It had only been moments since he witnessed his death for a second time, but he wasn't sure if he could handle it this time. Going through the pain of seeing your loved one murdered before your very eyes was already a hell of a burden, but twice? He could already feel himself falling into the blackness of hopelessness, and he did nothing to stop it. This was it. All that he had in life, gone in an instant. Vaati was already hollow on the inside, but now he was nothing. He had sworn to himself and Hylia he would bring Ghirahim to safety, but he failed. And now, there was no chance of ever seeing him again. Vaati sincerely doubted Ghirahim returned to that weird realm now.
He had no idea how much time had passed now though. He had been holding onto Zelda for dear life, afraid that if he let go, he might be no longer. Zelda held onto him just as tight, afraid for his own well being. She had no idea exactly what he was feeling, but she saw it in his face. All she could see on him now was being shattered, having all of his hopes crushed in an instant. She was not sure if he would ever recover from this, and that honestly terrified her. She was so happy for him when he learned that Ghirahim was alive in some sort of way, hell, she was ecstatic for him. She, although he never said it, understood his feelings for Ghirahim. That is why she was trying so hard for the two of them to be reunited again.
When Vaati's sobs stopped, she grew a little worried. She pulled back, only to see him asleep. He must have been exhausted, what with the emotional trauma as well as the previous fight with Demise, he probably passed out from all of it. She just hoped that he was able to escape for a little while from this personal hell. If she were strong enough, Zelda would have lifted him up and taken him away from here, and back to his home, but she was not. However, Link seemed to understand, and lifted the unconscious man over his shoulder. Zelda smiled at him in gratitude, and lead the way there, Link not quite being familiar with the inside of the house anyways.
When they arrived, and when they made their way to Vaati's bedroom, Link set him down as gentle as he could on the bed. Much like Zelda, he had no idea what exactly he was going through, but he could see just how shattering it was for him. They hadn't ever been close like how Vaati was with Zelda now, but even he could see how stricken he was with Ghirahim. It seemed obvious to everyone else besides the other. He looked over at Zelda, and she glanced over at him. It seems the both of them were unsure of what to do, now. There was really nothing they could do now, it seems. Link stood there for a moment before clearing his throat.
"Well, I think I it would be best for me to go help the people. Vaati won't want me here most likely when he wakes up. You should stay, though. You are his closest friend, after all," Link said. Zelda nodded at him, and watched Link as he left without another word. She turned her attention back to her unconscious friend, and she took a seat, anticipating that it might be a while before he awoke. But she would be damned if she was going to leave him alone now of all times. She didn't care if her presence was needed or not, Vaati could not be left alone right now. So there she sat, keeping a careful eye on Vaati, for what she thought would be hours. She didn't care how long it took, though.
Slowly, Vaati's eyes opened, but he could tell he wasn't awake. There was no place like this on Hyrule that could be this black. Black was everywhere he looked, and if he didn't know better, he would have thought he was blind. He looked around, seeing if there was any source of light, but there was nothing to blot out the inky black of this darkness. He took a step forward, and then suddenly, he was falling. However, he was not afraid of what would happen. To be honest, it felt as though he were free, falling into nothingness. He let his eyes close, feeling a drowsiness take over him suddenly. He was powerless to stop it, it was so overwhelming, even if he wanted to stop it he couldn't. He could feel his body become weaker and weaker, and he did nothing to stop it.
The wind on his face that passed by him was pleasant. It reminded him of the sky. Of soaring through the air, not a care in the world. The wind whipped his hair around him, and he spread his arms out, believing for a moment he actually was flying. He did not even notice in his day dreaming the black tendrils wrapping around him, dragging him down further. His eyes opened, and he did nothing to stop the shadowy forms. He knew what was happening, and he did not stop it. If death was finally coming for him, so be it. At least then, he would be able to be with his beloved for the rest of time. He was content with this, and he relaxed himself as he continued falling, closing his eyes and accepting death.
