ED

EDIT: Gah! I neglected those kittens!

Phoenix Champion: whoever chops up Ganon's spirit would be sometime after Four Swords Adventure, staring Zeldalynn, Zeldandi, Zeleiko, and Zeldathany, with a special appearance by Dalez, the Shadow Zelda!... I'm kidding, that wouldn't be their real names. Also, I'm glad you enjoyed the fight. Now then: *goes off to see if King Bulbin can get a part in the next fanfic.*

HeroAlexa249: In TP, Zelda was praying when Ganondorf died, and I felt that it was important to include that moment in the fanfic. I have to admit, it says a lot about someone if they can find forgiveness or pity for someone who is evil or has done terrible things. And hey- I love getting in depth about stories, and especially concerning the villains, so it's ok if you want to talk about it. :)

I wasn't planning on Ganondorf breaking Zelda's wrist, but then again, considering how huge he is, that would be the more realistic possibility.

Ayako Zetra: :) Tauberpa and Xanuzamaki are among the best abridged creators. If only Tauberpa's Midna and Xanu's Link got together! WHY HAVEN'T THEY DONE THAT YET?! Imagine the chaos! (And yeah, the squeaking was hilarious- Zant's reaction to it was pure beauty.)

Tjfanfics99: *Zelda holds up medal* Dah-dah-dah-dahhhhh! You got a gold metal for epic butt-kicking! And I'm sorry I posted this too soon. When that fan fic is done, I'll include the shout out in an edit, if you'd like.

PsycoFangirl: Actually, if Groose's theme WAS Demise's theme, that would have been really funny. (I actually saw the moon version a long time ago... and there IS a Demise video now on Youtube which... let's just say the editing was done to perfection.)

Maybe HW Zelda will get to see a pocket sized Zant in the next fan fic.

Ok guys, I'm going to be on a break after I post this chapter, but I am still open to hearing who you want to appear in the Hyrule Warriors fan fic. I can't guarantee that everyone will become a 'warrior' (or that I'll be able to fit everyone in somehow) but I'll see what I can do.

But I will give you guys a promise of a few faces who will show up in the very first chapter/prologue (which will play out differently than in the game for most of it). I thought I would keep it a secret, but I can't anymore.

This supporting character will not be a 'warrior' (and will only appear in a few chapters) but is...

None other than Wind Waker's Aryll, who is not only famously known as Link's sister, but will be the princess of Hyrule in my version of Hyrule Warriors.

These two characters are 'legacy' characters in that, while they carry the same mannerisms and appearances, they are descended (reincarnated?) from their original counterparts. Due to demand, and because it makes perfect sense, joining the main army will be...

Groose (complete with his ancestor's famous hairstyle) will be joining Zelda during the Skyloft arc of Hyrule Warriors (most likely as a demolition's expert or captain.) while Ashei (with more roughness and a much needed tolerance to accept what she's going to get into) will be a captain in the Twilight arc.

And finally, this character is getting in, just because I adore them, and is also getting a supporting character role. This one is DEFINITELY not going to be a 'warrior' or part of the army, and they will only appear in a few chapters...

Linebeck (yes, THAT Linebeck.) is showing up and his friendship with Link will remain unchanged. (Whether he gets anything out of what he's going to be a part of is... up for debate.)

And, with that out of the way, it's time to end the fanfic I thought would never exist, and was created from a joke. I had fun, I had frustration, I wondered 'why the heck am I writing this?!' and it gave me a better appreciation to Twilight Princess and Zant as a character.

I want to thank all you guys, and the reviewers for reading this, and for putting up with me, my occasional spelling error, and how I could get verbal about certain opinions (and if I have offended anyone, I owe you an apology.) As a head's up, the very last part of this fanfic was inspired by the very last part of the Twilight Princess symphonic movement of the 25th anniversary symphony cd, so- maybe you'll want to take a listen to it, for dramatic effect.

And so, the era of Twilight Twists must come to an end: thank you for reading this fan fic.

-*Chapter 17: Shadow and Light*-

And so, my part in the fate that was placed upon Hyrule was fulfilled as I stared at my hand, which was now devoid of the Triforce mark.

