Fan Fiction ❯ Eclipse ❯ Sunrise ( Chapter 3 )

ECLIPSE
Warnings: See chapter 1, those of you who skip to third chapters…

AN: God, I'm tired…sorry you had to wait longer for this chapter, athletics training HAD to interfere with my fan fiction…*glares* This chapter is more about Sheik and Link, and their feelings, after the rape. No recovery sex, sorry… Final chapter, I've tried to make it good…*yawn*… I've been so tired I started to see Sheik's ass in the clouds on Wednesday…ahem, where was I? Ah, yes. This was originally posted at Fanfiction.net, but I put it here to get more traffic. If you want to see the rest of my stories, please search for me there, my name's Thana'al!

Disclaimer: Zelda isn't mine. Zelda is Shiggy's. Go ask HIM to make a Zelda movie.

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The air was humid, and it seemed to cling to Sheik like a thick blanket. He had to gasp to get anything at all into his ravaged lungs, and the odd sticky quality in the air made his discomfort obvious to all. He moved uneasily, feeling sweat form on his curiously healed body.

As his ruby eyes darted across the room, his surroundings melted into his vision, and his mind. It was clear from the pitch black walls, and the soft red velvet he was seated on he was in a certain castle. Sheik had only seen the Castle of Ganondorf from a distance, but it had made his nerves prickle with the doom the structure seemed to radiate.

He shifted again, feeling nervous, but only from the humid air, as well as the hazy, forbidding atmosphere that swirled around him. Despite the fact the Sheikah had never been there before, he knew very well where was he was. It was a mystery to even him, the very essence of anonymity, how he did, but nevertheless, he was there.

A sense of calm washed over him. He closed his eyes for a moment, absorbing the heat. When his eyes drowsily opened again, the Shadow was once again, next to him, melting into the seat. Sheik's senses weren't tingling, they only contained quiet acceptance. It was clear exactly who it was, as Dark Link leant, and draped his murky arms over Sheik's body.

The Sheikah offered no resistance. His eyes just drooped down to the floor. He had given up. He felt, in this melting atmosphere, as if he had given up long ago. He had lost himself to the Shadow, the dim, murkiness of his spirit had polluted Sheik's.

He had lost everything in that cold, empty room.

Sheik just collapsed. He had nothing left, it was true, he had his innocence ripped from him by that horrific creature. He let his body be fondled, as his breath escape in laboured gasps, haziness flooding his mind. As his eyes flooded in and out of focus, he could make out Ganondorf, his ghastly features swimming over the opposite side of the room.

"I have to thank you again for getting that nuisance out of the way…"

It was the Shadow's voice. The coldness seemed to penetrate the fog of heat and dreaminess. Sheik's body didn't even shiver. He laid his head on the Shadow, with heart wrenching submissiveness. His breath didn't disturb the dark, shimmery quality to his lap.

"It was a…pleasure…" Ganon's voice purred. "What was that irritation called, he didn't seem to make an impression…?"

"Link…I think it was…"

"Link…yes, Link…"

Sheik's heart didn't even twist. Link never would have wanted him anyway…he just lay, numb, against the Shadow, his curves being roughly fondled. Dark Link's fingers grazed against the fabric of the Sheikah's crotch. Sheik's face turned away slightly, in shame. He avoided the lustful glances from both of the dark men, his eyes watering.

"Shadow, after my disposing of the "Hero", I consider the least thing you can do is let me have a turn of your toy…"

Sheik's cheeks burned. Even in this fog, he felt shame that flooded his whole body. He felt worth less than nothing. Nothing but an object for these foul men to release their tension upon, to abuse, to violate, to use.

"No, Ganon."

The Shadow's tone was firm and harsh, as he turned Sheik's face to his, forcefully.

"This one belongs to me."

Ganon made a quiet sound of recognition, and accepted it. This plaything was Dark Link's. As the Shadow's last words whispered harshly across the room, he crushed his lips against the Sheikah's, forcing his tongue into the sweet cavern. Sheik's spine tingled, and he allowed this, whether from his lack of emotion to the situation, or whether he was enjoying it. Maybe both, he thought dully, as the Shadow pulled away…

"I belong to you…"

He said quietly, his voice full of passiveness. As that cold, bruising grip came upon him, he was almost brought out of it, remembering all the pain, all the love he had for Link…

"Yours…"

The harsh hand wrapped around his arm couldn't be ignored any longer…

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Link had stayed asleep for very many hours. As previously mentioned, Sheik was by far the drowsy one of the couple. His dreamy eyes, and quiet nature separated him from Link, his softer nature, and this added to his love of…well, sleeping. Sheik liked to have his rest, and he especially liked to rest in Link's arms. It seemed as if the taller boy protected him from all the hidden dangers of the night…made him feel safe…

But, however, it was very unlike Link to sleep so long into the afternoon. It was the emotional exhaustion that had occurred the night before that had forced him into slumbering for such an unlikely amount of time. He had woken slowly, to Sheik's disturbed murmurs. He was immediately reminded of the previous night, and tears invaded those pools of blue.

