The Legend Of Zelda Fan Fiction ❯ The Dark Master Sword ❯ A Demon Freed ( Chapter 1 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

*Disclaimer I do not own any of the characters from the Legend of Zelda*  I have started this new series in honor of a very special character that I have absolutely fallen head over heels over.  And no I don't mean Link he is most definitely not as eccentric or flamboyant as my precious antagonist is.

Ghirahim stirred from his slumber, how long had it been? He wondered.  One-thousand years? Two-thousand?  He groaned soundlessly in the pitch black, his soul hidden away in a dark realm awaiting release and that is when a light appeared.

Ghirahim, He heard the mystical voice coming from the orb but couldn't believe it.  What could the goddess sword possibly want from him now.  Ghirahim, you finally awoke, I need your help.  There is a 95% chance that we need to work together to defeat your former master, Demise.  Rage filled him, the master that had abandoned him in this cell his first chance, was now loose again?
Don't make me laugh, he said aloud without actual words.  He shook away the startled feeling before he continued.  You have not needed my help previously, so why now?
He has a powerful ancient relic that I am uncertain that I alone cannot defeat,  I am 58% positive that victory is impossible without your aid.  Fi insisted.  I have surmised that there is a 75% chance you need more convincing and I am positive that this will persuade you.  If you help there is 90% chance that you will finally have your revenge.  Fi remained silent as Ghirahim mulled over this information.
I suppose getting my revenge is worth helping you,Ghirahim replied.  The light shone brighter and then he was in the sacred grove standing before the ruins of the temple of time, he gaped, everything was so different.  “We're on the surface,” Ghirahim remarked.  “How long has it been precisely?”  The ball of light exited the master sword to float beside Ghirahim.
“It has been over one thousand years since your imprisonment,” Fi replied.  Ghirahim looked down at his hands and his body before changing it back to demon lord form, he breathed in the air surrounding him, it was clean and refreshing to his senses.
“Do you know how that information makes me feel?” he asked, stepping forward.  “It makes me angry...” he answered before Fi could respond.  He clenched his fist tight “FURIOUS,” he shouted scaring off a few birds.  He teleported around behind the master sword.  Fi turned to face him as he stared at it.  “And ready for revenge,” he said with a cold smile.
“I must also ask you for another favor,” Fi said suddenly.  “Due to the evil influencing this land I cannot leave this sacred grove to find the hero chosen by the goddess, I have called to him but I do not know if has heard me.”

“So go find the hero,” Ghirahim interrupted obviously annoyed.  “Shall I also test his abilities?”  Ghirahim asked with a cruel smile.
“As long as you do not kill him,” Fi warned.  “This mission will fail if we do not have him as our wielder.”
“Hmph, fine,” Ghirahim scoffed.  He quickly teleported out of the nauseatingly pure sacred grove into the woods beyond.  He quickly leapt from the ledge he had ended up on, to the forest floor before he could sense around his surroundings to get a better feel of where he was.  He flinched, however, realizing much had changed since his imprisonment.  Nothing was the same as when he was Demon Lord, ruling over the entire land.  He groaned finding the chosen one was going to be harder than he thought.  He huffed and leapt up into the trees leaping from branch to branch in order to find the exit to these woods He stopped in several areas to reorient himself before he finally found a stone bridge leading across a chasm.  He grinned leaping down to it and strolling across admiring the workmanship.  There were few signs of weathering, but there was enough proof  to show that the bridge was still in use.  A merchant began to cross from the opposite side which made Ghirahim stand still and watch.
“Hello,” the merchant greeted as he passed by.  Ghirahim ignored the greeting but continued to watch until the merchant was out of sight.
“At least no one recognizes me,” Ghirahim said before crossing the bridge, he followed the path beyond through a lightly wooded area before he came across a little village.  He leapt up into nearby tree to get some perspective on the village below.  It was a quaint little village, there was one shop a couple of houses and two paths branching away from it.  He looked at each of the villagers he could see but none looked like they were hero material.
