A/N: Wow does getting a full-time job mess with hobbies... Anyway, here's an update! This is not the final chapter. It was taking so long to write at points that I didn't want to leave you guys waiting any longer so I'm splitting it into two chapters rather than the one I had expected to give you something to read. And what there is is actually longer than I expected it to be too, so yay, hopefully. Enjoy!


XII

Without Demise

"Is it done? Did you succeed?" asked San, appearing by Link's side atop the Statue of the Goddess. He nearly startled at her appearance, not having even sent word to her that he had finished his task. Upon reaching Skyloft, Link found the final Trial Gate that bestowed upon him an item that guided him to the Triforce's location once the trial was completed. Hidden beneath the Isle of the Goddess was a temple that extended down upon activation: Sky Keep, as it was called. San had declined entering that keep, saying that it was no place for the likes of her, especially in her current state. She had waited for him outside, remaining hidden from his people, while he collected the three pieces of the Triforce from within.

Upon collecting the final piece, Link had been warped back outside by some unknown force. It was there, atop the statue, that San rejoined him before he could do anything further.

Nodding, Link turned to San and smiled in affirmation before that smile faltered. Those red and yellow eyes that marked the taint of Sine still stared back at him. Soon, though, the jade eyes that he had come to enjoy seeing (given that they were not glaring at him) would be returned as long as the power of the Triforce was true. Whatever may come to pass, he would not lose her to the darkness a second time.

"So, where is this Triforce, anyway? How is it meant to vanquish Demise?" she asked, glancing around. Even Link pondered how to use it. The power left behind by the gods of old was with him, but he could not use it as is. Before he could call for Fi to ask if she had any idea, the young hero felt the power break apart from his soul where it had waited.

Out flew the pieces of the Triforce that he had gathered. The golden triangles glowed brightly, rising into the air before them and regaining the Triforce's true form. Link gaped at the physical form of the blessing left by the gods. Just being in its presence filled him with warmth and light worthy of greater beings that he could not comprehend. Such was the power of gods.

"So that's the Triforce..." breathed out San, staggering back. She squinted, averting her gaze from the golden blessing. The darkness that still plagued her was not meant for such a light. Link frowned sorrowfully at her, not wishing her to have to shirk away from the light of their land. Even with the Triforce right before them, he still did not know how to harness its power.

"Master," rang out Fi's voice, appearing to lend her aid at a useful time. "I believe at this juncture that a prayer is required. However, it would appear that you are only able to make one such prayer as the chosen one of the gods..."

The hope that had been within Link shattered. The purpose of finding the Triforce had always been to vanquish Demise and defeat that lord of shadows once and for all. However, once Fi had mentioned the chance of the Triforce being able to save San, then he had simply assumed both would be possible without question. To only have one prayer... He doubted that merely adding "and" in between his two desires would work around the rule.

"What's the matter?" asked San upon Link's extended hesitation. She nudged his motionless side. "Make your wish. We've done all of this to stop Demise, right? Go ahead and put that bastard out of his misery."

Link's voice caught in his throat. Quietly, he explained how he had hoped to use the Triforce to destroy Sine as well. If he wished for Demise's end, Sine would live. If he wished for Sine's end, Demise would live. Others may have made the choice in a heartbeat, but for him... It was a much harder choice than he had expected.

The blue-haired woman crossed her arms, her usually ragged expression becoming softer. "Thanks for thinking of that, I certainly did not... But, as you have already shown me, there is always another way. Sine is weak and sealed within me. While not exactly what I would call ideal, it gives us time to deal with her later. Demise, however, is growing only stronger and threatens the world below. End him. Now."

"San is right, Master Link. Focus now, and wish with all your might for the destruction of Demise."

Looking to San one more time, Link eventually nodded. If she believed that there would be another way to remove Sine from her, then so would he. He steeled himself, setting his thoughts on only one thing: the destruction of Demise. Eyes closing, Link outstretched his hand towards the Triforce, praying to the gods, not knowing if they would answer him or not. He prayed with all of his heart, wishing for the end of Demise and leaving room for nothing else.

He could feel the power of the Triforce. It resonated upon hearing his prayer, rising to fulfil its purpose.

The wish had been heard and answered.

A cry escaped San in surprise, staggering as the statue began to rumble. Gripping hold of her arm, Link pulled her back close to help to keep them both steady.

"What's happening?" she shouted over the din, clamping her eyes shut tight. Alarmed, Link glanced around for the source of the shaking when he realized that it was not just the statue being unsettled, but the entire isle.

Breaking the bridge that connected it to Skyloft, the Isle of the Goddess began to descend. Lower and lower it fell, soon piercing through the barrier of clouds. The isle in the sky was returning to its home on the land.

A darkness rose up from the world below: Demise. The roar from the shadowy monster pierced through the forest and the air above. Link closed his eyes and repeated his voiceless prayer to the gods. Let Demise be destroyed!

As the statue continued to descend, it picked up speed. With it moving so fast, Link and San fell to their knees, not wanting to be flung off. Sky Keep, still below, reached Demise first. An inhuman, ear-wrenching scream filled the air, one not meant to be heard by mortals. The isle still descended, leaving the lord of darkness no where to flee or hide. Through the power of the gods, the Sky Keep vanquished Demise.

