First off, I neglected to answer some questions last time, so...

WanderBaron:... I wanted to use the 'thread of fate' line for Fi but... I don't think she would be the kind of person who would say the 'fills my heart with rainbows' kind of person... though saying it in monotone would be really amusing! I've actually doodled a female Demise for the heck of it: it was interesting, but there's still the issue with the sw-oh wait, that's spoiler territory.

As to the fight with Fi and adding more Hyrule Warriors moves... that's a maybe. I might choreograph that fight last, considering how important that chapter is going to be.

HeroGirl99: Definitely continuing the story! By the way, you meant 'bra' right? Because I can see Demise wearing a pink bra or a pink bow... or both... actually just pictured both LOL :D

Hero Alexa249: I KNOW! ARGH!... But then again, there's always the linked ending from Oracle of Ages and Seasons (that was something I wanted for a LONG, LONG time, back in those early years. :) ) BTW what is that youtube video you are talking about?

-s-

-s-

You guys are fuel for the fire that keeps burning... as well as the partnership of Zelda and Ghirahim in this fic. That keeps the flame going too. :D

Random music thought: Had Ghirahim been the ally... would they changed the key tone of his theme into something... less creepy? Would they have done a key change for Fi's theme?

...Actually, never mind.

And here we go: another chapter I've been waiting to write for a number of reasons...

Unfortunately, not only is it short, but I need to take another break again. Classwork is piling up... but the good news is that I have been working on a cover art for this fic (it's not much actually, because of how things have been.) and, if you like Ghirahim flirting with Hylia, you're in luck.

Earlier, I said that I thought Ghirahim was attractive... To be honest, I didn't think so until I saw him in Hyrule Warriors... And hot damn was that a nice improvement over the creepy eyed version in Skyward Sword! (Seriously... the eyes made all the difference for me.)

...And then I realized how much innuendo I created through this fanfic. :(

Remember guys, we are getting closer to the official appearance of Demise, so get those votes in if you want to have a say in his gender... so long as you include an actual review!

Chapter 11: The Makings of a Legend

"So, you returned." The old woman greeted me as I slowly re-entered my time frame.

I glanced towards her and though I wanted to hide how I truly felt, I could only give her a feeble wave as I slowly walked towards her. Sensing my change in behavior the old woman inquired "What troubles you, dear?"

And so, I explained.

"Then you know everything," The woman understood and glanced towards the gate she used to sit in front of when I felt meet her. "He is indeed waiting, suspended in a sleep without end.. but do not despair, for he is alive and well."

I silently realized why I had to keep the Imprisoned away from the temple- what I was protecting this whole time. It was something I didn't want to keep thinking about as I chose to listen to the old woman.

"True to legend, the Triforce is the one thing with the power to vanquish Demise. It is thought to have been hidden within Skyloft by Hylia... Sadly, that is all we know of where it rests." She bowed her head. "All other clues to it's whereabouts have been lost to the ages."

"So... the next likely place to look is in Skyloft." I quietly thought out loud.

After I promised Groose that I would tell everyone in Skyloft that he was ok, I walked towards the familiar doors that I never gave much thought of until now.

The door was old, but there was a wide enough of a gap between the doors that I could make out a now familiar blue object shinning in the room that was closed off.

Despite everyone's reassurance, I couldn't help but place a hand against the doors and rest my head against them. "Soon," I promised to the occupant in the next room. "I'll get the Triforce before you know it... you lazy head."

-in the sky-

I was silent as I aimlessly lead my loftwing through the sky, and my mind was devoid of any thoughts or voices.

I didn't really want to go back to Skyloft: I just wanted to be somewhere away from the rest of the world, away from the reminders of the burdens that was placed upon us all... except I remembered that Ghirahim was still with me and he probably wouldn't take it too kindly if it seemed that I was going to abandon him.

I found myself flying to a lonely island, far from the rest of the world, and landed there. As I got off my loftwing, the majestic bird chose to rest upon the island with me and sat down.

