Fan Fiction ❯ Lieffe and Dath ❯ Life, Love, and All Things Hereafter ( Chapter 2 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

By: Mizu

Sheik came in after Soowe. She was on her knees beside her bed sobbing. She jerked her head around when she heard him come in.

Sheik had a purring Angel in his arms and was smiling a sideways grin. He handed the cat to Soowe, who petted him and put him on her bed. Angel found the softest pile of sheets and curled up in a little ball there, falling asleep.

Sheik held out one hand and Soowe took it. He helped her off the ground.

Placing a hand on the back of his head, he asked, "So…when Dath comes for you and Reepe…You…"

Soowe nodded sadly.

Sheik, on the other hand, looked rather perturbed.

"Well, isn't there anything you can do about it?" he asked, putting his hands on her shoulders.

"I'm afraid not. That's why we have to give Lieffe to you. That way, Dath can't get it once he takes us…" she lowered her eyes.

"But why won't he come for me?"

"Sheik, you're young. You're time's not up yet…"

"But I don't feel young, any more. Not after everything that's happened…And…And look at you. You don't look at all old."

"Appearances can be deceiving. If I were not a keeper, I would have died hundreds of years before you were born," she sighed.

"But you didn't! Soowe, I know this isn't right. This isn't supposed to happen. Not yet. We have to do something to stop Dath!" Sheik said forcefully.

"You speak of things no one can do. Nothing can stop Dath, Sheik, and you know that," Soowe said, sitting down on her bed, patting the space beside her, motioning for Sheik to join her. He did so, and she went on.

"When the three Golden Goddesses created the land of Hyrule, they wanted to create a land of great beauty, something that would last forever. But they didn't want each individual thing to last.

That's where Lieffe and Dath play their roles. Lieffe is in everything. And when something has…run it's course, Dath would come and peacefully remove the Lieffe from it-"

"Yes, I've heard all this a thousand times, Soowe! But I know that this will NOT be peaceful! You've nearly said it yourself. He's coming to TAKE the whole of Lieffe away, put an end to everything. That would destroy everything the Goddesses worked for!"

"So we're giving Lieffe to you, where Dath can't get it. The end, Sheik."

Sheik stood up and faced her.

"Damn it, Soowe! Don't you see? It's not supposed to happen this way! Look at you! You're still young, still…" he paused, looking around for the right word, "still beautiful! And even if you give Lieffe to me, you no longer remain a keeper, you could live the rest of your life out! Isn't that the way it's always been?"

Soowe shook her head.

"No, Sheik. It's not."

"It's…it's not?"

"No, Sheik. The keeper's life ends with the passing of Lieffe," her tears began to fall once more.

Sheik bit his lip to hold back his own tears.

"Well, that's NOT how it's going to be this time. You're going to-"

"Why?"

"What?"

"Why are you so determined, Sheik? Why are you forcing yourself to deny destiny?"

"Because you're my friend, Soowe. And…"

Sheik's red eyes looked deep into Soowe's blue ones.

"Oh, Sheik, no…"

~*~

Reepe was sitting at the table still. She'd heard shouting coming from Soowe's room a few times, some from Soowe, some from Sheik, but she couldn't make out anything in particular…And then had come the awkward silence.

Maybe Soowe had finally convinced Sheik. Or vice-versa, perhaps. Whatever the case, no one was talking…

~*~

"But…why?"

"I don't know. Soowe, I don't want to know why. I just know I love you," he sat back down beside her on the bed, placing one strong arm over her tired shoulder.

"What are you going to do?"

"Do?"

"When I'm gone."

"Soowe, I promise you. And I don't care what you say. I promise you I will save you."

She turned her head and looked him in the eyes. They were the eyes of a determined man with his mind, heart, and soul set on what he wanted.

Then Sheik bent over and placed one firm, true, caring kiss upon her lips. Soowe was taken slightly aback. Before she could respond, he pulled away and she was left, eyes open, in a mild state of shock. She'd thought about it, but she hadn't exactly EXPECTED anything…

She was then embraced by the Sheikah. And she gave. She lowered her face onto his chest and began to weep. She felt him place a hand on the back of her head, stroking her mussed hair.

"I love you…" he murmured.