Silence.

There was no more roar in fear and agonizing terror. The island had ceased to rumble, having found its resting place before the Sealed Temple. There was not even the hum of power from the Triforce for its role was done.

Slowly, Link opened his eyes. San, who still knelt on the statue, in turn, met his gaze. "Is... Is it done?" she whispered. The young hero surveyed the surrounding lands. Never had he seen it so bright since his first arrival. The thin veil of shadows that always seemed to hang in the air, and not ones cast by the clouds, had lifted, returning the section of Faron Woods to its proper state.

The taint of Demise was gone.

A laugh of joy escaped Link as he hugged San. They had done it. They had made it. Surprising him a second time, San hugged him back, a soft chuckle slipping out under her breath.

"Master Link, San, I have news," reported Fi, appearing before them as they pulled apart. "I have confirmed that the Isle of the Goddess, which was formerly a part of Skyloft, has returned to the surface. Furthermore, I have detected the successful eradication of Demise. Your prayers to the Triforce have been heard. In light of these factors, the seal Zelda maintained through her age-long sleep is no longer necessary. My projections indicate she will wake momentarily. I advise you to make your way to the Sealed Temple as soon as possible."

Link grinned. While it had only been days for him, it was time to awaken Zelda after her countless years of slumber. He bolted upright, excited to see his friend finally safe, and hurried to the edge of the statue where he stopped. He turned back to San who was already waving him off.

"Go on. See to your friend. I'll be right behind you once I gather myself from that fall through the sky." She laughed weakly at herself. Link frowned a moment. While she did look a little paler than before, it was not the sickening paleness that marked the spread of Sine. With a nod, he let the matter go and jumped from the statue.

His Sailcloth billowed out and slowed his landing before Link took off at a run for the Sealed Temple. For once, he would be the one to wake Zelda rather than be awaken by her (or her Loftwing). Upon opening the massive doors to the temple, Groose and the elder woman were already waiting for him, smiling. The death of Demise was no secret. They nodded at him, stepping aside. Link did not need to be told what awaited him again.

Hurrying past the two others, past the Gate of Time, up the small flight of stairs, Link paused before the doors. He rested his hand on the dishevelled door that had not survived the test of time as well as the other. Through the crack between the doors, he could see Zelda still slumbering in her amber crystal.

The doors were harder to open than he anticipated. Once inside the back alcove, he slowly walked up towards the amber crystal, unsure of what else he was supposed to do. Was Zelda meant to just awaken on her own now that Demise was defeated, her power no longer needed? Or did she need assistance in waking from her slumber?

His unasked question was answered as the crystal began to crack. The cracks spread and grew bigger, light escaping from within the crystal. When enough of the integrity had been compromised, the amber crystal shattered, exploding in a burst of light.

There stood Zelda when the light faded, swaying slightly as her eyes opened. Link smiled in greeting, a sigh of relief escaping him. His friend was safe. A tired smile graced her face as Zelda began to slowly climb down the steps. Her movements were slow, like Link's often were after waking. Though slow and cautious, her movements were still not steady.

A cry of surprise escaped Link, rushing forward. Zelda had stumbled down the steps, losing her balance and would have fallen down completely had Link not caught her.

"Good morning...Link..." she greeted, chuckling under her breath. Unable to find his voice, Link could only chuckle with her in response. At least he had done one thing right after all. Everything that he had set out to do since leaving Skyloft had been accomplished. Zelda was safe, and Demise was gone. Now all he had left to do was find a way to rid San of Sine and let her life be her own again.

Helping Zelda to her feet, Link led his friend back outside the alcove where the others still waited. The moment that they were in view, Groose rushed over to Zelda and hugged her.

"You're all right! You're back!" Nearly blubbering, the redhead let go of her as quickly as he had swooped her into his arms, rubbing the back of his head bashfully. "It's good to see you safe again." Zelda laughed and thanked him.

"Well done, Link," praised the elder woman, joining the reunited group. "You've done well in defeating Demise, as I knew you would." The young hero smiled sheepishly in thanks. While he may have been the one who gathered the Triforce and prayed for the end of Demise, it still felt like that end had been brought about by the gods and was not his own doing. However, he was not about to complain with the results.

The conversation between all of them continued, each one of them gladdened by the recent events. Groose spent most of his time telling Zelda of his accomplishments since reaching the surface. Link silently chuckled as the redhead continued to enthuse to Zelda. Something, though, did not feel right to him. Turning around, he started to ask San if she was doing all right when he realized that she was still not there.

A pang of guilt shot through him. There they were, laughing and celebrating their victory, while darkness still lingered within her. She should have been there smiling and laughing with them. Link frowned a moment. All right, so probably not laughing and smiling, knowing her, but she should have been there. Telling the others that he would be back in a moment, Link turned to leave the temple.

That was not what happened.

An explosion of dark magic erupted between them all. Link groaned in pain as he hit the ground, his mind reeling. Who was attacking them? Demise had been destroyed. Sine was sealed. Who...

