As Link withdrew his sword from the last trial gate he let out a huge sigh of relief. He hadn't been pleased when he'd completed the song only to find that there was a final Silent Realm waiting for him. He examined the small red stone that had been his reward and began roaming around Skyloft looking for its match. He eventually found it over at a bird statue over towards the waterfall cave.

Upon inserting the stone, the statue spun around and shot a canon at the bottom of the isle of the Goddess' Statue. He waited a moment as nothing happened before a bright light suddenly shot from the isle and giant pieces of rock fell away from it. After the structure had fully formed beneath the isle he used his claw shots to get over to the entrance and entered the Sky Keep.

As the hero reached grabbed the final piece of the Triforce the light in the strange Silent Realm like realm went a warm gold and began to disintegrate. He reappeared on the platform high atop on the Goddess Statue with the Triforce pieces floating in front of him. Fi appeared from the Master Sword and informed him that a prayer to the Triforce was now required. Closing his eyes he focused hard and wished for the eradication of the Demon King, which would effectively save both Zelda, Ghirahim, and the world.

As the Triforce stabilized, a bright light like nothing he'd ever seen shone from the sacred relic and the Goddess' Isle began to shake. After a few seconds Link dropped to his knees and held onto the small platform he stood upon as the isle started to fall out of the sky. When the isle reached the ground it fell into the pit of the Sealed Grounds. The isle shook violently as it crushed The Imprisoned who was trying to break from its seal yet again.

When the ground finally stopped shaking, Link stood up as Fi informed him that his prayer to the Triforce had been answered and that Demise had been successfully eradicated. She continued to explain that in light of these facts Zelda would soon be awakening from her slumber as the seal was no longer necessary. Link smiled and turned to dash off of the platform, deploying the sail cloth as he neared the ground. As he jogged towards the Sealed Temple he couldn't keep the huge grin from his face; Zelda was finally safe and Ghirahim was free.

Watching from afar as the island sank, Ghirahim stood amazed as the great beast was crushed under its mass. He wasn't sure whether to be distraught or relieved, though he found himself leaning towards the latter.

Seeing the hero enter the temple, he decided to stealthily follow him, appearing in the shadow of a pillar, watching as Link approached the double doors at the back of the temple.

Link ran into the temple and saw the smiling faces of the old woman and Groose. He then made his way to the back of the temple where the huge double doors slid open, revealing a glowing giant amber crystal. He watched the crystal flash a few times before shattering as Zelda seemingly floated back to the ground gracefully. She opened her blue eyes slowly and smiled at him before slowly taking steps down a small set of stairs.

After taking a few steps down the stairs she seemed to pause before faltering. Blue eyes widened and the hero quickly rushed forward to grab her and keep her from falling. Carefully he lowered her to her knees and still held her securely as she whispered good morning to him. A few minutes passed before she fully recovered and Link led her out into the main room of the Sealed Temple, holding her hand in case she had another dizzy spell and needed support.

He lead her over to Groose, who looked ecstatic to finally see the blond girl safe and sound. Groose then shook him as they both laughed before the red head ran back over to the old woman in his celebratory state.

In the shadows of the room, Ghirahim felt a slow coldness go over him at seeing him embrace the golden haired girl so... lovingly. It shouldn't have been bothering him. He wouldn't allow himself to become jealous over something like this...

'He seeks her, you are merely a side occupation used to fulfil his own carnal desires with. Nothing more.'

The Demon Lord gave a silent gasp as the words rang clear in his head.

'And soon, you will see what I am speaking of when he is reunited with her... What did I tell you, my servant?'

Ghirahim shook his head in denial and fear. There was no way Demise could reach him now, his Master was gone, and there was no way he was coming back... There couldn't possibly be a way...

... And yet he felt it creeping up again, the same feeling he'd gotten before his first possession spell. And before he knew what was happening, that coldness he was feeling turned white hot with anger and pain and he felt his control slipping. The last thing his consciousness saw was the image of Link and Zelda side by side in the center of the room.

Groose ran over to hold the old lady of the Sealed Temple while he and Zelda laughed at their classmate's affectionate display. As the red head turned to walk back over to Link and Zelda a sudden burst of power split the two blonds apart, sending them both hurtling to the ground in opposite directions.

A sinister cackle rang out as the Demon Lord stepped out from behind the pillar, a near crazed expression on his face. His laughter died down to chuckling, his bangs swaying just enough to reveal that the markings were present once again. "This is all very touching, really, but I'm afraid I have to cut this emotional moment short." Ghirahim disappeared, reappearing beside Zelda's inert form.

Link gasped as he heard Ghirahim's laughter ring out and quickly turned to see the demon reveal himself. His eyes went wide as he saw the markings. No, it wasn't possible, he'd just finished his mission, Demise was vanquished, why did the Demon Lord have those markings again? His mind was screaming as he struggled to get up, the blow dealt while he was off guard was dealing a significant amount of damage to the youth.

"It's best for everyone if you forget about your friend. The little goddess is mine now!" Ghirahim said, lifting one arm out and to the side. As if by some invisible force, Zelda's body lifted in the air and the Demon Lord hoisted her over his shoulder. "My Master may have perished in this age but in the past he lives yet! I'm taking the girl through that gate to help me revive the Demon King."

Link crouched on the ground and watched Ghirahim, taking a few more moments to try and recover from his attack.

"You've been so adorably dogged in your quest to get in my way and as much as it has delighted me, I can no longer tolerate you nipping at my heels." Ghirahim went on, giving Link a cold stare. Zelda, in her dazed state, could only weakly mumble Link's name before her eyes slipped closed.

Link let out a deep, enraged yell at he pushed himself to his feet. Gripping his blade he stood at the ready and watched Ghirahim as he stood there looking disgusted with the boy. "Ghirahim! Don't do this!" The hero shouted at the Demon Lord, still not sure how this was possible since the Triforce had just destroyed the demon's Master.

Ghirahim made an irritated noise, rolling his eyes. "You know, boy, you've really pushed me too far. The moment I've sweated and bled for is at hand, I don't even have the time to grind my heel into a worm like you." He vanished again, only to reappear a few moments later in front of the time gate. The old woman and the human with the ugly hair nearly jumped back in shock.

Link took a few slow steps towards the Gate of Time, still feeling dizzy from the earlier blow dealt to him, before falling to his knees. He tried to get back up but the room was spinning slightly. Noticing Link's condition Groose got to his feet and spread his arms out wide, trying to block Ghirahim's path from the gate and the old woman he affectionately called 'Grannie.'

Unimpressed at the show of defiance, the Demon Lord made a low disapproving noise. "Stand down. You're in my way. And the sight of your appalling hair makes my gorge rise." Raising his leg, he delivered a powerful kick to the two, sending them flying to the side. Chuckling without mirth, Ghirahim turned back to Link, "You've done a fine job of spoiling my plans to revive the Demon King in this age so I see no reason to dwindle. But the past... oh the past, so full of possibilities. I shall resurrect him there with the divine soul of this golden-haired girl!" And with that, he stepped through the gate and disappeared.

A horrible thought dawned on Link as he looked up at Ghirahim in front of the gate. Was it because the gate was still open? That there was still a link to his Master alive in the past that had caused another possession of the Demon Lord to take place? He grunted and tried to get up again as Ghirahim disappeared through the gate with Zelda. He squeezed his eyes shut after the demon was gone and willed himself not to cry. Quickly he grabbed a heart potion from his pouch, drank it and waited as he felt it's soothing effects wash over him. After a minute he was finally able to get up, feeling like himself again, and ran through the gate in pursuit of Ghirahim.

