Chapter 9; Anita's POV

"You're what?" Link gaped at him, blinking in surprise.

"You heard me!" he snapped, as if nervous to repeat it, "Anita, I can grant you the freedom you desire-limited though it may be..."

I could only stare at him, my mind processing his words before I stepped away, shaking my head, glaring at him. "No!"

Link and Ghirahim exchanged startled glances at each other (seriously what the Hell was going on between them?!) before turning back to me, and Ghirahim opened his mouth as if to speak before closing it again. A few moments of silence passed between us all before he finally spoke. "I don't understand! I thought that was what you wanted!" (I didn't miss the slight accusatory glare sent in Link's direction.)

I stayed silent, glaring at him all the while. Did he really think I was this stupid?!

"Darling, I… I know as of late, I… haven't given you much reason to trust me but… but I swear I'm trying to make things better-truly I am! Haven't I shown you that enough already?"

"Anita…" Link started, but I interrupted him.

"No! I can't believe you're stupid enough to be buying this!" and after he'd given me a speech over my own stupidity in trusting Ghirahim-how dare he! To gain my freedom would mean breaking the deal constructed with my Father! He'd be free to go back to the Surface! Free to steal away Zelda and take her soul as he'd attempted before! Couldn't Link see that?!

"Anita, please… Darling, just… just hear me out!"

That was the last thing I wanted to do! I didn't want to be here another minute! I turned on my heel, fully prepared and intending to storm off before Ghirahim flashed in front of me, holding my arms in a tight grip. No! I struggled in his grip, "Let me go!" despite trying to make my voice sound firm, I merely succeeded in sounding as panicked as I felt.

He lessened his hold, but still held me in place, staring at me intently. "Anita, please… I… I can teach you magic! It's simple! Master will never know! You can come and go as you wish then-anytime you wish to!"

I ceased my struggling for a moment, looking back at him. "What makes you think I'd come back if I had the option to?"

"I… I had hoped…" he paused, averting his gaze, taking a hold off of my arm to run a hand through his hair.

He didn't need to say it. He'd hoped I'd be stupid enough to start having feelings towards him again and thus, have a reason to stay-to come back.

"Anita… please, you said you'd give me a second chance… just, allow me this, I beg of you! What harm could possibly befall you in simply trying it? I know it isn't exactly what you wanted, you will be limited, yes, but... it is... enough?"

"I don't have magic!" that fact alone should have been enough to put it out of his mind.

He actually chuckled then, as if at ease, like he thought I actually began considering it. "You really believe that? Anita, you were born of two magical entities-a Goddess and a Demon-it would be unnatural if you didn't harbor some magical ability…" I heard the teasing in his tone. "It's really quite simple and easy to learn-even more so for you, Darling, considering you already have the capability what with all that unused power built up over the years…" Ghirahim paused before continuing, perhaps awaiting my answer. "We could begin your lessons right now… that is, if you're willing…"

I stayed silent. How long had he been planning this?

"Please, Anita…" he took my hands in his own, staring into my eyes, "at least find the strength to trust me one last time…"

I rolled my eyes, letting out a nervous breathe I hadn't known I'd been holding. "Fine..." I glared up at him, pulling my hands away. Whether he was telling the truth or not-whether I had magic or not-what did I really have to lose?

"I thought you said this was easy!" I groaned, clutching my head. Goddesses it hurt…

Ghirahim hadn't been lying to me. Once he had showed me how to properly access my powers, it seemed as if the magic couldn't escape me fast enough-but that only made it more difficult to control, and took even more out of me physically. "You're doing great… just concentrate a little harder, Darling…"

"I'm trying…" I groaned, leaning back against the wall. Goddesses, this was tiring… Ghirahim made it look so easy!

Ghirahim laughed softly at me, "I suppose it isn't as easy as it looks, is it? I'm afraid I've gotten too used to it over the years… I forgot how much of struggle it was calling it up in the first place…" he paused, before crossing his arms, waving away his own comment carelessly, "not that it was that difficult…" he never liked coming off as weak, "it's simply harder for you, you understand-both sides of magic fighting each other; Light from your Mother and Darkness from your Father. Not to mention the thousands of years of unused magic left dormant within you… go on now, try again! You nearly had it!"

