Chapter 12

Panting, Link emerged from The Sealed Temple and ran to the edge of the precipice looking down into The Sealed Grounds; The Temple of Hylia was gone again, and the seal spike was nowhere to be found. With a flash, an enormous barrier sprang to life before his eyes, spiraling its way down into the bottom of the abyss; a barrier of black and gold diamonds. Squinting through a crack in the pattern, Link could see him far below; The Demon Lord was circling a small white and frail something lying on the ground. Zelda. 'Goddess, let her be alive…' Link thought desperately. A deep, malicious laughter seemed to fill the entire gorge as Girahim continued to dance delightedly around his prey. He looked up suddenly, locking eyes with Link, far above him. He continued to laugh maniacally. Link watched in horror as he stretched both of his coal-black arms out over Zeldas lifeless body. A blast of golden light temporarily illuminated the clearing as Girahim curled his fingers, kneading the air above her limp form. Immediately, her body rose several inches off the ground before The Demon. Link began to stumble down the path, not taking his eyes off of the morbid scene. Girahim began to whisper darkly in a language Link did not recognize. Zeldas body twitched and spasmed uncontrollably. Then, Link caught a few words of English drifting up from the bottom of the pit;

"Hear me, my hordes! The spell is nearly complete! The Demon King returns! Until then, you will keep that whelp from interfering with my ritual. I don't care if the whole lot of you get lodged on the end of his blade. You will buy me the time I need! Do not fear him…fear my wrath if you fail me!"

With a great crack of thunder, an evil black mass roiled overhead. Link looked up to see a wicked black storm slowly covering the surface in a curtain of darkness. His head snapped back as a mass of guttural cries issued from the bottom of the canyon. A swarm of Bokoblin and Moblin was making its way up the winding path toward him. Link rolled his eyes…brilliant. He drew The Master Sword and readied himself; he didn't know how much time Zelda had. He would need to be quick. Bringing the sword swinging in front of him, he growled at the oncoming army. So it begins. As the first ugly creatures drew near, he swung in a wide arc, sending three or four flying at once. The sheer power of the fully restored Master Sword was enough to silence several Bokoblin with a single hit. Left and right, he danced and parried, slowly but surely making his way down to where Girahim still stood, muttering discernibly at the bottom. With a flourish, Link finally charged into the center of the clearing. He felt surprisingly good and not at all winded. The blood pounded in his ears as drew himself up to face Girahim. The Demon did not immediately look up as he spoke;

"You're far too quick, boy! I realize a simple child like you knows nothing of magic, but spells like this take time and a steady hand! Can't you wait quietly like a good boy? Hmmm?!" Writhing in anger, Girahims blackened limbs clutched his head as he continued to snarl; "You petulant brat…You've pushed me too far. I've waited my whole existence for this! This is my moment! You know what?" He screamed, and with a flourish he sent Zeldas unresponsive form skyward. "If you're so intent on hurrying to your grave, I'll be happy to show you the way!" Link glanced abruptly upward as Zeldas eerily lit body let out a groan. She was alive, he thought with a jolt. Thank the Goddess. He brought his eyes back to glare menacingly into Girahims as The Demon continued furiously; "This time, there will be no heroic escape. I was a fool to toy with you and let you walk away with your life before, but I won't make that mistake again. That I promise!" Girahims body suddenly twisted and contorted, his hands clawed at his face as he howled with rage. Link watched in alarm as a poisonous black flame engulfed Girahims body, like a toxic oil slick, rumbling and roiling as The Demon collapsed forward, bent double panting. It was a sickening sight. Link knew in his heart this was the bond of Demise working within. Would there be anything left of Girahim when this was over? Would he be strong enough to withstand The Demon King's continued ravaging of his body? Link shook his head jerkily, burying those thoughts deep. He couldn't afford to lose focus now. If there was any hope for he or Zelda, Link needed every ounce of concentration he could muster. Abruptly, the ground beneath them began to shake as a vast platform of gold diamonds spread out under Link's feet. The black mass that surrounded Girahim continued to boil as the platform carried them high into the sky above. Link steadied his sword as the blackness around Girahim began to fade. As the sharp, inky flames melted away, The Demon Lord Stepped forward from amidst the cloud. Link felt his jaw drop, and quickly snapped it shut. His body had completely changed; His skin was now obsidian black, with a strange luster to it that gave it a hard, metallic look. Pale white diamond shapes broke up the sea of black, stretching across his wide shoulders and running down his thighs. His hair was no longer loose and silky, but was instead fixed in place as though cast in pearl-white stone. His eyes were jewel-bright and milky white and sharp pointed fangs glinted under his curled lip. He remained hunched in on himself like a rabid beast, his hard muscular shoulders heaving.

