"This is Ghirahim speaking. Just so you know. I managed to steal Zero's computer and write this, so I must make it quick... Whenever you see this wonderfully curvaceous writing within shapely quotation marks, remember that it is I, Demon Lord Ghirahim, speaking. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a hero to play with~."

Oh god. I'm not entirely sure what just happened. It would seem that Ghirahim.. Oh god. There goes reality, huh. Lemme give you an update. I've been slow in posting, and for good reason. The right side of my face is really, really swollen. I have an infection in my jaw, which comes from not brushing my teeth for the first 16 years of my life. It's painful and I hate it. Brush your teeth, people. It's not worth the pain, trust me. So I'm on antibiotics and painkillers, and I have a dentist appointment in a few weeks. So I probably won't be updating for a while then, but I dunno. I can't do much like this, so I'll try to write as much as possible when I can. I just thought you oughta know. By the way, a few ideas in this story come from DA artworks. I don't own any of them, but I do own my imagination. But thanks for the inspiration. -Zerocchi xoxo

Blue eyes gazed into crimson ones, the young woman holding out a cloth bundle. "Here." she offered it to him, smiling crookedly. "I finished it last night and had Icarus prepare a sheath for it."

The hero took the bundle from her and gingerly unwrapped it, running the tips of his fingers across the hilt. It was a masterful work; he expected no less after seeing the weapons in the armory. With a hiss, the sword slid free of the scabbard. The blade was the same as the Master Sword, but the metal was black. He shivered involuntarily at the memory of the nightmare, remembering the black sword he had carried.

Embedded into the crossguard was a single golden diamond, the same color as Ghirahim's eyes. Link studied the blade for a moment, weighing it and twisting it in his hands. It felt like an extension of his arm, light and easily manoeuvred. He nodded in satisfaction.

"It's perfect." he said simply, sliding the sword back into the scabbard. He noted that the leather was embellished with flowing vines, the Triforce woven between the leaves. "Thank you." he bowed his head in thanks.

Zero laughed softly, ruffling his hair. "Give the blade to Ghirahim, and he'll do what he does best. Aside from praising himself. Then go stab some monsters for me." she teased. "Happy adventures, Link."

The hero grinned at her, fixing his hair as he turned to find the Demon Lord. He figured the man was probably still in bed, grumbling about how he'd have to relinquish the comfort and safety of the place for adventure.

Just as he had expected, Ghirahim was sprawled across his bed, his head resting on his hands. "Finished, is it? Good." the demon sat up, holding a hand out for the sword. "Give me the blade, then shoo. I'll not have you distracting me."

Link refrained from rolling his eyes and handed him the sword, turning to walk back out. "She really did a wonderful job." he added, closing the door behind him before the demon could respond.

The blonde hummed softly as he made his way through the deserted corridor, absent-mindedly slipping his cap off his head and running his fingers through his messy hair. The nightmares had stopped, for the most part, but he still hadn't been sleeping well. He yawned and pulled the cap on again, brushing his hand against the diamond earring.

He was eager to leave, eager to explore the rest of the surface. He'd barely had time to explore as he was chasing Zelda; he was looking forward to seeing what this world had to offer. He was impatient and wanted to be off, but would wait until Ghirahim was ready.

Link didn't know how well he and the demon would get along, travelling together for a long time. He had grown accustomed to Fi as they chased after Zelda, and he missed the sword spirit. Ghirahim was quite unlike Fi, but he could see similarities between them.

His thoughts idled along as he walked, aimlessly wandering through the building. A young woman's voice reached him, coming from the forge. He opened the door and peeked inside, blinking at the heat that assailed him.

The temperature inside the room was sweltering, but the demon didn't seem affected by the heat at all as she gestured towards Icarus. She was talking avidly as she plunged a lump of metal into a barrel of water, a large cloud of steam billowing up.

"You're making a mistake." Icarus said stubbornly. "Look at what happened to me, after a month in the demon realm. He might be stronger than me, but even his spirit would break."

She shook her head, inspecting the metal. "I hate to say it, but his light is brighter than yours. If he was exposed to that much darkness, I doubt it would have a negative effect on him. It might even make him stronger."

Icarus folded his arms over his chest, grimacing at her. "The chance of that happening is slim. What happens if it does change him? Do you want such a powerful boy to become a demon?" he demanded.

