, and with sympathy for the Sheikah. He cursed himself for not having potions with him…he would have to go into the castle town, and make use of his blue one once he got his lover home.

Another, harsher cough escaped from Sheik and his ruby eyes opened for a moment. Link's spirit soared, and he leant down closer to the badly wounded boy.

"Sheik! Are you okay? Oh, gods, what happened to you, love…?"

Sheik's face burned with shame at having that illustrious gaze on him again, now that he was filthy. He could only look at Link quickly, and then he had to turn his face away, so quickly and painfully, it was as if he had been slapped. How had Link gotten here…? Oh, he never could tell Link what had happened…Sheik's eyes glimmered with tears, and his cheeks glowed once more.

"Link…"

Sheik's voice was hoarse, and he only managed a dull whisper, with his head turned away, before slipping away into unconsciousness again. Link's eyes filled with hurt. Maybe it was just his imagination, but it had seemed as if Sheik couldn't bear to look upon him…his betrayer, Link thought with disgust.

Had the boss of the Water Temple done this to him…? Link's mind was full of unanswered questions, but Sheik's closed eyes meant that none of them would receive any answers. He gave Sheik's forehead a soft kiss, as his breathing grew slow and restful again.

Link staggered to his feet once again. He would have to take Sheik back to Lon-Lon Ranch, and that was the only certainty in the picture. He took a deep breath, looking out toward the lake. He might feel weak with guilt and his aching limbs, but he had to take Sheik back.

He bent, and wrapped his strong arms around Sheik, and attempted to pick him up. Sheik, was by no means, fat, he was in fact the smaller of the two, and his weight was usually very easily manageable. But Link was still injured, and fairly weak. Sheik's head fell back against Link's wrist, and he gritted his teeth.

Link could only just maintain the Sheikah's weight, and there was no telling he could take it for much longer, either. His arms and legs screaming for mercy, the Hylian held the wounded Sheikah close to his chest. Sheik's blood dripped down Link's tunic, but he took no notice, even when the warm stickiness soaked his tights through.

The Hero's legs sank into the sand, and he scrambled up toward his mount. Their weight added together meant Link's poor legs were sinking even farther into the sand than usual. A red film of exhaustion was coming over the injured Hero of Time's eyes, and his grip was slacking on Sheik.

He only just reached Epona in time, before his legs gave way under Sheik's weight. The Sheikah was sprawled over the mare's back, his breathing even more shallow. Epona's forelegs shifted, and Sheik was made more secure, near the front of the bay mare.

Link's hands searching for something, anything to help him, and they scrabbled over the dangling Sheikah's legs. More hot tears spilt down his cheeks, as he saw that terrifying wound on Sheik's foot…

What had happened to his gorgeous Sheik?

Hauling himself up, shaking the exhaustion from his head, Link mounted Epona. His arms held the unconscious Sheikah to his chest, more of the other boy's blood spilling onto the Hero. Link whispered words of comfort to Sheik, his lips on his ear, hoping, wishing…that he'd be alright…

Trusting his horse enough to keep holding Sheik to him, using all of his working limbs, Link clung to Sheik as Epona lurched off on the path back to the ranch.

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Having arrived back at Lon-Lon Ranch a few hours earlier, Link was now making his way toward the castle, determined on obtaining the potions that would heal his beloved. He gave a gentle sigh, his mind wandered as fast as his legs were.

He had made sure Sheik was safe and comfortable for when he awoke, settled in their warm bed. Link had stayed with Sheik as long as possible, whispering how much he loved the other to deaf ears, kissing his gashed cheeks, and brushing sweat stained hair from the Sheikah's forehead.

In Link's opinion, it was the very least he could do, after allowing Sheik on a quest that wasn't his own, and now…Link knew something had happened. But what, he had no idea. His mind was burning for answers, and every single one of his guesses brought more terror to the Hylian…

If that had happened to his lover, his beautiful Sheik, Link would just die. His heart would wither, and his mind would freeze forever. His quest would be worth nothing without Sheik…and oh, if Sheik had been deflowered…Link coughed, regaining his mind. Hopefully, he was only jumping to conclusions.

Before Link had left, he had bandaged Sheik's badly wounded foot. The gaping hole had made Link's stomach whirl, imagining the pain his adored Sheik must have experienced. Link's mouth turned down slightly. Sheik wouldn't be able to walk for quite a while…if he even could walk after obtaining a wound like that.

Link looked down at the dirty, worn down path. What if Sheik couldn't walk again? Link wouldn't be able to go on living, knowing he had lamed Sheik. He wouldn't even be able to share the same bed, with the knowledge that Sheik couldn't move because of him.

