Chapter 14
Link patted his loftwing fondly as the great bird spread its powerful wings, preparing to take flight again. Off to the side, Zelda and Owlan were doing the same; the professor unloaded a large leather briefcase from the back of his own mount before sending it off. They had landed in the courtyard outside The Ancient Cistern. Link drew himself up, his face set as he strode over to Zelda. The professor was busy rummaging in his briefcase, but Link lowered his voice anyway;
"Zelda, I'm not really comfortable with an audience. I don't even know if this is going to work." He raked a hand nervously through his hair, glancing at Owlan who was now whistling happily to himself.
"Don't be silly, Link. I'll tell him you have come to visit an old friend here, and then he and I will continue on to Faron Woods." She adjusted her cloak without looking at him. Just as he opened his mouth to reply a huge spray of water surged over the walkway before them, nearly dousing all three of them. Zelda gasped; Instructor Owlan yelled in shock, several rolls of parchment flying from his hands. Blinking through the mist, Link peered out in front of them.
"I'm surprised to see you back so soon, young Link" The grandmotherly voice of Faron the Water Dragon washed over him. "…And your highness…" She hummed, "It is an honor to welcome you to my woods." The great dragon inclined her head respectively toward Zelda, who grinned back. "I don't recognize this one…" She raised a scaly eyebrow at Owlan, who stared wide-eyed, his mouth hanging open. Link and Zelda shared a snigger.
"He's with us, Lady Faron." Zelda replied amidst her giggles. "He's one of the instructors at Knight Academy back at Skyloft. He has a great appreciation for plants and animals and has come here to study the many comings and goings of Faron Woods'…flora and fauna…" she trailed off as another fit of laughter threatened to take her.
"A scholar!" Faron growled delightedly, swooping down to consider Owlan, who looked indeed like he might never speak again, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets. "This is certainly a treat! I insist upon being your personal guide in the woods today." The Dragon said jubilantly. Zelda winked at Link. Owlan seemed to be recovering himself and began gathering his belongings as The Water Guardian enveloped him in a dramatic saga of the history and times of Faron Woods. Link began to slowly make his way along the flooded stone pathway that lead into The Ancient Cistern, when The Dragon's voice rang out, calling him back; "Just where are you going boy? Are you not joining us?" Link gulped, his mind racing, casting about for some quick explanation. Faron's eyes narrowed in the direction of the obsidian hilt sticking out above Links left shoulder. He braced himself. "What is that you have there, boy…" She breathed in a dangerous whisper. Beads of sweat sprang up on Links brow and he drew a deep breath. He decided the truth would be best…or at least, a version of it.
"This is the blade of The Demon King." Link said loudly. "The Goddess..." Link inclined his head toward Zelda, who was staring at him with wide eyes. "…has charged me with cleansing evil from his blade so that its power can never be used for corruption ever again." Link barely drew breath as The Dragon merely considered him for a moment.
"It took a great and wicked magic to create the blade you now possess boy…and the being within…" She growled angrily, flicking her long tail. Link remembered well how the last meeting between Girahim and Faron had gone. "I am not one to question the will of The Goddess, however I feel I must impress upon you the seriousness of the task at hand. You must exercise great caution, for even I cannot say what ramifications may come of this assignment." Link bowed low.
"I thank you for your concern, your majesty. I will take great care." The Dragon hissed a great sigh, turning back to Instructor Owlan, the pleasant tone returning to her voice. Zelda watched as they made their way up the path toward the woods, chatting animatedly. She took a few steps back toward Link.
"Link, do be careful." She gave him a small smile, and with a swish of her pink riding skirts she jogged back up the path to join the others.
