A/N: Yeah I finished it! I hope you guys enjoyed the ride. I don't know if I'll ever do anything more, but if I do it'll likely be more GhiraLink. Who knows maybe I'll come up with a couple of one shots like Truce or something. Thank you to all my readers and reviewers and followers. All your kindest has filled me with so much joy, thank you again everyone.

Broken, Bare, and Bear

Ghirahim

So help him that was the last time he was drinking that toxic brew said to be made for the gods. His head pounded fiercely within his skull, almost as if his brain had been replaced by a steel ball rolling back and forth only to continually slam into the walls confining it. His stomach turned and revolted with each small movement, and he barely got his head over the side of the bed before acidic bile spilled from his mouth. As King of Demons he should be able to easily cure his ailments, but even the simplest of spells required some amount of concentration, which was something he was having difficulty maintaining at the moment.

Sitting back on his expansive bed and closing his eyes helped to quell some of his dilemma. A deep breath and he was able to focus his pounding head for the few seconds it to think of the spell he needed. Quicker than the blink of an eye his symptoms drained from his being, and he was once again like his usual fabulous self. The only remaining side-effect was the loss of his memory for most of the ball, but that was of no concern and he had no desire to use any spells to restore his memories. He was sure nothing he did during his drunken stupor would be worth remembering. Eager to learn how the rest of the guests enjoyed their evening, Ghirahim made his way towards the breakfast hall. He hoped the nobles were behaving themselves as he commanded, they had guests after all.

The hall was oddly subdued when he entered, he assumed it was from the copious amounts of alcohol likely drank last night, though he couldn't be sure as his memory was fuzzy. Strangely his sword wasn't within the room, nor did he turn up during the meal. There was a chance that he was just avoiding further contact with the Spirit Maiden. He couldn't have blamed the boy seeing as her simpering smile and false apologies about being unable to stay longer had the King debating whether to run away or run her through from sheer annoyance.

She wasn't the only one vying for his attention unfortunately, soon he had a line formed in front of his seat. He tried to be patient and talk with each of them, but the continued absence of the Demon Lord was beginning to gnaw at his mind. The boy was usually punctual, especially after they'd made their agreement, so where was he?

"You seem distracted King Ghirahim. Is something bothering you that would force your mind to wander when it should be focused on your guests?" Ghirahim twitched at the sound of her ear grating voice, but she continued before he could respond. "Perhaps it would be better if I spoke with your Lord since your mind seems quite occupied. If you were to tell me where he is I would gladly lead these others and myself away from your occupied mind. I was hoping to have a word with him anyway after his rather abrupt and rude departure from the party last night. After all I can quite understand needing a breath of fresh air during such events, but one should always return if only to properly excuse themselves. You yourself must understand this necessity as you too left for a short time last evening, only to return later."

The King of Demons gritted his teeth, unable to think up a response, but he had to and he had to take care of her and all the rest of these nobles if he wanted to prevent war. In an effort to save face for not only himself, but his sword too the King used the oldest and most standard lie for getting out of any party. Though in fairness it was the truth t some degree. "My apologies Your Grace. I must have neglected to mention it the evening prior, but the Demon Lord was not feeling well yesterday. I had insisted he make an appearance last evening, but he was unable to stay longer feeling as he was. Now what more did we need to discuss as I'm sure you're anxious to return home along with those standing behind you." It wasn't much of an excuse, but at least he'd managed to throw in a good hint to her and the others to get out and quickly. Keeping a gracious smile upon his face, Ghirahim tried to pay attention to the people before him.

Descending from his the platform where his seat within the dining hall rests, Ghirahim is set to search for his missing Demon Lord when he's set upon by several of his nobles. "My liege, we would like to have a word with you in private if you would please."

Looking about the King of Demons noticed the entirety of his council had gathered around him, most refused to meet his gaze though a few were staring at him with angry expressions. "I'm rather busy at the moment, and according to our laws the…"

"Sire I realize our laws normally state that the Demon Lord must be present. However, the errr…sensitive nature of the topic at hand would be better handled by you and you alone my King."