Link turned into the potion shop, his mind still ticking away. How could this have happened? He knew that Sheik wasn't an amateur to fighting, Link himself had often wondered if the agile Sheikah could have defeated him if he had so desired. And more importantly, who had done this to Sheik…?

Link ground his teeth, as he waiting for the Potion Hag to appear to serve him. Whoever it was, Link's blood was boiling with them. No-one. No-one hurt Sheik. No-one even touched Sheik apart from him, and it made Link's fury rise to think that someone might have injured him so badly.

Link would murder them. Link didn't like senseless killing, and he was still not yet fully healed, but he did have one thing; his faithfulness to Sheik. And that would be what would drive him to kill anything that even touched his appealing Sheikah.

"Ah, Link…we haven't had such a fine looking customer in days, no…"

Link was full of worry, and he needed to get back to Sheik as soon as possible. He wasn't in the mood to humour the ancient woman's flirting. It irritated him, it was a bit of a hindrance, women tripping over themselves to even speak to him. It made the normally shy boy feel even more awkward…and none of them interested him. He loved Sheik, and only Sheik.

"Four blue potions, thank you…"

He said flatly, lacking his usual charm. Oh, what was becoming of Sheik…

"Ooh, so many…is it an interesting story? What happened?"

Link looked away, holding down a sigh.

"I wish I knew…"

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Sheik stared at the wall opposite him. He wanted to keep his mind blank, but it was proving far more difficult that he had ever imagined. He didn't want to stop to think about it…oh, goddesses, the shame…Sheik could never be Link's now. He could never even make love to Link, he would too ashamed to admit what had happened, he would surely be pushed away.

The Hero of Time deserved a pure lover, he needed someone with more value than him, in Sheik's opinion. The Hero would only be cheapening himself by making love to him now, it would be far too awful for words. Sheik would never let it happen now…

Sheik was even horrified at being placed in his bed…what had been their bed, but Sheik wouldn't keep it that way if he had any choice. His taint would be spreading over the covers…Sheik shuddered. Dripping over it, ruining it forever. Dripping like Sheik's blood had, after the sword had slashed him. Dripping like the Shadow's release had from his entrance, ruining him forever.

Sheik's sleep clouded eyes saw that his greater wounds had been bandaged. A warm tingle ran through him when he realized Link must have been touching his thighs, his arms, with his sword calloused hands…the boy's cheeks immediately stained red with shame. He couldn't think thoughts like that anymore, he was filthy.

Grateful he wasn't bleeding so much anymore, Sheik smiled slightly. The throb of losing blood had added onto his pain, and he had been so light-headed toward the end from blood loss that he had imagined Link rescuing him from the Dark one.

Sheik looked away again. It was unfair of him. His Hero couldn't have helped what happened, he was weak and injured himself…But he still wished with all his heart that Link had appeared, and brutally murdered Dark Link, for-…for-…tears ran down Sheik's cheeks. For raping him.

And Link's touch would have healed all those great wounds, the Hylian would have stopped Dark Link from touching him…and his own soft fingers would have quested over Sheik, making sure he was alright, crawling over his skin softly, with want…

Sheik snarled at himself again. He had become dazedly aroused by the thought, and pushed the heat down. It would never happen now. He stopped his tears in their tracks, and leant against the pillows. His eyes were still blurry with tears, he could only barely make out the closed door.

Sheik had been alone, Malon had Link had wanted him to continue his rest; he sorely needed it. So Link had tended to his injuries, and set off for potions. Malon had gone to visit Talon, probably to bring him back to the Ranch. She had missed her father terribly, looking after the ranch herself…

They had both left Sheik entirely alone. That suited him, of course, he was too humiliated to even look upon his friends. But it also left the Sheikah completely open to whoever might want him…whoever could easily whisper their way into the ranch, and into the house.

The gate to Dark Link's domain had been left open. Practically foaming at the mouth at the thought of freedom, shortly after Sheik had collapsed under him, and the Shadow had experience his climax, he had left his cold room. Dark Link had liked it well enough in that empty, freezing room, but he wanted something more.

He wanted to see what the light had to offer. And most of all, he wanted to see the Sheikah he had broken. He had destroyed that fierce little poet, and he had enjoyed it far more than he had the other enemies that made their way that far into the Temple; into his domain. He wanted the lively Sheikah again, to shatter his spirit even more beyond repair.

It had been easy for him. He had, with cold indifference, ghosted his way across Hyrule Field. He had known very well what his intentions were, and it had not affected him. He merely kept his face empty, his feet whispering across the ground. He would have that fiery Sheikah again.