"I've never told you enough how much I am grateful for your assistance, my dear friend." I gently ran my hand against it's neck. "Thank you."

My loftwing let out a pleased cry of appreciation before it rested it's head on the ground.

I turned away from my loftwing and removed all my equipment- my belt, shield, and even the newly endowed master sword. I set everything upon the ground, but I hesitated before I could to the same to the sword.

I stared at the blade, which rested in a scabbard that was now purplish blue, with lovely golden embellishments- including the symbol of the Triforce. Even if it seemed like a sword, it felt alive in my hands, like there was more than what it seemed, beyond it's sheer beauty... it had aided me throughout my journey and changed as much as I had.

I sighed as I walked towards a ways a way from my belongings and laid upon the grass. It wasn't until I rested the sword above my head that I could throw my arms out and close my eyes as the dying rays of the sun warmed me.

I never realized how different I felt: everything felt heavy inside, and yet I felt stronger. My hands were calloused from my journey, and they also had slain many a monster that crossed my way...

I was changed: I was no longer the headmaster's daughter who dreamed of the impossible. I had become a warrior in my own right, who had faced monsters almost as tall as the statue of Hylia-

I cringed at the thought. Hylia's name was almost like a curse word after what Link did. If I knew what had happened before the ceremony......Wait... oh, please don't tell me he knew this whole time too. I thought with a pang of dread in my heart.

"Ghirahim?" I opened my eyes, but didn't move a muscle as I called for him. "Did you... know about the connection between Link and Hylia this whole time?"

When I finally heard his voice, I couldn't tell if it was in my head or not.

"In a way, I did."

"...I was afraid you would say that." I was unable to hide my disappointment or how hollow I just sounded... or the anger that was building up. "I bet you were disappointed: of all people Hylia chose to be his hero, it had to be the childhood friend who had a crush on his reincarnation, right?!"

I sat up and grabbed at my hair. "Why me?!" I cried. "Why did Hylia choose me?! I don't care what Link says, none of this was fair to us! Was I really chosen because of who I am to Link?! That doesn't make me a hero, that makes me a pawn! A toy!" I threw the words out as I clenched my fists and almost crashed them into my head, which hurt my fingers in the process.

"What am I?!" I sobbed. "Why couldn't Hylia just finish the job and leave us in peace?! Why make me feel like I wasn't special, but just the romantic interest in a stupid story?!" My hands slid down my head and over my face. "Who am I?" my wavering voice was barely audible through my hand covered mouth.

There was silence... then-

"You are Zelda."

"You were chosen, because you are Zelda and no one else. I can share you the memory of when Hylia revealed his decision to me-"

-long, long ago-

"You said you wanted to speak to me?"

Ghirahim approached Hylia in the sanctuary that was curiously in the shape of a woman. The god looked worse for the wear: his appearance was covered in dirt and dried blood- both black and red, from monsters and men alike- and his sword was almost entirely covered in the same substance. As for the god himself, he seemed tired, for once- had it been in another time, Ghirahim could have used this to his advantage.

Hylia glanced at Ghirahim through dim looking eyes, but he was able to raise an eyebrow despite his fatigue. "What on earth did you do to yourself?"

"Oh, this old thing?" Ghirahim gestured to his new clothes. "I grew bored of those ratty peasant clothes you gave me. I think this suits me better." Ghirahim could not resist making a dramatic pose to show off this attire. "Remarkable, isn't it? Doesn't it leave you breathless?"

"...Ok, that you, but-" the disinterested Hylia weakly pointed a finger up. "Your hair-"

"As much as I appreciate this from," Ghirahim's haughtiness covered up his new found insecureness, thanks to a specific girl. "A certain someone by the name of Fi made me look a little... asymmetrical, so I had to give myself a new look to make up for it. It works for me, because, honestly, having to tie it all back is such a hassle, don't you agree? It's not suitable for men of war."

Ghirahim barely missed how pale Hylia suddenly became at his words.

