Chapter 1; Anita's POV
"They're coming in nicely, my dear…" I saw Ghirahim grinning at me from behind in the reflection of the mirror.
I glanced at my fangs in the mirror running my tongue across the sharp ends as Ghirahim brushed my hair. I enjoyed the prick of pain I felt upon pressing down too hard… I'd started developing more Demon-like traits lately, and my fangs and claws had started growing a couple of months ago, lengthening and sharpening over time. It would be another few months before they were fully developed. Thanks to the small half amount of Goddess blood running through my veins, the claws and fangs would most likely be the only visual signs of a Demon I'd show. The rest would merely be behavior; completely under my own control. Well… besides the cravings for blood I'd been having lately…
"You should stop that…" Ghirahim commented, running his fingers softly through my hair, and I purred happily, closing my eyes and resting my head against the dressing table. Ghirahim didn't understand how much I loved my hair played with seeing as he didn't enjoy his hair touched by anyone besides himself. It was calming for me, however, having someone play with my hair. He always wanted to brush mine-but mostly I think he just wanted to touch it. It sounds creepy, but it's most likely true…
"Master Ghirahim?"
Ghirahim glared at the slave that had entered, putting down the brush and finishing my hair. I watched as a long curl fell in front of my right eye, a golden curtain hiding half my face. "Can't you see I'm busy?" he smiled down at me as he crawled over me onto the bed, holding me down with his knees. I growled in protest, and he merely started tickling me. I hated it when he did that!
"M-Master Demise wishes to see you… in the throne room… it's… rather urgent, My Lord…" the slaves weren't used to seeing Ghirahim so… well… calm-which he always was with me.
Ghirahim sighed, rolling his eyes as he turned to glare at him. "Very well… we'll be there in a moment…"
"Finally!"
Master was turned away from us, blocking my view of… well… I couldn't see what it was… I could only hear the rattle of chains. My hearing had become sharper as well. I curtsied as Ghirahim bowed low beside me. "You wished to see us, Master?"
"Yes… I have something for Anita, actually… I thought you might enjoy it as well Ghirahim."
I snuck a glance up towards him, and I could see as Master turned to smirk at me… great… that was never a good sign… especially if he was talking about giving something to me… and then there was the fact that he was standing in front of chains! I saw Ghirahim go rigid beside me, looking at me from the corner of his eye. He knew as well as I did where this was all leading…
Master stepped forward, smirking at me all the while. I was trying to stay calm but… he moved out of the way, and I could see that the chains weren't merely hanging-they were holding something… someone…
"LINK?!" I stepped back in disbelief. Goddesses NO! This couldn't be happening!
"SKYCHILD?!" Ghirahim glared, before glancing up at Master.
"MASTER!" we were equally astonished.
Master chuckled lightly, glancing down at Link, who was staring wide eyed from Ghirahim to me. Ghirahim had started grinning happily-devilishly. I was trying to hold back tears as he grasped my arm in an attempt to hold me back.
Link looked at me in disbelief. "A-Anita… I… I thought you were…"
"What are you doing here?!" I kept my eyes locked on his.
He gulped nervously, looking up at Master hesitantly, "T-trying to… trying to find you…"
I heard Ghirahim growl angrily beside me, and I stepped between them, glaring at Ghirahim as I did so. I didn't know what to say…
"I… I knew the portal opened every morning so… so I went to the Sealed Grounds and just…" he shrugged, knowing he didn't have to continue. I knew the rest. "I missed you…"
"I… I missed you too…" Goddesses, I had so many questions! Zelda, Groose, everyone up in Skyloft… how they were doing, how much had changed…
Links smile turned suddenly into a frown, and his eyes grew wide as he studied me further. "Anita… Wha-what happened to you?"
What? "Link what do you…" my fangs… my claws… Goddesses! I quickly hid my hands behind my back, watching as Ghirahim chuckled at my nervousness. "I… nothing it's just…"
"You've… changed…" his expression was now one of… what? Horror? Disgust? I hadn't changed that much! How long had it been? A year? Two? Time escaped me, days interlacing with one another…
"Link… I… uh… I know what I must look like but…"
"You look like… like…him…" he turned a hateful glare towards Ghirahim, who gladly returned it.
"I…" I looked at Ghirahim, glancing down at myself. I suppose I did resemble him… perhaps…slightly… I took a step back, "No… I… I'm nothing like…"
"M-Maybe this was a mistake…" he turned away from me.
Mistake? I stepped back. I felt weak… disoriented… His words shouldn't have hurt… they shouldn't have but… it felt like a knife had slashed my heart…
Finding me was a… mistake?
Link glanced around for a moment, looking almost as if he wished to place his sight on anything else in the room besides me, before turning to glare up at Master hatefully. "You can let me go now." He started pulling on the chains.
"Oh please!" Ghirahim finally spoke up, smirking, taking a few steps forward. "You hardly seem to realize the predicament you're in, Skychild!"
"Predicament? I'm being held captive by a bunch of freaks! The only problem I can seem to think of is being forced to look at you!"
