Chapter Text
He woke with a start, the clap of thunder echoing through his small surface home. The initial panic dissipates quickly, nightmares fading away as he relaxes back agenst the pillow, listening to the rain agenst the thin roof. Lightning flashes through the window, followed by another loud clap of thunder making him flinch. Frustration bubbles in his gut, angry with himself for being startled by something so small. it had been over a year since the fall of demise, everyone else seemed to move on so quickly building up the surface village and returning to normal routines but he still felt stuck, a nagging feeling in the back of his mind that it wasn't over, there was still something lurking.
It took a lot of convincing but eventually he got Zelda to agree to building his home on the surface at the edge of the forest, a good ways away from the rest of the budding village. It was quiet and easier to avoid the unwanted attention that started once everyone learned of his quest to save Zelda. He didn't want to be reminded of how he failed to stop the rise of demise and almost got his friend killed, reminded of the fear as he stood agenst a literal deitie. Everyone saw him as a hero, wanting to ask questions and learn about his quest. Maybe some day he will retell the story but right now he just wanted to rest.
With a slow deep breath he sits up, knowing sleep will be almost impossible as the storm continues. He watches the fat raindrops roll down his window for a moment before he rises from bed walking across the small main room of his home to his pantry poking around to find something quick and easy to eat. His cabinets were mostly empty, only a few simple ingredients remained, he needed to go shopping. settling on some dry crackers for now not really having much else, snacking as he watched the rain through his window. It wasn't far from morning, opting to just get his day started, washing up and dressing quickly in long sleeves despite the warmth of summer.
The storm dissipated quickly as morning approached, the warm summer sun poking through the dark clouds. He stepped outside the smell of rain still thick in the air. He watched the sun raise slowly through the clouds, listening to the small birds sing and the rustle of leaves in the wind, closing his eyes to bask in the peace he missed so deeply.
He sighed softly facing the sun and closing his eyes, letting the warmth fill him. Despite the dampness left by the rain he could tell today was going to be good. the remaining clouds blocking the intense summer sun, a gentle breeze blowing through the trees, creating the perfect day for exploring. Zelda had tasked him with mapping the surface, he was most familiar with how things worked and can hold his own agenst the monsters that remained. So it was an obvious choice for him to venture out and discover the land they now called home.
He stepped inside just long enough to grab the sword he had been lent from the academy. Strapping the sword to his back as he stepped back outside, facing the forest. he glanced around a moment before just picking a random direction and began walking humming a soft, happy tune.
He did this often, wandering the woods by his new house mostly. There was a creek not to far that was his favorite place to visit. It was therapeutic, especially after hard nights filled with memories. It also gave him the chance to keep an eye out for monsters before they ventured to close to the village. It had been weeks now since he last saw any monsters in his forest, the hopeful feeling that they had all been killed sits at the edge of his mind not quite ready to be believed.
This time he ventures a bit farther, finding new paths through the forest and making notes. An uneasy feeling was building in his chest with each step that he tries to ignore in favor of just enjoying his little adventure through the woods. The trees grew thicker the further he walked, blocking the light of the sun a chill running up his spine. He's about to turn back when he finds a clearing, almost perfectly round with a large Boulder sitting in the center, purple and white wildflowers decorate the clearing. He takes a step past the tree line into the open area. the sun now shining brightly apon his skin, uncomfortably warm under his long sleeves and many layers.
His stomach drops as he takes a closer look at the rock in the center of the clearing. what looks like a tall man is sitting beside it, hunched over and clutching their chest. Panic hits him fast, assuming someone ventured into the forest and was now injured. His pace quickens as he rushes over only to stop abruptly when he's close enough to truly see who sits in the grass. His breath is caught in his throat, the urge to turn and run overwhelming his senses.
Before him sits the demon lord himself, in the same black sword spirit form he took on during their last battle. He was unmoving, moss and plants growing over parts of his body, implying he has likely been here since the fall of demise. the metal of his skin dull and faded. One hand was clutching the broken gem in his chest, ugly cracks radiating out from behind it. Between his crossed legs lay small red shards that had fallen from his broken core over time, glittering in the sun like precious gemstones.
He takes a few calming breaths, studying the demon lord. He looked dead, completely still as if he was a statue. With a hand on the hilt of his blade he slowly approached, poking ghirahims leg with his boot, there was no reaction. The demon lord remained as still as the stone he leaned agenst.