He turned his tear stained face into the Sheikah's hair, breathing in his comforting scent. Visions of the Shadow flickered across the inside of his eyelids, and he tried to halt his crying, not wanting to awaken Sheik. Sheik was the one that had suffered, it would be impudent to wake him with his sobbing.

It was hard. Every time the Hylian wrenched his eyes shut, he was haunted by those awful images. Sheik's dull pleas echoed in his head, and he shivered. Sheik, his dear Sheik, crushed against the bed, his creamy flesh being bruised, his wounds being opened.

But the worst of all, was the cold realization that had flooded through Link, making his stomach turn. That despicable caricature of himself had abused his Sheik. He had destroyed him, that Shadow had raped him. Link suppressed another heavy sob. The Sheikah had suffered, he had suffered terribly, and it was all because of him…

"It's my…fault…"

Link whispered, his eyes fluttering open, tears making his fair eyelashes sparkle. He must have no idea of what Sheik was going through…he thought bitterly, a warm drop falling from his soft eyes onto Sheik's slumbering shoulder. The beautiful Sheikah he had taken for a lover must be aching, his heart weighed down. And those wounds…

Link couldn't force back his gasp of sorrow this time. The reason Sheik had all those deep cuts all over his body…Link felt ashamed when his heart sang that the Sheikah had fought and struggled against the darkness, wanting to be his…Link's lips brushed against the unhappily moaning Sheikah's forehead. He loved Sheik, and that was the only thing that mattered in his innocent heart.

Sheik would always be his lover, and Link would always love him. What this darkness had tried to warp him into, had mutilated him into, didn't matter to Link. The slice of the sword slashing open Sheik's cheek, beating him into submission, didn't make his skin any rougher. The sting on his lip of his blood being lapped up by the Shadow didn't make his mouth any less warm and soft. And the bitter words whispered into Sheik's ear, eventually, wouldn't make him deaf to all words of comfort and love.

Link's arms tightened around Sheik's waist, careful to avoid brushing his wounds. With a wince, Link was reminded that he, himself, still wasn't in the best of shape. But the Hylian felt ashamed to even be thinking of his own wounds when his beloved was whimpering in his sleep, his blood staining the sheets as his eyelashes fluttered violently.

The Hero looked out to the window for a moment. He could still remember clearly, those three long days ago when he had done the exact same thing. Sheik still had the comforting warmth to his back. It was as if nothing had changed, the ranch just as peaceful and quiet…

Link felt a stab of anger. The sky should turn to coal, it should rain for days, and the plants should shrivel and die. Sheik had been raped. It seemed cruel and sardonic to have the birds singing cheerfully outside their window, with the sky a bright blue.

But life moved on, as it always did. Neither had a choice.

As Link's gaze finally cleared from the tears that had clouded his vision, he pondered the time. The sun was high in the sky, and the heat poured into the room. It was afternoon…a despicably beautiful afternoon. The light beat orange rays on the Hylian's face and his eyelashes sparkled elegantly.

Link was eventually pulled away from the sky, with its horrible cloudless beauty, by Sheik's quiet sobbing. The Hero of Time's heart gave a pang as he saw the Sheikah was crying in his sleep. He could only imagine what horrible visions he would be experiencing after…Link looked away from the light.

Sheik gave a louder moan, and his body shivered under the light, as he curled up. Link looked down at the whimpering Sheikah with so deep a sympathy it hurt to even imagine. His beloved must have lived through scenes that could only be possible to the Hylian in nightmares…

Nightmare! Link's skin prickled. He pondered if he should awaken Sheik…but the boy's silence lulled him back into his pensiveness. Maybe he was dreaming of other things by now…Link hoped, and leant to kiss the Sheikah's lips, so softly as to not force him out of his slumber.