The cold, despicable laugh that filled the air sent chills up Link's spine. "This is all very touching, really, but I'm afraid I have to cut this emotional moment short," teased Ghirahim, striding into the temple, dark markings climbing up the side of his body. Link cursed the Demon Lord under his breath, trying to push himself back up. Brushing his hair aside, Ghirahim made his way towards Zelda. "It's best for everyone if you forget your friend. The little goddess is mine now!"

"Ghirahim!" shouted out a voice that brought hope back to Link. He managed to raise his head high enough to see San rush in, swords drawn. Unaffected by Ghirahim's previous spell, she slashed at him, forcing the Demon Lord to summon his own blade and defend. Before San could strike at his opening with her smaller sword, he vanished only to reappear right behind her and smashed her away with his blackened arms, the same spell that weighed the others down affecting her as well. Link shouted at the Demon Lord in anger as he still struggled to move. That spell had taken more out of him than he first realized.

"Foolish woman," spat Ghirahim, looking down upon her. "You think you can contain the darkness now within you? You are already nothing more than a remnant personality, able to only surface because of the power of the gods. One day, that power will consume you, leaving nothing behind." He sighed in bliss, kneeling down to get closer to San's eye level. "Oh, how I wish to feed that power to my master. You see, not every soul of darkness enjoyed the one within you being at the top of the mountain—a powerful tyrant, if you will, one that did not deserve to rule. It certainly would be a more personal vengeance now that I see how weak it has become through the years, but any extra strength is still a welcome to the demon king. But first, I need to revive my master."

"Demise is dead," coughed San. "And Sine may very well consume me one day, but you can rest assured that she will personally make your life a living hell before killing you. I'm sure you know how she likes her chaos."

The Demon Lord hummed lightly before rising and striding back towards Zelda at a cool pace, not worried about any of them returning to their feet soon. "Unless my master takes the power for himself first. But, as much as I hate to admit it, you are right. My master has indeed perished in this age, but, as I'm sure you are aware, in the past, he lives yet!" Sneering, Ghirahim reached down and gripped Zelda's arm. She cried out in protest and attempted to claw away his grip, but her attempts were futile.

When the demon lord picked Zelda up and slung her over his shoulder, Link shouted at the pale man. Still he struggled against his invisible bindings, unable to save his friend from the evil clutches. Ghirahim laughed coldly, smirking victoriously at Link as he turned around.

"I'm taking the girl back through that gate to help me revive the demon king! You two have been so adorably dogged in your quest to get in my way, and as much as it has delighted me, I can no longer tolerate you nipping at my heels."

"...Link..." murmured Zelda, barely rising her head enough to look to her friend.

With a grunt, Link managed to push himself to his feet. His limbs weighing ten times heavier, he struggled to unsheathe the Master Sword, glaring daggers at Ghirahim and wishing that looks could kill. The cold eyes of the Demon Lord stared back, his upper lip curling into a smug sneer. "...You know, boy, you've really pushed me too far. The moment I sweated and bled for is at hand. I don't even have time to grind my heel into a worm like you."

Before Link could even take a step towards the Demon Lord to strike, Ghirahim vanished from sight, his brand of dark magic hanging in the air. He reappeared, Zelda still in his hold before the Gate of Time, only to be barred by someone. That someone, to nearly everyone's surprise, was not Link.

Groose stood before the ancient gateway, arms outstretched, and the elder woman holding ground beside him. Though the redhead's body trembled, he kept a stern expression and did not look away from the enemy.

Ghirahim's face deadpanned. "Stand down," ordered the Demon Lord. Groose only thinned his lips and managed to stand straighter. "Don't make me repeat myself." Still Groose would not move. For once, Link was silently thankful for the redhead's stubbornness, trying to get close enough in the time stalled. "You're in my way, and the sight of your appalling hair makes my gorge rise."

The Demon Lord would take no more. He kicked Groose and the elder woman aside like they were nothing more than dolls. With a whirl of his cloak, he turned back around to look down upon them all. "You've done a fine job of spoiling my plans to revive the demon king in this age, so I see no point in dawdling here. But the past...oh, the past... So full of possibilities. I shall resurrect him there with the divine soul of this golden-haired girl!"

That was it.

Ghirahim was gone.

The passageway through time closed. Link cursed at himself for his foolishness. With Ghirahim gone, the magics that had been restraining them disintegrated. The young hero allowed the end of his sword to fall to the ground. He had failed...again.

"So? Are you well enough to go?" asked San upon reaching his side. "If I know anything about magic, he will have to cast a spell to get what he wants from her. Spells like that take time. If we hurry, we may be able to stop him."

Link looked to San, his brow knotting together. "We"? He shook his head. There would be no "we" this time, not in her current state. Having Ghirahim, and possibly even Demise, to deal with was troublesome enough, but if Sine were to be unleashed again... He wanted to make sure that San was safe and herself again before rushing off into some new dangerous situation.

San crossed her arms, frowning at him. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm coming. Two against one works in your favour more than his. I'm afraid you'll be stuck with me a bit longer."

A sigh escaped Link before he smiled weakly in thanks at her. He would have not chosen anyone else to fight by his side. Without arguing with her further, they hurried up to the Gate of Time. It hummed back to life, the designs glowing brighter before the passageway through time opened once again. Link did not even look back before charging into the timeless darkness that linked the different eras. There was no more looking back. He could only move forward.

