Weird things had been happening. Very weird things.

It's unnerving, Ghirahim thought, subconsciously grinding his teeth.

More and more odd creatures kept popping up all over the Surface, people who insisted that they didn't belong there.

That's right. They DON'T belong here.

The worst part was the racket they made. Ghirahim had chased three of them off the Sealed Grounds in just the last hour and it was severely disrupting his thinking time. One of the creatures, a Goron, had actually had the gall to challenge him. He'd promptly dealt with the impudent trespasser and things had been quiet since.

Still, this turn of events had the demon lord somewhat flustered. He didn't know what to make of it. Part of him couldn't help but wonder if it was somehow connected to Ari's appearance.

Ari.

He had seen her during his tussle at the Gate of Time. It had shocked him. After she had failed to return when he'd sent her off to deal with the sky brat for the second time, he had assumed her dead. It had been a painful loss but he had taken it in stride. But then she turned up again, only to disappear after leaving the sky child alive again!

Pitiful thing. She believes she can hide from my wrath. Well, she can't hide forever, and when she shows her face again I will be sure to deal her a fitting punishment for her shortcomings. She hardly deserves all the favour I showed her. What a waste.

And to add insult to injury, the goddess' guard dog had destroyed the Gate of Time after making off with the goddess, leaving Ghirahim in a state of near hopelessness.

And now there were idiots materializing all around him. There was no peace to be had.

Perhaps it has something to do with the Gate of Time being destroyed. These creatures are out of another time. But that still doesn't explain Ari.

Ghirahim pinched the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger, uttering an exasperated sigh.

"You seem rather aggravated. Might I be of assistance?"

Ghirahim nearly jumped out of his skin, his gaze falling to his feet where an odd figure was stretched leisurely on the grass. The creature was long and spindly, its extraordinarily lengthy digits coming to clawed points, its skin black as pitch. It appeared to have no clothing; the only thing it wore was a strange mask with numerous markings and rigid horns protruding from its edges. It was brightly coloured with two piercing green eyes ringed in crimson and yellow. Those eyes stared at Ghirahim, making him suddenly uneasy.

That uneasiness increased when he felt the massive dark aura radiating from the creature. He'd never felt anything so powerful, not even in his Master's presence.

What is this thing?

He did his best not to show his fear, materializing a sword in his hand and jabbing at the creature.

"Get out!" he shrieked, "These grounds are not for the likes of you to lounge about!"

The creature sprang up quick as a snap, standing nearly at eight feet.

"My apologies," it said, "It seemed to me that you were in need of aid. Might I inquire what that is?"

He pointed to the sealing tome.

"That is none of your concern, creature," Ghirahim hissed.

"Ah. Creature? There's no need for that. You may call me Majora."

"I don't care what your name is," the demon lord snapped, "Just be gone before I impale you."

"Impale me?" Majora said, "But why would you want to do that when I can do this?"

He snapped his fingers and suddenly a golden haired girl appeared at his side. She glanced around, terror flooding her features as she looked between the demon lord and the dark figure standing next to her. She stumbled back, tripping over her own feet and pitifully attempting to crawl away. Ghirahim stared in utter disbelief, struggling for a moment to find his voice back.

"The goddess girl," he hissed, "But you—how—"

"Isn't this what you needed?" Majora inquired, gesturing to the girl, "Oh no. Silly me. This is what you needed."

He curled his clawed fingers and Ghirahim watched as Zelda's head wrenched back, her mouth open in a silent scream as her golden soul was mercilessly ripped from her body. It hovered there at Majora's side, those green eyes still pinned on Ghirahim. The demon lord was stunned, speechless.

All my efforts...the moment I fought and bled for stolen from me by this...this THING.

"Oh, dear me. I almost forgot the final step," Majora said, curling his hand into a fist.

The sealing tome snapped like a dried twig and dark aura spilled from it, curling around the floating golden orb at Majora's side and quickly swallowing it whole. The aura solidified, taking the form of Ghirahim's long awaited Master, Demise. His broad, muscular body was covered in dark scales, his flaming hair pouring back over his shoulders, his sharp teeth bared.

My Master. My...my GLORY...

It was all lost now. Ghirahim's dream of proudly welcoming his Master back and announcing that he and he alone was the one responsible for Demise's return was dashed to pieces. He felt ashamed, even sick to his stomach.

What am I to say now?

He knelt before his master wordlessly, a cold feeling of dread creeping over him.

Surely he will be disappointed in me. But what am I to do?

He glared at Majora, but Majora paid him no heed. The tall figure swept an elegant bow.

"Lord Demise, how good it is to see you up and about again."

Demise turned his burning orbs on the masked creature.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"Why, I am the one who freed you. You may call me Majora."

Demise took in the ashen-faced body of Zelda, then Ghirahim kneeling at his feet.

"My Master, it brings me the greatest joy to see you restored to your rightful body at last," Ghirahim said, keeping his eyes to the ground.

He could hear his own blood pounding in his ears. Demise said nothing, simply turned back to Majora.

"What manner of creature are you? I sense a powerful aura around you."

The mask cocked to one side.

"What am I? I am but a humble wanderer."

"What purpose did you have in freeing me, wanderer?" Demise pressed.

"I pursue whatever fancy strikes me."

Ghirahim's jaw almost dropped.

Fancy? He resurrected my Master as a FANCY?! How DARE he take it so lightly!

"Though I suppose if I'm being honest," Majora added, "I had a little grudge with the goddess Hylia. I'm afraid I am prone to such things from time to time."

"Hylia?" Demise echoed, "You are an enemy of the goddess as well? Then pray, join me. You seem like a worthy ally. Together we shall bring ruin to what Hylia has created."

Ghirahim could no longer contain his anger. He sprang to his feet.

"My Master," he said, "Surely you have no need of this creature. You have me."

"And yet you could not even succeed in freeing me from my imprisonment."

Ghirahim stared, eyes wide with horror.

"But-but you know I am utterly devoted to you. You can't possibly trust this thing."

"You wound me," Majora said, "After all I just did on your behalf."

"It seems you are of no use to me," Demise said coldly.

Ghirahim felt as if his world was caving in around him.

"But...I'm your sword. How could you not have use for a sword?"

His words sounded desperately weak to his own ears. His hopes plummeted further. Demise scoffed, raising the heavy black blade at his side.

"You are merely a spirit of a sword. This steel will serve me well enough without you prancing at my heels like the dog that you are."

Ghirahim flinched as though he'd been stung.

"You...you can't mean that."

"I do. Be gone from my sight, worthless pest. See that we do not cross paths again or I shall repay you tenfold for your failures."

Ghirahim backed away slowly, his eyes landing on Majora one last time.

You'll pay, he promised silently.

And with a snap of his fingers, he was gone.