Chapter 13

Forever Connected

Link was so full of questions that he almost couldn't think straight. He had no idea how he had ended up where he was. By some miracle, Pipit had found him, somehow navigating the maze-like forest. And now, he had heard Midna's enchanting voice, something that had been a fixture in his mind during his quest in the woods. His efforts to think about no one except for his lost friend had fallen victim to his own growing desires. He grimaced at his selfishness…

Link was in great pain and felt drained of all energy, and on top of that, he was a bit queasy. However, upon searching his most pain-stricken areas, he found no indication that he should be feeling any discomfort. He had no bruises, no lacerations and no gashes in the places which were ablaze with a rather peculiar ache: his hand, his chest and his leg. Not even a single scrape lingered as evidence. His body was in the exact condition that it had been before he…

Wait a minute…Link thought, staring at the floor. His hand came cautiously up to his chest once more. With his fingertips, he rubbed the area next to his heart. It was hot, and seemed to be throbbing from within. He draped an arm over his shoulder and felt his upper back. His memory felt as hazy as his eyes. But, something, whatever it was, was starting to come back to him.

The amber, sunless sky, the ferocious creatures, the grandiose buildings, the demons, that woman, the demon lord…

Link looked at Ghirahim. Had he indeed captured him, taken him into another realm and tried over and over again to rip him from his dignity…? As the misty elements of a dream slowly trickle into one's mind after waking, so Link began to remember. He peered down at his hands, covered by dark gauntlets. Running a finger underneath the leather on his right palm, he exhaled heavily. He flipped his hands over, recalling how the bokoblins had stolen his gloves, as well as every last scrap of armor that he had had in his possession. He felt the bags which hung from his belt, remembering the exact second that they had been plundered. He wrapped his hands around his neck; he could have sworn that a fetter had once lain there.

Still kneading his hurting chest, Link's face soured. He placed a hand over his mouth as he counted the number of times that the demon had violated him; assuming that it had not been a nightmare, anyway. Link shook his head. It didn't make any sense. He recalled the various sensations that had been brought about by the demon's touch. He remembered the woman…Lilith, he believed her name was…How could a mere dream have left him with such a vivid picture of her…?

He had experienced such a horrific ordeal. He had fought, and he had lost…horribly. Not just lost, but…

No. It couldn't be. If it had really happened, then he wouldn't have been here to wonder about it. He wouldn't have been here to wonder about anything, for that matter.

In the forest he had been sick, feverish, and at one point, fairly delusional, seeing and hearing some rather disturbing sights and sounds within the temple. That much he knew for sure. But, what he could recall from his search through the temple was tremendously obscure, blending directly into the memory of waking up bound and alone.

My gods…I hope it was just a dream…

Massaging his forehead, Link sighed. He no longer knew what was fact or fiction; true remembrance, or figments of his imagination. As his palm brushed his cheek, he flinched. It stung terribly.

"I've heard some exceptionally inaccurate things said about me before," a silken female voice rang with a hint of derision. It sliced flawlessly through Link's brooding. "But that, I must say, is downright laughable."

The three baffled males looked about the chamber. It was impossible to pinpoint where the voice was coming from, for the acoustics within the room made it sound as though Midna could have been standing anywhere. Knowing her, she certainly could have been. Link looked up, nearly expecting her to drop from the ceiling. He started smiling.

With the most impeccable of timing, Link's blithe face slowly fell to the doorway, far across the room from where he sat. First, he saw a foot, outfitted in a brown boot much like Pipit's. Stretching from the leather footwear was a long, slender leg, wrapped tautly in black material. Link's eyes followed it up to the edge of a very familiar black tunic, decorated along the bottom with swirling shapes in red, white and turquoise. True to Midna's style, the entire outfit hugged her form perfectly. And what a fabulous form it was, too…In fact, the corresponding belt fastened around her waist almost called out to him, inviting him to wrap his arms around her.

Link sighed. He loved everything about her ensemble, including the way that the long, sable sleeves trimmed her wrists with the same colorful, dynamic design. Even the collar of her black shirt was edged to match. He had never seen such a well-dressed knight in his entire life. She looked exactly as she had when he had last seen her in Skyloft.

