EDIT: I forgot something super important. I quoted Beauty of the Beast in this chapter, and neglected to ask the Nightwish fans to see if they could spot it. Ugh... Please don't sue me. I was being too neglectful of copyright and domain issues when I posted this chapter. I apologize to the band and their fans for that mistake.

Well, that's it. No more voting- I'm going to make my tally on your votes.

At this point, we are going to enter the third act. You guys will know what to expect, but I have some additional changes planned. In this case I took some liberties with acquiring the Triforce... you will see how. I should rate the chapter 'c' for cheezy because of that... I'm not going to spoil this one for you.

Anyway, I've finally gotten to play Minish Cap. I don't know if I want to do that or Twilight Princess next. I want to incorporate a little of the manga to Minish Cap, and I find Vaati intriguing, but you guys had a taste of what could happen if I did Twilight Princess (even though the game is unbearably long where it shouldn't be, at times.)

Chapter 14: may the way of the hero lead to the Triforce

-sometime earlier-

"You've been so quiet as of late." Impa approached Link. "All you do is hide away, carving at the crystal and the Timeshift stone."

Link glanced up from his work and his small blade to Impa. "I've only been thinking." He curtly answered.

"About?"

Link grew hesitant. "It's nothi-

"You have every right to tell me. Your particular actions speak louder than words." Impa crossed her arms. "You refused to speak to me, the day we left the Earth Temple. I knew it was because you were upset at leaving the girl behind."

Link let out a sigh and carefully placed his work on the floor beside him. "I'm afraid." He quickly admitted with slight annoyance, but there was fear reflected in his eyes, which didn't escape the Sheikah's notice. "Happy?"

"That's not enough."

"I'm afraid of what's to come!" He cried out, before he calmed down.

"I've been afraid ever since I began this journey. I found myself in a strange land with only Zelda's harp, and I was afraid that something happened to her. Even as I was told about the war, and my role in this journey, I only wanted to see that Zelda was safe. I was worried that I wouldn't survive this land, but I pressed on, knowing that the sooner I could get it over with, the sooner I was free to go find her. When I regained my memories as Hylia, I was afraid that I was losing my mind, as if something really did happen and I was dreaming this whole thing up as a pathetic excuse!

And when I saw Zelda, I..." He closed his eyes. "It was like I had awaken from a long nightmare."

He trembled. "But now I'm afraid of the long sleep that awaits me. I'm terrified of never waking up, or worse yet, finding that something happened to Zelda and everyone else. I didn't ask for this! I didn't ask Zelda to-"

He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. "But I must. I survived this insanity because I knew that, if I turned back, it wouldn't do me or Zelda any favors. I had to do what was right, even if I felt like I was dying on the inside, through all the injuries I sustained, and the doubt that I was loosing who I was to another being."

Impa felt a pang of sympathy for the young man. It was true that, despite Hylia's divine plans, Link was only a person who shouldered more weight than anyone else deserved to. Centuries old knowledge was thrust down upon him, and it threatened to turn him into an old man.

He glanced up at Impa. "I know Zelda's coming soon... I know what will happen next, and I want to run away, but if being trapped in sleep for centuries, or even eons means that it protects her-" He gave a determined nod "Then I'm ready to embrace it with open arms."

And, in that moment, Link had changed before Impa. No longer was he an angry, stubborn young boy, but a mature adult.

He picked up the crystal that he had been working on and handed it to Impa. It was a bracelet designed to be similar to Hylia's crest. "Here- it's not much, but it's a small thank you, for everything you've done." He explained.

Impa smiled. "You carry a courage greater than any warrior or monster I've come across." She took the bracelet. "Though you already have Hylia's power at your disposal, I think the courage that Farore bestowed upon you is a far greater gift."

-present-

Finally, I found myself standing on the top of Levias's head once more.

"Bahahah! So you've learned all three parts of the song from the dragons eh?" Levias asked. "You've done well, young one!"

"True to my word, I will perform the last part of the song for you." Levias then cleared his throat with a mighty cough as I knelt down.

He suddenly reared up and I almost stumbled off his head, until I managed to catch the underneath of part of his head. I latched on as tightly as I could, and awaited the last part of the song.