“Hey,” Ghirahim looked down at a male he hadn't noticed before.  He cringed slightly as he noticed the blond hair and blue eyes of his former nemesis.  Impossible, he can't still be alive, Ghirahim thought.  “Can you see a cat from up there?”  Ghirahim's eyes widened a bit but looked around anyway to see if could spot the wayward animal.  He spotted it in a tree not far away, Ghirahim smiled and leapt down coolly before leading the way to the helpless animal.  Ghirahim leapt up the tree and picked up the animal who hissed a him before leaping back down.  The animal was shivering obviously terrified by the fall even though it was unharmed.  Ghirahim handed the cat to his old nemesis.
“This is the creature?” Ghirahim asked.  The boy took the animal and nodded.  Ghirahim was about to leave when the other called to him.
“Who are you?” The male asked.  “I haven't seen you in the village before.”  Ghirahim was about to answer but paused, he couldn't just tell this man his name after all, If it was his nemesis the male would recognize the name immediately.
“LIIIINK,” a young girl yelled from a distance. The male turned around and Ghirahim took his chance to leap to a nearby tree and leapt well out of the others sight.  He stopped when he knew he was no longer in view of the village.  Ghirahim had to leave, he had not expected to see an old familiar face, a face that riled old feelings of hate and anger that made him want to kill everyone in his path.  Then again he could be rid of the boy once and for all.  “...do not kill him,” Fi's warning came back to him. “This mission will fail if we do not have him as our wielder.”  He clenched his fist and slammed it into a nearby tree, he wanted so badly to end his misery of that old humiliation.
“At least I am sure that I have found the chosen one,” Ghirahim said aloud.  Silently, he congratulated himself on this point bringing a smile to his face.  “Now I need only to find a way to tell him, his destiny.”

~;~

Link looked behind him and was shocked to see the stranger had disappeared.   Just who was that guy, Link wondered as he turned back around to the girl who had called him she was a young child with red hair and green eyes.  She was much like her mother who ran the ranch just outside the village.  Somehow the girl had learned how to call his horse Epona which was silly to him.  He didn't mind, however as Epona seemed to like her and her mother as well and he didn't mind occasionally helping the two girls out from time to time.
“Thanks for getting Mrs. Tickles for me,” she said taking the cat from him and running off toward the ranch.  Link turned back around and headed outside the village into the woods beyond, he wanted to talk to that new guy some more but where to find him.  He stopped in a clearing and sighed, that male must be long gone by now.  He turned around and started to walk back when he heard an odd noise.  Turned back around quickly to see some green goblins that had been terrorizing the travelers recently.  He stood at the ready unsure of what he could use, then remembered the slingshot.  He pulled it out with determination, he may not be able to do much more than stun them but hopefully that would be enough.  He caught the first one with a seed and just before he could aim at the second one the strange man reappeared and lunged at the creature slicing into it.  It dropped so fast and then the male was dashing toward the goblin he had stunned earlier cutting it down as well.  No more enemies could be seen so Link relaxed as he took in the other male's sword.  He could see it was made of pure darkness with a single red gem in it's hilt.  It disappeared as he was staring at it, he readied his slingshot just in case.
“What are you?” Link asked.  The male turned toward Link and approached him unfazed by his readied stance.
“I am the Demon Ghirahim,” the male replied.  “I was sent by the goddess sword Fi to bring you to the sacred grove.  There is a great evil that threatens to destroy all of this world and it will succeed if we don't stop it.”  Link's eyes shot open at this news and lowered his guard.  The  male kept a straight face as he awaited Link's response.
“We?” Link asked.  “You're going to help stop this evil force?”  Link wasn't sure if he could believe an evil being.
“Considering what Fi told me this being is most likely none other than my old master Demon King Demise,” Ghirahim looked away the anger in his voice was apparent.  “He betrayed me.  So I have decided that I am no longer his sword to bear, against the forces of light.”  Link couldn't understand what Ghirahim meant by sword but he knew how hurtful it could be to be betrayed.
“How do I know that I can trust you?” Link asked, he wanted to trust the words of this guy but he felt as though he couldn't fully trust him yet.