Especially her lush red hair, with the way that it streamed down along her face and draped over her shoulders. Those exotic auburn eyes, that adorable nose, those amazing lips. Link practically forgot where he was. Standing in the doorway for a moment, she exchanged a purposeful glance with him.

With a subtle toss of her head, her hair pendulated gracefully from her face. Stepping into the chamber, she took one confident step after another, easily riveting the interest of everyone around her. Taking a quick break from his gaping, Pipit shifted his gaze to Link, who had yet to remove his awe-struck eyes from her. With one hand bearing down on Ghirahim's clutching fist, Pipit waved the other into the air, drawing his friend's attention.

Dragging his eyes away, Link looked at Pipit just as he emotively mouthed, 'what's she doing here?' Link shrugged, not knowing any more than him. Pipit's jaw dangled as he shook his head, looking as though he was ready to shout a sarcastic, 'why does this not surprise me?'

With perfect posture and arms sophisticatedly by her sides, Midna marched herself straight to Ghirahim. The demon's raven eyes didn't leave her for a second as she approached the wall where he and Pipit stood. As she closed in, the fabric on Pipit's chest began to slip from the demon's fingers. Taking notice, Pipit took a slow, cautious step back. Studying the demon's face, he was stunned by how fixated he had become on Midna. Guardedly backing away, Pipit looked at her. Her steady pace brought her straight to the demon lord. Speeding up to a backward jog, Pipit slid up to Link, bent down and scooped him up into a standing position. Wobbling in his friend's arm for a moment, Link held back a pained groan.

Taking on a rigid stance, Ghirahim turned around to face Midna as she planted her feet in front of him. Being Link's height, she was much smaller than the demon. However, 'intimidated' was one look that certainly was not going to win in the battle to claim her expression.

Everyone stood in complete silence for several seconds. The two friends watched from the sidelines as Midna glared through tapered eyes at the wareful demon.

"Radiant beauty?" she asked Ghirahim, her fingers gently drumming against her thighs. "Maybe." The demon's stare moved with her as she turned, keeping her eyes glued to him. She took a step. After depositing both feet firmly onto the floor once more, she pivoted and intensified her glower. She leaned inward. "But, the only place that I lead anybody…" The demon's face began to drop a bit. "…Literally, or figuratively…" she continued, her eyes beginning to boil. She ran her tongue over her teeth. "…Is where they want to go."

The tension between Midna and Ghirahim was so thick that it could almost be seen. Watching the two play off of one another was an incredible sight to behold. Midna was fearless before him, commanding the respect of the most prominent leader in the demon realm.

Link's head was spinning. It must have been one hell of a dream to induce within him such a large amount of fear. The way that he felt toward this demon, just…defied logic. He felt as though he knew him well; very well, actually. A chill tried to crawl up his spine.

And the way that Midna had simply waltzed in here and taken the floor…

Nervous and enthralled, Pipit latched himself to Link without even noticing it. Link noticed, however, but had such splitting pain in his chest and hand that he didn't bother to shove his friend away.

"What're they doing?" Pipit asked quietly. Link shook his head and shrugged.

"I have no idea what's going on in any way, shape or form right now, Pipit," Link said.

"You impertinent, dishonorable, contemptible woman," Ghirahim growled and hissed at the same time. Instantaneously angered, Link virtually jumped off of the floor as he dashed for the demon, but was foiled by Pipit's strong arms. Just as he was about to toss Pipit's hands away, he froze. The two of them stared as something unexpected took place.

As Ghirahim's hand reached for her, Midna leaped back, scowled at the demon and brought her hands before her chest. With her right palm hovering above her left, her face intensified. The demon immediately came to a stop, the red material around his shoulders swinging outward. He gawked at her, his expression converting into something that Link had never seen. His mouth dropped as he watched.

After stepping to a safe distance, Midna lowered her head. Her eyes, severe but soft, closed as she concentrated, focusing exclusively on her hands. Everyone gawped, especially the spellbound demon.

With each passing second, the space between Midna's hands changed. A swirling distortion appeared, making everyone's eyes widen even more. The shifting air grew dark, taking on a smoky appearance before manifesting into a turbulent, black cloud of energy. Containing the whirling mass in her grasp, she stepped back, her head still down.

Completely captivated, Link held his breath. He wanted to run to her. He had no idea what she was doing, or how she was doing it. It was amazing, absorbing and frightening all at once. He almost called out to her.

