Bond of a Demon

Chapter Four

I took one step into my home and collapsed to the ground. I felt like someone had hit me in the back with a hammer. Before I could even get up, my jaw ached like someone had a tight hold on it. It was hard to breathe and my head ached. I panicked. What is going on?

My mind flashed to the cave when Ghirahim bound us. My mind tugged in that direction now the way it had before. This could only mean one thing... Ghirahim is in danger!

Which means I'm in danger!

I felt a jab and looked down to see blood seeping from my leg. I need to find Ghirahim! I pulled myself to my bed and reached under it for my sword. I used it to help me up like a stick, feeling my strength wane. I'd experienced worse pain than this, I'll be fine. Hopefully Ghirahim can hold off just a little longer. I tucked my sword safely behind my back and ran as fast as I could towards the cave. My leg was screaming in protest but I did my best to ignore it as I pushed on.

The closer I got to the cave, the stronger my mind pulled. I rushed in, expecting to hear a battle or fighting. But all I heard was my own ragged breath and pounding heart. Something must be happening, I just have to get to him before we both die! Just as I neared the heart of the cave, I saw a flash of blinding light and felt every muscle tighten up to a painful level. I fell over, unable to move. My body coiled like a spring and my bones felt restricted. My head pounded and my eyes were burning even shut tightly. The light disappeared as quickly as it had come, but the pain followed much slower.

When I finally felt I could move a bit, I drew my sword and used it to stand at the speed of growing grass. Every part of my body hurt and protested any motion. However, I have to make sure Ghirahim is safe. The irony of the thought sickened me.

I heard a soft moan and followed the sound. My eyes hadn't yet adjusted to the darkness so sight was a luxury I didn't momentarily have. My mind however, pulled me in the right direction. I crawled so I wouldn't step on him and searched with my hands until they touched warm flesh.

"What... are you doing... here Hero?" He gasped out, trying to sit up.

I scowled, my own breathing irregular, "For you," It seemed the correct thing to say in the moment with as few words as possible, but I didn't realize at the time it could have been taken a few different ways.

I helped Ghirahim to his feet and leaned against the cave wall for support, "You aren't safe here and I can't have you dying. You're coming with me," I said between pants. Ghirahim didn't say anything for a moment. My eyes adjusted enough to see his outline but that was it.

"Focus on where you intend to go and I'll teleport us there," He said quietly. I wasn't sure how my concentration would affect his power, but I didn't question it. I thought hard about my house, picturing it in my mind. I felt an odd, tingling sensation move throughout my body then disappeared, I opened my eyes and found Ghirahim and myself outside my house.

In plain sight!

It took me a moment to realize that Ghirahim was passed out in the grass beside me. I guess he didn't teleport us in because he lacked the energy. I wanted to do follow his lead and sleep as well but we can't be seen. No one could possibly understand this situation. I don't understand this situation!

Sighing heavily, I hauled Ghirahim up and leaned forward so most of his weight was on top of me. He didn't weigh very much but my muscles were already at their limit. The few feet to my front door were torture, but I somehow managed to make it inside.

Once the door was shut and locked I sort of tossed sort of shoved Ghirahim onto the bed. He's clearly worse off than me right now. I almost passed out right there, but had enough strength to pull myself into a chair before my eyes shut.

I awoke comfortable and warm. I was on my bed under the blankets and was certain I'd remain there for a while. I rolled over so that I was facing my room door when something struck me. I wasn't in my bed when I fell asleep!

I sat up quickly and winced. The pain in my body and head was proof that I hadn't dreamed the whole thing. So the question remained, where is Ghirahim?

Panic surged through me at the possibilities of what could have happened while I as asleep. I hopped off of the bed, wincing from soreness. Oddly enough, I was only stiff like I'd been through a long workout the day before.

I was a couple feet away from the door when it flew open. The demon's black eyes met mine quickly, searching me with urgency, "What's wrong?"

I raised an eyebrow in question. I didn't make a sound to alert him, and why does it matter to him anyway?

Ghirahim relaxed a little and opened the door wide enough for me to exit the room, "I sensed your panic."

Oh. But that still doesn't explain his concern. I mean I know if I die so does he but that's a little too overboard.

I stiffly walked past him to the main room. Everythin was as I left it. There was a table in the center with a beige tablecloth draped over it. There was a chest against the far right wall and a mail window on the far left. It doesn't look to me like he's changed anything.

"I sense suspicion Skychild," Ghirahim stated with humor as he leaned against the door frame. I shrugged and sat on the stood beside the table. The sun was low in the east.

"How long was I out?"

"Eight hours."

I nodded and traced lines that didn't exist on the tablecloth, "What are we going to do?"

I didn't expect him to respond, nor cared if he did. I just need a plan. I can't keep Ghirahim here, there are too many risks. However, the cave doesn't seem safe either. Skyloft is so small there is literally nowhere else for him to go! So what can we do?

"We may return to the surface," Ghirahim said softly, as if to himself. I looked up with an annoyed expression.

"You started all of this Demon. If you want to return to the surface, you go ahead," I couldn't control my anger much longer. I shouldn't have even been brought into this mess and now he's only making it worse.

Ghirahim flipped his hair back as if by habit and crossed his arms over his chest, "The second you trust me, the bond will break Hero."

I tensed at that statement in slight panic. There is no way I'll ever thrust this demon! I will be bound to him forever!

I thought about that for a moment, being bound to Ghirahim forever. The thought was nearly as awful as the dream, which I was till irritated with. I glared daggers at Ghirahim and said in a low tone, "I will never  trust you. Never!"

For a millisecond, Ghirahim almost looked hurt. But I couldn't be sure because his expression flashed to anger, "You are trying my patience Skychild," His tone was low and menacing; his black eyes were hard, "You and your people are in danger, and I may be the only one who can help you! But if you insist on this hateful disposition towards me, I will be on my way!" He shouted the last few words at me before telporting away. I was stuck on the words, 'may be the only one who can help you'. What did he mean? There can't really be a danger coming that I can't handle right? I fought Demise for goddess sake! This can't be much worse.

For some reason, however, I felt doubtful. I don't trust him for a minute, but I couldn't help remembering the recent incident. Who was it that attacked Ghirahim in the cave?

My mind tugged towards the surface and I scowled. He wasn't kidding it seems. I knew I was going to have to follow him. There is a complicated situation going on and I need to understand the whole problem before I can find a solution. I sighed and stood up, wincing slightly. I walked stiffly to the door and noted the late morning sun as I stepped out. I made my way to the edge and sighed. I'll be quick, it can't be hard to find him with this mind pull thing. No one will even know I was gone. I looked around me for witnesses before I took a deep breath, jumped over, and whistled for my Loftwing.