Zero set the metal down on an anvil and turned to study him. "He won't become a demon. Even if Ghirahim tries to influence the change, he won't become a demon. Even you must be able to see the light within that boy."

Link gaped at them from the door, blinking in shock. They're talking about me! He thought to himself, quietly closing the door and backing away. How am I supposed to become a demon? Did spending too much time in the demon realm turn Icarus into one?

His thoughts whirred as he walked back to his bedroom, ignoring the curious glance the Demon Lord gave him. He was confused.

A hand on his shoulder startled him. Ghirahim held the blade out, his expression unreadable. "Here. We should be going soon." he murmured. "I'd prefer to rest for a while, but I'll be... around." the demon pressed a finger to the golden diamond, his entire body shimmering before dissolving into a fine mist and being absorbed into the blade.

Link gazed at the sword in his hands and let out a small sigh. The blade felt alive; much like the Master Sword had felt with Fi, only the energy this weapon gave off was much more powerful. After standing by the window for what felt like ages, the boy finally belted the scabbard on, the blade resting comfortably between his shoulder blades.

Now all I need is that black outfit, and that nightmare will be real. He thought wryly. Unless it was actually a premonition... he scowled at the idea, pushing it aside. Even if it is a premonition – which is unlikely – I'll make sure that nothing bad happens.

He quickly pulled on the rest of his equipment before striding back down to the forge, ignoring the sword spirit's curiosity; he could feel a slight connection to the sword, almost as if he could feel the demon's emotions as his own. Pushing open the door again, he walked inside.

Zero and Icarus were no longer arguing; Zero was carving an intricate design into a piece of metal, the other demon was watching the coals in the forge itself begin to glow. The young woman glanced up at him, nodding in greeting. "Going already?" she called.

Link nodded back and walked over, his gaze flicking between the two. "Yeah. Thanks for the sword." looking towards Icarus, he spoke again. "And the daggers. They'll be put to good use."

The male tilted his head but didn't say anything as he raised a hand, waving for a moment before turning back to the embers. Zero frowned at him then turned to the blonde. "Farewell, Link. May the wind be at your back." she smiled crookedly.

Link couldn't help but smile back at her, despite his unease. "I'll make sure I visit if I'm ever in the area." he promised, turning to walk out but pausing. "If I wanted a piece of clothing made, where would I go?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder at the duo.

"Clothing? Hmm..." Zero paused to rub her cheek, smearing soot across the skin. "Setanta does make clothes... but you'd have to pay him. He's very pricey, that one. It'd cost you an arm and a leg to get him to make you a sock." she quickly scrawled directions on a scrap of parchment, holding it out to him.

"Money isn't an issue." he chuckled softly. "Thanks again." he opened the door and slipped out, leaving the building. He wondered if he should have that outfit made as he headed into the forest. First, I'll make my way back to the Sealed Grounds, then call my Loftwing. Without having to carry Ghirahim, I could be there in a day...

The sword on his back seemed to hum, growing curiouser and curiouser with each passing moment. Finally, the demon voiced his thoughts.

"Your thoughts are in disarray, sky child. While I cannot read your mind, I do receive emotions, and even intense thoughts on occasion. You are very worked up." Ghirahim sounded just as curious as he felt – his voice also sounded a little bit metallic.

"Why do you care? I thought you only wanted my help so you didn't lose all your power." Link said dully, skirting around a small boulder. "I didn't think that you'd be so concerned about my mental well-being."

"Ah, sky child. As naïve as ever. I have said it before, and I will say it again; we are bound by a red string of fate. While your mental well-being isn't really my concern, I do have a duty of care. What use would you be to me if you were reduced to a mindless, gibbering vegetable? Absolutely no use at all." the demon said smugly. "I don't like it, but I am chained to you. I'm sure you don't like it either."

Link frowned to himself as he walked. I wouldn't say that I don't like it... he quickly silenced the thought in case the demon heard him. "So we'll work together for personal gain? What do you get out of this?"

"Do you really want to know? I don't particularly want to be thrown into the nearest lake, but if you insist, I will tell you." when Link didn't say anything, the demon spoke again. "To be honest, I want you. I spoke to Icarus, and even he shared my sentiment. You are a strange boy, Link, and I am a curious man. I want to know what it is that makes you tick."

