Next would the the last of Skyward Sword. Likely Zelda's speech (Japanese translation since there's a good chunk of lore that got lost in translation) and then fight with the final boss.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Prelude, Part 1
"If it's neither people nor gods... that leaves us with..." Lefiya reasoned aloud.
"Monsters?" Tiona promptly concluded, sharing the same line of thought.
However, if the answer is indeed monsters, the question that loomed was, what kind of monsters? Were they creatures akin to mere animals, or perhaps something resembling the savage creatures born from the Dungeon? Regardless, the revelation was imminent, as the scene played out on the theater screen.
"This is a tale that you humans have passed down through uncounted generations..." a female spirit's voice commenced.
Light flickered back, revealing an ancient narrative etched onto what appeared to be tanned parchment leather.
"It tells of a war of unmatched scale and ferocity, the likes of which would never be seen again."
An ink blot bled onto the parchment, coalescing into a sinister, horned figure adorned with a malevolent, twisted grin. Its blood-red eyes radiated malevolent glee. Behind this central, leader-like figure, an assembly of demonic forms took shape, each bearing their own wicked grins and brandishing an array of warlike implements.
"One dark, fateful day, the earth cracked wide and malevolent forces rushed forth from the fissure."
The scene shifted, revealing inky illustrations of these malevolent forces wreaking havoc upon the world, incinerating everything in their path, while hapless mortals cried out, struggled, and fled in the face of the onslaught.
"They mounted a brutal assault upon the surface people, driving the land into deep despair... They burnt forests to ash, choked the lands sweet springs, and murdered without hesitation."
Many eyes widened, drawing parallels between the ceaseless horde of monsters emerging from the depths of the Dungeon and the malevolent force now erupting from beneath Hyrule, poised to assail the world above.
"Just like the monsters from the Dungeon," Riveria remarked.
"Looks like a whole lot more than just some regular monsters, doesn't it?" Gareth gestured at the weapons wielded by these 'monsters.'
"That it is…"
"They did all this in their lust to take the ultimate power protected by Her Grace, the goddess."
The perspective then shifted upward, focusing on an ink illustration of the Goddess Hylia, brandishing a sword in one hand and raising her divine instrument high in the air. She was surrounded by her loyal followers, representing various races residing in Hyrule.
'Are those spirits?' Ais wondered silently to herself.
Above her head, the Triforce emitted a golden light, signifying its limitless power.
"The power she guarded was without equal. Handed down by gods of old, this power gave its holder the means to make any desire a reality. Such was the might of the ultimate power that the old ones placed it in the care of the goddess."
The Triforce rested within the Sacred Realm, housed in a temple where surviving mortals prayed fervently for Hylia's triumph and their own well-being.
"If it has the potential to do that, why would they leave something like that behind, where it can be accessed by... them?" Naaza pondered aloud.
"Most likely for this reason—a measure to tilt the balance in favor of their creation, to aid their children in times of desperation. Although, as we gods have come to realize, it doesn't always go as planned," Miach responded.
"For the sake of protecting the almighty power from the evil ones, the noble Goddess... placed the surviving humans upon some earth and floated it into the sky. A place beyond the reach of demons… the high limits of the sky, beyond a sea of clouds."
With the Triforce secured and her people safe, Hylia initiated the ascent of a sizable portion of the earth into the sky, severing it from the desolate world below. As the land soared upwards, only Hylia and her faithful servants remained behind to confront the looming demonic army.
"Staying true to her role, she remained behind to confront the threat," Takemikazuchi remarked.
"That sounds quite dire, having to evaluate the very world itself," Ryuu mused, her sharp eyes revealing her curiosity. "And a threat of such magnitude that demands divine intervention..."
The gods seldom intervened in the realm below, not without potentially causing destruction and inviting retaliation from the Dungeon. When they did lend aid to the Lower Realm, it often came with unintended and sometimes dire consequences.
"Hmm... it doesn't seem like they're deploying their supposed trump card. Perhaps it's considered too risky, especially when it might also align with their enemies' objectives," Finn concluded.
The floating land continued its ascent, carrying humanity's last bastion and the resplendent glow of the Triforce until the faintest glimmer of its celestial radiance disappeared from view, leaving Hyrule far below.
"Thus, the noble Goddess and her servants wagered lives and fought the evil forces, sealing them away."
The illustration transitioned, portraying the demonic horde howling in defeat, engulfed by a radiant divine light that scattered the demonic army and filled the world with a golden brilliance.
"And once again, days of stillness were regained upon the Earth… This is a tale that you humans have told for many ages, generation to generation..."
"The heroine in this story happens to be a Goddess," Bell observed quietly.
"Huh, that's something new," Tiona mused thoughtfully. "A battle between a Goddess wielding her full divinity—sounds like overkill to me."
"Something tells me otherwise," Riveria's expression furrowed. "Based on these depictions, their adversaries are referred to as 'demons,' and from the illustrations, they seem to possess a level of sentience, not merely mindless monsters."