Now that he was closer he could better see the damage to the demons body, he almost looked like he was beginning to rust in places. Guilt replaces his fear as he crouches down beside ghirahim. It was his fault he was in this state, each wound on ghirahims body had been from his actions. He should be happy, it's should be comforting to know the demon was defeated but he only felt sadness, unable to find comfort in the death of another, even someone who tried to bring about the destruction the world.
Glancing around the clearing he wondered if he should try and move the body, it wouldn't be great if someone else stumbled apon the demons remains but he didn't know what exactly to do, should he bury him? If so where? He had no shovel with him, maybe he could come back with one?
With a groan he runs his hand over his face and sighs, he should probably ask Zelda for advice. He didn't want to admit he's been avoiding her but the thought of talking to her makes his stomach twist and his heart ache in an unpleasant way.
With a small huff and newfound determination he decides He can solve this on his own.
He reaches out to pick up one of the red gem shards that had fallen into the grass curiosity peeking. As he lifts it from the grass he hears a sharp intake of breath from the demon he presumed dead, causing him to drop the shard immediately and jump back a hand on his sword. Sharp eyes watching as the demon slowly starts to regain life, small twitches in his arms and shaky, uneven breaths. He seemed to still be unconscious but now definitely alive.
He watches ghirahim for a long time, a hand still on his blade. He made no other movements aside from shallow breathing. The shakey rise and fall of his chest causing another glimmering red chunk to fall from his core, slipping through his finders and landing in the soft grass. Link's mind raced, he most definitely couldn't leave him here now! But what was he supposed to do? Kill him? That felt wrong, he was defenseless Link couldn't strike him now, and with the blade he carried he doubted it would even do anything to the demon lord. the only thing to harm him had been the master sword and it was a task even then. He currently couldn't leave him here, what if he woke up? He could rampage, destroy the village or try to raise demise again, the thought sending shivers to run up his spine.
Slowly Link steps forward again, reaching out to gently shake ghirahims shoulder as if he was trying to wake him from sleep. Stepping back quickly to watch for any reaction. When ghirahim didn't react he slowly lowered his guard, letting go of his sword and crouching beside the wounded demon again. He bit his lower lip, rolling it through his teeth for a moment while deep in thought.
With a big sigh he makes up his mind, slowly and cautiously reaching out to pick up the shards of ghirahims core that had fallen into the grass, he had no reaction as he collected the shards. They where warm in his hand and almost felt alive, buzzing with dark energy. He tucks them safely into his pocket, running his fingers through the grass and dirt, double checking to see if he missed any smaller pieces.
Once he was sure he collected all the shards he stands up straight and stares down at the demon for another uncomfortably long moment, doubt coursed through him but he couldn't think of anything better. He brushes off the moss and small plants that had started to grow over the demon lord, careful not to jostle him too much and cause more shards to fall from his core. With a deep breath and a small grunt of effort link lifts his metal body, hissing through his teeth. He was heavier then he looked. With some careful repositioning he gets a confidant hold on the demons body and starts to slowly make his way back out of the woods.
-
It took many rest breaks for Link to make it out of the forest and back to his modest home while carrying the demon lord. The sun starting to set, last bits of golden sunlight lighting his way. his entire body ached, muscles screaming as he aproached his door. With one last sigh and grunt he carrys the demons body into his home, laying him out on the single bed. He rolls his head and rubs his shoulders, exhausted from carrying such a heavy body, he was honestly a bit surprised at himself for making it all the way back.
At this point he was pretty confident ghirahim was not going to wake up any time soon, the amount of jostling, being put down, picked up, and readjusted would have surly woken him up. He turns his back to the demon, walking over to his pantry to pull out some leftover pumpkin soup. Not much was left but he was starving, he didn't even warm it up before finishing it.
Glancing over to the demon in his bed he sighed heavily, regretting his choices already. What was Zelda going to say when she found out. He runs a hand through his hair and groans, choosing not to think about that right now. He kicks off his boots and starts to pull off some of his layers. Keeping on a long-sleeved undershirt and baggy cotton pants.
