Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered Dreams, Broken Soul, Unbound Love ❯ Unbound Love ( Chapter 11 )

By: Squall-sama

Parings: LinkxSheik

Warnings: NC-17, Angst, Link bashing, Sheik bashing, SAP, FLUFF…You got 20 pages here, be happy for that!

Disclaimer: Don't own them, don't sue me, Nintendo is the rightful owner so pick on somebody else who doesn't know what they're doing.

Notes: I know Sheik has blond hair but he's special in this and he has Silver hair-so deal with it! Actually, I have a really good explanation to why he has silver hair-later chapters though. ^_^ This part sucks, don't be mad, I just couldn't write well on this part-or at least the beginning… 8 pages….

Extra Notes: //thoughts//

~dream state~

<overemphasized word>

* ~ * ~ * ~ * scene break

* * * * same scene, different POV-sort of. ^_^

Thanks: Ine: *laughs* You sounded like you were really getting into it! =^_~= just keep reading and you'll finally get to see what happens! Thanks! Phoenix1: wow, thanks for all reviews! That's just fine-I got a bunch of reviews from you anyhow, =^_^= And I'm trying to hurry-but stupid AnimeX is just taking their sweet-ass time! =^_~=Spryte: *blushes* yeah… I know-I was just being impatient…. *pouts and kicks dirt childishly* I'll wait from now on! *smiles big* Yay-I got huggles from you! =^_^= *laughs* uh-oh, I had better watch out for you and Eoko, come to think of it… *scratches head-wondering where Eoko ran off to* *shrugs* I still got you at least! Thanks! I gotta keep adding to you =^_^= Thank you I'm glad you like my piccies… but you weren't supposed to go looking for them until I posted the next chapter. *waves finger at Spryte* *laughs* And you don't have to worry about Mina-she's a good reviewer-so be nice. *thinks to self, 'Hmm, I think I might have to get a cage or something for these two'* *grins* Yukikoori: *falls over laughing* 'Shiny' huh? =^_^= you're funny, I hope you keep reading and think the rest of the fic is… 'shiny!' Thanks! Mina Tsukiyono: Aye-you all are lucky I've already finished this fic! =^_~= and that's ok for not reviewing! =^_^= you can't be expected to show up for every chapter! You've stuck around enough! You and Spryte have to be my oldest fans! Thanks! Dendie: *laughs* good, I hope I did! =^_~= …stupid flamers…. Thanks!Leilal5rose: *laughs* Hai! I am, I am! *tries to keep them coming-drawings getting in the way.* Thanks! Eoko: *sweat-drops* Eh-heh…. Yeah… snatches chocolate from Eoko and hides it quickly* *blushes* Yeah well…. It's good to see you're back…*caughs* Now I know why it took you so long to reply! =^_^= Er… anyway… I don't know what to reply to-you've said so much… and half of it isn't even to me! =^_^= *laughs* Alright you two, lets play nice… *pushes Eoko and Spryte apart* Eh! And I'm not taking sides-you two can battle this out yourselves! *puts on ref. outfit and waves little cheer flags around, blowing whistle* =D Ecchivalentine: Uhh, well, I don't know what to say about my punctuation, don't complain, I'm probably one of the best writers out there as far as punctuation and spelling is concerned-a few mistakes in nothing compared to other's crap-er… uhh… hehe, wonderful works of art… *gags* As far as helping me is concerned-I've actually already finished this fic, but uh, thanks anyway. I'm glad you still like it so much-even with all its 'mistakes'. Thanks. Rxcspideyb: Well thank you, I'm glad you think that-I must admit-I never thought this fic would have become as popular as it is now! =^_~= Thanks! Mina Tsukiyono: *laughs* You know I never will, =^_~= but what are you gonna do when I finish posting this fic-it's already finished ya know? =^_~= Thanks! Jesse Michael: O.O Uhhh… *looks around frantically* Erm… don't cry…. *gets worried* I uhh, *looks at Eoko and Spryte* Help… Tenoko: Well thank you, I can write from pretty much any POV, so it's easy, but I know what you mean, reading something when nothing is right, is extremely irritating and a turn-off. Thanks! Aoede: Er-well, I think I have to side with Spryte on this one, I don't believe this has been used before-there aren't that many LinkxSheik fics out there anyhow. But thank you for liking it other than that-I don't know how you can, but ok! Bombay Koneko and Snowshoe Koneko: *laughs* you two are quite funny! I've never had reviewers quite like you two before! =^_^= *falls over laughing* You showed it to your family!? God, I can only imagine what they must have been thinking-I know my personal views and opinions on things don't… lay too well with others-they don't like my outspokenness. Boy, they must have had a heart attack! I would have loved to have seen their faces! =^_^= And yeah, somebody did say that Link was a fag-and they'll get an earful from it-you'll see *points down below your reply* Thanks! Spryte and Eoko: Heh-I was wondering when you two were gonna see that lame flamer. *grins* even though I knew you two would find them and kick them around a little for me-I still had to myself-and if anybody does get mad at Eoko writing that review-they can answer to me!!! *whips out Lionheart and pulls out an Ultima spell in the other hand, ready to kick anyone's ass who might pick on my precious 'regulars'* *growls*

*falls over laughing* Whoa! Now I have people camping out on the doorstep of my fics! Hmmm… *thinks* should we make this into a little street corner of our own-or perhaps my own little 'Garden' to hold all the reviewers for the time being? What do you think guys? *looks at Ine, Spryte and Eoko* On second thought-looks back at Eoko's review and blushes furiously* *eye twitches* No, I don't think so, *closes, bolts, barricades and locks up any and all entrances to room* My room, Seifer… *grabs a hold of Seifer possessively* is mine!-not for any of your… *inches away from Ine drooling all over the place* perverted eyes… *glares and growls at anyone trying to get close to my Seifer* I'll bite…

Ok!! Drum-roll please!!!!! Now the moment you've all been waiting for-Flames!!

Even though they attempted to review kindly-AFTER criticizing me, it didn't work. This is to 'Angrey Reader'. You're quite unlucky to have caught me at a bad time right now, though, well, I don't think I would have been happy about it anyway-even if I was in a good mood. Like I say to other reviewers-even ones that aren't reviewing to my fics-IT'S NOT NICE TO BE AN ASS TO THE AUTHOR!!! I'm not even going to get into why you might think 'Link is a fruit', if you don't like the way I write Link or have enough common sense to realize WHY Link is the way he is in this fic, then don't read the damn thing or tell me, 'everything else if fine except for that.' I don't know why… do people just not read the bloody warnings? It's not that difficult and if you've, by some freakin' miracle, gotten far enough into the fic to establish some semblance of a plot, you would have seen the goddamn pairing, whether by accident or not. Do people just lose all common sense when they decide to be a shit-head to writers? It's like they have no brain… or maybe its just 98.9% of the population of Earth-I think almost all people are stupid anyway-the wonderful flamers that light up our days only make those stupid people worse. Well, now that I got6 that out of my system, I feel better. And don't review with the name 'angry (or angrey-if you're gonna flame or review, write your name properly dumb-ass) reader… that just pisses the writer off even more.

Now, for those of you who wish to see my fanart that I drew for this fic… you can go to AnimeX.com, then go to the section called 'COMMUNITY', a little tool-bar will pop up and 'FANART' will be an available option to go to. All the pics are in the section 'Misc.' just go through the pages until you find my name-Squall-sama! =^_^= There should be four pics altogether. They are titled: Ancient Link, The Unveiling of Zelda, Goddesses of Hyrule, and Guardian's Love.

