Chapter 6; Anita's POV

I forced myself to get up, drying off and getting dressed-I didn't want to be caught alone and naked in a bedroom… my motions to me seemed mechanical at best… I certainly didn't have the heart to do anything really… I felt completely lost… numb… confused… I swear my heart should have stopped beating… it hurt too much… everything hurt… I didn't want to feel like this! I needed a distraction…

"Anita?" Master glanced at me curiously as I stepped through the door to the throne room. He smiled, "I wasn't expecting you to come to me until later…" he smiled before frowning, getting a better look at me. "Is something wrong?"

"I…" I glanced around. I'd need a reason for him to do it… I couldn't simply ask him to… I stepped around the room-trying to decide what I could do in order to get me punished… it normally didn't take much but I didn't want it to end too quickly. I looked out the window, glancing at the curtains that hung there. I smiled, grabbing them with my hands-tugging them down to the ground.

I turned to watch Master stand- astonishment on his face before he glared at me.

I smiled again, yes! Running from window to window I tore the curtains down one by one-casting them to the floor. Just for good measure I tore them to shreds. I guess claws were kind of fun…

He hadn't made a step towards me, and to my surprise his glare had turned into something more… concerned? That wasn't supposed to happen… why wasn't he doing something? "Anita… do you wish to tell me what this is all about?" his voice was calm-not at all harsh-not even the faintest hint of malice located within it… No!

I shook my head, glaring. "No." I looked around the room-it was rather finely furnished-columns of expensive vases lined the walls, portraits-demonic scenic views which I could only assume were those of the Kingdom my Father ruled over… Yes, it had to work… Giving him the most hateful gaze I could I ran to the nearest column, knocking it over with the vase along with it-both shattering to the floor, their pieces scattering left and right as I ran to the next and the next and the next…. I left no piece untouched-unbroken.

Master watched me for a while before sitting back down in his throne, resting his chin in his hand-merely observing me with his eyes. Why wasn't he getting angry with me?! I was nearly out of breath now, breathing heavily as I glared at him. I was desperate for some form of relief… why couldn't he just give it to me?! I screamed at him-threw a tantrum-called him every single vile name I could think of-insulting him as much as I could. Some of the things I had said were things I'd wanted to tell him all the time-but was too afraid to speak. I can hardly even remember what I said to him I was so upset…

This time his expression changed; he finally glared-but only for a moment before sighing, leaning back. "Anita… it almost seems as if you're wishing for me to harm you…"

I stood silent-waiting for it to begin… it was taking too long… just hurt me already! Make me scream for mercy from the pain! Make me forget…

"You're not… angry with me, Master?" I stepped back, too shocked to do anything else.

He shook his head. "Those items can be easily replaced…" he studied me carefully. "Anita… why do you want me to hurt you?"

"I… I don't…"

"That's a lie. Are you hoping to gain something from this?"

A distraction… I don't want to continue feeling like this… this was backfiring… why? At a time when I actually needed it. I needed something to distract me from this feeling... feeling anything else would be better than feeling like this… so… unwanted? Worthless? I didn't have an exact word for it, but I knew Link had been right all along… I was stupid to even believe that Ghirahim had ever loved me…

"Anita, what is it you want?"

I smiled, laughing softly at myself. This had been so simple and I hadn't even realized it. Smiling at him in what I hoped was a seductive manner I answered him; "You, Master Demise…" so simple… I could simply shut down-or better yet actually succumb to the pleasure Master offered me. At least he hadn't played games with me about it. He never lied about it-simply taking what he wanted right from the start.

"Me? I'm afraid I don't understand, Anita…" Master raised a confused eyebrow at me leaning back in his throne as he studied me coming closer to him.

I took a breath, forcing myself forward-sitting on his lap, staring up at him. "I can't wait for later, Master. I want it now…" I wrapped my arms around his neck, leaning forward to kiss him, whispering softly-forcing myself to say the words. "I want you inside me… making me scream… Master, please t-take me… r-right here…"

I heard him growl softly in his throat and he pushed me away. "Anita, are you feeling alright?" to my surprise his voice held actual concern…

What was wrong? Was I not being seductive enough? "I… I want you, Master…" I pulled at my shirt, at my skirt, anything that would allow him access to my body…

"Anita, don't you dare!" Master actually shouted at me, grabbing my hand tightly and wrenching it from my body. He glared at me, "You'll keep those on." He growled.

"M-Master…" I was feeling too many emotions-anger, sadness, confusion… I tried to choke back a sob but the tears came anyway. "Y-You'll h-have me when… when I don't w-want it… but when I c-come to you w-willingly you won't…"

"You do not want this." Master interrupted me shaking his head as he held me back with one hand-studying me carefully.

