Prologue: Watching Eyes

I spent many years of my life watching over the Hero of Time. One might have said too many, but who was I to argue with the wishes of the Princess of Destiny? I, a proud Sheikah, bound by duty and loyalty to the royal family, could not disobey.

The first time I'd seen the boy, I'd been skeptical. He was scarcely older than I, not more than eleven. He'd looked disheveled and confused, yet proud at the same time. He had, after all, sneaked by the castle's guards. I was perched idly on the roof of the castle, overlooking the courtyard at the time, and had listened intently, at first, to the conversation between the princess and the Kokiri boy. I was keeping an eye out for any hostility from him.

He said his name was Link. The princess smiled.

I decided that was sign enough for now that he was no threat. Zelda began telling Link of the Triforce, and I leaned against the warm roof and gazed at the sky. This was, after all, a legend I'd heard time and again. The princess laughed, as did Link, and I frowned. I was jealous, though I would not admit it. The Princess of Hyrule and the soon-to-be Hero of Time had time enough for fun, while I, one of the last Sheikah, had no time at all for anything besides duty. I'd never had a real childhood. I was eight; Sheikah grow up fast.

I watched Link from then on, keeping to the shadows and never once being seen. I did not do this out of interest. No, I found him quite plain and incapable of his own destiny. I did this because I was ordered to; quite similar to the reasons I did anything at all, really. I'd been ordered to silently watch over the Hero. So silently –and very bored, might I add –I watched Link assist the villagers of Kakariko and scale Death Mountain, something no one of his age would attempt. In fact, many grown adults would not climb the active volcano.

Once he found the way to blast the boulder out of the way, he entered Dodongo's Cavern, and I waited silently outside. The time I spent there waiting gave me time to think. This child –Link –showed more kindness than most people I knew, perhaps besides the princess. He was naïve, as well. Anyone with half a brain cell could tell that. However, Link seemed quick to adapt to the way the world worked outside of his forest. He had an immense amount of courage, as well. I feared it may get him killed one day. He appeared to have no skill whatsoever with his meager sword and shield, but he was more than willing to struggle with them for the good of others.

Night began to fall over Hyrule, and I began to worry. It had been hours since Link had entered the cavern. Soon, however, a blue light emerged at the mouth of the cave, and the child tumbled out of it. To say he was unscathed was an understatement. Silently I commended his now-apparent skill. Until, that is, the Gorons arrived and chased the poor boy away, not before handing over their ruby and declaring him their Sworn Brother.

He then headed for Zora's Domain; a long, uneventful trip from Kakariko. It took him a total of three days and two nights by foot. Alone, I would have made it in a day. I knew this gem would also not be easy for him to receive. I had been informed that it was in possession of Ruto, the Zora's princess, and that it was used as an engagement ring of sorts.

The princess was missing, and of course Link had to help. This led him to become swallowed by the damned giant fish that the Zoras revered, Lord Jabu-Jabu. I waited again, as there wasn't much I could do at that point. It took him longer to emerge this time, but again he materialized out of the blue light, along with Princess Ruto. I found that I rather disliked the fishy princess. The way she looked at Link and blushed, more than willingly handing over her most precious possession just didn't sit right with me.

Perhaps it had to do with the fact that he was finally starting to look mature. I imagined he could hold his own against the monsters of Hyrule with ease by now. The kid learned fast, I had to admit.

With all three Spiritual Gems, Link headed to the castle.

But it wasn't like it was supposed to be.

And all I could do was watch as Zelda and Impa fled; watch as Link opened the Door of Time and pulled the Master Sword out of the pedestal, subsequently opening the door to the Sacred Realm. I watched as Link collapsed to the ground, his grip tight around the sacred blade; watched as Ganondorf entered the Realm and took the Triforce. The evil being had even tried to take the Master Sword, but was unable to get his hand close enough. Instead he settled for kicking the child wrapped around it across the room. Laughing, he left the temple. All I could do was watch. I felt helpless. Hyrule was going to fall victim to the whims of this evil man.

Link, as it turned out, was not dead. His eyes were open and blank, but he was breathing, if not faintly. His body would not move. From what I knew of the Master Sword and the Sacred Realm, I deduced that the sword had sealed his spirit away to be kept safe until he was ready to become the Hero of Time. I played a short tune on my lyre to confirm this with Zelda. I was correct, but the situation worried the princess. There was nothing that could be done but wait.

Seven years passed. Seven years of pain and sorrow for the people of Hyrule. I spent many of my days spying on and murdering Ganondorf's followers as the Evil King rose higher to power. However, losing countless men did not phase him. Nothing stood in the his way. Nothing could. But in the seventh year of the tyrant's reign, there was finally a hope.

The Hero of Time had awoken. I was there when he woke. Inwardly, I was overjoyed. Finally someone who might stand a chance. My duty to the Hero had changed over the years he slept. I was now to guide him. No longer did I have to keep myself hidden. I stepped out of the shadows, silently.

“I've been waiting for you, Hero of Time.”

He drew his sword and spun around, aiming the blade at my throat. I did not flinch. Calmly I told him of the Sages and the temples, of what his mission was now that he had awoken. He did not lower his sword. Of course he would be suspicious of me; he had no idea who I was, and he could not even see my face.

“Who... who are you?” He asked slowly, quietly.

“I am Sheik, survivor of the Sheikah.” He still had not lowered his sword. “You really do look the part of the Hero of Time, now.”

“My name is Link,” he frowned, but lowered his sword. “What do you expect me to do, anyway?”

“Rescue the Sages, Hero. You must combine their powers with yours to defeat Ganondorf. Hyrule has been in ruin since Ganondorf stole the Triforce away...” My eyes wandered to the Hero's left hand where a light glow in the likeness of the Triforce appeared. It was as the princess had told me. Ganondorf did not possess the full Triforce.

The Hero seemed to be thinking about something. He began to turn away from me. “I think I know where one of these temples are. The one in the forest –I've been there. But I won't be able to get up to it.”

I smiled beneath my cowl. “Go to Kakariko,” was all I told him. He looked at me, expecting more of an answer, but I shook my head. My task was to guide him, not to tell him what to do. Frowning, he left the temple.

I waited for a few moments, then followed him out. The Hero didn't turn back; he rarely did. It was simple for me to slip into the shadows not far behind him and watch over him as he fought his way out of Castle Town, and into the bleak fields of Hyrule.

A short start to an idea that popped into my head recently. Hope it's enjoyed! :)