The blackness before her grew, spinning like a cloud about to birth a vortex. A soft wind started to blow, sweeping her scarlet tendrils behind her. Feeling the bluster on his skin, Ghirahim pulled back. His face slowly transformed from amazed to alarmed.

Raising her head, Midna's eyes clashed with the demon's again. As she brought her arms up toward him, the gust of energy from within her hands became audible. Everything around her began to move, waving about with each blast of air.

"Midna!" Link called, holding his hand out to her. As Ghirahim turned to him, the energy burst from Midna's hands, causing the room to quake. Still maintaining control, she opened her palms to the demon, releasing what had stewed within them. Ghirahim brought his hand up to counteract what Midna had called forth, but it was too late.

With a push of her hands, the churning mass burst outward, shooting straight toward the demon with such speed that the floor and walls seemed to rock from the sheer force of it. Midna slid back, Link and Pipit steadied themselves, and the demon tried to twist away. A blinding screen of light overtook Link's eyes. Just as he shied away, an explosive shattering sound shot through the chamber, ringing shrilly in his ears. Shielding his head from the blast, Link slowly straightened up and looked at those in front of him, wonder-stricken.

Midna hadn't been in the room for even a minute, and already, something incredible had happened. She stood tall and unscathed, but the demon was against the wall, bent over at the waist. Staring open-mouthed at the floor with a look of total horror on his face, he gripped his right side with both hands. His vitreous red diamond, the source of most of his power, had been violently fragmented. His glazed eyes looked solemnly at the splintered remains of what was his only connection to his Master. Midna glared coldly down at him.

"Maybe that'll teach you not to speak about things you don't understand," she said, her voice ruthless and cruel. A grim smile crossed her face as she continued. "Why don't you think about that for a while as you lay there in shame, Mr. Demon Lord?" She laughed again, an entrancing sound filled with malicious amusement.

After observing the demon for a moment, Midna turned her blank face away. Gazing across the room, she looked at Link and Pipit, who had all but huddled together in the chaos. Turning her back on the somber demon, she made the short trek to where her fellow knights stood. Her mouth came up in a pert smile as she viewed their matching, flabbergasted expressions. Their huge blue eyes greeted her as she swaggered up to them.

"Well don't you guys look cute," Midna teased as she looked them over. The two side-stepped away from each other. "He's no longer a threat. At least not right now," she said, looking at both of them as she spoke. Noticing that his jaw was just about unhinged, Link shut his mouth before responding.

"Umm…Midna…" he began, "what was that?" Standing tautly, he glanced at Ghirahim who seemed to be mourning the loss of something precious. Midna's eyes bounced from one disbelieving young man to the other.

"I have a few things to explain. Later," Midna said bluntly, giving each of them a stern look.

"Yeah…I'll say you do," Link replied, countering her unyielding gaze with skepticism. Midna glanced at Pipit, who had begun to appear more impatient than anything else.

"Okay, weirdness about what just happened aside," Pipit said, pointing in the demon's direction. "I'd say let's off that crackpot, but I just did. And he's still here."

"What do you mean you just offed him?" Link asked, wary about talking too loud.

"Dude, my sword went through his freakin' chest. Like, completely through. It didn't even faze the guy."

"Yeah, I've noticed that little problem," Link said. Pipit looked at his friend concernedly. Link's face loosened.

"A subpar weapon is not going to be enough against an enemy such as this," Midna stated. Link eyed her incredulously.

"The Goddess Sword isn't subpar, Midna." She blinked slowly.

"Well, you know what I mean," she said.

"No, I don't," Link insisted. She sighed lightly, almost grinning.

"Okay, well, you left Skyloft so quickly after receiving the sword that I didn't get the chance to view it very much, but from what I did see, it was a splendid weapon. However, it would be nominal if pitted against someone like him."

"How do you know that?" Pipit asked, whispering. Midna shrugged nonchalantly and tipped her head to the side.

"I just sensed it," she told him. Pipit and Link exchanged suspicious looks. Midna watched them, amused.

"Well, you guys know me," Pipit said, shifting his antsy feet. "Patience is something I have issues with normally, not to mention when Doctor Evil is in the room." He glared accusingly at Link. "Man, you leave Skyloft for five days, and you manage to dig up some Leviathan?" Link's chin dropped in surprise.