"If only I'd put you in your place from the very beginning." His voice was different as well; it had grown deeper and gruffer since Eldin, but now it was even more monotonous and robotic; Link was reminded suddenly of the robots in Lanayru. He gulped, as his mind dredged up an image of Fi. "Show a human a little mercy and next thing you know, he thinks himself your equal!" Girahim grated, his shiny black face still contorted in a tight grimace. "Given my station, I had to maintain some semblance of dignity, so I let you run with your life…multiple times 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." He growled into the diamond-encrusted floor beneath their feet, hulking like a tormented animal. Links heart pounded against his ribcage as he stepped back, raising The Master Sword. "I've let a mere boy make a fool out of me for the last time. You stand before a demon…or should I say, a weapon without mercy!" He cried suddenly as his head flew back, his arms grasping his own shoulders, nails grinding against the tough exterior of his body. With a flash, his form flickered as the dark blade of Demise materialized in its place, but re-appeared so quickly Link blinked in astonishment, sure he could have simply imagined the apparition. Girahim slowly lowered his head, turning his milky-eyed gaze upon Link. "For you boy, 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 final strike to send you falling to your doom!" The Demon spat in that disturbingly dark, toneless voice. "I'll delight in casting your body into this pit and snuffing out the flame of your life! Your broken body will serve as fine sustenance for the Demon King!" At these words, The Demon lowered his arms, revealing a glimmering white diamond gem, set into his chest in exactly the same spot as Fi's. Link gasped; perhaps this spot was also a weakness that could be exploited without killing him? His face set, Link began to circle Demise's ultimate weapon. 'The Endless Plunge', eh? Link thought derisively to himself; perhaps if he could knock The Demon off first, he could end this pointless confrontation and draw Demise out of hiding. His glistening, black armored skin flashed ominously; he did not produce a sword. Lunging Link slashed wildly, pressing his advantage with every ounce of strength he possessed. With a roar, Girahim lashed out with his heavy iron fist and Link was forced to leap backward, but he didn't stay there. He immediately charged forward once more, desperate to shove the Slave of Demise off the edge of the platform. It worked. Girahim's wicked form hovered upon the golden brink as a final slash of Links powerful blade sent him reeling backward. Hurrying to the edge, Links heart sank; another diamond encrusted platform had appeared several feet below and The Demon lay spread-eagled upon it. The milky-white crystal within his chest gleamed, unprotected. Links eyes narrowed as he leapt down to where the unconscious weapon sprawled. There was nothing for it; Link grasped the hilt with both hands and brought The Master Sword swinging down into the white gem stone with a crack. Girahims body shuddered as he leapt up mechanically, poising himself for attack. And in this way they fought their last battle; Link hoped desperately that he wasn't looking at The Demon for the last time.

Panting, Girahim stumbled forward onto his knees, the golden diamond stage flickering like a sputtering candle flame a mere foot off the ground. Link blinked sweat out of his eyes, flourishing The Master Sword at his side as The Demon faltered.