Goddesses, Link, don't be stupid!
Ghirahim growled low in his throat, stepping forward, his eyes gleaming with anger, hatred… no doubt built up over the years. Finally he got a chance to unleash it. "Why you little…"
I knew his intentions. "Ghirahim…" I pleaded, grabbing his arm, glancing from him to Master, who was chuckling at Link's attempts to break the chains. "M-Master let him go!"
He smiled at me, circling Link slowly; threateningly…"You know the agreements of the Treaty we issued with Her Grace, Hylia," Link stiffened at the mention of Zelda, "Any dweller of the Surface that enters my domain is mine-to do with as I please. It's a… pity," he paused, smirking down at Link's hateful glare, his own one of mere amusement, "that the first to fall should just happen to be her little Hero, isn't it? A bargain is a bargain…" his gaze fell on me, and my blood ran cold as he extended a claw towards him. Link simply watched with determination and resentment in his gaze…
"What about the bargain you made with me?" I stepped forward, anger fueling my actions. "A soul for a soul, Master, have you forgotten?"
"Anita…" Ghirahim hissed his contempt, glaring at me hatefully. Well great… now I was going to have both he and Master mad at me… not good…
Master glared, placing his hands to his sides, sinking down in his throne, all the while keeping a wistful eye on the prisoner beside him. It was a while before he spoke. "I am well aware of our deal, daughter…" he sighed, sending one final heated gaze towards me before he leaned back, growling in frustration. "…Very well… The Hero leaves at dawn!"
"DAWN?! Why not now? Going to torture me first or something?" Link started pulling harder at the chains.
"On the contrary… sadly…" Ghirahim growled rolling his eyes, "The portal opens at dawn only…" he waited for the message to sink in.
It did, and Link groaned, looking down at the ground. "I'm stuck here, aren't I?"
"A day and a night…" Ghirahim smiled, seeing how upset he seemed by it. "That shouldn't be too troubling… should it, Skychild?"
He glared, only making Ghirahim smile wider. So long as Ghirahim only struck him with harsh words, rather than a blade… I supposed I could deal with it… a little bit… it wouldn't be that long…
"Now… hmmm…" he glanced up at Master, still smiling. "As for accommodations…"
"No dungeon." I glared, and got an even harsher gaze in return.
"Master…"
I was really pushing Ghirahims limits… I couldn't help it! I didn't want Link harmed, and I certainly didn't want him down in the dungeons… I'd spent plenty of nights down there, and it was never a pleasant experience…
Master rolled his eyes, waving his hand in dismissal. "I think you can put your hatred aside for a few hours, my Sword… I agree that the Heroes stay should be… as comfortable as we can make it?" he was still glaring at me-not entirely new-but I knew I was going to have to pay for all this sooner or later… that was fine. At least he was agreeing with my terms so that was something.
For Link… anything was worth it… now if only he'd stop looking at me like they were; glaring with hatred-I didn't need all three of them angry with me!
Ghirahim gritted his teeth, fists behind his back. "…Slaves quarters?"
"No." I stepped back, averting my gaze. "L-Look, he needs a proper room and…" Slaves Quarters were better, but not by much… at least I was given a room to myself. Mostly… being Princess of the Demons did have its few perks.
"Master…"
Link was remaining silent through all this; keeping a steady, fixed gaze upon me… it was terribly disturbing. Not that his opinion would matter, I figured, being in his position.
He sighed, annoyed with us both. "It is only one day…" He glanced down at Link momentarily, "Considering the circumstances…" he snarled at me, before turning back to Link, "what would you prefer, Hero?"
We all just stood there, one; in shock from Masters request. Two; awaiting Link's answer. His gaze fell on Ghirahim, who glared as Link smirked at him in return. "I'll take his room."
Link…. I rolled my eyes.
"WHY YOU LITTLE-"
Master held up his hand, halting Ghirahim in his tracks as he made a move towards Links place on the floor. I kind of felt bad for him, really… Ghirahim, not Link surprisingly. Sure, he wasn't the one being held prisoner, but he was used to things going his way-with the exception of Master's own requests-today, it seemed, nothing was going to turn out as he wanted. Link was clearly taking advantage.
He stepped back, evident shock mixed with the anger gleaming in his eyes. "Master, honestly, you cannot expect…"
"I do, actually. As I said; it is only for one day-"
"A day and a night," Link piped up, mimicking Ghirahims own words, glancing at him as he spoke, only to see even more fury added to Ghirahims gaze. Link smiled smugly.
Master sighed before continuing; "it should be fine. Besides," he smiled, "You spend so many hours of the day-needless to say; evenings as well -in Anita's bedroom already; I highly doubt you'll miss it."
"WHAT?!" all pride gone, Link's eyes shot in my direction.
Master… I blushed horribly, hearing Ghirahim laugh beside me at Link's reaction, "Well, Master, can you blame me? We always get to have so much…" he paused, glancing back at Link, as if to think of the right word, "…fun." He sneered.
