Owned

Chapter Four: Escape

The demon simply started to laugh. "Has he not told you? Of course, the only reason you and your foolish army is here is because he hasn't." Link lowered his head, letting tears roll down his cheeks as Ghirahim started to walk forward until he was standing just in front of Sheik. He issued a simple command without looking back. "Link, show them."

He sheathed the sword once again, removed the various belts, took off his tunic, took off his chainmail, took off his undershirt. Then...

He turned around, moving his hat out of the way and crossing his arms over his chest to hug himself as he did so, shame expressed through every one of the muscles strung across his back. He bit his lip when Ghirahim giggled softly at the gasps of his allies and crossed the keep back to him.

"Go ahead, apologize, Linky."

His voice came in a whisper. "I'm sorry."

"They can't hear that. Speak louder."

He shut his eyes, a sob wrenching through his throat. "I'm sorry," he repeated more loudly.

"You don't have to apologize, Link..." Impa protested.

"Yes, I do," he replied, clenching a fist. "G-Gh...M-Master, may I put my clothes back on?" He could feel their pitying gazes on his back. He couldn't stand it. He didn't want pity, he wanted them to kill the demon beside him.

Ghirahim lightly patted the top of his head. "Since you asked so politely."

He turned back around, continuously avoiding Sheik and Impa's eyes, and pulled his undershirt back on without another word. However, he noticed that Sheik was mouthing something.

Who has the Triforce?

Link met the disguised princess' eyes and slowly mouthed letters.

A...G...I...T...H...A.

"What was that?" Ghirahim questioned. "Repeat what you just said."

"A," Link answered, a pitiful excuse for a smile attempting to cross his face.

Sheik smiled softly at him, then said, "Let's go, Impa."

The Sheikah warrior gave a start. "But, Sheik - "

"He can handle himself. Let's go."

With that, the princess threw a Deku Nut, and Link's former allies disappeared. Ghirahim immediately whirled on him, slapping his cheek harshly enough to knock him to the ground in his already weakened state. Struggling, Link pushed himself up onto his elbows, and Ghirahim grabbed his shirt, tugging him up to meet his eyes.

"You are not to speak in my presence without permission, do you understand?" the demon snarled.

Link nodded shakily, his breathing erratic. Ghirahim had seated himself with his knees on either side of Link's legs, and he, too, was hyperventilating a little.

"I feel so...disappointed in you," he stated, the anger in his voice clear. "I suppose I shouldn't expect you to be the perfect servant." His grip tightened on Link's shirt, then loosened. "Not every plan has failed. There are only so many people on your side with the letter 'a' at the end of their name. I will find them."

Link wanted to vocalize that Ghirahim didn't even know everyone whose name ended in 'a', but knew it would only give him another clue - besides, he couldn't speak anyway.

The demon lord relaxed a little. Link was shocked to find his bottom lip quivering.

"My lord will be so displeased with me."

By now, Link knew what Ganondorf was like when he was displeased, and was startled to find that he felt a little sympathetic. Not much, considering he had been enslaved and abused by this guy, but being sympathetic at all was something to ponder over.