Ghirahim raised an eyebrow at the words but one of the council women, who'd been staring him down, spoke up before he could. "We don't trust that good for nothing human, especially after everything he's done to protect them other humans. It's clear he's trying to destroy us from the inside out. We want him either destroyed or imprisoned for the rest of his days. At the very least we believe you should remove his free will completely so he will only act when you command it. He is a danger to us all running around as he does. You could of course keep him as a bed mate, but we no longer wish him to have a say in the decisions regarding our realm's welfare."

Anger started to build within him. How dare they?! How dare they insinuate Link was doing anything less than looking out for those who needed protection? He was the hero! You didn't get more selfless than that!

"We are not having this discussion now, but rest assured when we do you'll all be quite lucky to keep your heads. Now if you'll excuse I must confer with the Demon Lord regarding this and other matters."

Finally he managed to get away from the swarm and the smarmy nobles to begin his search. Whom or whatever had put such ideas into the council's head would pay with blood, blood he would happily drink on. It would've made things exceedingly easier if he could just order the boy to appear before him, but he would not break his oath. After a frustrated half hour of searching to no avail he ordered several of his other servants to participate in the search as well.

Another hour later and still there was no sign of his sword. Worry was knotting at the King of Demon's stomach as he considered the many reasons for the boy's absence. He was about ready to order a search of the entire Kingdom when one of the servants ran up to him.

"My Liege," bowing low as he spoke to the floor, "by your command we've been searching the grounds in their entirety for the Demon Lord. So far there has been no trace of him, but we did find something rather peculiar. There's a door leading to an unused storeroom that is locked. All of us have tried to unlock it in various manners to no avail. We request that you use your magic on this door as only you and the Lord have power enough to do so."

Gritting his teeth Ghirahim allowed the servant to show him where the locked door was. Truthfully he considered telling the demon off for interrupting him during the search, but the door was on the way and it would need to be done sooner or later. It wasn't until he reached the door did the King feel a nagging in the back of his mind, something seemed familiar… somehow? He tried to push the thoughts away as he inspected the magic binding the door. Of course the door would be familiar. It was his castle after all, but the nagging feeling persisted made worse when he realized it was his own magic that had sealed the door.

Having no memory of doing such an absurd thing Ghirahim let his curiosity win him over and pushed open the door. He nearly gagged at the gruesome sight before him, only in the darkest parts of his mind had he ever envisioned such a scene. He had most certainly found his sword.

The room was a wreck with broken pieces of unknown objects strewn about, scraps of torn clothing, and blood…lots of blood. The smell hit every bit as hard as the sight of the room, a musky thick scent that Ghirahim knew well. In the middle of all the chaos the Demon Lord knelt upon the ground in an extremely compromising position that told all too clearly what had happened in the room to create such a familiar scent, at least to some degree.

The boy was shackled and chained to the floor, though Ghirahim refused to acknowledge the origin of the bonds. The boy's pale skin was completely exposed to anyone in the room, not even his large wings were covering him. Instead, said wings were hanging at painfully crooked angles upon the back of the sword. Bloody claw marks had been raked up and down the back and, though it was hard to tell, likely his chest as well. Perhaps the most disturbing part of the scene was the boy's tail.

Usually the appendage hung low and would twitch happily this way and that at the ankles of the Demon Lord, but that was no longer the case. Now the tail was wrapped tightly around the throat of his sword, hanging limply like some macabre collar and leash. The area where the tail had been connected was now just a bloody circular patch right above his rear.

It was inconceivable. This couldn't be right! The only one who should be capable of hurting a Demon Lord is the Demon King, and surely Ghirahim would have remembered committing such an atrocity. Wouldn't he? Dreading the answer, but knowing he couldn't avoid it the King willed away the magical chains binding the boy to the floor.

