Gradually, the two had settled themselves down into a pleasant and thoughtful silence; which stretched on until they had reached their destination. Link wouldn't have been able to know they were close, had Ghirahim not sat up from his lounging position with intrigue and caution; jostling the young hero from his thoughts. The look of concentration on Ghirahim's face told him he was searching for something, like he was trying to hear the faintest of sounds, nestled between the prominent simmer of the lava beneath them and the howl of the wind. After a moment, the demon clucked his tongue and sat back, propping his hands behind him and looking up at the sky.

"It seems as though that bastards gone and made things difficult for us.."

At the look of confusion Link gave him, He gave an amused yet tight lipped smile. "He's gotten here before us. Knowing that maniac, he's probably got the area on high alert. We're going to need to do some smooth talking to get to where we need to be.. So stay on your guard and watch yourself, hm?" Ghirahim stood up and crossed his arms. Link followed suit.

In the distance, he could see it. The rock walls that surrounded them on either side opened up to what seemed to be a large, pond like collection of lava and subsequently a dead end. What could possibly be out this far? If the area could be on high alert, that means there were inhabitants. This was in the middle of nowhere, somewhere so far that Mogmas had surely never visited it.

As they approached, Link felt the presence of magic grow stronger, like tendrils wrapping around his being and snaking into his consciousness. They were able to drift into the expanse of molten rock until they reached the center, where the lava stopped flowing with a suddenness that Link knew was not natural. Silence crept over the area, blanketing the two. It did not last long however, as the lava about 20 feet in front of them started to bubble with foreboding ferocity. More bubbling areas began to spring up across the pond… 5, 10, 20.. Link felt unease and reached back to grab the hilt of his sword as figures began to rise from the viscous liquid. Ghirahim's hand wrapped around his wrist just then and the demon whispered to him. Show no hostility.

The figures rose up into the form of soldiers, but of a species Link had never seen before. 30 or so of them- various sexes- stood around them, spears and swords raised. They were bipedal creatures with skin that was a dark rouge and legs similar to those of the centaurs; bent backwards at a joint and ending in sturdy hooves. The figures all bore metal masks that Link assumed covered their faces; large horns jutting out of their heads at least a good three feet into the air. They all had varying lengths of thick hair, imbued with the colors of fire and ash. The creatures were thin and tall, gangly in nature with thick, clawed arms. The soldiers bore armor in the form of chestplates, arm guards, and chainmail.

A tense moment passed between them. Ghirahim slowly raised up his hands, in a cease fire gesture. The soldiers turned their attention to Link, who hurriedly did the same. From among the ranks, a soldier of obviously high standing moved forward to meet them. It's voice was a low series of rumbles and snarls, and it sounded more like the beast had something caught in its throat than a language. Ghirahim spoke in response, but not anything Link could understand either. His voice lowered in tenor when he spoke what must have been some form of demon language, heavy and dark on his tongue. A shiver unconsciously slid down Links spine at his voice. The soldier, perhaps a general, appeared to be thrown for a loop for a moment. It spoke again, sounding more similar to what Ghirahim was saying, but much less sure of itself.

Link assumed that this group of.. Whatever they were had developed their own language, and that Ghirahim was speaking a more universal demon language that the general had to try to remember how to speak. That made sense, anyway. What else could he do but psychoanalyse, when he couldn't make heads or tails of the conversation anyway.

It must have gone alright, as they weren't dead yet. The general barked orders to a few subordinates, who sunk back down into the lava. Nothing happened for a few minutes, and Link supposed they were relaying information. He mumbled to the sword in inquiry.

"I've asked for an audience with their king. We need to gain access to their kingdom, and if we can convey that we can take care of that uncouth beast- who did in fact rip his way through here, that general told me- then we can find out where they have the gem. We could barge in like that brute, but it is much more efficient to play the diplomat and have the backing of these creatures, is it not? I'm one for picking my battles and this is not one that needs to be fought."

Link nodded slowly at this. How much did Ghirahim know of these people? He was about to ask, when he heard the telltale bubbling of lava yet again. The subordinates returned, with a smaller being in a hooded robe holding an ornate staff. The general related to Ghirahim the news, and based upon the pleased look on his face, the King had agreed to see them. The robed figured raised a hand and the rock they were on began moving forward with a jolt. Link grabbed Ghirahim's arm for stability, but after the sword shot him a playful look, he let go with a petulant huff. He'd almost rather fall in the lava than deal with that smarmy so-and-so. Their vessel stopped in front of the robed figure, who stepped onto the rock with a surprising shyness. May Link say that yes, the robed figure was shorter than the soldiers, but still about a head taller than even Ghirahim. After a moment, a glowing bubble of magic formed around them, shielding their bodies from the lava as they began their descent. It occurred to Link that he was probably the only one who would really be harmed by the lava.