He pulls a chair away from his small dining room table and faces it twords the bed, sitting back in it with his sword cradled between his crossed arms. When stranded on the surface overnight he found sleeping while sitting up the best way to stay alert while still getting much needed rest, he slept much lighter and was quicker to react to the things around him. Closing his eyes he found sleep rather quickly, his chin pressed to his chest.
-
Only a few hours into the night when Ghirahim slowly started to come too, he hadn't even opened his eyes yet but could already tell something was wrong. He felt the scratchy old blanket beneath him, a soft pillow under his head. He held his breath and slowly forced his eyes open. Instead of the open sky above him he was met with a simple wooden roof, 3 large beams expanding across the small interior to support it. Slowly he turns his head and can't help the startled gasp that falls from his mouth when his eyes land on the hero, he appeared to be asleep sitting upright in a simple wooden chair. A dull knights sword rested in his crossed arms ready to defend himself if awoken.
None of this made sense, how did he get here? Where exactly was here? Glancing around the single room it appeared to be the heros house, he was a bit surprised at how small and modest the chosen heros home was.
He tries to shift, making a small pained noise. The bed creaking softly under his weight. He hears a small startled intake of breath from next to bed, looking back to where the hero now sit awake and watching him. His posture was largely unchanged, though now he sat stiff and alert, still sitting with his sword resting between crossed arms.
"..skychild.." his voice was horse and scratchy, surprising even himself. He makes an undignified strangled gasping sound before falling into a coughing fit. Pain surges through his body and he clutches the shattered gem in his chest. Cautiously Link stands, leaving the dull sword proped agenst the chair, and takes a few steps twords his kitchen area, grabbing something and returning to the bed.
Awkwardly extending his arm, offering a small glass of clear liquid to the demon lord. Ghirahim eyes the glass suspiciously, glancing back up to the hero and studying his face. Link seems to pick up on his hesitation, looking at the glass in his hand, then back to ghirahim, and back to the glass once more. Link, correctly assuming ghirahim thought he was trying to poison him or something, raises the glass to his own lips and taking a sip before offering it to the demon again.
This time he was quicker to accept, though still suspicious of the heros kindness. Shifting a little to allow himself to more comfortably drink from the glass, finding it to be just plain water. Once he started drinking he couldn't stop, usually he didn't need such frivolous things such as food and water, but in this moment nothing ever tasted better, gulping the water down as quickly as he could.
Link took the empty glass from him, quickly turning and walking the few steps to the small kitchen again. Filling up the glass with more water and offering it to the demon. Ghirahim accepted it quickly, and began to drink again, this time getting about halfway through before letting the hero take it back, setting it gently on the bedside table for if he wanted more.
"..why did.. you bring me here?" His voice sounded much better this time, though still raspy and horse.
Link paused for a moment before shrugging. "Better then leaving you there."
Ghirahim couldn't help the laugh that ripped from his throat. The hero jumping back a bit, surprised by the sudden outburst. "Oh skychild... were you never taught not to take things that do not belong to you? Must you mettle in everything."
A look of confusion washes over the heros face, his brows nitting together. "I thought.. you were dead." He admitted quietly.
"If that were the case that still doesn't explain how I ended up in your bed skychild." He lays back into the bed and closes his eyes with a soft sigh. Everything hurt he felt so tired.
There's a short pause before the hero responds, still watching the demon closely. "I was going to bury you.. seemed... right. Then you started breathing.. so I brought you here." He spoke so softly, almost a whisper. Ghirahim thought it was oddly beautiful, he had only gotten a word or two out of the hero before.
Something twists in the demons heart, the hero was going to bury him. Lay him to rest with the respect a sword shouldn't hope to receive. And when he realized he was still alive his reaction was to bring him home, make him comfortable. Ghirahim remained quiet, only acknowledging Link's simple explanation with a small huff.
He listens as Link shifts around, keeping his eyes closed until he hears something drop onto the table. Twisting his head and opening his eyes to watch whatever it was the hero was doing now. His entire body going ridged when he sees what was just dumped out onto the table. Small red shards of his core spread out before the hero, his hand reflexively covering the shattered remains in his chest. "Now what exactly do you plan to do with those child." His tone was much sharper now, glaring at the hero in an attempt to cover his fear.
"Was gonna put them back.. if uh.. you wanted me to?" He looks over to ghirahim, glancing from his face to his chest, where his exposed core sat shattered under his palm.