The winged demon slowly and painfully got to his feet, purposely keeping his head down. Ghirahim wanted to ask what had happened, but his tongue seemed to have taken on the consistency of over cooked rice. He didn't get a chance to try again before the servant who'd sought him out peeked in, exclaiming loudly.

"My Lord? What happened to you?" The servant's mouth was agape and his eyes were just as wide.

Several beats of silence followed the exclamation while the tension continued to mount. When the boy did speak his voice was low but rang as loudly as a thunderclap. "You should ask your King. I'm sure he should be able to give an accurate account of what happened."

The boy finally peeked up through his red and black hair, the glare he sent the King of Demons could have obliterated an entire planet. "Then again, it's hard to know if we can believe anything that comes out of his mouth."

"What are you insinuating boy," Ghirahim's voice was deadly as he returned the glare the boy was giving him.

"Let me guess," the boy's voice was filled with sarcasm as he continued to glare right back at the King. "You have no memory of what happened last night and it was the alcohol talking so you can't be held accountable. Thus you can't be expected to keep your promises or be held for broken contracts."

Ghirahim was ready to retort, he could feel the words on his lips, but they wouldn't come. The Demon Lord let out a huff before pushing past both Ghirahim and the servant.

There was some ruckus in the hallway immediately following the boy's departure, but Ghirahim couldn't bather paying attention. Fear gnawed at him as he thought over the few words he'd exchanged with his sword. He didn't want to admit it, but he was sure he'd done something unforgivable last night. He knew he'd have to use the spell to return his memories now, he didn't want to but it was necessary.

Sighing he turned to the servant who still stood there looking dumbstruck. "See to it that the castle is cleaned properly after the events of last evening and make sure the council sees off our guests, each should be escorted to the borders of our Kingdom. Under no circumstances, short of an impending invasion, should I or the Demon Lord be disturbed. I will be in my chambers, see to it my meals are delivered there. Also be sure the Demon Lord has his meal brought to him wherever it is necessary and that his injuries are treated."

Ghirahim didn't give the servant time to ask questions or give excuses, the moment he finished issuing his orders he vanished to his chambers where he'd be left in peace. For a moment he smoothed nonexistent wrinkles from his bedcovers then went over to straighten the items in his wardrobe. Menial tasks that had already been performed to perfection, anything to put off what he already knew he must do.

Over a half hour of these needless tasks and Ghirahim could no longer think of things to put off the inevitable. Sitting down in one of his chairs he put his head in his hands before letting the spell wash over him. He didn't move from this position as his memories slowly trickled into his mind gaining speed with every passing second.

It had all started when the noble from Jenadánte had shown up bearing the offering of Blood Nectar. It was quite the gift considering how incredibly rare and difficult to make the drink was. Because of the difficulty in procuring it Ghirahim had only tasted it once in his lifetime, but had sworn never again considering all the chaos he'd caused. However, he could hardly refuse such a generous gift, besides this was a political relationship he needed to build.

Centuries ago there'd been a great civil war in the realm with the Jenadánte's leading the rebellion. The situation had eventually been smoothed out, but even to this day there were still harsh feelings on both sides of the war. Ghirahim had sworn it would only be one drink, but then they'd been joined by another nobleman, then another, and another. Each demanded a drink and a toast to the good health of the Kingdom. It wasn't long before the alcohol had him in its grip, and he could no longer remember why he shouldn't be having the sixth or seventh goblet full or why he shouldn't have magicked it to constantly replenish itself.

The five of them sat about one of the greeting rooms taking turns at playing pranks upon the servants. One demon ended up with the head of a horse in place of his own while another received its rear end, the pair were then ordered to walk around together for the rest of the day. Ghirahim rather enjoyed toying with one servant who was trying to clean the room. Every time she went to pick up an item he made it roll or bounce away from her.

Their childish antics continued, growing in intensity as they tried to one-up each other. It was only when several candles were fused with a servant's face and the five of them nearly broke into a drunken brawl did it stop mainly because one brave guard ventured in to advise them the ball was starting. Attempting to maintain a dignified air about them they made their way to the hall, though they tripped, tumbled, and made utter fools of themselves the entire time.