"I do want it Master!" it wasn't that difficult to make my voice sound desperate. I grinded against his leg, whining. "M-Master please…"

He held my legs down next-not allowing me to move. "Anita, tell me what this is really about." He smirked at me, "You and I both know you would never come to me willingly." I lowered my head-ashamed at myself and now I could add that emotion-along with embarrassment-to my list. To my surprise, he seemed to read my mind. "Is it Ghirahim?"

I nodded, my answer nothing more than a whimper before I broke down-telling my Master everything that had happened-starting with the Bobokins Horde, ending with my running to my room in tears.

"I see…" Masters tone was quiet, and he held me close as I continued crying-rambling nonsense.

"Link was right… Ghirahim never loved me… he-he just wants my body… he just wants to use me like you do… Link was right… I'm just his dog… he… he…"

"Shhhh." He petted my hair awkwardly-obviously not used to comforting me. It was usually Ghirahim's job but now I could see that even those times had just been a part of his game-his way of controlling me.

"He-he beat me, Master…"

"Beat you?" Master looked at me closer-catching sight of the scratches and bruises forming on the visible portions of my skin. He growled, calling in one of the other slaves.

The boy bowed low to the ground, "Yes, Master Demise?"

"Fetch Lord Ghirahim for me. At once!"

"Y-Yes Master Demise…" the slave turned to go.

My eyes shot open and I shook my head quickly, "N-No Master… please Master no…" I didn't want Ghirahim seeing me like this… I didn't want to see him at all... I gripped his arm, "Master please tell me that I don't have to stay!"

"Yes, you do." He looked down at me-almost sympathetically-"I want you to be present for this little discussion." He leaned down, planting a kiss on my cheek as the door closed, "everything will be alright."

"You wished to see me, Master?" Ghirahim snuck me a confused glance before bowing. I blushed, turning away, realizing I was still perched on Masters lap. I wouldn't have been able to move otherwise since Master was still gripping my arm.

"Anita has just told me something rather… disturbing…" he gave his sword a questioning gaze. "Care to explain it to me?"

Ghirahim merely glared at me and I buried my face into Masters chest. Why did you make me stay? "What might that be?"

"I should think that it would be obvious. Do you think the girl would do this to herself?" he indicated my wounds.

Ghirahim stiffened, glaring, "Master, I know nothing about…"

"I know exactly what happened. Don't bother lying to me. She told me everything-why should I have any reason not to believe her words?"

"Well, if you ask me, Master, the girl is simply overreacting!"

What? I felt Master tense up. I suppose he wasn't expecting that answer. "How do you mean?"

"It isn't as if I hurt her…"

"I can see the wounds." He growled.

"It wouldn't have even happened if the boy hadn't interfered! He made me do it to her!"

"Ah, yes, the boy provoked you to rape my daughter. He forced your hands to touch her-to hit her? Cut her?"

Ghirahim growled, "She's just a toy anyway, Master! "

"Excuse me?"

"She's meant to be used! She's just a pathetic little…"

"Can you repeat that for me?" Masters tone was harsh.

"She's just meant to…" he grew silent. The only sound I could hear was my crying-though I tried to be quiet about it. "No… I didn't mean that! I…" I could hear concern in his voice-his words and tone apologetic.

How could I have been so stupid? He made it sound as if his words were true…

"M-Master may I…"

"Go. I wish to have a moment alone with my sword…" He let go of my arm and I ran towards the door-looking at the ground as it rushed underneath me. I didn't want to look at him… if I did then I'd be forced to listen to his words and like a fool I'd believe them…

"Anita, wait! I'm so-"

"Stay, Ghirahim. We aren't through with this discussion."

"Anita!"

I heard him cry out to me but I wouldn't let myself turn to face him. I couldn't… I was done with his games; with his lies… more importantly I was done with him.

Ghirahim's POV

"Anita! Please!" the door closed and I ran to pull it open, but Master stopped me.

"I gave you an order!" Masters voice was harsh-in a tone I rarely ever heard directed towards me… "Stay here."

"Master, please I have to apologize… I don't know what came over me…"

"Do you think it will do any good?"

"I…"

"Do you think it will do any good?" he asked again, more forcibly this time, "I hardly think that she will believe you." He sighed, looking me over, "why did you do it?"

"Why do you care, Master?" I couldn't keep my voice calm, "You've never cared for her before-you've used her far more than I ever have and yet-"

"The girl needs someone to advocate for her-someone she can trust. You think I want her living in constant fear or depression? I admit, I inflict such feelings to pass through her mind daily but it is simply to keep her under control. To make sure she remembers her place."