"I didn't dig him up. He dug himself up!" Link whispered brusquely. Pipit shrugged, at a loss. Midna stepped between them.

"Hey, not the time," she reprimanded, giving them each an annoyed look. "You can argue all you want later. Let's just go."

"Normally," Pipit said, "I'd say, 'Link, control your woman. She's gettin' mouthy'." Midna rolled her eyes and suppressed a wry smile. "But right now, after she just flippin' owned this guy who almost…" Pipit stared her in the eye. "I'm listening to her. Let's go!" Wrapping his arms around both of them, Pipit began pushing them toward the exit, their gateway to the outside.

"You're forgetting something," Midna informed him.

"What?" Pipit asked.

"The Knight Commander's sword and shield," Midna said. "The ones that he reluctantly rendered to you after you begged and pleaded with him."

"I didn't beg him!" Pipit exclaimed, shaking his head. "Look, crackpot can keep it as a parting gift. I don't even wanna walk back over there to get them. I'd rather face Eagus's wrath."

"Suit yourself," Midna said, looking ahead as they walked.

"Wait," Link said, interrupting Pipit's pushiness. He turned to Midna. "You said he's no longer a threat, right? What does that mean exactly?"

"It means whatever magical abilities he possesses have been revoked. For how long, I'm not sure," she said, her face so close to Link's that it made his heart flutter. "He's still dangerous, though. I wouldn't hang around here any longer." Link pursed his lips and looked behind him.

"Well," he said thoughtfully, "Pipit, I'm gonna go get your stuff. I have a pretty strong feeling that he isn't gonna hurt me. Even if he's willing to kill you guys." Pipit looked at him as if he was crazy.

"What? You have a feeling he's not gonna hurt you? You're not going back over there. I didn't just bust my butt running through this god-forsaken forest for two days straight for you to just-" Abruptly freeing himself from his friend's grip, Link stepped away.

"I'm going back over there," he said determinedly. "You guys just go outside. I'll follow in a minute."

"Hell no," Pipit said, his temper beginning to flare. Link sighed heavily.

"Just go," he told them through gritted teeth. They watched him walk stubbornly away. Pipit stood with his hands on his hips, completely exasperated.

"Okay, I think it's time to say, 'Midna, control your man. He's going kamikaze'."

"Only if he was bent on self-sacrifice to finish him off," Midna said in his defense.

"Well the sword and shield aren't worth it," Pipit told her, balling his fists as he battled against pursuing his friend.

"Maybe there's more to it than the sword and shield," Midna suggested. Pipit's eyes turned away.

"Huh?" he asked. Taking a deep breath, Midna crossed her arms and leaned toward Pipit.

"Look, I'm not worried about him. He can handle himself." Pipit observed Link on the opposite side of the chamber as he approached the demon.

"I dunno about that…" he replied dismally. Midna gestured toward the open door.

"Come on, let's just wait by the door," she said, reaching out and pulling him by the crook of his arm.

"Fine, but I'm not going outside," Pipit said resolutely.

With the guardedness of one nearing an ornery animal, Link took small, slow steps. Pacing past the area where he had lain for so long, he bypassed the Knight Commander's belongings, confirming Midna's suspicions. Hearing his footsteps, the demon was incited from his cogitation. With his hands still placed atop his right side, he finally pulled his dark eyes from the floor. Link stepped directly in front of him, his gaze intersecting with Ghirahim's.

"Mm, you've returned, sky child," Ghirahim said, his voice subdued. Link was startled by its uncharacteristic tone. Link narrowed his eyes and looked toward where the demon's diamond had once been before making eye-contact again.

"How?" Link asked, his curiosity enkindled. His irises, glowing slate in the muted light, burned with a lust for knowledge. With his back to the wall, a grin glimmered on the demon's lips for a moment.

"Ah. Your untrammeled wonder has gotten the better of you, I see," Ghirahim said, covering his torso. "And which of the many questions do you seek answers for?" Link's eyes tapered inquisitively.

"Did this really happen?" Link asked, elevating his hands by his sides. The demon looked the human up and down as he meditated momentarily.