I turned my head to Link, who was carefully putting his gauntlet back on, but the glance he gave to me said it was not completely over just yet- for him at least.

I almost turned back to Zant, until I saw two people running towards us. When I could make them out, they looked like-

"COLIN!" I yelled as I ran towards him and the boy stopped as soon as he heard me and bent over to catch his breath. "ILIA!" I yelled as the girl also had to stop and catch her breath.

I ran past Link, past even Epona, and didn't stop until I was finally beside Colin and Ilia- even if I just fought against Ganondorf just five minutes ago.

"Talo was observing a battle out here and said you were fighting someone." Ilia panted as I knelt beside Colin. "We couldn't leave the village." Colin panted. "Are you o-"

I swooped Colin into a hug and pulled him into me. "It's fine! I'm safe!" I joyously let out. "Hyrule is safe! We can go home anytime we want now!"

He let out a laugh and hugged me back. I jolted and we fell into the ground, laughing our heads off, despite the sharp pain in my wrist.

And who cared? All was right again!

After enough time passed, Colin finally let go of me and saw who had been with me. "Zelda?" He asked. "Who's that with Zant?"

I grinned and helped Colin up as Ilia stared on in interest at my companions. I took Colin by the hand and lead the two of them towards the others- Zant gave Colin a friendly nod, while Link smiled at them.

"Colin, there's someone who needs to be reintroduced to you." I spoke. "And someone who you need to meet." As soon as we rejoined the others, I grinned as I placed my hands on Colin's shoulders. "Zant... is the King of the Twili." I began.

Colin and Ilia gasped as Zant bowed.

"And this-" I turned to Link, and I knowingly grinned. "Is Prince Link of Hyrule."

Colin jolted and turned to me in surprise. "Are you serious?" Ilia gasped before she curtseyed to Link.

Link held a hand up in protest. "There's no need, but it's a pleasure to meet a friend of Zelda's." He then held a hand towards Colin. "It's especially a pleasure to meet you." He warmly spoke to Colin.

Shyly, Colin stepped forward and took his hand, which the soon to be king gently shook.

"What happened here?" Ilia asked me. "Who were you fighting, and what was that light?"

"Well," I thought over my words carefully, "I need time to rest... but let's just say that, for now, we fought destiny and I stabbed it in the chest."

-*Telma's Bar*-

All of Hyrule Castle town had been in an uproar when they saw their prince's return: it took awhile to reassure them, until we finally reached Telma's bar. By this time, night had fallen, and I doubt any of us were looking forward to immediately telling the kingdom the whole entire story.

"Promise me you'll look into a certain Doctor." Zant began to Link. "I think this town would do well without him."

"I might actually be ahead of you." Link admitted as he opened the door and we could see the resistance waiting inside.

Almost as soon as Rusl saw me, he practically flew towards us and hugged me. I immediately did the same. "Thank Farore you are safe." He spoke.

"Likewise." I honestly replied and glanced over Rusl to see that Auru had approached Link. I could tell that the two had a bit of catching up to do.

"So-" Telma spoke. "Since the Kingdom is going to need his Highness so soon-" she winked at Link and I could have sworn she blew him a kiss "Why not have drinks on the house, and spill it out? Din knows you might need some help with the work ahead of you."

Of course, Zant had to give everything back to me- which resulted in the bar being filled with almost every weapon and item imaginable- and I gave the Dominion Rod and the clawshots to Shad, upon which I told him that he could now see his dream fulfilled.

"Also, I have something important that I gave to Renado in Kakariko Village." I told Link and Auru. "It's the remains of a tapestry from another era- it might be beneficial to the history of Hyrule."

Between the three of us, I was the most tired out, so Zant and Link ended up doing most of the talking as I sat by the bar. The others listened on in amazement as we shared the story of the battle with Ganondorf over a few pints. In the end, it was Shad (who clearly couldn't hold his liquor) who finally spoke when it was over.

"Well that settles it!" He joyously boasted as he shot out of his seat and slammed his fists on the table. "We're all going in the history books, old chaps!" He flung a hand in the air in a great flourish.