As the light faded, the world transformed from parchment to a clear blue sky stretching to the horizon, adorned with white clouds that formed landscapes in their own right.
"But there are other legends, long hidden away from memory, that are intertwined with this tale. Now, a new legend bound to this great story stands ready to be revealed. A legend that will be forged by your own hand." The spirit's gentle voice spoke to the yet-unseen hero, about to embark on his journey.
"Alright! Let's gooo! I've got a feeling this is going to beat watching a play or reading books any day!" Tiona exclaimed, pumping her fist with enthusiasm.
"The sky above the clouds... it's so beautiful," Haruhime breathed softly, her voice filled with wonder.
"Yeah… but what about the world below?" Hestia pondered aloud.
But far beneath the serene expanse of the azure sky and billowing white clouds, the lands of Hyrule thrived, though an ominous shadow still hung over the entire realm, a reminder of the ancient conflict from which it had not fully recovered. Within a dark forest, the ground trembled and fractured as a colossal monstrosity awoke, unleashing a deafening roar.
The Imprisoned had arisen.
This colossal beast possessed three menacing rows of teeth; its immense body adorned with ebony scales intricately detailed in crimson. Black, flame-like spines adorned its back, and each of its four massive limbs sported ominous, pale appendages resembling toes. An eerie aura emanated from its form, visible in the form of swirling, inky wisps that tainted the surrounding air.
The sinister aura permeated through the screen, casting an eerie, oppressive atmosphere.
"This aura...!" Takemikazuchi hissed, his voice sharp and tense.
In response, the gods instinctively unleashed their divine auras, enveloping their mortal charges in a protective embrace. While the malevolent force did not pose a direct threat to any of them, the deities could feel the demonic aura clash with their own, a chilling collision that sent shivers down the spines of even the bravest and most fearless adventurers in the room.
"What the fuck is that thing?!" Bete blurted out, his wolf ears and tail perking up and stiffening as he sensed the aura of the Imprisoned.
The aura being emitted wasn't that of a spirit or a god; it was something entirely different, something far more monstrous. It was a presence that would render every single monster they had ever faced, from the weakest to the strongest, utterly and completely insignificant by comparison.
"Likely one of those demons the Goddess fought," Loki responded with a tense edge, her divine instinct urging her to remain vigilant, even though the Imprisoned couldn't reach or detect them. "Damn... that thing's aura is as dense as Odin's when he's really pissed off..."
The Imprisoned vigorously shook its colossal form, dislodging dirt and rousing itself from its extended slumber. It swiveled to confront the heavens and unleashed a resounding, defiant roar, an ominous herald of the demonic resurgence.
In the room, a collective flinch swept through the assembly, particularly affecting the deities, as the ferocious roar reverberated throughout the chamber. The roar, though unintelligible, seemed to be directed at the divine entities as a whole.
As the world darkened, the scene shifted back to the world above. A massive red bird, a Loftwing, soared gracefully through the clear sky, its wings slicing through the sea of pristine white clouds. It was soon joined by another Loftwing, adorned in vibrant shades of purple, and the two Loftwings soared in unison towards a suspended landmass, situated within this seemingly celestial realm. The Cloud Barrier enveloped this landmass, separating it from the world below.
Above the billowing clouds, the realm of Skyloft sprawled in all its resplendent beauty. The radiant sun bathed the floating island in warm, golden hues while graceful Loftwings and their riders glided through the boundless sky.
"No wonder their Goddess sent them up there..." Ouka muttered, a shiver coursing down his spine.
Chigusa swallowed hard, her voice trembling. "And she had to confront that thing... maybe even more of them..."
A purple Loftwing gracefully descended towards a captivating, blonde young lady who was gently singing and playing her harp beside an imposing statue of the Goddess Hylia. The melodious notes ceased, and the young lady handed the purple Loftwing an envelope. The bird accepted it into its beak before soaring into the heavens to deliver it, leaving the girl with a soft smile adorning her face.
"Oooh? What a pretty elf!" Loki exclaimed, admiring the girl's appearance. In response, Riveria promptly smacked her Goddess on the head.
The scene then transitioned to a young man with dark blonde hair and blue eyes, seemingly manifesting out of thin air. He opened his eyes, perplexed and disoriented, only to be met with the Imprisoned, towering and bellowing above him. He stared up in shock and horror at the grotesque entity.
"Gah! It's that thing again!" Lili exclaimed in terror, clutching Bell's arm tightly as she caught sight of the Imprisoned.
"Um, what's going on?" Bell inquired; his confusion mirrored by his peers.
Suddenly, the surreal world was bathed in a purplish-pink luminescence, and an ethereal orb above began to speak, echoing the voice that narrated the tale of the Ancient Battle. The Imprisoned seethed at the orb, caught in its confinement.
"A spirit..." Ais murmured softly.