"Just why would you expect me to let you do something like that." Ghirahim spat defensively. The thought of allowing the chosen hero so close to his core sent sparks of fear down his spine. Wishing in that moment he could hide it away again under his armor like skin.
"It seemed important.. it looks like it's causing you pain and im.. kinda the reason why it's broken so.. I figured id help fix it maybe?" Link hadn't really thought this part through very much, he wasn't even sure he could put them back and hadn't considered if ghirahim would actually want him too. He had been so caught up in his decision to help he hadn't considered how ghirahim might react. they were enemies still, weren't they?
"Do you even understand what it is you hold there? What it is you are offering now?" His eyes narrow suspiciously, unwilling to trust the good nature of the hero. He had nothing to gain from helping him, so why? Was he truly this naive "doesn't matter. Without a master it will do nothing to actually heal me."
"Is.. that a no?" Link asks tentatively, watching ghirahim contemplate it for a moment. If his core was complete it would at least alleviate some of his pain.
With a drawn out breath he moves his hand away from his core and looks away from the hero in favor of stareing into the wall. "Do as you please hero" Link takes that as the best hes going to get in terms of consent, gently gathering the shards into his hands and bringing them to the bed with him. Ghirahim feels the bed sink down as Link sits beside him, laying the shards gently on the bed. His breathing picks up in anticipation.
Link carefully inspects the shattered gem in his chest without touching it. Turning a few of the shards around in his fingers trying to see how they might fit together. Ghirahim clenches his jaw shut tightly, trying not to show any outward anxiety. The first touch of calloused fingers on his core causes him to jerk involuntarily. Link pulled back quickly eyeing the demon below him as ghirahim tried to pretend nothing happened, continuing to stare into the wall.
"I don't want to hurt you.." His voice sounded genuine, ghirahims chest constricting with confused emotions again, at an utter loss for the heros behavior. "I'm going to touch you again.. okay? I.. think I see how it goes" Link warned this time, giving a slight pause before touching ghirahims core again. This time he stayed still as Link slid one of the larger shards back into his chest. The shattered pieces scrapping together in the most horrificly painful way, ghirahim can barely contain the pained noises in the back of his throat.
This continued for what felt like hours, Link would study the shards, trying to touch him as little as possible, only putting one back when he was sure he knew where it went. Only once did he need to take a shard back out having placed it wrong, finally ripping a small pained shout out of ghirahim as he removed it. Neither of them acknowledged it, Link letting him rest for a moment before continuing, moving slower then he had been previously.
"Just one more.. " Link warned, gently bringing the last thin shard to his gem. Ghirahims breathing was labored, his hands balled up into tight fists. Small trembles in his shoulders as he moved. The last shard fit snuggly into his chest, Link had to press in with a bit more pressure to coax it into place, once it was finally seated ghirahim went lax, his breath shuttering. Hesitantly link lays his hand flat over the sensitive core, feeling the heat radiating off it. Ghirahims hand comes up to hold his wrist tightly, not quite pushing him away but clearly unwilling to let him continue exploring.
"Did.. that help? Does it feel better?" Links voice was hopeful, full of pure innocence. The light within him to do what was right. Truthfully it still hurt like a bitch, the shattered pieces rubbing agenst each other with each breath. but it felt better to be whole again.
"Yes." Ghirahim admit, relishing in the tiny smile that pulled at the corners of Link's lips. Link pulled his hand back, ghirahim letting go of his wrist easily. The hero stood from the bed glancing over ghirahims body, he was still filthy, bits of moss and dirt still clinging to his metal skin, and now it was all over his bed.
"Can you move? Do.. you need something to eat?" It was clear at this point that link was entirely unprepared. The hero clearly not having planned any further ahead. It amused ghirahim for some reason, huffing out a small laugh causing Link to frown.
"That is unnecessary skychild" ghirahim respond amused. Carefully pushing up with his arms to a seated position, the old bed creaking loudly under his weight. The hero tensed visibly when he moved, understandably untrusting. It was almost adorable, despite his obvious fear of the demon, he took him in and was now trying to nurse him back to health. A small part of ghirahim wanted to be disgusted, ashamed for requiring such care from the enemy, but where they truly enemy's anymore? His master was dead. He had no reason to harm this child or hold any ill will agenst him.