"What? Are you disappointed Hylia? I knew you had an affection for long hair, but I didn't realize that I feel into that category as well. Not that I'm flattered-"

"I called you because I need your help." Hylia interrupted.

Hylia explained everything to Ghirahim: how he was going to save his people, the sealing of Demise, and his intention to be reborn as a human.

"Do you jest?" Ghirahim was genuinely stunned. "You want to lower yourself to the form of a mere mortal and forsake all of your supreme powers?"

"Yes Ghirahim." Hylia confirmed. "It's the only way."

He finally explained something important. In order to defeat Demise for good, he needed a hero.

"A hero with an unbreakable spirit." Hylia added. "However, this hero needs to go through many trials to strengthen their spirit, so that they are fit to use the Triforce."

Hylia looked Ghirahim with a hopeful eye and began to explain something important.

"It was my intention for the hero to have a sword, with a spirit to guide them, to aid in their quest. Unfortunately... circumstances have prevented me the time from creating one fit for such a purpose."

Now Ghirahim began to understand.

"...And you want me to be that sword?" Ghirahim let out a laugh. "I'm sorry, but you do remember who you're talking to, correct? I was created to destroy, conquer and take away life, not to guide someone, let alone save your world. Plus, I have no interest in a new wielder, after all I went through, and I doubt my sword could be of any use to them."

"I already know who my chosen hero will be." Hylia ignored the spirit. "I saw her, in a vision-"

"A she?" Ghirahim raised an eyebrow this time.

"She will possess a strong spirit, a wise mind, and a disposition that matches the sun at her very best. She will be also well tempered, when needed-"

"I have no interest." Ghirahim turned his head, when he realized what kind of person Hylia was seeking. "You speak of an optimist, not a warrior."

"She will need someone to convince her to fight." Hylia continued. "She is someone who is not going to be used to slaying beasts, and she will need additional encouragement. Is your taste for blood the reason for your notoriety?"

"...Are you actually encouraging me to make her into a blood thirsty fiend?" There was a glimmer of amusement in the sword spirit's eye and he felt somewhat flattered. "My, Hylia- you must be going senile."

"If you do this Ghirahim," Hylia added "You may have a chance to be restored to your former glory. You can retain your full powers and become what you once were, should you aid the hero. I promise you, for all that will occur."

Ghirahim, for once, became silent.

"What else is there to gain, when all is said and done Ghirahim? Consider this my last request from me to you: not as a god, but as a favor for saving your life, for who knows where fate will take you? I will give you time to think, if that is what you want... however, know that if all goes as planned, my people will be gone from this land for thousands of years. I doubt life on this earth will be as interesting as the one that could come if you say yes."

Ghirahim thought.

Perhaps... perhaps he could find the answers he sought. And perhaps the idea was interesting as he was curious as to how the world could turn out in the years to come.

And what's more, the idea of a life without any battles was unappealing: his blade would rust from lack of use without the chance to participate in the glorious dances of life or death.

As for the idea of a new wielder... he wasn't entirely sure if he wanted another, after what had happened last time. He still felt loyalty to his former master, and the new one didn't quite meet his standards... at least from what he had heard so far.

And yet, he wanted to return to his former glory...

...He really didn't have anything else to lose, if he did this.

...He gave up.

"I see no point living in such a world without a reason to fight." Ghirahim finally answered. "I suppose I'll humor you, Hylia."

And so, Hylia gave Ghirahim his final instructions before he presented his sword at the pedestal the following day.

"I am sorry," Hylia noticed Ghirahim's shocked dismay at what was once a mighty sword, now changed to something smaller in size, and suitable for a normal being. "I said I couldn't restore the blade to it's true potential... forgive me."

"...At least you had the sense to make it look like mine." Ghirahim muttered.

"...One more thing Ghirahim." Hylia looked the sword spirit in the eye when he looked back up and a small smile formed on the god's face.

