The two made their way over to the door that Link assumed to be the entrance to Demises throne room, or at least something of the like. Ghirahim still had that pained crease in his brow; his eyes no doubt reflecting his inner turmoil... Link couldn't know for sure since he wouldn't look at him. The demon just kept his glance on his own reflection; warped in the golden surface of the door. Link saw there to be no keyhole, unlike the other doors he had come across in his adventuring.. The door was heavy and thick, by the looks of it. It was speckled with inlays of gems that appeared both expensive and exotic. The surface was covered in a layer of thick dust… Except for one lone handprint that Link was sure he hadn't left.. and the fingers looked too long to be Ghirahim's.
Apparently Ghirahim had noticed, because now was when he chose to break the blistering silence between them. "We aren't the only ones that are going to be in here.. I hope you're ready for a fight.."
As he had thought. When had he ever gone through a door like this and not had to fight? Link rolled his shoulders back and stretched out his muscles. The injury he had sustained in his fight with Sable had healed up quite nicely, thanks to the balm that Hester had kindly given to him. All that was left was a few thin scars.. But compared to all the other battle scars that spanned over his body, they were easy enough to ignore. His worst scar was the remnants of a wound bestowed upon him during his battle with Demise. It was a bad burn from some lightning that had struck him during the fight.. Even now, months after it had happened; It still looked angry and splintering against his upper pectoral. He subconsciously placed a hand over the mark that Demise carved into him. Groose had seen it while helping to administer first aid after the battle—and weeks after—when it had healed. He had mentioned that the scar actually looked 'cool'.. And Link kind of agreed with him. The only part he wasn't so fond of was the fact that sometimes at night he could still feel the burning the mark had left.
With all of that being said, any open wounds on his body were healed. He should be able to fight in nearly top condition.
Ghirahim placed his hand up and pushed the huge golden doors open with a kind of ease that reminded Link that he was a supernatural being. Once the room was open, an overpowering smell of must and mold poured out into the air. The room was pitch black, the only place in the stronghold not mysteriously illuminated, it seemed. The darkness, however, brought with it doubt.
A sickening wave of anxiety washed over Link just then as he looked into the room ahead of him. He could sense the residual presence of the Demon king, his power palpable in the air. Link was certainly courageous... However, he could feel the hairs on his body stand on end and his muscles tense in apprehension. The memories came flooding back all at once and he was powerless to stop them. He could almost hear Zelda's pained screams.. Almost feel the oppressive malicious aura that Demise exuded from seemingly all of his orifices. It threatened to choke him, practically stealing the air from his lungs. His knees buckled under the weight that he suddenly felt pressing down on him. He gave a hard blink and shook his head, trying to get a grip over himself.
Ghirahim was not blind to the boy's sudden plight, and could guess the reason why fairly easily. His master was gone for good in this lifetime. His residual energy however, was able to remain here for years. Ghirahim felt a bit weak in the knees himself, honestly. It felt as if his master was right through that door, and the nostalgia was none like he had ever felt. There was another presence, lurking and slinking about behind that aura… and that was what brought Ghirahim back to reality. The gem couldn't fall into their possession. When he placed a hand on Link's back to calm his inner panic attack, the boy started. Ghirahim put on a face like he himself hadn't just been lost in a reverie.
"Come now. The only thing in there is an underhanded demon trying to get their hands on the gem... and you're not scared of that, are you?" Link steeled himself, regaining control of his mind gradually. He shook his head a few times and looked up at Ghirahim.
Ghirahim was looking forward, eyes piercing into the darkness. "You aren't imagining things. Mas-...His aura still pervades this place… But we have a job to do."
Link felt himself relax as renewed determination broke through the haze of apprehension that clouded his judgement. He gave a nod to the demon in thanks, who without even looking, could feel the change in his emotions. Ghirahim gave a curt nod as he stepped inside the room without another word. Nothing more needed to be said.