Oh, and a big thanks to all those of you who cheated and took a peak at my piccies already. ^_^ Thank you!!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~Part 9: Unbound Love~

"NOOOOO!!!!!!" Saria screamed as Naburoo fell to the floor and Ruto cried out in pain. Impa clutched a crying Zelda closer to her body, trying to fight the tears that threatened to consume her as well. Darunia shook his head and closed his eyes, walking out of the back room they all shared-he couldn't take it anymore. Saria stared, wide-eyed and shocked at the lifeless form of the Hero of Time, who now, would never return to this world or this beautiful body.... she silently sobbed with defeat; everything she had done to protect this young man had all been for naught. She shook her head, this couldn't have been happening…

Had this boy not been blessed with the true power of all three Triforce pieces? Wasn't he supposed to be the carrier of this true power and the defender of those who needed it? He couldn't 'die' before that power was passed on to another! Not now!! Saria was suddenly overwhelmed with all the sadness and anger she had been holding in and grabbed the lifeless shoulders of Link's dead body and began to shake it violently, screaming at it, as if Link could really hear her.

"No! No, Link, you can't-you cannot die! You can't!! God Link, don't you see? This isn't your destiny… living, helping… loving Sheik is what you're supposed to live for!! You are the barer, the carrier of the true Triforce! Not Zelda, not Ganondorf, not some estranged Goddesses! You! You are the one that has to live… you are the one that has to keep fighting, and you are the one that must never give up in the face of the undefeatable! Please Link, don't die… you cannot die, you cannot!!!" Everyone watched with horror-struck shock as Saria pleaded with an immoveable force, but they couldn't help but feel the same way as she-that there was still some hope and that Link could not die because, well, he was Link-Link, the Hero of Time and Courage. Then quite suddenly, a force so immense and overpowering that it hurt, attached itself to the Sages, and they felt as though they would be crushed by the immeasurable energy that surrounded them. Saria stared at Link's body for a moment then it struck her like lightning-this was Link! This power threatening to crush them was Link's power-the power of the True Triforce! He isn't dead! Saria turned around with great effort, yet still smiled and said,

"It's Link. This power is coming from Link-he's not dead, he is using the power of the True Triforce and he's fighting back! He's fighting back and he's not dead!!" Tears of joy rolled down Saria's chubby little cheeks as the other Sages contemplated what the little Sage just said. Link is not dead…

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

A pile of rocks and rubble was the only thing left of the Hero of Time and that irritating Sheikah. As the dust settled and cleared, Ganondorf forced himself up, off the ground where he had been thrown from his own attack and he slowly sauntered over to where the two boys should have been. He smiled wickedly down at the pile of rubble that covered the two impetuous adolescents, That was almost too easy, he thought. Too bad… he thought, I didn't get to have one of them though… they were so young and innocent… A wicked gleam shone in his dark eyes as he laughed cruelly and started to walk away.

Suddenly Ganon stopped. He slowly turned back around, eyes unusually wide and enraged fear showing in them as he stared at the pile of rubble the two boys were beneath and it started to shift again. Ganon took a step back, staring in disbelief at the rocks that fell from the pile and how it raised ever so slightly, as if something-or someone was trying to get out from underneath.

"Impossible…" Ganondorf whispered as the pile heaved higher and higher each time and it seemed a light glowed inside the rocks as well, coming from one of the boys? Ganondorf raised an eyebrow and could only continue to stare as the pile of rubble raised and lowered and shifted around. How could anybody have survived a blast like that-especially that pathetic boy…? Not even Ganondorf himself could have survived a head-on blast that extensive… this had to be a trick. Then, without warning, a sudden rise in energy coursed through Ganondorf's veins-but not of his own, no, this energy was that of another-the power so immense that it even radiated throughout Ganon's body.

Suddenly the energy sky-rocketed, causing Ganondorf to stumble back from the sudden overwhelming power surge. He frowned and stared back at the pile of rubble which unexpectedly exploded in all directions, forcing Ganon to brace himself from the rocks and energy wave. When Ganondorf lowered his arms he looked up slowly and almost had a heart-attack when he saw Link, standing within a sphere of energy-his own energy, and the boy Sheikah lying in the Hero of Time's arms, unconscious. It took Ganon a moment to notice that, although this was the Hero of Time he had fought only recently, the blonde boy looked very different…

The traditional green tunic that had been torn from the boy's body had now been replaced with a long flowing overcoat that touched the ground in the front and curved up high in the back; it was tight to the boy's firm torso and arms and it flared out at the wrists leaving room for movement. It folded into a dark green collar around the neck and the border of the cloak trailed down with the same dark green. The rest of the mesmerizing material was a dark, midnight purple color, with the exception of the arms which was the same dark green as the collar and trimming. He wore no undershirt, nothing to leave to the imagination, showing off those firm, powerful muscles; the long cloak was only bound together at the waist with a long golden chain that hung loosely at the ends. Skin-tight black leather pants clung to Link's tantalizing thighs and calves like a second skin, with the top button of the shiny pants left undone to draw even more attention to his midsection.

Knee-high, lace-up, black leather boots covered his lower legs and feet providing an even more dominatrix look to the boy. He wore fingerless black leather gloves, and a tight black choker topped the whole luscious outfit off. He was without the silly green hood to conceal his beautiful golden locks of hair and now the usually short ponytail flowed freely down Link's back, almost touching the ground; it was bound at his neck by a dark purple tie to keep it from getting in the way. Now, in place of the traditional blue hoops he wore in his pointed ears, long dangly earrings replaced the boring adornments and three more hoops were added along the pointed appendages. The boy was a work of art, and Ganondorf couldn't help but gape openly at the gorgeous young man-his arousal and need pulsing to forefront; Ganon openly let his eyes trail over the breathtaking deity and when his eyes landed on those of the boy's he was beyond shocked: those piercing, expressive sapphire eyes were wide and openly staring back at him, but the real eye-popping aspect was the dark blue and purple make-up that outlined the boy's beautiful blue eyes.

The colorful, sparkling face-paint swirled around the large eyes and flared out on the sides of his face, then curled back in around the delicate, high cheek bones. Ganondorf continued to stare-he just couldn't tear his eyes away from the stunning creature before him… how could this breath-taking beast be that troublesome brat? The mysterious boy let out a long overly exaggerated sigh of uninterest when it seemed the hulking monster before him would not stop gaping at him. 'Link' looked away and turned his face down to look at the unconscious boy in his arms; he stared for what seemed like an eternity-he could do that if he were given the chance-the boy was beautiful. A soft, serene feeling enveloped 'Link' once more and his features softened and a small smile played at the edges of his rosy-pink lips… he would protect this boy, the Child of the Goddesses with his life.

Ganondorf frowned at the way the mysterious new Link was staring at the Sheikah-he didn't like it; as he watched with enraged interest, the golden shield that had been protecting the two boys when they immerged from the rubble was fading, then quite suddenly the shield flared up once again to become even stronger than it had been before. Ganondorf jerked back and blinked before he realized what had just happened-the boy that looked like Link was now glaring daggers at Ganon and the energy within and around the golden shield was escalading higher than Ganondorf could have ever dreamed his power to be. He watched in disbelief as the radiant energy grew so immense that it could be seen swirling around the two boys and Ganondorf knew it all came from the blonde boy once known as Link. There was something about this mysterious creature-something ancient and wise, it was Link, yet it was not Link…. Ganon couldn't put his finger on it-he knew this creature from someplace long ago.

Then the beautiful creature spoke-its voice deep with anger and knowledgeable age of an Ancient being. He sounded like the old Link but older-wiser.

"You have harmed the one creature I care for with my life. I have and will die for him if necessary… we have been bound together throughout time itself and you… you vile, immoral monster, you have to come back in every lifetime, every world and destroy us-tear us apart! I will not forgive you for what you have done to Sheik…. You will haunt us no more and never again will you separate our hearts or souls from each other! He belongs to me as I belong to him and you will never come between that again!!" With that said, the new Link threw an energy blast at Ganondorf who was not expecting that and he was thrown back against the same wall he was thrown against before. He lay on the ground a bit stunned at first by what had just happened, but before he could push himself up, another blast of energy was thrown against him and the wind was completely knocked out of his body. Ganon lay on the ground, stunned from the sudden attacks and he had no time to register what was happening when he felt his whole body being crushed-but by what? He could see nothing touching him but he could feel the icy cold fingers wrapping themselves around his body and squeezing the life out of him… just as he had done to Sheik. He managed to look up into the coldest most emotionless gaze he had ever seen and he knew he was going to die at the hands of this killing machine if he didn't do something quickly.