Link's severe bite he had received from the dragon twinged horribly, and the Hylian gasped in pain. He had to pull away from Sheik's warm lips. He snarled, and his fury nearly enabled him to rip his own skin off. It was these wounds that had forced his lover to go to that awful place. It was his own fault…

Link wished he was no longer the Hero, for a moment. If he hadn't been forced on this quest, for a Princess he hardly knew, for a land that had lost him his childhood…Sheik never would have suffered this awful fate. And Link felt the pressure increase on him, to finish the Water Temple…deep inside his heart, he wondered if he even could, after what had befallen his lover there.

"I don't want to be a Hero anymore…"

He whispered bitterly, holding onto Sheik with all his might. The Sheikah stirred slightly, even though he was lost in his nightmare. Link softly held his arm, whispering sweet words of comfort to him. The Hylian knew he couldn't hear them, but his horrible guilt, and powerful love controlled his actions.

Sheik shuddered underneath Link's sword calloused hands, his lips mouthing silent words, as he wept. The Hero's eyebrows contracted. He wouldn't let Sheik suffer from horrible images…the ones he must have endured…Link shed a tear, trying hard to control his anguish.

Sheik gave a chilling whimper, clutching to Link's hand. The Hylian's determination increased, and he shook Sheik's arm. This would spell certain death before at least nine in the morning, but this was different. For one, it was clearly late afternoon by the sun, and the fine looking Sheikah was being tormented by scenes that clearly existed only in his head…

Link was still quite weak from his injuries, but he still had easily enough strength to rouse the Sheikah from his dream. Sandy eyelashes fluttered wildly, and Sheik gave a surprised cry as his ruby eyes revealed the handsome Hero leaning close above him, his eyes searching the crimson ones, then sparkling with happiness that he had awoken.

"Link…"

Sheik murmured, his heart soaring. He could still remember, with painful detail, the Shadow pressing him into the very same bed he was in at that moment. His murky fingers travelling over his body…but Link, his dear Link, saviour of Hyrule, and himself, was here…Sheik sighed with relief.

"Are you o-…"

Link's voice faded away. His eyes flickered with uncertainty. Sheik was clearly not okay. All the words he could muster, even think of, seemed so stupid. Nothing could change anything…

"I love you, Sheik…"

Sheik's eyes softened, and his body relaxed. He was now calm, from his violent awakening…he shuddered. His mouth tasted bad from what he had so bleakly whispered in his own nightmare…he sighed bitterly. Why should his mouth be tainted from telling the truth? The Shadow had stolen him.

'I love you, Link, I love you so much. But I'll never let my feelings move in the way of your reputation, I'm worth so much less than you…'

In Sheik's eyes, he was nothing but a toy. Something that the Shadow had used to pleasure himself with, he had no other purpose. He could never make the beautiful Hero of Hyrule happy, he was nothing but a simple whore. Dark Link's hands had made bruises over his soft skin that the Hylian's lovely hands never could remove.

Link's eyes filled with concern, and he gently kissed the cheek of the Sheikah's. Sheik turned away, his cut hand brushing the Hero's face away.

"Sheik? I'm sorry…"

Link looked down shyly at the bed. Having lost his entire childhood, he was still very uncertain as to his touching Sheik. He felt embarrassed. He had done something wrong, he knew that much, but what? He felt so horribly guilty. Maybe he shouldn't even have been near Sheik…

Sheik was silent, lost in his thoughts.

"How long have I been asleep…?"

"Um, it's past noon…but it's fine, Malon won't mind, and you had a-…"

Link trailed off again, looking uncertain. He didn't want to mention it to Sheik. He was already worried enough that he had upset his lover. Oh, he had made Sheik suffer enough, he couldn't bear it if he further pained the sweet Sheikah that he was proud to share his bed with.

"It's okay, we both know what happened."

Sheik tried to sound deep and unconcerned. He failed miserably.

"Sheik, oh Sheik, god, I'm so sorry…"

Link shattered, sobbing onto the Sheikah's naked shoulder. His body was wracked with sobs, as he held the broken Sheikah close to his heart, Sheik's own heart warm against the Hylian's. Hot tears cascaded Sheik's back, as the Hero cried. He had not cried for a long time, only a few tears after pointless life-ending.

"I-…never should have made you-…oh, Sheik…"

Link was nearly incoherent with sorrow, his love for the Sheikah holding him only furthering his pain. He rested his head against Sheik's shoulder, his weeping slowing gradually. He felt ashamed to have cried in front of the gorgeous Sheikah that had suffered so much for him. But Sheik's arms were awed, and loose around his waist.