When he reached the other side of the gate Impa was crouched down on the floor clutching her arm. She looked up and saw Link, explaining that Ghirahim had gotten the drop on her and then run out through the temples' front doors. Wasting no time he ran for the doors and pushed them open, following the demon outside in pursuit. Once he got outside he heard a snap and Ghirahim's diamond magic created a barrier all around the spiral pit of the Sealed Grounds. He ran up to it and saw that the Demon Lord was already at the bottom.

Ghirahim swayed and waved his arms back and forth as he hummed a tune to his bizarre dance, teleporting around the spirit maiden's body a few times before stopping and holding his hands out over her, palms facing down. A glow began to emanate from Zelda's form and she began to lift up into the air, stopping just under the demon's hands. Ghirahim looked back up to Link with a smirk.

"Hear me, my hordes! The spell is nearly complete! The Demon King will return, and until then you will keep that whelp from interfering with my ritual!"

By the dozens, Bokoblins began appearing and charged towards the opening at the bottom of the spiraling barrier.

"I don't care if the lot of you get lodged on the end of his blade! You will by me the time I need!" The demon yelled. "Do not fear him! Fear my wrath if you fail me!"

Link put his hand to the barrier and yelled out at the Demon Lord as his hordes quickly ascended the spiral. "Ghirahim! Please don't do this! I was finally done! You can still stop this!"

Ghirahim looked back up at him, malevolent excitement in his eyes. "Your words will do nothing. I have him now."

Link's face twisted in an angry expression as he saw the look in the demon's eyes. He heard a thunder of footsteps approach him as the horde finally made it to the top. He quickly gripped his blade and withdrew it as he turned to start fighting his way through the seemingly endless number of enemies.

As the hero fought his way to the bottom of the pit, every once in a while he would hear the snapping of Ghirahim's fingers as a barrier would appear. He then had to defeat a few enemies other than the usual Bokoblin. Once he reached the bottom of the Sealed Grounds he defeated one last large group of Ghirahim's servants, easily cutting them down.

The Demon Lord looked up from his work, fingers moving in a creepy fashion over Zelda's levitating form. "You're far too quick boy. I realize that a simple child such as yourself knows nothing of magic but spells like these take time and a steady hand. Can't you wait quietly like a good boy?!" Ghirahim wrung his hands in frustration.

Link held his blade up and watched the horror unfurling in front of him. "Ghirahim stop this! Please! Give my best friend back to me!" The blond shouted at the Demon Lord, praying his words would reach him.

"Stop...?" Ghirahim questioned softly in disbelief. "Stop?!" He threw his head back and cackled like that was the funniest thing he'd ever heard before looking back at Link with a serious expression, growling. "You petulant brat. I won't stop. I've been waiting my whole existence for this moment!" He threw one arm up, Zelda's body following the motion and being cast high into the air. "And if you're so intent on hurrying to your grave, then I'd be happy to show you the way!"

The hero continued to watch the demon in dismay as Zelda's body continued to glow as she floated high in the air. "Ghirahim! Listen to me, I need the real you to hear this! Fight back, fight him so that you can be free! Please! I'm begging you!" The blond cried out, desperation clear in his voice.

Ghirahim shook his head slowly, stepping forward as a wave of black diamonds engulfed him. "I'll be sure you won't get away with your life this time, sky child. This time there will be no heroic escape!" He threw his arms up, "That, I promise!" As the demon's magic built up, a glowing platform began to form underneath their feet before separating from the ground and lifting up into the air. Ghirahim stepped out from the whirlwind of diamonds, his appearance drastically altered. His form was entirely black, skin metallic and covered in white markings arranged in a pattern all over himself. His eyes were pure white and a big silver diamond now sat at the center of his chest. Ghirahim hunched over, wringing his hands before his face. "If only I'd put you in your place from the very beginning! Show a human a little mercy and next thing you know, I'm stuck with way more than I bargained for... ridiculous."

Link looked around as they were lifted into the air before turning to see Ghirahim's extremely altered appearance. He would have been entranced by his form had it not been for the severely dire situation he currently found himself in. The blond felt tears sting at his eyes as the realization that he would have to fight the Demon Lord yet again started to sink in. "No, Ghirahim, please, please wake up!"

The Demon Lord straightened from his hunched position, a sadistic grin on his face. "Are you going to cry again?" He feigned a sympathetic tone, "You pathetic creature. This is what happens when you get attached to your enemies. You only get... hurt in the end..." A frown came over Ghirahim's face as he said the last part, and then he suddenly groaned and clutched at his head.

The hero's expression hardened as the being possessing Ghirahim taunted him again in the worst possible fashion. Watching the demon, he looked at him with a cautious curiosity as Ghirahim clutched at his head. For a moment he was hopeful the Demon Lord was fighting back for control over himself but a part of him dreaded it being another trick.

"Enough!" The demon suddenly yelled, standing up straight again and wrapping his arms around himself. "You stand before a demon, or should I say a weapon without mercy!" Ghirahim's form suddenly shifted to a sinister looking sword bearing resemblance to the Master Sword, before he shifted back. "For you, boy, I've prepared a most humiliating death. I call it the endless plunge!" His eyes flickered, "First I will take my time bludgeoning you, then when I grow bored of it I will drive you to the edge and deliver a final strike to send you falling to your doom! I'll delight in casting your body into this pit and snuffing out the flame of your life. Your broken body will serve as fine sustenance for the Demon King!"

Link took a nervous gulp as his expression turned stern once more and stood on his guard. "Ghirahim, please, I know you're in there, I know you can fight him! You said before that you cared about what happens to me, I need you to care now and wake up! I have something I need to tell you so fight him and wake up!" The blond yelled at Ghirahim, and didn't care that his voice sounded desperate beyond all belief.

Ghirahim's hands clenched at his sides and his teeth ground together. "Shut up, you stupid brat! Your words are useless and falling on deaf ears! You can't... change anything..." He started to take a step forward, but froze as he trailed off, grimacing as though some unknown force was assaulting his conscious. The demon suddenly looked to the hero, expression full of distress. "Link, I can't..."

The blond had to tell Ghirahim, he had to tell him now while the demon was fighting for his consciousness; and, in case the unthinkable happened. "Ghirahim fight him and listen to me!" Tears stung at his eyes again as his chest tightened. "When this was...when this is all over, I want to stay with you! I want to stay with you until the day I'm forced to draw my last breath in this world!"

The demon stood at a standstill, lips parted slightly in astonishment. "Link..." he murmured, "I..." A slow smirk crept over his features, expression turning dark once more. "It looks like you'll get your wish, sky child, because your last breath is coming very soon," Ghirahim said lowly, beginning to pace towards the hero.

Link shook his head as a few tears rolled down his cheeks and he held his blade at the ready. He hated the idea of it, but if he could beat Ghirahim enough maybe the presence taking over him would start to lose its hold on the demon. Letting out a yell he ran towards the approaching man and started to slash his blade relentlessly, forcing Ghirahim back to the edge of the platform.

The Demon Lord grunted as he was forced back, raising up his arms to block the strikes. He let out a sharp gasp as he felt his left foot half go over the edge of the platform, temporarily losing his balance.

Link shut his eyes tight and delivered another strike, knocking Ghirahim from the platform. Another one materialized beneath the demon and Link took the chance to jump down, delivering what would have been a finishing blow on any other creature. He then leapt back and watched as Ghirahim slowly got to his feet, watching him intently to see if there was any change in the Demon Lord.