Per etiquette the five of them mingled and danced, though it was clear most of the attendees were repulsed by their behavior. During a lull between songs the noble from Jenadánte remarked how lacking the event was. There should be wild orgies all about with clothing being an option for enhancement but not required. One of the other nobles agreed, but commented that no one here was really worth it as there wasn't a good lay among them. Ghirahim's mind was already gone, but his mouth continued to work.

"Ah buz tha is fair yore frong," his speech was so slurred he could barely understand himself. "I go…fro…kow…know one zat is gooooda."

Of all the times for Link to show up he chose right then. The order was out of his mouth and his arm was around his servant before he'd even had time to remember the contract. He could have stopped there. Ghirahim knew in that moment when he'd touched the boy he'd broken the contract and he needn't remember more, but he couldn't stop himself from letting the rest of the evening unfold.

The six of them wound up in the room he and the servant had found Link chained in this morning. The moment the door closed Ghirahim felt the air in the room shift, nothing that happened in here would be good.

As they entered the room Ghirahim swayed knocking into his sword and sending them both reeling. In drunken desperation the King grabbed for anything within reach, which happened to be one of the boy's wings. It didn't help steady them and they still fell in a heap with the boy's wing twisted across his back in an unnatural direction and a look of pain on his face.

The look didn't stop them, in fact it only encouraged the group as the four nobles laughed at the Demon Lord's pain. "Lemme twi," one of the nobles shouted gleefully as he moved forward. Taking Link's other wing in hand he attempted to twist it, but found it wouldn't budge. The look on his face was enough to get the whole group of them laughing again.

"U fooul," Ghirahim howled laughingly. "Yous cannnnot wurt im. I be ea only onnnne zat can can cans cannnns. Lettuce mes shawl yous." Ghirahim turned his glazed eyes on his sword with a sloppy smirk painted on his face. "Kay boy youza half stay in weher oh an puzt up fight, but mesue wins alwaves."

With that almost undecipherable sentence the King and the Lord began to spare in a completely unfair fight. There was no way for Link to win, and in his drunken state Ghirahim was making sure to hurt him. Soon both wings were hanging crookedly, the tip of one ear had been bitten off while the other was shredded. The fight continued with large chunks of the Demon Lords clothing being torn off him violently. The fight didn't last long after Link was almost entirely nude with Ghirahim pinning him to the ground putting pressure on one of his hands while listening to the small cracks it made. Before he could do more though one of the Lords whined about wanting their lay already and Ghirahim was getting all the fun.

Giggling madly Ghirahim agreed as he made chains appear to hold the boy down on his hands and knees. With the group laughing madly the King made all of their clothing disappear. Being King meant he got first taste as he rubbed his hands over his servant's exposed back. Still silenced by the earlier order the boy could only stiffen as Ghirahim bit into the smooth flesh, drawing the boy's sweet blood from the wound.

Licking his lips as he moved downwards Ghirahim could hardly hold in his anticipation for what was to come, even in his drunken state he knew he'd missed this. One problem that had plagued him for years now, impeded his enjoyment of taking the boy. That damned tail was there, covering his prize. Anger bubbled inside of him so quickly he had hardly realized when he summoned one of his swords and removed the foul appendage.

Without a second's hesitation he thrust himself fully into his sword. It had been so long since he'd had the feeling of the boy's tight muscles contracting around him sending wild sensation through his body to his very core. It was over far too quickly for his liking, and now it was another's turn. It wasn't long before it became a free for all that they were abusing the boy. Several times Ghirahim left to attend to the party and retrieve more food and drink. It was only on the last time that he brought a special drink for his servant.

His sword couldn't refuse the order to drink the potion, and soon after they'd each had another run at him. However the alcohol was taking its toll now, and one by one they finished with the boy only to leave the room for their own chambers. Ghirahim was the last one out, his final parting words were for his sword to stay there until he retrieved him. There wasn't much after that, just him returning to his chambers and falling into bed completely naked.