"Where you're going is in the fairy's fountain, if you don't hold back!" Telma laughed. "Settle down!"

"So," Rusl turned to Link. "Are you going to take the day off tomorrow, or are you going to have to start writing out any documents?"

Link groaned and placed his hand in his face. "Don't remind me."

"If it's any condolence, I will have to do that and more when I return." Zant somewhat supported him. It was at this point Link looked at him. "I mean, I could anytime I want," He continued. "But considering who I left in charge-"

"About that-" Link interrupted. "When do you need to return?"

Zant suddenly went silent. I could have sworn his eyes drifted towards me for a moment as he began to think it over.

"...Tomorrow at dawn would be preferable." He finally spoke.

So, until then, there was still much merry making to be had in Telma's bar.

-*The Mirror Chamber*-

Before morning could come, we had to continue the final stages of the end of our journey. Miraculously, we were able to get enough sleep, in preparation for what was bound to be a long day.

And so, just as dawn began, we all found ourselves back at a familiar location in the Gerudo Desert.

It was at the Mirror Chamber above Arbitor's Grounds that the large slab of stone as alight with the alien markings, and ready to be in use. It felt so strange to be back here, of all places, and yet it wasn't.

"You're absolutely sure you can return back?" Zant asked us. "Seeing as you needed my help to get here?"

Link smirked as he took something from his pocket and held up what looked like a glowing green crystal. "The royal family has it's share of magic too." He let him know before he put it back.

Zant gave Link a smirk. "I suppose you aren't entirely helpless. Then again a lot of the people in this kingdom weren't entirely helpless either." He knowingly looked at me. "You're going to make a fine king."

"The same to you." Link responded. "But next time, please be less cryptic about your plans."

"So long as you don't try to hijack someone's body, break your own into fragments, and make everyone think you died." Zant responded without looking back.

"...Touché."

"Speaking of which-" A familiar relic appeared in front of Zant. "If you wish to turn back into a wolf-"

"No." I flatly told him.

He grinned in understanding and the relic vanished."I see. Well, I suppose I have to call you Lady Zelda from now on, correct? Seeing as you're now a true hero."

"It's preferable." I admitted. "But there's no stopping you from calling me Lady Wolf, is there?"

"I can't resist an oxymoron." He admitted. "But you do realize that shadow and light may not be able to interact the same way in your world ever again?"

"Shadow and light are two sides of the same coin." I told him. "One can't exist without the other. In fact... maybe the goddesses did want us to meet each other, and that's why the mirror exists."

"I see you've grown in wisdom as well." Zant acknowledged. "I always admired that side of you."

He then walked towards the glowing mark on the platform and the stairs formed, just as I began to speak. "You know, I could come visit the Twilight Realm sometime in the future if you'd like. It would be nice to check in with the others, and I'm sure if I brought Colin along, he would like to see you again." I smiled. "I mean, if you're too busy and you are unable to come to our world, I can always come and save you the trouble."

Zant remained still. He then raised his head to the sky. "It's true." He murmured. "So long as the mirror is around, we can meet again."

"Tell me." He began. "When you tell the people about the world of twilight- if you tell them- what will you say?"

"Everything!" I beamed. "That way, we will never forget about your world! I'd even write out the adventures and all the experiences that happened!"

Zant let out a weak laugh- or what sounded like a laugh- and placed a hand over his face. "You would do that for us?" He asked.

"Yes." I smiled. "I would. I owe you."

Zant moved his hand off his face and looked at it before turning around. "I have yet to see if that end of the deal was made." He reminded me as he briefly glanced at Link. "But in the end, it's your call- not mine." He looked at his hand one last time, before he walked up the stairs, and onto the platform.

"I suppose I too will have to tell the story of the girl who could turn into a wolf, so she, nor her world will not be forgotten either." Zant looked at me as he held his hand out... and something glittering and white flew out. It floated towards us, and just as it got close enough, I heard Zant call out for me in a slightly reserved voice.

"Lady Wolf."

I looked back at him and he then gave me a very painful- sad looking smile. "See you soon..."

Without warning, I heard something crack.

