Chapter 10
Link sat at his small writing desk in his bed chamber, thinking. He had ducked into the dining hall before dinner and had brought his soup into his room, making excuses to Pipit and Karane that he was tired and needed sleep. He still didn't feel much like talking about his predicament with everyone. He always did his best to assure the other knights that Zelda was still okay and that they need not worry, and he was still committed to bringing her home safely; but another life hung in the balance now. Girahim had been different at their last meeting; he was cold and distant, which wasn't entirely abnormal, but it had seemed half-hearted, like a shadow of his old self. Link still wasn't entirely sure what to make of that, but he was sure it couldn't be good and likely had everything to do with Demise's hold over him. Link pushed his empty soup bowl away and put his elbows on the desk, his head in his hands. The candle light danced and flickered, casting strange shadows about the room. He replayed Fi's words in his head, as he had done a hundred times since speaking with her about her bond to the Master Sword. He couldn't shake the feeling that the sacred flames held some important role in not only binding a spirit to the sword, but possibly separating it too. He turned his hand over, the golden triangle still shone brightly upon the back of it. Girahim had spoken of the Triforce; so had Headmaster Gaepora but they hadn't explained particularly what it was. Gaepora had said it was a powerful energy source, bringing the forces of power, wisdom and courage and binding them together. It was this sacred power that once brought life to the land of Hyrule in times before Demise. Most knights at least knew that much, but no-one seemed to have any knowledge of what this sacred power was capable of. Perhaps Girahim knew, but he had never elaborated. Link wasn't sure if he dared inquire further, given Girahim's current state of mind. Moreover, what could the Triforce possibly have to do with Link himself? He squeezed his eyes shut, brow furrowed. The pieces were there…but they didn't fit. Somehow, this great power used to create the very earth he stood upon, must hold the answers to helping Girahim. He pushed away from the desk with a sigh. He had two flames yet to find. Perhaps the answers would come, and he couldn't afford to waste any more time when time wasn't just his to waste anymore. He didn't know how long Zelda had. What kind of time did Girahim have? It was only a matter of time before Demise found the next Gate of Time…or this puppet Girahim found it…Link shuddered and stood. He needed sleep; he did not intend to return to Skyloft anytime soon after departing once again for Lanayru tomorrow.
Much later…
His heart thumping very fast, Link threw his weight against the red and gold enamled doors before him. He worked unaffected by the heat around him now, but the doors were still quite heavy. He took deep breaths in though his nose and exhaled slowly, not daring to make a sound as he moved into the cavernous room before him. Huge, red-laquered pillars supported a high ceiling painted with bright murals in every color Link could have imagined. The mosaicked floor tiles flowed together in star shapes and huge circles. Link's heart skipped a beat; several images in the great mural before him depicted great, golden clockwork mechanisms surrounded by deities. The Gate of Time. A deep chuckle echoed from within the shadows before him; his heart sank. Girahim leapt from the arch of a magnificent carved doorway within the opposite wall. Link was painfully reminded of their first meeting as The Demon Lord stood before him, a vindictive chill radiating from his pale body. He looked ragged, the dark purple shadows under his eyes seemed endless. His eyes themselves were more empty and lifeless than ever. When he spoke, it was as though another entity were providing the words; the sarcasm and mockery were there, but the tone in which they were spoken did not seem to belong to Girahim.