"I know we were never destined to be friends... and I doubt my future incarnation would ever have so much as a chance. I hope that, instead, you can form some sort of bond with the hero in my place.

So... seeing as this might be good-bye... I only wish that fortune favors you in the coming future."

Ghirahim hesitated: as much as he hated to admit it, Hylia helped get him back on his feet again, but he had no room in his heart for anything beyond respect and slight gratitude for all he did. He still could not believe that Hylia would make himself a mortal, but the god was dead set on the idea, so there was no way he could persuade him otherwise.

He sniffed and tossed his head. "I doubt I have anything to say that would please you... but," He softened a little. Not too much, but a little. "I suppose..." He drifted off. "I can wish the same to you too."

One moment later, he heard the sound of the sword being thrusted into the pedestal.

He quickly turned to Hylia in a panic- he didn't want to be sent into a sleep this soon! He looked to the god in disbelief, but Hylia only waved farewell to Ghirahim as his vision began to turn dark.

"Please... don't forget me as I am now." Hylia smiled as he began to fade from Ghirahim's view... as the sword spirit felt himself be pulled back into the sword. "And may the hero be suitable enough to be considered a comrade, if not a friend."

And thus... Ghirahim entered a sleep that would last for many, many, years.

Sometimes, he would dream of the world that Hylia had sent into the sky. He dreamt of people evolving, and technology changing... sometimes he dreamt of the days that had long since passed.

Once, he dreamt of being in a war that spanned different eras, but he couldn't remember all the details or the faces of his comrades (what a laugh- to think that in any era, he would ever have anyone in his life that could be considered as such, and not as underlings). He remembered that there was someone very important in that war that he became connected to, but he couldn't remember why.

One day, Ghirahim knew that the hero was born: he could hear a new born's cries somewhere in his deep slumber. He had no desire to see the infant until later, knowing that the destined hero was currently a weak, hapless being.

Years passed, and he could see visions of a girl beyond the pedestal. He could see a child, with eyes as blue as the sky, hair gold as the sun, and a disposition as bright as day. He watched her in his dreams: sometimes, she was reading or playing her mother's harp while singing songs, sometimes she would stare off into the sky, and sometimes, she would play with a boy that she clearly cherished... but his familiar appearance told Ghirahim that Hylia became the playmate of his intended hero.

The sight of a minuscule version of the god- so weak and helpless while being dragged along by this headstrong young girl- humored the sword spirit.

And it became increasingly evident that perhaps Hylia was a cruel man: of all the people he chose for his hero, it had to be the one that he would, in time, most likely harbor more than childish affections for the young girl.

What a hypocrite.

He watched the girl grow... as her beauty developed and caught the attention of many young men... and he even saw a moment at her mother's funeral, and the saddest she had ever been in her life... but the girl regained her bright spirit with the aid of time, friendship, and family.

And one day, the day came that it was time for the hero... Zelda... to answer the call of her destiny.

He knew, the day she stood by that statue, and sang the ballad of Hylia. She had grown into a beautiful young woman, who carried an air of grace and whose talent in the harp and in her singing was almost breath taking.

He watched her throughout that day: her determination for her Link to succeed in becoming a knight almost killed the poor boy, but she was quick to his aid when the loftwing didn't arrive. She proved that she wasn't shallow and would not tolerate foolishness from the lummox who desired her and hated Link for being the one to hold her affections. She proved that she was willing to aid Link in anyway, even to find his loftwing for him and brave the monster infested caves while doing so.

It was enough for Ghirahim to know that Zelda would not only be fit for her destiny, but that she would be an interesting wielder. He couldn't help but play with her as she looked for Link's loftwing from beyond the pedestal.

"I look foreword to the moment we meet, sky child."

Ghirahim smiled as Zelda realized that she heard someone.

"Huh...? W-who's that?" Zelda glanced to her side. "Who's calling for me?"

"You will know soon enough." Ghirahim chuckled to himself as he faded back and decided to watch the rest of this interesting day... until it would be time to make his appearance.

