Ghirahim sat on a high tower, watching yet another town burning to ashes. He didn't want to do a lot more than just watch this time. He was tired. He hadn't eaten in weeks, ever since he had given in to the Mask, but he didn't need food. He didn't need anything, not even sleep or water. The Mask looked after him, made him truly invincible, just as It had told him. It had made his injuries magically disappear. He loved this Mask, Majora, he worshipped It.
"Go into town, bring more destruction..."
He sighed. He wasn't up to doing much today. But if the Mask told him to...
"You're still wanting to obey me, aren't you?"
"Of course," Ghirahim said, half hypnotized by the voice of the Mask, "I will follow you anywhere... Take my soul and lead me then... I will follow you till the end... Lead me into darkness..."
"Into darkness we will go... Into darkness of destruction... Into darkness of death..."
They say the Mask from beyond the moon is one that steals your soul. They say It corrupts the one It collaborates with. They say It takes over your mind. They say that once you have given in to It, there's nothing left to save of you. They say when It leaves to return to Its world beyond the moon, It leaves an all destroying power in you... They say the one who has worn it will turn into a monster, longing for destruction himself, but weak and bound to fall...
Many more towns and cities followed, both cities of humans and demons. Majora and Ghirahim were an unstoppable team, or rather, an unstoppable master and puppet. Not even one town or city was safe for them. They spread a wave of destruction and death over the land...
...
But of course, Ghirahim's actions didn't go unnoticed. There was a demon who called himself the king of demons and who was worshipped by his followers like a god. His name was Demise.
Demise was a demon who liked war, liked the destruction of the humans, but never had he seen a creature that longed so much for destruction that it would fight both humansand demons. He wanted this creature. He wanted it to be on his side, wanted to make it his weapon.
He had first heard of this masked demon when one of his underlings had brought the message that his town had burnt down. Demise didn't believe it at first, as the town the demon was from was one of the strongest and most guarded demon towns. He had killed the messenger for telling him false information.
Later had he heard it was confirmed to be true. This masked demon did exist and he had burnt down many towns and cities. That was when Demise had decided to meet this demon in person.
He left the throne room of his castle, telling his substitute to keep everything in order while he was away.
He left his castle, making sure it was well guarded against a possible attack of this demon he was going to look for.
He left the large city surrounding his castle, and finally, he could go. He didn't know where to find this demon, but he would find him for sure. When he saw a city burning down, he knew that was the place he to go and look.
...
It was night when Demise noticed a light at the horizon, quite far away from where he was. He used teleportation magic to transport himself over there. It was a town. On fire.
He smirked as he walked through the fallen gates. He was a powerful demon, more powerful than all his underlings together, and so he could easily enter the fire without being damaged.
It was a human city. People ran around in panic, screaming when they were on fire or when then saw other inhabitants die before their very eyes. Demise found it a rather pleasing sight.
He strode through the burning streets, looking for the one responsible for all this misery. When he came on a path that wasn't on fire yet, and where the people still were trying to get away, he drew his sword. He had to draw this demon's attention.
He walked up to a small group of humans. They noticed him, and since he had walked out of the fire, they probably thought he was the one behind this. It didn't matter. Demise lunged forward, his sword piercing through the human's bodies.
He laughed demoniacally as they one by one fell before his feet. Not one could or evendared defend himself against Demise's sword.
... ... ... ... ...
Ghirahim sat on top of one of the burning roofs. It was such a calming sight. He loved doing this, watching silently while everyone around him was dying.
The flames flashed around him, through him even, but the Mask, ever protecting him, made it feel rather nice. He sat there, staring into the all destroying fire, watching people run for their life, being swallowed by the flames...
And then he noticed, something was out of place. He noticed dead bodies where the fire hadn't been yet. What kind of thing was interfering with his plans?
He jumped down the roof, landing in an already burnt down street, and walked over the place where the dead bodies lay.
Someone had attacked them with a sword... Were humans truly so desperate when they were surrounded by fire that they started murdering one another? He sighed and shook his head. Apparently they were.
But that also meant there was one being that wanted to fight. Interesting... He might want to challenge him then... Ghirahim quickly followed the path of dead bodies. He had to go through fire now. Then this human was probably dead. But he kept following it anyway. There still were dead bodies to follow.
Then he noticed one man. One man who slaughtered a group of people. Good. Ghirahim jumped onto the closest roof, to walk on it and jump down into the crowd of people. He'd like to face that one man now...
... ... ... ... ...
Demise made his way through a crowd of people. It had been quite a long time since he last had shed human blood. It felt good after such a time...
One by one, all of his defenceless opponents were sent to death. His sword made a way through the crowd, until he felt resistance. His sword was blocked. People in front of him screamed and were suddenly set on fire. And that was the moment when he sawit.
He saw the Mask, surrounded by fire, It's eyes glowing red. He had heard about It before. Majora.
He looked It in the eye, unable to move. This could be his death, he knew.
"Who are you?" he heard. It was a rather normal voice. It must've been the demon behind the Mask who spoke and not the Mask Itself.