"This…This is preposterous. Driven to my knees by a simple child of a man. Laughable. 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?!" He clutched at the gemstone within his chest; spiderweb-like cracks nearly split the stone in two where The Master Sword had struck it. Link felt a flutter in his chest…he swallowed hard, hoping against hope that somehow he had managed to at least leave The Demon alive.

"It's time for you to show your true self, Demise! Stop this foolishness and face me! We both know I will continue to dog your every step until the end!" He shouted, summoning every ounce of courage and strength that remained to him. The Demon continued to clutch his chest as fresh waves of psychotic laughter overtook him.

"Very well Sky-child, as you say…" He choked out between fits of maniacal laughter. "Victory can indeed still be mine to savor. Whilst we fought, the ritual I started has continued…At last, it's complete! The Demon King shall devour the soul of The Goddess and be resurrected in his full glory!" Throwing his chest out and his arms wide, The Demon Lord continued to laugh dementedly as the earth under Links feet began to heave and rumble. He chanced a glance upward at Zeldas still-suspended form. A piercing shriek met his ears causing hot tears to jump into his eyes. Behind Girahim, a huge black oil slick began to ooze from the center of the clearing, thick acrid smoke shooting high into the air, obscuring the iron-gray thunderheads above them. Links eyes popped in his head as he stared helplessly on. In a burst of black diamonds, The Demon Lord disappeared as the torrent of churning darkness surged outward. Link threw his shield up as it washed grotesquely over him, making his head swim and his stomach churn horribly. As the putrid cloud settled, a great growl, as though from an enormous beast issued from in front of Link and he lowered his shield. The Imprisoned. With a roar, the one-hundred foot high abomination turned its scaly eyeless head skyward…toward the place where Zelda struggled, still whimpering helplessly. Link shook his head fruitlessly, trying to clear the nauseating haze from his mind. Opening its many-toothed jaws, the beast inhaled deeply. Zelda screamed, flailing wildly as a smoky, golden haze issued from her tortured figure and soared down into the waiting chasm of the brutes open maw. Link collapsed to his knees as a great whirlwind swept about the gorge, engulfing the great beast in a deluge of cruel light. He could hear Girahim laughing as he squinted through the storm, his shouts of glee penetrating the roar.

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

As the gale subsided, Link raised his head and a horrible scene met his eyes. In the center of the clearing crouched a huge hulk of a being. Reptilian scales covered its immense shoulders, blending smoothly into leathery granite-gray skin. Its hair, seemingly made up of orange-red flames, blazed menacingly behind a face that looked as though it had been carved from stone. Cruel, red eyes burned lidless under a heavy-set brow. Links breath caught as the creature raised an arm as big around as Link practically was tall. It clenched its great fist, long black nails glinting cruelly. Out of the corner of his eye, Link caught a glimpse of Girahim; his hand pressed to his broken chest as he inclined his head.

"Welcome back to us, Master." His robotic voice rose from deep within him, as he gazed adoringly at The Demon King. With a grunt, Demise balled up his fist and thrust it at Girahim, an invisible force crashing into The Demons ruined chest. Links breath caught in his throat as he watched Girahim stumble backward, grasping helplessly at nothing but air…falling…falling. Demise opened his fist just as The Demon neared the ground and caught him in another invisible bond, raising his limp form upward. Girahims arms were stretched out to either side and his legs hung uselessly in a fixed form that looked horribly like…Link gasped aloud as the hilt of a cruel, black weapon issued from the broken center of The Demons chest. Girahim screamed, head thrown back; half laughing, half howling in agony as the blade of Demise was drawn excruciatingly from his body. With a flash, the sword flew to Demise's outstretched hand, glowing with an evil malice. As if in answer to a call, Girahims torpid figure disintegrated in a haze of gold as Demise's ultimate weapon glowed with the return of its cursed lifeforce. The Demon King brought the blade to his hulking face, examining it with a cruel grin. Link realized his jaw was hanging open again in horror, and he closed it. He jumped up, readying The Master Sword, ready to end this once and for all. He had to kill Demise. It was his friends' only chance; the world's only chance. With a guttural growl, The Demon King spoke;