The hero shuddered internally, gooseflesh rising on the back of his neck at the words. "You want to know what makes me tick?" he said slowly, his brows furrowed. "I don't know."

"Yes, I am aware of that. It also wouldn't be as much fun if you just told me. You get a... relatively trustworthy companion who will make sure that you don't get yourself killed, and I will get you." Ghirahim seemed quite pleased with himself, his voice almost humming again.

"And once you find out what makes me tick? Then what?" he asked, his frown deepening. It sounds like he wants me as... as a pet, or something. He shuddered again at the thought. I don't really want to encourage that... maybe this outfit would be bad, I don't know.

"I don't know." the demon echoed. "Maybe I'll find a new master, or maybe I'll return to the demon realm for a while. Perhaps I'll even take you along with me. I wonder what the darkness would do to a pure soul such as yourself... You might become twisted and cruel, or your will might break beneath the pressure. Either way, I doubt you'll leave the same."

"Be quiet." Link muttered under his breath.

"Boy, I can see a very intriguing image within your mind. Even when I try, I can't gleam a clear thought from you, but one particular image keeps surfacing. A black garment... almost the same as my own, but with slight differences... Would this image be from the nightmare you had the other night?" the demon's voice was rich with mocking tones, making the blonde loose a soft growl.

"Stay out of my head, Ghirahim."

"There's hardly enough room for your own thoughts, sky child. I wouldn't dream of taking up any of that precious space." the Demon Lord taunted, but slowly fell into a smug silence.

Link was annoyed. More than annoyed. He was getting angry. He knew the demon wouldn't play fair, but he didn't know that they would develop such a strong connection. And having the demon rifle through his thoughts, seeing all of the things Link didn't want him to see... the idea made his skin crawl.

After hours of walking, the demon finally spoke up again. "Boy, draw your sword. There is a camp of bokoblins nearby, and they seem to be preparing an ambush. Go cautiously, but give them no reason to attack prematurely. If you need to say anything to me – heaven forbid – think it very clearly, and direct the thought in my direction, otherwise it will look like you're talking to yourself."

The blonde blinked at the unexpected advice but unsheathed the blade, looking around warily. How do you know about them? He thought, stepping over a fallen branch. I can't even see anything.

"I am a demon. They are also demons, only lesser creatures. I can sense other demons, but not every demon has this ability. They won't be able to sense me unless I materialize – and I don't feel like revealing myself."

Link sighed softly, his ears twitching at the sound of a twig snapping. He whirled on the bokoblin sneaking up from behind him, slicing the tip of the sword through the surprised monster's chest. The moment he attacked, a dozen others began to charge towards him.

He spun and parried away a crude attack by one of the creatures, jumping aside as another one threw itself at him. It missed and crashed into one of its fellows, the two falling to the ground in a mass of tangled limbs and leopard-print underwear. Link almost chuckled at the sight, but turned to face the others.

His sword gleamed as he fought, cutting through bokoblin flesh as easily as it cut through air. At some point during the battle, he thought he heard Ghirahim make a tiny, disgusted sound. Now he did chuckle, skewering a monster on the blade. The rest paused and backed away a little, regarding him warily. He took a step towards them and growled menacingly, trying to keep a straight face as the remaining monsters shrieked and ran away.

"Well done." the demon said sarcastically. "You fought off a horde of bokoblins, and came out the victor. Teach me your ways, O valiant hero. Now clean the damn sword."

Link laughed and leaned back against a tree, panting lightly. "Give me a moment. I did just fight off a horde of bokoblins and came out the victor. Let me catch my breath." he teased. "I didn't think that the great Demon Lord Ghirahim would be afraid of a little blood. You certainly seem to enjoy my blood."

"That's because seeing your blood is exhilarating; bokoblin blood is foul and does not excite me in the least. If you don't clean the sword, we'll be seeing a lot more of your blood."

"Yeah, yeah." he rolled his eyes and wiped the blade on a patch of grass, leaving the sword clean again. "Who knew that you're such high-maintenance? Next you'll be demanding that I dance for you, peasant!" he laughed, shaking his head.

"I doubt that an unrefined child like yourself would even know how to dance. Get moving, sky child. The bokoblins will return, and likely will have reinforcements. Their kind rarely travels in small groups." the demon fell silent again, withdrawing into the sword again.