I shook my head, Link partially holding me up as I felt ready to collapse.

"It takes a lot out of you now but it gets easier with time, believe me. Soon you'll feel nothing out of it. Come now, try again." He materialized another pot in front of me glancing apprehensively at Link. "Don't break it this time, Skychild…"

"Well she's not doing much with it…" Link giggled beside me, only succeeding in pushing me further to accomplish this. T least I'd finally been able to make it go away. … Wherever it disappeared to… I merely assumed Ghirahim was conjuring it back up again from wherever I sent it to.

Ghirahim rolled his eyes, turning back to me as I leaned against the wall. "Focus… on both the object, and the area you want it… you're half-way there already."

I groaned in frustration, closing my eyes, trying hard to do as he said… opening my eyes, I snapped my fingers-Ghirahim stating this was the most efficient way to do it, seeing as magic was more or less released through the hand; traveling to the fingertips. It was an odd feeling… a sense of burning within my hands, and flashes accompanied by sparks like fire dancing from my fingertips-the Dark magic intertwining within the Light creating a unique color scheme in the visual source of my power.

Red and gold diamond shards sparked from my fingertips likes flames…

I watched the pot as it shimmered slightly with my surrounding magic… it faded in and out of my vision for a few moments before finally disappearing. Ok… nothing new. I turned, glancing at the opposite wall-to my surprise the same red and gold diamond effect stood shimmering behind me. A few painful moments later of my brain aching and concentrating, the pot began materializing in front of me. Like before, it faded in and out of my vision as I fought for control and focus, before the shards died down, and the pot stood firmly a few feet away. I collapsed to my knees, weariness taking hold, but I couldn't help the smile from crossing my face as I sighed in relief. "I did it!"

Ghirahim offered me a triumphant and encouraging smile in return. "Good girl! I knew you could!" His next words nearly killed me despite the enthusiasm in his tone; "Try again!"

I was exhausted already, and yet Ghirahim pushed me further and further. It took a few hours, and certainly not as simple as Ghirahim had believed-having not taken into account the two sides of my magic rivaling each other-but soon, I was able to do it with barely any focus. Just a mere thought and it would disappear, reappearing wherever I wanted it to. Ghirahim gave me other objects, bigger ones, until I could do the same with those as well.

He taught me how to call up objects at will-items that necessarily weren't nearby, or even those of my own imagination. (I really enjoyed the gold ruby and diamond encrusted dagger I created… sharp and shiny!)

"Good… good! … Do you think you're ready to try and perform it on… say a living creature now?"

Like myself? I couldn't help but think, slumping against the wall. My eagerness won over my fatigue, and a new burst of energy surged through me. "Can I do that?"

"You see me do it all the time, Darling." He chuckled, teleporting away, appearing behind me in a split second, wrapping his arms around my waist. "You see? It's simple!"

"You've had more practice," I commented, "Ok… fine… How do I do what you did?"

"Focus your magic and simply think of the location you wish to go to-clearly, I might add... Try it!"

I hesitated. "I can go… anywhere?"

"Anywhere you desire…" and I heard the apprehension within his words. He knew where I was initially thinking of. Skyloft… the Surface…

"Will I be able to get through the barrier?" I'd nearly forgotten about that…

At this, Ghirahim smirked, "need I remind you, Love that you were born of a Goddess? Needless to say one of the four Graces who took part in imprisoning us here?" I heard the malice in his tone. Even after all these years-nearly centuries-Ghirahim still housed a hatred for them, as did my Father. I supposed I harbored a little grudge of my own-though for my own personal reasons… "You bear the mark of one of the three symbols of that blasted pedestal that holds and locks the seal closed," he gestured to my right hand, "I wouldn't be surprised if you managed to slip through its containment charms…"

What? I looked at the back of my hand-nothing new for me; a symbol of dark red, three waves appointed with two circles at the top and bottom. I had always had the symbol of Din blessed upon the back of my hand-a mark of the Goddess forever there for me to see since my birth… Ghirahim's words intrigued me-about slipping past the barrier. I remembered my escape years ago; how the Bird Statue had answered my prayers and I had found myself miraculously in Skyloft… could this have had something to do with it? If it had, why did it no longer work? I felt even more hesitant now in trying it… I'd hate to suddenly be disappointed… yet again I'd let hope take its toll on me… would it be stripped away just as quickly?