“I suppose you are not as ignorant as you appear,” Ghirahim said with a grin.  “You will just have to go on my word alone until I am bond to you as your weapon.” Link was shocked by this news, he wanted to know just what had made Ghirahim switch sides.  “Hmph, you won't get far without a sword and shield however!”  Link flinched at the reprimand causing Ghirahim to roll his eyes.  “When you're adequately prepared come find me.” Link watched as Ghirahim teleported out of sight.  Link closed his mouth looking around one last time before heading back into the village.  Night was beginning to creep across the village and Lalonie was awaiting him at the village entrance.

“Oh Link!  I hate to bother you with something so trivial but could you help at the ranch today?” she asked.  “Epona, only listens to you when you ride her so I need you to bring in the herd for me.”  The woman was blushing a bit in embarrassment.  Link nodded with a smile before pulling out his flute and playing Epona's favorite song.  The beautiful mare galloped to his side from wherever she had been previously.  He tsked noting some bits of mud on her hooves, maybe she had went to the nearby spring.  He quickly mounted and helped Lalonie up onto Epona's back as well before walking his horse toward the ranch.  It only took a moment to reach the road leading to Lalonie's ranch and with Lalonie chatting about her daughter and that silly cat of hers, they were able to reach the Ranch in what seemed like no time at all.  Aria and Mrs. Tickles were waiting at the gate,  link pulled Epona to a stop before helping Lalonie down.  Aria rushed forward into Lalonie's arms who abruptly picked her up.
“Thanks again for helping with Mrs. Tickles,” Aria said.  Link smiled brightly at her, she smiled and blushed shying away.
“I'll take Aria back to the house, when your done rounding up the herd into the barn you can stop in and have some of the best Milk in the land,” Lalonie promised.  She winked and began to walk to the house, Mrs. Tickles followed after them in a hurry at the sound of milk.  Link patted Epona before nudging her sides to get her moving.  Once past the gate he leapt off and closed it so none of the animals would escape.  He then hopped up onto Epona and kicked her into a trot.  He whipped some of the stray animals to round them up into a herd again before he lead them to the barn.  The animals obediently entered with Link's guidance.  Once they were all in the barn he leapt off Epona and started leading each one to their own stalls ensuring the stalls were closed before he exited and lead Epona to the gate which he opened to lead Epona out before closing up the gate for the night.  He lead Epona to the hitching post where he left her, he didn't need to tie her up there as he knew she would stay.  He walked into the house then and looked around.  Aria was sitting at the table and Lalonie was cooking dinner.
“Link are you staying for dinner?” Aria asked.  Link scratched his head but before he could answer Lalonie spoke.
“Of course he is Aria, after all it's the least we can do,” Lalonie walked over to Link and handed him a bottle of Moo Moo Milk.  “Fresh milk just like I promised, and since you worked so hard you can keep the bottle.  Please stay for dinner?”  How could Link possibly say no to the cute she was making.  He nodded and she clapped her hands together joyfully.  She quickly ushered him to the table before going back to cooking.  “Just sit tight dinner will be ready shortly.”

After dinner Link rode Epona to his house outside the village it was a house built by his parents in a giant deku tree.  He leapt off of Epona's back and climbed up the ladder to the deck, at the top he nearly fell off when he saw Ghirahim leaning against the wall next to the door.  He clambered up and stood there unsure of what to say to the demon.
“Giving up?” Ghirahim asked.  Link gave the demon an angry look before Ghirahim continued.  “I suppose that isn't a true statement, by the look on your face that is.”  Ghirahim smiled mischievously.    “What is your plan for acquiring a sword and shield?”
“Tomorrow I can go to the shop they have shields there as for a sword... I only know one person who has one, I might be able to borrow it,” Link replied.  “We don't have much in this village but what we do have works well enough, hey do you have a place to stay tonight?”
“My comfort is unimportant...”Ghirahim began haughtily.
“It is! This mission is important right?” Link said with conviction.  He gave Ghirahim a concerned look.  “If you don't get any rest how will you function?”  Ghirahim wasn't looking at Link his face showed no emotion as he thought for a moment on how to respond.  “Look I have an extra bed so just stay the night and tomorrow I will get everything I need for the journey.”  Ghirahim peered at Link with a hint of surprise.