-present-

"I remember!" I realized. "Why did I forget that?!" I let out a weak chuckle. "It was you after all..."

"And so, I make my confession: I desired answers, battle, and the return of my powers. In a way, that makes me as devious as Hylia."

"But then again, I suppose I could be the same." I answered. "When I think about it, all I wanted was to find Link... and I wanted to see the surface. Does that mean we were both using each other?"

I heard the sound of something sifting next to me and I turned to see that Ghirahim had been lying by me the entire time.

"In a way, it can be argued that we are both tools of war in a sacred battle." He began as he gazed into the sky from where he sat. "And as we both know, Hylia could be as cruel as he was kind for all he put you through.

However, he was correct in choosing you as his hero. Not for his intentions, but for the ideal qualities inside you: determination, wisdom, strength, courage, kindness... In the end, I am thankful that he chose you. I didn't realize how you would be connected to Hylia, but I saw that you were more than just a character in a story, if that is an appropriate parallel."

He then turned to me with true sincerity in his eyes. "If anything, you actually made me feel wanted again and- well, now I'm just getting sentimental, and I'm not one for such a thing." He tossed his head. "You are a far better person than Hylia or... even my former master." He trailed off at the memory.

"About that..." I began. "I think I know who you're old master is... he's Demise, isn't he?"

The remaining serenity radiating from Ghirahim faded away in a flash and he began to look somewhat troubled.

"I started realizing it... the way you acted when we first fought the Imprisoned, your story and the fact that he was Hylia's opponent... and that you were once an enemy of Hylia. Then... Link explained everything." I put the worst part of the memories in the back of my head. "And considering your personality and what not... it made sense."

"...You are correct."

"...Oh," I replied. "Then that means... we are fighting to keep your old master from returning to power."

I felt myself growing nervous. "Is... was Demise as dangerous as you make him to be? I'm actually afraid of what could happen if he does regain power."

Ghirahim drew his knees to his chest. "He is all that everyone has made him out to be. While it is true that you are growing in strength, it is up to fate to decide if you could ever defeat him in a real battle. I wish, deep down, that you won't have to face him as he used to be, for he would not hesitate to apply the worst of wounds before death if he wished it."

I shuddered. "If he gets Link... no. I'm not going to let him get Link." I assured myself. "I will find the Triforce before that happens and end this conflict."

Ghirahim grinned in pleasure. "And there it returns... the unbreakable spirit of the one fit to wield the sword."

"...Thank you." I gave him a smile in return as I felt my hope restored. "I promise I won't let you down. Let's get that that Triforce together!"

I got up and brushed the bottom of my dress up as Ghirahim followed suit.

"One more thing: there is an important matter to attend."

I waited as he approached me and his eyes drifted down to my chest "Is this of any importance to you?" He asked as he pointed at the blue diamond broach on my dress.

"This?" I automatically touched it. "Not really. This dress was for the ceremony, and the gem isn't too special to me but-"

He placed a finger on it. "Then it's time for a bit of a change."

I glanced down and watched in surprise as the gem changed from a calm sky blue to a fiery red.

"What the-" I glanced up at him, and he seemed quite pleased with his handiwork. "Why did you-"

"You said you missed the red stone on the sword, correct?" Ghirahim answered. "So, now I have made it so that you can have a part of me with you. The fact that it was a blue colored diamond has been giving me bad memories, thanks to an old friend of ours who shares the same affinity... and besides, you are a legend in the making. You will inspire countless generations across time and your name will be in the pages of legend. Whatever happens, I want something of me to survive across time too, no matter which shape or form."

I touched the now red gem, which was still warm to the touch. "You really think I could become a legend?" I wondered. "I don't feel like one."

Ghirahim threw his arms out in a flourish, which sent his cape flying in the process. "You will become the greatest of them all! You were destined, the day you were born to become more than just a person of history! And, if you don't mind, it is with pride that I am helping to shape you into that legend!"

"...The legend... of Zelda?" I thought out loud, before I smiled with some new found excitement. "That actually has a nice ring to it."