After a quick moment, Sheik released the Hylian. He had no right to hold the Hero like that when he was crying, not a tainted, used piece of flesh like him. Link looked slightly startled at the swift movement of Sheik's arms leaving his body. He knew it. Sheik must hate him, after what he put him through…his cheeks burned, and he swatted away the tears.

Sheik sat up, and leant on the edge of the bed, lying down, and Link swallowed hard at seeing all his injuries, albeit most were lovingly bandaged. His arms dangled in front of him, and his well defined abdomen was enticingly spread out on the bed.

"-…not your fault…never your fault, Link…"

Sheik said quietly, but still with passion. Link frowned. He wasn't so sure he believed it…but the comfort in Sheik's voice made him feel better. He soon felt even more ashamed, making the beautiful boy that had been so cruelly raped comfort him.

Sheik was laid out on the edge of the bed, far away from Link, as far as possible. Sheik didn't want Link to brush against the body that had pleasured such darkness. Link's eyes drank in the striking tan skin, and the attractive body that was spread so temptingly in front of him.

He looked away. It was wrong of him to be enjoying the body of someone who had been so horribly treated. He felt as if he was using poor Sheik. He tried desperately to push away the hardness that was rising in his tights, becoming so shamefully aroused by the appealing Sheikah.

Sheik turned away. Link's heart sank, and he prayed the Sheikah hadn't seen his tangible arousal. Sheik wrapped his arms around himself, and covered his body with blankets, turning away from Link even further. His cheeks burned with shame. The Hero had seen his beaten, used body.

"Your eyes shouldn't be blinded with such filth as myself…"

Sheik whispered, only just audible. He hid further, making sure only his sandy locks were visible.

"Sheik…"

Link began, full of argument, full of love.

"Just leave me be."

Link's eyes shone with hurt. He reached out to the Sheikah, who was on the brink of more tears. Sheik avoided his hand, shivering. Link's heart felt as if Sheik had plunged his dagger through it. The Hylian finally turned away, after a time.

And he began the journey down the stairs, his heart heavy.

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Malon hadn't expected the attractive men she was allowing to stay with her to sleep so late. Still, she hadn't dared venture into their room, in case she wandered into a scene that was best kept to themselves, or steamy R rated movies. She flushed at the mere thought.

She knew they were very close, they were lovers, they were definitely more than friends, and Sheik wasn't just assisting the Hero on his quest out of the goodness of his heart. Although, it was a considerable heart, full of warmth to whoever showed the fine looking Sheikah kindness.

She was still mildly confused by what she and her father had seen last night. She was also curious as to how the Sheikah had attained his wound…after all, she had helped dressed a few, after Link had set out. And that scene, Link holding the bleeding, nude man in his arms as they drifted off to sleep…

She had experienced the task of convincing her father the Hero of Time had just mysteriously passed out on top of another man, and his clothes had vanished…and he had stuffed corn down his pants. She thought the least Link owed her was an apology. Or better, an explanation.

She glanced at the clock. It was nearly three in the afternoon…boy, those guys could really sleep…or-…er, she didn't want to go there. The door had been shut, after all. As her gaze fell from the clock, she realized Link was making his way down the stairs, wearing an expression of extreme pain. What was even more strange, was that Sheik wasn't at his usual place, holding Link's arm. He was nowhere to be seen.

"Link! Isn't Sheik the one fond of his sleep!?"

Link gave a tired smile. He silently made his way past Malon.

"No break-…lunch?"

Link just shook his head, his eyes full of unshed tears. He brushed past Malon, his powerful shoulders tense, and his limp even more noticeable, as his bowed head made its way past Malon. He gave a shaky sigh, and tried to open the door. Tried…

Malon's hand firmly placed itself on the handle.

"You're not going anywhere until you exactly what's going on!!"

"But, Malon-…I-…"

Link was too full of worry and pain. He didn't know what to do…the fear of Sheik not loving him anymore, after this, after he had forced him to go.

"This minute, thank you! Do you know how much I've had to do to cover for you?"

Women, Link thought sourly.

Malon gave a waiting sort of sigh, and crossed her arms. Link looked unsure. He was full of such guilt, such pain…Sheik wouldn't discuss it. His heart gave a twang as he remembered Sheik's harsh words, and the way he had covered his body, full of shame.

Tears streamed down Link's cheeks, and Malon stayed delicately silent. He opened his mouth, but only a shuddering sob came from it. He turned away, he was humiliated to have such lack of control over this, over what had happened to his dear Sheik.

"It's Sheik-…"

Malon waited, for another long minute.

"…did you break up…?"