I closed my eyes as Levias' voice rumbled throughout the sky. I was reminded of a mighty storm in the sky... of ancient powers hiding somewhere in the halls of mighty temples.

As I got up, a gust of air almost blew me off my feet. Once more I had stumbled, but I turned in time to see the reappearance of the three dragons.

I let out a small laugh as I saw them soar into the sky- I really wasn't expecting them all together, and it was a sight to behold.

And then, to my amazement, I heard them sing as they soared freely through the air.

All the songs that I had gathered produced something wondrous... something that made my spirits soar... something that made me feel as if I were part of something timeless... as if it was something much grander then myself, and yet I felt I could take on anything.

"Do you hear this song, my mistress?" I felt a familiar pair of hands on my shoulders, but this time, it was more like a welcoming caress, then a sudden grip. "It's your legacy: this is to be the song that will fill your people with hope and courage. This will be the song that inspires them to act in the face of despair."

"The song of the hero," I was breathless. It was truly beautiful as it was glorious.

When it ended, Levias spoke.

"Now that you know the song, I trust you know what to do with it. That song opens a door to a great trial. Should you succeed in conquering the challenge awaiting you there, I'm certain the path to the Triforce will be revealed to you."

"I promise I won't fail you." I nodded my head "Thank you for your aid, Lord Levias. I appreciate all that you have done for me, and that song was one of the most glorious things that I have ever heard."

Levias chuckled. "I trust you, Zelda- daughter of Gaepora, wielder of the Master Sword, and Hylia's champion: may the way of the hero lead to the Triforce."

It wasn't until I was out of the thunderhead that I realized something.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"

"Why are you distressed, my mistress?"

"He said trial- Levias said trial! I'm going to kill Link when he wakes up!"

-The sealed grounds-

"Hey Grannie?" Groose shivered and began to rub his arms. "Is it just me, or does it suddenly feel cold in here?"

"If I were to make a guess," The old woman glanced towards the sealed doors. "The fury of an enraged young woman has found it's way in the heart of one who would otherwise believe himself to be safe."

"...You're joking, right?" Groose had a hard time buying this.

"I suppose so. It could be that winter is fast approaching, and that I'm a senile old hag."

-LOL-

"So what shall you do now?" Ghirahim asked. "Will you press on? Or will you allow yourself one night of rest? There's no knowing what will happen on the last part of this journey."

I stared to the sky, realizing that it looked as if the sun would set soon. I didn't realize that I had accomplish so much in one day until now, and while I wanted to press on, I felt no desire to push myself farther than necessary.

"The last part," I realized out loud. I couldn't believe it was coming to an end... and yet-

"I have a request." I asked. "Can I have one more night of training with you? Just in case?"

"If that is what my mistress commands."

And so, almost ten minutes later, I found myself in the training hall, standing in front of Ghirahim. But as I waited for him to draw his sword, he only stood stationary. He gave me a thoughtful look.

"I have one request for this session." Ghirahim pointed at me. "Remove the ribbons that hold your hair back."

That took me by surprise. "But won't my hair get in the-"

"I only ask that you remove the ribbons at the bottom. Humor me, just this once."

Still confused, I complied. I pulled at the pink and green ribbons and my hair- freed from their bonds- fanned out behind me. Out of habit, I shook my head, allowing my hair to fan out a little more.

"Well?" I asked as Ghirahim stared. For a moment, he didn't respond, before he muttered. "That's much better."

I held my sword in the ready stance. "Don't hold back." I asked. "Give me everything you have. If you must, use all your power."

Ghirahim let out an amused laugh before he summoned out his sword. "Then I won't disappoint you."

And so, I fought against my mentor. With all the knowledge that I had gained, I kept my eyes on his movements- both the sword and his body, to see where and how he would strike. He made no reservations in his strength, which forced me to push myself as much as possible.

And yet, the sword fight felt like... dancing.

As if we were both partners in perfect sync, with him leading, and I following his every move. Only, sometimes the roles would be reversed, and he would be forced to follow my moves.

All the while, my hair sprayed about me. It was a miracle that it didn't get chopped off in the fight, and I wondered why he wanted such a handicap.