"Did you truly die? Is that your question?" Link's face changed as he swallowed. He nodded. "Yes, sky child. You did, in fact." Despite having expected this answer, Link's heart began palpitating. But, before he could open his mouth to speak, the demon continued. "There exist special zones throughout the demon realm, sky child; unique areas in which a man's soul can be rived from his body in the most brutal of ways. Yet, he will live." Link felt his body go numb.

"But…how?" Link asked. "Why? Where-"

"Mm. Too many questions, sky child," Ghirahim said, running his free hand across his forehead. Link was floored by the demon's strange demeanor. "As they say, human, a capacity and taste for reading gives access to whatever has already been determined. Go to the library." Link's eyes broadened. "I have far too much to be concerned about at this moment." Link looked at his feet, perturbed. He had to speak…

"You made a lot of haughty claims earlier," Link stated, trying to mask the discomfort in his leaden body. "You said…" He paused. "…My pride wouldn't be going with me…That I'd be begging for my life…That I'd be so ashamed of myself that I'd…" Link's voice faded to a whisper. He immediately regretted verbalizing his thoughts.

"I think that the answer to your 'question' just came from your own mouth," Ghirahim said authoritatively. Link looked away. "It's fair to say that while I may exaggerate at times, I speak the truth, sky child." Even in his weakened state, the demon still had enough moxie to glean deference from the human. "As you will discover."

Slithering away from the wall, Ghirahim stepped up to Link. The human stiffened, leaning back on his right leg to escape. He grimaced at the sudden pain. He shut his eyes. The demon bent down.

"Do you remember the dream that came to you six days ago, sky child?" Ghirahim asked, lifting a hand to caress his jaw line. Link exhaled, feeling a cooling sensation in his enflamed areas. The demon brought his mouth to his ear. Link's eyes opened restlessly. "Sky child, it's alright if this is too much for you. Let it go. Here, let me help. Running isn't an option. Embrace it…You're mine…" With a surprised breath, Link gaped at the wall behind the demon. As Ghirahim placed his strong hands upon the human's shoulders, his head retreated.

"Yes," the demon said, fusing their eyes together. Link felt himself slipping. "It's our thread of fate, sky child. And we are forever connected." Blinking restively, Link looked down and shook his head. Claiming his chin with a single finger, the demon lifted the human's face.

"You look like you're in terrible amounts of pain, sky child." Ghirahim wagged his head disapprovingly. "How about I leave you with a parting gift?" With his hands hanging down, Link felt his mouth drawn to the demon's. He shuddered as warmth overcame him. A light brush crossed his lips. His eyelids closed.

"Unless, of course, your girlfriend doesn't want me to," the demon said, an evil smile pulling at his mouth as he peered downward. Gasping and jerking away, Link's head shot toward the door. Panting from the shock, he searched the area, but found no one. In spite of his relief, his heart pumped vigorously. The only sight that he saw was an open doorway, generously showered by the pastel rays of dawn's light. It was a new day.

Looking back at the demon, Link's wide eyes conveyed every word that was on his heart. He was appalled by the way that he had reacted to the demon. This monster had just admitted to every depraved deed that Link was sure would haunt him indefinitely. Furious, outraged and sick with anger were three accurate ways to describe how he felt about himself at the moment. He felt even more nauseous now…

Forsaking his painful leg, Link backed away. He crossed swiftly to the middle of the room. Still watching the demon, he snapped up each of the two metal items. He surmised that these objects were just as misplaced in this dangerous land as he and his friends were. Zelda's face flashed through his mind…

Having had more than enough of this place, Link tightened his grip on the sword and shield, turned himself around and walked briskly to the door, wincing all the way.

"Do me a favor, sky child," Ghirahim called, grinning and licking his lips when he saw Link's feet slow, "next time you're with her, think of me. It's good practice for later." Dragging his feet, Link nearly tripped. Feeling his face start to turn as red as a cherry, he huffed, fed up with the demon's ability to manipulate and humiliate him. No one else had ever held such power over him. He felt himself wanting to erupt, but he pushed himself onward. He took a deep breath, not wanting to appear flustered to his companions.

As he stepped through the doorway, Link felt the demons eyes on him, studying his silhouette. He glanced to the side, pushing Ghirahim's image out of his mind. A cool breeze floated by his face. He inhaled through his nose, smelling the water and trees. He felt as though an age had passed since he last set foot outdoors. What he had seen of the demon realm had been a far cry from flourishing and fertile. The sun wasn't up yet, but the sparkling Skyview Spring was bright and lively. It looked magnificent.