"Rise, Link... The time has come for you to awaken…" the spirit intoned. "You are fated to have a hand in a great destiny, and it will soon find you... The time has come for you to awaken... Link..."
The Imprisoned let out a thunderous roar, casting the surreal world back into darkness and causing Link to shield his eyes. When the tumult and the demon vanished, the sound of a squawking bird filled the air. Link was left bewildered as he glanced around, only to come face to face with a... purple Loftwing!
With a startled cry, Link tumbled out of his bed, landing unceremoniously on the floor.
"Oh, it was just a dream!" Mikoto sighed in relief.
"I think that was much more than just a dream," Welf commented.
'Hmm... Could this be what Cassandra has been trying to tell me?' Miach silently mused and understood what Link's future entails. He realized that he might need to reconsider Cassandra's supposed prophetic dreams in light of this experience.
Blinking sleep from his eyes, he surveyed his room. The purple Skyloft had thrust its head through his window, fixing him with an enigmatic gaze. The two locked eyes for a brief moment before the bird spat out a letter, which landed on Link's forehead, and then it took flight.
Syr chuckled at that. "How adorable!"
"Somewhat impolite," Ryuu remarked.
Groggily, Link picked himself up and unsealed the letter. Its contents read:
Hey, sleepyhead. I know how much you like to sleep in, so I'm guessing this letter will be your alarm clock this morning. Did I guess right?
Rise and shine, Link! Today's the Wing Ceremony! Your promised to meet me before it starts, remember?
You better not keep me waiting.
- Zelda
Link let out a wry snort and a smile.
Link quickly prepared himself for the upcoming Wing Ceremony, exiting his dormitory within the Knight Academy. This institution was home to budding young knights, providing them with the necessary training and education for their future roles as knights. Adjacent to the academy stood the Sparring Hall, where students honed their swordsmanship skills. While making his way through these hallowed halls, Link interacted with fellow students, staff, and graduate knights, partaking in various everyday activities that defined academy life.
On the surface, it appeared to be a typical day, despite the underlying anticipation of the special event. He meandered through the academy's corridors, offering assistance to others, and even engaging in a bit of pottery-smashing for reasons known only to him.
"Hmm... I've just noticed that there don't seem to be any humans among them," Tione observed.
"Those with pointed ears are commonly known as Hylians, named after their Goddess Hylia. But much like how the term 'demi-humans' encompasses a wide array of different races distinct from humans, so too does the term 'human' in Hyrule," the Scribe explained.
"Yeah, yeah, that's wonderful," Bete grumbled. "Are we here to watch his entire life, or can we skip to the interesting stuff?"
"I don't reckon someone as violent, dense, and loud as you'd appreciate the depth of a story's 'dull' parts," Tione retorted.
Tiona nodded in agreement. "Yeah!"
"Haaa?! Coming from you two?" Bete snapped back.
"That's enough, you three," Gareth intervened sharply. "Quiet down and enjoy the show."
Yet, despite these routines, the day carried an air of uneventfulness.
Even Link, the unassuming hero, found himself unwittingly embroiled in a minor escapade—on a quest to locate a missing Remlit named Mia, which happened to belong to Zelda's father, Gaepora. The headmaster of the Knight Academy, Gaepora, had enlisted Link's aid in retrieving the wayward critter, allowing our young hero to showcase his resourcefulness and skills while hunting down the elusive pet.
For his efforts, Link was rewarded with 20 Rupees—a modest sum that could still come in handy. With the pet safely returned and the promise of a reward fulfilled, Link continued his journey, setting his course for the divine statue of Hylia, whose watchful gaze graced the land below.
"That's an enormous statue," Syr observed. "I can see that they hold their Goddess in the highest regard."
"They'd have to be ungrateful not to, considering how she rescued them from a threat they couldn't have faced on their own," Mia commented while Ryuu nodded in agreement.
At the colossal pedestal that cradled the statue of the Goddess, Zelda stood, her fingers dancing over the harp strings, and her voice singing a gentle, melodic tune. This was the same girl who had entrusted the purple Loftwing with the letter destined for Link.
"Oh youth, guided by the servant of the goddess... Unite earth and sky... Bring light to the land," she sang, the notes lingering in the morning air before she paused, turning as she sensed Link's presence. "Hey! Good morning, Link." Zelda's greeting was laced with a bright, genuine enthusiasm. "I'm glad to see my Loftwing got you out of bed. I was pretty sure you'd sleep in and forget to meet me this morning." She held up her harp, a radiant smile gracing her lips. "But look at this instrument! And look at this outfit! They're mine to use today in the ceremony, since I'll be playing the role of the goddess."
"That's kind of them to hold a ceremony to honor her," Haruhime remarked.
'... That girl... She seems... somewhat different,' Hestia thought to herself as she observed Zelda. She couldn't quite pinpoint it, but there was something unusual about the girl, although not necessarily in a negative way.