Link snorted, irritated. But-…his heart felt so heavy. He had to share his plight with someone. Anyone…Sheik had been so cold to him, Sheik had been so distant, so-…it seemed like the Sheikah didn't even like him anymore. But Link's mind was still full of worry over what Sheik's lips had harshly thrown at him before he went.

"Water Temple-…Dark Link, exactly like me…hurt Sheik…raped…"

Link's voice wavered, and he only managed to get out that amount of information between his small sobs, and gasps of unhappiness. He looked up at Malon, and her deep blue eyes were full of kindness. He sighed with relief. He nearly collapsed on her, grateful for someone to comfort him.

"He was raped…?"

She asked quietly. Link nodded, and pulled away.

"In the Water Temple…?"

Link nodded quietly again, and then just allowed Malon to stroke his arm, he felt so deeply unhappy, and guilty…without him, Sheik never would have been hurt like this…he told Malon of his guilt, how Sheik had been so cold…he gave another despondent sob.

"It's my fault…"

"No."

Link's eyes filled with surprise, and he gave a small sound of his alarm. It hadn't been Malon's feminine, somewhat grating tone. It had been Sheik's voice, his normally warm voice dull and glinting with the pain he was suffering. Link looked up, and saw the Sheikah, leaning over the top of the stairs.

The flat, pained, almost betrayed look in his eyes revealed he had heard all that had been said.

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The evening was beautiful, the day had been a good one. It had been full of fresh scents, and new leaves, and the beginnings of spring. It was both of the lovers' favourite season. It brought life…and with that, new chances. A new start. The trees healed over…as Link hoped Sheik's heart would.

Beneath the dusk, the purple and pink pastels that were the sky, the Sheikah and the Hero were near the stable. Their hearts were both full of pain, and their minds had nothing in them but each other. They were both close to each other, but not so close as to make Sheik feel Link was being marred by his own filth.

Ruby met sapphire for a moment, and the air crackled.

"Why did you tell her…?"

Sheik's voice had no resentment. Just the dull, used, almost sad tone as he had adopted since he had been touched by the Shadow. He waited for an answer. He could wait a long time. For Link, he could wait forever…

Link's mouth turned down, and his eyes looked guilty. His soft features looked even more worried, and they met the almost feminine beauty of the Sheikah's, wondering what he could say. Sheik's eyes were the only part of him that seemed to retain even a scrap of the sparkle that had once fused with his body.

"Because I love you. You shouldn't suffer like this…"

Sheik made a low sound.

"Good. Tell everyone of my filth. I'll only ruin them too."

He leant away from Link, avoiding his arm, his soft touch, the look of love and worry in his deep blue eyes. He looked away, the Hero shouldn't be offering his comfort to him. He was nothing but a tool for pleasure. He would gladly allow Link to use him for his purpose, but the Hero's love wasn't something to be bestowed on a whore.

"Sheik, you-…"

Sheik gave him a fierce look. Link looked meek, and stopped in his tracks. Sheik had been almost tortured, what he didn't need was him telling him things he didn't want to hear…even though it seemed he needed the words to tickle his soft ear.

Sheik met Link's eyes. It was odd, to have stared into almost the same eyes, only they had been pale, and filled with cruelty. These ones had nothing to show but love, innocence, and a guilt that roamed through his large heart. Sheik moved uneasily. He didn't like the Hero still showing his feelings like this.

Link was overwhelmed by the intensity of the look, and leant forward. His lips gently brushed against Sheik's, as delicate as a petal being pressed on the Sheikah's mouth. He wanted to bring the Sheikah comfort, to try and help him through the pain he must be enduring.

Sheik's eyes closed, and his arms brought Link closer. His body moved closer to Link's, and he exalted in the Hero's warmth. His heart nearly burst with the joy he had, Link kissing him, Link loving him…he felt all would be right again, as long as he was with Link…

But as the Hero's hand rested on the backside of Sheik, and his mouth brought more euphoria, Sheik felt his heat rise, and his arousal pressed against the Hylian's stomach. Oh, Link…Sheik's mind had nothing else but the Hero in it. Not the bewildered Talon who was observing their heated kiss from the top window, not the stable, not the Shadow…nothing but Link.

As Epona's hoof slammed down on the concrete, from inside the stable, with a small whicker, Sheik was jerked out of his happy daze. He pulled away from Link, overcome with his own filth. He had touched Link, he had allowed him to kiss this tainted mouth…

His cheeks burned as he forced the arousal that bulged in his pants to disappear. It had been wrong of him. The Hero never would have really wanted to touch a creature that had been used by a Shadow…by something evil…He shuddered as he backed away from Link.