Sheik's eyes were so clouded with sleep, and the dull ache that was the pain, he didn't noticed anything at first. He gave a gentle yawn, and when his crimson orbs had opened again, he could just make out the patch of shadows near the door. His stomach plummeted. No. It couldn't be…

"No…no…"

Sheik whispered, hoping he was seeing things. It couldn't be, oh, goddesses, no…

"No…you couldn't have…how did you get in here…? No…"

It was soon clear that Sheik wasn't merely seeing things. It wasn't his sleep filled eyes. It wasn't his over-taxed body, or his tortured mind. Dark Link had glided his way into the room, with no other objective other than to have his Sheik again, and disappear off to experience more of life in the light.

"Happy to see me, pretty?"

His pale eyes glittered with malevolence as Sheik's face colour turned from his usual deep tan to the same white as the sheets. His weak body tried to move out of bed, to escape from the creature that had destroyed him. It was no use, he could hardly move at all, the pain was too great.

The Shadow elegantly made his way closer to the bed, his pure black hair spilling over his shoulders, swinging with the same cold grace as its owner had. Sheik, not being able to move, could only cower away into the pillows, shivering with fear.

"No hello? How rude of you, my bard. I always thought you had more manners."

Sheik was nearly mindless with fear. The same picture of evil was here again…it seemed he had brought that cold, awful room with him too, making the bedroom seem icy. The darkened version of Link's face twisted into a cruel smile as Sheik's eyes filled with tears.

"Oh, Nayru, please, just leave me alone…"

Pleased at the begging, the Shadow lithely sat down on the bed, next to the trembling Sheikah. His face was blank again, and he crossed his legs supplely. Sheik whimpered, edging away from the darkness that seated itself on the very bed he was lying in.

"Leave you alone? But why, my mysterious Sheikah? That would only ruin the fun…"

The Shadow leered.

"And I know you enjoyed it as much as I did…"

"That's NOT TRUE! I love Link! You-…you-…forced me…"

Sheik managed, his voice choking. He then cowered away, frightened that the Shadow might quietly kill him, with that calm indifference for such an outburst. He did no such thing. He smiled, coldly, and his arm brushed the injured one of Sheik's.

"Come now, don't lie. Desire is easy to see, pretty…"

Sheik's eyes dimmed with utter humiliation. His cheeks were set alight with shame. He hated his own body, he hated what it did, and he wished for his own death. It was natural Sheik be attracted to him, he was not unlike Link, except with the chilly demeanour.

The Shadow suddenly threw a leg over the frightened Sheikah, pinning him to the bed, straddling him. He did this all with the same freezing grace as that he seemed to live. Sheik writhed underneath him, the Shadow's weight furthered his pain. And Sheik was utterly terrified.

It was going to happen again…wasn't it? Right here, in he and Link's bedroom…with his beloved only so close, in the castle. The Shadow's damp arousal rubbed up against Sheik's body. His arms wandered over Sheik's back, stroking his rear before coming to rest on Sheik's shirt, starting to pull it off.

Sheik snarled, and managed to gather enough strength in his arm to slap the Shadow, stopping his action for a moment. He then froze, incredibly aware of the weight on him. Dark Link's face grew as dark as for what he was named; his pitch black soul.

"Oh, goddesses, please don't hurt me…"

Sheik begged, already almost fatally wounded from Dark Link's previous assault. He shielded his face, and shivered, his body weak and submissive under the Shadow. He cringed as the Shadow drew his sword…but it came to rest on his cut cheek, caressing it with that cold metal.

"Just kill me. Please. I beg you, don't do this, just kill me…"

The Shadow laughed, as if this was all very amusing.

"If I killed you then I would have no toy. Oh, pretty, how silly you can be."

Sheik's eyes filled with more tears, and he fought to keep them from rolling down his cheeks. The Shadow would only laugh at him again, ripping what was left of his pride away. Dark Link's hands pulled away the shirt, leaving Sheik's bare, injured skin out in the open.

The Shadow gasped and his lips ran over a nipple. Sheik gave a sharp cry of pain, the weight of Dark Link making him pass out for a second. Dark Link looked thoughtful, and sat back, still on Sheik's thighs, making him groan in agony.

"If you promise to be a good toy, and don't move…although, beautiful, you look so delicious when you do…then I will be gentle…it'll be nicer for you, pretty…"

Sheik's eyes filled with fury…but then he realized. If he got merely another bad knock, he could easily die. Sheik was close to death, from his previous injuries…and the Sheikah just didn't have the strength to move. He sobbed, finally giving in.