"Well?" I opened my eyes as Ghirahim spoke-interrupting my thoughts. He was frowning worriedly-perhaps rethinking all this?

"I'll… try it…" I answered. How could I turn back now? I had the means… I could control my own magic now… and I already knew where I wished to go to. "If it… does work, how long will I have?"

Ghirahim nodded, averting his gaze. He thought for a moment before answering. "Three hours… I'm granting you three hours, no more, no less… that will give you enough time to return before dinner. Understood?"

I nodded my head, taking a step back. "You think I'm going to run?"

"I don't know what you're going to do…" he crossed his arms over his chest, staring at me all the while, "but I believe I've come too far to end it now…" yes, he was regretting his decision already… too late. "Just… promise me you'll return? Darling?"

Link was watching me intently as well-as he had been ever since I began to gain full control of my newfound powers. I wasn't sure what he saw when looking at me now… it was a mixture of pride, excitement-and even a trace of fear contained in his features. He nodded silently at me, smiling encouragingly. I knew I'd be coming back this time… I wasn't sure if it would even work, and if it did, if I could teleport more than one person-though Ghirahim did it easily enough-I wasn't as highly skilled, certainly not yet. I'd be coming back for him… not Ghirahim.

"Promise me you won't hurt him." I stepped instinctively in front of Link.

He nodded, "I promise…" I wondered if I could really believe him this time… he hadn't been lying to me about my magic… and, really, what did he have to gain by offering and teaching me all this? I wasn't sure what to think, and yet, all this time I'd been playing along with his game perfectly!

"I trust him." Link murmured, nodding in Ghirahim's direction. After blinking in surprise for a moment, Ghirahim actually smiled at him-a mixture of surprise and shock in his gaze.

"So… you promise?"

"I… promise." I answered reluctantly. Goddesses, how many times had I made such an agreement only for it to come back and wound me? I supposed I was ready…

I closed my eyes, concentrating on my earlier thoughts... The Surface… the first place I could think of was Faron Woods-the land of my Aunt, Farore; the Goddess of Courage. I wanted to be around trees, blue sky, and the warmth of the sun… simple, pure, wholesome life surrounding me! Half-consciously I snapped my fingers-waiting for something to happen. I wasn't sure how it would feel, using my own magic on myself…

Nothing. Not even a slight tingling sensation or anything… I felt normal, as if I hadn't even used my magic. I sighed, "I should have known it wouldn't…" I opened my eyes, stepping back in surprise. "Ghirahim? Link?"

They were gone. There was no castle surrounding me… it was grass, it was trees, sky, clouds, sun… I turned around in a full circle, taking in my surroundings… nothing but forest surrounded me… I could hear water from Lake Floria not far off, the birds singing their late afternoon songs… I smiled, allowing a laugh to escape my lips. I looked around, again and again, urging myself to believe it. It had worked… it worked! I was free! Free! FREE!

It was all too soon that I had to return... three hours at the time had seemed so long, and yet it turned out to be so short-especially once the experiment proved successful... the sun was my object to tell time as the sky faded in color, brightening itself as the sun drifted beneath the horizon; painting the land in oranges and pinks of the sunset. The shadows on the ground faded as dusk settled over the land. The beauty itself was what I had missed most... it simply took my breath away.

I'd spent my given hours roaming the forest, traveling the familiar paths, recalling memories-good and bad-of the time spent with Link upon his journey to find Zelda. I returned to the Sky-View Temple, recalling that painful memory of finding Ghirahim at long last. I found myself actually feeling something in that final chamber-the anger and sadness was still there but...there was something else as well... I couldn't quite place it yet, and, truthfully, I didn't dwell on it for too long. I'd passed through the room into the Goddesses Spring-where Zelda had apparently first regained her memories of her days as Hylia; before she was reincarnated.