Link's eyes shone with hurt and confusion, as Sheik stumbled away from him. What had he done wrong this time?

"Sheik, please…let me-"

Link was cut off by Sheik's own voice, as he backed away.

"-Shh. I don't deserve you, Hero, you shouldn't have a toy like me as your lover. Please, Link. Just forget me. You don't need someone as filthy as me…find someone untouched, like you deserve. You never will want me. Please, Link…"

Link's eyes filled with anger.

"How dare you say such things? I am the one who forced you into that place, I'm the one who's to blame. Of course you deserve me, Sheik. It is I who don't deserve you…"

Sheik turned away, his heart heavy. He never could believe that…he disappeared into the stable, his limp large and noticeable. He would need Epona this time, to get away…to escape Link, to free him from his taint…he wasn't able to walk, due to his injury in his foot.

Link watched, as Sheik appeared from the stable, and took off, on his own mare. His eyes sparkled with tears. The dusk surrounded them both, it was getting to be late evening…Link's heart felt like lead, as he saw Sheik fly down the path, further and further away from him…like the last time…

"I love you…"

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Sheik just felt hollow. He had no purpose without Link. His pain was nothing but a dull ache now. His fingers were wrapped around that snowy mane again, as he felt the powerful horse move underneath him once again. He couldn't even feel the sting of mane whipping against his fingers, almost drawing blood…just…nothing…

His eyes numbly scanning the horizon, Sheik shivered. He could clearly remember the last time he had done this…he never should have gone, he thought bitterly. If he hadn't entered that cold, wet, miserable temple, he still could be worthy of Link, the beautiful Hero.

But that Shadow…he shuddered. He could still feel the icy touch, stroking his flank, agony filling him…Sheik's eyes snapped shut. He didn't want to remember. He didn't ever want to picture the despicable, graceful darkness that had so indifferently destroyed his spirit.

He was dead…if he had ever been alive. Such a ghost, such a Shadow, such darkness…he never could have been as alive as Link, with his pretty smiling mouth, and vibrant sparkling eyes. He was just a dull, faded copy of the animated Hero he knew and adored.

It had been Link…Link that killed him…Sheik's heart dropped like a stone. He had hardly repaid the Hero…but he never could. He never could let the handsome Hero of Time touch him, love him…and now, even be in the presence of such a warped, used person as Sheik himself.

It was night by now, a fresh, warm night. Sheik had no appreciation for it. For it was raining in his heart, it was the coldest place to be. The silence was too loud for him, and as he nudged the mare along, he realized something; he was lonely.

He had a clear view of the empty, windy plain in front of him; Hyrule field. It was as empty at that room had been…the room he had lost everything that bound him to Link. In his own mind, at least. As Epona gave a loud whinny, and tossed her head, it echoed across the field. It was truly empty…he was truly alone.

Wasn't what you wanted? To be alone? To have no-one near you? No-one to be hurt?

…no…

He missed Link. He had been out for a few painful hours, astride the horse, so he could move. Sheik was still wounded, very badly…it was a wonder he hadn't perished from the extent of them. The sword that had been driven through his foot had injured him so badly, that Sheik had given up most thought of being able to walk normally once again. It would be a tribute, a constant reminder, of what he had suffered…

The night air hadn't helped his condition at all. He shivered, and wrapped his arms around the mare's neck, as they continued on their way across the field. Link must be worried about him, he thought quietly…he felt guilty. Link shouldn't suffer like he had. Link had done nothing wrong…maybe it was time to stop the poor Hero from torturing himself…

Epona's hoofbeats rang out, across the plain. Sheik clung to her mane, and gave a loud sigh. His heart ached for Link…oh, how he missed Link…even the few hours they had spent apart made his feelings grow stronger. His eyes filled with tears. He just wished they would go away. It was cruel to have such strong emotion for someone he never could touch…

Why not? A part of him asked…it wouldn't hurt forever…he wouldn't be so full of darkness for all eternity…

He was confused by his thoughts, and his pain that flooded his whole body, dripping from his foot, aching from his heart. His eyes glimmered with unshed tears, as the pale moonlight hit them. He was glad he had been the one to enter the Water Temple. If such a thing had occurred to the Hero, Sheik would have truly given up…

He moved on, through the warm, stunning night. Epona's legs moved faster than his own, and they made up huge amounts of ground, gliding across Hyrule Field. Sheik's hands were soft on her mane, now. As his mind supplied images of his own scarred fingers running through the silken, blonde mane of Link's…

Sheik sharply kicked his mount on, toward Lake Hylia, once again. He just couldn't think of Link like that anymore…he was the innocent Hero of Time. He never should have been near him in the beginning. He shouldn't throw away all his purity and reputation to stay with someone that had been used, like him.