Ghirahim cried out in pain as Link struck the gem at the center of his chest, knocking away some of the metal plating around it and showing a bit of its true red colour. He got to his feet, grimacing before shooting a glare at the hero.

The hero frowned as Ghirahim's possessed form glared at him. Letting out another shout he charged the demon again; repeating the whole process of driving him to the edge, knocking him off and then driving his sword into the large diamond in the demon's chest.

Ghirahim panted harshly after Link had gotten off of him. Clutching at the diamond in his chest and coughing. He rolled over onto his hands and knees and pushed himself up slowly, moaning in pain as he was temporarily jarred back to consciousness. "Link..."

Link carefully side stepped back towards Ghirahim when he heard the demon speak his name. "G-ghirahim?"

"You... have to keep attacking me..." he managed out, rising to his feet with a near pleading look in his eye before it snapped back to hostility.

A pained look crossed the youth's face before snapping back to determination. Charging the Demon Lord once more, knocking him to the edge and plunging his sword deep through his chest a third time. It pained him so much to do this to Ghirahim but if there was a chance it could free him, he had to do it.

Ghirahim cried out a final time before lying motionless as the platform sank back to the ground and dissipated. After a few moments, he got to his feet once more, snarling at the hero. "You wretched brat!"

Link frowned as he saw Ghirahim summon one of his swords. Rushing towards the demon Link used his shield to bash away the blade as Ghirahim took a swing at him. While Ghirahim was off guard he took the opportunity to stab at the glowing orangey-red diamond in his chest.

Staggering back, Ghirahim shot a hateful look at the boy. Without warning, he shot forward and aimed a punch at Link's solar plexus before slashing him across his front.

Link let out a pained grunt and nearly doubled over gasping as Ghirahim landed a blow; his fist felt like metal, causing the pain to be even worse. It took every bit of the hero's strength not to double over in pain as he staggered back away from the demon.

A hand reached out to seize the blonds' hair and force his head back. "You know..." the demon growled darkly, snaking his other arm around Link's waist and pulling him tight against himself, "we never did get to finish where we left off last time... Pity." With that, he leaned his head down and crushed Link's mouth to his own, forcing his tongue between the other's lips.

The hero coughed, still trying to recover from the hit to his solar plexus, when Ghirahim grabbed his hair and forced him against his seemingly naked form violently. He screamed out a muffled 'No!' as he was forcefully kissed, the demon's tongue invading the youth's mouth.

The demon's hand slipped down to wrap around Link's neck instead, squeezing briefly. He practically shoved his tongue down the boy's throat, invading every corner of his orifice before pulling back. "You taste good..." Ghirahim murmured, moving his mouth to Link's ear and teasing the lobe with his tongue, "no wonder he's so infatuated with you."

Link gasped as he felt a hand grasp his neck before his mouth was defiled again by the being possessing Ghirahim. When the demon pulled back the hero's face twisted in disgust as he let out a small growl, "Don't fucking touch me again you beast!"

The demon smirked, his grip on the sky child's waist loosening for a second before he slammed his knee up into Link's stomach and roughly threw him to the ground.

Link cried out again as he was dealt another blow and harshly flung to the ground, coughing again as he just barely managed to hold onto his sword. "Ghirahim, f-fight him," the blond whispered out roughly as he tried to catch his breath.

Ghirahim sauntered over to him before climbing on top of the youth and stabbing his rapier down beside his head, leering down at him in amusement. He seized the sky child's right wrist to prevent him from using his sword, using his free hand to caress the hero's cheek before running it down his chest and humming in approval. "Haven't I told you? It's too late to reach him. But I think I'll have some fun with you before I dispose of you..." His tongue slithered out to wave before Link's face.

Link's eyes widened as the sword came down so close to his head before glaring up at the demon. He was about to take a swing at the other when he felt his wrist held down, jerking his head away from the hand caressing his cheek. A look of absolute disgust found its way to the blonds' face at the implication of the being possessing Ghirahim's idea of fun.

The Demon Lord's hand reached Link's belt, pausing for a moment before tugging at the piece of clothing until it came undone. Grinning maliciously, Ghirahim yanked up the hero's tunic and chainmail, exposing his chest. He set his hand down, raking his nails across the toned flesh and leaving four long scratches down the center of his chest, all beginning to seep blood right away.

The blond grimaced as he felt nails as hard as diamonds rake down his chest and drawing blood. While the possessed Demon Lord was busy tugging at his clothes he let his free left hand drift down into his adventurers pouch while he thrashed about lightly. Wriggling his hand into one of his Mogma mitts, he brought up the clawed glove while the demon was distracted and gouged his left hand into the diamond on the man's chest.

A scream of pain ripped from the demon's throat as the claws plunged into his core diamond. Ghirahim jerked back, releasing Link's wrist to clutch both hands at his chest.

Link quickly brought both his legs up to kick the Demon Lord off of him, sending him back a few feet. He quickly bolted up and ran from the injured demon over to the wall of the pit, putting as much distance between them as he could. He quickly fixed his outfit while he still had a chance, keeping his eyes on the demon as he did so.

After a few moments, the demon lowered his hands, giving Link a hateful glare. He snapped his fingers, grimacing at the pain that shot through his system, and a giant sword appeared. He held it in both hands at the ready. "Your time is running out, boy..." Ghirahim growled, briefly casting his gaze up to Zelda's form.

His eyes quickly shifted up to catch a glimpse of Zelda's form, the golden glow surrounding her intensifying. He cursed softly, time was indeed running out. It was then he heard the sound of the giant blade being swung and Link had to do a quick back flip out of the way in order to dodge the blow.

Ghirahim lunged forward again, swinging the blade once more at the hero.

Link barely managed to bring his shield up in time to block the blow; but, was sent staggering backwards, tripping over his own feet and falling to the ground behind him.

Excitement flashing in his eyes, Ghirahim raised the blade over his head, ready to bring it down and end the hero. But when he tried to, his hands wouldn't obey him, they wouldn't budge from their positions and he was left frozen in that position.

Noticing Ghirahim's hesitation, Link sprung up from where he was on the ground and quickly plunged his blade into the diamond on the demons chest once again.

Crying out, the demon staggered back and dropped the sword, it disintegrating as it hit the ground. He hunched over before falling to his knees, clutching at the fractured gem in his chest and panting hard. "H-how? How is it that I've been driven to my knees by a simple child of man? Boy... what are you?"

Link stood and stared down at the possessed form of the Demon Lord before he saw the seal beneath them start to glow an orangey-red; as it began to pulsate the hero's eyes went wide in horror.

High above them, a scream of agony ripped itself from the spirit maiden as the golden light around her began to swell. Ghirahim raised his head to look up at her, rising to his feet again. "Ah... the ritual is complete. I see no reason to linger in this form then..." he murmured. At once, all of the malice left his expression, leaving only pain as he fell to his hands and knees again.

The blond stared up in horror as Zelda thrashed about where she floated in the air, as her scream echoed about the Sealed Grounds. He heard Ghirahim drop to his knees and ran over to the other man. Link kneeled in front of Ghirahim and looked up into the pained expression of the other man, "Ghirahim?"