I'd decided to cleanse myself as well... not physically, but emotionally... I had no use for prayers; the Goddesses never seemed to hear them, nor care. I'd learned that fact years ago... I simply gave myself some time to reflect over the day, over my actions, my feelings-how everything had suddenly seemed to change for me...

It wasn't long after that I returned to The Sealed Grounds. I recalled that final battle, and more importantly the deal I had constructed with my Father, and essentially the Goddesses themselves...

I frowned, suddenly feeling… what? Fear? Nervousness? Excitement? I couldn't be sure… three hours Ghirahim had said… and I had promised… and yet, now I was here! I didn't want to go back… not now… I cursed myself, already thinking like that, and I had barely even been 'free' for a minute! Link was down there…

Link… I had to return for his sake. I knew he could handle himself-sword or no sword; he'd make do with anything that could aid him.

Ghirahim… he was another matter entirely, and yet, funnily enough, I found myself trusting him as well… I just prayed Link was right…

I looked down from where I stood-the Sealed Grounds looming below me-the seal in its center, seemingly undisturbed, a faint light glowing from beneath the pedestal that locked the Goddesses Seal.

I was fully prepared to leave it all behind me. To turn away and never come back… but something held me there… I couldn't move away, I couldn't embrace the moments of freedom I'd been so deceitfully granted…

I found myself rethinking my earlier thoughts in the Goddess Spring... and that questionable feeling from before in the final chamber of the Sky-View Temple sprang up again, until I could hardly ignore it!

I had to be insane…

I'd been at war with myself ever since transporting here, I was sane enough to know that. The reason that I was questioning my sanity held firm on one single question looming in the back of my mind; was there really any reason to return?

He hadn't lied to me… he'd fulfilled his promise, even based on the fact that it might not have even worked… on top of that, Link actually trusted him; that in itself was a miracle and perhaps even what had allowed me to begin trusting him myself again, along with the suddenly granted limited freedom he'd given me. I found myself suddenly letting go of all the pain and misery he'd caused me…

A second chance… that questionable feeling welled up inside of me. Perhaps I could actually give it to him this time-instead of merely pretending-perhaps things really would be different this time. If he would do something like this for me, it would be wrong of me not to forgive him… limited though it was he had still given me what I'd desired most… I knew I'd return. I suddenly had no desire to stay longer than allowed. While I craved my freedom, I found myself craving him even more. I had to go back. I knew the answer. My heart left me no choice!

I really did have a reason to return. Better yet, someone to return to…

Ghirahim.

I loved him.

Link's POV

I could only watch as Ghirahim passed back and forth in front of me. It was quite funny actually… but I soon grew tired of his worried state. He'd been doing this for at least an hour and a half. "Would you relax?"

"Perhaps I should have given her less time..."

"She'll be fine!"

"If it even worked." He snapped. I understood-he had no way of checking up on her. Neither did I-even more so since I didn't have any magical ability-but I wasn't going mad with worry as he was.

"I'm sure it worked... you trained her well enough-at least in teleporting..." I wasn't sure what other magical skills he had, or if I even wanted to know for that matter...

"This was a mistake... What if she doesn't return?"

"She will. Anita doesn't break her promises." I answered. I wondered where she had gone to... I wished I could have followed her, but I wasn't about to risk taking the chance-especially since she was still just learning. "Will you teach her anymore magic?" I asked, trying to lead him off to another topic.

"I... suppose... I hadn't exactly thought that far..." he paused in his pacing, glancing at me curiously.

I didn't like it when he stared at me like that-or at all really... "What?"

"Do you really trust me?"

I shrugged, leaning back in my chair, "You haven't hurt me yet-you've had more than enough time to do it... you could have dragged me off to your Master anytime you wanted..." I thought for a moment. I still held a grudge against him-I always would. But I supposed in some things, I had been forced to learn to trust this maniac-and so far he'd proven true. "Yes, I trust you."