Link's eyes followed her gesture to the harp, his expression revealing genuine admiration for the instrument's exquisite craftsmanship.
"Aren't they beautiful? Especially this instrument! They tell me it's just like the one the goddess was said to have in the legends. It sounds gorgeous too. I asked Father about it, and he says it's called a harp." Her fingers danced along the strings. "And look at these clothes! I made this wrap myself, and we get to use it in today's ceremony! Between the harp and this outfit, I'm going to make a great goddess today! I got you up early this morning because I wanted you to be the first to see me like this, Link!" With a playful twirl in her dress, she posed before him. "So... how do I look?"
Link offered an approving smile. "You look great."
"Hah, I think so too! But it's nice to know you agree. Thanks, Link!"
Haruhime tilted her head, a faint blush gracing her cheeks. "Are they... a couple?"
"They do seem to give off sort of feeling," Lili muttered.
Their moment was briefly interrupted by the entrance of Gaepora, an elderly man with a prominent monobrow that lent him the air of an owl.
"Ah, there you are, Zelda. Are you all prepared for today's ceremony?" he inquired, his voice resonating with wisdom and authority.
"Oh, hello, Father," Zelda greeted him warmly.
"That's her father?! He looks like an owl!" Bete burst into a short laughter.
"Ah, Link, you're here too. Outstanding," Gaepora greeted the boy with a hearty smile. "It's encouraging to see you up so early, given your capacity for sleep. No doubt today's ceremony had you too excited to close your eyes for once! If you win today's ceremonial race, you'll get to participate in the post-race ritual with Zelda, so give it your best out there."
"Yes. About that..." Zelda's tone turned somber, and she looked down at the ground. "Father, I don't know if he can do it!" Her words cut through the air with an edge of concern, and Link winced at the directness of her critique. "Recently, Link hasn't been practicing much at all for the ceremony! And even when he's out riding his Loftwing, he's just lazily gliding around. Probably daydreaming!" Her gaze sharpened as it fell on him, and he couldn't help but lower his eyes in shame. "I don't know what he's thinking. He's going to have to be in perfect control of his bird to win today!"
"Huge oof!" Loki couldn't help but snicker at Zelda's straightforward comment regarding Link's laziness.
"No need to worry yourself, Zelda," her father reassured her in his calming voice.
He proceeded to explain that the Wing Ceremony tested not only the skill of the rider but also their bond with their Loftwing. Each resident of Skyloft was part of a pair—themselves and their Loftwing. These guardian birds were bestowed upon them by the goddess as a symbol of her divine protection. Gaepora recounted how every youth met their Loftwing beneath the statue of the goddess, and Link's extraordinary meeting with his had been notable due to his possessing a Crimson Loftwing, the rarest breed that many believed to have gone extinct. This, coupled with their evident close and easy bond, served as evidence that destiny had something remarkable in store for the boy.
Nevertheless, the upcoming ceremony and its accompanying contest still presented a considerable challenge. Zelda's unease stemmed from Link's somewhat carefree and lackadaisical approach to his training and studies.
The next few minutes unfolded as a misadventure, with Zelda humorously shoving Link off the floating island, assuming that Link's Crimson Loftwing would respond to his whistling call. Much to their surprise, the bird was missing and unresponsive.
This mishap set the stage for a brief adventure. Link embarked on a search for his loyal partner, all the while contending with Groose and his bullying friends, engaging in swordplay, and overcoming a few additional challenges. In the end, Link was reunited with his Crimson Loftwing and emerged victorious in the annual Wing Ceremony.
Despite the seemingly mundane school drama, everyone in the room who had read tales of heroes recognized the familiar structure of such narratives. The true call to adventure lay just ahead.
/-/
As Link and Zelda soared through the clouds on their Loftwings, alone together, Zelda broke the silence.
"Link? Hey, Link!" she called out.
"Hm?" Link turned and maneuvered his Loftwing closer to her.
"Oh, is she going to confess?!" Syr eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Go for it, girl!"
"Today was amazing. Watching you win the race and performing the ritual together... I'll always remember this," she said, her voice filled with affection. "It was really wonderful." She paused, appearing uncertain and hesitant. "You know, Link... There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about..."
"I-I wish her t-the best!" Haruhime stammered, offering her support.
"Should we be watching this kind of moment?" Bell asked, looking slightly embarrassed.
Hestia affectionately patted Bell on the head. "You'd be surprised how many people eavesdrop on a confession."
However, before she could express her feelings, the Cloud Barrier erupted, and a colossal twister appeared before them, unleashing a violent gale that disrupted the serene air.
"That's not ordinary wind..." Ais said solemnly. It was subtle, but she could swear there was a trace of malevolence in the twister.
"What's going on?!" Zelda yelled over the roaring wind. The twister forcefully drew her and her purple Loftwing down to the world below the clouds. "Ahhh, Link!"
"Oh, no!" Chigusa and Haruhime both gasped as they watched Zelda being dragged down from the clouds.