Stumbling through the other side, Link glanced around, his sword at the ready for Ghirahim. The Demon Lord was no where to be seen, causing Link to huff in frustration as San reappeared at his side. Though Ghirahim and Zelda were not about, a familiar face was. Impa sat defeated on the ground, her hand to her head.

"Ugh... Link...?" she groaned, looking up. Red eyes widened in surprise. "And San? Ah, never mind that now. It's Ghirahim. He appeared out of thin air and got the drop on me. Don't worry about me... You must chase after him! He ran through the great doors at the front of the temple. You may yet catch him before it's too late! Hurry!"

"C'mon!" ushered San, heading for the doors. Link let his gaze linger on the Shiekah a moment longer, not liking to leave her there without lending assistance, but it had to be done. The best way to help her, and everyone else, was to stop Ghirahim.

Together, Link and San opened the heavy doors, stepping out into the world of the past once again. Trading his sword for the Sailcloth, Link rushed forward so that he could leap off to reach the bottom of the pit all the faster. That was where Demise was sealed, that was where Ghirahim and Zelda would be.

"Watch out!"

Link was pulled back by the collar of his tunic, just in time, too. Magical spikes, golden in hue, slammed into the ground where he had been. All along the rim of the ledge and down the spiral more landed, a barrier rising between them all. Too high to climb over, it blocked the swift and easy access to the bottom of the pit.

The young hero grunted in anger, slamming his fist against the barrier as he looked down. There he could see Ghirahim dancing in glee around Zelda's prone form. Laughing, the Demon Lord looked up where his gaze met Link's. For a moment, his expression faltered before shifting into a smirk. Moving slowly back around Zelda, Ghirahim raised his hands and traced them in the air above her body; the spell had begun.

Drawn up by the spell being cast, Zelda floated into the air, her body glowing. The power of the goddess within her was being called forth. Clouds overhead grew dark and the entire air became heavy. Demise's resurrection was nigh and the entire land ached under his power.

"It's begun. We have to get down there!" San's words brought Link back to his senses. He had a friend to save. "That barrier blocks even my powers to teleport us to him, so let's be quick with this!" Link nodded and drew forth his sword, hopefully for the final time. The two began the race down to the bottom of the pit where the would then have to figure out a way past the barrier. All had to be done in time or it would be for nought.

"Hear me, my hordes!" shouted Ghirahim, his voice rising from the pit. Clouds of darkness swirled around above the ground. Denizens of the darkness, servants of Ghirahim, formed from those clouds, their numbers steadily increasing until there was no more room inside the barrier and part of it broke to let the fiends out up the ramp. They clamoured and clawed their way up as Ghirahim then shouted, "The spell is nearly complete! The demon king returns! Until then, you will keep those annoying whelps from interfering with my ritual. I don't care if the whole lot of you get lodged on the end of their blades. You will buy me the time I need! Do not fear them... Fear my wrath if you fail me!"

"At least finding a way through the barrier is solved," muttered San dryly. Link shot her a brief look. Even in the growing darkness, she still managed to say such a thing. He tried to find a small comfort in it: San was still San; the seal within her held.

Raising his shield, Link bashed away the first of the dark denizens, striking at the next with his sword. The beast burst into a cloud of shadow, returning to its previous state before drifting away. When one fell, another was swift to replace it, giving Link a constant stream of foes to face as he fought his way down. San stayed near his side, taking the monsters that he could not reach in time nor always see. He trusted her skill and intention. Never had he been able to trust his life so much to anyone else.

Together, they cleared a path through the fiends. The Master Sword lit their way in the ever-increasing darkness, forever remaining as a beacon of hope. Down and down they fought, every few feet forward they pushed one back from fighting. Forward and back, forward and back. The wave of their progression continued, darkness swirling around their feet from all the felled denizens, until they reached the bottom of the pit, that golden barrier rising before them.

Link slashed at the final minion. It screeched before vanishing into a swirl of darkness like the others before it. Even with all of the summoned minions gone, the opening in the barrier remained. Taking that chance, Link and San dashed for that opening, fearing that it would close again and all their fighting would have been for nought.

They made it inside...and Ghirahim was within reach.

Not even stopping to think, Link rushed for the Demon Lord, pulling back the sword to strike. One decisive blow, and it would all be over. Link did not need to look to know that San wad beside him, ready to strike should his fail. She wanted the Demon Lord dead as much as him, and that drive pushed them forward. They would be tools of fate no longer. Ghirahim's destruction was of their own choosing. Link raised his sword. Their futures would be shaped by their own hands...

"You fools!" shouted Ghirahim, flicking his hands outward. A barrier of that same golden light appeared in a tighter ring around the Demon Lord and Zelda. Link and San smashed into it, falling back onto the ground from the impact. Shaking his head, Link glared through the new barrier at Demise who was glaring right back. "You were far too quick! I didn't expect anything from a simple child like him, but you, a student of magic, should have known better! Spells like this take time and a steady hand! Can't you wait quietly like good little kids? Hmm?"

"We were getting just a little impatient with you," mocked San as they rose. "Don't worry. We can take her off your hands now since you don't seem to be making any progress."