'Link' sneered down at Ganondorf and he forced the fingers of his power to tighten their grip around Ganon's thick body; he would not let this monster tear Sheik and himself apart again-no matter the cost. The cold merciless gaze of the new Hero of Time hardened and he raised an eyebrow when Ganon started to struggle against his invisible bonds. How pathetic, he thought… how could somebody this worthless and unjust have ever been such a problem to them before? 'Link' just kept staring, his gaze becoming even more unnerving, then something inside of him just clicked and he let go of the death-grip he had upon Ganon's body. He blinked and frowned at himself, what was that? Why am I-what is going on? Link looked around and couldn't figure why he was standing when he had been shot by Ganondorf just moments ago and…… he looked down, Sheik was in his arms-alive?

Link had no idea what was going on… and why was he wearing these strange clothes? Link took an unsteady step back as he tried to assess what the situation was and why. Then Ganondorf started to cough and he rolled to his side, straining to catch a breath, Link's eyes darted towards the man on the ground and his confusion only grew when he saw how bad of shape Ganon was in. Who-? Link stared as Ganon pushed his body up and slowly turned to face him; who ever had done this to Ganondorf wasn't here now and if he wanted to live, he had to get himself and Sheik out of this place because Link knew he wouldn't be that lucky again.

Then Ganon looked up and… was that fear Link saw? Link was almost as surprised to see that emotion in Ganondorf's eyes as Ganon was to have suddenly been let free of the spell that 'Link' had cast upon him. Ganondorf frowned angrily and stood up quickly, towering above Link and glaring down at the boy. Link swallowed hard and backed away, clutching Sheik's body to his own-how was he supposed to get out of this one? Ganon glared at Link trying to figure out what was going on and when he saw the telltale fear that he had always seen in Link's eyes before, he knew there had to be something wrong-this boy standing before him now was the Link he had fought and lost against in Hyrule… but the Link he had faced just moments ago had no emotion, no fear in his ice cold eyes and he was going to kill Ganon-for good, if not for……

"Who are you…?" Ganon asked carefully; he didn't want to upset who ever that other Link was, again… not yet at least. Link raised his eyebrow, confusion very evident in his features; why would Ganon ask something like that when he knew very well who Link was?

"W-what is this now… are you actually trying to strike up a civilized conversation with me? Forget it!" Link backed away some more as he back-mouthed Ganon-he didn't want to be within range of those giant fists if Ganondorf lost his anger again. Ganon glared suspiciously at the boy before him, was this child trying to play a trick on him?

"Do you lie to me boy!? What was that just now? You almost… killed me!" Link was taken aback! He almost killed Ganondorf? How…? Ganon could see the confusion in Link's eyes and he began to wonder if the boy even knew what he was talking about… could another being inhabit the boys body-or spirit form as he was now? Perhaps another spirit accidentally fused with the brat without him knowing it had happened… no, that couldn't be it-he was too intoned to the sensitively of one's soul or another… another personality?

Yes, that had to be it! But, how could something that venomous come from something so sweet it would give you cavities? Ganon knew he had to watch out for this 'other personality', but it would be difficult to do when he did not know how it came about… what provoked the evil side of Link to come forward? Ganon could not figure out how to keep the other side of Link from showing itself and he could not afford to not attack the boy if that be the cause of appearance from 'evil Link'. Ganondorf growled and glared back at Link who was staring right back at him, then Ganon smiled suddenly and Link narrowed his eyes-this was all just too strange.

Then quite suddenly Ganon leapt towards Link and would have hit the boy had he not been watching the man. Link stumbled back, a bit bewildered and he glared at Ganon who glared back at him with that same damn smile he always has. Ganondorf threw all caution to the wind as he lunged at Link again and did manage to nick the boy's soft cheek, making a tiny scratch, just deep enough for it to bleed. Link growled but had no time to counter the attack when Ganon was right behind that last one, all Link could do was dodge all of Ganon's attacks; he didn't have his sword and Sheik was in his arms as well so that kind of put a damper on the situation. Link continued to dodge all of Ganon's attacks quite gracefully, to his and Ganondorf's surprise, but he was slowing down and Ganon saw that, so, wasting no time, Ganon summoned another one of his black-magic spells and thrust it towards Link before the boy could completely recover from one of his other attacks.

Link saw the black ball heading towards him, he knew it would hit them again, it was just like before, yet he didn't know how he and Sheik had been protected…... Sheik…… Sheik… Out of nowhere it seemed, all of Link's thoughts were filled with Sheik. He had felt this way before, he knew he did… right before Ganon attacked them with that giant energy ball…? And Link shielded Sheik's body with his own… then he… kissed Sheik…… and he became that monster, that killing machine, just as powerful as Ganondorf-no, stronger! But this was the only way he could defeat Ganondorf permanently, and the monster that the beast was, deserved it-for once somebody deserved no mercy and no second chances…

Just as the black energy ball was going to hit Link and Sheik, Link spun around and took the hit, summoning the golden shield at the last second, causing Sheik and himself to go flying across the room and smashing into the pile of rubble that had collapsed over them in the last explosion. Ganondorf placed his hands on his hips and laughed loudly in that tauntingly wicked manner. This was too fun to torture the boy who didn't even know what he himself had done to Ganon. He watched as the dust settled once more around Link and Sheik and he waited a moment to see if the boy would try to get up again, but there were no movements. Ganon narrowed his eyes and waited…

Link cracked open his eyes and stared at nothing in particular for a moment, then his gaze fell on Sheik who was still in his arms, looking the same except for a new cut on his cheek that was now bleeding. Link's rage took a turn for the high-rise and the anger in him flared in his eyes; that bastard had hit Sheik in the attack-Link couldn't protect him from it completely. The same ice cold gaze glazed over Link's eyes again as he berated himself for not being able to protect Sheik and cursing Ganon for harming his love. This man was going to die, and this time Link would show no mercy.

Ganon watched cautiously as Link nor Sheik moved but he was taking no chances, waiting for the boy to move first-if he could move at all. Then he saw Link stir slightly, the muscles in his back shifting, and then an arm was placed over Sheik's body. Ganon frowned but was startled out of his quiet contemplation when Link shot a glare at Ganondorf and instantly, Ganon knew that this was the 'evil Link' he did not want to face. He watched as 'Link' rose with such fluid grace it made a panther look like an elephant in mud and the boy leaned over slowly and gently pulled his injured lover into his arms. Link straitened his body, Sheik now safely within his embrace and he turned to face Ganondorf one more time.

Ganon took an involuntary step back, struck cold by that calm, enraged gaze. There was no way out of this one… the only way he could possibly have even the slightest chance would be if he could trick 'Link' again, but he knew that wouldn't happen with the evil side in control. He had to buy himself some time to complete his Shadow attack again, then he could defeat the boy. 'Link' watched with annoyed boredom as Ganon just stood there, making himself look like a coward and fool for not fighting like he should… but he was a coward, he only bullied the ones that were weaker than him, because he knew he was weak and he could never beat Link, even if his pathetic life depended on it. 'Link' smiled… now Ganondorf knew how he and Sheik and Zelda and all the other's that he had harmed, felt.