"…So you are the chosen knight of The Goddess…Intriguing…" His voice was much deeper still than the one he used in his occupancy of Girahim; as though two huge boulders were being ground together. Link glowered darkly as Demise turned his eyes upward to the place where Zelda still hung helpless. "The Goddess lowered herself to a mortal existence to keep me imprisoned. How pathetic. This bag of flesh pales in comparison to the magnificence of her previous form." With a roar that grated like metal on metal, The Demon King swept his cruel, spiked blade to point at Zelda. Link cried aloud as her pale body was swept upward in a gale of wind and sent sailing toward the opposite side of the canyon. Stupidly, Link tore after her, knowing full well that there was no way he would reach her in time. Suddenly from the opposite side, a familiar voice called out;

"Don't worry Link! Groose has got this!" With a roar he dashed across the upper ridge as fast as his short legs would carry him. Link skidded to a halt watching wide-eyed, Demise chuckling darkly behind him. With a great leap, Groose dove as Zeldas limp form sailed toward the earth. Link squinted into the cloud of dust that followed, holding his breath. "Link, I…I caught her! She's OK!" Link released the breath he had been holding with relief. With a snarl he turned back to Demise as The Demon King continued to address him.

Groose frowned sadly, pushing a soft golden strand of hair away from Zeldas cheek, and tucked it tenderly behind her ear. She groaned pitifully, her eyes fluttering, but they did not open. He gulped, pulling a small handkerchief from his pocket and mopped her sweat-dampened brow. He peered over the edge of the precipice to where Link stood defiantly facing Demise below. This has to end soon. "Don't you worry Zelda, Link will sort that great ape of a fella out. I'll keep you safe in the meantime." He crooned gently, looking down into her pallid face. A bark of laughter from the clearing below made him start. Clutching Zelda to his chest he rocked forward onto his knees as a pool of that wretched black liquid oozed once more in the middle of the clearing.

"Very well then," The low growling voice of the Demon King met his ears. "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." The voice faded as the huge form of Demise backed into the center of the void, raising his cruel sword. Slowly, he backed into the blackness as the evil mass churned, poisonous tendrils cloaking him in darkness. Seeing that Link intended to follow, Groose called out from above;

"Link, it's all on you! Oh, and listen up! Granny had some info for you! The old girl said 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!" Groose looked sadly at the helpless girl in his arms, tears welling in his eyes "I…I know you can do it! So…yeah!" Turning back toward the tiny pinprick at the bottom of the abyss that was Link, he pumped the air with his fist. "You've gotta do this! You're all Zelda's got! You've gotta make this happen!" He lowered his face back to Zeldas beautiful face and said more to reassure himself than anything, "It's up to you now, Link…"

'Thanks for the pep talk, Groose' Link thought to himself, turning toward the boiling black mass before him. Steeling himself, he charged forward, poisonous looking tendrils swallowing him as he was transported away. He lost track of space and time, unable to see his hand in front of his face. Abruptly, he found himself clamping his eyes shut as a bright light flashed around him. Squinting in the brilliance, he looked around, astonished. An endless sea of white clouds and sunshine stretched around him. He took a step forward, tightening his grip on The Master Sword and looked down in shock. He stood on what appeared to be a shallow pool of water, but the surface was like no pool of water he had ever seen; it was reflective, like the surface of a mirror but it danced and rippled about his boots as he strode forward. Demise stood before him, his back to Link and his sharp, brutish blade hanging loosely in his great, cannon-ball like fist. He spoke without turning around;

"Ah, so you've decided to meet your end in battle after all. It pleases me greatly to see such misplaced valor, human. Take a moment to appreciate your surroundings, for where we stand shall serve as your tomb for eternity." Link hefted his shield and gripped The Master Sword as Demise continued to speak. Link was done with words. He hardly listened nor cared. He was ready to send this sadistic barbarian of a king into a prison from which there would be no escape. His glare deepened as he let Demise's threats of global domination wash over him. This savage animal would…NEVER…rule.