Link sheathed the sword and began to walk again, still grinning. His blood was pumping, his eyes alight with excitement. He moved quickly through the forest, until he was able to see the Goddess statue through the trees. He practically ran the last few steps, looking forward to a good night's sleep, and then setting out in the morning. It was already late afternoon, the sun dipping below the treetops.

He whistled loudly and waited for a moment, his eyes searching the sky above them. Suddenly, a crimson Loftwing swooped down, landing in front of him. He smiled and scratched lightly at a spot behind the bird's beak before climbing onto its feathery back.

His grin only widened when the Loftwing took off, flying up into the trees and circling a few times. He contemplated going up to Skyloft and spending the night there, but decided against it. He guided the bird higher and let out a laugh, the wind blowing his hair back from his face.

"You seem to enjoy flying." the demon murmured quietly. "I can see why, even in this form. Your bird is magnificent." he fell silent again, but Link felt his presence, hovering on the edge of his mind.

I love flying. I am a sky child, after all. The hero smiled again, guiding the bird into a steep dive. Before they crashed into the trees, they levelled out and began to glide smoothly. I don't think I could ever give this up.

After a while, the sky began to darken and his bird began to tire. He guided them back down to the ground and slid off the bird, patting its feathered head before he turned away. He waved a hand in greeting at Groose, the ridiculous man pretty much strutting past him.

The blonde made his way to the small cave he had made his own and pushed open the wooden door. The room was mostly bare, aside from a down-filled mattress and a table. Only a few people from Skyloft had come down to the surface and stayed, so there was little furniture available.

He unbelted his pouch and set it on the table, stretching his back and shoulders. It might be a good idea not to show yourself yet. The people of Skyloft know about you, but they only know what Zelda told them. As you can probably imagine, they'd be out for your blood.

"Yes, I know. I'll stay away from your precious friends." he could almost hear the demon rolling his eyes. "Do whatever it is you're going to do. I'm going to stay here, and sleep." Ghirahim formed next to him, patted him on the shoulder, and moved to the bed, laying back with a contented sigh.

Link eyed him unhappily but walked out, closing the door behind him. He spotted Zelda, sitting on one of the many stones that littered the ground. She was singing softly to herself, swinging her legs back and forth. "Hey!" he called, walking over.

She turned to look at him, halting her singing. "Link! I didn't know you'd be back so soon." she smiled at him. "Did you give up on the adventuring? Miss your bed too much?" she teased.

He thought of who was in his bed right now and shook his head. "Not quite. I'm just stopping here for tonight. I was passing through, so I decided to sleep and continue on in the morning." he admitted.

Zelda nodded, her smile not fading. "Is that a new sword? You returned the Master Sword, didn't you?" she asked, slipping down from her perch and walking over to him, studying the blade. "It's certainly different. Where did you get it?"

"I had a friend make it for me. If anything, it's better than the Master Sword." he chuckled softly.

She studied him for a moment longer, her eyes fixed on his face. "You should get some rest." she admonished. "You look exhausted. Have you been having those nightmares again?"

He nodded slightly. "I'll be fine, though. I'll go to bed soon, okay?"

"Promise me that you won't do anything reckless, Link. Promise." her smile faded, her blue eyes watching him closely.

"Anything more reckless than usual, Princess?" he teased. "Don't worry. I'll be fine, Zelda. I always am."

She rolled her eyes and pushed him back gently, shaking her head as she returned to her perch. "You'd better be. I don't want to hunt you down, dragging Groose all the way."

He laughed. "I promise. I'll be back eventually. Now I'll go sleep." he waved and turned away, hearing her begin to sing again.

He returned to the cave after a while, pushing the door open. Ghirahim was still sprawled on the bed, his eyes closed. He looked like he was asleep, but Link knew better. He quietly took out his slingshot and fitted a pellet in the band, shooting it at the demon's thigh.

The Demon Lord growled and opened his eyes, glaring up at Link. "I'm going to kill you one day, sky child." he threatened, looking quite annoyed. "If you're going to bother me, get it over with."

"I want my bed back."

"You can have it."

"I want it minus the demon."

"You can't have that."

Link sighed and folded his arms over his chest. "Move over, at least." he tugged his cap off and stripped down to his pants, nudging the demon over before climbing into the bed beside him. The demon hummed and wrapped an arm around the boy's chest, pulling him closer.

"Sleep well, sky child."

"Shut up."