“I suppose I have no choice then,” Ghirahim replied, with a bow.  Link led Ghirahim into his house showing him the spare bedroom, he frowned noting how displeased Ghirahim seemed.
“It's not much but..” Link began to explain.
“It's better than nothing,” Ghirahim replied curtly.  “I'm not used to...”  Ghirahim stopped and shook his head.  “Thank you, for allowing me to stay here for the night.  If you will excuse me.”  Link nodded before leaving Ghirahim be.  He breathed a sigh, something about that guy set the hair on the back of his neck on end and he wasn't exactly sure what it was but he was certain it couldn't be good.  He sighed again and stretched before going over to his bed and hopping onto it.

~:~

Darkness, it threatened to swallow him whole, Link watched in horror as a giant creature rose up from the earth a dark mass. He couldn't move, couldn't breathe.  The mass reformed into a man a dark aura surrounded him, the man reached out his hand and line of darkness formed there.  Link looked to the end of it and saw Ghirahim.  Link reached out and then he saw Ghirahim was looking at him in anguish and despair.  Ghirahim yelled to him but he didn't hear what was said.  The hilt of a sword suddenly burst from Ghirahim's chest.  Link yelled as he woke, he sat there breathing heavily as the sound of bird's chirping reached his ears.  Morning?
“Some nightmare that must have been,” The familiar voice startled him.  He looked over to his window where Ghirahim stood looking out to something below.
“LINK,” a man's voice called from outside.  “Hey LIIIINK!!! You up yet!?  I have something important I need you to do.”
“That man has been calling your name for a while now,” Ghirahim replied finally looking over to where Link was finally getting up and placing his boots on.  Link looked mostly ready but he still had peasants clothes on which made Ghirahim worry a bit.  Link grabbed his coin purse and headed for the door.  Ghirahim followed Link out and stood defiant at his side while the man spoke.
“Link, I need you to take a letter to the Princess of Hyrule.  It's urgent so you need to collect everything you need for the trip before you leave.  This key was given to me by your father,” Mayor Duman said.  “It belongs to the chest in your parents room, I have a sword at my house that you can take with you and Mrs. Shido has a shield you can purchase.  The road is dangerous so you need to be amply prepared.  And promise me, you won't do anything reckless.”  Link was surprised but he promised.  The mayor handed him the key before turning to leave.  “Come to my house when you're ready to leave.”  Link nodded before turning to Ghirahim.
“Go on and grab whatever it is your father left you, I'll wait here,” Ghirahim said before Link could say anything.  Link nodded before running up the ladder a ways before he actually had to grab onto it to climb the rest of the way up.  Link entered his parent's room where Ghirahim had slept the night before and looked at the interior.  Link straightened the covers before he went to the foot of the bed and used the key on the chest.  He opened it to reveal a dark green tunic, chainmail and a white shirt.  Underneath these was a green hat, he frowned a bit at such odd clothing but hey it would work.  He put on the white shirt first then the chainmail and covered that with the green tunic.  He buckled the belt before he inspected the odd hat.  He groaned but put it on anyway, he was surprised at just how comfortable the armor was.
“Hmm, nice,” he was surprised at how well it went with his white pants and brown boots as well.  He felt ready to take on those goblins for round two!  He remembered his slingshot and quickly placed it in his belt for easier access.  He also placed his wallet and seed satchel on his belt as well.  He noticed a few rupees in the bottom of the chest so he grabbed them and placed them in his wallet.  He rushed out to meet Ghirahim who watched him with a mixture of shock and disgust.  “What is it?” link asked after he had jumped down from the deck.
“Erm..” Ghirahim answered with a non-answer.
“Do I look weird? It's too green isn't it?” Link replied.  “It's such a weird color but it fits, plus it's armor...”