His anger bellowed out of him in a cry of rage while his fists found the stone walls. How could he have been so foolish as to get drunk! He could have easily pretended to drink while vanishing the drink, or cast a spell to prevent the oblivion of drunkenness. The last one may not have worked considering the type of drink, but it may have done something. Now he'd broken the contract, and worse still broken the boy's trust. It wasn't bad enough that he'd touched him and ordered him about, but he'd also beat and raped him. The King of Demons had even sunk so low as to let others rape his sword. All of this only a day after the boy had given birth… Shit! He'd forced the boy to drink the fertility potion last night, which meant…

In an instant he vanished from his chambers only to reappear within the infirmary, but the boy was not there. He checked the boy's room, the study, and the temple all to no avail. The boy had vanished, and it seemed no one knew where to.

For a week his sword stayed gone without any hint as to where he could be. Ghirahim used that time to begin the preparations on following through with the contract. It would take months to complete, but as the Priestess informed him it would be best to wait until he was no longer pregnant. During the week he also dismissed his entire council. They had no let go of their implications of the young demon's treachery. Ghirahim hadn't the faintest of clues as to how this idea got planted in their heads, but he wouldn't tolerate it either. The one time hero had always looked out for the Kingdom, far more than Ghirahim had, and he wouldn't see his name slandered like that.

The Demon Lord did return eventually, but when he did he refused to speak to anyone or attend any meetings. Mostly he wandered around the castle in a daze at all hours, he hardly ate and he hardly slept. Ghirahim was at a complete loss for what to do, especially considering the boy was no longer taking care of their newborn son. For the first time the King of Demons was having to manage everything himself. It was tiring and draining, but he refused to force anymore from the boy he'd already broken. Still though he ached to talk with his sword, to…to do something. He doubted he'd ever be able to make things right, but still…

His opportunity didn't come until around a month later on a clear night when he was heading to bed after a long day. He happened across the boy sitting on the edge of the balcony staring into the sky. Slightly concerned, since he knew the boy's wings had not been completely healed, he went over to sit beside him.

"Do you miss it? The Sky I mean," Ghirahim's voice was soft as he tried to emit an air of ease about him. He was sure the boy would ignore him as thoroughly as he had been since the ball, but to his surprise the child answered.

"Not as much as you would think. There are aspects I miss like my bird, the freedom, and the ignorance. But in truth there's nothing pulling me back there. I just like the serenity of looking up at the night sky." Link's voice was completely monotone and lacking any emotion that Ghirahim would have expected.

"I'm surprised. I would have thought you would want to see your family again at the very least once you gain your freedom."

Link laughed hollowly at Ghirahim's statement, his reply was just as hollow as his laugh. "My family doesn't give a shit about me. They haven't for a long time, if they ever did in the first place."

Ghirahim's look managed to ask the question his mouth couldn't. "I was the third born in my family," Link began abruptly. "I don't know why but my parents always seemed to hate me. They doted on my two older sisters, and later on my younger brother and sister. But there was something about me that never sat well with them. They'd often forget to feed me, or that I was even there. When they did remember my food was usually thrown on the ground outside at my feet, I wasn't even allowed inside to eat. One day my father said he'd had enough of my worthless ways and took me to Skyloft. According to him I would finally be of some use once I became a knight. In the beginning I wrote a letter everyday telling them of my progress, hoping they might be proud. I think I received maybe one or two back in the first year, mainly they said I was a disappointment and I wasn't to come home for the holidays. When I was ten I received my Loftwing, a rare crimson bird. I was so sure they'd be happy to call me son then, but I was wrong. I never did hear from them beyond those two letters, and I haven't been back there since I was seven. So no once I'm free I won't be going to see them, or anyone. I don't have anyone I can trust or that I can truly call a friend, and from what I can tell I never have."