Link and I turned, just in time to see that the little white orb of light had touched the surface of the mirror- and a series of cracks began to form onto it.

I gasped as confusion ran though my mind and I turned in time to see the light from the mirror aim at the active markings as Zant just kept smiling that pained smile.

...Wait...

No... no... why would...

Why did he-?

His smile widened and I could see him shuddering, as if trying to compose himself as he dissolved into white light. He kept looking specifically at me, even as his head was dissolved away until he became particles of light that spiraled though the markings, into the Twilight Realm.

And just after the rays of light disappeared and what remained of Zant finally returned to it's original world, I could hear the mirror loudly shatter into pieces behind me.

Moments passed before I finally dropped to my knees in disbelief.

"Wh..." I quietly asked. "Why?" I couldn't understand- how could separating- destroying the link between realms be of any good?

Instead, I lost another person in my life, who once again willingly separated himself from me... for good. And it all happened without even so much as a warning! I wanted to be angry- I wanted to know- and yet-

I let out a sigh and bowed my head as I felt my tears coming and clenched my teeth. Behind me, I could feel the sunlight- the dawn had ended, and day overtook night.

-*...*-

Link returned us back to the castle town, where Rusl was waiting for me with Epona, a horse and wagon, and a second sword and shield in his hands. When Rusl saw us, he sensed that something had happened, judging by the concerned look on his face. However, he didn't ask- I didn't know how to explain it.

"Here." Link stopped, took my hand, and placed the green crystal in my hand. "Use it to warp to where the Master Sword rests- it'll be easier for you."

"Thank you." I weakly smiled in appreciation. I saw that he wanted to stay with me- and possibly speak about what happened. Instead, he closed his eyes, took my hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"If you ever wish to talk," He gently said. "You're always welcome to come to the castle for a visit."

-*...*-

Rusl drove the wagon and I rode alongside it on Epona as we headed towards Kakariko Village, where we would bring Ilia and the others home.

Though the children were reluctant to part ways with Renado, Luda, and the others (and the store, in Malo's case) they wanted to see their families again.

Ilia stood by me as we watched Rusl and Colin reunite- the two eagerly embraced, and when they parted, Rusl presented the sword and shield to Colin.

"I know you are not interested in fighting." He told Colin. "But you proved yourself worthy of possessing such weapons, and you deserve to know how you use them- not to seek out a fight, but to protect those who you care about."

Colin didn't even hesitate to nod. "It's more than enough." He told Rusl as he carefully took them. "Thank you, dad."

"He really did grow up, didn't he?" Ilia turned to me with a smile.

"He did." I finally smiled as I replied. "He really did."

And so, our farewells were made, we began the journey back home.

I was silent the whole way back to Ordon Village and silently watched on as the children talked amongst themselves, and tried to speak with me, but it was Colin who finally managed to make me speak.

"Hey Zelda!" Colin finally spoke to me from the wagon, and I turned to see him holding up the kittens that followed me that one time- both of whom were excitedly mewing when they saw me.

"Oh hello!" I finally managed to smile. "Did you name them both yet?" I asked Colin.

"Just the girl." Colin carefully held up the girl kitten. "I named her Hannah. That just leaves the boy." He carefully held the boy kitten as it tried to escape and rush towards me.

I gave the boy kitten a look and began to think. A smile grew as a hilariously appropriate choice of irony crossed my mind- someone was not going to leave this world behind without going away scott-free.

"Zant." I decided as I recalled the Twili's distaste for the creatures. "His name is Zant."

-*...*-

When we returned to Ordon village, the wagon stopped and I got off Epona. Almost immediately, the children ran out.

"Mom, Dad!" Beth yelled as she darted towards her father, who gasped and rushed towards her, just as Sera bursted out of the store and ran to Beth as fast as she could.

"MOM!" Talo belted out and raced towards his home as Malo tried to keep up. "DAAAAD!" In turn, their parents began to race towards them, from different parts of the village.

As for Ilia, she raced across the village and Mayor Bo bursted out of his house and raced for her as soon as he saw her. I watched as the two finally embraced and smiled with joy, just as I heard a familiar voice.