Ganon raised his eyebrow and glared at 'Link' as a wicked smile crossed those luscious pink lips… what was this boy up to? 'Link' just stood there and watched as Ganondorf prepared for his attack; Ganon just grew more confused when the stupid kid wouldn't move-didn't he know that he was about to be blasted to pieces if he didn't move? Then the evil Link did something that Ganondorf never thought he would ever see someone do: 'Link' gently lay Sheik down on the ground, right before his feet and as he stood back up, a knowing smile graced his lips and he slowly stretched his arms out to either side of his body and stood there, very obviously making himself as vulnerable to the attack as was possible-he even took down the golden shield that had been protecting Sheik and himself. Ganondorf gave 'Link' the 'Are kidding me?' look, then smiled and shrugged, intent on the easiest rout if the stupid boy was. 'Link' just smiled back and watched as Ganon 'powered-up' and added more energy to his attack in hopes that it would harm or kill the Hero of Time.

Link watched intently as Ganon grew slightly bigger and more radiant with energy, but 'Link's' gaze drifted down to Sheik who lay peacefully at his feet, a soft calming expression marking his beautiful features. 'Link' cocked his head to the side slightly and his smile softened and the venomous, evil look had been replaced with that of pure adoration and love for the silver-haired boy below him. I'll get you home soon my love, I promise… 'Link' kept his gaze on Sheik until he felt Ganon's power burst outward suddenly and he quickly brought his eyes back up in time to see that same, giant black ball of energy that Ganon had used on Sheik and himself at the start. Perfect.

'Link's' wicked smile returned and he could hardly wait for Ganon to throw that energy ball at him-he wanted that thing to come to him. But it seemed Ganon was waiting for something, he was hesitant and 'Link' was becoming impatient, so he decided to push Ganondorf just a little.

"I'm ready whenever you are my friend… come on, you can do it… just throw it, and you will finally be rid of me and my 'precious Sheik'…. Go ahead, you can do it!" Even if Ganondorf was two times crazier than he was now, he would still have seen the lack of sanity in 'Link's' eyes… that boy was more nuts than he was! But that got the desired reaction out of the man, and as that same evil smirk crossed Ganondorf's lips, he hurled the giant ball of energy at 'Link' and Sheik. Link smiled almost psychotically and dropped his head back, as if smiling up at the Heavens that didn't exist… or the Goddesses that tortured him so. Well, he would show them how worthless he was, and he would save Sheik and destroy Ganondorf just like he should have so long ago. This was his chance, and he would prove it to them, to the Sages, to Princess Zelda and to the ungrateful world above.

Link snapped his head forward again and his eyes seemed to glow with the power that grew within him; he watched as that giant energy ball closed in on him and it seemed everything moved in slow motion as the Shadow attack collided with 'Link's' body… but it did not explode, like before…. Ganondorf frowned and he couldn't believe his eyes when 'Link' brought his arms and hands around the giant energy ball and was holding it in place right before him and Sheik. Ganondorf saw that the attack was just shy of actually hitting the two because 'Link' somehow prevented it from moving forward; how could this boy have stopped that attack…? But before Ganondorf had a chance to think about it a sinister laugh echoed throughout the large 'throne room' and Ganon realized it was coming from the evil Link standing before him. His dark eyes widened and as he watched the dark ball of energy slowly being lifted above 'Link's' head, all Ganondorf could do was stare in horror-struck shock.

'Link' smiled deviously at Ganondorf and in those few slow seconds, it hit Ganondorf like a ton of bricks, he knew he was not going to live and Link, whether he be evil or kind, was finally going to kill him, as it was and has been the Hero of Time's destiny. Ganondorf swallowed the lump that had been sitting in his throat and he could do nothing but watch his inevitable demise as 'Link' threw the giant Shadow attack back at its creator… and he could do nothing to stop it-all of his energy had been used to create the attack…. But, the Great Ganondorf wouldn't be defeated that easily; with his final breaths', Ganondorf mumbled one final counter-spell to be triggered when he was 'defeated', this would keep that retched boy from ever leaving this hell… alive. As 'Link' threw the energy ball he felt another small surge of energy spark from Ganon, he smiled, knowing the evil man was trying the same trick he always used to keep Link from getting away unscathed, but this time, Link would escape, harm-free and with his prize-Sheik. And just as Ganondorf's own attack collided with his body and the wave of energy from the blast swept back, threatening to knock 'Link' over, the boy smiled and cast his golden shield around Sheik lest the precious boy be harmed any further.

Suddenly everything died. 'Link' felt Ganondorf's life-force just, die. He was gone, his wicked soul finally departed, and the Great Ganondorf was… dead. 'Link' squinted his eyes through the dust covered room and his hair whipping around furiously in the wind of the energy blast, trying to find Ganon's body or anything that might have remained of the evil man, but nothing was left in the wake of the awesome blast… possibly because of the fact that, before 'Link' sent the dark energy ball back at Ganondorf, he infused it with much of his own power-the true power of the Triforce. When the winds of the energy calmed, 'Link' gazed around the room, for any signs of Ganondorf, but nothing could be found of the horrid man….

'Link' smiled, it was finally over, Ganondorf was finally gone, and everything could be as it was-only better because now Sheik would be with him and nobody could harm them again. 'Link's' smile softened at the thought of Sheik and he looked down only to find Sheik's body almost transparent, as if it was vanishing. 'Link' grew frantic and he fell to his knees, mindless of the pain and lifted the disappearing Sheik into his arms. His emotions running back to him in a current of fear and pain that he was going to lose Sheik again; this couldn't have been happening, after everything he had gone through to get Sheik and now this boy was leaving him again! Link grit his teeth to keep those hateful tears from flowing free but it was no use as he yelled at Sheik and clung to the shadow boy for dear life.

"No, no… Sheik, you can't-you can't leave me again…… Not again-NOT AGAIN!!!! Sheik don't leave me!! Don't leave me; don't leave me now, please… please? Please, Sheik, please… please…" Link didn't even hear the mindless pleading he was whispering to Sheik, all he cared about was that the boy didn't leave him, but the inevitable could not be avoided as it seemed the beautiful Sheikah just disappeared, leaving behind not a trace of his existence except the keen wailing and sorrowful tears of his lover left behind. Link opened his blurry eyes and when he saw what he already knew to be true, he lifted his head to whomever was above and let out the most heart-wrenching and mournful cry anybody ever could have. He crumpled down to the floor in a defeated heap and cried away is anguish and sorrow and pained love for the boy who he would have died for, what was he to do now, now that there was nothing to live for and nowhere to go except down? Link rolled over onto his back and stared up at nothing, the tears falling silently down his cheeks as all the events that had just occurred coursed through his mind like a raging river. But the one thought, the one event that his memory kept leading right back up to was the loss of Sheik-again.

Link frowned and couldn't help but let a new flood of tears overwhelm his senses again-he was defeated, just as much as Ganondorf was now, and there was nothing left for him…. He couldn't go back to Hyrule, and even if he could, what was there left for him except more cruel accusations and more heated glares from all of the ungratefuls above...? Nothing. Link sneered at himself and couldn't help but laugh heartlessly at his life and situation, Saria probably wouldn't even try to bring him back now… now that he had failed. Link just wanted to die… funny thought considering he was already dead, but he didn't want to be a lost soul wandering the rest of eternity like those Poes he used to catch all the time-not like Ganondorf.

At that thought suddenly, he felt a warm sensation envelope him and he grew frightened; was that what was really going to happen, was he going to become a Poe? Then Link felt his body being lifted by some invisible force and the next thing he knew he was standing up and a bright light was surrounding him. He wasn't given a chance to question what was happening and before he knew what was happening, he was being lifted from his feet into the air…. Link remembered when Ganon had done very much this same thing but this was much more comforting; just as that thought left his mind, it seemed someone else read it and Link stopped abruptly-he felt himself being pulled, but he was not moving, then it registered: Ganon's final spell, his last attempt at defeating the Hero of Time. As the counter-spell fought to hold Link back from leaving this 'hell' as Ganon called it, he grew enraged and once more, that dark side of him came forward, showing the true anger and hurt Link was feeling.