Link stood watching their departure for a long moment. Seeing Zelda disappear up the dirt path left a sour taste in his mouth; he still felt very protective of her. With a deep breath he turned once again toward The Ancient Cistern. He shoved the heavy stone door ajar and slid silently into the large central chamber. The stronghold of Farore was eerily quiet now that Demise had been defeated. Fish leapt and splashed in the shallow pools of the large room. Link made his way toward the great statue in the center, and pulled open a second stone door, ducking swiftly inside. With an exasperated sigh he approached the first of several water geysers that would lead him to the top of the statue and the room that contained the flame of Farore; it was his least favorite method of travel. He sucked in a deep breath, and stepped inside, an icy shiver rocketing up his spine. With a great swish, the jet of water bore him upward. Three times he repeated the process until, sopping wet and half-drowned he stepped out into the small circular atrium of the statue's head. He dragged his sodden cap off his head and squeezed, returning it with a squelch. He wiped water away from his eyes and turned toward a short staircase leading to a large door carved and painted in the likeness of a great waterlilly. A determined look on his face, he hitched the great blade higher on his shoulders and mounted the stairs. Shoving the door closed with a growl of stone on stone, he sprinted down a short, dark hallway, emerging at last into the huge cavernous room that housed Farore's Sacred Flame. The towering green conflagration blazed as brightly as ever in an enormous stone brazier at the far end of the room. Link approached it warily, dropping to his knees several feet from the inferno, and unbuckled his shield. He undid the knot that bound The Demon Kings sword to him with trembling fingers. He carefully unrolled the blade and grasped the heavy hilt firmly in his right hand, drawing it upward. He swallowed uncomfortably. He wasn't exactly sure how to proceed…he wished Fi was there. As a matter of fact, He thought with a sickening twist of his insides, The Master Sword's spirit had been there…to absorb the power of each Sacred Flame. How on earth was he supposed to accomplish the task when this particular sword spirit was…indisposed…Just as he was pondering the idea of simply walking up to the fire and submerging the blade within it, a familiar voice called his name from behind him;
"Link…wait…" Zeldas voice echoed in the dank chamber. He whipped around, the cruel jagged blade glinting wickedly. "I…I have an idea…" She said awkwardly, stepping forward. "It occurred to me as we were strolling through the woods that you might need guidance in extracting the power of the flame." She drew level with him, a worried look on her face. He raised an eyebrow at her, but said nothing. He was willing to go on a leap of faith. She took a deep breath and continued; "Do you remember the Prayer of the Blade that Eagus made us memorize and recite each time before dueling? In the days before Demise first rose to power, it was used by all of the great sword-smiths to bless the blades they created for great knights. It also served as a sort of invocation for squires graduating into knighthood. My father uses it even to this day. " Links eyes widened as Zelda reached out and clasped his hand. They recited together;
Oh, Goddess of mercy, just and fair
I ask of you to grant my prayer
The power to do what I must
And courage to lead, tho ne'er unjust
Wisdom, so I may lift up the weary
Three-fold, they hold me to my quarry
With this blade my heart shall keep
The strength to fight until I sleep
"Ouch!" Link gasped as a white hot pain seared his right hand, forcing him to release the hilt of the sword. The weapon did not crash to the ground, but floated, suspended by an invisible force toward the great green flame. A brilliant light flashed from the blade, illuminating the chamber and causing Link and Zelda to throw up their hands, shielding their eyes. The sword hovered, hilt down as the blazing inferno churned. Abruptly, just as before, several small green fireballs rocketed out of the central blaze and into the blade of the Demon Kings sword. Link peered through his fingers, and his jaw nearly hit the floor as the hazy, holographic shadow of an unconscious Girahim drifted out of the hilt of the sword and hovered just above the blade. His head hung loosely between his shoulders, his arms drawn out to his sides, mimicking the shape of the weapon. Link saw Zeldas mouth drop open out of the corner of his eye. Suddenly, Girahims head snapped back and his back arched, his fists clenching in agony as a spine-chilling howl filled the room. Link and Zelda both stumbled forward, clamping hands over their ears. Hot tears leaked out of the corners of Links eyes, which were squeezed shut. Just when he thought he could bear it no more, the screaming ceased as a great gust of wind whipped his hair back, and then all was silent. Link slowly raised his head, blinking dampness out of his eyes. Girahim was gone and the sword was drifting slowly toward him. He pushed himself to standing, extending his hand and closing it gently around the handle. The hilt was still warm but it no longer burned. Zelda stirred beside him, a look of bewilderment on her face. She rose from the wet stone floor and came to stand beside him. The sword had changed; the blade no longer sported sharp, cruel hooks, but was more serpentine and slender. The hilt was now a deep violet color. The ruby set into the center still gleamed ominously.
"Link…" Zelda breathed, "I think you've done it."