"Colin?!"

I turned to see Uli by the stream, with the baby's basket next to her.

"Come on." Rusl held a hand out to me as Colin happily beamed at his mother. "It's time to go home."

I let out a gasp and smiled as I felt myself beginning to cry as I accepted his hand.

Together, the three of us walked towards Uli, who then took a pink bundle out of the basket and carefully walked towards us. I could then hear Hannah and Zant (I let out a sad chuckle at the thought) following us as fast as they could.

Colin gasped when he realized what the bundle meant, and raced towards Uli, who carefully knelt beside him.

"Welcome home, Colin." Uli smiled, before glancing towards me and Rusl. "There's someone who would like to meet you." She carefully moved her arms to show Colin his- our new sibling.

Even before I reached him, I could already see how he looked at the baby- he already fell in love with the child and would want nothing more then to protect it, and tell it all he knew- of legends, of stories, and of dreams that took him up into the sky.

"She's adorable." I knelt beside Colin and glanced at the baby- I knew just by looking that it was a she, and she already had her mother's hair.

Uli looked up to Rusl- she was happy, but she was still tired out from the delivery. "We decided to name her Faith." She warmly spoke. "Because it is what drives our family through our troubles."

It was then, that I now knew- all that I had gone through, all that doubt I faced, and death itself- it was worth it all for this very moment.

So, our family and our new pets retreated back into the house, where we could rest from our journey. As Uli sat down on the couch, and Rusl and Colin went off to wash off- so that they could hold Faith- I was about to follow them, when something amongst the gifts for the baby on the table caught my eye.

"Uli?" I began after a moment to comprehend what I was seeing. "You do realize that someone left you something that the baby, can't-" I took a closer look at the object- no. It- it couldn't be, could it?

"I have no idea where that came from." Uli admitted. "It was with the gifts this morning. I was considering giving it to Colin instead, since I assumed Rusl gave it as a joke."

"No, it's ok." I turned my head and shook it. "In fact-" I picked up the object and smirked. "I think you should hold onto it for Faith- she might like it someday."

I grinned at the Gale Boomerang in my hand. "So much for 'so long,' huh Lexi?" I murmured.

But she didn't respond back.

"Lexi?" I asked again as I began to grow concerned.

Still no response- it was as if she was asleep.

"Is something wrong?" Uli asked and I looked up.

"Oh, it's nothing." I set the Gale Boomerang back down with slight disapointment. "I just-" I was interrupted as Rusl and Colin reentered the room and headed towards Uli and Faith.

Maybe one day, I'd meet Lexi again- at least that was a guarantee.

I then realized something and grasped the Master Sword at my back- it was time to return it. But not yet.

"Just wait a little longer." I spoke to it. "I want to spend time with my family first."

I felt fur against my legs and I looked to see the twin kittens rubbing themselves against my legs. With a smile, I took my sword and shield off, picked them up, and walked towards my family, where we could all sit together.

-* the Sacred Grove*-

"Whoa!" Colin was impresed after the magical wind warped us into the Sacred Grove. "It's incredible!" He looked around the old ruins of what was once a mighty temple in awe. "This place is amazing!"

"It is." I admitted. I then took Colin by the hand and lead him up towards the steps to where the Master Sword's pedestal was.

To our surprise, we saw Skull Kid playing with Ook, Hibi, and the gang of monkeys in a sort of chase. He was gleefully laughing as they chased them, and only stopped when he noticed me.

"Hero!" He cheered and when the monkeys turned to see us, they happily cheered and hopped.

"Hello again," I knelt down as they approached me. "It's been awhile." I turned to Hibi, who was tilting her head at me in curiosity.

"Hello Hibi." I smiled at her. "It's me: Zelda. The wolf and I were one and the same." I held my hand out. "I found what I was looking for in the woods- I found the Master Sword."

She squeaked in surprise, but then she happily hopped up and down before she shook my hand. I didn't need to be a wolf anymore to know what she was trying to telling me.

"Whose this?" Skull Kid eagerly asked, and I looked up from Hibi to see him walk up to Colin. "Are you one of the children of the village?"