'Link' craned his neck around and his eyes glowed with that evil gleam again and suddenly he just yelled out his rage, sending an enormous and incalculable blast of energy out in all directions immediately freeing his bonds from the pathetic counter-spell Ganondorf had cast. He soon felt his body being lifted higher again and all he could do was wait for whatever it was that was taking him away to deliver its punishment upon him.

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

Saria was smiling, overjoyed that Link had finally, truly defeated the Great Ganondorf. It was finally over, but now the hard part, bringing Link back. Everyone else could feel that Ganondorf was gone as well and they all gathered around Link's lifeless body and Saria, making a circle around the two; Saria closed her eyes, but as soon as she did they shot back open, confusion and fear written across her face. Naburoo frowned and leaned forward.

"Saria, what is it? What's wrong?" Saria just sat there, staring off into the open space, not moving for what seemed like forever. Then Naburoo leaned forward again and gently shook Saria's shoulder, snapping the young sage out of her trance, but it seemed, when she just stared at Naburoo as if she had never seen the Gerudo in her life, that she had no clue what was going on.

"Saria? What's the matter, you look like you've seen a ghost." Saria blinked and she snapped out of her trance-like state and the saddest frown crossed her sweet features. Everyone around her suddenly grew very worried for the Kokiri child and they began to wonder what exactly it was that she saw.

"Little One, what is it? What did you see just then in your mind? It must be something grave for such a sad face? Tell us, child." Impa inquired, but Saria just stared at her as well, blinking a few times within the confused state she was in. then Saria tipped her head to the side slightly and in a very hushed, innocent voice, she whispered,

"Link isn't coming back…" Everyone blanched; all too shocked to even react properly. Saria continued slowly, "… but, he won… and saved Sheik…." Once again, all of the Sages were beyond shocked when they heard the news. "Sheik, is coming back… he's been given a second chance and was allowed to live again-on this plain with everyone else… but… Link isn't with him, that was the reason why Sheik was saved in the first place…. Now they won't be able to be together…" Darunia, being the only one able to handle what was being said, questioned roughly,

"But, why!? Why is Link not coming back here… and where is Sheik?" Saria slowly turned her head to face Darunia and just stared at him as if he spoke in the Goron's native language. Then it seemed to register and Saria replied, "Because the Goddesses did not think Link worthy of staying in this realm, he did not deserve that privilege…. They took him from the Underworld and he now remains within the realm of the Goddesses for them to judge him-whether he is truly worthy or not. Sheik……" Saria looked around for a moment, not finishing her sentence, then she turned back and said in the eeriest voice any of the Sages had ever heard, "… is here…."

All of the Sages sat up abruptly, looking around frantically for the boy Sheikah whom Saria said was within the very room they were in. Frowning, seeing nothing, the Sages all turned to stare at Saria questioningly, she just sat as still as she had been, staring at nothing, knowing she was right and waited. All of the other Sages were still uncertain though and Ruto was about to question Saria again when they felt the unmistakable presence of the mysterious boy Sheikah. They all turned in the direction where his presence could be felt and stared, as, out of nowhere it seemed, the beautiful, lithe body of the boy whom Zelda took disguise as, materialized right before their eyes.

The Sages were in awe… they could only gape at the beautiful creature before them-unmasked, and flawless. He was, for lack of a better word, perfect… thank god he had been given his traditional garb back before he was given his new body too…. None of the Sages, save Impa, had ever seen Sheik without his mask, and he was gorgeous; even Darunia felt a slight attraction to the… silver-haired boy…. Wait, why does he have silver hair? The same thought seemed to cross all their minds at once, and they all blushed as they found themselves just staring at the beautiful creature before them.

Sheik on the other hand, didn't even seem to acknowledge that the six Sages before him were even there; he stood stark-still with his eyes closed and a calm, serene expression becoming his features. Then he slowly cracked open his brilliant blood-red eyes and everyone was left breathless…. Perfect. Sheik let his eyes roam over everyone and everything, taking in his surroundings and situation when his red eyes fell on Link's lifeless body. Sheik's eyes widened considerably and he ran to his beloved, taking the steps two at a time and jumping over the pedestal that the Master Sword occupied once before.

The Sages all backed away immediately, except for Saria who stayed right by Link's side as Sheik fell to his knees and cradled the dead form in his strong arms. Sheik frowned in shock and fear, he did not understand why he was here and what was going on, and what was worse, Link wasn't with him… or at least he wasn't alive. This body was the shell of Link's soul, why was he not here, what had happened to his body!? Sheik moaned and whimpered for Link, caressing the soft features of the pale face… then he looked up at Saria, who watched him calmly as he moved.

"Wha-how did I end up here…? Why is Link like this…? What happened to his body!?" It took Saria a moment to answer Sheik-his voice was so hypnotizing and alluring, but she snapped out of the trance his voice put her under and she answered smoothly,

"You are back on the planes of Hyrule…. Link has defeated Ganondorf and with his defeat, came your freedom… but, with a price……" Sheik's stomach lurched towards his throat and he visibly paled… he gaped at Saria for a moment then questioned,

"What… price might that be……?" Saria sighed heavily and lowered her face, unable to look Sheik in the eye as she told him.

"Link… after he defeated Ganondorf, was taken from the Underworld… by the Goddesses, to their realm, for his punishment and judgment…" Sheik shook his head in denial, Why, why would they do that? Why would the Goddesses take Link away… after everything he has done for these ungrateful people!? Sheik shot shocked eyes back up at Saria then stared back down at Link's body-so pale and cold…. This couldn't have been happening, he just got Link back, now only to have him taken away again?! And by the Goddesses of all creatures! Sheik could not bare anymore torture after what he had strived through-it was for Link damn it, not for himself, not for the Sages, not for the Goddesses! It was all for Link!!

Suddenly, in tidal waves of emotion, all that had occurred between the time he was captured to the moment Ganondorf was defeated by Link, came swarming back into his mind and soul and he cried out abruptly, coupling over Link's dead form and biting back the pained tears of regret and hate and pain that he felt. The Sages grew worried for the poor boy, wanting to help him in some way, but when Saria touched Sheik's shoulder, he jerked up abruptly and smacked her hand away fiercely, pure hatred the only emotion visible in his burning red eyes. Saria was hurt, all she wanted was to help the boy, but she understood how he must have been hurting-far more than she, Saria could see Sheik fighting back the hot tears of shame as they welled up in his blurred ruby eyes.

"Sheik…" Saria started but Sheik cut her off, rage oozing out with each word said.

"NO! No, I will not accept this-I will not!! This isn't fair! He came for me, he destroyed all hope of happiness by coming to that horrid place to save me, and for what?! For nothing!!!

"He's in the Goddesses hands now, they will never set him free…. He is going to be made to suffer for all eternity now-it is not bad enough that he had to try to please those who couldn't be pleased, and that you pathetic Sages did nothing but make him miserable in your existence, but now he has to endure the most painful torture imaginable!! Damn… no, he came for me…. We were supposed to come out of it all, alive-together… not separated and dying all over again! This is your fault!

"If you had not put Link through what he had to go through, and done it all yourselves, this never would have happened! I wish… I wish you never would have given me your body to share back then and just let me die! Now I have nothing to live for, nothing to strive for in my worthless existence…. I do not have Link……" Sheik broke down completely then, laying over Link's cold body, and just sobbed, and sobbed. He could hold back his tears no more than he could when Ganon had been torturing him; in a way this was possibly worse than the torture Ganondorf had put him through-how much torture could one living soul endure? The Sages could only stare, mortified at what Sheik had said and now, what they were witnessing…. It was too horrible, watching Sheik, a creature so strong and powerful, crying like a child that had lost its mother; clutching Link's lifeless body to his own for dear life, rubbing his dampened and flushed cheek against Link's still chest and crying out for the boy to come back to him. Ruto couldn't help but cry at the scene before her, Zelda was sobbing in Impa's arms and Saria fought terribly hard to hold her tears back as she turned her face away from Sheik; Darunia and Naburoo only stared, wide-eyed at what was happening.