"And don't you forget this," He walked up to me and suddenly placed his hands on my shoulders.

"What, no sudden ambush from behind?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I'm trying to make a heartfelt speech dear girl." Ghirahim pouted. "Now listen!"

"If there is one thing I have learned when I have been traveling with you, it is that each person we encounter may seem ordinary, but they always prove themselves to be more than that, in some fashion. Now, I suppose in your eyes, that may or may not be the case, but it seems that every person has some incredible influence on the rest of the lot, and no matter who you are, know that you are not just some pawn or just a random face picked by fate. You are you- you are Zelda. You are your own glorious legend in the making!"

I was speechless. That... that was something I had never expected him to say, but it was pretty amazing. Even Ghirahim realized the extent of his speech and grimaced.

"Ugh, you and the others really rubbed off on me. I can practically hear Hylia laughing somewhere from beyond." He sighed. "Oh well. It can't be helped, but just saying those words didn't feel like it was in my nature."

"Now then... let us be off to continue writing the rest of the pages in your legend!"

-later-

When I returned to the academy I immediately walked to my father's study.

"Hello again Zelda." My father cheerfully greeted me as I opened the door. "How have things been on the surface world?"

I meant to bring up the subject of the Triforce, but I just didn't want to get into it, after all I had done that day. My automatic response was to just go and hug him, and his presence was welcoming for my spirit.

"...I'm just glad to see you." I answered.

"...Is something wrong, dear?"

I buried my head farther into him. "It's been a long day."

-the next day-

"Father," I began. "Do you know anything about the Triforce?"

"...The Triforce?" Father seemed surprised. "Where did you hear that word?"

"I need to the relic... in order for my quest to be over." I began. "Supposedly, it's hidden away in Skyloft."

"It is true that their is mention of the Triforce within the pages of the tomes." Father admitted. But unfortunately, the actual location of the Triforce isn't illuminated in any of those tomes. It's whereabouts are lost to history... I'm afraid I can't be of any use to you."

"Well... isn't there someone else?" I asked. "There has to be someone else?"

"...There is someone who might help." Father thought. "Levias, the great spirit of the sky is known to have a knowledge that is known to be encyclopedic."

I recalled the stories of Levias. "Is there anyway I can find him?" I asked. "If I tell him everything, I'm sure he can help."

"...About that," Father looked a little unsure. "Do you recall the tremendous thunderhead that appeared in our skies? I have recently head rumors that he is trapped in that cloud."

"I don't think he could be trapped." I remembered the inside of the thunderhead. "All there is are islands and a sanctuary."

"I had asked Instructor Owlan to look into the matter." Father explained. "I meant to ask about his findings, but after all that has happened, it had slipped my mind."

"I will look for him then." I nodded as I headed towards the door.

"I haven't seen that much of Levias," I heard Ghirahim speak. "But it is true that he has a vast knowledge that is comparable to none."

-...This is the one part in the game the authoress hates the most-

...Why me? Just... why me?

According to Owlan, Levias was supposedly possessed by something dark and sinister.

So naturally, Owlan had to teach me how to do a spiral charge in order to be prepared for Levias. Just teach my loftwing a new trick: easy, right?

...Wrong.

For some reason, it was not easy to maneuver the loftwing and attack those 10 targets within the given time limit. It took me... six tries before I found myself about ready to snap and my nerves were making me shake nonstop, which did not help my coordination in any way.

I'd take another silent realm over this any day.

"Can't I just go ahead and get to Levias?!" I growled at Owlan. "I can't hit the targets within that amount of time!"

"I'm sorry, but I prohibit you from using that technique until you can prove me you can do so within the allotted time." He calmly denied.

I found myself entering a daydream... where I ripped his head off his spine with my bare hands and stuck it on a post for all to see in it's beautiful glory.

The idea made me smirk. "Heh, heh." I chuckled, which must have seemed creepy... good. He should be freaked out by this, after all he is making me do.