“Hahahahahah,” Ghirahim had started laughing.  Link looked up in surprise to see Ghirahim's honest amusement written plain as day on his face.  “Sorry, the color isn't the problem.  Look just ignore me, I... well how do I explain.  I knew someone just like you, same armor different time.”  A dark look crossed Ghirahim's face before he seemed to notice that Link was staring.
“Oh,”Link replied his cheeks heating up slightly.  Ghirahim's eyes narrowed in amusement and smile graced his lips, Link smiled back unable to help but share the amusing moment.  Link wanted to know more about Ghirahim's past but wasn't sure if it was such a good idea to ask at this time.  He opened his mouth several times before Ghirahim gave him a solemn look.
“Me and the Chosen One from that time did not truly see eye to eye and with as much time as I have had to reflect I honestly can see why,” Ghirahim explained.  “The story involves a maiden that each had wanted to possess but...” Link listened raptly to the story but the other seemed to notice it as his cheeks seemed to gleam some color.  “When it is an appropriate time I will tell you more.  For now I'll leave it as is, we truly need to travel to the sacred grove once adequately prepared.  Do not fret I will explain the story in full especially my part in it.”  Link nodded realizing he still had much to gather before they set out.  He quickly lead the way to the village where they stopped at the small shop, Link approached the counter.
“Mrs. Shido,” Link addressed her.
“Oh, call me Mallie, silly boy,” she replied cheerfully.  “What can I do for you today? Hmm?”
“I need a shield,” he replied, pulling out his wallet.
“That'll be forty rupees,” she said pulling the shield from the shelf.  He pulled out his rupees realizing he was five rupees short.  He hung his head in disappointment.  “Oh silly boy,” she said grabbing the rupees.  “You've helped me out so much in this shop, I'm not worried about five little rupees, here just promise to come back safely, dear.”  She handed him the wooden shield which he held up to inspect thankful to have it.  He slung it onto his back before thanking her and heading out with Ghirahim in tow.  The next stop was the mayor's house, Link lead the way past a few other homes before reaching the mayor's house.  He then let himself in, they were greeted by the mayor's wife and two kids, who both immediately tackled Link to the ground.
“Oh! Sorry about that Link the boys are always real excited when you come over,” Anya explained.  Link laughed handing her the young two year old before tickling the four year old until he gave up and hid behind his mother.  Link stood and dusted himself off making tickle threats to the young boys who laughed before running out the room.  “Oh they are going to miss you, the sword is in the chest upstairs by the way.  My husband is up there too.” Link nodded before heading up Ghirahim, however excused himself to wait outside.  Link was surprised but collected himself and went upstairs.
“Link, the sword is in the chest there, I am almost done here so you can leave soon,” The mayor explained.  Link nodded taking the sword out and inspecting it.  It was old and worn and had a lot of chips in the hilt but it was sharp for the most part.  He waited to hear the mayor out once he had finished and handed the letter to Link.  “No one else is to read this letter, you must take it to Hyrule Castle and give it to Princess Zelda.”  Link nodded before heading back downstairs and out the front door.
“By the grave look on your face I'd say we are probably taking a detour,” Ghirahim replied.  Link nodded but didn't say anything in response.  “Then it can't be helped, we will accomplish the task.”
“I'm sorry, this letter to Princess Zelda seem pretty important,” Link began.  Something in Ghirahim's stature changed.
“And while we are there we can warn her,” Ghirahim replied.  “As long as it is not too late, that is.  You know, this may very well work out better than we hoped, but only time will tell.  We won't truly know if our message will make a difference until we arrive.”  Ghirahim nodded suddenly as though this path were fated to occur.
“Link wait!” Marius yelled as he ran out of the house after Link.  He was holding a piece of parchment in his hand.  He ran into Link's leg latching on while trying to suppress tears.  It was obvious he was trying not cry after hearing that Link was leaving.  “You can't leave without this,” the boy sniffled.  “I don't want you to go, but dad says you have to so our village can be safe, but........ YOU BETTER COME BACK!” the boy stomped his foot before running back to the house where his mom waited for him.  Link nodded before opening the parchment.  Ghirahim grabbed one side gently so he could see the parchment as well.
