You guys loved the last chapter! :D To my surprise I found out this artist on tumblr (by the name of redrumrose) had the same concept too! search/zelda It's a lot different from what I had in mind for a role changed Twilight Princess fan fic but... wow! It's awesome, and it looks like the other artwork is worth checking out.
And it looks like the majority wants Demise appearing as a woman to Zelda so far. I like it when you guys point out strange bugs or spelling errors in the fic (one of the reasons why I hate the editing process) , but your forgiven with your great reviews.
To HeroAlexa249: I was worried that the whole 'two fight, while two talk' would be something that was overdone, but I like that you enjoyed it. I also didn't think that I have enough of a grasp on Zant's character, despite playing the game three times, but you reassured me otherwise. And I still need to properly sit down and read that fan fic of yours that you mentioned.
To Ickypicky892:...Your comment fills my heart with rainbows! :D
To xForeverGamerx: I think I know why you are suggesting minish cap... but I've only seen cutscenes on youtube and I have the manga. I've never played the game, except for a demo ages ago :( the last handheld I owned was a gameboy color. However, I have something intended in the final chapter that you might appreciate.
Chapter 8: Reflections upon sand
I returned to the sky and immediately headed to the Isle of Songs, where I learned the next song.
When I came back outside, I was about to leave when I paused and took my sword out. When Ghirahim showed me what his old sword form looked like- thanks to a projection of his memory into my mind, it was hard to believe that the sword in my hand used to be taller than me, with a jagged blade and could swing through armies like they were mere flies by a dark hearted man.
"What was it like to be reforged?" I asked.
"I wasn't happy with the results at the time. Not only was I frustrated to see my true form be reduced to the blade you first beheld, but it was too accurate of a reflection to when I lost a majority of my powers."
I stared at the hilt, where the red stone was. "I promise, I wont give you up for another blade as long as you're with me. In a sense, your practically an extension of me now and Father did say that a weapon is part of one's soul."
That made me wonder about what happened back at the ancient cistern against Koloktos. "Why was it that I could sense your self doubt?" I asked.
"You know how I can mentally communicate with you?"
"Yes?"
"It's a side effect of being perfectly in sync with each other, under the right circumstances. There have been other spirits within weapons too, so this used to be a common occurrence if both wielder and weapon are tightly entwined together. You already know why that can become a hinderance to the wielder."
I glanced to where Skyloft was. "I need to test the sword out, since it's longer than I am used to."
-the desert-
The next day, after testing the capabilities of the sword, I returned to the sandy region of Lanaryu, where I could locate the next of the flames.
Nayru's wisdom was perhaps one of the most calming songs I had ever heard when I first listened to it, so when I played it in order to open the path to the next silent realm, I closed my eyes as I sang, unless I wanted a repeat of the last time I did this.
...Seeing Ghirahim dancing along to such a calm song was not something I wanted to see.
When the pathway opened, I drew the sword out, but I hesitated.
"You don't suppose those monsters out in the sands will attack my body, will they?" I spoke out loud as I looked at the red stone where hilt meet blade. "I know I'm being paranoid, but I just have a feeling this will be harder than last time." I grimaced "Ugh, I'm not looking foreword to this." I recalled how large this area was, and how much quicksand I would have to deal with.
"I will protect your body, Mistress Zelda." The comforting voice responded back. "No matter what happens, I will not let anything happen to you."
I gave the sword a friendly grin and plunged it into the center. "See you later then." I closed my eyes as I felt my spirit leave my body once more.
- reality-
Ghirahim knew that it might take a little longer for Zelda in Nayru's silent realm. As he laid Zelda's body in a more comfortable position, he explained what needed to be done to her spirit in order to pass the trial.
The second Zelda moved out of the safety of protection in the other world and into the mercy of the guardians, he turned to her body.
He took his cloak off and moved to cover Zelda's body with it, as the sun was not as forgiving in Lanaryu Provience, and he didn't want her to suffer from the prolonged exposure. Before he did so, he noticed the ribbons that held the braid at the bottom of her long hair together was coming undone: she had been in a hurry that morning to get ready.
He decided to grant her some relief and took the ribbons out, so he could braid it back up.