"Link... I'm sorry," Ghirahim said. "It can't be stopped now. Her soul will be devoured at any moment..." Looking at the pulsing seal beneath them, he suddenly shot up and grabbed Link's arm, pulling them both out of the way as a black fog rose up. After running for a short moment, he turned back around to see a mass of scales step out from the smoke, an overwhelming sense of dread filling him.

The colour drained from Link's face as Ghirahim spoke. The next thing the blond knew Ghirahim was dragging him out from underneath the seal. When they turned back to look he saw the Imprisoned there, it quickly looked at them both before it turned its attention up to where Zelda floated in mid-air. As he stared up at the horrific creature, Link mumbled softly to Ghirahim, "I can still fight him."

"I sure hope so," Ghirahim murmured back with a frown. The spirit maiden's screaming began to escalate in volume before a golden light was ripped from her. It shot straight down into the Imprisoneds' gaping maw, and soon a purple glow began to emanate from the beast.

It pained Link so to hear his best friend screaming the way she was as the light was ripped from her and consumed by the beast. As the Imprisoned began to glow purple a violent wind whipped around the sealed grounds. Link held onto Ghirahim and looked over at him, in the last few moments that remained before Demise was resurrected he needed to know something from the Demon Lord. "Ghirahim? Earlier, while I had to fight you...did you...did you hear what I said?" He still didn't know to what extent the Demon Lord cared for him, but it didn't matter; the hero wanted Ghirahim to know how he felt if today did indeed end up being his last day.

The Demon Lord wrapped his arms around the hero, burying his nose in his blond hair as the wind picked up. "Yes, I did," he replied, holding him close as if he never wanted to let him go, "and, after all of this is over... I want to stay with you too."

Link's face hardened in determination as he saw the massive beast begin to shrink in the purple glow, "In that case, I'm not going to lose...all our lives depend on it now."

Ghirahim smirked, pressing a quick kiss to his forehead before stepping away from him. "I've always admired your spirit, dear boy." The smoke began to clear, revealing a much smaller, though possibly more intimidating, figure that had take the Imprisoneds' place. The Demon Lord looked on with a frown, though his expression gradually shifted to a deep hatred as he spoke in a mocking tone. "Welcome back to us, Master." The last word was spat, as though the being before him was undeserving of the title.

Link stood a few feet from Ghirahim, clutching his blade tight and holding his stance. He watched as the menacing figure slowly stood as the flames atop his head burned a bright reddish-orange. So this was the true form of Ghirahim's Master, Demise the Demon King; while he certainly was smaller he sensed something far more deadly from this form than the monstrosity that was the Imprisoned.

Ghirahim had to force his nerves to keep steady as Demise slowly turned, his fiery gaze landing on him. The Demon King's lips were slightly curled in disgust as he took in the sight of his blade standing beside the chosen hero of the goddess, his eyes drifting to Link next before a soft chuckle escaped him.

Link frowned as he watched Demise turn around slowly, looking over at Ghirahim before his gaze drifted to himself. That glowing fiery stare that matched the beings' hair was one of the most terrifying things Link had ever seen, but he didn't move. When Demise started to chuckle, he felt the strong urge to stand in front of Ghirahim to protect the Demon Lord but stopped himself. He didn't want to hurt Ghirahim's pride, or whatever was left of it after what Demise had done while possessing the sword spirit.

"How precious," the Demon King spoke at last in a deep, commanding tone that carried an edge of mocking with it, "my treacherous sword has fallen for her pet, the chosen knight of the goddess..." Without warning, he threw his hand out, some unknown force reaching for Ghirahim with lightning speed. The Demon Lord gasped as he was jerked forward and suspended in the air before his supposed Master, his arms spread apart and leaving his core entirely vulnerable. He struggled, jerking around in the invisible hold and grunting. "So..." Demise continued, addressing Link and completely ignoring his sword for the time being, "you actually care for this... nothing?"

The blond continued to glare at Demise as he continued to ridicule both himself and Ghirahim. Link gasped and watched at the Demon Lord being lifted into the air, he quickly sheathed his blade and started pulling at Ghirahim's wrist, trying to bring him back down. He gritted his teeth when he heard Demise insult Ghirahim, calling him nothing. "He is not nothing!" Link snapped back at the Demon King.

The gem at the center of the Demon Lord's chest began to glow. Eyes widening, Ghirahim's struggling increased before he suddenly threw his head back and let out a scream of agony. Demise's lips pulled back over his teeth in a sneer. "He is nothing. Nothing but a tool for me to use to conquer, and you are a fool for harbouring attachment to him. He belongs to me, both in body and soul." The Demon Lord's screaming increased as something was pulled from within him, a dark shape flying out and being caught by Demise's outstretched hand - a sword. Ghirahim went still and quiet, his limp form dropping to the ground like a stone as Demise examined the blade he'd just ripped from the demon.

Link watched as the sword shot from Ghirahim's chest and into Demise's hand, it was the same sword that he'd caught a vision of earlier. His attention shifted back to Ghirahim as he fell limp onto the ground. He grabbed the demon's form before he fell over completely and he whispered to him in horror as he was silent and motionless, "Ghirahim?"

The Demon Lord's eyes were open, but staring at nothing and his expression was vacant. Completely lifeless. A few moments passed before an orange glow surrounded his body and he slowly faded, the light shooting towards Demise's sword and absorbing into the black metal.

The hero just stared down at the demon's vacant shell before he disappeared into the rest of the Demon Sword. Letting out a soft growl as he gritted his teeth, Link got up and withdrew his blade once again. He didn't know how, but he had to end this creature to get both Ghirahim and Zelda back.

The Demon King examined his blade before turning his attention to Zelda, who still remained suspended high above, and completely disregarding Link for now. "The goddess lowered herself to a mortal existence to keep me imprisoned. How pathetic. This bag of flesh pales in comparison to the magnificence of her previous form." Demise threw his sword up, sending a powerful gust of wind at the unsuspecting blonde-haired girl and violently casting her body off to smash into one of the walls of the pit.

Link gasped and was about to start running to try and catch her, even though he knew it was slim he'd make it in time, when he heard Groose's voice call out to him. "Don't worry Link! Groose has got this!" The red head yelled as he ran as fast as he could before diving and catching Zelda. He sighed in relief when the dust settle and he saw Zelda safe in Grooses' arms.

"Hmm..." Demise gave a small smirk of amusement, "so you and that other human would stand before obliteration to aid the goddess, would you?"

The hero turned back toward Demise, his usual warm blue eyes now cold as he stared up at the Demon King. "I will do whatever it takes to bring you down," Link said calmly and firmly, thought it hid the rage boiling inside of him at losing both Ghirahim and Zelda.

Demise gave a small grunt. "Intriguing... the humans I knew were weak, spineless creatures, crying and screaming for their goddess to protect them. Hardly more than insects..." he scoffed, though impressed that Link would stand against him. "How amusing to think those cowards begot someone like you."

Letting out a small grunt Link raised his blade up higher to try and show that he wasn't afraid of the horrifying behemoth in front of him.

A deep, rumbling laugh rose up from the Demon King at the defiant display before him. "You grow more fascinating by the second, human. I never imagined I'd meet one of your kind who wished to challenge me in battle. But very well, I shall prepare a place where we will not be bothered by distractions. If you still have the courage to face me, meet me there."

Link nodded while still staring down the Demon King, he then took a few steps forward before hearing Groose yell out at him. He told Link that it would take a while for Demise to completely absorb Zelda's soul. That gave the chosen hero the tiny shred of hope he needed. If he could take down Demise fast enough Zelda would be saved, and hopefully so would Ghirahim.