"Link, you cannot leave me here!! You cannot let them take you! Don't leave me, don't leave me!!! I need you… oh, god I need you!! I need you Link, I need your arms, your eyes, your warmth! I need your soul!! Do not leave me!! COME BACK!! Come ba~ack…!" Sheik, cried, between each sob he called for Link, he screamed for the precious boy to come back to him… but it was no use-the Goddesses had already determined the Hero of Time's fate… nothing could change that and the thought made Sheik even more hysterical. Saria watched in horror as Sheik slowly lost his will and all life in his soul began to vanish… how-why was this happening? It seemed only now, that what Sheik said of them-the Sages and Link was true, how they used the boy for their own selfish desires. Nobody deserved that, not even Link-especially not Link… but why…?

All of the Sages were left to ponder that question as Sheik's cries and whimpering for Link to come back to him, filled the room and echoed throughout their souls and hearts with a reverberating pain that wouldn't go away…

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

'Link' glared around the vacant room, scanning the emptiness as if something might just pop out of somewhere that wasn't there and try to attack him. The room was completely white with rays of gold shining in every corner and the light was almost blinding-even though there was no source for the light to come from. But all the same, the room was suspicious and gave off an over-all 'creepy' feeling-'Link' didn't like it one bit. It didn't help that, one minute he was in the Underworld and the next he was in this pristine, sparkling, clean place… 'Link' would have preferred an introduction-an invite of the sorts, he didn't like not knowing where he was or what was going to happen. Then, as if reading his mind, the one single flaw in the room-the door, swung open and 'Link' just stared at it for a moment, raising his eyebrow, but he walked out anyway, taking that as the invitation he had been expecting.

'Link' stepped out of the room cautiously, taking in his surroundings with great intensity… but this room didn't seem much different form the last one he was in, the only difference was his Master Sword laying in the far corner of the room. 'Link' narrowed his eyes then walked over and picked it up, and sheathed it, now all he needed was his arrows, Maybe those will be in the next room… he thought sarcastically. Sure enough, as he exited the present room, he entered yet another pristine, stark-white room… with his bow and arrows laying on the floor much the same as the sword had been. 'Link' growled lightly, getting annoyed with these little games that were being played on him-he did not feel like playing right at the moment-he just wanted to get out of this strange place and get back to Sheik, make sure he was all right. After straitening the quiver and bow across his back, 'Link' walked for the next door, but when he walked through this one, everything went black.

'Link' spun around in all directions, not even sure if he was doing that-it was so dark, 'pitch' didn't even seem the appropriate word to use to describe the blackness he was standing in. 'Link' quickly grew frustrated with it all and he yelled out,

"What are you doing!? Where am I, quit playing these foolish games with me-I have no time fore this!!" Then the sweetest, most joyous voice he could have ever imagined, rang throughout his entire body, making him shiver it was so impressive. 'Link' frowned and growled again, bringing more laughter to echo around him, this was getting ridiculous.

"Damn it! Show yourselves! I know the Goddesses have summoned me, where are they!?" Then the laughter stopped and 'Link' was left in complete silence… but the darkness he was shrouded in, slowly began to fade away into the light that was present everywhere else except within this room. 'Link' watched as a crystal-clear blue sky formed above him, little fluffy-white clouds dotting the blue sky here and there; slowly, the black floor turned into a field of brilliant flowers as far as the eye could see. 'Link' watched in amazement as everything seemed to come to life right before his eyes-the flowers surrounding him each pink and blue and red and yellow… a soft breeze swept across the treeless plane he stood upon, adding to the effect of how secluded and alone he really was. 'Link's' shoulders fell, he hadn't realized why he had been brought here until now… but only when he watched the breeze sway the delicate little flowers about, did he see that it was his punishment for being so worthless and weak: he was to spend the rest of eternity here, in this place-alone.

'Link' blinked, taking in the repetitive surroundings very slowly, unable to believe that he would have to live in this lonely place forever…… without Sheik. 'Link' felt as though he would die-the thought of never seeing Sheik, after everything that he had gone through to get the boy, was too much and he fell to his knees, pain very evident in his beautiful features.

"No… I-I cannot live without Sheik…… I cannot live for an eternity knowing I could have been with him and yet, because of my foolish actions, I was denied that honor. Please, I… beg of you, do not make me suffer this torture without my Sheik, I have done so much just to look upon him, and now you tear me away from him…. I need him, I will die without the Sheikah by my side-don't you understand? I need him! Please, I will do anything, just-do not take me away from him!!"

'Link' put his hands to his head, leaning on his knees as he fought the urge to cry, how could every living creature be so damned cruel to him-he had done everything they asked of him-everything… and yet, it still was not enough. 'Link' shook his head ruefully and a small chuckle escaped his lips, then it turned into full out laughter, but not joyful laughter-laughter of loss and torment; the kind of laughter that would come from someone psychotic enough to find joy in a sick situation such as the one 'Link' was in now… and that was the kind of laughter bubbling out from 'Link's' throat-psychotic. He laughed and laughed until it all finally became too much for him to bare and he just broke down into tears, weeping miserably at the situation now. He fought to hold back the tears, but they just came, flowing even harder as his moans turned into pleading cries for someone to just give him a chance and a real life with something that would make him happy…. But no one answered.

"So… you wish to beg for forgiveness…?" The sudden, sweet, melodic voice surprised 'Link' into a standing position; he had his sword drawn and was ready to attack at a moments notice. Then a beautiful young woman abruptly appeared before 'Link'. He was taken aback by her beauty-even though he was not attracted to the female kind of any sort, he found this young woman absolutely breathtaking; She wore a fine silken dress that clung lightly but lovingly to her large breasts, petite little waist and delicate sex, flowing long behind her but just barely high enough in the front to see her delicate little toes; her skin was fair and very soft looking, adorned with a few bracelets on her left wrist-each bracelet skillfully crafted with gold and a few rubies dotted about within the gold, and a beautiful gold-chained necklace, wrapped thrice around her long slender neck, held a sacred cross made from the reddest ruby, topped the look off. She had the same slender, pointed ears as Link and they held within them, the same lovely, dangly earrings as 'Link' wore-only made from ruby as the rest of her jewelry was designed; a long curly strand of silken hair hung over the front of each ear, a few locks of crimson was pulled back by ruby-encrusted hair-clips, and her bangs stuck out sharply, much the same as Sheik's did. Finally her eyes, which were outlined just as 'Link's' were with red make-up, glowed radiantly-a bright ruby-red… exactly as Sheik's did.

'Link' blinked a couple of times, trying to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat… he hadn't realized it until he had finally taken in all there was to see of the woman, but all she wore, plus her hair, was red. The only color difference on her was the fine, silver streaks that ran through those long, silken locks of hair. After what seemed like an eternity of just staring, 'Link' finally got his voice back and asked,

"Who-who are you…? A-are you one of the Goddesses?" The beautiful young woman just stared back at 'Link', blinking those long curling lashes slowly, then she nodded elegantly. 'Link' found himself breathing too quickly for just finding out she was a Goddess, but this woman was to be his judge and mistress if he was to be condemned here for the rest of eternity. Then, as suddenly as the Red-Goddess appeared, two more women appeared… who looked exactly like the first. The only difference was, one wore green and the other wore a mixture of blues-just as the one wearing red did. They all looked at each other, then simultaneously turned and gazed upon 'Link' with such piercing eyes, it made 'Link' cower back slightly.

When he finally had a chance to see all of them together, he found he knew who each one was; even though they all looked exactly the same, he could tell by the colors they chose to wear: the first Goddess who appeared before him was Din, the green one was Farore, and the last of the lovely women was Nayru. 'Link' found that he liked Farore slightly more than the others-perhaps because she was Courage and she seemed to have a kinder aura about her. Then the Green Goddess spoke,

"I am sure you know who we are and why you are here…" It was more of a statement than a question, but 'Link' didn't seem to notice-he was too drawn in to her voice, as he was to Din's, but they both sounded the same, Nayru had to sound like them as well. When 'Link' realized he had been spoken to, he ran the words through his head then nodded it slowly.