A hot tear dropped down onto the mare's copper shoulder. Sheik didn't know how he could live without Link. Whenever he had picture the distant future, it always had the striking Hero at his side, his soft blue eyes unchanged with time, only with the love he held for the Sheikah. But he would have to, after the Shadow had…ruined…him…

Sheik's eyes supplied more tears, dripping down onto Epona's shoulder. She usually would have tossed the Sheikah off by now, but she sense how upset he was. She had no knowledge of the happenings, but she was happy to comfort and carry the wounded Sheikah, the one her master adored so much.

Sheik's hands were still sore, from being pressed so hard into the water. He had hardly been able to dress himself…he would have needed the Hero's assistance, and while in his heart he knew Link would be happy to give it, he never could allow the Hero to see him nude, or even let his fingers brush that poisoned skin…

Sheik moved uneasily. He had no mask, of course, and his clothes were barely covering him. Although the night was warm and beautiful, he had fears of other things. Things that existed only in his nightmares…he pressed on Epona, harder.

She broke into a trot, clearing the fences to Lake Hylia. Sheik hardly noticed, his mind numb with its pain. He belonged to the Shadows, now. Only darkness…it was right he would be out in the night like this. He pushed Epona on, through the dirty grass, his heart heavy.

As he eventually looked up, he recognized the tip of the Water Temple, and the beautiful lake. The surroundings that had started this all. He gave a sharp gasp, half of fear. What had taken place in that cold, disgusting room had filled his life with fear. He was now not only considering himself not worthy of the Hero, he was afraid of being touched.

He couldn't imagine the same act that had destroyed him, brought him so much agony, had filled his lungs with cold, icy water…could ever be the beautiful tenderness that it was meant to be. He shivered. It had felt as if his spine had been split in two. If the Shadow had done that to him, why would his Light side be any different?

Whenever Sheik had pictured Link making love to him (and, bear in mind, he had done it quite often) he had always been soft, careful and gentle. His childlike innocence had kept him from attending to his own needs first, only the ones of his gorgeous lover's. He had been sweet, tender, and caused Sheik eye watering pleasure…

But that was different now. Nothing could ever bring him to even consider the cold, agonizing filthiness he had been forced to endure by Dark Link. His heart was flickering wildly in his chest at the mere thought of sharing it with the Hero, half with fear, and the other half…he looked away.

He shouldn't have been picturing such things, from the Hero of Time. He never would have truly wanted to touch, to worship such used flesh. He wouldn't have lusted after someone as dirty as the Sheikah…would he? Sheik's mind was now filled with uncertainty. Link's words had been filled with love, and determination. He had seemed so sure, so adoring, that Sheik was worth something.

Sheik wanted to believe him, he really did…Epona's hooves sank in the sand, as she brought him down closer to the shore. He eventually stopped her, and clambered down, careful not to land on his wounded foot. With a pat to her soft nose, he limped down to the water's edge, and sat down.

This was where it had all begun. His eyes searched the horizon, hoping to find answers. He had been so sure he would never be worthy of the Hero. That Link would never want him…but now his heart had so much uncertainty. Hopeful questions, Link's words echoing in his head…

"Of course you deserve me, Sheik…it is I who don't deserve you…"

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

Link was utterly miserable. In his own mind, due to his clumsiness, he had lost Sheik forever…he adored the Sheikah. He would have given his own life to spare him the suffering he had endured…Link sighed. He may be the Hero of Time, but he couldn't change what had happened in the past.

Link's legs had carried him far from Lon-Lon ranch. He couldn't bear to stay with Malon any longer, and if he had lost Sheik, he never could stay at the same place where he Sheik had held his arm so lovingly, had kissed him with such warmth.

What was the point of being a Hero if he couldn't even save the one person that mattered to him? He sighed. He wished he could have spared what had befallen Sheik, with all his heart. The bold, witty poet had been transformed, into this broken man whom Link didn't really know. A tear ran down his pale flesh, and Link swiped it away angrily.

He looked up, his eyes were still cloudy with unshed tears. He could make out Lake Hylia, not so far in the distance. His shoulders sagged. The Water Temple. What had started this, what had wrecked his lover…what had broken his heart.