“It's a map,” he said astonished.  “Hmm, the land really has changed since I have been away.”  The dismay in Ghirahim's voice gave Link pause.  “But at least we know where we are and where we're going.”
“Ah so you're Link's friend?” Lalonie's voice surprised the two of them.  “And your both traveling together?  I wonder if Epona would be happy about it.” The woman winked as she led a horse over to them.  “Siear is all better now, I was going to ask if you wanted to race today but the timing is all wrong.”  The horse pulled forward slightly ears pricked forward as it huffed at Link.  Link frowned, Siear didn't like him very much but he got along well with Epona he often caught them running together in the field before the goblins showed up.  “Hey Link your friend can ride Siear so Epona doesn't get hurt ok?”  Ghirahim looked a bit apprehensive so Link pushed him toward the Black stallion with the white diamond marking on his forehead.  The horse sniffed Ghirahim and started trying to nibble on his hair.  Ghirahim grumbled holding the horse back from it's obvious goal.
“I am uncertain this creature knows the meaning of fear,” Ghirahim said.  “Every other animal has not been so... friendly.”  Link suppressed a laugh.
“Well look at that, he likes you,” Lalonie said cheerfully.  “It's settled then, I'll give you this whistle so you can call him wherever you may be.”  Lalonie gave Ghirahim a whistle that Link had seen her use many times to call the faithful stallion to her side.  Link smiled before putting away the map and pulling out his flute which he used to call his own horse Epona.  Siear stopped trying to eat Ghirahim's hair to greet Epona nipping lightly at her and stomping his hoof.  Epona bared her teeth a moment before letting out an audible breath.  Ghirahim stared at the saddle a while, he wasn't sure if he remembered how to ride a horse.  He pat the stallion before grabbing the saddle horn and placing his left foot in the stirrup.  He took a breath and pulled himself up swinging his right leg around to the other side.   He located the other stirrup before he inspected the reins and put enough slack in them.  He then used the reins to maneuver the horse to face the road they would be taking.
“Thank you, young maiden I will ensure that this stallion is returned to you when our quest is finished,” Ghirahim replied, not looking at the female.  Link swung up onto Epona's back with practiced ease and confidence, he then waved goodbye to Lalonie and most likely the village as he would not be back for some time.  Link kicked Epona into a gallop with a loud “Eyaah.”  Ghirahim was startled slightly but quickly kicked Siear into gear as well.  Link looked back to make sure Ghirahim was following before giving another kick this time it was to get Epona to jump the still closed gate.  Siear followed Epona over and both horses raced down the path.  Link looked back to catch Ghirahim smiling about something.  It wasn't like a happy smile more of a confident smile but it also made Link slightly uneasy even though it wasn't directed at him.  “Eyah!” Ghirahim yelled kicking Siear as he did the horse sped up passing Epona.  Link grinned kicking Epona once more to get her to speed up.  It had been a while since he had raced the black steed.  They easily raced down the path pushing each horse to their max potential until they reached Hyrule field.  Ghirahim stopped and Link pulled up beside him as the other male stared at the great expanse.  It was huge nothing but grass for miles,  Link brought Epona close enough to touch Ghirahim before he placed a hand on the others arm to break the trance the male seemed to be in.
“How long have you been gone anyway?” Link asked.  Ghirahim looked around the field once more.
“Too long,” Ghirahim replied shortly.  “Which way does the map say to go?”  Link pulled out the map and studied it before pointing.
“The road ahead leads to Hyrule Castle Town,” Link replied.  “From there we can ask around to find the castle.  The gates leading to it shouldn't be far from the three main gates, then again Castle Town is probably larger than my village so it might take a while to traverse.”  Link shrugged before kicking Epona lightly into a light gallop, this time though he only sped her up to avoid enemies.  Ghirahim used dark daggers anytime the enemies were too close or if they were shooting arrows which Link was eternally grateful for.  A dark dagger flew past Link and Epona striking an enemy dead ahead of him forcing the creature's mount to charge off to the side and out of their way.  Ghirahim kicked the horse to come up to Link's side before launching a series of Dark daggers from in front of both their steeds. Sending them into archers that were lying in wait in tree tops. They reached the end of Hyrule field and approached the gate to Hyrule Castle Town.  Link looked back to make sure no enemies had followed them.  One of the guards standing at the gate held his hand up.