"Then you must know that you have been placed here because you are being punished…" Nayru did not finish her sentence, as if there was not a good enough reason to give for Link's imprisonment. 'Link' frowned and waited for her to finish her sentence but she never did and 'Link' realized that what he was being punished for had also been seen as ridiculous in the Goddesses eyes as well, or why would they not speak of the reasons?

"Why am I being punished? Why have I been brought here?" 'Link' would not let, even the Goddesses leave him in this lonely place without a justifiable reason and even then he would protest. All of the women smiled sweetly and then turned to the side, Din and Farore flanking 'Link' on his left side and Nayru moving to his right. 'Link' looked questioningly at the three Goddesses, but as they pointed to the open space before 'Link' he turned to watch, as what looked to be a portal, appeared right before them and slowly, figures of people materialized within the portal. 'Link' squinted his eyes, trying to make out who it was behind the magical wall, when suddenly he heard a familiar voice, then another and another, until a chorus of familiar voices filled his ears, and he realized he was watching the Sages… and one other. When the ripples in the portal calmed and he could see everything clearly, 'Link's' eyes widened to an impossible size when he saw who the 'other' was-Sheik.

'Link' gasped and ran to the portal but was stopped when he realized he could not go through, only watch; he put his hands up on the glass-like magic water and sighed when Sheik lifted his head and stared directly at 'Link', as if he could see the Hero of Time as well as the said boy could see him. Then Sheik whispered Link's name softly and 'Link's' breath was taken away.

"…Link…?" 'Link' blinked and stumbled back slightly and could only gape at the beautiful boy before him-could Sheik actually see him?

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

As Sheik cried over Link's dead body for him to return, he felt a suddenly familiar presence-and a strong one at that. He slowly lifted his tear-stained face and what he saw before him took his breath away: Link, or someone who looked remarkably like Link, was standing right before him, only through a portal of the sorts and the blond boy was standing in a field of beautiful flowers, with, which was the shocking part, the three Goddesses standing right behind Link. Sheik could only stare wide-eyed for a moment then, Link's name left his lips in a strangled whisper, causing the said boy on the other side of the portal to jump back in shock. Sheik couldn't believe it, Link really was real, and standing there, listening to him! But then he frowned when he realized that the small Forest Sage, Saria was indeed correct-Link was now in the 'care' of the three Goddesses.

Sheik pouted and leaned forward, wanting to get as close as he could to the boy on the other side, even if they were worlds apart. Then a soft word abruptly escaped Link's lips and Sheik was frozen with heart-ache for the boy to return to him.

"Sheik…?" Was the only thing it seemed Link could say, but Sheik melted when his name left the lips of his lover. Sheik gently laid Link's cold body down on the stone floor and walked up to the portal and touched his fingers to it just as Link had done. Everyone within the room only stared in open-mouthed shock as they watched the silencing scene before them unfold. Sheik smiled sweetly when Link's featured softened and he looked about to cry; this would be how Sheik was going to get Link back-it had to be, he had no other choice.

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

'Link' choked out a sob and ran back up to the portal, putting his fingers over where Sheik's were placed on the other side, smiling sweetly at his lover. They both exchanged loving looks and wishful caresses over the portal-glass, but it just wasn't enough and the Goddesses could tell.

"Link, Hero of Time and guardian of the True Triforce, do you wish to stay by this boy's side and love him for the time you both shall live?" 'Link' turned back slowly, not taking his hands away from the portal and he stared back at the Goddesses then answered,

"Yes, I do. I would do anything to hold him in my arms…" As he spoke, he turned back towards Sheik and continued, "… and kiss his soft lips and whisper how much I love him, in his ears…. Yes, I do wish to spend the rest of our lives together…" 'Link' turned back to look at the Goddesses again but they all had frowns on their pretty faces, which scared 'Link', he didn't want to displease them and make them even angrier at him.

"Do you think you deserve his companionship?" Farore asked, 'Link' winced and realized, he wasn't going to be leaving without one hell of a fight-or pure luck. 'Link' lowered his head and said in a very hushed voice,

"No… I do not deserve his companionship, or his love… or kindness, or pity, or anything else from him. But I love him, and I am afraid I cannot help that…" 'Link' looked back up at Sheik and found that the boy was crying and 'Link's' heart broke at each silver tear that fell down those rosy cheeks. The Goddesses raised their eyebrows and Din continued,

"So, you think, because you love him, that it is enough of a reason for you to return to Hyrule and be by his side?" 'Link' frowned and turned back to look at the Goddesses.

"Isn't that enough? I know of no other emotion, no other force, no other reason worthy enough than love…. I do not know what you want of me, I can only tell you the truth of what I feel, and yet the truth is not enough for you…" Sheik watched with pleading eyes as the Goddesses contemplated what 'Link' had just said; how were they going to get out of this unscathed? Then Nayru asked again,

"Does this boy you are so fond of, care for you the same… or does he only see you as a way for release?" 'Link' was speechless; he didn't know what to say to that! He only knew he loved Sheik, he never thought about whether Sheik loved him back. 'Link' turned back to Sheik, fear etched all across his features, wanting the reaction he felt for Sheik to come from him, but Sheik only stared with the widest eyes 'Link' had ever seen on anyone before. When Sheik did not answer immediately, 'Link' felt his heart shatter into a thousand tiny pieces and his head dropped, shoulders slumped and he let the burning tears of shame and sorrow slip from his eyes. When Sheik had finally found his voice after that accusation, it was too late to say anything, for the Goddesses were already passing judgment on Link.

"Very well… the boy you love with so much passion does not love you in turn, so is your punishment: you must stay here for all eternity, to watch as your lover dies and is reborn in each new era, and to hold the knowledge that he does not care for you in any way. And you must do it, alone." 'Link' visibly lurched forward from those words; Sheik did not love him? He had to live in this 'hell' for eternity and suffer in watching his 'lover' day-in and day-out knowing the boy did not love him, yet he loved the boy with so much passion it hurt? 'Link' frowned suddenly, anger pouring out with his tears and he turned a heated glare up at Sheik, who leaned back in surprise at how venomous that look was-how could Link believe that? How could he ever think that Sheik didn't care for him-he did, with all his heart and soul! What were these horrible Goddesses doing to Link!?

Sheik gritted his teeth and glared at the Goddesses, he was not going to let them control him or his Link any more, this was going to end.

"NO!!" Sheik shouted angrily, causing all attention to be diverted towards him. "I will not let you make my decisions any longer! I love Link, and nothing you say or do will ever change that fact!! I would do anything for him-even die… and I did, but I would do it again, and again… and again if I had to!! I don't care if you are the three Great Goddesses that created our world and life, you are not our masters-you are our protectors and creators-our parents, not life-killers!! How can you do this to the one man, the one creature that has saved everyone's life at least once, how can you choose his fate so easily and destroy his life as if he were nothing more than a mere puppet?

"He is THE Hero of Time, you cannot replace that, no one can, yet you seem to think he can be so easily replaced and manipulated like you have done with him for so long…. Can you not see the torment you have caused this beautiful boy? He has done nothing but pleased others his whole life, and saved them from nightmares that could have been taken care of by supposed great Sages and knights-what happened to them, huh? Did you somehow conveniently misplace them too!? Leave this boy be and bring him back into my waiting arms, that is all I want and I know he does as well-he never would have gone through what he did to save me otherwise…"

Everyone stared at Sheik, shocked at what he just said, especially Link…. He turned back and looked at Sheik with pleading eyes, begging him silently for what he said to be true and not some cruel trick. Sheik cocked his to the side a little and a soft, serene expression crossed his face as he moved his hand up in a gesture as if to caress Link's cheek. 'Link' whimpered and broke down completely, laying his face against the portal, as if that placement would bring him closer to Sheik's touch. Tears of need and pain rolled down 'Link's' delicate cheeks, wanting nothing more than to be within Sheik's embrace.