"Master, I'm sorry… it was only the boy and…"

"You can't blame the boy for your actions." Master growled, "You let your emotions get the better of you- all to show him what?"

I heard myself speak before I thought. "We couldn't have his Sky Maiden…"

Master actually smiled, "So our feelings towards her are the same then…" he chuckled, "she's simply just a replacement trophy for you."

"No! She's… Master, you have to believe me, I didn't mean what I said about her! I was just…" I was angry at myself-angry for hurting her-angry that I couldn't control myself. Obviously she had been the easiest person to blame for it all… "Master please you have to-"

"Well, considering your constant desires for the girl as of late-how would you consider joining us for her next session? I'm certain you'd enjoy it, Ghirahim."

I took a step back. I couldn't believe he was asking such a thing of me-especially since he had just berated me for simply touching her! "Master, no! I don't want-"

He chuckled, "Yes, I understand that you might not enjoying sharing her-but this wouldn't be her first time. Others find out, and in exchange for silence I merely offer her body to do with as they please. She's used to it by now." He sneered.

I shook my head, glaring. "No, Master. I care for her not just for her body."

"Give me one good reason why I should believe that, Ghirahim-considering your actions towards her today."

"It's just… the boy I…" it was control I suppose… or at least just the thoughts of making him feel powerless for once… I saw it in his eyes whenever I even made a single move towards the girl-and it was only towards the girl-nothing else. The look of fear and hopelessness that set in his eyes made me simply giddy with triumph! Perhaps a little bit of dominance as well-as Master had said. The fact that I could have her when he couldn't… I voiced these thoughts to my Master-who simply listened before sighing irately, leaning back in his throne.

"I am beginning to see why the Goddesses didn't want you… I can see where they regretted their decision of creating such a Sword Spirit."

"Master!" Oh come now, Ghirahim, get a hold of yourself! … His words shouldn't have affected me. The Goddesses were weak! Just look at who they chose as their Hero! Look at Hylia's reincarnation! A weak spineless girl! Yet his words did wound me… he was calling me useless… weak…

"She's hurting Ghirahim-a pain much more severe than even I could make her feel-all by your own hand! I'm not sure how you're going to fix this…"

I merely shrugged, smiling. I honestly didn't worry about it that much. "She'll forgive me… she always does."

Anita's POV

Once I'd reached the safety of my room, I'd simply gone into a mental breakdown. There was no other way to describe it… I screamed, I cried, attacked anything in reach-throwing it as hard as I could at the wall.

Drying away tears I made my way towards my dresser-throwing open the drawers before going to my closet-doing the same-before scattering the books from my books shelf all over the floor. Nearly every single item in this room had been a gift from him… I remembered all the kind words he'd said he to me-especially when offering a gift-urging me to take them even when I refused. Later on, it was easier just to accept that he would give them-and would never be satisfied until I took them. Just another one of his mind games… the books to keep me entertained, the dresses and jewels simply used to dress up his pet.

I screamed running back for my bookshelf. I took a few finale glances at the covers-words I couldn't read for they weren't written in Skyloftian Text, but Ghirahim would read to me often on nights when I couldn't sleep. I doubted Master would keep such books here in the castle-so I always assumed Ghirahim had gotten them for me. They were often fairytales-I liked those best-but now I didn't feel any affection for them. One by one I cast them into the fireplace-watching as they burned-ink running from the heat down their scorching pages and leather bindings-which would most likely be the last to burn up.

I watched them as they withered away-listening to the crackle of the flames before I turned to my closet, opening it wider to get a better view of what was inside. Gowns-silks of dark red, green, gold, white and black hung before me with their intricate jeweled designs and patterns stitched in. I wasn't allowed to wear them save for special occasions-nights when Master would like to show me off as his daughter-a Princess of the Demons-not his Slave. He did have a reputation to uphold… I glanced from one side to the other, separating the gowns-the ones Ghirahim had given me over the years versus the ones Master originally had made for me upon my arrival to his kingdom. My closet was almost empty now-save for the black gowns, and there were only five or six of them at that…

Goddesses, this was a little more difficult… I was attached to a few of these dresses-namely their patterns and the way they sparkled in the light… whenever I looked at them, a memory would flash through my mind… there was not one single memory I could remember without Ghirahim having a place in it. The way he held me close as we danced… the sweet things he would whisper in my ear… I shook myself out of it, glaring at the dresses as I ripped them-tearing their stitches apart, watching as the jewels scattered across the floor. I didn't know what exactly to do with them now… their hems and sleeves strewn about the bed. I didn't exactly want to throw them into the fire… I simply left them there, going back for my dresser-looking down at a sea of gold and jewels spread before me.