Demise thrust his sword upward, a vortex of dark energy swirling around him. "If you fear for your life, do not follow me. You can spend what little time your world has left cowering as befits your kind. But if you truly desire to raise your blade to the world I would built then come for me. I've waited eons to return, I can spare a few more minutes to let you decide." With that, the Demon King vanished, leaving behind a small portal of swirling black energy.

The blond scoffed once Demise had vanished, "Waited to return, yeah right, that's why you possessed Ghirahim several times." He turned to look up at Groose and saw him slowly carrying Zelda up the pit and back up to the Sealed Temple. Quickly checking his pouch he saw a single heart potion and a couple of fairies. He would have preferred to return to Skyloft to grab a guardian potion, but there was no time and these would have to do. Link walked towards the dark vortex and after a quick confirmation from Fi, he walked through the portal.

The sun shone down on the water that made up the floor of the seemingly endless room. The Demon King stood, waiting patiently for the youth to show up, and when he felt another presence enter the area, he turned to greet the hero. "Ah, so you've decided to meet your end in battle after all. It pleases me greatly to see such misplaced valor." Demise turned his gaze away from him briefly to pace. "Take a moment to appreciate your surroundings, for where we stand shall serve as your tomb for eternity..."

Link looked around the room in shock, and he was somehow standing on top of an endless room of water. He then saw Demise standing there with his back to him, though as he approached, the Demon King slowly turned to face him. After a few moments the young hero got tired of listening to the beast before him and snapped. "No! This will not serve as my tomb! I'm not going to fall here, I'm going to defeat you and I'm going to save my friend and take Ghirahim back with me!"

"So eager to get to it, I see. Very well..." The sky began to darken, the sun disappearing into oblivion. "I have to wonder how long you'll remain standing before I take your life. Try and keep it interesting for me, would you?"

Link frowned as he entered into battle with Demise. He kept his shield up to deflect all of Demise's attacks and then moved in for one quick strike before pulling back. The hero was already finding this battle easier than the two previous ones he'd had with Demise through a possessed Ghirahim; he no longer had to worry about injuring the person he cared for.

Letting out a snarl, Demise drove his fist forward, trying to throw the hero off balance before lashing out with his sword again.

Link stumbled slightly back and managed to back flip dodge out of the way of the blade. Link moved back in quickly and used his shield to bash away Demises' massive fist whenever he punched at the hero, creating an opening and landing a blow. Whenever Demise swung at him with the Demon Sword he did a quick dodge back or flipped out of the way of the blade again. Using these methods he was slowly dealing Demise one blow at a time. It would take him a while to defeat the Demon King this way but so far he'd managed to stay out of harms way.

The Demon King was analyzing his patterns of attack with each blow Link dealt and every time the hero dodged away from the dark blade. Finally, Demise seized an opening. Just as Link was about to jump back after dealing a blow, the demon reached out and grabbed his arm, swinging him up into the air before brutally slamming him down onto the water covered floor.

Link cried out in pain as he was grabbed and thrown to the ground, water seeping up and soaking the back of his tunic. He gasped for air as he struggled back onto his feet.

High above the two, a projection of a black form looked on with trepidation as his Master closed in on the hero. "Link... get up..." Ghirahim murmured, looking away as Demise swung his blade at the boy.

He gasped at hearing Ghirahim's voice and quickly rolled out of the way as the blade was brought down hard and hit the water's surface. Quickly springing up he slashed at Demise while the demon sword was stuck in the ground, landing as many blows as he could before jumping back and avoiding the Demon King's retaliation.

Smirking, the Demon King raised his blade, managing to block a few of those blows with it before slashing out at Link as the hero dodged back. Ghirahim flinched, a sound of pain spilling out of the spirit's mouth as the Master Sword struck the sword Demise held, realizing what his supposed Master had done had been on purpose.

Link gritted his teeth as he got a flash in his mind of Ghirahim in pain. Every time he struck the Demon Blade knew he was hurting the Demon Lord, but unless he did he'd never be able to defeat Demise. Furrowing his brows he waited for another attack and shield bashed it away before moving in for another strike across the Demon King's chest.

Ghirahim watched as Demise was thrown back before jumping to his feet again, anger evident in his expression and for that the Demon Lord felt a stab of satisfaction. The Demon King then raised his blade to the sky as lightning cracked overhead, a bolt shooting down the length of the steel.

Link's eyes widened as a lightning bolt came down to strike Demise's blade, charging it with crackling electricity. Link already figured Skyward Strikes wouldn't work since this place had been created by the Demon King. Experimentally Link raised the Master Sword to the sky and a lightning strike came down and charged the Master Sword as well. Wasting no time he swung his sword at Demise, the electricity shooting towards the Demon King and stunning him. Rushing forward the blond slashed away at Demise a few times before backing off to a safe distance.

Ghirahim smirked as he watched the battle, seeing Demise rear back with a roar of pain as Link continuously attacked him. Sensing another pair of eyes on him, he turned his head to the side slightly, seeing a purple and blue form floating nearby - the spirit of the Master Sword. The Demon Lord gave her a small nod before the two sword spirit's turned their attention back to the battle below. Demise had charged his sword again and practically flew at Link, swinging the blade out and sending a disk of energy at the youth.

Link's eyes widened and he before he had the chance to charge up his blade again he had to quickly jump to the side to get out of the way of the electricity flying towards him. Once he'd cleared the attack he raised his sword skyward again to absorb another bolt of lightning.

As Link rushed at him with his sword ablaze with lightning, Demise clashed his own blade with the hero's, letting it take the full force of the blow. High above, Ghirahim screamed.

The blonds' face contorted in rage as another image flashed in the back of his mind of Ghirahim crying out in agony. "You're a horrible Master!" Link spat at he jumped back "He feels pain and you purposely cause him more of it, and you wonder why he turned on you!?"

Demise chuckled mirthlessly, raising his blade once more to capture another bolt of lightning. "Your concern for him endlessly amuses me. I'm certain he'll enjoy watching you die by my hand..." Ghirahim was only just recovering, opening his eyes to focus on the battle again. He saw Demise rush forward, faster than before this time, and throw his fist at the hero, knocking him off balance. He saw Link stagger, unable to block this time as the Demon King brutally slashed down across his torso, the bolt travelling through the youth's body. "No!" The Demon Lord yelled, eyes widening in horror.

Link screamed out in absolute agony as the electrified blade was slashed across his chest; cutting through his clothing and chain mail to leave a deep wound in the flesh of his chest. His breath caught in his throat as he hit the ground on his back again. A sickening gurgling sound left his lips, a small amount of blood dripped down from the corner of his mouth, as his eyes slipped closed.

Ghirahim's projection drifted down to kneel beside the fallen hero. He reached a hand out to hover over the horrific wound across Link's torso. Most of his tunic was stained red from the amount of blood seeping out from the gash.

"Hardly an interesting battle for one holding the title of 'chosen hero'"

The Demon Lord looked over to shoot a glare at Demise as he approached. His form was shaking with rage and he barred his teeth at his supposed Master.

"This is what happens when you put your faith in a mere human." Demise continued. "You'll always belong to me. Don't let yourself forget that too easily, my servant..."

Ghirahim just shook his head and turned his attention back towards Link, knowing that there was nothing he could do or say to the Demon King that would help his current situation. "Link, please..."