He marveled at Zelda's long golden hair: it was such a shame that such hair had to be kept tied up at the bottom for her journey. He only ever saw it free from it's bonds when she needed to retire for the night.
A warmth shines through, making all at she or he is, ever so beautiful. Hylia had once said, long ago. It was one of his favorite maxims to those who weren't so fortunate in having a perfect physique.
In an attempt to make him feel more welcome in that village from so long ago, Hylia would lead Ghirahim around as he greeted the villagers, and treated them like old friends. Hylia took the time to show interest to children- even the crippled boy that he based his disguise around- he was patient to the elderly, and he bought a potion that he needed from an old healer, refusing to take it for free, and gave it to a sickly mother with four young children.
Of course, all of the villagers were nervous around Ghirahim. He was dressed in simple and 'normal' clothes in those times and his hair was long enough that it could be tied back, but even his new appearance and 'change of heart' didn't sway the villagers that much. Truth be told, he didn't really feel like becoming fast friends with them either.
He recalled how one time, there was a large festival, and the main event included dancing, and all the girls wanted to dance with Hylia.
Hylia, however, only had eyes for those who needed a partner at least once in their life: there was a large bodied girl with an outbreak on her face, and her dance with Hylia gave her a glow that out-shined her flaws. There was another girl who was terribly shy and wouldn't look at people in the face, but Hylia told her that she could close her eyes and just feel her dancing with him, rather than be aware of everything else... a minute later, she started looking at Hylia with a thankful smile on her eyes, and beaming eyes.
Hylia even danced with an awkward looking young man- one that had looked at the god in awe whenever he passed by. Whatever secret he was trying so hard to keep, Hylia showed that young man that there was nothing to be afraid of: he should be proud to be who he was. Finally, he left the dance early, but it turned out that he went to the house of a bid-ridden young girl and then- just so that she could have her own special dance- they pressed their hands together and moved them in a perfect synchronization.
To this day, Ghirahim believed the whole thing was yet, another one of Hylia's attempts to humble him.
At this point, Ghirahim felt a jerk and glanced down to see Zelda fidgeting in her sleep under his cloak (he had finished with her hair ages ago by this point).
"No..." She moaned. "No, just a little more time... no... no, no, no, no-"
Ghirahim quickly took a look into her mind: she was trying to figure out how to get a tear out of a tree. He was unable to tell her to roll into it, as much as he wanted to, and the guardians were slowly approaching her. He felt his heart race in suspense and, though he knew she wouldn't die, it was still horrible to watch as one of the guardians rammed it's weapon against Zelda's back and she disintegrated into spores of light as soon as she collapsed to the ground.
When she was returned to her starting point, she was clearly upset. "I just had one more to go!" She fell to her knees and was visibly shaking "I don't know how I can even- am I not good enough if I can't pass?"
"You can take as many tries as you need to." Ghirahim reassured her. "It was your first attempt, so there's no need to worry. You just have the advantage of foresight at your disposal." He frowned as he realized something.
"...Ok." Zelda shakily nodded. "I just- I just need a moment."
Ghirahim couldn't find it in himself to tell her that she could take as many tries as she could, but there was no telling if she could leave if she needed a break. Until she finished the trial, she could easily be stuck in that surreal purgatory.
He resumed his thoughts on the past.
There was one woman that Hylia always looked at in a way that was different from the others. It was a look Ghirahim had seen many times before: it was the look of longing.
He didn't recall the woman's name: Bethani? Alyce? Rachelle? She was a volunteer at the sanctuary that he spent an ungodly amount of time in, and he had seen her several times before. She was, ironically, one of the few who seemed comfortable around him.
"You stare at her like she's the whole world." Ghirahim noted to Hylia one day, just for amusement. "Why do you not claim her?"
To his surprise, Hylia grew crestfallen. "...Because I cannot have her heart if I am unable to give her mine. I am a god, and she is mortal and I could only bring us tragedy."
"Then make her your own!" Ghirahim snorted. "Make her immortal, or whatever it is you can do!"
"It doesn't work like that Ghirahim." Hylia looked at him with pained eyes. "What would I take from her if I do that? If I take without consent, would that turn her into a hallow shell?"
Ghirahim sighed at the memory. Almost a year later, those villagers would be sent up into the heavens of what would one day become Skyloft, but the woman of Hylia's desire was unable to join them. She had meet an unfortunate fate by the hand of a monster days beforehand.