As they crossed the threshold the doors—expectantly—shut behind them. The darkness swallowed them, but only for a few moments until the room was alight. The source of light was an ornate chandelier that swung from the high ceiling. The flames it produced were black.. but Link would have to venture that it was only magic that made them appear such. The room was as spacious as one would expect of the area that the Demon king chose to reside. It was surprising how little the room had been affected by the overgrowth that infested the rest of the area. The only thing in a deteriorated shape was the floor, which was composed of broken and cracked slabs of shiny black stone, being torn apart by thick roots and vines. One had to be very careful in order to ensure good footing. Link filed that away for later.
The most eye catching thing about the room was a large marble statue of Demise himself; complete with snarling features and clawed hands outstretched. It was overlooking the kings throne, which was made of obsidian and carved with elaborate writings that Link didn't bother to try to understand. The walls on either side of the throne were covered by dusty tapestry. Peering closer, the tapestry seemingly depicted war stories in the form of pictures and writings. Link observed a painting and found he could recognize Demise, with Ghirahim by his side leading an army of demons. Words and symbols surrounded the image. On the right side of the room there was a large door.. But it was cut off by thick vines that had grown up and around the entryway.
On either side of the door they had come in were two tables, both made of dark wood. The one on the right was covered in papers and maps, while the other was littered with books that were in very poor shape. Link would have dwelled closer.. But Ghirahim was already stepping up toward the room's center. Link, deciding the other one must know something he does not, followed behind him carefully. There was almost no sound in the room beside the crunching of their footsteps.
Soft laughter cut through the silence then, making Link stiffen and put his hand to the hilt of his sword. A voice that was silky smooth and deadly sounding all at once echoed through the room. "My... I know you felt the warning pulse of my aura… But you still draw closer?."
It seems that all demons eyes glowed in an ethereal way.. Because much like with Sable, the first thing Link can see is a pair of eyes that were a glowing an unnatural shade of pink. Its pupils were thin slits that held his gaze and to be truthful, he was too enraptured to look away. Those eyes were surely gorgeous and he almost found himself hypnotized.
"Oh please. Did you really expect me to stop? It's as if you don't know me at all..!" While Ghirahim offered a rebuttal—which was surprisingly playful—the alluring stranger stepped out of the shadows and into the flickering glow of the chandelier.
This demon was the definition of the word androgynous. Their hair was long and messy, not to mention an unnatural shade of green. Tufts of hair hung into their face, while the majority was tied back into a low and loose ponytail. Their skin was a shade or two lighter than Sable's, but they certainly weren't pale. Those hypnotic pink eyes flickered between Ghirahim and Link, thick eyelashes fluttering as their finely shaped eyebrows quirked. When they gave a smile, Link caught sight of two fangs jutting out past a supple bottom lip.
They were wearing a brown turtleneck shirt that cut off at their midriff, exposing a strong looking stomach down to their naval. The sleeves continued down to their fingers, a hole there so that they could stick their thumb through. Over their forearms they wore two arm protectors much like Link's own, most likely for close combat. Their pants were black and clung to their legs closely, meeting their reptile skin boots that came up to their knees.
The demon gave an amused smile as they stepped closer. They moved to wipe their fingers along the armrest of the throne; a layer of dust rubbing off onto the appendages. They actually seemed a bit distraught—eyebrows furrowing in distaste.
"Hmm… You remember the last time we were in here, Ghirahim? It seems like only just yesterday…" They sighed in reverie.
Ghirahim gave them a stare before huffing out a breath. "Oh, you know I do… But now isn't really the time for such pleasantries, hm?" Link could tell by the way that they were conversing that Ghirahim didn't absolutely abhor this person. When Ghirahim regarded Sable, it was with malice and sarcasm.. But this was more of a casual conversation, almost like they wouldn't have to battle soon. Link hoped for a fleeting moment that they could just leave amicably.. He would always avoid a fight if he could.