Ghirahim sneered in disgust. "Tch. You petulant brats... You've pushed me too far. I've waited my whole existence for this! This is my moment!" With a flick of his wrists, Ghirahim shot Zelda up into the air, the vessel of the goddess still bound his magic. "You know what? Fine! If you're so intent on hurrying to your graves, I'll be happy to show you the way! This time there will be no heroic escape. I was a fool to toy with you two and let you walk away with your lives before, but I won't make that mistake again. That, I promise!"

Magic of pure darkness shot up around Ghirahim, the force of the spell sending Link and San staggering back. The temporary barrier that he had created shattered, nothing of that spell remaining. They were free to attack the Demon Lord but for the rumbling ground that dishevelled their footing. A platform of magic rose from the ground, carrying all three of them with it. Though they rose higher, Zelda was still well out of reach when the platform settled in the air.

"What... What happened to him?" whispered San, drawing Link's attention back to Ghirahim.

Out stepped the Demon Lord, the dark magic peeling off of him, but he did not look like the Demon Lord that they knew. The last time that they had fought, Ghirahim's arms had become an onyx-like substance, gleaming black and harder than any stone. Now, as the darkness revealed, all of Ghirahim's body was that substance with white patterns that resembled his unique magic engraved over his torso and limbs. When he looked up, those crazed eyes were not stating at them, but rather cold, white, pupilless orbs met them in a frozen gaze.

A chill crawled up Link's spine when that gaze locked with his. It was like looking at Fi. A dark,cruel, soulless cousin of the Master Sword's spirit.

Ghirahim cracked his neck and flexed his hands. "If only I'd put you in your place from the very beginning. Show humans a little mercy and next thing you know, they think themselves your equal! Given my station, I had to maintain some semblance of dignity, so I let you run with your lives... Twice, even. Such a guilty pleasure... But instead of scurrying away like any creature with a basic instinct to survive, you just kept coming back. Again...and again...and again. I've let a mere boy and girl make a fool of me for the last time. You stand before a demon..." Link gasped when Ghirahim's form shifted in the blink of an eye. Hanging in the air where the Demon Lord had stood was a dark sword made of the same substance as Ghirahim's skin. It hovered there a moment, letting its image sink in, before Ghirahim returned to his true form. "Or should I say, a weapon without mercy!"

"So he really is nothing more than a tool for the darkness," muttered San under Ghirahim's laugh. Link twinged. A tool... Sine had called him a tool, a weapon, for the gods. He did not want to think that he and Ghirahim were in any way similar. Even having the Demon Lord resemble Fi was far too close.

"For you, brats," sneered Ghirahim, "I've prepared a most appropriate and humiliating death. I even have a pet name for it—I call it the endless plunge! First, I will take my time bludgeoning you, and when I grow bored of it, I will drive you to the edge and deliver a last strike to send you falling to your doom! I'll delight in casting your body into this pit and snuffing out the flame of your life! Your broken body will serve as a fine sustenance for the demon king!"

"We will not be fodder for some demon!" countered San. "Demise was stopped before, and he will be again! Your plans will not succeed!"

A dark laugh escaped the Demon Lord. "How amusing to hear that coming from you of all people. Descendant of the Oathbreakers that first brought my master to this realm, you now have become the Sealbreaker. Tell me, how much more suffering and chaos will you unleash upon this poor world?"

San faltered a moment. Link would have no more of it. Ghirahim's poisonous words had to be stopped, and there was only one way to accomplish that. Charging forward, the young hero would not let the Demon Lord say another word. The Master Sword lit the way through the darkness before clashing against the onyx skin. It was like striking a blade, one that was on par with the Master Sword. Each time that Link had faced Ghirahim, the young hero had grown in strength and power, finding it easier to hold his own against the Demon Lord. But this time... Even if Link had learned more in his time, Ghirahim's true power was not something that he could comprehend.

Alone, Link would not have been able to handle the relentless assault or break through the impervious defences. But he was not alone. Not in the fight against Ghirahim. San was there, ready to lend her aid in an opening or to provide a distraction when a particularly heavy blow left Link staggering towards the edge. It was much like fighting the denizens of darkness—for every few steps that Ghirahim forced them towards the edge, Link and San barely managed to regain a foot back. Closer and closer they were pushed to the edge. Any time that they tried to move around to a new side, Ghirahim was right there with them, leaving them nowhere to go.

"If he truly means to force us off, then we need to turn his plan against him," rasped San in a brief moment that they had to themselves. Link swiftly glanced behind them. The edge was threateningly close, that ominous drop staring back up at them. It was not the fall, nor even likely the landing, that would have done them much harm, but rather the following attack that Ghirahim had planned that would be devastating. If they truly could turn his plan against himself... "Hold your ground. I'll do what I can to knock him off."

She had barely managed to organize their new course of action before Ghirahim was upon them. San was pushed aside from the attack, magic coiling around her as she smashed against the platform. Link, in turn, barely managed to bring up his shield in time. The blow of the attack sent him skidding back, his heels teetering over the edge of the platform. Ghirahim smirked, his teeth glinting as brightly as his eyes. One more move, and he would be able to finally deliver the bludgeoning punishment that he had planned.