"I am Demise, demon king," he replied calmly.
The one in front of him tilted his head, "And what business do you have here, Demise? Why are you interfering with my plans?"
Demise didn't know what to reply. He didn't want to anger this person. "I've come to look for you," he said. "Look for me?" the voice said, almost echoing.
"I knew you are powerful, I knew you are a demon. I want you to fight by my side."
"By your side? Do you honestly think someone like me would fight by one's side?"
Demise felt his irritation growing, "I can bring you to more cities," he said, "More human cities."
"As a king, you'll probably have an empire... I will join you against the humans... But there is one condition..."
"And that is?"
"Make me demon king and let me bring destruction over your land..." The voice now sounded entirely different.
Demise stared at the unknown person, shocked, "I can't do that!" he said, feeling deeply insulted that this person had such a request.
"I can also destroy you here and now and conquer your fallen empire without your permission... I don't think you have much of a choice..."
Demise felt anger boiling inside him. He cursed himself for coming here and thinking he could convince such a twisted person.
"What do you think? We will help you... We will destroy every human existing... Isn't that what you truly want? Don't you prefer that over living and keeping control over that vile society of demons? Take our offer... You won't regret it... Make me demon king... Let me destroy that pathetic little demon empire of yours... Let me free you..."
Demise felt that this person was right. He felt this was what he wanted. This demon was right. He didn't want to rule over a useless bunch of demons. He wanted to fight the humans. On his own. He wanted to bring disaster...
"I will make you demon king," he said, not believing he could speak such words, "You have my permission to take my empire and do with it whatever you want."
"You've decided wisely, Demise. With us on your side, you will never fall..."
...
Majora and Ghirahim kept their word and soon Demise's demon empire had been razed to the ground. The last flames died away and only ashes remained of what once was a flowering demon society.
Ghirahim laughed as he stood alongside Demise, watching the destruction. "Now we can go and destroy those human cities," he said.
Demise remained silent. He felt sad as he saw and realized that his empire was gone, that he no longer was the demon king, and that if he even was, he'd rule over nothing but ashes.
He felt angry, extremely angry. But he knew there was no way back. He knew this was all too real. He knew he would have to serve that bloody Mask and It's puppet demon now, and maybe forever.
"You said you could bring me to more human cities..." the demon said.
Demise turned his head to him, looking bored. "I don't see the point of that," he said.
The masked demon turned to watch him, "You don't?" he asked.
"I've fulfilled my part. You've got what you wanted. You're the king now, the king of a dead empire. What more do you want?"
He only laughed at Demise's words, "Do you realize that it's only in your own disadvantage when you refuse to fight by my side? Do you think it matters to me? I don't need a worthless creature like you. But think about it, what will you do if you refuse my offer? Where will you go? Don't you realize, you've got nowhere to go."
Demise growled, and it was then his anger reached a point where he could no longer control it. His fist shot forward and he landed a blow in the demon's stomach. He was smart enough not to hit him in the face, as he didn't want to involve the Mask. It was the best to not anger that object.
The demon screamed and he immediately attacked back. Demise grabbed his opponent's arm. He was lucky that he had not drawn his sword. Fighting by hand was in his advantage.
He knocked the demon over, sending him to the ground. Brute force was his strong side, and this demon he was fighting could not overpower him that way.
He kicked him hard in the stomach, causing him to roll on the ground in agony. Demise smirked. So weak he was when the Mask didn't help him. He certainly had to ask his title back now.
Quickly he drew his sword to push it against his throat. He could not let him rise again before he had what he wanted.
Ghirahim hissed as the Demise's sword was placed against his throat. Why didn't the Mask help him now?
"Don't you think yourself so high..." It said in his head, "Don't you think you're more powerful than me... Without me you're worthless... Remember that. You're my puppet. My toy. It is me who decides what will be done... I can leave you any moment... Let this be a warning..."
Ghirahim growled. It now was the first time he realized the Mask had only used him. It was all true what It had said. He was nothing more than a puppet, a toy, to It. It could dispose itself of him any moment It wanted...
"Give me back my title," Demise said.
Ghirahim growled. As long as the Mask didn't help him, he could do nothing but listen to Demise and do as he said. He had no choice. Both the Mask and Demise had full control over him.
"My King, I will serve you," he said.
Demise's eyes widened. Ghirahim knew this was the best to do. If not the only thing hecould do. It was the best for him if the Mask left him right now. No matter how much he adores the Mask, It only used him, and it was for his own well-being he had to split from it. And when the Mask was gone, Demise would kill him if he didn't obey him...
"You've heard me well, demon king," Ghirahim said, "I will serve you. I will do as you say. I am your servant..."
Demise pulled away the sword. Ghirahim arose. He could feel the Mask sliding away from his face. Time had come for It to leave, to return where ever It had come from, to find another victim.
He took the Mask off, only for It to disappear fully. Ghirahim stared at his empty hand. It felt as if a part of him had gone away. But he didn't feel sad. The Mask had left Its mark on him. It had made him stronger. He wouldn't cry anymore, whatever happened to him. He was tired of being sad...