Out of all the gifts I had always loved jewelry the best… big and gaudy with gems of all colors-though I preferred rubies and diamonds. Diamonds were the shiniest, and when the light hit them just right, rainbows flew across the room. Rubies had something unique about them-with their dark red coloring-vibrant and strong-powerful. When the light hit these sorts of gems, they seemed to glow with an inner light… blazing with a fire all on their own. Another thing-they were always gold. Gold chain, gold coloring… Yes, Ghirahim had certainly spoiled me.

I got rid of a few right off-necklaces that I had simply outgrown, or were tangled in another's chain, or dented, or its jewel scratched. Those were easy enough to pick off. Especially the ones that weren't inlaid with my favorite gems. Ghirahim had gotten me an assortment of jewels for a while before it became apparent that I was fond of the more… expensive types of gems. From then on, he had presented me with them, and I'd always loved every single one… until this afternoon that is. I loved the way they sparkled and gleamed in the light, I enjoyed the smooth feel of their stones against my fingertips…

Instinctively I'd reached for my necklace; touching the ruby… the one Ghirahim had given me earlier-no more than a few hours ago. It hurt… burned me… choked me… so many years he had played around with me-and it was only now that I realized how completely utterly stupid I was!

I stiffened-halting my attack on the gems (I'd already thrown them all on the bed anyway. I still didn't know what to do to get rid of them…) when I heard the doorknob turn and it opened. I turned abruptly before whomever it was stepped into the room, wiping my eyes, forcing my breath and heartbeat to slow. Funny… I'd spent most of this day crying… I would normally be with Ghirahim, and he'd comfort me and… no. I should just forget about all those times! They were all nothing but lies anyway! I should forget about comfort now… I certainly wouldn't receive it from Ghirahim any longer-and I was certain whatever had compelled Master to be so gentle with me would wear off in a few hours…

I should have expected it I suppose-he always came here, but nonetheless I was shocked to hear his voice come up from behind-almost sounding concerned. "Anita?"

Ghirahim's POV

She didn't answer me… simply slumping her shoulders a little. I made a move to go to her-to comfort her-apologize for my actions. I was ready to get down on my knees if it would do me any good-demeaning as it was for a Demon of my position. I caught a glimpse of gold out of the corner of my eye, and I turned, stepping back. I could only stare blankly at the sight before me. "Anita… what is this?" gold and jewels littered the bed-drawers still open on the dresser, with some laying haphazardly on the ground as if ripped from their hinges.

She had her back to me-staring into the flames of the fireplace. I could tell from her tone-I'd heard it many times before-that she was trying not to cry. It must have taken an effort for her to speak to me-her voice wavered and cracked as she tried to remain composed. "It's every gift you've ever given me."

"What?"

"I don't want them anymore."

I almost laughed, believing it to be a joke before I realized she was actually being serious. I could see her dresses-the ones I had given her-torn to shreds, pieces of cloth cluttering the floor, and to my horror she had even gone so far as to throw her books to the flames. "Anita…" she still hadn't forgiven me? Well, of course it had only been a few minutes… but she had never taken such severe actions before. "You can't possibly mean that." I picked up a few of the trinkets, eyeing them in the candlelight. I jerked back, noticing the necklace I had given her earlier today, dangling from her hand. She studied it for a moment before casting it over her shoulder-the metal clinking together as it fell into the pile. I felt a pang of panic, staring at her. "Please Anita, don't do this…" my voice sounded so… weak to my ears.

"Too late." She pointed to the fire place, "They're gone."

"I can get you new ones! New gowns… you don't like these trinkets, I can get you better…"

"I don't want gifts from you… I don't want anything from you!"

"Anita, Sweet-heart please listen to me! I-I know I can't make up for my actions but… but at least hear me out! I…" no… no excuses… she hadn't been the one at fault-never has, and never would be in my eyes… yet I had to tell her something-anything! "I need you, Anita."

This time she was the one who laughed-but I could tell it was forced as she struggled with her emotions. "You've always been such a good actor, Ghirahim… I've been such a fool…"

"No… you're not… Darling I…" I made a step towards her, placing my hand against her shoulder in order to turn her to face me.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" she jerked away from me, turning quickly-actual fear in her eyes… fear of me!

Oh, my darling… Her eyes darted towards the door before coming back to study me and I pulled my hand away to rest it against my side. "No… never again, I swear it!"