Link's eyes went wide, his heart racing in his chest. Glancing over swiftly, he could see San beginning to move, but it was not quickly enough. Holding his ground for much more than a few seconds would not be possible. Ghirahim lashed out, and Link did the only thing he could do:

He let himself fall.

Feet slipping over the edge, Link felt gravity take its hold on him. Ducking even lower, Ghirahim's attack then missed the young hero, slicing through the air where his head had once been. But Link had not planned on falling all the way down.

Before he fell too far, Link grabbed onto the edge of the platform, the thin magic not providing much grip. He struggled to hold on, nearly falling all the way to the ground despite his efforts.

"Well, well, well," cooed Ghirahim, striding up to the edge. Smirking sickeningly, the Demon Lord looked down at Link before stomping a foot onto Link's wrist. The young hero cried out in pain, trying with all his might to keep not only his hold on the platform but on his sword as well. "This is not quite what I had in mind, but it will be a wonderful prologue to your real punishment." Ghirahim ground his heel into Link's wrist. "Enjoy the the trip down!"

Link struggled to hold on, unable to support his weight by any other means. The only way left for him was down, and with Ghirahim making it harder and harder to hold on, he would be travelling down very soon.

Darkness swooped over his vision.

It was not some spell or the end closing in around him, but rather a rush of bodies flying over his head. In that darkness, Link saw a hint of blue: San. She must have broken free of the spell and knocked Ghirahim off of the ledge while he had been preoccupied. Only, she went over with him.

Link cried out and tried to reach for her, but there was nothing that he could do to stop it. Grunting, he pulled himself back up as quickly as he could, no longer on the brink of being forced off. When he returned to his feet, Link looked down over the ledge. There, below on the ground, were Ghirahim and San. She slowly crawled away, inch by inch, trying to get back to one of her blades that had landed nearby, while the Demon Lord began to stir. If something was not done, Ghirahim would reach San before she could properly defend herself.

It was a long distance down, one that Link would have preferred to use his Sailcloth, but he could not use it. Yelling out, he jumped from the ledge, aimed his sword, and let gravity do the rest. Closer and closer he rushed to the ground until he saw the whites of Ghirahim's eyes go wide in shock.

The Master Sword broke through the onyx-like skin and pierced the Demon Lord.

Link's body shook from the attack, his limbs aching even more. They had managed to turn Ghirahim's plan against him after all.

"Get back!" hissed San, grabbing Link by his shoulder. Her actions were just in time, too. Ghirahim lashed out with his arms, as if to swipe Link's head cleanly off of his shoulders. The two of them staggered back to a safer distance. Ghirahim was injured and they were back safely on the ground. Link held onto the hope that they could win—they had to win.

The Demon Lord began to stir, moving slower than before.

"Listen. When you struck him, his spell around the area weakened. If you manage to strike him like that again, I should be able to teleport and get your friend down." They glanced up into the sky where Zelda still hung, bound by the spell imprisoning her. "Stay focused."

"How humiliating," spat Ghirahim, rising. After all of their work, after the piercing blow from the Master Sword, nothing more than a scratch had been left on the Demon Lord's chest. It was a glimmer of hope, for they could damage him, but that hope felt so far out of reach. "Time for a change of plans. I'm nothing if not flexible...when required." Cracking his neck, Ghirahim held out his hand.

Within his grasp appeared a blade, one as dark as he and structured in similar manner as his magic. It was not the most menacing of swords, but it was daunting and held an ominous presence. With it now there, it only worsened their

already bad situation. Even so, they were not about to surrender and submit to the Demon Lord. Whatever the obstacles, whatever the peril, they would overcome it. Link gripped the Master Sword tighter, pushing aside the weariness seeping through his limbs and weighing them down. Beside him, San flexed her fingers, adjusting the hold on her swords, conveying her own soreness from the unfinished battle.

They were forced to fight through the discomfort and pain, for Ghirahim charged at them. Though the threat of plummeting off the side of the platform, the threat of being defeated was still poised to strike whenever they let down their guard.

Ghirahim held nothing back. In his rush, the Demon Lord was more powerful and faster than any of their previous encounters. Wounds began to appear on Link and San's bodies, more and more breaking through their defences and armour. Link hissed in pain, his body slowly feeling like it was catching on fire from the increasing wounds. Through the pain, however, the young hero pushed onward, striking at the openings left by San's lunges and parries. While her strikes helped to slow down and distract Ghirhim, it was only the Master Sword that could damage him at that point.

Bit by bit, Link managed to land attacks on Ghirahim. The dark sword took the brunt of the attacks, but even that began to wear and tear, shards of it breaking away from the sword as a whole then fading away into the shadows they were. Through the haze of battle, and the soreness of his body, Link then began to aim for those damaged parts of the blade on purpose. The more it was damaged the more that an opening was created. Just a little further...

"Now!" shouted out San.

Link dove in for the opening left from her attack. The onyx blade shattered from the Master Sword's final strike, the pieces flying away and the shards falling to the ground around them. Ghirahim was defenceless. It was now or never. Drawing back his blade, Link struck again with all of his might. With no onyx blade to stop the attack, the Master Sword dove straight into Ghirahim's chest.

Darkness chipped away. Cracks formed and spread across the Demon Lord's chest. Behind all the cracks and openings rested an amber gem: Ghirahim's heart.