Eventually, my companion was engulfed in a spray of black diamonds and changed into his 'pure' form. His sword changed into a much larger blade (in terms of width) and his tactics changed. He became more aggressive than ever before, but even though I felt myself straining from the fight, I forced myself to keep up with him and fight as if I was trying to protect something with all of my strength.

Finally, Ghirahim seemed to have had enough. He let out a strange animalistic growl and grabbed at my locks. I let out a cry of protest as he pulled me towards him and I felt us crashing into the hard floor of the hall. I'm sure his back felt the impact, but I accidentally got a face full of his chest.

A rather well sculpted chest. A not so friendly voice in my head noted and my face flushed, which only increased when I recalled which form I landed on top of.

I couldn't see Ghirahim, but he still had his hand tangled up in my hair. I could feel it- he was slowly rubbing the strands of my hair between his fingers.

"I didn't realize you had a thing for my hair." I grumbled into his chest. "I thought you believed long hair was a hassle for combat." I moved my hand up, attempting to push myself off of him, but when my hand accidentally grazed the diamond on his chest, he suddenly went stiff and took in a sharp breath of air.

"I'm sorry," I realized. "That's your weak spot, isn't it? Most monster's have one, so I guess-"

I felt him push me off and he turned away.

"You have to forgive me," He sounded uncomfortable. "Though I like seeing your hair loose and unbound, I admit that it's definitely not suitable for the battlefield."

He engulfed himself inside a sea of black diamonds, and when I turned away, my eyes drifted towards the Master Sword. Seeing it made me think about something I had been avoiding lately.

How long was it required of me to have the blade in my possession? More importantly, was it right for me to have it when all of this was all over? "I promise, I won't give you up for another blade as long as you're with me. In a sense, your practically an extension of me now and Father did say that a weapon is part of one's soul." I once said.

But in the end, the Master Sword didn't truly belong to me. It was never mine to begin with.

I reached for the sword, held it horizontally in both hands, and turned to Ghirahim, who resumed his old form, with the crimson cloak gracing his body once more.

"There was a time, where I promised I wouldn't give you up for another blade." I began. "And that you are an extension of my soul. In a sense, we share a bond through this blade."

"I'm not saying I want to give you up." I quickly added. "I cherish our relationship together, and this sword is the finest I have ever laid my eyes upon, no matter which form it has taken, and even when it's true form was shown to me. And as much as I wan't it by my side, I know that it can never wholly be mine, because... you and the sword are one and the same."

Ghirahim turned to look at me. His eyes reflected curiosity, as well as fear, and a sort of guardedness in them. I knew what he feared, but I didn't want him to feel as if I was abandoning him.

"I don't know what will happen when this is all over. You had served one master before me, and yet while you had the freedom to be independent, you chose the path that led to me instead. So," I took a deep breath. "When Demise is vanquished in this world, I'm giving the Master Sword back to you, so that you may have your freedom. You do not need to call me your mistress, and you will be free from the ties that binds us all to the conflict between Hylia and Demise."

Ghirahim's visible eye widened slightly as his emotions changed.

He glanced between the sword to me, and I could tell that he was replaying my words in his mind.

Finally, he shook his head and he gained a smile that seemed amused, yet so tired looking. He snapped his fingers and as he rose from the ground, his own sword disappeared.

I waited- was he angry at me? Did he find me to be a laugh?

Instead, he walked in my direction, knelt in front of me, and cupped my chin.

"You are certainly too good for this world," He stated. "You know that?"

Suddenly, he took me by surprise- he kissed my forehead.

He then disappeared and retreated into the Master Sword.

-One song-

The day I had waited for finally came.

We found the hidden location to the gate, where I was able to play the song of the hero.

When I finished the song, the gate revealed itself, but I couldn't help but look at it with slight irritation.

"It's like Hylia doesn't trust me enough to make this any easier." I pulled the sword out.

"I suppose this is the last time you'll have to watch over my body." I continued. "At least the only concern you'll have is that people will keep asking why I'm just lying on the ground."

"I'll protect your body from the aggravating curiosity of Skyloft's residents, from the smallest child to the oldest man in town."

And so, with that promised, I sent the sword into the ground and felt my spirit fade from my body for what hopefully would be the final time.

-POV switch-

And so, when Zelda lost consciousness, her body feel into Ghirahim's arms.

The sword spirit carefully laid her body down and as soon as it was carefully positioned, he looked up.