Suddenly a little pink fairy floated out of Link's adventurer pouch and floated around the hero's body. The wound on the blonds' chest closed up a bit and blue eyes flew back open. Gasping, Link got back on his feet and held his blade to the sky, absorbing a lightning bolt and flinging it at Demise before the Demon King recovered to a fighting stance.

Demise was thrown onto his back before flipping back up and shooting a glare at the hero, both angry and surprised that he had suddenly come back to life. He charged at Link, attacking him relentlessly, raining blow after blow upon him.

Link panted and continually dodged Demise's blade as he was trying not to sustain another blow. The Demon King was leaving very few openings to counter his attacks, every time he seemed to find one he'd bring his blade up to use as a shield. The hero grimaced slightly every time he hit the Demon Blade with the Master Sword, knowing it was hurting Ghirahim. He had to find a way through Demises' defenses. He tried calling down another lightning bolt to his sword and charged at Demise again.

The Demon Lord had returned to his position above the battle, flinching and crying out softly as the Demon Sword was strike by the sky child's blade. He could feel his core fracture a little bit more every time. It hurt, but he knew that wasn't Link's intention, so he tried to push back the pain and ignore it, as impossible as that seemed. Below, the Demon King was thrown back once more as Link managed to strike him across the chest a few times. He lay stunned on the ground.

As Link saw Demise fall to the ground, he jumped forward and into the air, taking the opening to try and deliver a finishing blow to the Demon King. Unfortunately at the last second Demise rolled out of the way. He tried to pull the sword back from the ground, but just as he'd freed his blade he was struck in the shoulder from behind with the Demon Sword. Link cried out as he was thrown forward from the force of the blade. Getting up he charged Demise again, going for an opening just to have the Demon Sword brought up at the last second again.

Ghirahim felt another blinding flash of pain, his consciousness wavering for a moment. The Demon King swung out at Link, sneering at the hero. "Your blade is powerful, I'll admit, and at this rate, it may permanently damage mine. Let that sink in for a moment."

Link let out a small cry as he barely brought up his shield again to stop the blow. He almost froze at Demise's words, could all this fighting actually break Ghirahim, would he still lose the other man? He shook his head and raised his blade to the sky, for what he hoped would be the final time, catching another bolt of lightning. He knew Demise would probably say anything to distract him and cause him to fail, he couldn't listen to the Demon King's words.

The Demon King charged his own sword with lightning, swinging his blade outwards and casting the crackling energy at the hero.

The hero barely managed to leap to the side out of the way of the electricity beam to dodge. He saw Demise crouch down low and come hurtling towards him. He quickly swung his blade and released the lighting charged up within the Master Sword as the Demon King drew close, stopping him in his tracks as he was paralyzed by the lighting. Slashing at the stunned beast of a man he managed to knock Demise down once again. Wasting no time Link leapt into the air again in another attempt to deliver a fatal blow to the Demon King.

A roar of pain ripped itself from between the Demon King's jaws as the Master Sword plunged into the center of his chest. After a few moments of lying there, he forced himself back up after the hero had flipped off of him, clutching one hand to the wound as he fixed his glare on Link. Letting out a growl, Demise stabbed his blade into the ground, looking at it in surprise as it disintegrated in a flash of purple light and smoke.

Link panted a bit as he watched Demise stagger back to his feet. Had he actually finally won against this abomination? His heart tightened as he saw the Demon Sword disappear. He fought back the urge to cry over the unthinkable of where the sword may have disappeared to. Turning his attention back to Demise, the King ranted to him about the boy fighting like nothing he'd ever faced before; but, cautioned him that this was not the end. He spoke of his hatred being reborn in the future and that those like Zelda and himself would be forever cursed to this cycle before he finally turned into nothing but a giant black cloud.

Lifting his blade to the sky, the remnants of Demise were absorbed into the Master Sword; Fi told him, and that he was now sealed away. Since Demise was no more, the placed he had formed for their battle disappeared and Link suddenly found himself back just inside the doors of the Sealed Temple.

A pompadour covered head turned to look at Link, seeing him suddenly appear in the temple. "Link!" He called from over by the time gate, "You're back! You've gotta see this, come over here!"

Link's eyes widened at Groose beckoning him so insistently. He ran over to where Groose was, no longer aware that the front of his tunic was shredded and soaked with his own blood. As he rounded the gate his eyes widened as he saw Ghirahim's battered form lying on the ground. He saw Zelda standing behind Groose too and was thankful that she was alright but he quickly went over to Ghirahim and dropped to his knees beside the demon; who had returned to his usual pale form, "Ghirahim!"

The Demon Lord moaned softly at the sound of his name, but didn't move otherwise. Groose looked at Link incredulously while Zelda looked concerned, her gaze drifting from the demon's form then to Link. "Wh-what are you doing? I thought he was the one that..." the redhead started, then shook his head. "Shouldn't you get rid of him or something?"

Link shook his head quickly as he pulled out the heart potion from his pouch, thanking the goddesses that Ghirahim had survived the battle. "That wasn't him, that thing you saw in the pit possessed him." He was aware that his own injuries from the battle were extensive but he didn't care. Link uncorked the bottle of potion and held it to Ghirahim's lips, "Here, Ghirahim, I need you to drink this."

The Demon Lord parted his lips instinctively, slowly beginning to drink the potion. As he felt his wounds sealing up, he opened his eyes, his gaze finding Link's. Growing stronger, Ghirahim pushed himself up into a sitting position and finished off the potion before looking around in a daze.

Link sighed in relief, putting the bottle down, and gently wrapped his arms around the Demon Lord, only to wince at the giant gash still across his own chest.

The Demon Lord grimaced as he looked down to see the sky child's wound and his front covered in blood. That would have to be taken care of soon, but for now he was just grateful that Link was otherwise okay. His gaze drifted back up to the hero's face before he reached up to gently cup his cheek, leaning forward to softly press their lips together. A cough sounded behind him.

Link blushed slightly as Ghirahim kissed him before turning his head sheepishly in the direction of the cough. "I...I have some things to explain," he mumbled softly.

Impa had an eyebrow raised, Zelda's lips were parted in a soft gasp and Groose just looked utterly lost. The blonde-haired girl stepped forward towards her best friend, "I'm just glad you're okay, Link. Though an explanation would be nice..." She looked warily to Ghirahim, who was regarding the three with an unreadable expression.

"He's not bad Zelda, I swear to you," he looked from the blond girl over to Ghirahim before blushing softly. "He helped me one night. I fell asleep after the first Silent Realm and woke up to a terrible storm and it was almost night time. He gave me a place to stay and...things just...kind of started happening," the hero explained as his blush deepened.

"Th-things...?" Zelda said in bewilderment, cheeks tinting pink. "Umm... I don't really know how to..." she fell silent when she saw the man who had been hunting her down for weeks staring at her. Ghirahim scoffed and tossed his hair a bit, "He speaks the truth."

Link continued to blush and looked down away from everyone. He really didn't care all that much of what Groose or Impa thought about all of this, well maybe he cared a little bit; but, he prayed Zelda wouldn't think any less of him for having developed a relationship with the supposed enemy.

Zelda gazed at Link for a few more moments before speaking again. "Well... if you're sure it's alright then... I trust you."

He looked back up to Zelda and smiled at her before nodding, "It's alright now, I promise you that." He spoke softly before turning his head to smile at Ghirahim. He slowly got to his feet, wincing at the burning pain in his chest.

Ghirahim got to his feet as well, ignoring the little sharp stings that shot through his system from the wounds that had not quite healed from the potion. He gave Link a concerned look, frowning slightly. "You really need to get that taken care of..."