However, it seems some force did not agree with him. He felt a warm light surround his body, and even though his eyes were closed, he squinted them at the sheer brightness of it. He moved his arms so they covered his eyes. Finding that the tendrils were no longer there. Most likely they vanished when the light shined through. When the light dimmed enough to where he could open his eyes, he saw a figure above him. He was unable to make out who it was, the light too bright for him to make it out. Slowly, the figure floated down to him, and he could see wings unfurl behind him. An angel, is it? Has an angel come down for him, to take him into the afterlife?
"Vaati, have you really come to this?" the voice called out to him, echoing slightly throughout the vast blackness. As they approached him, Vaati reached out, outstretching his hand. He heard the figure, a male voice he distinguished, chuckle, and he took his hand, stopping his fall.
"Are you really this distraught about my death, Vaati, that you would accept death willingly?" The light that was surrounding the man vanished, and Vaati's eyes widened. He removed his hand from the other, and brought it to rest on his cheek.
"Ghirahim, how-" Vaati started, but he was to in shock to continue. Ghirahim smiled down at him warmly, and drew him closer so he hovered just above him.
"It seems the goddesses planned something bigger for me," he said, and chuckled.
"What are you-what?" Vaati asked, still unbelieving that Ghirahim was here with him. Once again, he chuckled, finding Vaati's befuddlement amusing. He put a hand on his shoulder, and the other wrapped around Vaati, his hand finding itself resting on the back of his neck.
"The goddesses knew I was going to die. It was their plan all along, it seems. In their eyes, it seems, I have redeemed myself to be accepted back. When I died, I found myself in their realm, and they explained their plan for me, explained my bigger role in life," Ghirahim said, and he brought Vaati a little closer to him.
"And what would that be?" Vaati asked, not minding at all their closeness.
"Your guardian angel," Ghirahim said. Vaati glanced slightly behind him to examine the wings of white. Ghirahim moved them so they almost acted as a barrier around the two, and Vaati could not help himself. He brought his free hand to them, feeling the softness of the feathers, noticing how they seemed to shimmer in the light ever so slightly. It was a little weird to see Ghirahim with wings so pure, at least at first, but after examining them, they seemed to fit him perfectly. Vaati would never have called him an angel before, but it was essentially what he was. Ghirahim was Vaati's guardian, protecting him with his life, keeping him safe at no cost, doing literally anything he could to ensure Vaati's happiness. At the thought, Vaati smiled, which caught Ghirahim's attention easily.
"Find something amusing?" he asked.
"Just thinking. It seems you always have acted as a guardian angel throughout our time together, wouldn't you agree?" Vaati said, continuing to run his hand over the extremely soft and smooth feathers of white. The touch was pleasant, Ghirahim found, and he smiled at Vaati's words.
"Yes, so it seems," he replied. Vaati looked up at him, tearing his gaze away from the stunning wings, and widened his smile.
"Ghirahim, can I ask you a question?" Vaati said, suddenly taking a serious tone.
"Of course," he replied, either not noticing or not caring at Vaati's sudden change.
"Do you remember that one time we met in that weird realm, when I had asked you why you cared so much for me?" Vaati asked, and averted his gaze slightly.
"I do," Ghirahim replied simply, a little confused at where Vaati was going with this.
"You said to me that I still didn't get it. Why you would go so far for me," Vaati said. Ghirahim, still not quite knowing where Vaati was going with this, cocked his head slightly.
"What about it?" he asked. Vaati returned his gaze, his crimson eyes meeting Ghirahim's.
"I think I finally understand now. Why you do what you do for me," he said. Realization struck Ghirahim suddenly, but before he could say anything, Vaati continued.
"It is the same feeling that I feel, why I was so devastated after your death then and now, isn't it?" Vaati asked. Ghirahim looked away for a moment, and closed his eyes.
