Bond of a Demon

Chapter Thirty One

I looked at Ghirahim with fear. There's no way we can get out of this! This is the end! I did the only thing I could think of at the time, I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him deeply before whispering, "I love you," In his ear. He wrapped his arms around me tightly as if I was the only one to disappear. I opened my eyes once, seeing Lumious pull Zeefa into a quick kiss. If we did survive, he'd pay for that later. However, we don't have enough time for that. I don't see another way out!

The opening was beginning to collapse now, nearing our end. I held onto Ghirahim tighter, expecting him to do the same.

Instead, he pulled back!

I felt a mixture of emotions then, hurt, anger, realization, relief then happiness.

Right beside us, was a large, green dragon. His face seemed ferocious, yet kind as his single mustache whiskers floated around him. His silvery-white mane floated around his large head, reflecting in his blue eyes. Riding him, was Aquanto and another demon. She waved us on and neither of us hesitated. Ghirahim and I jumped behind her. Zeefa and Lumious took their places on our shoulders. I didn't dare look at either of them. Zeefa must be horrified and Lumious must be embarrassed beyond anything I've ever experienced.

"Tuschia said you'd need a little help! That doohickey you got there wouldn't be large enough to hold both of you for long. This is my brother Senom (See-nom). He's your next guardian."

Senom didn't look like her brother, in fact, they looked like two completely different creatures! Senom appeared to be half human, half snake. If anyone's relative, he'd be DeLuc's. Waist down was a snake-like tail, but from waist up he looked like a semi pudgy boy with huge eyes and ears. I assumed this meant he could see and hear fairly well. That's the only thing I could think of to explain the abnormal size.

"Pleased to... I remember you!" Ghirahim exclaimed. I rose my eyebrow in question as Senom smiled.

"I'm pleased to hear that My Lord."

"Who was he to you?" I asked quietly, though I'm sure he heard it anyway.

Ghirahim chuckled, "He had a huge crush on Nevaeh. Speaking of which-"

"Aquanto already told me. I'll bring you to the place the shard is hidden, then I will return Aquanto to the temple. And that needn't be mentioned. We all know Nevaeh and Ren will be wed once Wenta is out of the picture. And that will be soon because you have only two more shards My Lord!"

Ghirahim and I locked eyes and my mind jumped to my chest, and the fact that I had five days left. "Three."

"Excuse me?" Aquanto asked with wide eyes, "Three?"

I nodded, "Wenta has one."

Both of their eyes widened then darkened to anger. "I know which one too!" Aquanto grumbled. "You must get it back My Lord! Without it, hope is lost! On the up side, I'm certain he'll give it to you without hassle if you don't use force."

Ghirahim looked doubtful, "And why's that?"

"The memories in it. He wants you to remember, but he might trade it for the other earring."

I frowned, "We don't have it! How will-"

"Good! Then you can't trade. Just follow the plan!"

The dragon landed in a marshy area. Ghirahim and I hopped off quickly, and Senom sort of hopped sort of slid off. It was interesting to see. "I'll be a moment sis." Aquanto nodded and sat back, crossing her legs.

Senom slithered ahead of us swiftly. We had to walk pretty quickly to keep him in our sights. The fog in the marshes clouded my vision, and I had trouble keeping up. The squishy ground pulled at my boots as I walked, slowing me down even more. Senom stopped and turned around.

"In a moment the fog will lift just enough to show you the way. Do not move until then, I must return to the temple to make preparations with the other guardians." He placed a firm hand on Ghirahim's shoulder, "It's good to have you back My Lord. And good luck." He turned to me, nodded once, and slithered back. This time, he moved so quickly I would have missed it had I blinked. It was actually incredible! I moved to stand beside Ghirahim, and wait for the fog to lift. I felt warm arms wrap around me and I smiled.

"We're close."

Ghirahim didn't respond.

I turned around in his arms and wrapped mine around his neck. I noted his worried and worn expression and frowned, "What is it?"

Ghirahim forced a smile and shook his head, "Nothing," He ran his fingers through my hair slowly and rested his forehead on mine. "I just... don't want to lose you."

I could tell there was more to it. I set a stubborn face and asked, "What is it Ghirahim?" He sighed and held me close.

"Whether we win or lose... I will lose you forever," His voice broke at the end and when I pulled back to look at him, his eyes were glistening with unshed tears. My heart broke at the words and the sight.

I shook my head and stroked his face, "No you won't! Once Wenta is gone this thing in my chest will go away!" I kissed him softly, "Everything will be fine."

Ghirahim shook his head, "No," He whispered. "Even if that does go, you will have to return to Skyloft." He hung his head in shame, "And it's so selfish, but... I... can't-" He backed away and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

I realized what he was saying and realization flooded me. Can I stay here in the demon realm? Part of me says that I belong with humans like me, but a larger part of me says I can't live without Ghirahim. Is that what the Sora bond is? A deep love that you can't even describe?

Ghirahim took my silence as an agreement and turned away, "I'm sorry. Just... forget I said anything." He looked forward, "The fog has lifted. Let's go."

I didn't have enough time to say anything. All I could do was follow him. For now at least, I'll have to think about what I really want. Although, something tells me I've already made my decision.

Third Person

As they waited for the fog to lift, Zeefa stayed a little ways away from Ghirahim and Link. She could tell they needed a little privacy. As she floated in murky air, she heard another pair of wings flapping behind her. She didn't dare turn around. She didn't even want to see Lumious right now. Not after that... kiss!

"Zeefa... I-"

"There's nothing to say Lumious. Just do your duty as a light faerie and stay by Link's side."

She didn't hear him leave, but didn't care to look either. She crossed her arms and kept her back turned to him. After a moment, a hand gripped her wrist.

"Hey!" She glared at him, trying to yank her arm free.

"You're a dark faerie! By nature, we're supposed to be attracted to each other! It's what keeps the faerie alive!" He spoke urgently. Zeefa glared and finally yanked her arm free.

"Attraction isn't enough for me Lumious! And we both know that... kiss was an act of desperation anyway! Can't we just forget it?" She huffed and flew away. Ghirahim and Link had pulled away and Ghirahim motioned them to follow him. It seems the fog has lifted enough for him, but Zeefa could see something was up. And now she had to find out what exactly that was!