The Goddesses all raised their eyebrows and shared looks, then turned back to face Sheik and Link.

"Sheik…" Din said gently; Sheik looked up at the Goddesses, then in synchronization, Farore and Nayru said Sheik's name as well, drawing everyone's attention. Din said Sheik's name one more time to begin her questions.

"Sheik… you have been upon this world for longer than any other…. Do you truly see those things happening to the Hero of Time?" Sheik frowned and replied almost immediately,

"Of course I do. And it is a crime to let it continue… have I come so far to have no power anymore, under the Goddesses as their child?" Link, now calmed from the power of the Triforce, blanched and he stared at Sheik with eyes wider than saucers, as did the Sages, though they knew Sheik really was the Goddesses child. The Goddesses all raised their chins, pausing for a moment before they continued.

"You have not lost your status as our son… but you have chosen to live among the mortals and that has weakened your life-force and powers in our eyes. Should we pardon the Hero of Time because you are our son?" Sheik, sneered and glared angrily at his 'mothers', they were not going to try and turn his ideals backwards.

"I have not weakened by living among the mortals here! If anything, I have become stronger and wiser in my multiple lifetimes of mistakes!! I am not saying you should grant Link his freedom because I am your son, I am telling you that you have to give him his happiness because he is the Hero of Time-Link. Because he deserves it!" Then, without warning, Saria jumped up and ran to Sheik's side and yelled,

"Yeah! Link deserves his freedom and happiness, for more reasons than can be described! He has done everything for everyone and you of all beings should honor that respectfully!" Link and Sheik, and even the Goddesses were stunned when Saria said that, but she wasn't the only one who felt that way, Impa, and Ruto, and Zelda, Naburoo and Darunia all walked up to the portal and glared defiantly at the Goddesses, daring them to keep Link within their peaceful hell-now the Sages finally understood fully, what they had done to Link and Sheik.

Link watched everyone with hopeful eyes and turned back towards the Goddesses, begging them silently for release; the Goddesses seemed to be a bit ruffled at the crowd of 'fans' Link seemed to acquire, but as they looked at each other for approval, each Goddess knew what the other knew and they understood what the Sages and the Hero of Time and their child wanted. Din, Nayru and Farore all turned to face the Hero of Time and each smiled at the frightened boy-their judgment upon Link decided…

"Link, Hero of Time, Guardian of the True Triforce… we the Goddesses of Hyrule, have determined your fate……" Link's face crumpled, he knew they would never let him go… now he would never be able to feel that soft touch of Sheik's fingers running over his cheeks-ever. "…We shall grant you life once more, within your physical body on the planes of Hyrule, with your love Sheik… for the rest of eternity……" Link barely had time to open his mouth in surprise before he was being thrown back into pitch darkness again and falling, falling, falling… falling.

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

Sheik stared as the portal disappeared, when it was gone, he immediately ran back over to Link's dead body, hoping the boy would arrive back within it soon…. But then Sheik noticed the gaping hole in Link's stomach and he paled, drawing Saria back over to his side.

"Sheik… what is it, you look like your going to be sick? Aren't you happy that Link will be returning?" Sheik shook his head slowly, making Saria frown.

"No… Link will die all over again… his body-it has not been healed." Saria's eyes widened and they darted down at Link's body, she slumped down and her mind began to race. Then she had an idea.

"Wait! I've got it! As soon as Link's soul is connected back within his body, then we will heal him with our power… does anybody have a fairy? That might help as well-if only a little, but we have to try…" Everyone nodded as Naburoo pulled a bottle with a fairy in it, out of her very large pants and placed the bottle on the stone floor next to Link's body and they waited. Sheik nervously brushed a few stray strands of golden hair away from Links face, lifting Links head onto his lap… as he did that though, they felt a sudden chill then an overwhelming warmth and before they could figure out where or what it had come from, Link's soul passed right down, before everyone to see, into his body…. But his soul didn't look like the Link they all knew-it was the Link with the True Triforce power, but he was smiling, and Sheik knew, either way, he was still Link.

Unfortunately, as Sheik had predicted, Link awoke with a pained gasp and immediately clutched at his wound, gasping for air while coughing up blood and crying from the pain. Sheik gripped Link protectively as all the Sages immediately circled the two boys and began to chant. Sheik opened the bottle with the fairy in it and the little pink bug went directly to Link's wound and circled around him giving Link all of her healing power until she vanished. Sheik tried his best to comfort Link as the Sages healed him, but he was in so much pain… and if the Sages didn't hurry, Link would die all over again, and they might not get the chance to convince the Goddesses to let him go again. Suddenly Link took in a deep breath and relaxed so completely, Sheik thought he had died for a moment, and he became frantic, picking Link up all the way and shaking the boy in fear that he had lost him again.

As Sheik shook Link though, the Hero of Time gasped again and moaned in his lover's arms; Sheik laughed and began to cry as he pulled Link to his body and slowly rocked back and forth, rubbing Link's back and soothing the boy with sweet words. Link brought his arms up to hold Sheik, not really understanding where he was and what was going on, but he felt safe and he wanted to hold onto that feeling for as long as he could, relaxing into Sheik's warm embrace unconsciously. Saria smiled at the two boys-they both looked so happy together, even if Link just came out of hell-literally. Saria turned back towards the other Sages and they all nodded knowing what she was wanting for the two boys, they all lifted their arms high above their heads and closed their eyes, chanting silently, praying for a safe place for the two lovers to live happily and peacefully, never to be harmed again, and in their wishes the two boys disappeared in a swirl of sparkles and dust, flying off to their new lives… together.

~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~

~owari~

Ahhhhahahahahaaaaaaa!!!! The end-the end-the end!!! Hee hee hee… actually, if I really had ended it there, I think all of my reviewers would hunt me down and kill me in the most painful ways…. *grins suspiciously*

Duo: too bad that wouldn't really happen….

*glares* What? You wanna run that by me again…?

Duo: *steps up, ready to strangle S.S.* Yeah! I'm not afraid of you!!

*grabs Duo's braid*

Duo: *grabs S.S.'s throat*

*Suddenly, Quatre bursts out of nowhere-as usual…*

Quatre: Oh! Everybody, please stop!! My poor Space-heart can't take this madness anymore!!! Heero, stop them!!!!! *big blue eyes water up and grow all wobbly*

Heero: *cringes at the pathetic look Quatre is giving him* Eh! Alright, just stop with that damn water-eyes shit already….

Quatre: *immediately sobers up and clasps hands together cooing,* Oh thank you Hee-chan!!! *glomps Heero*

Heero: *falls to ground with a Quatre annoyingly attached to him* Ack!! Get off me you leech! *whips gun out of somewhere inside very revealing spandex, pointing it at Quatre's head* Get. Off.

Quatre: *starts to water-up again* Oh Hee-chan! Don't be like that!

*Trowa just then walks out onto the scene, Heero sees him and points his gun at Trowa instead*

Heero: Get him off of me-NOW DAMN IT!!!

Trowa: *stares-unfazed* … *raises eyebrow* … *turns around and walks away* ……

Heero: *eye twitches* What the hell…? *looks back down at leeching Quatre* *sighs and just stays there on the ground, glaring at nothing while S.S. and Duo continue to squabble off in the distance*

Heavyarms: Ok! Since Master is kinda busy right at the moment, I will do the thanks! My master wanted me to thank everyone that has reviewed and might review in the future! With exception of a few stupid and mean flamers…. You have all been wonderful and so very kind and maybe a little creepy at times, but that's ok!!! Thank you, and my master hopes you enjoy his other ficcies as well, Bye-Bye!! *skips off in tu-tu*