"Hm." Was his only verbal answer to my statement, before he shrugged it off as if it were merely a passing thought. He resumed passing again, and I was about to risk grabbing at his cloak to halt him before he turned on me, all the worry and nervousness etched back in his features. "You really think she'll return to me?" I understood his second unspoken question. Do you really think she'll still love me when she returns? It was evident in his stance, in his emotion, in the very way he moved. Ghirahim had always been very... flamboyant… especially in his emotions. His anger, his arrogance… I'd even seen it in the love he had shown for Anita; once he'd swallowed his pride.

Thinking over this, I really I didn't have a ready answer for either question… in Anita's place I would have never even thought of coming back-if it had worked. But that was me. As for Anita I wasn't sure what she'd do… she was always surprising me. But as I said, she always kept her promises... I would have simply turned and run at the first opportunity, but I was certain she'd come back to him, even if not for his own sake.

"Well?" I could tell he was getting impatient. "Come now, boy! I know you have a slow tongue when it comes to speaking-but I simply don't have the patience for it right now!"

I put my hands up, trying to calm him down, "She'll come back, she promised." I repeated myself for what seemed the thousandth time in an hour. Ghirahim had kept looking at the clock during his passing, altering towards the door every now and then, and I knew he was just waiting for his Master to come in searching for her-and he'd have to make up an excuse... as much as he praised and worshiped Demise, I knew he feared him.

"It's nearly time..." he resumed passing, hands clasped nervously behind his back.

"Why give her three?" I asked, actually curious. "I'm surprised you gave her such a long leash..."

"I had to, didn't I? I mean... that was as much as I could possibly allow... I wanted to give her as much time as possible, perhaps give her some time to think on things perhaps..."

"Master Ghirahim?"

"What?!" He whirled, snapping at the slave-I assumed he was a slave-that had suddenly entered the room.

He gulped, stepping away from the door. "Dinner is nearly ready sir..."

"Well... delay it for as long as possible! I'm... not so hungry yet..." the slave nodded, turning to leave, "wait!" he paused, turning back, and Ghirahim gestured to me, "Set another place for our guest, would you? He will be dining with us this evening..." The boy sent a questionable gaze my way, glaring slightly before he nodded, leaving the room.

I wasn't sure if the sudden hatred was merely for my race or the fact that I was a... what did they call me? A Light Dweller? Perhaps it was just the fact that I had simply given them even more work to do, and they were probably already delaying the preparations enough tonight (Ghirahim had postponed the meal about three times now) I had a feeling Demise wasn't a patient man... err... Demon.

"Thanks!" I hurried to call out to him-seeing as Ghirahim hadn't taken the liberty to do so. I turned back to him, thanking him in turn. "Thanks... So, what? I don't get to eat my marvelous, luxury suit tonight?"

"You should be lucky you're getting any food at all..." he smirked slightly at me.

It felt odd getting along with him... but it didn't feel as off as I thought it would... the anger for Zelda was still there-and would no doubt follow me for the rest of my life-but I supposed he couldn't have helped it... he'd had to remain loyal to his Master despite all else. I mean, if things had been switched around, wouldn't Fi have possibly done the same for me? I decided to fill the awkward silence that had eclipsed us, pushing my sudden painful memories aside.

"You should really be kinder to them..."

"Who? The slaves?" he gawked at me as if I'd gone insane. I nodded in answer to his question, and he rolled his eyes, "you're just like her you know... in some ways..."

"At least thank them." I continued, "They do all the work around here it seems..."

He merely shrugged, turning his attention back to the clock, scowling at its face. "By the Goddesses, where is she?!"

I sighed, preparing to repeat myself for the thousandth and one time before a flash of red and gold sparks sprang up behind him-and before I knew it, Anita stood behind him, quickly wrapping him up in her arms, her head against his chest. "Right here…" I smiled.

Ghirahim had jumped from the sudden contact before he realized who it was; sighing with visible relief he turned in her grasp to hug her back, kissing her hair. Anita didn't pull away from the embrace, or from his kiss. "I thought you wouldn't return…" I heard him whisper.