"Where's your sword?" Pipit asked out of nowhere. Jumping, Link looked to the left to see him and Midna standing along the edge of the stone platform. She was peeking curiously over the edge, watching the tiny tadpoles swimming about in the pool. Link looked into the distance, reached behind his back and felt for his sword. He furrowed his brow in thought. Slowly, his eyes sank. His scabbard was empty, and he remembered why.

"How does a knight lose his sword?" Pipit asked, stepping beside him. Link continued daydreaming, his mouth slightly agape. Scoffing, Pipit firmly grasped Link by the shoulders and turned him, joining their eyes together. Looking down at his friend with big blue eyes, he asked,

"Man, what happened to you, anyway?" Link gave Pipit a desolate look for a few seconds. He looked down at his hands, unsure of what to say, or how to say it…

….

The forest was quiet that morning. It stood in sharp contrast to the inner turmoil experienced by one who faced the belligerence and ire of a merciless Master. His feet crushed innumerable blades of grass as he marched. He could have possibly transported to his destination if enough magic had remained within him after the shattering of his precious jewel. He didn't bother to try, however. He consigned to taking the long way. His Master would still be there, waiting. Surely his rage had already reached its boiling point.

The sealed grounds were dark. Light had yet to touch this dark corner of the land. The only illuminated marker on the landscape was the Sealed Temple, the sacred place overlooking the gorge which housed the imprisoned form of his Master. With the ability to communicate through his red diamond, the demon very rarely had to come here. But, today was a special occasion…

Not special in a positive way, however. The demon knew how furious the splintering of the diamond would make his Master. He had already been bitterly disappointed by his recent failings.

Descending along the corkscrewing trail that led to the pit, the demon held his hands behind his back. He shut his eyes as he walked, feeling his Master's presence. He was growing more powerful by the day.

It was a long journey down; it felt like it, at least. With each step bringing him closer, the demon twirled his fingers. He already knew what was going to happen.

As his foot touched down upon the bottom of the ravine, he felt a tremor. For a time, it was silent. His eyes roved about the grounds, searching for the one whom he knew was pining for him. In a way, the demon pined for his Master, as well. He shuddered, his whole body trembling in anticipation.

"Come here, sword," a menacing voice called. The demon's mouth dropped as he breathed in. He could always tell at what depth his Master's anger was based on what he chose to call him. Considering today's choice, he was infuriated.

Then, an immense, gargantuan form, far taller than the demon, appeared before him. Shadow gripped his face. Every trace of light seemed to flee. Even the darkness seemed to fear him. The demon stood in excited, and terrified, trepidation.

"Explain to me how this has happened," his Master's voice boomed. The demon paused to think, but was not given the opportunity to speak. "You have already failed to bring the human to us. Your performance has left me…unsatisfied."

"But, the human has already shown signs of-" the demon started to say, but a colossal hand had arisen, squeezing him so tightly around the neck that it left him gasping. Writhing, he stared into his Master's smoldering eyes, embroiled with an unfathomable rage. The massive being lowered his head, drilling straight into the demon's composure.

"You will pay for your failure," he growled quietly as the demon rocked back and forth with the rhythm of his Master's breathing. He shut his eyes, and waited. He heard the familiar sound of a knife being drawn. His hands came up. He buried them into whatever material he could find on his Master's upper body.

The pain…His Master knew that he enjoyed it up to a certain point. If channeled properly, the demon could actually convert his pain to pleasure, and vice versa, if necessary. His Master was well aware of this, however, and was highly adept at circumventing the demon's abilities, pushing him beyond the limit.

While the enormous beast appeared, on some occasions, to get some form of gratification from toying with the demon, he normally wanted nothing more than to administer raw punishment to him. Unable to read his Master without his diamond, the demon squirmed in his hands, afraid and enthralled.

He felt the blade against his neck. He gasped. Such a stupid mistake he had made earlier; such a short-sighted, idiotic mistake. He couldn't quite believe that it had taken place...

He saw her face...

Never again...Never.

The demon knew that, no matter what, this was going to end in immeasurable torment…