"This... This is preposterous..." breathed the Demon Lord. Those hauntingly white eyes stared down at Link in surprise, unable to fathom what had just occurred. Even Link could scarcely believe it himself. After wrenching his blade out, the young hero stumbled back and watched the Demon Lord collapse to the ground. "Driven to my knees by a simple child of man. Laughable!" Ghirahim coughed as he clutched at his exposed chest. "No matter how many times we clash, I can't prevail! You think I can't defeat you? You think I can't win? Boy...what are you?"

Link frowned and stared down to the Master Sword in hand, hiding his feelings from Ghirahim. A weapon. Was that really all that he was? Perhaps Sine had been right, after all. He was merely a weapon for the gods, doing their bidding to destroy the darkness that had returned to the freshly forged world. His choices, as much as he wanted to call them his own, had been manipulated from the very beginning. All of it...

"I got her!" shouted ot San's voice, breaking through his darkening thoughts. Link gasped and looked over. Up the spiralling path that led back to the temple appeared San, collapsing to the ground with Zelda in he arms. A sigh of relief escaped Link. They had done it. They had retrieved Zelda from darkness' clutches.

It was a cold laugh from Ghirahim that sucked what hope that had trickled back in away.

"Fool," spat the Demon Lord. Pushing himself back up, he clutched at his chest. The grin that curled his lips upwards sadistically was not one that preceded defeat. "You think...you've won? While we fought, the ritual I started continued... Not even reclaiming your precious goddess is enough to stop it now. At last, it's complete!" Rising, Ghirahim stared towards the pillar. "The demon king shall devour the soul of the goddess and resurrect in his full glory!"

A cry of pain shot through the air.

Whirling around, Link saw the glow around Zelda darken. San tried to calm the blonde down, but it was of no use. His friend began to writhe in torment as her scream grew louder.

Nearly throwing his sword to the ground in a rush, Link started towards the spiralling ramp. Before he crossed more than ten feet, a rumbling shook the earth and nearly sent him tumbling to the ground. It was no longer Ghirahim's insane cackle that sent chills up his spine, but rather the return of a presence that should have been destroyed.

Darkness spewed out across the land, the waves rolling over the ground and around Link. The young hero swallowed nervously. The darkness already nearly consuming him, he slowly managed to turn around. Higher and higher the darkness coalesced, forming a mass that was both daunting in height and presence.

Demise towered before them once again, alive and very much a threat.

It had been difficult enough to face Demise in his time, after the demon lord had been imprisoned for countless years, to have to face him again in the past... The unnatural chill sent shivers up Link's spine as he felt all joy and hope being sucked from the air and land around him.

Along with all the life in the land, Demise devoured something more.

Rising into the air, the gaping maw of Demise opened wider. A golden light trickled through the darkness and was consumed by the demon king. Link knew that light. The soul of Zelda, the soul of Hylia, was being consumed. Cursing under his breath, Link felt helpless. He could not reach his friend in time, nor was he able to stop Demise's consumption. Even though he knew it would do no use, Link hurried below where Zelda and San were. Maybe if she could pass his friend to him...

"Your attempts are futile!" cackled Ghirahim, watching his king with admiration. "Finally, my master will devour the soul of the goddess, and be unstoppable!"

Looking up frantically, Link saw San trying to keep her hold on Zelda, but it was a futile effort. The power of Demise was too much for San to overcome. The blue-haired woman's grip grew weak, her eyes began to close, and Zelda slipped from her hands. Crying out in protest, Link charged for the bottom of the ledge, his body feeling the weight of a mountain pressing and slowing him down. There was nothing he could do with his powers to help Zelda, who was flung into the air like a rag-doll, the remainder of her powers being consumed by Demise, but he could help San, who toppled over the ledge, her body going limp and lifeless after a swirl of pale energy slipped out of her.

His legs skidding to the ground, Link caught San, the weight of her sending them both flat to the dirt, but he had caught her. Eyes still closed, the blue-haired woman did not stir as he shook her, pushing himself back into a more manageable position. Link hissed under his breath, wondering what had been done.

Dark light swirled past his vision, catching his attention, and the maniacal cackling from Ghirahim grew only louder. Looking over his shoulder, Link watched helplessly as the last of Zelda's heavenly power was consumed by the demon king, the shadows swirling larger and faster until not even Demise could be seen.

"Don't you see? It's all over!" taunted Ghirahim. "You and your kind have lost! This world and everything in it now belongs to darkness! They belong to my Master!"

A shock-wave of power coursed over the land, washing away the tendrils of thick shadow, but leaving nothing but darkness in its wake. There, where the great beast of darkness once consumed the power of the goddess, stood a shadowy and terrible man.

Demise, the demon king, had returned in his full glory.

Fiery red hair adorned the dark figure, who flexed and studied his form. So that was what a leader of the darkness truly looked like. It was like power incarnate. A dark and most terrifying power. Sine, a ruler of the darkness, had been weak, broken, a fragment of her true self, but Demise... Demise stood tall in all of his horrendous glory. The demon king's aura affected all around him, warping the air and land. It was like a dark hole, sucking everything slowly towards it where it would not return.

Ghirahim knelt before the demon king. "Welcome back to us, Master."