"I sense you, Headmaster."

Behind him, was Gaepora.

"If you are worried about your daughter, I can assure you that she is safe." Ghirahim sat himself beside Zelda's body. "Though I do admit, it has been awhile since we have spoken."

"I have no reason to doubt her safety now." Gaepora approached Ghirahim and stopped beside him, where he could glance down and see his daughter laying on the ground. "I trust my daughter enough to know that she can take care of herself, though I can't deny that not a day has gone by where I worry that something will happen to her."

A shadow was casted over Ghirahim's face as memories filled his mind. It was impossible to think about the last time he had watched over Zelda like this.

"I would be lying if I said that there was no need to worry." He admitted. "While her task is Hylia's will, it has come with many perils."

Ghirahim glanced up at Gaepora. The old man was understandably troubled by this news... upset even.

"However, I also have no need to say why you should be proud that she is your daughter."

Gaepora looked at Ghirahim. "I had my doubts about you, and you have been one of my concerns, in regards to her safety. I don't know why you were chosen to aid my daughter, so tell me- what is she to you? How do I know that you that you'll never betray her?"

Ghirahim suddenly let out a laugh. "You ask me as if I was her lover."

He glanced back down to the girl. "How would I describe what she is to me? Do I see her as you would? She is my mistress, but with my responsibility, it makes her more than that. Am I companion, friend, brother... am I more than that? I won't deny that I am fond of her. I have come to learn that I would willingly lay my life down to ensure her safety. Yes, I cherish your daughter, but it transcends beyond your perceived perceptions of love."

Gaepora didn't seem to have a response to this, which was possibly for the best. Instead, he glanced back down. "Her courage definitely comes from her mother."

"Safely away from the world, in a dream, timeless domain." Ghirahim couldn't help but comment. "A child, dreamy eyed, mother's mirror, father's pride- don't be surprised Headmaster, for I've seen the picture of her mother."

"What will you do when all of this is over?" Gaepora couldn't help but ask. "I could offer you a place here in Skyloft-"

"As generous as that offer is, we both know that I couldn't fit in with your community." Ghirahim declined. "And I doubt the younger generations of Skyloft will live out their lives up in the sky."

Ghirahim peered into Zelda's mind: she was just about ready to acquire the last tear. "My m-your daughter is almost finished."

However, Gaepora replied "I think that I better go. I need to stay out of her way, unless she truly want's my help. I only offer when she seeks it."

He walked ahead of Zelda and Ghirahim, but then he turned around, with arms crossed behind his back.

"Thank you for watching out for my daughter after all this time. It's too much to ask of you to continue to do so until this is all over, but I am only a concerned father."

Ghirahim only closed his eyes and smiled. "If that is what you wish, Headmaster Gaepora."

As the headmaster walked back to the academy, Ghirahim resumed his attention on Zelda, who was heading back to the gate.

-normal-

"It's done." I woke up and pushed myself off the ground.

I held my hand towards Ghirahim and opened it to reveal a red jewel, with Hylia's insignia inside . "I think this is the way to open the path to the Triforce."

Ghirahim glanced at it "The Stone of Trials is supposed to do just that, but the downside is that it's one of a pair. I would assume that it's twin is hiding somewhere on this island, and you combine them together, then-

"I know where!" I suddenly realized.

I quickly got up and pulled the sword out of the ground. As I ran off to the location, Ghirahim followed me.

"There's a statue of a loftwing that has a red jewel for an eye, while the other one is missing." I explained. "No one knows why, and it's been a mystery for ages, but- do I have to say it?!" I laughed.

We made it towards the lake, and towards the statue in question. I placed the stone into the statue, backed away, and waited.

The eyes of the statue let out bright light, glowed, and then the statue itself spun around until it faced the Isle of Hylia. It opened it's beak and out shot... a simple cannonball, which didn't even dent the island when it made contact.

We were both dead silent. That was not what either of us were expecting and I felt as if Hylia made a sick joke on us.

Before a word could be spoken, a glimmer of light shown from underneath the island and then rode up the rock walls. Chunks of earth began to fall away from the island, which sent a tremor across Skyloft. (Enough to almost make me fall over).