Links mind raced as he leaned into his loftwings neck, urging the great bird toward Skyloft. Zelda and Instructor Owlan trailed behind him. So far, his plan had worked; the Flame of Farore had infused Demise's sword; strengthening it…and hopefully giving strength to the being within. He still had one more test to perform to find out if his theory had worked entirely. It was getting quite late; a chill descended upon their shoulders and the sun had already almost completely disappeared below the skyline. Link hopped quickly off his loftwings back as soon as its talons hit the earth. With a greatful pat, he sent the bird off to roost. Zelda dismounted to his left, turning her own bird out for the night. Instructor Owlan joined them and the three set off up the long staircase to Knight Academy. Zelda and Link said nothing, but the professor rattled on about all of the amazing things he had seen and the incredible knowledge that The Water Dragon had shared. Link let the words wash over him, only half listening; his mind was elsewhere. Once inside, Instructor Owlan bade them both goodnight at the bottom of the main staircase and proceeded to the upper level, humming merrily to himself. Zelda turned to Link, a small smile spreading on her full lips. She reached up a hand and caressed his cheek.
"Goodnight, Link…don't let the demons bite…" She winked as his eyes widened. Sweeping around, her golden hair swirling about her shoulders, she too ascended the winding staircase to the second floor. He grinned after her. He turned and made his way down the hall to his own dorm room. Closing the door quietly behind him, Link unloaded his shield and laid Demise's sword upon his bed. Breathing fast, he turned and began to strip quickly out of his traveling clothes, preparing for bed.
"Well, look who it is indeed…" a low, smug voice muttered from behind him. Link whirled around; only his breeches remained on, his fingers lingering on the laces at his waist. His heart leaped up to pound in his throat as his eyes drifted to the sword that lay upon the bed. "Please continue…I'm rather enjoying the view…" the voice continued salaciously. Link let out a ragged breath;
"Girahim?" He breathed, striding back to the bed and taking up the sword.
"Yes, master?" He replied indignantly. Link puffed a great relieved sigh, shaking his head with a smile.
"Are you…h-how are you?" He stammered. His shock that The Demon was able to communicate now seemed to leave him utterly speechless.
"Could be better…certainly could be worse…" He replied idly. "I'm frankly amazed that a little sparrow like yourself actually found a way…" He trailed off in a whisper that was barely audible. Links smile deepened with pride.
"I had to occupy my time somehow between your evil twin threatening to eviscerate me and your former master trying to kill my friend and take over the world." He teased. A warm chuckle vibrated the very hilt. "Goddess be damned, it's good to hear your voice." He murmured in a more serious tone.
"I have missed you too, Skychild…at least, I think I have…there was very little of my spirit left before now. I suppose an offering of gratitude is in order, however, I still find myself unable to leave the sword so will you simply have to take my word for it now…and perhaps a more appropriate showing will come later…" he crooned with a lascivious chuckle. Link felt his cheeks burn and his groin flinch, he did miss him. "Now tell me, Master Link; do you really have some grand plan to remedy my predicament or do you simply intend to live the rest of your life with a raging hard-on?" Link blushed a deep scarlet, almost dropping the sword. He had forgotten in his momentary elation that The Demon could still see him. He sat quickly on the mattress, crossing his legs as Girahims delighted laughter over-took him. He raised the hilt to his face and scowled darkly.
"You're positively insufferable sometimes, do you know that?" He spat peevishly. "You said it yourself, I'm your master. Perhaps you would do well to remember it now that I alone hold the keys to your salvation."
"Now, now, my little songbird, don't be angry." Link could hear The Demon's ear-splitting smile in his voice. "It's been ages since I've been able to torment you properly, and the prospect of this new grand adventure has me positively bursting with joy. Now, why don't you elaborate and I promise I won't interrupt." Link had a sudden vision of Girahim crossing his legs and hands chastely, a look of pure innocence on his pale face. He rolled his eyes and propped the sword, point down, against the mattress next to him.
"The force that has begun the revival of your strength came from the Flame of Farore." Link began. "I got the idea after Fi made me visit the flames to resuscitate The Master Sword." If this intelligence shocked Girahim, he gave no sign, choosing to remain silent as he promised. "The plan is to also visit The Flames of Nayru and Din, in the hopes that not only will you regain strength enough for your body and spirit to separate from the sword again, but that the blade may be cleansed of evil. As to breaking the spell completely…It is my belief, and Zeldas too…that only the Triforce has that power." He let out a deep breath as he finished, and chewed his lip nervously waiting for The Demon to respond.