Did Sheik really hate him now? That cold tone that he had adopted, how he had pushed Link's hands away. He must, after what Link had put him through…he gave another broken sigh. He would have given up his title, anything he had, to show the beautiful Sheikah that he loved him, that he was worth something…

Link quietly made his way over the grass, his head bowed. He couldn't share his plight with anyone now. Sheik wouldn't want him telling of his fall. And then there was the shame of having taken another man as his lover. He shivered. He would only be shunned away more if he admitted that he had loved the Sheikah, the same one who had pushed him away…

He looked up, he could make out the familiar shape of his mare, on a far hill, grazing. His heart lifted. Sheik must be nearby…he looked into the night. It was late, terribly late…he pondered whether Malon had fallen asleep by now, tired from convincing her father that the magic pixies had planted that copy of Playgirl near Link's bed.

Epona looked up, and gave a loud neigh that echoed across the lake, and carried easily over the sand. She gave a friendly call to her master. Link half smiled, but he was too unhappy to greet her. Oh, what he would give to heal Sheik's heart…

"Link…?"

His heart lifted to the sky. Startled by the horse's noise, Sheik had turned from his spot near the shore, and seen Link…his dear, sweet Hero. Link's eyes adjusted to the deep night, and saw the Sheikah, huddled near the water, his face hidden in the darkness.

"Sheik!!"

Link cried out. Sheik might push him away, and snarl at him, but he had to see his wonderful lover. He made his way, as fast as he could, he still had a few nasty wounds that refused to heal from the Fire Temple. He hobbled to the Sheikah, curled up in the sand, his eyes full of hope.

As Link neared Sheik, feeling so grateful he had found him, he nearly stumbled from his injuries, and his weakness. Their eyes met again, and there was a large silence. Crimson orbs bore an almost haunted look, drowned out by happiness and wonder for the Hero that had come for him once again.

Not knowing what to say, Link threw himself down on the sand, like he had those long days ago, and wrapped his arms gently around the Sheikah. He held him close, his heart flickering fast in his chest, hoping Sheik wouldn't push him away.

"You're worth so much more than you think you are…"

He whispered, adoringly, into that elfish ear. Sheik's eyes met the deep blue. This was Link. That had been Link's voice. The Hero had always spoken the truth, why should he doubt him now? Although his mind told cynical stories, how he was filthy, he wanted to believe this.

"I love you so much, Sheik, forgive me…?"

Sheik's heart lifted. It would take time for him to truly believe what Link would steadfastly tell him, but the Hero had never been one to give up. He turned the innocent face towards his own scarred, tan one. His eyes glimmered with the sparks of happiness, that would one distant day, overcome him.

"You have nothing to be forgiven for. You have done nothing, but love me…"

Link's mouth opened to say something. Something of how much he loved Sheik, of how sorry he was, how he would make him better, heal him…but it was lost to something. Not to Shadows, as their lives nearly had been. Those words were lost to Sheik's lips, pressing firmly against his own.

Sheik's life would never be filled with the joy it was meant to. No, the Shadow had destroyed that much. But he would always have one thing…as their arms tangled around each other, their mouths giving each other much needed warmth and comfort, the sun began to rise.

A small ball of fire in the distance, rising slowly, gently. It would be a beautiful morning, as most would be for the rest of that season. It summoned the new day, the new beginnings…things would be different, but not was cruel as they had been…

Link's lips were so soft against his own…Sheik sighed with contentment. Whatever his mind would tell him, most likely for eternity, whatever darkness would loom in his soul, no matter what blood would drip from his old wounds, the old pain aching in his head from the awful nightmares…

He had Link. And nothing would take that away from him.

<--------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------> ;

Bah. That was the crappiest chapter. Sorry…T_T. I hope it was a nice fluffy ending for you, anyway…it took a while to write, thank you! Anyway, that WAS the last and final chapter, sorry…however, there may be sequels in the works! And I have a new story coming up, sometime this century, anyway, which will placate you damn Yaoi fans! ^_-

If parts seemed a little contradictive, I was only changing POVs with Sheik and Link, sorry to confuse you all, but I found it easy to follow…wait…I WROTE it…hmm..

I'm sorry if this was a tad unrealistic, I understand the healing process after sexual abuse is slow, but I had a 3 chapter time frame. I apologize to anyone who might find this subject painful, I'm only testing my skills as a writer.

THANK YOU FOR READING ECLIPSE! I really hoped you enjoyed my first R rated story, I tried really hard on it…thank you again for reviewing, you've really helped me with moving this story along! Please review this story, feedback is very much appreciated.

Peace out.

By Thana'al.