"My, my!" Ghirahim sounded excited in my head and seemed quite taken with my daydream. "Aren't we in the mood for some violence today? I must confess that I was feeling the same, but I never imagined the extent you wanted to invoke on this frustrating man."

"...Excuse me for a moment." I left and went off to the Brazer.

"Lets just skip this and get on with the next part." I told Ghirahim. "I know it's getting close to the time when the owner of the Lumpy Pumpkin sends an offering of pumpkin soup to Levias."

"... is this your idea of 'cheating'?" He asked.

"Well, we are low on time, and I doubt Hylia didn't intend this training as part of the test. Let's just bail and get on with it."

"...I think your thinking, Mistress."

-As the FF7 abridged series claims: petty revenge is the best kind of revenge!-

With the cooperation of the owner of the Lumpy Pumpkin, I had a large batch of pumpkin ready on hand.

"Well... that just leads one more thing." I said out loud as I looked at the pumpkin. "We need Scrapper's help."

I heard an irritated noise from Ghrahim as he came out, much to the shock of the owner and nearby patrons. He ignored everyone and proceeded to summon the all too happy Scrapper who came in little to no time flat.

"...Is that thing broken?" The owner asked us as the robot flew off with the pumpkin, after he listened to the... unique exchange. "Rude little guy, isn't he? Anyway, the place I offer soup to Levias is inside the thunderhead cloud, on an island with an everlasting rainbow."

-thunderhead-

"You picked an odd place for a soup delivery. Feels dangerous. Something could jump out at us at any moment, hungry for soup... or robot." Scrapper looked about the stormy surroundings.

He set the soup down on the ground and flew away. "I'm out of here! See you around, zzzrt!"

Before I knew it I heard a loud cry and watched as a massive, majestic looking beast fly out of the sky. It looked crossed between some sort of fish and a turtle, but what was unsettling was the strange tendrils coming out of it's body and the glowing red eyes.

"What kind of creature is possessing him?" I wondered as I realized what I needed to do and headed towards the ledge, so I could ride my loftwing towards Levias.

As I approached Levias, I got a closer look at the tendrils. To my disgust, they looked like eyes attached to long tubes that were coming out of the craters in his body.

"What is that?!" I grimaced. "I'd hate to be Levias if I had those coming out of me!"

"It appears to be a Bilocyte." Was my response which echoed in my head over the storm. "It's a parasite feared by all. To make it come out, you would have to put your training to use."

"Got it!" I urged my loftwing on. "Let's see if my 'cheating' works!"

- later-

After I killed the Bilocyte, Levias sank to the depths of the clouds, but then he rose back into the thunderhead, while the once stormy area became bright with a warm light.

As soon as he had his fill of the pumpkin soup, I chose to fly towards him and landed on the platform like part of his head.

"Did you bring that delicious pumpkin soup?" Levias's voice was booming and mighty. I couldn't tell if he was in my head or if the voice I heard was outside my head.

"It was!" I called out to him as loud as I could so he could hear me. "Forgive me for standing on your head, but I want my loftwing to have a moment's rest for awhile. I hope you don't mind."

Levias let out a laugh and I almost lost my footing. "You are an interesting child! Though I must apologize for my peculiar behavior: a most peculiar and irksome pest possessed me. I was not myself. But thanks to the delicious aroma of that soup, my senses have been restored!"

"I am the great spirit they call Levias. Before he passed from the world so long ago, the god Hylia appointed me as warden of the skies. And what do they call you, girl?"

"I am Zelda!" I answered. "Daughter of Gaepora, who is headmaster and founder of the knight academy at Skyloft!"

"Ah... A rather pleasing name." Levias complimented. "Your parents clearly have excellent taste in names!... Hmmm... you carry an interesting sword... and you carry a power in your frame... Ah, I see it now. Zelda, you are Hylia's chosen hero! I assume you've come to hear what I know of the Triforce."

"I was hoping so!" I confirmed.