"…Oh hello there, Link. I see you're still among the living. Fancy meeting you here." The timbre of his voice was different; deeper and almost robotic. "We seem to bump in to each other time and time again. It's no coincidence, though, is it? You and I…we are indeed bound by a thread of fate." His voice grew to a malicious whisper as he turned his head toward the ceiling. With a toss of his hair, he continued in that same lifeless tone; "Look at these old drawings! Until I found these, I was…upset about that little stunt The Goddess' guard dog pulled at The Gate of Time. What was that twig's name again? Impa?" Comprehension began to dawn on Link's face at this tiny slip…Link knew for a fact that Girahim had been captured with Impa long ago; he wouldn't have forgotten her now. This wasn't Girahim…not entirely…it couldn't be. Link realized his mouth was open, and he snapped it shut, his glare deepening. "Well, nevermind that, because these drawings suggest the existence of a second Gate of Time. This news has just filled my heart with rainbows!" Girahim gestured grandly at the mural with his arms wide. "I've been a busy boy, searching here and there and everywhere for another Gate of Time..." Sweeping around to glare at Link, he snapped his fingers, disappearing in a shower of diamonds. Link once again had the familiar sensation he was being watched as a demonic presence seemed to circulate the room. He drew his sword, casting about wildly for the moment this puppet Girahim would surely re-appear; he hoped he wouldn't have to use it. His eyes caught movement to his right and he spun around to find Girahim perched dramatically on one knee; "…And yet, I couldn't even find a single clue. Since I know I can be honest with you, I'll admit I got a little sulky. It was frowns all around." Girahim suddenly clutched at his temples with a gasp, but he quickly recovered himself, disappearing in another flurry of diamonds. Link looked around again, as The Demon reappeared this time above the archway of the door through which he had just come. His diamond patterned arms writhed as he clutched himself in apparent pain and anguish. "The thought of never getting my hands on that darling girl again was…well, more than I could bear. But then…" He suddenly swooped down toward Link, and before he could raise his sword, Girahim was behind him grasping his shoulders painfully. Link struggled to move, but it was as though an invisible vice pinned his arms to his sides. "Then I found this place." Girahim leaned in to whisper in Links ear, but it felt wrong. His very touch felt wrong. Whereas before, he could barely stop the shudders of ecstasy that would threaten to nearly overwhelm him; now the sensation turned his stomach nauseatingly. Demise; he had to be controlling Girahim somehow…even from within? Girahim continued to squeeze Links shoulders as he went on; "The prospect of a second Gate of Time has made me positively giggly!" Link felt the invisible weight against his arms shift and he lashed out automatically, slicing towards Girahim, but his sword merely contacted a cloud of diamond afterimage as Girahim teleported away. Link looked up as Girahim materialized in front of him, throwing his arms wide and puffing out his chest. "That girl…your adorable friend…she will be instrumental in bringing about the revival of my master. And though I feared she was now quite beyond my reach, I despair no longer!" The demon threw his head back triumphantly, "…but before we talk any further on that subject, there's still the outstanding matter of your punishment, Link. Do you remember when I told you that the next time we met, I'd make your ears bleed from the sound of your own screams?" He lowered his head, his voice now a deep growl. Links insides twisted; he didn't want to have to kill Girahim. Shaking his head furiously, he shoved that thought away. The real Girahim had to be in there somewhere; perhaps he could just distract Demise enough… "A lot has happened between you and I since I made that promise, but I realize now what an arrogant, self-serving fool I was." Link knew the words weren't his own, but they still stung. "But, perhaps corporal punishment is a touch harsh…I might be willing to forgive and forget if you'll strike a deal." His voice grew even deeper as his eyes flashed hungrily. "All I ask is that you tell me where I can find the other Gate of Time. That's not too much to ask is it? Oh, and don't you play coy with me. I know that you know, so why not let me in on the fun? Don't think for a second that your unwillingness to be honest with me after I have given you every chance has gone un-noticed." He pointed an accusing finger at Link, and he swallowed guiltily in spite of himself. He could feel his insides burn with hate for Demise and the way he was using Girahim. It was becoming almost more than he could bear to not lash out. He nonetheless continued to scowl darkly back at the puppet demon and brought his shield forward.
"You will never win, Demise…" He said levely, surprised his voice didn't crack. "I know what it is you're trying to do, but I see right through you." He swung his sword to a point at Girahim and widened his stance.