"Yes." Ghirahim said. Vaati gently guided Ghirahim to look back at him again, and when he opened his eyes, what he saw, it took his breath away. Never before had he seen Vaati smile so widely, so full of happiness and joy. Ghirahim couldn't help but smile back at him.
"Why didn't you ever tell me?" Vaati asked, and put his hand back on Ghirahim's cheek.
"I didn't even know what I was feeling back then. You have to remember, Vaati. Before I meet you, I didn't feel anything like love before. I had no idea what I was feeling, and when I did, it was too late," Ghirahim replied,
"But...I guess it doesn't matter now, does it? What's done is done, we cannot change it, no matter how much I would like to," he added.
"I guess so. But…" Vaati started, but stopped, and looked away.
"What is it?" Ghirahim asked, concerned at Vaati's sudden mood change.
"Ghirahim, what will become of you, now that you are my angel? Am I only going to be able to see you like before? Will I ever see you?" Vaati asked, his face taking on a saddened look. Ghirahim smiled ever so slightly at him, and gently turned his face back to look at him. Slowly, he brought the other closer to him, and Vaati seemed to understand what he wanted. With a gentle tenderness, their lips met. Gently, Ghirahim brought Vaati ever closer, pouring all the love he felt for the younger into the kiss, Vaati doing the same. Ghirahim was the one to break the tender act of love, and he gazed at Vaati.
"It's time for you to awaken, my dear Vaati," he said gently, not wanting to break the mood.
"But what about you? Will I-" Vaati started, but Ghirahim silenced him with another small kiss.
"I'll find you. I do not know where the goddesses have placed me, but it doesn't matter. I don't care if they put me into the very depths of hell. I will make my way out, and return to your side once more," Ghirahim said, a smile growing on his face as Vaati was enveloped in a warm light. Vaati smiled back at his words, and he let the warmth overtake him, to take him back to the world of living.
"Don't take too long, okay?" Vaati said, and Ghirahim chuckled.
"We shall see," was all that Ghirahim replied.
When Vaati awoke, he felt surprisingly refreshed, and rejuvenated, something he hasn't felt in a long while, even when Ghirahim was at his side. He found himself in his bed, and looked to his side. He saw Zelda at his bedside, but it seems she has fallen asleep. He sat up, and lifted her from the chair gently as to not wake her. Carefully, he laid her down on the bed and pulled the blankets over her. She had done so much for him, the least he could do right now was to ensure she had a comfortable sleep. Once he was finished, he quietly opened the doors to the balcony, finding that it was just before sunrise. He looked up at the sky, enjoying both the fading night sky as well as the slow rising sun, warming up his body as it cast its golden glow upon the world once more.
He took a deep breath in, and let it out. Never before has he felt this light, this joy, this...carefreeness. It felt nice to not have to worry about something, whether it be gaining his powers again or defeating the demon king that was long since believed to be dead. He had nothing to worry about, a feeling he has never experienced before. He looked at the horizon, squinting his eyes at the bright sun halfway up its trek. He felt relaxed, the warm light upon him as well as a comforting breeze just gently enough to lightly rustle his hair. He put his hands on the rail, finding the slight coolness of the morning dew pleasant against his skin. For the first time in a long while, he let himself reminiscence on the many memories he held dear that took place on this very terrace.
As the sun made its way across the glorious morning sky, Vaati went back in time in his own way, smiling to himself at the many memories he held dear to his heart, most of them revolving around a certain white haired demon finding his way back to him. All those times where he stayed with him at night, the few times he tried to teach him the Lyre, only for Vaati to get frustrated after a little bit, when they had deep talks about themselves, learning more about the other. Vaati's face flushed even still when he remembered that once night he had been too exhausted to walk, and Ghirahim carried him back to his room. Before last night, these memories were a curse to him. Only in his memories was he able to be with Ghirahim, alive and well. He didn't dare think of them before, afraid he would sink deeper into the darkness that enveloped him. But now, he could think of them happily.