"I promised you, didn't I?" she pulled away, smiling at him before her eyes widened in surprise, and I saw her lift her hand to trace away tears from his eyes.

"You're late…" I heard him laugh, "You had me worried…"

"I'm sorry…"

"Don't you dare apologize!" and he pulled her against his chest once more, "Darling, I'm sorry-I can't say it enough, I'll say it for the rest of my days until you believe me!"

"I do. I believe you, Ghirahim." She smiled, leaning up to plant a kiss on his lips.

Her actions took Ghirahim by surprise as much as it had taken me. I watched curiously as Ghirahim relaxed, closing his eyes, kissing her back. After a while he pulled away, and it seemed for both of them far too soon-especially for Anita considering she tried to kiss him again right after. He smirked at her eagerness, holding her out at arm's length, studying her.

"Please… Darling, I don't want you to do something like that if… if you feel you have to … I mean, I want you to, but… only if you…"

"I want to." Anita stated firmly, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, pulling him close, kissing his cheek. "I love you, Ghirahim…"

Well… it seemed as if my work was complete. I couldn't stifle my curiosity any further. "Anita, where did you go to?"

Ghirahim seemed angry that I had spoiled their moment, but that couldn't keep the smile off his face as he held Anita close. "Faron Woods…" she answered gleefully, "Sky-View…"

"You went in there with all those spiders?" I laughed, recalling her fear of the giant spiders known as Skulltulas during our journey.

"I tried to avoid them as best I could." She gave me a joking glare at my teasing, before reaching into her pocket, taking out an object. "I brought you a gift. Also, kind of proof that it worked…" she smirked up at Ghirahim.

I took the object, wrapped in a leaf of what I knew to be one of the Faron Woods trees, un-wrapping it, taking out a Goddess Plume-a tiny prism glowing within the palm of my hand. "Wow, thanks!" I'd seen enough of these along my journey, however, that it didn't hold my attention for long. I leaned forward in my seat, "so how was it?"

She smiled, as if words couldn't express her feelings-perhaps they couldn't. Either way, she held Ghirahim closer, leaning up again to kiss his cheek, "It was amazing! Thank you."

"I'm glad you liked it…" Ghirahim smiled, the fear of her probably staying on the Surface diminishing. But I could tell he was still apprehensive… he had given her a means to escape now… how long would it be until she decided to use it as she pleased, rather than wait for her jailors to offer her a parole period?

"Master Ghirahim?" our thoughts were all interrupted by the sudden voice entering the room.

"Can't you see I'm busy?" He rolled his eyes, turning to the slave.

The slave was obviously getting annoyed with his Master, but he certainly did a better job at hiding it than I would have been able to. "Master Demise says he can't wait any longer…"

"Fine, fine!" he interrupted him, "we're on our way!" the slave turned to go… "Oh and… thank you." The slave paused at his Masters words, staring at him in shock.

I was pleased to see that the slaves had set my place nearest Anita-or perhaps that was intended to keep me away from their Masters. Whatever the reason, there wasn't much we could really discuss, what with Demise watching our every move.

Anyway, I'm not quite sure Anita would have even heard me if we could have struck up a conversation. She, along with Ghirahim were simply lost in their own little worlds staring at each other across the table. I was pleased to see no traces of lust in Ghirahim's eyes, simply the look I assumed that I gave Zelda whenever I looked at her-and Anita in turn returning the same affectionate gaze back to him.

Had it been like this every night before all the drama had ensued? Or had Ghirahim merely stared at her like a piece of meat he was sizing up, ready to devour at any second? Demise was giving her that look now-even though she didn't notice it, again, lost in her own little world-and it sickened me! The food had been prepared so readily that there was no need for knives at all-which must have been there intention-but still, I was ready to gouge his eyes out with my fork if persuaded…

Still, I had to admit, my anger and revulsion was rivaled by my sheer happiness for Anita. At first I had honestly just been trying to get them back together because I thought she needed someone who would make her feel happy down here-whether it was false or not, at least she could be happy living within a lie-but now I had begun to think about how Ghirahim might actually, truly be the best thing for her-if he behaved himself that is…