"Well, as you have already made abundantly clear, I have little choice in the matter and no other valid options if I am to have any hope of being freed of this prison…or to see you again…" Link grinned warmly at these words. "I've held little love for The Goddess all my life, but perhaps it is time to let bygones be bygones. Full steam ahead, then, I suppose..." He said in a cool, even tone that was in sharp contrast to his usual arrogant drawl. "I am curious, Skychild, how your simpering little diva of a girlfriend responded when you told her…" Girahim regressed back into a self-important, oily tone.
"She told me she thought I was mad for choosing to consort with a no-account, over-grown, self-absorbed peacock; and I told her she was probably right." Link replied haughtily. A sharp hiss issued from the sword propped at his side; Link snorted a laugh. "You should be thanking her too…" He went on in an admonishing voice, "I wouldn't have figured out how to infuse the blade without her help; and neither of us would be here without her support." Something of an ashamed silence emanated from the blade. 'Good,' Link thought…a little submissiveness would do him good. Link sighed heavily and pushed himself up, running his hands through his hair.
"I should at least try to close my eyes for a few hours…" He began, more to himself than Girahim. "We're leaving for Lanayru at first light." He turned back to the long curved blade, a crooked smile on his face.
"I look forward to it." Came Girahims sincere reply. "Now, if you will grant me the immense satisfaction of unlacing those horrible, bulky trousers…they do look like they must be immensely uncomfortable for you…" He purred, his voice dripping with a long-suppressed desire. Link rolled his eyes again. He pursed his lips as his hands glided down to the laces at the front of his breeches. So much for a good night's sleep, he thought happily.
The next morning…
Girahim sighed from within the sword. As he was little more than a whisp of a spirit he had no need of sleep and had instead spent the hours of the night listening to the deep breathing of the boy next to him. He had re-wrapped the sword, (…and how will it be if I slice myself open in my sleep?), he had said exasperatedly when The Demon had challenged him on this. It was hard to exist in utter darkness after your eyes had been given even a pinprick of hope and light. He was impatient and eager to continue forward with Links plan. He had to hand it to the boy, he had really come through. It certainly wasn't the grand revival Lord Girahim would have planned for himself, but perhaps it wouldn't be so bad. It actually felt good to finally be free of Demise. Link was right; He hated that. It felt strange to be suddenly attempting to fill the many holes created by lies and deceits that made up all of his past memories with new truths. It felt strange to relish in the fresh emotions that were taking a hold of him and discover happiness there. Link moaned softly in his sleep, and The Demon could feel the warmth of the boy's body against his metaphorical cage. He smiled; though he would never admit it out loud, he longed to see Link just as much as he did.
Link wrapped the sword snugly across his back once more, as they prepared to leave. The sun had not yet risen, but a pale blue glow was beginning to show on the horizon. Link wanted to get to Lanayru before the heat of the day arrived in the desert, and he was anxious to release Girahim from the sword. His fingers fumbled with the buckles of his belt pouch, and he almost dropped his shield on his toe in his haste.
"Careful, Skychild, I can't be seen hauling you back before The Goddess-girl in pieces or it will raise awkward questions." Girahim taunted lazily. Link shushed him. Swinging into the mess hall, he gulped down a bottle of milk and crammed a small satchel of dried nuts and berries into his pouch for later. He skipped down the great stone stairway that lead from Knight Academy three at a time and hung a right, a huge smile on his face. "You certainly are on one this morning…" Girahim drawled.
"Girahim," Link shot back, "It wouldn't kill you to at least pretend to be excited."
"I tried that once…you can see how well it worked out for me." He mocked bitterly. Link only laughed as he arrived at the end of the bird ramp that pointed toward Lanayru. It was a crisp, clear morning and Link could already make out the vast golden haze of the sand sea below. Readying himself, he turned over his left shoulder where the hilt of The Demon Kings sword stuck out.
"Don't try this at home." He said boisterously. He dashed as fast as he could toward the end of the floating dock and hurled himself off the edge. The autumn breeze nipped his cheeks as he pelted toward the surface below. Girahims disdainful cries of 'You've got to be JOKING' and '…most uncivilized way to travel…' buzzed over his shoulder as he smiled wider. He waited longer than usual to call for his loftwing, greatly enjoying The Demons discomfort. With a great beat of its mighty wings, the scarlet bird swooped beneath Link, catching him gently. Banking tightly, it bore them away toward the dune sea.