Before he realized it, the morning had come in full. Time really seemed to fly when you reminisce, it seems. He looked behind him to see if Zelda was still sleeping, which she was. He smiled, and allowed her to do so. She deserved a nice rest, after all, she also had a rough time. Yes, there was the obvious fight yesterday, but that is not what he was talking about. Zelda had taken it upon herself to care for him, to make sure he was not alone when she was able to, trying her best to make sure he was warm or comfortable, only to be met with silence more often than not. It had to be a hard task to take on yourself, but she had done it, despite that there were better things to do with her time than care for him. Yes, she deserved it, and more. He had to make it up to her somehow, but that would come later. Right now, the city was in the process of healing after a grand battle. Now was not the time to celebrate, no, that would come afterwards.
However, his thoughts were interrupted when he heard the sound of wings flapping through the air. A wide smile graced his features, not taking even a moment to realize who it was. He turned his attention back to the sky, and he immediately saw a figure closing in fast, though not fast enough for Vaati, though he couldn't really do anything about it. He waited until he could make out the features of Ghirahim, and his smile widened when he saw his face. He backed away when he finally made it, giving him room to land. Not even a second after his feet touched the ground, Vaati threw himself at the taller man, hugging him as tight as he could.
"Was that fast enough for you?" Ghirahim joked, and Vaati chuckled.
"No. You should have been here when I awoke. You are too slow," Vaati replied with a light and happy tone. Ghirahim returned the hug as well, just as tight. They remained so for a while, both just drinking in the other's presence after so long of being apart. And honestly? Neither didn't ever want to separate. Staying in this embrace was so peaceful, so nice and relaxing, but it wasn't as if they could stay there forever, even though the both of them wouldn't have minded if they were frozen in time as so. After a little while, though, they let the other go, but it didn't break the love in the air, it didn't even disturb it. They smiled widely at each other, and pressed their foreheads together.
"I don't think you understand how much I've longed to feel you beside me again," Ghirahim said gently. Vaati laughed just as gently.
"I think I do," he replied, still a little disbelieving that this was actually happening. Ghirahim gently rose his hand, brushing Vaati's bangs out of his face, and drew him closer to press his lips against the others. Vaati closed his eyes and returned it happily. Ghirahim unconsciously wrapped his wings around the two of them like before, forming a sort of feathered wall. The need for air is what drew them apart, Vaati breathing a little heavy with a blush on his cheeks. It was one of the most adorable faces Ghirahim has ever seen him make, honestly. To Vaati's surprise, Ghirahim pulled him towards himself, and wrapped his arms tightly around him.
"I love you, Vaati," Ghirahim whispered. Vaati's heart skipped a beat at the words, and a blush once again graced his cheeks. He still wrapped his arms tightly around Ghirahim, though, and smiled.
"I love you too, Ghirahim," he said equally as quiet, and he closed his eyes as he relaxed in the other's arms. They remained that way for a little while, much like last time.
"Shall we head inside and catch up? It has been a while since I last graced your side," Ghirahim said. Vaati nodded slightly and pulled away.
"Perhaps you can give me another lesson with the Lyra," he said in light humour.
"More like try," Ghirahim corrected, and laughed. Quietly as to not wake the still sleeping princess, they opened the door and went inside. They slipped through the room, and they made they walked aimlessly throughout the house, talking about anything and everything. Neither of them paid any attention to the time, both just enjoying the other's company. They had talked, trained with the other, Vaati played the violin for Ghirahim upon request, but only if Ghirahim played the piano alongside with him. They had played a beautiful duet together, falling only on their ears, but they didn't mind, just as long as they were with the other.