"Such behavior. A mischievous boy like you needs to be dealt with firmly. You may think you know everything, but I must warn you, I won't go easy on you this time." Girahims face contorted suddenly in that seemingly agonizing way again as his arms rose, almost unwillingly before him. Could the real Girahim still be in there, somewhere? Fighting? Link didn't have a clue what was going to happen next. He didn't want to have to kill this puppet, but he had sworn an oath to defeat Demise no matter what the cost. He swallowed a fresh lump in his throat and readied himself. Suddenly, an electric shock wracked Girahim. The white, diamond embellished gloves vanished from his arms and instead a deep, inky blackness coated his hands and forearms, snaking its way up his biceps almost like veins. It gave his arms a charred look. Link struggled to keep his expression even, he wasn't about to give The Demon King the satisfaction of knowing how uncertain he was beginning to feel about all of this. "Lovely aren't they? You will now find the supple skin of my arms tougher than any armor. Doesn't their shape just leave you…breathless? What am I saying…" He continued, running one of his newly formed hands through his silken stark-white curtain of hair. "I rather excel in the fine art of leaving innocent man-children like yourself breathless. Behold! Such beauty!" He cried, and Link watched in horror as more inky, black veins snaked their way across Girahims face and poured down his chest beneath his diamond cut-out tunic. Link watched helplessly as Girahims body twisted and flailed as black tendrils continued to snake down his leg. "Such stunning features! Yes, I've pretty much got it all…wouldn't you agree Link?" He shrieked madly. He laughed a low, guttural laugh that was not his own. Hatred surged within Link, but he fought desperately to focus. It would be just what Demise would want if he were to lash out irrationally now. Girahim relaxed his arms as he strode toward Link. "There is one teensy, tiny thing I lack…namely mercy." The Demon Lord licked his lips grotesquely, a maniacal laughter echoing off the chamber walls, magnified a hundred times over. "Come to me Link. You and I, we're indeed bound by a thread of fate. Destined to fight. Meet me in battle and the thread of fate that binds us will be soaked crimson with your blood."
Link lunged forward with a cry, bringing the Master Sword swishing down toward Girahim, The Demon caught his blade again between his fingers, laughing savagely.
"Is that all you've got for me Sky-child? Come now, surely you must be seething…do my words not sting?" Link strained and tugged on the hilt of the sword, Girahim released it. He snapped his long, charcoal-black fingers, conjuring a line of daggers. "It's alright, little hero…let your hatred out. Perfectly natural after what you've been through." Girahim continued to torment him as Link circled, slashing the line of daggers away like flies. The Master Sword burned in his fist. In a whirl of black, Girahim conjured the broadsword he had wielded at the Temple of Time ruins. "Are your feelings hurt boy? You cannot seriously think that a god like myself could ever…what is the word you humans use…ah yes…love." Link screamed, pivoting sideways and slashing at Girahim, catching him in the arm. The force of the blow sent Girahim stumbling backward, but the coating of black armor that sealed his arms did its job. There was no blood. Links eyes flashed…if he could simply keep him at bay, this new armor would at least keep the Master Sword from killing him.
So they danced, Link turned and twisted as Girahim sent more daggers flying. Girahim dodged and pirouetted, slinking and sliding past the majority of Links blows, deflecting the worst of them with his jet-black sword. But it was taking every bit of strength he could muster to stay even on the defensive. The Master Sword swung true several more times; cracking Girahim across the shoulders, and sending him reeling forward; another had him careening into a red pillar as the flat of the blade collided with his chest. Link pivoted through the familiar motions he had been taught with ease, the Goddess' Sword flashing like a beacon in his hands. He could sense Girahim weakening. Girahim snapped his fingers, sending yet another line of daggers toward Link and at the same time he leapt high, aiming his sword for a killing blow at Links head. With a crash, Link brought his sword up to meet the dark blade in a shower of sparks. Links other hand sprang in front of him, snatching the red dagger soaring towards his throat. Snarling, he brought its wicked red point to Girahim's own neck which was still quite unprotected. A flash of diamonds shimmered before his eyes as he suddenly found himself defending against nothing but air.
"…Enough of this foolishness…I am Girahim, Demon Lord!" He had re-appeared several paces in front of Link, his dark fingers clutching at his face, his eyes wide with anger. It shouldn't matter how powerful your sword is, you are still nothing…Not just a human…a human child! And yet you prevail!" He spat, his temper boiling. Link himself felt his arms burning with the physical exertion it had required to stave The Demon off; but a flame of satisfaction blazed within as he watched Girahim, or Demise rather, cower before him. "You filthy scamp! You have awakened a wrath that will burn for eons! I swear to you, whatever it takes, I will drag you into an eternity of torment!" With another circular flourish of his black blade, he was gone.