Silence enveloped them on the way down. Link noted that the robed figure started to fidget with the silence, and after a quick wave of the hand and flash of light that Link almost thought he imagined, the figures shoulders slumped in what looked like relief as he addressed them for the first time.

"P-pardon me, but I figured a linguistic spell was on order, as we speak different languages.. This will make things e-easier.." Link was pleased to actually encounter words he could understand. The robed figure reached up and tugged down the hood that covered his face. From this, Link could see his visage was relatively human in nature. Their robed guide had shoulder length frayed hair- similar in smoldering color to the others and hanging into his face to cover where Link assumed he had eyes. Fuzzy looking and lengthy ears jutted out from under the tufts of hair. The bridge of his nose was arched and sharp fangs nibbled into a supple bottom lip, nervousness oozing from the beast as he felt himself being scrutinized. He floundered visibly for a moment, and Link found his behavior refreshingly endearing.

"Ah, I'm sorry where are my manners? M-My name is Rukal, Mage to the royal family… I've been asked to escort you to the king. I'm sorry for such a greeting.. We haven't gotten outside visitors for decades… And after what happened only a few hours ago…" The young mage shuddered visibly.

Link gave a reassuring look to their nervous guide and introduced himself, along with Ghirahim. It had been nagging at him for sometime, and it may seem rude.. But he really wanted to know more about what these creatures are. When he voiced his inquiry in the form of a sheepish question, Rukal was only taken aback for a moment before smiling.

"Oh, so you aren't aware of us? I had sensed only the demon with you, so we were very much on alert.. But I was surprised to find you as well…" After a moment of inspection, Rukal balked.

"Ah! A-Are you perhaps a human?! One of the goddesses beings? W-wow, I thought you had all died out! Amazing, that's why I couldn't sense your presence..I had never encountered one of you before." The mage sputtered as he realized he went off on a tangent of sorts. He began to rattle off, with animated and passionate fervor.

"T-To answer your question, I am an Ifrit. Me and my people live underground, in a ruinous kingdom. We are beings of fire, and can therefore bask in it without consequence… Most beings in this world cannot, so the pool of lava we're passing through serves as a top notch defense! While we no doubt seem demonic in appearance and we are demon descendants, the Ifrits have long been neutral between the plights of the demons and the goddesses.."

That would explain why Link hadn't seen much of anything about them in texts about the great war that he read in the centaur village. Rukal bubbled with anticipation

"You'll have to tell me more about humans later! Er, that does bring about the question though... Why are you, a human, here with a demon no less? People don't tend to find this place unless they're looking for it.."

Ghirahim spoke up now, eyeing up at the gangly mage. He seemed rightfully put off by the height difference, and stood himself up in a more dominant stance to compensate. "We're here to inquire about a certain.. Artifact. That demon who burst in here not too long ago… I have no doubt that where we can find him, we will find what we seek.."

Rukal seemed to pale when this was mentioned. "You.. You know that demon, huh?"

Ghirahim gave a nod "Mm, unfortunately…"

Rukal bit his lip, seeming troubled with knowledge. "I...I saw him when he arrived. I was with the King and his attendant.. That beast, that monster….sliced through our watchmen so quickly that they couldn't possibly have gotten word to us… So quickly I couldn't sense the disturbance. While we were walking the perimeter, something shot like a meteor from the lava and onto the ground some meters in front of us."

His clawed hands trembled on his staff as he spoke.

"The King pushed in front of me, to protect me. I had to get a look, to see what it was.." He swallowed "I wish I hadn't... Gods.. That wretch was on fire. His flesh was burning off, falling to clumps right on the ground in front of him… His muscles burnt down to the bone...But… But he was grinning like a madman! His eyes were like spiraling pits of hell and promised death, even as he burned and bled in front of us. Even the king was disturbed."

At this description, for all the Triforce of Courage was worth, Link still felt a crawling chill up his spine. He could still see those red, swirling eyes from his premonition, clear as day. He placed a hand on Rukal's shoulder, making the mage jump slightly. When he gave an apologetic and encouraging look, Rukal relaxed.

"I could sense a sudden and staggering amount of magic energy from him, as his skin and muscles began to reform and heal at an alarming rate, making you question what you had seen. He let out this.. Laugh, that I couldn't describe unless you've heard it." His claws tapped anxiously against the brass of the staff he was clutching.