Link landed cat-like upon the deck of The Sandship. Tucking his sailcloth back into his belt pouch he turned toward the stern. The ship was silent at the moment; the timeshift stone high above within the crow's nest was dark. Link did not activate it, there was no need. Girahim remained silent within the sword as Link jogged over to the ladder leading up to the sterns deck. As he heaved himself up, an intense heat met his face. The great, golden flame of Nayru blazed within a stone brazier identical to the one in The Ancient Cistern. Once again, Link first unfastened his shield and set it aside before unknotting the old tunic that bound Demise's sword. He looked the blade up and down, his brow furrowed worriedly.
"Did it hurt you? The last time?" He murmured over the dull roar of the inferno before him.
"Don't worry about me." Girahim deflected. "I can handle it." Link gulped, knowing full well what this vague answer must mean. He grasped the hilt in both hands, turning the sinuous blade point down, and began to recite The Prayer of the Blade. Once more the handle burned and Link let go much quicker this time as the sword drifted closer to the flame. He stepped back, steadying his breathing as he prepared for what would happen next. Just as before, several super-charged golden fireballs sprang from within the center of the torrent and disappeared into the blade. And just as had happened previously; the milky, translucent form of Girahim drifted from the hilt of the weapon, floating gracefully above the blade. This time, The Demons body did not hang limply like that of a rag-doll. He stood erect and conscious with his head held high, his muscular arms hanging still at his sides as he stared down the great fire's throat. Link braced himself, forcing his eyes to stay open. He looked on helplessly as a blood curdling scream rent the air around them. Girahims body twisted and contorted in pain, his hands clenching involuntarily. Even though the ordeal took merely seconds, for Link it might as well have been a lifetime. He dropped to his knees as his legs gave way beneath him, and a wave of shudders wracked his body. The sword flashed and Girahims now limp form disappeared swiftly back into it. Link raised his head, a tortured look on his face and extended his hand once again to reclaim the weapon. The sword had changed again; The metal work of the hilt was softer and more lithe, its great ruby blazed in the center. The blade itself was straight and narrow now and a handsome shade of dark steel rather than black. Link rested it upon his knees, taking a few extra moments to steady himself. He reached shaking fingers toward the old cloth that he used to wrap the blade, and felt a hand close on his shoulder. His stomach dropped out and his breath caught. He reached up with trembling fingers, laying his own hand upon the familiar, cool smoothness of The Demons skin. He whipped around gazing up into the handsome, broad smiling face of Girahim. Tears leaked out of the corners of his eyes as he leapt up with a gasp, throwing his arms around The Demon and nearly knocking him off his feet. Girahim wrapped his own blackened arms tightly around Links waist and found his lips hungrily. Link felt Girahims hands travel longingly from his waist up to his shoulders, grasping him more tightly still as though by holding him closer their bodies might simply melt into one. Links own fingers roved the elegant curves and dimples of The Demons face and ears as he kissed him fiercely. Girahim broke away, planting fervent kisses upon every inch of Links face he could reach, his long fingers tangling in his sandy hair. Link leaned his head back breathlessly as Girahims kisses traveled down his neck. The Demon suddenly hugged Link back into his chest, kissing the top of his head with a great sigh. Link nuzzled his face into the crook of his neck, breathing deeply.
"My, my, Skychild…what a pair we are." He whispered huskily into Links hair. "Tell me…do you still have that blue stone earring of mine?" Link looked avidly into Girahims eyes; they were the color of warm, dark chocolate now, no longer cold or lifeless. Without breaking his gaze, Link reached into his pocket, producing the small blue stone. Girahim smiled, his expression colored with yearning. He closed Links fist around the gem and leaned into him. He lowered his lips back to Links and flicked his tongue out, teasing. "I need you now…"
"You always seem to need me for something…" Link breathed, taking Girahims lips roughly as the Demon closed his long fingers around the hero's wrists, preparing to teleport them away.
"Don't you want that proper 'thank-you' I promised?" The Demon muttered against Links lips as the world around them revolved into a sea of black and gold diamonds.