Link let out a long, slow breath that he didn't even realize he had been holding. He had done it. He had bested Demise's power; at least for now. He would be fooling himself if he thought that would be the end of the nightmare, but it gave him hope. He tried not to rehash the Puppet Girahims words in his head…he couldn't have meant them…no…of course not. All the same, they made Links insides twist in painful knots. He looked instead toward the gently pulsating stone door in the opposite wall. He stooped, collecting the glittering heart container from the floor tiles and made his way toward the last sacred flame.
Later…
Link threw the door of his room open, stumbling forward onto the carpets. Tears ran freely down his cheeks and his body shook, breaths coming in ragged gasps. Zelda. He had forgotten just how much he truly had missed her, such was his joy at their re-unition at the Sealed Temple. Colors and emotions; Demise's cruel, monstrous form; Girahims face; her face; the Triforce…all swirled together across the inside of his closed lids like a bad slide-show. He collapsed upon the floor, as sobs wracked his tired body. To have had her back, only to lose her again. His heart ached. The words she told him circulated through his exhausted brain as he struggled to comprehend…to make sense of them. His body felt full of lead; his tired limbs melting into his embroidered carpets. His breathing gradually slowed, his head still spinning. He was drifting…his consciousness waning as he was carried beyond the edge of reality and into a fitful sleep.
Not for the first time, The Goddess' Hero awoke to find himself spread-eagled on his dorm room floor. He groaned painfully, The Master Sword and shield digging painfully into his back, as he had not removed them before drifting off the night before. A dim slash of pink filtered in through the window behind him, signaling the dawn. He brought a hand to his face, rubbing sleep from his eyes and massaging his temples as his thoughts and feelings slowly flooded back into his head like ice water. He sat up awkwardly with a grimace, grasping his face in his hands. Zelda…Hylia…whoever she was now…she was at least safe, but at what cost? Sealed in stone to keep the prison holding Demise intact seemed like a hefty toll. He had felt so helpless, wishing there was anything else he could've done…he would gladly have taken her place if it had been possible. And she felt guilty for using him? Goddess or no goddess, he would always fight for his friend. He swallowed the lump that began to rise again in his throat. He simply had to see the rest of this through. 'When all of this is over, will you come wake me up?' She had said…suddenly his face contorted in a gruesome snarl, his fingernails digging into his forehead. Demise. He was the cause of all of this. He was nothing but an almighty coward, too weak to face Link himself. Link knew in his heart the King of Shadows wouldn't be able to run forever. The day would soon come. Link intended to keep his promise of never giving up. He would awaken Zelda. He would set Girahim free. Girahim. Link heaved a great sigh, tilting his head back. Demise had surely proven his powers were growing in taking over and using The Demon. Link only hoped that this new parasitism didn't kill him. He still hadn't quite devised how to break the dark spell that held Girahim captive, but the floating puzzle pieces in his mind were beginning to connect. Zelda; he had decided to insist upon her common name, had told him he had the power to wield the Triforce, and that it had the capacity to grant his wishes. Aside from wishing for the destruction of Demise, could he perhaps use its power to free The Demon? Did it even work that way? There were still too many unknowns…surely something powerful enough to shape the very land on which he stood had the capability to grant freedom to someone in need. "Why me?" He whispered aloud. "What if I'm tired of being everyone's bloody hero?" With a sniff he pushed himself to standing. He knew in his heart he was being pathetic, but a part of him did long for a simpler time. Long, leisurely flights around Skyloft with Zelda laughing into his shoulder; sneaking into Groose's room and stealing his hair cream; stammering a slew of apologies to Pumm for using his pumpkins as soccer balls. Link smiled to himself; he might never get back the pieces of his old life, but they were certainly worth fighting for. He tugged his equipment straight with a jerk, and turned to leave…there still remained the problem of locating this Triforce.