It was shortly before this that Zelda awoke. She was a little confused to see that she was on the bed, not the chair, and that she was alone. She had a short moment of deja vu before brushing it off, deciding to find out where Vaati was. She was worried about his sudden disappearance, and with good reason. She had no idea of the events that took place while she slept. How could she? She got out of the bed quickly, not wasting any time to fix her appearance before exiting the room to find her friend. However, when she opened the door, her ears were graced with a beautiful sound. She could distinguish that it was both a violin and a piano, but that only confused her. No way would Vaati partake in such an activity so soon, and even if it was him, who the hell was with him?
Zelda easily followed the music, walking a little faster than normal. When she arrived at the room, she opened the door wide, causing it accidentally to hit the wall with a loud bang. The sudden noise startled both the players into stopping, and they turned their attention to the door. However, that wasn't what caught Zelda's attention. She had seen Vaati with the violin, and while she was surprised to see him up and about, it was who was playing the piano that really caught her attention.
"G-Ghirahim!?" she shouted.
"Yes?" Ghirahim replied innocently. She continued to stare at him, confused as to how in the hell he was here, she didn't even notice the wings behind him.
"W-What? How!" was all that she was able to get out. He chuckled, and stood up. He unfurled his wings of white, and Zelda's eyes widened at the sight of them.
"How- What…" she stuttered out.
"The Golden Goddesses," he explained, "have decided that I shall become Vaati's guardian angel from now on, if that explains things." Zelda shifted her gaze back and forth between his wings and himself. She took a moment to process his words, still shocked at both his sudden appearance as well at what he has become. She suddenly relaxed, realizing that if this was the will of the three goddesses, who was she to question it. And besides, he was back with Vaati, and she could see that it clearly made the both of them happy. She decided that questioning it doesn't really matter, at least not right now. She smiled softly at him, bringing him to slight confusion.
"You know what? I don't really care for explanations. Just as long as you are here at Vaati's side, I don't care what you are," she said much to Vaati's and Ghirahim's surprise. She approached the two of them and drew them both into a hug. After a moment, both Ghirahim and Vaati returned it.
Zelda pulled away, and looked at the two of them and smiled. They returned it, happy that Zelda was so accepting of this sudden turn. Neither of them were sure of how she would react to this, so it was a pleasant surprise that she accepted this so easily. It really was a small relief.
"When did this happen?" she asked.
"Last night, when Vaati was sleeping," Ghirahim said, not adding in that it was more like when Vaati was dying. She already worried about him enough, he didn't feel the need to burden her with this. Afterall, he was alive and well now, and that is all that mattered. Suddenly, he felt a little protective of his little lover, and he drew him close, wrapping his arms around him, much to Zelda's surprise.
"What is this!" she exclaimed, surprised to see the act of affection between the two. Vaati smiled at her, and he said, "We are together now. This also happened last night." Vaati looked back at Ghirahim and smiled widely, a smile that Ghirahim happily returned. Zelda didn't need any further information, realizing that they both admitted their feelings to each other. Finally, might she add.
"I'm happy for the two of you. You both deserve happiness, I am glad you could find it with each other," she said, smiling once more at the two of them. And, if she were to be completely honest, she thought the two of them were just adorable, the way they showed affection to each other. Her smile became bigger when they kissed gently. Yes, they definitely were perfect for each other, she thought. And after all this time, after everything that has happened, they deserve each other. They both deserve love in their life, deserve the feeling of having another bound to them after all they have been through. Finally, the two of them could be happy together, and that is all that mattered.
She observed the two of them as they became lost in the other. The two of them really had come a long way since she first encountered the two of them. Both had changed so dramatically, she wouldn't believe back then if you explained what would happen. She probably would have laughed and called you insane. But that was then, and this was now. Both had changed for the better, and she could not be happier for them. Slowly they had become the fire for the other's desire for life. It was a long journey, but now, their adventure was at a close, and now, they could live happily, together now and forever until the end of them. Yes, Zelda would be happy to be able to watch their life together, watch the many memories the two of them would make with each other. She would gladly watch as they finally receive the happiness and love they deserved.