She winced-as if my words had physically wounded her. "Y-You've said that before…"

"This time I mean it, Anita. Never again." She shook her head, backing away from me as I held out the necklace. "Please…" it was all I could offer her now… and perhaps I should have saved it for such an occasion, but how was I to know things would turn out like this? That I would have gone so out of control… all because I wanted to mess around with some foolish boy! I shouldn't have put her at such expense but at the time I hadn't been thinking! He'd lost the battle against my Horde, yet the stupid things had failed to kill him. I had to have something over him… some form of power besides strength or cunning, and Anita had been the only thing that had seemed to take any effect on him. It had been far too easy… far too simple and I hadn't even thought about the harm I would have caused to her.

She shook her head, and out of desperation I forced the necklace into her hand. She seemed to hesitate, looking at the jewel before staring into my eyes. "I…" Tears came to her eyes, and instinctively I pulled her close, wrapping my arms around her.

"I love you." It was all I could say. I wished I could prove it to her… I could see this time her affections wouldn't be bought by some pretty little bauble. I leaned down to kiss her lips when I suddenly felt her struggling in my grasp.

"N-No…" she sobbed, breaking free-only because I let her. "No!" she brought her hand up as if to hit me-she had never become violent with me before if I could remember-but she shook her head, turning away from me, clenching her hands into fists as she bolted past me, slamming the door behind her.

She'd left the necklace in my hand… never in my life had I known the girl to act like this. Sighing I sat down on the bed, my head in my hands. What was I going to do? I had no idea how long this would last… whenever she would fall into a depressed state here or there, they latest for a few hours-the most being a day-at best. This was something entirely different… I knew her mood wouldn't change towards me with a kind word or gesture-sad and bitter one second-happy and loving with me the next… I had to think of something. I couldn't go on like this! I hadn't been lying when I said I needed her… when I had said I loved her… I remembered all those horrible things I had called her-not one of them being true. What had I expected? That she would simply give in to me? Not when the boy was around, and even if he wasn't around she wouldn't have… she would have begged me to stop, told me to wait until our Bonding Night… She had never given into Master-never willingly, so why had I been so certain she would have complied?

Anita's POV

I had no idea where I was going… I was simply running blind through the castle, urging the tears to stop… I would have normally gone straight to Ghirahim… I wanted him to hold me close… tell me everything would be alright… tell me he loved me and know for certain it wasn't a lie! How funny it was to want his comfort so badly-to want to be near him when he should have been the one I should want to stay as far away from as possible! I was forced to halt when I saw him round a corner, putting his hands out to stop me. "Anita!"

I skidded to a stop, out of breath, tears running down my face. "Link…"

He looked at me, opening his mouth as if to say something before shutting it, running up to me and wrapping his arms tightly around me, pulling me close as I leaned to cry against his shoulder. "Everything's going to be alright…" he whispered, patting my back.

"H-How do you know that? L-Link you were right… right about everything… G-Ghirahim…"

"Do you hear me berating you about it?"

"N-No, b-but…"

"Then shut up." He pulled me closer as my crying increased. I'm not sure how long we stood there like that.

I was forcing myself to call up memories of him-locating places where it should have been the most obvious to see through his lies. Mostly my depressed states I realized-times when I wasn't giving him affection-after a torture or sex session with Master… remembering them and noticing my faults made it that much easier to let them go… "Thank you…" I pulled away, wiping my tears. "What are you doing here?" I would have thought for certain Ghirahim would have locked him up again… or worse.

"I've been searching for you ever since…" he winced, averting his eyes, "You know… it was kind of weird though… he just let me go."

"What?"

"Sure, he kept attacking me for a while, but once he noticed you were gone he just paused and disappeared. I don't know where he went but… he looked a little worried about something…"

"Probably about Master finding out what he'd done to you…" I tried to think of reasons why he would behave that way-especially since he had come so close to killing Link again; that or not wanting to let me escape. It would have been easy enough to find me though, so why hadn't he?

Link glared, pulling me back against the wall behind one of the pillars. Looking around he leaned close to whisper in my ear. "Anita, I'm not just going to leave you here with these freaks."

I shook my head, "Link I can't leave… I made a deal with my Master. I can't…"

"You can!" his tone sounded desperate, and he hung his head, "You have to... please! I'd never be able to live with myself again if I let them have you! Anita, besides the portal at dawn, there has to be another way out of here! " he looked back at me with pleading eyes.

I couldn't simply lie to him… I didn't waste a second before answering him, yet my tone was barely above a whisper. "There is."