Dark Link laughed cruelly at this, with every sob that shook the other's body. He quickly made short work of the boy's pants, tossing them aside, leaving him nude. Sheik's cheeks burned with even more shame. The Shadow was seeing him like this again…oh, his Link…

As the Shadow's tights disappeared, their erections ground together, eliciting a soft moan from Sheik as he hardened in response to the friction. He then pulled away, teary from the humiliation…he couldn't let this happen again…no…he wouldn't…

"No…no…please…"

The Shadow's hands firmly took the wounded blonde head into his hands, and Sheik's head slackened. He let Dark Link hold it. It was too hard to even stay conscious. The Shadow started to guide it to his throbbing arousal, when he froze. There was a long, odd silence.

Sheik's eyes flicked up to the Shadow, trying to look past what was thrust in front of his nose. Instead of a face glazed with lust, he saw a twisted expression of pain written across Dark Link's visage. He pulled away from the slacked hands, sitting up. With no place to hold his weight, the mortally wounded Shadow fell onto the bed, revealing three arrows embedded in his back.

Sheik looked up, his eyes filling with brightness as he saw Link at the doorway. Link, his saviour, his Hero…as light as ever, with bow in hand and a look of utter fury and determination. His mouth was a grim line, and his eyes only softened when they saw Sheik's looking back at them with a look of adoration.

Sheik edged away from the gasping Shadow, still naked. But Link was there…it was over…his eyes nearly shut with relief. Link rushed over to the bed, his arm soft and warm, holding Sheik close to him. His lips brushed his ear…

But then the Shadow's own pale blue eyes opened, glaring with anger, and the agony of someone who knows their death is imminent. He gave Link a look of contempt. His gaze then fell on Sheik, and his lips parted, softly whispering, as his body faded away to dark shadows, disappearing;

"What can that child give you that I cannot? I gave you your chance, pretty…and no matter who you choose, you will always belong to me…"

Sheik shuddered, as the Shadow disappeared, gone forever, dead. He clung to Link, sobbing harder. He nestled into that familiar shoulder…it was over, at least. The room was warm again, and filled with the sweet spirit that was Link's. Sheik's body was nearly asleep with relief, and exhaustion. The terror had taken its toll on his poor body. As he started to fall asleep in Link's arms, still on the bed, he whispered;

"Link…so sorry…Link…love you so much…oh, Link"

He couldn't resist it. His feelings tumbled out of his mouth as he dipped into sleep in Link's arms again. The Hylian shortly followed, the emotional exhaustion and realization forcing him into sleep, his arms wrapped around the Sheikah.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Only a few hours after the slaying of Dark Link, and Sheik and Link falling asleep in each other's arms, filled with sorrow and love, Malon returned. She, of course, had no clue of what had taken place in her house just a few long hours ago. She just appreciated the beautiful silence, and understood the lovers must be asleep.

With Malon, was her father, Talon. He had no intention of staying, they merely planned on a quiet glass of their cow's milk, and a discussion. A smile curved her lips, she hoped that Sheik was healing well. She understood that far more than she expected happened between those two, but she accepted it.

She and her father wandered upstairs, close together, both filled with cheerfulness and excitement at being up so late at night. They passed the lover's bedroom, deep in discussion. Malon raised an eyebrow as Talon let out a growl of wonder at the open door.

She followed her father's gaze, and opened her mouth, but Talon cut her off.

"Malon? Why is the Hero of Time holding a butt naked guy? And ah, more 'portantly, in our house?"

Malon just smiled, as she saw the dark forms next to each other, clinging to one another needily. She saw the tear stained face of the Sheikah…

"I suppose everyone has their secrets."

<---------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->

1. Yes, damn straight, most full of evil creatures. Didn't anyone else think the Water Temple was the hardest? Ah well…maybe it's just me and my loathing of swimming levels…

Anyhoo. Thank god for the Queen's Birthday, that was when I finished most of this story so, ah…hope you enjoyed? I tried to keep the sex-crap to a minimum. Next chapter will be coming soon, I have written a detailed plan of the scenes...so er, live in fear? More angst and fluff next chappie, less sex-crap.

I hope you enjoyed the latest instalment of Eclipse! Please, PLEASE review, every single person helps me with fresh ideas and the writing of the next chapter. Besides, how will I tell if you hate it or not!?

Sheik be with you.

No.

Wait.

He's mine.

Here, just have Dark Link. *thrusts bewildered looking Dark Link in front of fangirls*