"What.. can I do?" Link watched him intensely, he had picked up on the fact that ghirahim was not using any magic, he wasn't healing himself, his gem still chipped and shattered, large painful looking cracks expanding across his chest. He hadn't cleaned himself off, which almost shocked link more then him not healing knowing how vain the demon was.
A familiar sick smile spread across ghirahims face, reminding Link of just who he had brought into his home. "Nothing your pretty little goddess would approve of I'm afraid." This caused Link to almost flinch, his eyes darkening and his frown deepening, he didn't need her approval. He can make his own choices.
"So there is something." He responded a bit coldly, his voice losing some of its previous softness. Ghirahims eyebrows shot up, caught off guard by his change in tone, his smile widening as an idea starts to form.
With a small hum of consideration ghirahim makes his choice easily. He had no master, nothing to lose. This would at least be amusing.
"There is." He said simply letting the silence draw out before continuing. "As I alluded to earlier. I can not heal myself without a master, my strength and power comes from my welder." A puzzled look crosses the heros face that quickly gains horrified realization as ghirahim continues to speak. "I am without a master. And you." He gestures to the dull academy blade that sat agenst his chair. "Are without a sword.You have been bonded to a sword spirit already and survived, not only survived but had the ability to forge your little blue bird into something stronger."
"That's not.. I didnt.." Link starts, sputtering a bit at the thought. Fi was different. He shook his head as if he could shake the idea from his brain.
Ghirahim continues to talk as if link hadn't interrupted. "If you refuse then I do request you put me back wherever it was you found me so I may continue to rot in peace."
Link stares in shock, eyes wide as he tries to process the idea, thoughts starting to spiral wildly. if ghirahim is offering to be his sword that means demise must truly be gone. unless he is just trying to get close to Zelda through him to revive demise again. But he'd still be bound to Link that wouldn't make sense. Regardless what would everyone else think? He couldn't hide this from Zelda forever, nor would he want to. Could they use ghirahims magic to help in the development in their village? Ghirahim has been on the surface for longer then he could comprehend, he probably knows what foods are safe and where water sources are. Would he be strong enough to allow ghirahim to use magic? How does that work? Ghirahim said he gets his power from his welder, but link is only a human, demise was a God. Would he be able to support ghirahim? Would he be able to control him?
Ghirahim watched patently as the heros mind flew out of control, resting his elbow on his knee so he can prop up his chin. He allowed the boy to go down the rabbit hole of his own thoughts, grinning in amusement.
After a few moments link cautiously meets his eyes. "I have questions. Before I decide."
Ghirahims smile widdens, he wasn't sure how the hero would react to such an offer, part of him assumed he would be denied immediately. But Link was truly considering it. "Of course, I would expect you to."
"Are you going to try and revive him again?.. demise?" Link started with one he feared most, the thought of having to go toe to toe with a God again, Link wasn't sure he'd be able to do it.
His smile faltered, thinking back on when he did successfully raise his previous master and the way he was treated afterwords. He grimaced at the thought, a tiny piece of him hoping that if the hero does accept his blade he won't be treated so harshly. "No. Demise is dead and any connection I had to him was severed. I am free from his orders."
"Your.. free?" Link echoed suspiciously. "Are you saying you were forced.. to bring back demise?"
"Yes" he responds quickly, a bit surprised. "I must follow my masters commands, i can not disobey an order. When demise was sealed I was ordered to bring him back at any expense. So I did."
This new information causes the hero to pause. Does that mean ghirahim would be forced to do as he said? That changes some things. the thought of ordering someone and they had to obey no matter what made him sick, but he could comand him to not harm his friends or not harm the village as a safety measure if he needed to, which offered some relief.
Slowly Link nodded, considering his next question. "You won't hurt anyone.. or the village?"
"Do you want me to?" Ghirahims smirk returned, he had been unaware of the village till now. He had a suspicion that some of the sky people had moved down, seeing as Link himself had. but it was equally probable to ghirahim that Link chose to live here by himself.
"No!" Link looked almost offended, sitting straight up.
"Then unless they become a threat I have no reason to harm them." He responded simply, he was starting to grow weary, the ache in his core starting to make him inpatient.
Link paused again watching the demon lord for a long second before sighing and closing his eyes. "What happens. If I accept?"