He couldn't understand the concept of sorrow or loss then, but he figured that it was best not to be around when Hylia heard news of her death.
He supposed he knew those concepts now... Hylia may have given him a second chance, but it was his chosen hero who made him feel wanted again. Zelda was a rather spirited young woman with a kind heart, and proved to be courageous as well as wise, and that made him rather glad that she was his mistress instead of anyone else around Skyloft. Though, come to think of it... if her Link had been chosen, that would have been rather amusing.
He truly knew, without a doubt, that the sky child had somehow entered his heart, the moment Fi made a direct move on her life, and he gave her his salutations to the back without a moment's notice. It had been ages since he wanted to kill something or someone that badly.
Unfortunately, he knew that Zelda was bound to be in for more conflicts, thanks to Hylia's plans. Whatever the god was that he had intended, it was definitely going to hurt his mistress.
"Hylia, when I see your face, I am going to have a word about the misery you added to this girl's sufferings." Ghirahim sighed as he rested a hand on the girl's shoulder: he was going to give Hylia something to suffer about sooner or later.
Not much happened for the next minute or so, until...
"Yes... that's it."
Ghirahim quickly peered into Zelda's mind and saw that she figured out how to tackle the issue with the tree.
He let out a cry of triumph as Zelda acquired the last tear: that was his mistress.
-normal-
"I am SO glad that's over!" I sat up from where I was lying down to face Ghirahim. I almost followed that up with a few more choice words when I noticed that he was missing his cloak.
And that's when I realized it was lying in my lap.
"Why-
"You honestly think I'd let something as deadly as the sun harm you?" Ghirahim shrugged and looked away. "That counts as a concern."
"Next, you'll be saying that I should watch out for the moon." I carefully picked the cloak up as I stood up and shook it out before I handed it to Ghirahim. "Thank you, for protecting me from the deadly sun."
Ghirahim smirked. "I don't think I know how I could protect you from something as lovely as the moon, but the sun requires important caution for many races."
I giggled before I held out my new bounty in both hands: a pair of clawshots. "Ok: this can't make you jealous can it?"
He gave it a look. "Those... I could still 'cheat' if you want."
I shook my head. "Maybe I should lay off on that for awhile." I looked back at the clawshots. "I mean, these can't do any real damage, can they?"
-sea-
My next task was to seek out the ship that housed the next of the sacred flames.
Ghirahim once told me that the desolate area ahead of me was once a mighty body of water, known as a sea, where ships used to sail. I didn't understand the concept until the boat that a robot captain commandeered traveled far enough into the water that formed from the timeshift stone.
It made the entire land feel even more lonely and forsaken.
I did enjoy the captain's company on the boat and his tales of his time with his crew as we searched for his home out in the sand sea.
"Was there any reason why Hylia would have a sacred flame on a ship, instead of a temple?" I wondered.
"Who knows." I could practically sense Ghirahim shrugging somewhere in the back of my mind. "He was strange to begin with."
When I reached the captain's home, I examined the pictures that lined the walls. Everything inside was aged, and covered in dust and sand, but the pictures showed me the happier times that the captain spent with his crew.
"Everything was fine, until the war, wasn't it?" I asked. "Just how much land has been forsaken and destroyed by time? What will happen to all the poor robots who can't leave without those timeshift stones?"
"Isn't this where you start seeing the more optimistic approach?" Ghirahim asked. "Wouldn't you say something like 'we move onward, but we never forget the past?"
I weakly smiled. "I suppose... It's just... We spent so much time up there, that perhaps we need to restore these lands back to their former glory, if it's possible. I want to make this a place where everyone can live down here once more."
-Much later-
"THIS IS AWESOME!" I screamed out in joy as the cart zoomed it's way across the tracks. "WHY DIDN'T WE HAVE THIS IN SKYLOFT?!"
I would regret that afterwards... seeing as I had to manually work with the cart to reach my next destination. And I felt really sick to my stomach after I was done and found myself kneeling on the ground, happy to be back on steady ground, and fighting the urge to hurl.
"So, I guess you regret not taking my offer to teleport us here?"
"...S...shut... up." I moaned before I felt something rise in my stomach... and then whatever was left inside there splattered to the ground before you could say 'raging cucoos.'