The demon sighed lightly in agreement and turned their attention more fully to Link. Once again, Link felt that beguiling sensation from those eyes.
The demon smiled, but under the relaxed exterior Link could only feel animosity. "You're the little hero, huh? You're actually quite adorable.. And so young too. What a feat you accomplished, killing the king.. But I doubt you escaped unscathed.." The almost knowing way their eyes narrowed made Link's hair stand on edge. Link gave his best warning glare. The demon smirked and ran a hand up to tangle in their unruly bangs.
"Your name is Link, right? I am known as Alecai.. It's my pleasure, really." A forked tongue flickered out past their lips in a lazy manner. Ah. So this was the person Link had heard about in his last premonition dream.. They actually reminded him a bit of Ghirahim. Similar personalities, he supposed. Ghirahim stepped a bit closer to Alecai.
"Alecai, we have a job to do. As much as I don't despise you—you know I find you the least annoying—If you choose to stand in our way… It won't be pretty." Alecai turned their eyes to search Ghirahim's.
"...Come on, Ghirahim. Why are you doing this? You must have some sort of ulterior motive.. You were the most gung ho about Demises plans! You would have followed him anywhere! That's what we're setting out to complete. I just can't wrap my head around it…Why would you side with this boy?" Alecai looked at Ghirahim, almost desperate to understand.
Ghirahim sneered at the words. "Alecai, doesn't the thought of some lowlife prisoner trying to usurp the throne from Demise make you want to vomit? It should! Naberius has brainwashed you all and I refuse to be a part of it." He paused "Link is helping me and I am helping him. I am helping make sure this world stays safe.. And he is helping me take down that bag of shit you have all begun to glorify. Alecai... If you leave now, you will be spared.."
Alecai clenched their jaw and sighed. "...You know I can't do that. Naberius would have my head. Not to mention, Eerie…" Their tone dipped softer as they uttered the name. Ghirahim rose an eyebrow, his two sabres manifesting in his hands.
"Ah yes, Eerie… You're still pining after his affections I see. Is he still spurning your advances?" Ghirahim cooed, tossing Link a glance. Link could read the mood. He slowly drew his sword.
Instead of responding with anger, which Link had expected after such a scathing jab, he was met with laughter."Of course! You know how he is… But I think I'm wearing him down.." Alecai held their hand out. In it appeared a long and thin sword. The blade was curved and wavy, and while it appeared quite fragile.. Link didn't want to test it.
Ghirahim shook his head and snorted. "You haven't changed.." He was gone in an instant. In the time it took Link to blink, the two demons were locked in sword battle. Link had expected to be the one to fight.. But he wasn't opposed to this. Ghirahim called over his shoulder as he staved off Alecais blows. "Link! Try to work the vines away from the door over there! That's where the gem is, I'm sure of it!"
Link nodded and ran to the door. The vines were as thick his forearm.. This would take time. Link began to hack at the vines, though he found this only made small indents. Tutting at the lack of progress, he grabbed the outermost vine and started a sawing motion. His eyes turned to the demons locked in combat.
Ghirahim was able to push Alecai backward, swinging his sabres with deadly force. Alecai moved like they had no bones in their body, however, twisting out of the way as they bobbed and weaved between the swords. Laughing, Alecai pushed the length of their sword up against Ghirahims own weapons. The force was enough to send the sword-spirit backward—and due to the floor being how it was—he lost his balance for a split second. That single second was enough for Alecai to get a slash of his sword past Ghirahim's defenses. Link winced and paused his sawing motion as he heard the sound of ripping fabric. Ghirahims shawl was torn from his body, a gash formed along his collarbone. It wasn't deep, but it had to be painful. Ghirahim snarled. That damned floor! He teleported out of the way as Alecai slammed his sword down where his neck had just been. He wanted to keep his head, thank you very much.