" He ended up wounding the king-slashing his eye and bounding off on all fours in the direction of the Citadel of Cinders…" Perhaps realizing his conversation mates would not know of this place, he delved further into detail.

"That's where we keep the treasures we've amassed over the decades.. He hasn't been seen since. We have the place blocked off, and the king has ordered that no one be allowed inside or out..."

Ghirahim was shaking his head by now "That barbaric cretin. You needn't worry about him leaving.. He's waiting for us."

Rukal turned his head to look at Ghirahim and then at Link; demeanor almost fearful for them. "I..I can talk to the king on your behalf. I believe you both."

The bubble of magic emerged from the lava at last, moving onto a secure outcrop of rock before dissolving. Link knew immediately that Rukal had been telling the truth, as he could see plainly to his right there was a spot where the ground was singed and bloody. The smell of burning hair and flesh still hung in the air with a palpable mist, prompting Link to cover his nose with the back of his hand with as much respect as he could muster. Ghirahim had a look on his face that resembled him stepping in something distasteful.

"Ugh. His filthy magic permeates this place. He's such an animal.."

Four guards like the ones before met with them as they disembarked. Rukal gave a tentative smile, again conveying his apologies for the treatment. They began down a well worn cave that, within minutes opened up to an enormous open underground cavern. From a tall viewing platform they were looking down on a positively gigantic civilization as far as the eye could see and Link felt his breath taken away. He had never seen a place so large, it had to be about Skyloft, more than fifty times over! Though his eyes were drawn every which way at once, he took note of everything he could possibly cram into his head.

Nestled among tall stone structures that looked to be communal living buildings, there were also traditional sized homes. In a large swath of open space near the center of Link's vision, there was a huge common area, complete with a fountain and sitting areas- being watched over by a large statue of who was most likely the king. Towering over the residential buildings, there were workplaces, large shopping centers, food buildings, blacksmiths, ironworkers.. Ifrits streamed along all of the roads; trotting away to who knows where, some rushing around while others walked leisurely. There was a mother holding the hand of her small child, a couple taking a stroll arm in arm, workers running off to their jobs... It was so much to take in at once. Yet, over it all Link felt his eyes drawn to the tallest structure.

Built into an outcropping of rock was a tall tower with ornate swirls carved into the exterior. It was complete with purple crystals rotating around the outside in a constant, magical stream. If he had to guess, he would say that the ominous structure was the Citadel of Cinders.

Rukal and the guards led the pair along high ground above the city, most likely to ensure they didn't slip away into the bustle of the streets unnoticed. Link still took in the city with a wondrous gleam in his eye, almost tripping a few times in his distracted state. Ghirahim clucked his tongue at this behavior. The place was interesting, even he would admit, as Ifrits were very private beings and little was known about how they ran their society.. But Link was making a fool of himself. At least the guards seemed to think it was endearing, to a degree. Noticing a dip ahead in the ground in front of the young hero, Ghirahim decided to have some fun.

Predictably, Links foot dug into the unstable ground and it almost caused him to lose his balance and topple over off the road they were on into a ditch. Now was the time to shine. In a grandiose movement, the demon wrapped an arm around Link's waist and supported him, just inches away from falling. Link's face reflected shock, and soon embarrassment. Perhaps he had been a bit too into the scenery… He gave a little glare to Ghirahim. Don't you open your mouth, don't you do it. The demon took the challenge with a shit eating grin.

"My, you've had your head in the clouds since we got here! Not surprising, considering your residence.. But please, do watch yourself.. I swear, this happens oh so often…." He feigned exasperation; propping his knuckles against his forehead.

Link blushed in embarrassment and squirmed free of the sword's grip, who couldn't contain his rapturous giggles. Link grumbled and apologized to Rukal and the guards. Rukal, seemingly both amused and embarrassed for Link after witnessing that brushed it off with a light laugh and a wave of his claws. Link paid much closer attention to the ground in front of him after that, even if he took the opportunity to throw half hearted glares back to Ghirahim. He couldn't be that angry, since he was the cause of the predicament himself.

Soon enough they were led to a large stone castle that overlooked the whole city with a certain regal grandeur that Link supposed it had, just like every castle did. As the path grew more narrow and he was walking closer and closer to the Ifrits, he really noticed the height difference. The guards were at least a foot taller than Ghirahim, and that wasn't including the giant horns protruding out from the fiery expanse of hair. He tried not to be unnerved by this as they were let through a large gate onto the castle grounds.