Something broke out underneath the island, sending more chunks of earth down into the ground, and out spiraled a strange, upside down tower of white and gold, and carvings of loftwings.

Finally, the statue spat out what I thought was balloons, but were apparently targets for my clawshots.

"Well then," my hands started reaching into my pockets. "I guess this-"

"I think not!" I suddenly found myself picked up bridle style and, in less than two seconds, I was at the entryway to the tower.

"Sorry, but we're short on time as is." Ghiahim let me go and went back into my sword.

"You just wanted to keep me from using the clawshots." I accused him.

"Maybe I did, and maybe I didn't." He spoke in my head as I entered the temple.

As I found myself entering an ethereal looking hall, where I could see many insignias of the Triforce, I wondered. "So this was under the statue this whole time..."

"The Sky Keep will undoubtedly be your hardest challenge yet." I was warned. "You must put all your knowledge to good use."

And it was a challenging temple, unlike any dungeon I had encountered. I had the power to move the rooms around like blocks, and each one held a certain challenge. They echoed past dungeons, and I had to carefully go through every single one- some were confusing, some were aggravating, and one required me to put up one heck of a fight in an endless chain of battles. Another room required carefully tossing a bomb into a crevice, but I'd rather not get into it, as the whole thing was extremely annoying.

The first Triforce I found was the Triforce of Courage.

After completing the room's challenge. I found myself in a chamber that seemed to have windows peering out to the sky, but everything was an eerie, otherworldly hue, like when I was in the silent realm. Even I was glowing in a strange ethereal light.

And standing on a platform, was a small, golden triangle.

"This must be the Triforce of courage." Ghirahim's voice echoed in my head as I approached the triangle. "To think that this is fraction of an object can grant god-like powers."

"This is part of the Triforce?" I was amazed as I touched it. "I didn't imagine it to look so... small."

"Sometimes, great things come in unexpected packages." A surprisingly familiar voice echoed around the room. "Isn't that what our instructors taught us?"

I glanced up... to see Link behind the Triforce of courage.

"How-?!" I gapped. "How on-"

"I am speaking to you from my sleep" Link explained. "I am allowed to stay connected through this part of the Triforce, as apparently it resonates with me the most. The other parts are also..." He paused. "Occupied, so to say."

"This isn't some kind of trick is it?" I asked. "Some sort of mind game, or-

"Your favorite color is pink, you once had a pet bug named Jingles, you caught me with a hole in my pants when I tried to pick an apple for you, and the first time you flew your loftwing and landed in front of the statue, you tumbled off and flashed us your purple undergarments. Groose wore a stupid look on his face for the next few weeks with that particular memory planted in his head."

There was an awkward silence.

"...Ok, it's you." I sighed. "I was kind of hoping you forgot about that thing with the-"

"Never mind that." Link interrupted me. "I can't stay for long, but I know you can do this." He gave me a reassuring smile. "Just a little more, and then I promise that I'll wake up!"

I nodded. "Sure thing."

Link began to be enveloped in white light. "I need to warn you about something: when you find the Triforce of wisdom... all I can say is that I hope you don't get too upset, because what will occur may cause you pain."

I was confused. "Wait!" I protested as the room lit up. "What do you-

And then I found myself in the chamber where I found the Triforce of courage.

"...So." Ghirahim spoke. "I hope your habit of naming your pets won't apply to your children."

With time, I completed another room and once more, I found myself in front of a golden triangle.

"The Triforce of power." Ghirahim answered as I reached out for it.

As soon as it came into my possession, someone appeared in front of me. At first, I assumed it was Link, but there was something otherworldly about him and when I looked into his eyes and saw that they seemed to be older then the face that contained them and contained a sad weariness.

"You must be Hylia," I realized.

"I am pleased to see that you have come this far." Hylia smiled. "And I see that Ghirahim is well behaved. I was hoping that you could help him find goodness in his heart."

"How is it that your still alive?" Ghirahim came out and appeared beside me. "Are you possessing your incarnation from beyond?"

"This is only the last part of my subconsciousness." Hylia explained. "It's the only part of me that is still separate from my soul. After that... who knows. Perhaps I shall return to my soul once more."

"I have so much to complain about to you." I placed my fists on my hips. "For starters, you gave me yet another silent realm."