Without a moment's hesitation, Link directed his Crimson Loftwing to follow her, but the swirling tempest exploded, thwarting his attempt to save Zelda and propelling him and his bird into the air. Darkness enveloped Link as he plummeted into an inky void.
"Tsk, too slow..." Bete remarked somberly.
"Link?" Another female voice called out to him.
He opened his eyes and witnessed the same purple light from his dream. A figure descended from the light—a spirit. Most of the spirit's body was purple, adorned with green straps around the legs, while the upper part of the spirit's cloak served as her arms, although she had none in the conventional sense. She resembled a statue more than a person.
"A... a sword spirit?" Hephaestus was at a loss for words, detecting just a sliver of divinity within the spirit. "No... a divine sword spirit?!"
"Oh, wow... I had no idea that such a spirit could even exist," Hestia remarked in amazement.
A few individuals had questions about Hephaestus's comment, but they were too engrossed in the viewing to interrupt.
"I have been waiting for you," the Spirit said to him. "The time has come for you to awaken. You are essential to a mission of great importance, Link..."
Suddenly, Link saw Zelda falling alongside him, face to face, descending through a surreal world cloaked in dark clouds.
"Oh, he's still falling with her!" Tiona exclaimed. "This is where the real fun begins!"
"... Something seems amiss," Riveria observed, her intuition proving correct.
He reached out, and Zelda did the same, but their hands could not touch.
"Ahhh! It's that demon again!" Lefiya squeaked, her finger pointing nervously at the screen.
"Not good! It's going to devour them!" Mikoto exclaimed in alarm.
All Link could do was watch helplessly as Zelda plunged into the gaping maw of the Imprisoned, her scream echoing in the void.
Then he woke up.
"A foreshadowing of her fate," Miach commented with a somber tone. "As the Spirit said, it's time for him to awaken."
"Awaken to become a hero," Bell said in a tone of awe.
Thus, began Link's heroic legend.
The theater's spectators bore witness to every step of Link's journey, from his discovery of the Goddess Sword, inhabited by the sword spirit Fi, to his valiant battles against the monstrous and demonic forces afflicting the surface of Hyrule. Throughout each twist and turn, they observed the young hero's character transformation, watching as he evolved from a seemingly lazy yet courageous knight-in-training into the prophesied hero.
They watched it all, their reactions ranging from admiration and laughter to spirited commentary. Some even cheered for the budding hero that was Link. However, Link's heroic journey, his ongoing trials and tribulations, marked just the beginning of his epic odyssey.
/-/
"Thinking 'bout it, this is probably how them gods felt watchin' us struggle and grow," Gareth mused, giving his beard a thoughtful stroke.
"Well, not me, since I was busy attempting to take down other gods back then, but this is the closest you'll get," Loki remarked with a nonchalant shrug as she took another sip of her divine wine. "But man, I sure was missing out. Maybe not as eventful as this, but still..."
After overcoming all the trials set forth by the Skyview Temple ink finally reached the entrance to the Skyview Spring, the very location where Zelda was believed to be. The golden door lay just a few meters away, but as he neared it, a brilliant, blinding light erupted, forcing him to shield his eyes.
As the radiance gradually subsided, a sinister, demonic aura began to permeate the air, and a figure materialized before Link, wielding a black saber. The being had pointed ears, ashen gray skin, and white hair, garbed in a dark red mantle and tight-fitting pale attire.
"A demon... it feels different from the rest." Bell murmured.
Hestia nodded. "A powerful one. You can tell by its aura."
Emitting a low growl, the demon dissipated the black saber and straightened his posture, his back turned toward Link.
"Hmmm? You're from back then..." The demon pivoted to face Link, his pitch-black, round eyes locking onto him with a confidence-laden smirk playing on his lips. "I thought that tornado I stirred up would have tossed and torn you apart, yet here you are. Not in pieces." He then shifted his attention back to the golden door. "Not that your life or death has any consequence. My business is with the girl who has a strong signature which I can feel beyond this door... The sacred maiden which we have pulled from above the clouds into these lands..."
"So, he's the one responsible for that windstorm earlier," Riveria observed.
"Ah. I haven't introduced myself yet. Excuse me. I am, from what you guys name the Land, this world's current Demon Tribe Chief... Ghirahim." The demon didn't even bother to turn around and formally introduce himself to Link; instead, he simply swiveled his head, letting his hair swing with a touch of flair. "In truth, I very much prefer to be indulged with my full title: Lord Ghirahim. But I'm not fussy."
Welf adopted a serious tone. "It seems he's the one in charge of all these monsters and demons causing havoc."
Hephaestus nodded in agreement. "And he doesn't appear to be an easy opponent by any means."
"This guy is already pissing me off with that smug look on his face," Bete sneered.
Link narrowed his eyes, fully aware that the demon standing in his path, Ghirahim, intended to obstruct his quest to rescue Zelda. He swiftly drew the Goddess Sword and raised his shield, preparing himself for an impending battle against the Demon Chieftain.