"I do, young one."

And so, he explained: it was indeed somewhere in Skyloft, but he didn't know it's exact location. However, there was a clue in a song- the song of the hero- that Hylia left. It was spilt into four parts and was entrusted to Levias and the three dragons on the surface in the regions I have visited. I had to convince the dragons for those parts and return to Levias, to learn the remainder of the song.

"Thank you Levias!" I concluded. "I will come back as soon as I can!" I rushed off his head and called my loftwing.

Levias chuckled as I caught a ride on my loftwing and soared towards the exit.

"I wish you the best of fortunes, young Zelda!" He called to me. "My the goddesses smile in your favors!"

As soon as I left the thunderhead, I consulted Ghirahim.

"Ok, three parts, three regions." I reviewed. "We already know where to find Faron... suppose we find her first?"

"As much as I loathe the idea, it seems like a good start." He reluctantly approved.

-somewhere else-

"...You aren't going to go and kill Owlan yourself?"

Said the three goddesses to their guest, who was lying by the mysterious silver book in a tired, depressed heap.

"...I'm not feeling it today." She grumbled. "...My brain is too messed up to care about it anymore."

"...Oh well, whose up for a Once upon a Time marathon?!" Farore cheered.

"...Sure." The guest replied.

Note.

That's it: the one part of Skyward Sword I hate with all of my being was the Spiral Charge training! The timing with the harp was aggravating, the silent realms were cake walks, the Imprisoned was nerve shaking, and they all had NOTHING on that piece of crap mini game disguised as a plot point! What the hell Nintendo?! I got to the point that I wanted to rip the instructors head off his spine and stick it on a spike! Thank the internet for the help that is youtube when I needed it most.

And that's why I hate... he makes all other annoying characters in the Zelda series look decent and I would willingly sick Ghirahim on him if I had to go through that training if I were Link in the game.

...Even Skyloft's silent realm only took me a couple tries instead of... ugh. :(

Other than that...I'm kind of enjoying Ghirahim's flirtations with male Hylia?

I promised that I would look at Zelda and Ghirahim's relationship... but you know what? Most of it has been pretty much covered, so it's almost not worth mentioning.

However, it has been fun so far, pitting these two together in a way that could almost never be. Here is a Zelda that isn't burdened by sacred duties and is able to retain her personality from the prologue, while we have an unusual agent of Hylia in the form of the one who is regarded by some to be one of Zelda's greatest villains. It felt awkward writing this at first- you can tell, by how much it leans on parody like levels in the first chapters- but it became easier once I started having fun... although it changes my grasp of reality on the series at times.

One of the issues that I do have difficulty with the two is fighting the urge to make Ghirahim's attachment to Zelda as more than friend and 'servant'... crack pairings are fun, but in this case, I try to obey the rule of keeping those two in their unique friend zones... though I may do a separate one shot as a sort of "what if?"

To Ghirahim, Zelda is as much of his world as Demise was/is in the game: if we make parallels, he is her protector, companion, aid, brother, friend and, in a sense, Zelda's lover in a way that a weapon is to it's wielder.

...Now I'm just contradicting what I said earlier. But let's put it this way: after knowing the master sword's true nature, it is arguable that Fi is Link's true companion throughout all of time and it's splintered paths.

In this case, Ghirahim's devotion to Zelda is similar to the one he had of Demise, but it has lead to a partnership that has made him more considerate and selfless ('Well duh!' I hear you all say). While it's easy to see why he's better as a villain, the idea of him as an assistant has had merit, as the internet showed us.

...I really wanted to make an analysis of my own fan fic, didn't I?

Lastly, one more thing that possibly caught your attention.

That thing with Zelda's broach changing from blue to red? That wasn't just for fun: look at each incarnation of Zelda- every single one, including the 'toon incarnations, because in a way, they count too. If it's easier, look at Hyrule Historia if you can... and look very carefully at each one and tell me... what is the one thing that remains constant in each design, no matter the shape or placement?