"Are you Skull Kid?" Colin cautiously asked. The way he said it implied that he heard about Skull Kid befo- oh no. Please don't tell me-

"I am!" Skull Kid happily beamed. "And what's-"

And to my shock, Colin bashed Skull Kid on the head with a hand chop as hard as he could.

"Colin!" I gasped in shock as I stood up, and the boy was already regretful as Skull Kid let out an 'OW!" and rubbed his head, while the monkey let out noises akin to laughing. "Why did you-"

"Zant told me Skull Kid called him names, and I promised to 'carry out his revenge' if I ever saw him." Colin innocently told me.

I let out a groan as Skull Kid laughed. "Well what do you know?! Ol' King Lizard Face got me good in the end! Too bad he's not with you."

"He had to go back to his world." I told Skull Kid as I painfully relieved the memory. "And he destroyed the only way between our worlds. I wish I knew why." I sighed.

"Hmmm." Skull Kid spun around in a circle as the monkeys looked on in interest before coming to a stop. "You know- love and consideration are funny things. It drove you, and it drove him- it prevented him from walking down a dark path, despite the temptation. You know deep down that he was probably trying to keep the balance between worlds and never allow the era of twilight to happen again, right?"

"...Yes." I admitted as I bowed my head. "I thought about it. I just didn't want to believe it."

Skull Kid chuckled. "Then it's time for you to focus on the future- you met the three kings, so you fulfilled your destiny. He's not going to be gone forever- we have ways of making those we care about live on forever, right?"

I recalled what I told Zant- that I would tell him about the world of the Twilight. "You're right." I raised my head. "They have to know what happened, so why why not tell them the truth?"

"And they should!" Skull Kid threw his hands up in the air. "Because I already know the story you tell is going to last! He will come back again- just like the Master Sword, the ones we care about will always come back, so long as we come back to visit the memory once in awhile! It doesn't matter if it's a book, a ballad, or a painting- just leave a memory behind for them!"

With a high pitched laugh, he ran off, and the monkeys followed him. "Until next time, Wolf Hero! Hero's brother!" He added for Colin as he ran into the bushes, and the group disappeared altogether.

Colin and I shared a knowing look, before we turned to the pedestal.

I pulled the Master Sword out, and Colin and I walked to the pedestal. I couldn't believe that this was going to be the last time I was going to hold this blade, but I knew it was time for it to rest once more.

"You really are a hero." Colin told me. "You wouldn't have needed that sword to prove it."

I stopped in front of the pedestal and I gave Master Sword's blade one final look. I could somehow see myself in it's reflection- I was different, and I had a sort of strange wildness in my eyes that were more fit for a wolf, but I had changed for the better. Although Zant was not here to see the conclusion of this period of when I was the wielder of the legendary blade, I was already making peace with this fact.

"When I first pulled this sword out, I was unsure of myself." I began. "I don't know how my story will be told." I continued and smiled. "But I'm going to tell all about it- I'm going to write it down, so that nothing will be forgotten. The lessons I've learned, the places I've seen, the people I've met- they will live on. And whoever the next wielder of the Master Sword is going to be- I hope they will also know."

I held the Master Sword's handle and raised the blade up, above the pedestal, and took a deep breath before I finally returned it to it's resting place with a careful thrust.

Slowly, I let go of the handle and backed away from the sword. I watched as the faint brightness it gave off faded and dulled until the blade lost a bit of the lifeless it had, like when I first had it. It was not a bad sign- it just meant that it was going to wait for the next in line to hold it again.

I turned to Colin, who still smiled. In turned, I smiled back and placed a hand on his shoulder- together we walked away from the last tie to the fate I was placed into, and we turned back.

-*Hyrule Castle*-

Finally, after enough time and restoration had passed, Hyrule would bear witness to the official coronation of it's king.

Many faces had been invited to the coronation and some of them were very familiar: Prince Ralis, Darbus and the Goron elders, the members of the resistance, Telma, Rusl, Uli, Colin and Faith, Mayor Bo and Ilia, Renado, Luda, Impaz, Agitha (who was a noble by birth) and many others from all reaches of the land.