"Did you really just draw your sword? Foolish boy." Unperturbed by Link's threatening stance, Ghirahim leisurely turned to face the hero, wearing an amused expression. "Had everything gone smoothly, the girl should've already been in our hands by now, don't you think so?" Ghirahim's demeanor abruptly took a turn for the worse, his irritation surging and his demonic aura casting dark green ripples through the air. "But it was a very close thing. Hadn't that annoying veteran of the Goddess taken her away right then..."
"His aura is tainting the air," Miach observed with a grimace.
Naaza, feeling a chill in the room, moved closer to her God. "And it's affecting us even in here."
"Because of her... I now feel... Furious! Outraged! Vehemently disgusted!" Ghirahim let out a deafening shout, causing the entire temple to quake and shroud in darkness. Then, he disintegrated into a multitude of diamond-shaped particles, vanishing from sight. "This turn of events has left me with a strong appetite for bloodshed."
Link remained on high alert, scanning his surroundings for any sign of Ghirahim while the demon's voice seemed to echo all around him.
Suddenly, Ghirahim reappeared a few paces from Link, moving soundlessly as he approached from behind. The demon leaned in closely, his breath brushing against Link's neck and ears, causing the hero to tense up and express surprise at how easily he had been caught off guard.
"That teleportation ability of his is going to be a real nuisance to handle," Finn pointed out with a frown.
"He's just toying with him at this point," Tione observed. "He could have easily ended him right there..."
"Well... Even if I say that... An amateur child like you against the Demon Tribe Chief wouldn't fare too well… which is why I promise up front not to murder you. No, I'll just beat you within an inch of your life!" With a hiss resembling that of a snake, Ghirahim extended his tongue, it whipping through the air and leaving Link gasping as he stumbled forward.
"Eew! That guy's a total creep!" Tiona exclaimed, her friends nodding in agreement.
Mikoto shuddered. "Ugh... I can't blame him for jumping away like that."
He quickly regained his composure and turned to face Ghirahim, breathing heavily and heart pounding in his chest.
Ghirahim emitted a low, malevolent chuckle as he spread his hands wide, the crimson cloak he wore disintegrating into sparkling diamond particles that slowly faded from existence. With a cruel smirk, he slowly advanced toward Link, devoid of a weapon but far from powerless.
"Here they go…" Bell gulped audibly, feeling somewhat concern and excitement as he prepared to witness the challenging battle between the young hero and the formidable villain.
Link advanced cautiously, his sword poised and ready.
"This won't be an easy fight. That... thing is much stronger than him," Ryuu remarked solemnly.
"The targeted entity is the current Demon Tribe Chieftain, Ghirahim," Fi's voice echoed in his mind as the sword spirit analyzed their adversary. "He displays superior mental and physical prowess, as well as expert command of magic. Though possessing some gentleman-like qualities, he will devolve to his true nature when enraged."
"True... but he won't necessarily be fighting alone," Takemikazuchi noted, acknowledging the presence and assistance of the sword spirit, Fi.
"The divine weapon should be able to give him an edge in this fight." Despite Hephaestus' words, she appeared somewhat uncertain about something.
Link initiated his assault, a flurry of silver-blur slashes aimed at Ghirahim. However, the demon effortlessly intercepted each strike, using only his bare hands to deflect the Goddess Sword. Their clash created a shower of sparks and diamond particles that enveloped them in a dazzling display.
Hephaestus couldn't hide her disappointment and concern. She shook her head and let out a sigh, confirming her fears.
Bete raised an eyebrow. "Is that sword blunt or something?"
"No, his opponent is just that strong." Hephaestus corrected him.
Ais blinked slowly, realizing the true extent of Link's opponent's power. "Strong enough to withstand a divine weapon..."
Undeterred, the hero pressed on, launching a relentless assault with a powerful spin that resembled a sudden circular beam. The maneuver forced Ghirahim to duck with a speed that seemed akin to teleportation. Seizing the opportunity, Link strained his arms for another strike, but the demon evaded with playful grace, leaping back and avoiding the hero's blow.
"Damn it, he's fast, but that bastard is faster!" Bete grumbled, struggling to keep up with Ghirahim's lightning-quick bursts of movement.
"Lili thinks he's completely outclassed..." Lili commented as she fiddled in her seat.
"Analysis indicates that the daggers that appear around Ghirahim also act as a defensive barrier. Removing these daggers before attacking should be an effective means of breaking down his defenses." Fi observed, her voice calm and analytical.
Link heeded Fi's advice and engaged Ghirahim in another series of clashing metal, the shrieks of their swords filling the chamber. With an impressive display of strength, Link shattered Ghirahim's defense, forcing the demon to duck and creating an opportunity for Link to bring his sword down upon Ghirahim's head. However, with disconcerting ease, the demon caught the Goddess Sword between two fingers, a chuckle escaping his lips at the hero's futile attempt.