Whirling the Master Sword, Link scowled determinedly as He and Demise circled one another. A mass of storm clouds churned overhead, choking out the bright, pale blue sky.

"It's not too late to turn back, young one…I promise to keep your cowardly secret if you wish to run home now." Link growled, slashing horizontally; Demise easily deflected his blow. Link could tell by the way he carried himself that, despite his large size, this beast knew his way around a sword. They swerved and parried; it took every ounce of strength he could muster to stay on the defensive. With a great running leap he threw his weight behind his shield and shoved hard into Demise's chest sending him staggering back. Seizing his opportunity, Link thrust his sword toward the heavens, charging the blade, and sliced to his right. He smiled triumphantly as great black spurt of blood, for lack of a better word, oozed from The Demon Kings granite-gray shoulder. They fought on like this for what seemed like ages, Links muscles burned from the sheer physical exertion. Gradually, the tide of the battle shifted as Demise took more and more wounds from The Master Sword. Suddenly, his head spun…images of Fi and Girahim dancing the swords flickered in his subconscious, threatening to overwhelm him.

"This is for Zelda!" Link cried, as he drove his shield once more into The Demon Kings face, sending him flying backward once again. "And this is for Girahim!" He shouted, thrusting his blade skyward. Fi's face flashed in his mind's eye, her teeth bared. The Demon King's eyes widened. With a great leap he whirled the sword point down, and thrust it into Demise's chest.

Panting, Link stumbled to one knee as the dark clouds above him cleared. A refreshing breeze blew from behind him, carrying away the remnants of a shattered Demise with it. Gone. Utterly. "I've bested you, I've won." Link breathed, as his ragged reflection stared up at him from the strange mirror pool between his knees. It was as though he had been holding one giant breath. Everything that had happened from the moment he had opened The Sealed Temple doors flooded out of him as though on fast-forward. He threw his head back and laughed, tears streaming down his face. He glanced to his left where he had let The Master Sword fall, it glinted knowingly. Fi. She had fought just as tirelessly as he had. He knew what the visions of she and Girahim fighting meant now. The sword deities existed in a parallel dimension all their own. During the fighting, their emotions had been intense enough to cross over into Links consciousness. What other secrets lay within this thread that tied Fi and Girahim? How much did she know? Girahim. Link held little hope that The Demon was still alive in any state. He crawled across the unusual surface toward his sword. The cool, water-like substance lapped against his fingers, yet they remained dry. Just as he made to return the glowing blade back into its scabbard, a glimmer of light caught the corner of his eye, and he turned his head toward the edge of platform; to the point at which Demise had disappeared. A soft golden haze was steadily settling onto the rippling surface of the pool. Link stood, taking a shaking step forward, The Master Sword in his hand. Like a light snowfall creating drifts and mounds, the ash-like flecks of gilt began to settle into the curves and crevasses of…a human figure. Link watched open-mouthed as the last flake settled into the pale, masculine form of Girahim. Link closed the distance between them, sinking to his knees next to The Demons gently flickering body. He seemed solid enough, as Link reached a hand out gingerly to touch his arm, but the edges were blurred. The color of his skin and attire, for he had returned to his previous form, were faded like a water-stained drawing. His skin was cool as Link brushed several strands of silken hair from his face. He did not stir. The black spiderweb-like veins were gone from his face and body, though his arms remained coal-black. Hot tears welled in Links eyes and his hands trembled as they continued to rove Girahims translucent form, searching for some sign of life.

"Girahim…" He said shakily. "Please…" His voice didn't seem to want to work properly. Suddenly Link felt a cool hand close on his forearm.