Hylia gave me a sheepish smile. "Ah yes... I figured that was too much." He let out a nervous laugh.

"You're precious humans have rubbed off on me." Ghirahim added with a shudder. "I can hardly believe the thing's that I have said or even felt. You put my mistress through more than necessary, and not just physically-"

Hylia looked to Ghirahim and bowed his head. "I am truly sorry. For all I have done to the both of you. I have more sins in my heart than I can count." Then he became serious.

"This world no longer belongs to the gods. While we may watch over these lands, we have caused more trouble then necessary. There is no need to stay above the skies- you all are free to choose your own destinies." He glanced to the sky. "And so, I must return this part of my spirit to my reincarnation. I admit that I fear for my existence, but I have no regrets, seeing how far the both of you have come on this journey."

"One more thing, Hylia." Ghirahim inquired. "Why on earth did you allow your people to think that you were a woman? Honestly, the statue above us is a woman who is supposed to be you. Is there some secret you have been hiding, like usual?"

Hylia gave Ghirahim a rather hilarious grin as his body turned a brilliant white light. "Honestly? I just thought that it would be amusing. Does that still make my mind sick?"

Ghirahim sounded as if he was scowling when he said. "I'll never understand you gods at all."

Finally, the time came when I entered the last room that housed the Triforce piece, and I found myself in the resting chambers of that piece.

"The Triforce of wisdom." I concluded. "One more, and then-" I reached towards the golden triangle. As my fingers touched it, another figure appeared behind it.

Link's warning rang in my head, and I wondered who it was that could cause me pain. I glanced up to see...No...It couldn't be...

"...M...mother?" I gasped.

Standing in front of me and the Triforce of Wisdom was my mother. It was like looking into a mirror or an old picture. She looked just like she used to be when I was a child, with hair in a bun and shawl draped over her shoulders... before she passed away.

She smiled. "Zelda... my dearest Zelda."

Slowly my hand reached towards her as my throat began to tighten. "Is... is it really you, mother?"

"Like Hylia, this is the last of my subconsciousness." Mother answered. "Before my death, I made a wish to see you one more time... before I had to leave... and by Hylia's mercy, my soul was bound to this part of the Triforce, where I waited for the day to see you once more, as the girl I hoped you would become."

I felt my eyes tear up. "Mother," I croaked. "I- I am so sorry." I pleaded. "I wanted to make you proud of me, but I took so many lives for the sake of this world. I know you hated the mere thought of taking another life! B-but I wanted to see Link once more and now the world-"

"I know." Mother gave me a sad smile. "I have been watching you this whole time. It pained and terrified me to see all you had to go through, and all you had to endure, physically and emotionally. But the love you have towards Link, and your dreams for the future were far stronger than anything else. You should not feel self loathing for all you have done."

I broke down and sobbed. "I- I missed you- m-mother." I stuttered as my words became stuck in my throat.

I felt a cool comforting breeze envelop me and I glanced up to see that mother had wrapped her arms around me. While it was not the warm, tight embrace that she used to give me, the love she had for me was still there.

"I am proud of you, my Zelda." She whispered to me. "You have grown into a beautiful, wise, courageous young woman. You are all I wished for and more, and I am proud to have you as my daughter."

She held me there, and for that moment, it didn't matter what I was supposed to be doing. I wanted to savor this second chance for as long as I could.

"I know that Link is waiting for you..." Mother reluctantly let go off me. "Which is why I must depart this world and leave you this part of the Triforce."

I panicked. "No! We only just-"

She cupped a hand under my chin. "I love you Zelda- I can never say it enough. You and your father are my greatest joy. Though I wish I could have been allowed more time in this world, I know that you will do even more great accomplishments when all of this is over. After all," She chuckled. "I do find Link to be worthy enough for your hand in marriage, should that day ever come. I expect you to provide plenty of grandchildren-"

I choked out a laugh. "I can't make any promises."

"I know. I don't control your life, for that is your own right, but it's just a mother's wishful thinking."

Mother smiled and let go of my chin and she began to be enveloped in a brilliant white light. "I love you Zelda. And tell your father that I love him as well. May your heart always be strong, for the sake of those who were blessed to have known you, your wisdom to guide the future, and your courage help you brave the darkest of days."