“No mounts beyond these stairs,” the male said.  Link nodded leaping off, Ghirahim followed his lead before following Link up the stairs to where a guard blocked their path.  “What business do you have in the city?”
“Actually...” Link began showing the guard the letter and briefly explaining their mission.  The Guard nodded before giving a brief sigh.
“Well I'll let you in but no one has been able to see the princess,” the guard explained.  “I hope they make an exception for you it seems as though the situation is very dire.”  Link gave a nod as the guard waved them through.  Both Link and Ghirahim passed the guard and crossed the bridge that lead into the city.  The large doors were opened to them by the guards and the mechanism above it.

Link was surprised at the crowd of people making their way through the streets when they finally made it inside.  They pushed through the crowd to make their way to the inside castle gate within the city.  At some point Link lost sight of Ghirahim however as he was jostled this way and that by the crowd.  A hand grabbed him and pulled him sharply out of the way of a man with a cart-full of pots.
“You should be more careful,” Ghirahim's voice told him.  Link looked up a mix of relief and confusion at how they had found each other once more.  “We're almost there.”  Ghirahim replied pointing to their goal the Castle Gate.  Ghirahim kept hold of Link as he led the way through the crowd, Link felt his face getting warm each time Ghirahim pulled him close to keep him from being swept off by the crowd.  Finally they broke free of the crowd and stood before the gate where Ghirahim finally released his hold.  Link nearly pitched forward but quickly regained his balance before he approached the guards.
“No one may enter,” the guard replied.  Link pulled the letter out and held it up explaining the reason for him being there.  The guard looked at the letter an obvious frown on his face, with a sincere apologetic look he repeated.  “No one may enter, I know it says urgent but...  Listen go to the Mirage Inn and wait there until night fall.  If the Princess' Servant finds you worthy they will meet you there.”
“Where can we find this Inn?” Ghirahim asked.  The guard pointed to the southwest alleyway before he replied.
“You follow that alley until you come to a wall find the odd colored brick to find the path to the alley, the Inn lies within,” the guard said low enough to ensure none from the crowd overheard.  Ghirahim nodded before pulling Link away from the guard and toward the buildings to keep out of the way of the lessening crowd.  Ghirahim allowed Link to take the lead once they reached the alley in one piece.  Link followed the alley to the end as instructed and began to look for the oddly colored stone.  Ghirahim pressed a stone to Link's left and the wall slid back before sliding out of the way.  Link gaped at Ghirahim amazed by how quickly he had spotted the solution.  Ghirahim smiled before using his index finger to close Link's mouth snapping him out of his shock so that he followed the demon to the smaller alley beyond.  They walked down a set of stairs and followed another path to the right before they finally saw the run down sign.  Link entered first walking up to the bartender and ordered a drink to refill his bottle which he had drank at some point.
“We don't serve those kind of drinks,” the bartender replied.  He did set down a shot of something in front of Link.  “Here try it, it's on the house.”  Link sat down and was about to try it when Ghirahim put his hand over the glass.
“What is in the glass?” Ghirahim asked.
“An adult drink called Goron's Flaming Rum,” The bartender replied.
“Hmph,” Ghirahim scoffed, taking his hand off the glass.  “We need a room for the night.”
“We got a few still available,” the Bartender replied.  “The stay is ten rupees a night.”  Ghirahim tossed two blue rupees on the counter that he had picked up from somewhere and bartender gave him a key.  “Enjoy your stay.”  Link drank the contents of the glass and coughed when the unexpected fiery brew burned it's way down his throat.  It didn't take long for the alcohol to hit his system, then everything went black.

TEASER: Link finds himself pinned to a bed but an exceptionally large, hot and heavy thing but that's not all his day involves.. Tantalizing dreams and murderous glee await our fair hero.  Must read the next chapter if you want to learn more of our Hero's dilemma.