He bowed deeply for Demise, "Will you accept me as your servant, master?" he asked.
Demise looked down on him, speechless. He certainly wanted this powerful demon to serve him, even though he wasn't that powerful anymore without the Mask, but still... He needed someone, someone to fight on his side, to help him destroy the humans once and for all.
"I accept you, demon. What is your name?"
"Ghirahim," the demon replied as he arose, "I will serve you to eternity," he said, bowing once more.
"Good... Then I will bind you to me. You'll be my weapon. My sword. Allow me to perform a little ritual."
Demise drew his crenated black sword and stabbed Ghirahim in the chest. The demon panicked at this sudden action, but it didn't hurt. On the contrary, it felt good, so very good...
"You're mine now..." Demise said.
"I'm yours..." Ghirahim repeated, smirking.
The demon king pulled back his sword, leaving a broken diamond crest on the younger demon's chest.
"You might not have known before, Ghirahim, but I have powers that can be compared to those of a god. I might not be as powerful as the Mask, still, there will be very few creatures down here on earth who will be able to overpower me."
"I hope I can be of use to you, master." "You are my sword, Ghirahim. I've connected you to it. In fact, my sword and you now are one and the same being, or thing, however you want to look at it. You're my weapon, and a weapon cannot disobey it's master. You're bound to me to eternity..."
After those words, he pointed his sword at Ghirahim. The demon disappeared into diamonds fragments and was absorbed into the sword.
"We will bring destruction," Demise said as he took a closer look at his sword. It sure felt more powerful, now that a spirit inhabited it. "We will ruin every life of every human here down on earth. And there will be no one to put a stop to us..."
... ... ... ... ...
Fi looked up at the blackening sky. It looked as if a star was descending from up above the clouds. She must've imagined it. It must've been the sorrow taking its toll. She was going insane...
The light descended to a level where it was clearly visible. It seemed to be truly there. Still, Fi didn't trust her own eyes anymore...
"Fi..." she heard a female voice saying. She didn't respond as she still thought it was only an illusion.
"Fi, this is real," the voice said, seemingly reading her mind, "You might not believe it, but I am the Goddess."
Fi looked up to the light orb that floated in front of her. "Hylia?" she asked incredulously.
"Yes, Fi... I have come to free you from your suffering. Your mortal life will end here and you will be reborn as my immortal servant."
Fi now looked at the orb with fear in her eyes. She didn't want to die. Even though life was so miserable, her instinct to stay alive refused to let this happen. "I don't want it!" she said, "I don't want to die..."
"But life will be better, Fi, trust me. You will no longer be able to endure any psychological pain. And you can help me, the Goddess of your people. I need someone to inhabit a sword. A sword for the hero that will rise to fight the evil in the world. You will play a role in a great destiny. I need someone as smart as you."
Fi sighed. She couldn't possibly refuse the Goddess' request... And what was life without Ghirahim anyway?
"I will help you..." she said, tears filling her eyes. It now was over. She could only hope Ghirahim wouldn't miss her...
"He won't," the Goddess said, once more reading her mind, "He has been corrupted by the Mask Majora... He won't miss you. He won't feel anything anymore, except for an endless urge for destruction..."
Fi closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears. This wasn't the future as she had imagined it. Not at all.
"Are you ready to come with me?" Hylia asked.
Fi nodded slightly. She had waited for this moment for hours, and now that it finally was there, she hesitated... But no longer. She touched the orb of light and soon the world around her disappeared.
..._..._..._..._..._..._..._...
Fi watched as Demise fell to his knees, defeated by her master. She could feel how Link felt happy, relieved, that it was finally over. But her own feelings were mixed. She was more than glad Demise was dead, or at least sealed away for an eternity, but his sword... She had recognized it's the first time Link had met him. She couldn't exactly remember where from, but she was positive she had seen him before. And seeing him gave her a feeling of sadness. A feeling of something that hadn't been fulfilled.
The Goddess Hylia had erased her memory, though Fi knew she had once been a human. She knew she had had another life before she had become the spirit of the Master Sword. But memories of that life had been erased, driven to the back of her mind to be forgotten. Only when she was confronted directly with something of the past, her memories would return, or at least the knowledge that those memories were there. She couldn't remember what had happened exactly...
The sword in Demise's hand vanished. Fi felt a sudden stinging sadness. It was gone. But maybe that was better. Maybe the unexplainable feeling would leave her now. Soon after his sword had disappeared, Demise fell as well, his spirit being absorbed into the Master Sword.
The sword had to be sealed now. Fi would go into an endless sleep. A sleep in which she returned to the World of Sword Spirits. Aw world where only the spirits inhabiting swords could live in. There she had to wait until the seal of the sword broke and she had to find another master to deafeat Demise's reincarnation.
Maybe she would meet him there, the spirit of the other sword, the sworn enemy of her master Link, demon lord Ghirahim. He was a sword spirit as well, and to her, his disappearance didn't seem like death. He would go to that world too. And there they would meet. Meet again...