"I will." I promised as the room suddenly flashed and everything lost it's ethereal blue light. "I love you mother! No matter what, I always will love you!"

The room shook and everything became enveloped in a god light.

"I love you mother." A tear rolled down my face as the light took me out of the chamber.

- and then-

I opened my eyes to find myself at a familiar sight.

I was at the top of the goddess statue... where last time, I pretended to be Hylia, to award Link with his sailcloth.

I really had come a long way since that fated day, hadn't I?

Suddenly, I felt a comforting light inside my body and the Triforce came out of me in a golden glow. I watched in awe as they spun and twirled in the air, like snow. All three radiated with a golden light that felt comforting and yet unsettling at the same time.

"And so it has come."

I glanced to Ghirahim as he appeared beside me. He too stared at the Triforce in awe.

"This is the moment you have been waiting for. I believe all that is needed now is to make a prayer or a wish from the depths of your very being upon this artifact."

"But what about the questions you have?" I asked, realizing that something was missing from all of this. "Hylia didn't tell you anything about-

"I believe it's time to move on." Ghirahim shook his head and held up a hand of protest. "I have already made peace with that. Haven't you made peace with your mother?"

"I have." I answered as I let out a sigh and turned back to the Triforce. "I suppose it's time." I grew nervous- would this really work?

They all depended upon me... but they also had faith in me. And I couldn't let everyone down. From everyone in Skyloft, to all the races down below- for the old woman, Groose, Impa, Ghirahim, and Link, who had faith in me I had to do this. I gave the Triforce a determined look and closed my eyes.

Oh great Triforce... hear my prayer... I wish for the cycle of Demise's destruction to come to an end. I wish for my people to return to the surface, so that they may make their future and help the surface thrive once more. For this to happen, Demise must be vanquished for good, so please, aid me, o holy Triforce.

I felt a burst of warm air come from the Triforce, and I could sense from under my eyelids that the Triforce was radiating with even more brilliant light.

Suddenly, the statue began to shake and I opened my eyes to see that the whole island that had the statue was shaking.

"What's happening?!" I looked around until suddenly, the island began sinking. I heard the bridge that connected the island to Skyloft had snapped in the process.

I lost my footing and I would have fallen off the statue, had Ghirahim not grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him. Without a word, he summoned out what appeared to be a larger version of his sword, and stabbed it into the ground. With one arm, he kept me close to him, while the other held onto the sword for dear life.

"How will this defeat Demise?!" I almost yelled as the island twirled around in the sky. Seconds slowly became minutes, and yet I only feared for my own safety.

After we passed through the clouds, I looked out to see the familiar landscape of the forest.

"Hang on!" I felt my companion pull me closer towards him.

I heard the familiar roar of the Imprisoned, but then it was drowned out by the sound of the island crashing into the ground.

For a moment, all was quiet. Then a burst of dark black energy escaped around the sanctuary with a tremendous sound. Even as this occurred, Ghirahim still kept ahold on me.

And then... silence.

Slowly I moved myself from Ghirahim's form, just as the rays of the sun broke through the gray skies. It enveloped us, as I saw where we landed... the sealed grounds. We had landed right above Demise.

"It appears that the Isle of the Goddess," Ghirahim was stunned. "... has returned to the surface."

He glanced up to the sky. "I sense the successful eradication of... Demise." He closed his eyes, realizing that he aided in the destruction of his master, and yet seemed content with what he had done. "Your prayers to the Triforce had been heard."

As I turned to him, he knowingly added. "And thus, the seal that your Link has maintained is no longer necessary. He should wake up at any moment."

As realization drew upon me, I let out a gasp and felt myself smile.

"So then," Ghirahim turned to me with a knowing smile. "Are you going to wake up your sleeping prince?"

Instead of answering, I let out a joyous laugh and leapt onto Ghirahim, drawing him into a tight hug that took him by surprise. I had enough force in me that I almost spun him around and my legs kicked up in the air before my feet touched the ground again.

"It's really over!" I was almost breathless. "It's really over!"

I felt the surprise in Ghirahim's body, but then I felt his arms placed around my shoulders, with one hand over my head.

"It is over." He sounded calm, but pleased at the same time. "And seeing you this happy, fills me with happiness too, my Mistress Zelda."