Long story short, a potion fixed my problem. It was a miracle that I survived the shipyard and was able to remember the goron that was stuck with living there afterwards. I asked the skipper to come back for him when all of this was done.
-The ship...arr, me matey!-
"This feels like it might be too easy." I glanced around the ship. "It's not a huge cavern or temple. There has to be a catch to all of this."
"Well, as long as we have to worry about the pirates, I'm sure there won't be any surprises in store." Ghirahim grew thoughtful. "Unless we run into her again."
The only concern I believed I had to deal with was the pirate captain Scervo... who was also a robot.
He gave me a run for my rupees, what with the fact that he had an arsenal of weapons, and narrowed our fighting space upon command, but thanks to my training, I was able to take him out. It was a fight that satisfied Ghirahim, seeing as the pirate was a worthy opponent for me to take on.
Unfortunately for him, there was one misery that wasn't going to end any time soon, the second I acquired a new addition to my inventory.
Ghirahim gave the object in my hand a glare so deadly, I thought it would explode at any moment from the intensity.
"We already went through this," I protested. "You don't need to get jealous over the bow."
"I know," Ghirahim replied. "But I feel like... something about you holding that bow is really irritating me, and I have no idea why."
"Well, while it's good with far off targets, I can't really do much in close range combat with it." I pocketed the bow.
- the poorly designed boss that looks ugly-
"Well, this was nice." I began as I opened the doors to the flames. "We only had to look around a ship, instead of a large temple for this. Is there anything I should be worried about?"
The second I went in the room, all the lights went out and the boat began to rock. I feel to my butt, when I lost my footing, but that was the least of my concerns.
"What was that?!" I demanded as Ghirahim suddenly came out, with a frown on his face.
Just as he was helping me up, the ship began to rumble and I let out a gasp as I saw the floors crack. Suddenly, four large, slimy looking pillars broke through and sent wood fragments flying in different directions.
"What on-" I gapped, but Ghirahim quickly grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the room, running as fast as he could.
"This isn't normal at all." He began. "The timeshift stones on this boat are not powerful enough to revive something like this."
When we reached a corridor, two more of the slimy pillars- which looked an awful lot like tentacles- bursted through the walls and blocked the path."
"We need to get out of here, before this thing capsizes the ship." Ghirahim still held my hand as he turned to me. "Use the skyward strike on those tentacles and I'll get us out of here."
I held the sword up with my free hand and unleashed it's power when it was possible upon the tentacles, which severed upon contact and disintegrated.
Ghirahim quickly lead me out of the ship, and we were forced to stop when the tentacles blocked our way so I could sever them. He didn't bother allowing me to do anything on my own as we dodged rolling barrels and were forced to jump over a gap.
All the while, water was filling the ship and it was threatening to take us with it.
As soon as I reached the exit at the top, I let go. "What did you mean earlier about reviving something?" I asked through my breaths.
"There used to be deadly monsters in this sea." He explained. "And they were dangers that were feared by all who came to this place... and somehow, we accidentally brought one back to life."
I nervously turned to the doors. "It must be pretty big, isn't it?"
"If I am correct about the beast- and I hope I'm not- you only need the sword and the bow." He informed me as he returned to the sword.
I took in a deep breath. "Well... here goes nothing then." I headed the doors and opened them to see that the sky outside had turned dark and the boat was missing a good half of it's entire size, leaving me at the mercy of the open waters.
I cautiously walked out and the very three seconds I went outside, the ship began to rumble and the door behind me collapsed in on itself.
To my horror, the tentacles struck through the platform and I watched as something ahead of me bursted out of the water. The thing reached several stories high as it let out a mighty roar, and looked... it made me think of an overweight man with tentacles for hands and hair and a rather nasty looking red and yellow eye that looked at me.
"It's weak point is the eye." I heard Ghirahim speak in my head as the monster stared at me. By the sound of his voice, he was not impressed with what I was up against. "It's such a disgusting looking being that I thought I'd save you the trouble of thinking."
-Blue flames! :D-
After I defeated the beast known as Tentalus (and despite it's ugly appearance, it was a rather difficult battle), the storm cleared away to a bright blue sky, and the torch that housed the next flame.