With Ghirahim out of their immediate sights, Alecai turned to Link with a malicious smile. The hero's blood ran cold. He forced himself into a standing position. His companion was nowhere to be seen and now he had to defend himself. Taking Ghirahim's misstep into consideration, Link quickly mapped the areas of the floor that were the least destroyed. He would have to attempt to stay in those areas, if at all possible. Alecai moved toward him, and Link purposefully circled around to an area that looked to be stable footing. Alecai smiled with a false sweetness.
"I didn't expect Ghirahim to leave so quickly... But he'll be back. Until then, how about we play?" Alecai flickered out their tongue as they moved their sword into a defensive position. "I'll even allow you the first move! Show me what the Goddess's chosen hero is capable of.. The one who slayed the king and bested Sable.."
Link remembered what was at stake. The lives of Zelda, Groose, and all his friends.. His home, his loftwing.. Ghirahim's life as well. He took a deep breath and ran forward, giving an easy stab to gauge their strength. Of course Alecai dodged, and they locked swords. Alecai was stronger than they looked, and it took Link a fair amount of effort to deflect their sword to the side. Alecai swung their arm back again with such speed that that Link barely had the reflex to bring up his shield to block. The shield kept the side of his face from being hacked off, at least. Alecai laughed.
"You certainly have training and skills, I'll give you that. You know your way around a sword.. But how will you fare against someone who has been wielding a blade for centuries?"
Alecai was gone before Link could even process the words. He felt a strong kick to his back that knocked the air out of him and sent him to the ground. Synopses firing off wildly for ways to survive this vulnerable position, Link rolled to the side just as Alecai's sword stabbed into the ground next to him. He had enough time to work his shield up to deflect the shower of blows being rained down onto him. With a frustrated hiss, Alecai gave the shield a kick to jerk it out of the way and jabbed for the shocked face of the boy under them.
Link screwed his eyes shut instinctively, but just as he could practically FEEL his skull being skewered, he heard the sound of a sword clattering to the ground and a pained grunt. Opening his eyes quickly, he could see Ghirahim, mid-kick, slamming his foot into the side of Alecais arm. Ghirahim saved his life far too often. Link took the opportunity to scramble up to his feet.
Ghirahim clicked his tongue as Alecai moved to pick up their sword again, rubbing their arm. "Come now, did you think I'd let you kill him so easily?" Alecai glared at Ghirahim, but gave a snort "Not really, no."
The two demons were on each other again, reigning down blow after blow. Link took this moment to breathe and try to clear the tunneling in his vision from that kick. Alecai was strong… But it seems that this time Ghirahim was willing to help him. The two demons broke away, no clear victor. Alecai ran a hand through their now mussed up hair.
"Hah.. Two on one is hardly fair, don't you think? While I would toy with you two for hours.. My orders are to kill you as quickly as possible. With that being said… I think I have a solution.." Ghirahim moved back cautiously so he was near Link. He took that as a sign to brace himself.
The ground started to quake, much like it did with Sable. The light from the chandelier went out without any warning, pitching the room into an uneasy darkness. Demonic hisses and rattles filled the air and by the time the chandelier re-lit itself, Alecai was no longer there. In their place was a towering snake (Which, yet again, Link was glad for actually paying attention during some of Horwells lectures.. He rather enjoyed learning about animals.).
The beast was exceptionally tall, Its head almost touching the high ceiling. It's body was covered in dark green and black scales, a slick shine over its being made it appear slippery. The tip of its tail was coated with a thick cluster of barbs and spikes—and Link personally didn't want to venture anywhere near them. It appeared that the beast was wearing the skull of another demon on its head; as it had long and curved horns that jutted out of the bone helmet. A long mane of hair like spines furrowed out down its neck and body. Glowing eyes peered out of the empty sockets of the demon skull, even more hypnotizing in this form. When it opened its maw, large and glistening fangs protruded out into the open. Link swallowed and readied his sword.