"Dry your tears, Sky-child, I'm hardly worth such an almighty fuss." A strained voice whispered. Link gasped aloud, his eyes snapping up to Girahims face. The Demons eyes were still closed, but he brought his other blackened hand up to grasp Links shoulder and drew him into a tight embrace. Link forcibly swallowed the painful knot in his throat, squeezing his eyes shut as more tears leaked into Girahims washed-out red mantle. He held on with all of his remaining strength. He could hardly tell where his body began and Girahims continued. The Demons strong hands drifted into his sweat-dampened hair and gently massaged his scalp as he struggled to breath deeply. It was Girahim who broke the silence;

"I feel I owe you an apology, Link. Pray, don't let it go to your head, mind…" The boy choked out a chuckle into his shoulder. "I'm afraid I don't remember much of my actions since our little soiree in the desert, however that doesn't excuse them." The Demon Lord rasped as the boy grasped him tighter. His eyes flickered open and he gazed down at the top of Links head, frowning slightly. He took a great shuddering breath as the world heaved suddenly around him, a blurred haze danced in his vision, clouding his mind. Girahim shook his head, desperately clinging to the present as his body threatened to regress. There wasn't much time. He was weak, there was nothing holding him here. The boy turned his head abruptly, watery blue eyes staring up into his own, a worried look on his face.

"That doesn't matter now." Link whispered huskily. The Demons form wavered as his breathing changed, becoming more labored. Links stomach dropped horribly. What could he do? He didn't want to lose his friend again. "Just stay with me." He croaked, his voice cracking. Girahim squeezed his shoulders and attempted a comforting smile.

"As to that, I'm afraid my time here now is very short." The boys lip quivered pitifully. There was something truly beautiful about human emotion. Girahim himself felt a painful knot clench within his own chest. "Listen to me Link," He whispered feverishly, "When Demise bound me to him all those ages ago, our souls became intertwined…our destinies a part of one another. Inevitably, with the decline of his physical body and the source of his power, I too shall diminish. Something of a cruel insurance policy you might say. Without the strength or power of my former master to hold me here, I will be bound into a pitiable, lesser existence; unable to assume any tangible form. I shall fade into little more than a memory, cast into a deep sleep from whence there will be no awakening." The sheer exertion of this explanation was almost more than Girahim could bear in his current state. He coughed, his head falling back and he squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to remain present as he gasped for breath. The boy clutched at his shoulders in alarm.

"You can't…you can't g-go…" Link stammered piteously. "I haven't been able to tell you…I've figured it out…" He reached up and ran his trembling fingers through The Demons beautiful hair. "I can save you." He annunciated these last words as though merely speaking them held the power to keep Girahim here. The Demon chuckled with an effort.

"You already have Link…believe me." His voice came from deep in his throat…from the remains of his very soul. "I never believed I would ever come to—that is to say I didn't think I was capable—" he struggled for the appropriate words. "I never expected to feel this way…I never expected to feel again…" He knew that wasn't quite right, but he couldn't bring himself to utter the exact word. He already felt as though he were a child learning how to speak all over again; quite embarrassing. His eyes flashed tenderly as the boy looked helplessly back, tears streaming down his dirt smeared, yet somehow still beautiful cheeks. Girahim raised his charred hand and swiped them away. "Now, enough of this foolish fluff, Little Hero. Its time to take care of yourself now. You don't have to save everyone." Link sniffed miserably, clasping The Demons outstretched hand in both of his own.

"Oh, yes I do." Link replied with emphasis. He threw himself onto Girahims chest, locking his lips with his own, grasping desperately at his fading form. Whatever residual force that held The Demon here was giving way fast; he felt frail in Links arms, as though a strong enough gust of wind would sweep him away. "I swear to you…" he murmured against The Demons slowly dissolving lips, "I won't lose you again." Girahims fading face crinkled in a crooked smile…and he was gone.