"Ghirahim…" I hissed. It isn't like we ever did anything... a few hugs, a kiss here and there, some fooling around, and that was it… nothing further.
Link pulled at the chains, but Ghirahim only laughed again, reaching for me. "Don't worry boy, she enjoys it… she really does. She likes it when I play with her, don't you, Anita?" he purred softly beside me as I looked at him, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
I felt his arm snake about my waist, pulling me back against his chest, his right hand reaching for my breast as I squirmed, resting the other a little too close to a certain area below. My blush deepened, and I struggled harder in his grasp.
Link scowled angrily, looking up at Master-probably expecting him to do something. Master only smiled in return, fixing his gaze on me.
"G-Ghirahim… wha-what are you… Mm mm…" I whimpered as his tongue slid across my cheek. I closed my eyes, shivering from the feeling…
Why had he started moving his hands?!
I didn't need to look to know that Ghirahims eyes were fully trained on Links, teasing him as much as he was teasing me… despite my whining protests, he wasn't appeased. I gripped his arm in desperation.
"Do you like seeing what your little friend has been diminished to, Skychild? Hmmm?" he chuckled along with Master, speeding his strokes as I felt my knees grow weak. He kissed my neck, leaning close to whisper in my ear; "Darling, I'm sorry…"
I merely whined in response before I whispered back, "Y-You can… st-stop… L-L-Link's had enough…" I could see him watching, shaking in anger. I've had enough. "A-All this… o-over a room?" I tried to suppress another whimper.
"Oh, sweet-heart, (another lick, and I shivered again) you know it's far more than just that…" he kissed me again, this time not just for the benefit of seeing Link so troubled, "I'll make it up to you later, I swear it … I know he desires you…" he growled in my ear, "I see it, though he tries hard to hide it…"
I only growled in response. It wasn't like I had any other choice; he was holding me so tightly, and Master wasn't making any moves to stop him… Fine, be like this. Flaunt me around like I'm some toy simply for you to use, if only to achieve some sort of silent torture for your enemy…
I didn't miss the look that Master gave me (or the fact that Ghirahim sped up his strokes again for a few moments, making me cry out again) I understood… 'Consider this as punishment' his gaze told me…
He chuckled as I suddenly cried out from his touches, leaning my head back to rest against his chest as my eyes closed; "Ohhhh… Ghirahim!"
"STOP IT!"
Finally he let go of me, smiling apologetically-don't look at me so innocently! You enjoyed that, pervert!-before turning then to smirk arrogantly at Link who pulled at his chains even harder.
"You… you…"
"Something you wish to say, Skychild?" Ghirahim laughed, moving his hand as if to tease me further. I flinched despite myself, feeling him loosen his hold, taking my hand in his.
"Don't touch her! I'll… I'll…"
"You'll what? It seems rather pathetic that you're trying to make threats, boy-especially in your current condition…"
That shut him up… he looked at me-no, glared at me! Why the sudden hatred?
I'd had enough of this… I wanted Link out of chains, wanted to talk with him. Somewhere without Master or Ghirahim to listen in…"Master, may we…"
"Certainly…" he got up from the throne, unlocking one set of the chains attached to the wall, allowing Link to step forward.
I could see the hatred in his eyes. Link, don't do anything you'll regret… fighting won't get you anything… he didn't even have a blade.
Master smirked down at him before taking hold of the chain attached to his wrists, pulling Link forward, not at all gently. "Ghirahim… if you would be so kind as to show our guest to his room?"
"Gladly…" he rolled his eyes, stepping forward, smiling again only when the chain was held firmly in his grasp. "Come along, Skychild…" he yanked the chain forward, sending Link sprawling back to the ground.
"Ghirahim!"
"Sorry, sweet-heart…" he kept his eyes on Link.
Liar.
"Stop struggling boy!" he tugged the chain again, halfway dragging him before letting Link get back on his feet. "I'll let you out once we reach our destination, how does that sound?"
Link didn't answer, keeping his eyes on mine. He was still glaring… what had I done? I turned to follow.
"Anita!" Masters tone was harsh behind me.
Ghirahim gave me an apologetic glance-Link had resorted to no longer even looking at me-before Master waved me over, and I had to force my feet to move in his direction as the door closed behind me. "Yes, Master Demise?"
Silence. He merely gestured toward the chains, and I took it as a silent "invitation" to step forward. I shut my eyes, cringing as I felt his body move against mine, reaching for the chains to wrap them around my own ankles, another pair he took from behind the throne, chaining my wrists behind my back. "These were meant for the Hero…"
"I know…" now they're meant for me…
"Did you think I was going to go against our bargain, girl?"
"You were certainly considering it…" I felt the light touch of thin leather straps against my back. A whip. I knew the feel of it by now… "Was that meant for him as well?"
"Indeed… originally you were supposed to watch," he chuckled as I cringed. "However, since you were just so eager to protect him…" he pushed me down to my knees, and I leaned against the wall. I knew what was coming, but that didn't make the pain any less than what it was… I barely had time to brace myself before it came down…
"AHH!"