They really did love each other, even despite Ghirahim's actions-which he readily accepted to take responsibility for-trying his hardest to make things right. Perhaps this situation had simply brought them closer together, cliché as it sounds… but it certainly seemed that way right now. I just hoped I could count on Ghirahim to continue loving her properly. Count on him not to hurt her like that again… As much as he said he needed her, she needed him even more… I hoped he could see that. Once I was gone, who would keep him in line? Certainly not his Master… he was too cruel, too ruthless… my only regret was that in doing all this that I was essentially giving her up to this beast! She had the means to escape now, but I knew she wouldn't take it. She'd stand by her deal, by her promise to him, not even bothering to look or even take a way out. If there were any possible way that I could save her, I'd take it in a heartbeat…

Anita's POV

I could feel Link's eyes on me. I really wondered what he was thinking… I could feel Masters eyes on me as well-I couldn't help it. I blamed it on survival instinct… I knew what thoughts went through his mind when he looked at me. The only gaze I cared about at the moment however was Ghirahim's… I felt as if I'd fallen in love all over again… he looked at me as if I was the only person in the world…

I jerked my head up when Master slammed his fist on the table-jerking us all from our private reveries. He looked at Ghirahim, folding his hands neatly against the table, as if preparing for a calm, polite conversation-though his earlier action had me highly doubting…

"Do you take me for a fool, Ghirahim?" He got up from the table, striding slowly towards me. I felt exactly like he wanted me to-like prey about to be caught in its predators grasp…

"N-No, Master..." Ghirahim answered quickly, and I could tell he was trying hard not to glance at me.

"No?" He was behind me now, and I tried to remain perfectly still. "Then what makes you think I wouldn't notice this?!" he grabbed my hand, wrenching me up from my chair. I saw my birth mark glowing softly, red light reflecting off the hard scales of his skin. "Your powers has resonated… did you think I wouldn't sense it? Did you think his-" he gestured to Link, who hurried to rise from the table as if commanded, "-mere presence could hide it from me?!" he snarled, bearing his fangs, "It reeks of Light… of the Goddesses!" before I knew it, he had me pinned to the table. "You've broken our agreement, daughter…"

"No! I… I didn't!" I struggled in his grasp before he tossed me to the ground. Ghirahim was quickly at my side, staring in shock at my Father.

"M-Master… I… I… I c-can explain… really! I…"

"Restrain her!"

I felt his hands shake, I saw him struggling to go against the command. He gritted his teeth, "M-Master… p-please…"

"Restrain her!"

"Ghirahim!" I felt his hands grip my arms tightly behind my back before he pushed me to the ground onto my knees. "M-Master, please!" I shrieked as he moved towards Link.

Link glanced around, quickly grabbing a fork from the table. What was he intending to do? Gouge his eyes out? "Stay away from me you freak!"

"LINK!"

"You still fight…" Master chuckled, "even after all this time, your actions amaze me boy… your courage undoubtedly so… of course, I supposed I have the Goddesses to thank for that, don't I?" he raised his hand, turning momentarily to glance at me. "You've gone against our deal… therefore you have no say to this boys condition. The Hero is mine; to do with as I please."

"Master please! I'm sorry!" I struggled fitfully in Ghirahim's grasp as he unwillingly held on with brute force to hold me to the floor. "Master please!"

"A deal is a deal Anita… I fulfilled my part of our little bargain… now it's time for you to fulfill yours. A soul for a soul… you said to me once… and I've already found a willing participant!"

"NO!" I screamed as a blast of dark magic shot from his palm, striking Link in the chest. He faltered, gasping in pain, a hand clutching at his chest before he fell to his knees. He looked up, reaching his hand out to me before falling against the tile… unmoving… "LINK! LINK!" I wrenched myself from Ghirahim's grasp, hurrying to Link's side, holding him close. I gasped, the light emanating from the back of his hand-the Triforce-the mark of the Goddesses catching my attention.

Master approached me, standing over us. His gaze held my own. His eyes were Intense… malicious... deadly. "The Goddesses aren't through with you… not yet."