The boy panted slightly before nodding as a tiny amount of sweat formed on his brow, "I will, soon." Unfortunately the potion he'd given Ghirahim had been the last healing type one that he had. It would hurt but he'd be alright until they got back to their own time.

It was then that his sword made a sound and Fi appeared beside them, and addressed Zelda. "Hylia, Your Grace, or perhaps you prefer Zelda? It pleases me to know you are safe."

Zelda looked up at the sword spirit with some amount of surprise before she smiled softly. "Hello, Fi."

Ghirahim turned back to the Sheikah, the redhead and the goddess. "I suppose an apology is due on my part..." he said with a frown before bowing formally, "I am deeply sorry for what I've caused." The Demon Lord straightened up, seeing Groose still looking sceptical of him, and scowled slightly. Though if he had insulted this human's hair at any point, he certainly wasn't sorry for that.

Link looked shocked to hear an apology out of the Demon Lord to his companions. He smiled though and gently slide his hand into Ghirahim's, proud of the demon for the gesture.

Impa looked skeptical as well, but since she knew there was nothing more Ghirahim could do she shrugged it off. She was surprised though, the boy had not only fulfilled his mission but done something as so rare as to touch the heart of the enemy.

Zelda looked surprised at the demon's apology, but smiled and nodded. Emotion welled up in the goddess incarnate at the realization that the mission was done and everything had turned out okay. "It's over... finally it's all over..." Tears began to spill from her eyes before she could stop them and she reached up to hastily wipe them away.

Link smiled and nodded at her, and this time it was truly and actually over.

It was then that Fi chimed in again, "Master I must speak with you."

Link looked at his companion with a slightly confused look. He turned to Ghirahim for a brief second before slipping his hand back out of the Demon Lord's and followed Fi over to a pedestal over by the great doors of the room that had held Zelda had sealed herself away in.

Once they reached the pedestal, Fi informed Link that now that his mission was complete he needed to lay the Master Sword to rest; and that she would enter the sword for the final time and begin a sleep with no end. The young hero almost jumped back in shock at these words as he stared up at the floating sword spirit.

Ghirahim watched as Link went to speak with his sword. Groose and Impa began talking about something but he hardly paid attention, beginning to pace over to where Link and Fi were and watching their exchange.

"Master, you have achieved the purposed you were chosen to fulfil. Please, set the sword in the pedestal and bring the goddess's mission to an end. Now, Master, it is time to conclude our necessary companionship." She spoke in her come unwavering voice before glowing a bright blue and returning to the sword.

Link looked back at his sword with an incredible unease. He'd gone through his whole mission with this sword and Fi as his companion and now he had to give it up in a split second just like that? He turned to see Ghirahim standing at the bottom of the stairs and then Zelda came up beside the Demon Lord and nodded at Link, a solemn expression on her face.

Ghirahim sighed, knowing of the attachment the boy had to his blade. It was a shame the goddess had to tear them apart like this, just like that. He felt a flash of annoyance.

Link sighed and nodded at Zelda before turning back around while he drew his blade. He held it up skyward and looked up over it for the last time before taking the hilt in both his hands and driving it down into the pedestal with a loud determined shout. A bright blue-white light emitted from the sword and pedestal as the blade was laid to rest. After it faded, Link stood and looked over the blade for a short moment, but what felt like forever, before he turned and started to make his way down the stairs; looking at Zelda and Ghirahim with a lightly solemn expression.

Zelda ran up to hug her friend. "Link, I'm sorry..."

Ghirahim gave the hero a sympathetic expression, speaking after a short while had passed. "Sky child, I have something to tell you, later that is..."

Link embraced Zelda as she hugged him before looking at Ghirahim with a slightly perplexed expression, "Alright."

Something caught the demon's eye and he looked back towards the sword sheathed in the pedestal in slight shock.

Link caught the look on Ghirahim's face and as he turned out of Zelda's embrace he heard that sound one last time. Confusion filled the hero's face as he looked around, being able to hear Fi, but she wasn't anywhere in sight.

"Link, hear me. My purpose was to obey the command of the goddess and lead you, the chosen hero of this land, on your quest. When I awoke and began this task, I perceived it as merely serving my function as a servant to Her Grace. However, I have come to consider the information corresponding to our time together among the most precious data that I have on record."

Fi's soft echoy voice filled the room and Link began ascending the stairs back towards the Master Sword.

As Link reached the middle of the stairs a projection of Fi floated down to meet him before she started to speak once more.

"I do not have the capability to fully understand the human spirit. Link...But now, at the end of my journey with you, as I prepare to sleep within the Master Sword forever. I experience a feeling I am unable to identify. I lack insufficient data to be sure of my conclusion, but I believe this feeling correlates closest to what your people call...happiness. Our partnership is at an end , and even as we speak, I feel my consciousness fading away."

As the blond listened to his companion speak, it saddened him to hear her talk of sleeping forever. He kept a soft smile on his face as he listened to her words well, for it would be the last time he would ever hear her speak.

"Before I enter the sleep that calls me to the sword, I wish to relay to you words that I recorded many times over the course of our journey. Many have said them to you thus far, but now I wish to say them for myself...Thank you, Master Link. May we meet again in another life."

Link shook his head softly at her and tried to keep the sadness out of his smile as he watched her. Then suddenly she was gone and the glow around the Master Sword faded away.

Ghirahim watched for a few more moments before sighing and softly shaking his head.

"What? Impa, why? Come with us!"

The Demon Lord turned to see Zelda seemingly pleading with the Sheikah for something.

Link turned and started down the stairs and paused when he heard Zelda cry out for Impa to come back with them. He then finished his descent down the stairs to stand beside Ghirahim and watched Impa and Zelda.

Impa and Zelda stood in the circle in front of the Gate of Time, the same circle where he'd learned the Ballad of the Goddess from the old lady in the present. Groose stood a few feet away and watched the two women.

Impa explained to Zelda that her coming with them to their time was impossible, that Zelda should know this since she now held the Goddess Hylia's memories. She was a being of this age and this was where she belonged.

Zelda frowned, deeply saddened by the fact that she may never see her guardian again. The goddess slipped one of the decorative bracelets off of her wrists, holding it out for the Sheikah to accept.

The Sheikah woman smiled and brought her hands to cup Zelda's holding the bracelet before speaking softly to the girl, "Do not despair, Zelda. You and I will surely meet again someday." With that she brought her hands down, accepting the bracelet from the reincarnated goddess.

Impa turned towards the gate and opened it before turning back to the rest of them, "You should return to your own time, I will take care of the gate from here."

Once all four of them reached the other side of the gate it shimmered quickly before disappearing.

As they emerged back in the present, they turned to see the gate of time take on a bright glow before dissolving into thin air. A figure stood behind it, smiling softly at the four.

Link and Groose both smiled at the old woman from where she stood at the bottom of the temple stairs before running over to her.

Zelda stayed behind, eyes finding the familiar blue bracelet the old woman wore on her wrist. The goddess incarnate walked up to her, eyes shining with happiness as she reached out to take the old woman's hand.

Ghirahim watched the rather heartwarming scene unfold before him, sticking out his tongue at the sweetness of it. He briefly glanced back to where the gate of time had been. "Clever..." he murmured, understanding the Sheikah's little trick.

Link and Groose moved out of Zelda's way as she approached the old lady. The hero glanced back at Ghirahim in confusion when he heard him speak before looking back at Zelda.