I glanced around the destruction of the ship in the sea. "I kind of feel bad for the captain. He did love this ship." I grimaced: so much for helping the captain out then.
"The crew will repair it before you can blink an eye." I turned my head to see that Ghirahim was observing the damage next to me. "Trust me."
I turned to the torch and, with a skyward strike to the symbol, I lit the torch with a blue fire.
"Nayru: the goddess who created all order in the world and the patron of wisdom. Those she inspires and favors have great insight in even the simplest of matters." I remembered father's words as Ghirahim stood before the flames.
The blue flames engulfed him, forming a fire that shot into the sky... and kept going into the sky... and going...uh... huh.
I assumed that he would eventually get to Skyloft as I narrowed my eyes to try to see where he went.
- in the sky-
Karane and Pipit were sitting together on one of the many islands that dotted the sky.
"I'm going to do it." Pipit was absolute. "I'm going to tell my mother that it's my hard earned rupees that she's spending, and I don't need her throwing it away on ridiculous things, like paying someone else to clean out the house! She can get a job if she wants to waste it all away!"
"Good." Karane nodded. "I think you should stand up to her, after all that she-" her smile turned into a frown of confusion as she craned her head further out to see something behind Pipit. "What the-"
Pipit turned to see something that looked like a large ball of blue flames shoot through the clouds for a good few feet near their island before dropping back down.
"...Huh," He turned back to Karane. "That's not something you see every day."
- on the surface-
...Seriously, where did he go? There's no way that he would-
Oh wait, never mind. I saw him heading back down towards m- wait a minute!
"OH SWEET HYLIA!" I almost screamed as I realized the flame was crashing back to earth towards me, and I dodged out of the way before I could get hit.
The second I calmed down and it was safe to have the sword tempered, I was again forced to hold onto the sword as the flames entered the blade and I watched as the sword once again took on a new change.
The sword changed from being black and gray to almost entirely white, though the red stone remained the same.
After I put the sword back in the scabbard, I noticed that my hand once again had the strange glowing mark, but this time, both of the bottom two triangles were glowing. It was then that I remembered seeing this mark a long time ago, before the ancient cistern.
"...What is this mark?" I wondered out loud. "I remember seeing this back at the temple of time."
"I think I may know what it might represent," Ghirahim's voice echoed in my head. "But I would like it if we can acquire the next flame as soon as possible."
"You must really want your powers back."
"Yes, but the appearance of my sword... It's far too sterile for my taste. There's almost too much white in it."
"The new look isn't that bad though." Was all I could say. I tried to refrain from pointing out why Ghirahim's complaint was a contradiction.
-Relax-
Before I went back to Skyloft, I pulled the sword out again.
"You really admired Hylia, even though the two of you were enemies a first." I reflected. "Your stories contrast against what you first told me: how that he was a mighty warrior and all. Sure, he... came across as a bit intense, for everything he did, just to teach you a lesson. But it sounds like he was a good guy."
Ghirahim chuckled. "He had admirable qualities though I prefer to remember him as a worthy opponent: a fierce deity, you could say."
-? years in the future-
You got the Graceful Deity's Mask! This mask doesn't look bad as Majora... right? Press ,v, or , to find out!
"Whoa, look at this Tael!" Zelda turned to face her companion. What replaced the young girl was a breathtakingly beautiful woman with waist length golden hair and a simple white dress with billowing sleeves. She wore blue, crystal like bracelets on her arms, hair ornaments made of the same material on two front locks, and her sword was also made of the same material.
"This is like being an adult again." She spoke an a rather mature voice as she examined her new form. "I don't know why the mask had this, but it's got to be powerful, right Tael?"
The fairy didn't respond.
"Tael?"
Still no response.
"Tae-
"Sorry!" The fairy quickly sputtered out while sounding flustered. "I was just taking it in... it's... uh... really cool Zelda!"
Thank the giants that humans can't see us beyond our glow. Tael blushed. My nose was practically bleeding for some reason.
-I was waiting to make that joke for ages-
I tried once again to imagine Hylia as a warrior, based off the stories I heard. "...I guess I can see that. Hylia did participate in the war, though I can't understand what he was planning to do with me and Link... why were we sent up into the sky, when there isn't much on the surface to worry too much about now?"