Sable hadn't said a word in this form, but it seemed they could vocalize. Alecai laughed and it sounded like many voices laughing all at once. Ghirahim simply looked on.
"Mm.. Always so flashy. But who am I do call someone out on something like that, hmm?" After a brief chuckle, Ghirahim glanced to Link. His voice dropped lower. "I'll let you find their weak spots on your own. I'll be fighting with you, so it won't be a hard battle.. Just try not to die."
With that, Ghirahim leapt forward. As he landed in front of Alecai, they launched forward with a hiss. While they were trying to bite Ghirahim's head off, they swung their tail up like a mace and hurdled it down toward Link. Eyes wide, he rolled to the side as it crashed into the ground. Ghirahim vaulted out of the way as Alecai spit a large pool of acid at him. Link then understood, in part, what Ghirahim was doing. He was getting Alecai to use a good portion of their movies, to show Link what to expect. Link decided to stop standing around like a fool and get in there.
He swung around to the back side of the beast, hopefully out of their view. At this time, Alecai was hissing and biting at Ghirahim like there was no tomorrow. Using the opportunity, Link evaluated for possible weak spots. The skull Alecai adorned made stabbing at the head out of the question.. Most of the body was covered by thick scales, even the underside, as far as he could tell. That left the eyes, the mouth.. As Link was scanning for any other areas, he saw it. Under the mane of spines he could see a long scar that ran down the length of Alecais back. The scales around it had flaked off.. It was the perfect spot to attack. Link knew he had to be strategic, however. Once Alecai knew that he was targeting it, they would never let him behind them.
When Alecai sweeped down low to get to Ghirahim, Link made his move. He jumped up as high as he was able and grabbed onto the spines for purchase. Alecai stopped and before they could so much as move to get him off, he stabbed his sword down into the flesh. A scream echoed through the room as Alecai began to thrash about in pain and anger. Link clenched his teeth and dug his sword in, twisting it to cause as much damage as he could before he was thrown off. When his sword came out, blood began to spill from the wound. Alecai snarled and turned the full brunt of their anger toward Link. Their eyes—full of primal bloodlust— rendered Link stationary. He willed his legs to move, however, even as Alecai lashed out and begun to wrap their coils around him, he found he was trapped in place.
It only took a few moments for Link to find he was squeezed between strong muscles trying to suck the very air from his lungs. He cried out in pain as he felt his bones being crushed, but soon he didn't even have enough air to make a sound.. Just as he thought all of his bones were going to shatter, the pressure was gone and another shriek filled the air. This time, Ghirahim was stabbing one of his sabres right through the bone mask and into Alecai's snout.
Link gasped for breath as he was dropped to the ground. He tried to stand up, though his body wouldn't allow it. He needed a few moments to recover.. He honestly thought he was going to die. It was alright though. Ghirahim had really saved his life that time and got a good stab in. Blood poured from the wound on Alecai's nose, even as the snake heaved and hissed.
Ghirahim appeared next to him, probably to check if he was still alive. Seeing that the boy wasn't dying, he looked up to the squirming reptile. "Do you concede yet, Alecai?" In response, Ghirahim was met with a head butt that sent him flying back into a wall. Looks like there was one last go around.
It had seemed that Alecai believed Link to be dead, or at least out for the count. It came as a surprise to Link himself when he found the pain to be replaced with energy. He had gotten his second wind.. And he wanted to end this. They were pressed for time, and hardly halfway done with their mission. Link moved as slowly as he was able to grab a weapon from his pouch. Glancing out of the corner of his eye, Link saw Alecai was slithering toward him and Ghirahim, who was working himself out of the newly-formed crater in the wall.