"See? I told you we'd meet again." The old lady spoke softly and slowly.

Zelda smiled and nodded, about to speak when she saw the old woman slowly release her hand. A frown came across the blonde's face.

As the old lady slowly started to fall backwards and then disappeared in the same white light that the Gate of Time had vanished in. Shock washed over the group as Groose dropped down to his knees and Link bowed his head in silence.

The bracelet hit the ground, bouncing with a light clink that echoed around the now silent room.

Zelda gave a soft gasp, staring at the spot where the old woman had been before closing her eyes and bringing her hands up to her chest.

"Impa... thank you. Thank you for everything."

Link raised his head when he heard a noise come from in front of him as the doors to the back room of the Sealed Temple slowly began to open. He saw the room open to the overgrowth taking over the back room and the Master Sword sat in its pedestal just in front of the now open doors. As light from outside poured in through the back room the hero took a few steps forward to better take in the rather breath taking sight before them.

After a few minutes Link wandered outside to the Sealed Grounds where the Isle of the Goddess and the Triforce now rested instead of the pit.

"Link," the Demon Lord said, having followed the boy outside, sauntering over to him.

Link turned around and looked at him quizzically, "Yes? What is it Ghirahim?"

"Would it be alright if I spoke with you now?" The demon asked, holding out his hand for Link to take.

Link nodded and glanced back to see Zelda and Groose coming outside behind Ghirahim. He took the Demon Lord's hand before calling to them that they'd be back in a bit.

The top of the viewing platform materialized around them. Ghirahim stepped away from Link, leaning back on the railing. "Well, first things first, I wanted to properly thank you for... saving me."

The blond followed Ghirahim to the railing and sat beside him, wincing slightly as he slouched backwards too much before straightening again. He had to be more mindful of his wound until he could heal it. "Of course...well...you know how I feel now so...I had no other choice," Link mused softly.

Ghirahim frowned when he saw the hero cringe and pushed off of the railing to stand in front of him, leaning over him slightly. "Second thing..." he murmured, reaching out to gently place a hand over the large gash and focusing energy to it, hoping he could at least heal it somewhat considering how severe the wound looked.

Link sighed as he felt Ghirahim help to heal the wound further, "Thank you. What else was it that you wanted to tell me though?"

Ghirahim reluctantly pulled his hand away, starting to feel dizzy from the magic use. "Well..." he said, "I'm sure it has already come to your attention that I'm the Demon King's weapon... well, was the Demon King's weapon anyway..." he sighed, pulling back a bit but still keeping his gaze on the hero. "And I'm grateful that you've freed me from that servitude, however..."

Link's face twisted into a worried expression as he stood back up quickly at Ghirahim's words. "W-what? What is it?"

A soft smile found its way across the Demon Lord's features. "A sword without a Master..." Ghirahim held out his hand to the hero, hoping that he would accept it, "cannot sustain itself. It has no purpose."

Link immediately reached out and grabbed Ghirahim's hand, "You will always have a purpose Ghirahim. Besides, you should know at this point I'd do anything to keep you around."

"Good," the demon said, "because I'm offering you everything..." Ghirahim threw him a smirk before slowly bowing to one knee, Link's hand still in his. He gently pressed his lips to the back of the hero's hand before his gaze was drawn back up to Link's once more, "... Master."

A breath hitched in the hero's throat as he watched Ghirahim get down on one knee to pledge his allegiance to him; the same way he had done to Zelda in the Sealed Temple of the past. He smiled softly as white lips kissed the Triforce mark that he now bore on his right hand and shook his head softly. "No Ghirahim, not Master, partner if anything, but not Master."

"Alright, Master~" Ghirahim sang, getting back to his feet. "I like the way it sounds when addressing you..."

Link laughed softly, shaking his head softly. As Ghirahim got back up the blond leaned up on his toes and pulled Ghirahim down a bit by his crimson red cape to capture a kiss.

Ghirahim smiled into the kiss before pulling back briefly, bringing his hand up to cup the side of Link's face. "And, there actually is just one more thing I need to tell you..."

Blue eyes stayed fixed on the Demon Lord's face, "And that last thing is?" the blond questioned softly.

Ghirahim leaned his forehead against the blonds', smiling softly as his eyes fell closed. "I love you."

"I love you too, but I hope that you already knew that," Link smiled and his blue eyes practically sparkled as he beamed up at Ghirahim.

"It needed to be said out loud," Ghirahim smirked, connecting their lips again.

Link smiled into the kiss before pulling back a few moments later. "Then let me say it properly. I love you."

Ghirahim breathlessly chuckled, his chest feeling like it was about to burst. "Now that just fills my heart with rainbows."

The blond almost burst out laughing at the Demon Lord's statement, "So where do we live from now on? I certainly don't expect you to live in the sky, and I kind of like it down here."

"We can live where ever," Ghirahim shrugged. "There's a lot of the surface you haven't seen yet, dear boy."

"Then we look around until we find somewhere we like. We should go back though, it kind of looked like Zelda had something she wanted to talk to us about." Link took Ghirahim's hand and gave it a firm squeeze.

The Demon Lord nodded, snapping the fingers of his other hand and calling his diamonds to take them back to the Sealed Temple.

Link wandered about the Statue of the Goddess in the new Sealed Grounds looking for Zelda. It took him a few minutes to locate her on top of the statue in front of the Triforce. Doing another double take of the grounds he didn't see Groose anywhere. Shrugging it off, he quickly motioned for Ghirahim to teleport them up onto the statue.

Nodding, the demon did just that, teleporting the both of them up to the top of the statue, appearing beside the goddess incarnate.

Link looked a bit sheepish when he saw Zelda jump back a half step when they appeared suddenly on the statue next to her. "Sorry about that," he replied softly. "Umm, well, we're back as promised...umm, it kind of looked like you wanted to talk with me...us?" Link mumbled and bit his lower lip softly.

Zelda giggled lightly, "Well, just look around us! As a child, I always dreamed of a world below. I wanted to see the surface with my own eyes and feel the land's warm breeze on my skin!" She paused for a moment, throwing Ghirahim a somewhat nervous look before continuing. "I... I think I want to live here and watch over the Triforce."

Link smiled and then looked up to see Groose, Cawlin, Stritch and Zelda's father descending from the sky on their Loftwings; with Link and Zelda's Loftwings in tow. So that's where the red-head had gone off to. He looked back over to Zelda and nodded, "I'm going to be staying on the surface as well."

Unbeknownst to the two, the Demon Lord crept up behind the both of them, putting an arm around either of their shoulders and pulling them close. "As am I~"

Zelda looked suddenly startled as Ghirahim took hold of her shoulder and wrapped her in a hug with Link and the demon.

Link let out a laugh, "Well of course you are, you're staying with me." He suddenly noticed Zelda's slightly nervous and uncomfortable expression. "I don't blame you from distrusting him right now Zelda, but trust me when I say that he's changed. Hopefully you'll come to see what I do over time."

Ghirahim threw a small smile at the girl, his expression bearing no malice. "I don't expect you to trust me right away, which is understandable, but what Link says is true, Your Grace." He sighed and tossed his hair a bit, releasing the two of them to look out at the scenery.

Zelda just gave Link a wary smile and nodded to him, trusting her best friend and chosen knight.

Author's Notes: Apologies for the lengthy conclusion but we wanted to keep things as close to the in game events as possible. Hope you all enjoyed it, thanks to everyone who made it this far and for all your kind words along the way. Sequel maybe?