Ghirahim's voice became quiet "And what of the Imprisoned? Why was it sealed?"
I recalled the monster from awhile back. "...I suppose."
-?-
I don't know where I am. Honestly, I don't care- not when I'm with the person I want to see the most.
I see Link in that strange combination of armor and tunic, but he doesn't have his sword with him. For some reason, I am wearing a dress fit for a noblewoman... or is it? I can see something similar to armor on my shoulders, and I feel something on my forehead, like tiara.
"It suits you." He smiles. "It makes you look like a princess."
I blush. "Aw, thanks." I then gave him a confused look. "But, why? How and where did you-"
He shakes his head and smiles as he holds out his hand and I proceed to take his hand.
Just as my fingers brush his, I feel a sharp jab in my stomach.
Link's face changes from happiness to horror as I let out a choke. I look away from him, to see a blade sticking out of me.
There's no blood.
My shaking hands head towards the blade and I turn my head to see where it came from, but I am unable to. I see movement out of the corner of my eye and I turn to see that Link is walking away from me.
Confused and desperate for him reach my hand out towards him and try to cry out, but it feels like my voice is stuck in my throat.
All I can do is make these guttural sounding voices and I feel the tears forming in my eyes.
My despair turns to horror as a red cloud begins forming somewhere ahead of Link before it parts to reveal the Imprisoned.
I try to tell Link to stop, but it's futile. He's heading right towards the Imprisoned's open mouth, which reveal three sets of jagged teeth and, beyond those, is a dark abyss.
The blade is suddenly pulled out of me, and I find myself falling backwards.
I'm desperately kicking and waving my arms, in an attempt to stop myself, but I already know that it's helpless.
"Pitiful." A voice says. "You are nothing more than a puppet."
I know I'm about ready to hit the ground. I second I hit it-
-?-
-I jolt out of bed, gasping of air.
I sat upright as I stared into the semi darkness of my bedroom, while my heart is still racing.
After a moment to compose myself, I rested my face in my hands: this journey I've undertaken is getting the best of me, and even in my dreams, I'm not free from the nightmares that I've faced.
"Just one more flame." I try to reassure myself, even though I already know I'm lying to myself. "Just one more flame."
It took me awhile to figure out the tree part in the game. Also, Tentalus, while lacking in a more interesting design, is one of the hardest bosses for me in this game.
I did base the gender bent version of Hylia on the Fierce Deity. I saw this thing on tv tropes suggesting that the Link from the prequel manga in Hyrule Historia was turned into the Fierce Deity... I decided to have fun with that idea. I was wondering if anyone would catch on in chapter four when I was specific with Link's armor and sword... but nobody commented on it... oh well.
Also... yeah, I don't like Pipit's mom that much. But she's got NOTHING on the one character I hate the most in Skyward Sword.
Couple of things I need to point out, before it bothers you guys:
1. The boomerang from Twilight Princess has a spirit in it. So technically, Fi and Ghirahim aren't the only ones who reside in a weapon in the Zelda universe. I was also trying to think of a logical reason as to why Zelda could sense Ghirahim's self doubt in the last chapter... other than that I thought it was a cool idea at the time.
Was Tentalus around because Hylia intended it? Or did Link accidentally revive an old monster? I understand how each dungeon would reflect a quality of each triforce piece, but Hylia must of had amazing foresight for Tentalus to show up... ESPECIALLY for Ghirahim to show up as the boss to the fire sanctuary. I don't see that was Hylia's intention, so... then again, for a goddess who had everything planned out, she completely forgot that Demise MIGHT have a very loyal servant on hand.
It does seem like a violation in so much as braiding an unconscious girl's hair for some (considering the whole issue of consent in this day and age) but I promise that Ghirahim respects and cares for his mistress to the point that he would never do anything worse than that to her in such a state(I almost had it where he was going to play with her hair for a bit, before he actually realized the reason why that might be a bad idea... but I realized it wasn't right at the time for a number of reasons.)... plus, he's known for not respecting personal space THAT much to begin with, so it works for him.
I'm going to try to take it easy for a bit, because the next chapter has a lot of stuff planned out (and university work.) I'm going to try to fit in as much as I can for Zelda's return trip to Eldin (and she will NOT look forward to that trip, I guarantee.)