Standing by the entryway, flanked by two more guards was an older looking Ifrit, probably around middle aged. Link had no idea whatsoever about the rate through which Ifrits aged, but this man had seen some things, just by the surly look on him. For the first time Link got a glimpse of what their eyes looked like, or at least this man's. His pupils were thin slits and his iris was a soft yellow that almost seemed to glow. The sclera, instead of being white like Link had grown accustomed to, was a dark black. That was certainly enough to give the Ifrits a demonic appearance. As their young mage scampered up to greet the man, Link found himself wondering what Rukal's eyes looked like.

Rukal smiled to the two in reassurance as the man stepped forward. He gave a small bow of his head in a show of courtesy, though it wasn't hard to tell by the piercing look in his eyes that he distrusted them. His voice was gravelly and stentorian in nature as he addressed them.

"I am Berul, assistant and advisor to the King. He has agreed to an audience with you, but let it be known that if you try anything I deem dangerous, I shall cut you down where you stand. He is already injured, and that is a grievous failure on my part. That being said… I will not allow anymore harm to come within a breath of him, are we clear?"

Link nodded, and Ghirahim gave an acknowledging jerk of the head. Berul had his eyes boring into the demon, almost daring him to make a move as the two were led into the building. Everything in the castle was large and in comparison Link felt miniscule. From the archways lain with charred tapestry to the staircase that led upward into what was most likely the private quarters.

They were led straight, along a hallways lain with old faded paintings and chiseled statues and furnished with plush carpeting. Link couldn't help but think of how regal this was.. Zaic was a king as well, and while his home was no doubt larger than that of the other centaurs, it was nothing compared to this. A huge set of doors was pushed open for them and they were herded inside a throne room that rivaled even Demises. There were two empty thrones at the head of the room, elevated on a platform, while golden torches kept the room bright. The carpeting led up to the platform, and that's where they were guided to.

"The king will see you now. Bow before King Elum, monarch of the Ifrits." The guards, Rukal and Berul lowered to one knee in respect as from the shadows emerged a towering Ifrit. Link couldn't stop the shock from seeping onto his face at this creatures sheer height. If Link were to stand next to him, he would most likely only reach only to the kings stomach. Even Ghirahim had to raise his brow at the impressive specimen. Ohhhh, he oozed power… the demon resisted the urge to lick his lips.

The King was the definition of intimidating, as he was essentially a hulking mass of height and muscle. His skin was a dark earthen and scorched red and his hair was immensely thick and long, fanning out behind his person with fiery abandon. While the other Ifrits were lean and gangly, the King was muscular and defined. He donned armor in the form of spiked shoulder guards and a chestplate, and he had thick fur wrapped around his waist. Strong looking hooved legs and massive clawed hands completed the package. Resting just shy of his thick horns that honestly looked to be as tall as Link, rested a golden circuit lain with small jewels that Link took to impart his Kingship. He wore other jewelry as well, including thick gold bracelets along his upper arms and piercings in his long ears. The only thing that stood out to Link, as he chanced looking at his face, was the fresh white bandages wrapped around his left eye.

As the king settled into the throne, a moment of inaction settled down on them. Surprisingly, Ghirahim was the first to break it, in the form of a sweeping bow. Link, feeling disrespectful, gave a bow as well. After a moment of what Link assumed was the King eyeing them down, he spoke. It was a low, authoritative and guttural sound.

"We have not had outside visitors in decades. After such a period, there is suddenly a… Disturbance.. Like the one merely a few hours ago, followed closely by the arrival of another demon and curiously, a human. This is an unprecedented occurrence, and I hope you understand why we are proceeding with such caution."

Ghirahim spoke up, looking up from his bow. "I understand given the circumstances, Your Majesty. That demon is one I know well, unfortunately. He has come to intercept us, to prevent us from advancing in our goal.." The King's eye narrowed as Ghirahim spoke.

"...Just who are you two? You are no mere travelers. What do you want with my kingdom?"

Ghirahim stood up straight and put a hand on his chest as he introduced himself. "I am Ghirahim.." Perhaps unsure of what title to use on himself, he paused for a brief moment before settling on "demon sword." Link piped up, giving his own name. He left off any title, as introducing himself as the "goddess's chosen hero" made him sound conceited and didn't sit alright on his tongue anyway.

King Elum looked at the two of them with mild intrigue. "An odd pair, to be sure… What is this goal you spoke of?"

Ghirahim ran a hand through his pale hair as he spoke. "We seek a certain treasure….A gem, if you will.."