Alecai opened their mouth wide, no doubt ready to douse Ghirahim with acid and end this themself. What they weren't counting on, however, was the arrow that was sudden shot into their throat. With a scream of pain Alecai lurched and tried to shake the arrow free. By the time they had shaken it out, the damage was already done. Blood poured out of their mouth as they snarled and choked. Overwhelmed by pain and blood loss, Alecai gave a hiss of defeat. The beast's scales began to shed in mass quantities—before all that was left was the shuddering humanoid form of Alecai.
Ghirahim gave a pleasantly surprised hum as he ripped his body free from the wall. "Now Link, I'm impressed. I thought you were out cold.. But that was superb! Looks like we'll be getting the gem ahead of schedule.."
Alecai glowered up at the duo. A large gash was now present along their back, along with a bleeding wound between their eyes. They coughed up blood and snarled. "You… You're an idiot, Ghirahim…" With a final round of coughs, Alecai fled the room in an instant, leaving only a blood puddle in their wake.
Now that the threat was gone, Link took a second to just collapse onto the ground and breathe. His body hurt badly.. He felt bruised all over. He may have actually had some internal bleeding. With a shaky hand, he reached back into his pouch for a red potion. He downed it quickly, as he had gotten used to the bitter taste long ago. He felt the warmth of it wash over his body. It would take a bit to really kick in, but his worst wounds would be taken care of. Finding the strength to stand, Link found Ghirahim on the other side of the room.
He picked up his shredded shawl from the ground and clicked his tongue. "Damn.. I'll have to mend this." Sighing at having to do the work, he moved over to the door. He glanced back at Link. "You look like a mess. Are you going to survive?" Link nodded and gestured to the empty potion bottle as he was putting it away.
Ghirahim wrinkled his nose "I don't know how you can stomach that garbage.. But I suppose in a pinch it works well… Now come here and help me tear down these wretched vines."
Link made his way over and did just that. As the door was exposed, Ghirahim grabbed the knob and shouldered the large door until it opened. Stepping inside the room, another large chandelier lit itself in much the same way the other did; black flames and all. Demise certainly wanted to appear intimidating. The room they were now in was almost bigger than the throne room. at the far end of the room sat one of the largest beds Link had ever seen, at least 7 or 8 of his own beds put together back at skyloft. The room had more tapestries and bookshelves galore, along with a long center table with chairs around it. It was a bedroom fit for a king, that's for sure. What really got Links attention was a pedestal that sat in the corner. On it, under a glass case, sat a large green gem. Link made his way over and lifted off the glass cover. He could almost see the movement of the trees and the wind reflected onto the surface.
Link looked back at Ghirahim and found the demon noticeably deep in reverie. He couldn't help a small smile that came over his lips, though he quickly wiped it off. It was actually.. Endearing to him now to see how loyal Ghirahim is to Demise. It's rather sad.. It made him wonder if Fi would feel the same thing. He set the glass cover down, hoping the noise would shake Ghirahim from his thoughts. It worked, and the demon looked over. Link acted like he hasn't noticed a thing as he looked back at his partner. Ghirahim gave the room a once over with his eyes quickly, before nodding to Link.
"Take it. We don't have time to fool around…"
As Links hands wrapped around the gem, he felt that same light pour over him from before. When he opened his eyes, he and Ghirahim were standing at the mouth of the woods again. He had no idea how much time had passed. It was early morning when they had left the Centaur village.. But looking up at the sky, it looked to be dawn again…. Link didn't care one bit. Ghirahim had possession of the gem, and he felt exhausted. He slumped down on the cool grass and felt himself drifting off. He heard the chastisements of Ghirahim, and even the approach of hooves.. But he would have to apologize later. All he could think about now was sleep.
Look who still exists hahahaha,,,, So its been a while, yeah. I procrastinated really bad. Boss fights are the hardest chapters. Buttttttt look, here it isssss. I pushed this out all this weekend to get it to you guys, because hey, you all deserve it. This is actually a loooonng chapter omg. But I think its pretty quality? I'm not proud of some parts, but if I nitpick it forever you guys will never get itt... So please enjoy!