Ghirahim hummed a moment, having expected more interrogating. "I am different then your pesky other blade. She was created specifically for you, To fit into your hand perfectly. Your bond with her was created at your birth and can not be broken, its part of your very soul. I require something more, a bond that must be forged." Ghirahim eyes the boy, watching his anxiety grow. "Nothing will be required on your part, not in the beginning. Aside from pulling my blade and accepting the bond that is. Creating the connection would use the remaining magic I possess, and I would retreat to my sword to recover my magic." He spoke very matter of factly, his voice losing some of its edge and sass. as the likelihood of link accepting grows so does the hopeful feeling in his chest. He didn't want to tease the boy and cause him to change his mind now.
Link looks up at him again, the uncertainty returning to his voice. "And if I change my mind?"
Ghirahim frowned deeply and sighed. "It can't be undone. Not without the death of one of us."
"Fine. Let's do this." Link straightened in his chair, watching ghirahim expectantly his mind made up.
"You.. you accept?" Ghirahim asked a bit caught off guard, his surprise showing on his face. The last question had made him assume the hero would turn him down, not wanting to be bound to a demon for the rest of his life.
"I accept." His other option was to leave ghirahim in the forest for some other person to discover and he couldn't take that risk. Preventing Someone else from finding an overpowered sentient sword that could bring about the end of the world was worth it to him.
Ghirahim hummed happily, his smile returning despite his eyes betraying him, showing the exhaustion that has built over the short span of time he's been awake.
Link felt a pang of sympathy in his heart, he looked so tired, the look seemed so foren on the demons face. "What do I need to do?" He masks the fear in his voice with confidence, a hard look in his eyes. A small part of his brain still screaming that this is a trap.
Ghirahim holds out a hand to Link, palm up. "Give me your hand"
There's a small moment of hesitation as Link eyes his black metal hand suspiciously. Cautiously Link places his hand in ghirahims, who guides it to his core again. "Pull my blade"
The gem pulses under his fingertips, the memory of demise ripping the blade from ghirahims chest as he laughed in agony plays in his mind. He swallows hard and looks up to meet ghirahims eyes "will it hurt you..?"
The soft innocence of his voice returned, making ghirahims heart do flips in his chest. He tried not to let himself get to hopeful, he had hurt this child greatly and attempted to kill his friend, nearly ending his world. There's no reason for this boy to care for him or treat him gently. "I'll be fine"
There's a long pause as Link studies his face, hesitating. The gem buzzes with power beneath his hand, almost uncomfortably warm. Ghirahim presses his hand down, trying to coax him to hurry up. Carefully he presses his fingers in, they seem to slip past the gems bearer allowing his hand to close on something solid within his core. Ghirahim makes a tiny, startled noise. Link's jaw clenches at the sound, determined not to hurt him the same way demise had. he carefully and slowly pulls at the sword, his other hand coming up to the hilt as it emerges from ghirahims chest to provide more support.
The blade was heavy, it was difficult to hold it steady as he slowly pulled it free. Ghirahim remained silent, his brows pressed together in pain, his mouth hanging open. Link tried desperately to hold it steady, his chest tightening as a dark energy rushes up his arms. He could feel the magic surging through him, tightening around him like a vice. He's forced to take a few steps back to accommodate the massive sword. his head was spinning as the tip finally emerged, almost dropping to the floor as he suddenly had nothing else supporting its weight.
Ghirahim groaned loudly, his breathing heavy. As his form started to fade in a wave of diamonds the sword pulsed in his hand, admitting a soft red glow. Slowly he watched as the blade began to shrink down to a more usable size for him. The red glow fading to gold. It stopped as ghirahim fully disappeared into diamonds, leaving him alone with the sword.
Exhaustion hit him hard and sudden, his breath stuttering as he gently set the sword down, laying it out on the floor with shaking hands. He was covered in a thin layer of sweat, his heart beating loudly in his ears. He could feel the magic pulsing in time with his heart, running through his body with a slight tingle.
He breaths in deeply closing his eyes and willing himself to relax. The sensation slowly dissipating, settling in the back of his mind like a rock thrown into a lake. He doesn't let himself think about it too hard, not wanting to think and end up regretting it.
His mind was clouded, opening his eyes was difficult through the tiredness that now consumed him. Carefully he makes his way to the bed, still filthy from ghirahim though he can't find it in himself to care in that moment. Falling asleep almost immediately as his head hit the pillow.