The King appeared distasteful for a moment. "You're telling me this is about some paltry gem? We have plenty of them, hundreds…"

Ghirahim shook his head, his eyes dancing in mischief. "Not just any gem, Your Majesty.. The gem that will open the gate to the demon world."

At this admission, the intrigue sparked back into the King's eyes. He looked between the two of them for a moment, before grunting. "That changes things, then. Why are you seeking a gem like that, and what makes you think it is in our possession?"

Ghirahim gave a soft breath "There is discourse in the demon realm. They are preparing an army to come seize the surface, and we need to get there before they finish mobilizing. As for how I know it's here.. I can sense it's power. I've come into contact with other gems of its kind, so I have a smidgen of a.. Sensitivity to them, if you will." Ah. So he used prior knowledge of the surface combined with dowsing huh?

The king looked at the two, bemused as he paused to absorb their story. "Mh..You are a demon yourself, yes? Why would you wish to stop your own kin from taking this land? That was one of your primary objectives in the war, was it not? Likewise… How do you know the beast of a demon that burst in here?"

Ghirahim had perhaps predicted these questions would be asked, as he didn't seem thrown for a loop. Link was impressed with how thorough the king was being.. Though now, he really just looked interested in the gossip of the demon world. Ghirahim seemed happy enough to oblige.

"I am a faithful servant to King Demise, his sword and attendant.. I am regret to say that King Demise is no longer with us in this lifetime. However, a lowly prisoner has brainwashed the commanders of the castle and is trying to take Demises place, which I will NOT allow. This army is led by that usurping scum, and I myself have been exiled due to treason, therefore barring my ability to freely get to the demon realm. The only way there now is by opening the Demon gate, which necessitates us having certain gems.. And one of them is here, I'm sure of it."

He paused, and added in as an afterthought "That demon is one of the commanders to the king and a former... colleague of sorts." The king actually appeared a bit relieved to hear that the demon who had done this to him wasn't some low life scum, but at least someone of high standing. He tapped his claws against the shining armrest of his throne in thought.

"Hmm.. Very interesting indeed.. What you want for me is to allow you to retrieve this gem, yes?"

Ghirahim nodded in affirmation. "Correct.. We can also help solve your.. Pest problem."

King Elum's eyes narrowed and he grunted, leaning back on his throne and eyeing the young mage who stood by. He had not given the information that the demon was still there.

"Rukal.. You told our visitors of our plight, did you not?" While Link expected the timid mage to tremble and ask for forgiveness, he was surprised them the age answered back in a casual-yet still respectful- tone.

"A-Ah.. Forgive me King.. But I do believe these travelers can be trusted… I will even house them in my wing, if necessary…" Link felt a bit honored at Rukals belief in them. He was lucky to meet nice people along his journeys.

The king sighed and closed his eye in thought. "...Your judgment has never been wrong before, young one…" After a moment more of consideration, he conceded. "Alright. I shall have you escorted to the Citadel of Cinders midday tomorrow, or as soon as we finish preparations. Until that time, you may stay with Rukal, as he has so kindly offered.."

Link gave a bow and ushered his thanks, as Ghirahim did the same. The King propped his chin on his knuckle as his dark eye scrutinized them.

"Make no mistake, however..You will be monitored during your time here, and should you step out of line...I trust you can infer the consequences of betraying my generosity." His voice stung with inherent distrust. As the King moved to stand, Berul was by his side immediately.

"I will send for you when we are finished. Until then, you may do as you please. If you wish to go into the city, you will be accompanied by someone to keep an eye on you. If you will excuse me.. I must address my people. I'm sure rumors are already running rampant, and I must quell them."

With that, the king exited in a flourish of masculine grace, flanked by his dutiful attendant. Link instantly felt tension seep out of his posture as the royalty left the room. Rukal went to their side, smiling with the victory. "Ah, that went very well.. Again, I must apologize for all of these precautions.." He paused, and added quickly "A-And I really hope you're alright with being housed in my quarters… But if you would like, I could show you the way there?"

After all the bartering for their lives, Link would honestly like nothing more.


Hello, all! Yes yes, I know It's been a while, schools kicking my ass. But, without further delay, here is the next chapter. Most of my creatures here are based off of mythology if you haven't already guessed (Sirens, Centaurs, etc) and the same goes for Ifrits (Islamic Mythology). A bit of knowledge, if you're too lazy to google lol

'An ifrit is an enormous creature of fire, either male or female, who lives underground and frequents ruins.'

I structured mine a bit differently, making them more human in appearance and less... hulking brutes, as google images will show you. Though, with that being said, I hope you guys like this. Your support is very much appreciated, honestly 3