Bell couldn't contain his shock as he exclaimed, "He caught the hero's sword with just two fingers!"
"And his opponent hasn't even bothered to attack him directly, only defending. He's not taking their fight seriously." Riveria added her analysis.
"It appears that Ghirahim prefers to use his right hand to attempt to grab your sword, Master." Fi quickly relayed the information. "Should he succeed, I recommend swinging your sword up and down to force him to release it. However, Ghirahim continues to utilize more of his true power, and the probability of it taking more than one swing to release your sword is 100%."
The two engaged in a fierce struggle for control of the sword, but Link ultimately managed to wrench the blade free from Ghirahim's casual grip.
The Goddess Sword streaked toward Ghirahim's neck, but the demon displayed an extraordinary level of flexibility, deftly evading the attack. With a graceful leap, he created some distance between himself and the hero. Link attempted to deny Ghirahim any room to react, striking swiftly, but once again, his sword was casually intercepted. This time, Ghirahim had the upper hand, deftly twisting the blade out of Link's hand and catching it to examine the weapon.
Haruhime's voice was barely above a whisper as she watched. "No..."
"Now he has his sword..." Lefiya commented, her eyes filled with worry.
"If he survives this, he should definitely polish his sword." Hephaestus hated seeing such a powerful and beautiful weapon in the hands of such a vile creature.
"Hmpf! Pretty good stuff. However, just by looking at your pose I can stop it with just one hand." Ghirahim complimented the Goddess Sword while simultaneously mocking Link.
"He still has a long way to go." Syr remarked, a touch of concern in her voice.
Mia grunted in agreement. "No choice but to do or die. But that weirdo is giving him the chance to adapt. He'll push through this."
"Underestimating his opponent will be his downfall," Ryuu added.
Link redoubled his efforts, focusing on his footwork to avoid the sword-wielding demon. Ghirahim lazily struck at Link, his strikes narrowly missing the nimble hero. Then, with an almost nonchalant motion, he lobbed the Goddess Sword in Link's direction, causing the blade to draw a trickle of blood from Link's arm as it barely missed him.
"If he had been just a bit slower, that would have hit his heart," Miach commented with a serious tone.
Without wasting a moment, Link backpedaled and reclaimed his sword. This time, he was determined not to make the same mistake again.
Link continued to press the offensive, while Ghirahim maintained his casual defense, clearly underestimating the hero. However, with each clash of their blades, the demon began to recognize the mistake he had made in giving Link the opportunity to adapt and learn.
Excitement filled the air as Bell and Tiona both cheered, "He's pushing him back!"
Before long, Ghirahim found himself compelled to leap backward, sliding until his back nearly touched the temple's walls.
"Literally his back against the wall, eh?" Loki rapped her hand against her armrest and adopted a serious expression. "But how will our hero fare when his opponent starts taking things seriously?"
The demon narrowed his eyes and a wicked smile crept across his face. He let out a tantalizingly grotesque slurping sound as he licked his lips, savoring the anticipation of the coming battle.
"U-ugh... just seeing that makes me want to take a shower," Lefiya shivered in disgust.
Tiona, equally repulsed, scowled. "Aw, gross... I hope he cuts that freak's tongue off at some point."
With a snap of his fingers, Ghirahim summoned his black saber, signaling his heightened seriousness. Another snap, and the demon teleported back to the center of the temple chamber, ready to reengage in their fight.
"Now he's taking him seriously," Ouka observed.
"But not completely," Takemikazuchi added.
The ensuing battle was a whirlwind of clashing swords and quick-footed maneuvers. Ghirahim's swordsmanship was exquisite, and he countered Link's attacks with fluid grace. Link, in turn, responded with greater effort, his strikes precise and relentless.
The two combatants engaged in a deadly dance, their blades clashing with a resounding clash that sent sparks flying with each collision. The tempo of the battle seemed endless, both Link and Ghirahim vying for the upper hand. Ghirahim's teleportation abilities, coupled with his summoning of flying daggers, introduced an unpredictable element to the duel, compelling Link to remain ever vigilant and adapt swiftly to the demon's erratic movements
Ais watched the swordplay in silent awe, her breath held as she was mesmerized by the clashing of blades. The graceful and precise movements made even her father's sword techniques pale in comparison.
'How is he growing so strong so quickly?' Ais wondered to herself, pondering the exceptional speed at which both Bell and Link were rapidly increasing their strength. 'The hero's goal is to protect and save the world, but what about Bell...?'
The question lingered in her mind as she continued to watch the fierce duel.
As the battle continued, Link's unwavering courage began to yield results, even though he bore wounds that wore him down. He became adept at anticipating Ghirahim's strikes and countered with skillful parries and devastating counterattacks. Gradually but steadily, the tide of the battle shifted in Link's favor.
Bete let out a low whistle, a grin spreading across his face. "Not bad... he's growing stronger, very quickly."