Demise flexed his hands, paying the Ghirahim no heed until a magic spell was cast at the minion. Link stared on in shock as Demise drew Ghirahim towards the king, slowly being consumed by dark magic. Once close enough, Ghirahim's body went limp as a massive sword was wrenched from his body. A weapon. He truly was only a weapon. Nothing of Ghirahim remained, there was only the dark blade that glowed with power resting in Demise's grip.

"...So you are the chosen knight of the goddess. Intriguing..." murmured Demise, his voice like rolling thunder that clashed through the night sky, glancing over his shoulder back at Link. The young hero held San tighter as he shot a glance up towards Zelda who still hung in the air. "The goddess lowered herself to a mortal existence to keep me imprisoned. How pathetic. This bag of flesh pales comparison to the magnificence of her previous form. But I cannot complain, for it made consuming her all that much easier. And, how amusing, I even was allowed the pleasure of consuming the essence you know as Sine. It disappoints that it has become so much weaker than I had expected, but its era of rule is long gone. This revival could not have gone any better."

Swishing the dark blade down, Demise used his powers to send Zelda flying off. Link cried out, trying to return to his feet to help his friends, even if he felt like he could do nothing. But he needed not do anything.

"Don't worry, Link! Groose has got this!" called out the voice that Link had come to appreciate hearing. "Link, I...I caught her! She's okay!" An exasperated sigh escaped the young hero after he called out his thanks to the redhead, sinking back against the ground. Though he had not seen the save, there was one less thing for him to worry over.

Demise sneered, cracking his neck from side to side. "Hmm... So you and that other human would stand before obliteration to aid the goddess, would you? How curious... The humans I've known were weak things. Hardly more than insects, shivering under rocks and ready to flee at a mere glimpse of me. When last I walked this word, summoned by those who could see what true power was, the rest of your kind did little more than scream and cling to their goddess, mewling and praying... Counting on her to protect them. How amusing to think those cowards begot someone like you."

Bristling, Link settled down San as softly as he could. The only way to help her, to help everyone, was to face the king of demons. Master Sword drawn, its light piercing through the growing darkness that clung to the land and everything in it. Link held onto that light, that final glimmer of hope. It may have taken the power of the Triforce to destroy Demise in their time, but Link had to hope that the Master Sword would be enough. For the sake of them all, it had to be enough.

Demise's lips curled into a wicked grin before his dark laughter filled the air. "You grow more fascinating by the second, human. I never imagined I'd meet one of your kind who wished to stand against me in battle. Very well, then. I shall prepare a place for us where we will not be bothered by distractions. If you still have the courage to face me, seek me there."

Shadows began to coalesce around Demise's blade, whirling faster and faster. Link steeled his nerves and started towards the demon king.

"Link, it's all on you!" shouted out Groose, his voice sounding distant through the shadows despite how close he actually was. "Oh, and listen up! Grannie had some info for you! The old girl says it'll take time for that grease wad to absorb Zelda's soul completely! If you can take him down before her soul gets all sucked up into that...thing, you might still have a chance! I...I know you can do it! So...yeah! You've gotta do this! You're all Zelda's got! You've got to make this happen!"

Link spared a glance towards the now visible redhead in gratitude. To have someone else on his side... With their hope riding along him, he could fight onward.

"If you fear for your life, do not follow me," taunted Demise, regaining Link's attention. "You can spend what little time your world has left cowering and crying, as befits your kind. But if you truly desire to raise your blade against the world I would build, come for me. I've waited eons to return. I can spare a few more moments to let you decide."

The darkness around Demise solidified, making the demon vanish from sight. Shadows still clung to the land, the taint of Demise still lingering. Until he was destroyed, the darkness would remain and consume all.

Link stared at the bubbling pool of darkness that remained where Demise had once stood. Those shadows... they would lead him to the demon king and the final battle. Whoever would come out victorious...Link could not say for certain. He spared a glance up towards Groose and Zelda, his friend being seen to by the redhead as long as her soul was taken. San, however...

Demise had said so himself, he could wait a little longer. Mere minutes would mean nothing to the demon king that had waited eons for his freedom. Though Link knew that he must face Demise, he postponed that thought, not to run away and hide, but to see to his blue-haired friend. Something was still not right with her.

Shaking her shoulder gently as he knelt down beside her, Link called out her name. She did not stir. She did not respond. If it were not for the gentle rise and fall of her body, he might have thought her dead. A chill ran up his spine. He never wanted to think that she was dead again, not after the last time.

Firmer, Link called out and shook her again. Demise... Something had been done to her when he was consuming Zelda's soul. There had been that other hue of light...

A cold hand clasped around Link's neck, chocking him. Risen off of his feet, Link struggled to claw against the hand around him. Breath was knocked out of him as he was slammed against the side of the pit. He tried to shake his head, not wanting to believe what he saw before him.

Vivid red and yellow eyes glared at him, the skin surrounding them a sickly blue. Those eyes... They were not San's eyes at all.

"You should have left me be, boy," growled Sine.


A/N: Aaaaand she's back. Don't worry, things shall be explained, and, with any luck, wrapped up next chapter! I hope I won't leave you guys waiting so long for the next update, but rest assured that it will be completed, no matter how much longer it takes.