Zelda rose early the next morning. In her past, it wasn't unusual for her to wake Link up first thing in the morning. Things had certainly changed. Link no longer had the same knack for sleeping, now burdened with his destiny. It was clear that their carefree days of simply being Knight Academy students was long over. After all, what else was there for Link to learn after his adventures on the surface? It seemed their life on Skyloft was coming to an end.

She realized she hadn't told her father about her plans. She went straight for her father's office, still in her night clothes. Opening the door to Headmaster Gaepora's quarters she saw Link talking to her father. Headmaster Gaepora was at his desk, petting his remlit, Mia.

When Mia noticed Zelda she leapt off the desk and immediately went for Zelda, rubbing and weaving between her feet. Her high-pitched squeaks melted Zelda's heart as she leaned down to scratch one of her big ears.

"Link says that you will be returning to the surface with him today, is that true?"

"Yes, I was just about to tell you. I've got some loose ends to tie up."

"I can imagine...I'm very proud of you, Zelda. And Link...watch out for my girl while you're down there, will you?" He patted Link on the shoulder. Zelda gave her father a big bear hug.

"I appreciate your concern father, but I can hold my own if necessary. There's no need to worry too much."

"Ah, you're quite correct, my dear. I'm sure this academy has instilled in you all the right things. As I said before, Link, I never thought any of this would come to pass in my lifetime, but I hope to see what the surface is like for myself at some point. The best of luck to both of you!"

Zelda returned to her room, changing into the unitard and getting ready for the day ahead. No more being afraid of what people will think, she reassured herself. It wouldn't be the first time she had been seen like this. She had been wearing it the day she returned to Skyloft, much to everyone's confusion. She hadn't cared at the time. She had been a nervous wreck. But today, she and Ghirahim would return to the surface together and face whatever destiny had prepared for her. She wanted to go wearing her prized outfit for luck.

When word spread around the academy that the three were returning to the surface, there were mixed emotions. Students gathered to say their farewells to Link and Zelda. Groose didn't take the news so well.

"Why does that pompous weirdo get alone time with Zelda?" Groose sulked. "I'm twice the man he is! Right guys?" Cawlin and Strich nodded vehemently.

Zelda called her Loftwing to the Plaza, opting not to dive off. She had a passenger this time. Zelda positioned herself on the back of her Loftwing, Ghirahim got on behind her.

"Afraid of heights?" Zelda raised an eyebrow, glancing over her shoulder.

"Are you seriously asking me that? I am a demon lord. You can't scare me. Although, I must concede I've never ridden a bird before."

When he saw that they were ready, Link hopped off the platform and whistled for his Loftwing. Zelda followed behind him toward the emerald beam of light.

The two Loftwings made their landing in front of the Sealed Temple. Ghirahim hopped down from Zelda's Loftwing and held out his hands to help her dismount. His hands grazed her behind as he assisted her, holding it there for the slightest moment.

"Ahem!" Zelda blushed and looked over her shoulder to make sure Link hadn't noticed. She was relieved to see Link stroking the fur of his Loftwing. She turned back to Ghirahim.

Ghirahim grinned widely, looking around the Sealed Ground. She smiled faintly, feeling a little less anxiety. He was so captivating to her, she nearly forgot why she had returned to the surface.

"Wait here..." Zelda squeezed Ghirahim's hand.

"Don't keep her long, Sky Child. I grow rather...impatient when my time is held up." Ghirahim called to Link.

Zelda followed Link through the temple doors as he held them open for her. Her hands trembled and began to sweat. The sounds of birds chirping outside faded slightly, but were still audible when the doors shut behind her. Zelda envied their bliss. They were oblivious.

The old woman stood in front of a new Gate of Time in the center of the temple. Zelda had no indication it existed when she first visited the Sealed Temple.

"Ah, I see you've returned. I'm very pleased..." the old woman said trailing off. Zelda could sense the old woman's concern. Zelda had expected this, but something was off. It was like the old woman already knew what was going on, as if she had known all her life. She chose her words carefully.

"Your Grace...what have you done with the dress I gave you?"

The old woman looked over the odd outfit Zelda wore with increasing displeasure showing across her wrinkled visage. With the strategic diamond cutouts, Zelda looked more like a demon than a goddess.

"I hear from Link that you were captured and the ritual was nearly completed. Thanks be to the goddess that you are safe now. However, I am disappointed... Link tells me that you've become enamored with to a certain demon named Ghirahim. As Hylia reborn, I expected more from you. That garment you're wearing was created from his malevolent powers. I was hoping to dismiss everything Link had told me, but I need no further proof."

Zelda looked down at the floor.

"What do you think, Zelda? Do you think a demon can love?"

Zelda wanted to protest, but she simply bit her tongue. Zelda shot Link a pained look. Link caught her glance and then looked away, rubbing the back of his head. Link, who she had stuck up for when he was bullied, who had sworn so long ago to keep her secrets, was now telling the old woman every move she made. The old woman's words stung, and Zelda felt the shame creeping in again. Zelda didn't have a problem defending others, but defending her own actions was a different story.

"I suppose it can't be helped. Your Grace, now you must fulfill your purpose. You must uphold the seal binding the Imprisoned. Link has opened the second Gate of Time, as you can see before you. Do you remember what the guardian told you about the Gate of Time?"

"Yes, but she didn't tell me how to maintain the seal."

"Your Grace, you possess the spirit of the goddess. Look deep into your memories, and I'm sure you will remember. What is Hylia telling you to do?"

Zelda heard a soft voice whispering inside her mind. It was a voice she remembered from long ago, a voice that had been her own. She didn't want to believe what the voice was telling her. It was too horrible to be true. She felt her knees start to give as she nearly collapsed to the floor. She felt numb.

"Zelda, what is it?" Link was looking at her, on edge.

"I'm sorry, Your Grace, but you had to remember it for yourself." The old woman's face contorted into a sorrowful look.

"You can't be serious!"

"It is a sacrifice, but it must be done."

"I'm so sorry..." Zelda said under her breath as she turned and ran as quickly as she could, her feet click-clacking against the dusty stone floor as she fled.

"Zelda, wait!" Link called. "Tell me, what's wrong?!"

Zelda ignored her friend's pleas and ran out through the side doors. She just wanted to get away, to be alone and to think.