"He's starting to lose too much blood." Naaza expressed her concern and Miach shared her worry with a soft hum.
"He's winning this duel." Finn's observations were filled with anticipation "The question is, can he survive afterward?"
"He'll survive," Tiona declared firmly, punching the air in conviction. "His story is too early to end!"
Ghirahim's once cocky grin faltered, replaced by a growing frustration. In response, he increased the ferocity of his attacks, desperate to regain control.
"He's preparing a powerful attack," Ryuu noted.
He readied a powerful and lightning-fast strike, rushing at Link with terrifying speed that seemed to suspend the world around them.
In a split second, Link met Ghirahim's blade with a powerful shield bash, momentarily leaving the demon vulnerable to a devastating counterattack. The hero thrust his sword into Ghirahim's chest, causing the demon to stagger back, relatively unharmed but taken aback by the surprising turn of events.
Welf noted how the attack seemed to have little effect, "That didn't seem to do that much damage."
"They'll need to upgrade that sword of theirs if he's going to even stand a chance against opponents like this." Hephaestus recalled that the Goddess Sword was in need of improvement as part of Link's ongoing quest.
"Hum... You're a bit good." Ghirahim conceded, pointing his blade at Link. "But that wasn't your true strength... You really should be thankful to that sword."
"Maybe so, but it was his skill alone and not the sword that won this match," Takemikazuchi remarked.
Mia, crossing her arms, added with a huff, "And he was cocky enough to give him room to adapt. Spouting excuses, bah!"
Ghirahim tilted his head, allowing his hair to partially obscure his face. "Given how I've played for too long the girl's presence has vanished... Which means I've got no business here anymore. Good-bye, boy come from the heavens. I'm being permissive but you shouldn't get in my way twice."
With a graceful flourish of his ominous sword, which seemed to suck the very air into darkness, Ghirahim vanished into thin air. As the demon's presence dissipated, golden light began to permeate the temple once more, and a crimson heart container descended from the ceiling of the chamber, seemingly a gift from the divine.
"What's that? A magic item?" Lili questioned; her gaze fixed on the crimson heart container as it floated down.
"That's a..." Miach's eyes widened. "It's an item that can permanently increase one's vitality."
"Looks like it's one of those valuable items the temple is holding," Hestia hummed. "And he's really going to need all the help he can get if his opponents are anything remotely as strong as that fiend."
"I wonder if we have anything like that back in our world," Naaza pondered out loud. "It'll probably be very expensive."
Simultaneously, the golden door before Link glowed, a clear indication that it had been unlocked.
With the tense battle now concluded, the chamber's atmosphere began to return to a semblance of peace, albeit with a lingering sense of foreboding. The room stood silent, save for the soft hum of residual energy and the steady breathing of the hero as he caught his breath, preparing himself for the next step of his journey.
"Wooow! What a fight that was!" Tiona exclaimed, sinking deeper into her chair with a grin. "Makes my heart pump!"
"That was a tense fight to watch, even though one of them wasn't taking it seriously," Tione nodded.
"Y-yeah... so, um... What do you make of it, Ais?" Lefiya asked the blond girl.
"... If I were to fight that monster... I would easily lose," Ais replied softly, her thoughts painting a grim picture of herself in Link's place, facing off against Ghirahim. In her imagination, her sword was casually taken by the demon, leading to her demise once he decided that playtime was over.
Bete remained silent on the matter but couldn't help making similar assumptions if he were to face something like Ghirahim. It didn't appear very intimidating on the surface, but considering the context and the fact that even he, renowned for his speed, couldn't keep track of their movements at times, told him he might be outmatched. Compared to that suffocating aura Ghirahim emitted, which could be faintly felt through the screen, and the fact that the demon seemed to be toying around and distracted by other matters, the odds were not in favor of him or any of his comrades.
"I... I see..." Lefiya looked a bit unsettled by Ais' remarks.
"Aw, my little Ais." Loki scooted over to the girl, trying to give Ais a hug but was pushed back by the girl in question. "You can't compare yourself to that thing that can shrug off a strike from a divine weapon. I don't think even I can in my divine form."
"No wonder their Goddess had a hard time fighting these... um... demons," Bell casted a questioning glance at Hestia. "I forgot to ask this, but… we wouldn't happen to also have...?"
"Beside something similar like the Dungeon, no," Hestia responded swiftly, shifting the topic. "Hey! It's still going! Quiet down and watch!"
The mortals in the room keenly observed Hestia's evasion regarding the Dungeon. In their world, deities rarely discussed the Dungeon, and this lack of information had always been a source of concern for them. After all, they were the ones tasked with exploring the Dungeon and facing its monsters. Nevertheless, they recognized that there were some aspects of their world and the gods' world that lay beyond their comprehension.
They could only hope for the best, trust in their Familia, their deities, and focus on growing and surviving.
So, they continued to watch as the secrets of Hyrule unfolded with each passing second.