I squeezed him one more time before I grabbed his hand. "Come on, let's go!" I excitedly turned towards the temple.

-happiness-

I rushed inside, where Groose and the old woman waited for me, in front of the gate- the constant rotation was the only sound that echoed throughout the room, but the beating of my heart and my panting sounded an awful lot louder in my ears..

I made eye contact as I cached my breath.

They nodded, pleased with my work, and with confirmation that it was indeed time.

I rushed past them, past the gate of time, to the doors that stood between me and the one I wanted to see the most.

As if on cue, the doors slowly opened for me, emitting a blue light that pooled out into the temple.

Slowly I walked inside. The blue crystal around the sword was glowing now.

With baited breath and a pounding heart, I waited as the blue light grew, with a strange ethereal sound.

And then, the crystal began to crack.

It started out small, but then it grew. It kept growing, forming spiderweb like patterns, and slowly small fragments began to fly off, until a blinding white light flashed.

And then, the crystal shattered to many pieces, freeing the sword from it's fossilized state.

And standing with his hands still placed on the handle of the sword... was Link.

Slowly, he raised his head, and opened his eyes. I don't know what being in a sleep sleep for a thousand years would be like, and he made no indication of it. He didn't seem entirely aware of his surroundings as he released his grip on the sword and began to slowly move somewhere between a walk and a stagger towards me down the stairs.

The whole time, a wave of relief overcame me... but then he tripped on his own feet, and that's when I ran towards him. I was barely able to hold him up, since he was a lot heavier than I was.

However, he seemed to become aware of his surroundings and I could feel him forcing himself to stand as he wrapped his arms around me, as he tried to keep his balance while at the same time, relieving me of the strains of holding him up.

"...Hey," His voice cracked in a hoarse whisper.

I felt myself smiling. "Good morning Link."

-after some privacy time-

After we finally had our small reunion, we were able to walk hand and hand away from the chamber where Link's sword was still suck inside the earth, as well as the last of his duty to keep Demise sealed away.

We walked around the gate, and found Groose and the old woman waiting for us.

"Uh," Link gave Groose an awkward wave with his free hand as we approached them. "Hey there... Groose."

I let go of Link's hand when I noticed the look in Groose's eyes. He immediately went on to shake Link by the shoulders, but while it took Link off guard, it was clear as day that Groose was happy to see him again. However, the shaking was enough to completely get the last thousand years or so of sleepiness out of Link.

"About time!" Groose cheered as Link tried holding onto Groose's wrists. "I got to do all the hard work while you were snoozin' off again!"

Groose finally gave Link a pat on the shoulders, and rushed to the old woman, to whom he swooped her up in a great big hug.

Link srached his head at the unusual behavior of Groose, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"I really missed you." I turned to Link with a smile. "There's so much I want to share with you. I don't even know where to begin."

Link smiled back. "I missed you too." He held his hand towards me. "I guess we both have some catching up to do."

I giggled as I reached my hand out towards his. "You have no idea wh-

I felt a sharp jab, with a tremendous force behind it, hit me in the back that somehow reached my stomach, followed by a loud cracking sound. It was enough force to knock me down to my knees, and my hands stopped me from completely collapsing to the ground.

I felt my shield fall off my back and I could hear the sound of not one, but two objects crashing to the ground behind me

My eyes widened as a pain began forming in my body, and when I glanced down, I knew what just happened: sticking out of my stomach, was the blade end of a sword.

I heard a strange noise, and suddenly I felt a searing agony shoot though my hands.

I screamed.

It was either end it on a happy note with that cute little moment on top of the statue between Ghirahim and Zelda (and the music that plays during that scene in the game still goes with it.) Or end it on a brutal note. I waited a long time to write that moment on the statue because of how sweet it is, but in the end, guess what won out?

I went all out, because, honestly, I already made some points in this fic that you guys may have seen coming. And now you guys hate me for it.

I don't know when the next chapter will be posted, but I don't think Demise will make an appearance just yet. In the meantime, for those who wanted some GhiraZel, I have a side story that I will post soon, which will expand a little upon what happened in the training hall, but does NOT NEED TO BE CONSIDERED CANON AND WILL BE OPTIONAL.

Happy Early Thanksgiving.