It seemed like an eternity had passed when Link finally pushed himself up from the strange rippling surface of the pool and rubbed tears out of his red, puffy eyes. A cold wave of despair washed over him; the war was over, but he felt more alone than ever. What could he do now?

A bright light flashed before him and he squeezed his eyes shut, turning away. He had just about had his fill of magic lights. He turned his head back, and there lying next to his folded knee was the great black broadsword of Demise. The hilt flashed, and Links eyes widened…Of course. How could he have not realized…Girahim was still bound to his former master's sword. He had said it himself; that kind of old magic was not simply un-done. Link clasped the hilt and hefted the sword gingerly. It was warm against his palms. "Girahim…" He sighed. Link reached his hand into his pouch, searching for his sail cloth. His fingers brushed against the pointed sapphire earring that had belonged to Girahim; he grasped it gently before continuing his search. He finally felt the rough wool of the fabric against his fingers and he tugged the tightly folded sheaf of cloth from his pouch. He laid it open and set the great, dark blade upon the long edge of the fabric square. Rolling gently, so as not to snag the precious cloth Zelda had given him what felt like an age ago, he tenderly bundled the sword up and secured it with a length of leather cord. He heaved a great sigh, sitting back on his knees to look at the wrapped weapon. He thought fleetingly of calling out to Girahim, but he knew in the deep recesses of his exhausted mind that The Demon would not respond. Would he ever again? Links plan to break Demise's spell did not exactly account for Girahim being in this current state. Could it still be possible? Was the sword spirit even there? Link forced a lid onto the flood of questions threatening to make him faint as a new idea occurred to him;

"Fi." He called gently over his shoulder.

"Yes, master?" Her twinkling voice answered from within the hilt of The Master Sword. She did not materialize before him.

"You were wonderful, Fi…"Link began first and fore-mostly, "Are you alright?"

"I must apologize for the lack of my physical manifestation master. The battle we recently endured has weakened me greatly. Nonetheless, I shall try to be of assistance to you even given my current status." Always so prim and proper…Link thought, a small smile tweaking the corner of his mouth.

"I am sorry to disturb you, Fi, but I must ask you an important question;" Just how much did she know about he and Girahim? "You have encountered The Demon Girahim in another world…a world created around the similarities you share as guardians of the sword. Can you still sense his presence there? Does he still reside within the blade?" The words tumbled from Links mouth; he no longer cared what she made of them. She did not ask how he had come to guess about The Purgatory of the Guardians. A long pause stretched between them before she answered;

"I can detect with a 90% accuracy that the soul of the demon spirit known as Girahim rests fitfully within his former master's sword." She spoke as if simply informing him of the weather, as she always did. "Master, I feel I must tell you that this signal is very weak. It is likely that the great battle from which you emerged victorious has banished not only Demise, but severely diminished the capacity of his servant as well. Based upon the intelligence I possess of my own current status, which is considerably less catastrophic, it would take a great magical power to revive a physical manifestation of Girahim." Her voice, always contrite and scientific took on a softer quality as she trailed off. Links insides fluttered and his eyes narrowed…how much did she know…? Just as he pondered whether to ask this burning question, she went on; "With the defeat of Demise, a new master now holds sway over his blade. I don't believe I need explain to you who that individual is." Links eyes widened…he hadn't thought of that… "Perhaps under the guidance of a new master, there remains a shred of hope for the wretched being within." Her voice remained skeptical yet kind as another long pause grew between them. Link's face worked as he grasped for words…there was a chance…his head spun. "If there is nothing else you need of me master, I suggest that you make your way back to the surface so that we may return to your own time. Zelda will be waking soon." With a faint tinkle, the sword sprite retreated back into the recesses of The Master Sword. Link blew out a gasp of relief. Carefully, he tucked the heavy blade of Demise behind The Master Sword and jogged back across the mirror pool to the now golden lit portal, and the surface world below.