Ghrirahim winced at the harsh words, his own coming out tentative as if the very breath used to form them might blow away the enigma that was this boy. "You could stay, and we could try again. You'll still gain your freedom and won't be bound to me any longer, but you wouldn't have to leave." The winged demon gave him a hard look, but didn't say another word. He simply slipped back onto the balcony and left the King to his thoughts.

\*-*/

That there would be five babies to be born was a given. How well that process would go was another. Ghirahim knew his sword couldn't die from the birth, but they didn't know how the children would fair. Not to mention carrying that many babies at once meant he could easily slip into early labor and none of the babes would live.

The pair hadn't spoken since the night on the balcony, but Ghirahim made it a point to be there every time the doctor examined his sword to see how he was progressing. The plan was that once the babies were born they'd give it a week then perform the ceremony to give the boy his freedom. It was still unclear if it would work, but they had no choice but to try.

There were standing orders for Ghirahim to be summoned the moment his sword went into labor. As the months ticked by the doctor became increasingly worried, eventually ordering his charge to bed rest in the hospital wing. Ghirahim did his best to care for the boy, and even brought him his meals a few times.

It was in the early morning hours, just as the sun peaked behind the mountains that Ghirahim was summoned to the hospital wing. Technically it was about a month before the babies were due, but considering the number the doctor had warned them this might happen.

By the time Ghirahim arrived the boy was already sitting up and sweating profusely. The day was long and arduous for the King, and he had perhaps the easiest of tasks in simply watching. All the babes came with there being around two hours between the births of the first one to the birth of the last.

For the most part they were all healthy and normal demon offspring, except for the youngest. It was easy to tell which noble had fathered each of the children as they all took after them greatly. The exception was the youngest, the child Ghirahim had fathered. It was a little boy, who looked nothing like either of his parents, or at least not how they looked now. A small shock of blonde hair hung down his forehead, and his eyes were bluer than the skies on the clearest of days. His features were soft and his ears pointed. He was smaller than his brothers and sisters by a wide margin, and far quieter.

Like his sister before him he was a human, one that looked exactly like his father had before he was changed into a demon. Ghirahim wasn't sure what to do with a human child, and the opportunity to ask his sword never came up.

All too soon the ritual was ready and they were set to free the Demon Lord. The Priestess spoke to the boy, who would only answer by nods or shakes of his head.

"I don't know how much of the ceremony you remember from when you were changed into a sword, but the only way to undo it is for you to become a King. I can't change back to a Hylian, but there is a chance you too could turn into a King and rule alongside Ghirahim should you choose to. However, we're not sure if the laws of our world will allow such a thing, and it could very well end up killing you. Are you sure you still wish to proceed?" The boy only nodded his head in response to the Priestess' question.

Taking a deep breath she began the potentially deadly process. Ghirahim felt a piece of him break as the boy broke the sword he'd worked so hard to create. So far the process had gone well and it seemed the laws of nature would not reject having a second King. There was only one more thing to be done. It wasn't part of the contract, but it was at least something to make amends.

"Congratulations Skychild, you are now a partner King of the Demon Realm. This is a first for our Kingdom. As such you have the same authority as I, and may go or do anything you so wish. I know you're anxious to leave this place, and I doubt you'll ever return so I wish to tell you now. There will be no more demon swords. Over the months I have been secretly gathering every document that so much as alludes to the creation of the swords. They have all been destroyed up to this point except the last document that would allow the reversal we used on you today. After that it too shall be obliterated."

The boy looked at him for a long moment, but didn't say a word. Instead he merely spread his wings and took to the sky. Sighing but not having expected anything less Ghirahim thanked the Priestess. After having received her assurances to destroy the last bit of documentation he returned to the castle.

The children were all playing quietly together with the exception of the youngest. None of the other fathers had taken responsibility for their children so the castle took them in. Smiling slightly and patting the young ones he went to the child in the crib. Bright blue eyes looked up at him as the babe gurgled and cooed. "My little Link, I'm sorry it took me so long but I had to help your daddy. Someday I'll tell you all about his adventures. He is a brave man and I promise you'll be proud to be his son."