This included myself: having finally heeded everyone's urging, I wore a rather fancy dress but I kept the brooch, for all it had meant to me on the journey to this point. I stood with my family, Telma and the rest of the resistance: all the members of the group were going to receive a knighthood for their aid to Hyrule.

We all were in the throne room, which had been restored to it's true glory, and we gazed towards the center, where stood the soon to be King. He looked more like a knight, in golden amour that was inlaid with a few emeralds, but he also wore some sort of dignified forest green tunic with gold trimmings, which also that displayed the symbol of Hyrule in the center: only a gold belt to separate the Triforce from the loftwing insignia. To complete the look was a blue cape attached to the armor that- while it reached the floor- was still modest in appearance.

The current head priest stood at the top of the steps next to Link, and in his hands was a golden crown with a green rupee shaped emerald against a modest sized leaf shaped center.

"We have seen much sorrow and suffering, before our Prince could be crowned." The priest acknowledged. "But by the graces of those who were just to our people, light had been restored to our land. And so, it is time to begin a new age of hope and prosperity."

The priest nodded to Link, who nodded with a small smile of appreciation before kneeling to the ground before us. The sage then walked behind him, with crown in both hands.

"With this crown, you are entrusted with a sacred duty to our Kingdom." The priest began. "It is a duty that is honorable as it is great: may it never be an excuse to abuse the rights given to you, for a king is as equal as any humble citizen. May you use your power to protect and defend those who are in need of it. May your wisdom guide and perceive though your duties. May your courage allow you to make difficult decisions and give you the resolve to do what is just."

The priest raised the crown to the heavens and declared. "And so, by the will of the people- by will of the goddesses- you are henceforth our King of Hyrule!" He then descended the crown where it was place onto Link's head.

A roar of cheers and applause rose all around the throne room as the King now stood up. He seemed stoic, but you could tell that he seemed a little embarrassed.

He held a hand up in protest and we immediately ceased our excitement.

"I apologize that this day did not come sooner." Link began, with a noble, yet humble air. "As mentioned, we have seen great horrors and sorrow, when Hyrule fell under a shroud of darkness. We had seen the loss of loved ones, our homes and lifestyle were threatened, we faced an uncertainty for our future, and we faced an enemy we thought had been defeated many years ago."

"I too lost faith, but it took one of our own to inspire a change and a refusal to be entirely consumed by the darkness. She endured horrors and faced sacrifices for our sake. She brought an awareness to a world we thought was only a myth- a world where people dwell in twilight and, though we caused them a great injustice in the past, we were able to set aside our differences to save our homelands."

He then turned to face me and held out a hand. "If you do not mind." He spoke, with a pleased look in his eyes.

I glanced at my family and the resistance- they all either beamed at me, gave me a thumbs up, or squeezed my hand in good look (or just nodded with a grunt, in Ashei's case.) I smiled in appreciation at them all, before I turned and made my way towards King Link of Hyrule with all the grace of a noblewoman that I could summon up.

I let out a small laugh as I walked up the stairs towards Link- I could feel all eyes upon me, but I didn't mind. In turn, he smiled back, and when I reached the top of the steps and stood in front of him, where I extended my hand out and excepted it.

"You have braved and endured much for our sake." Link began allowed as he pulled his sword out with his sword. I gasped when I realized what he was about to do, and I slowly knelt before him, while still holding his hand.

"You are henceforth recognized for all you have done, before the people of Hyrule." Link spoke as I felt the blade carefully touch one of my shoulders, before it moved to the next. "And like the heroes of past before you, it is fitting that you are recognized as one, for our new age." The blade then left my shoulders.

"Rise," he gently commanded, and I rose from my spot- all while still holding Link's hand. "It is with great honor," Link's smile widened, and for one moment, he seemed like an excited child, despite his composure. "That I bestow you, Lady Zelda, of both Hyrule and of Ordon Village, the title of the Hero of Twilight."

I heard a thunderous applause behind me, and I only broke eye contact with Link to see all those familiar faces beam at me, or give me excited looks. I could see Telma giving me a right holler, and I could see my family- they were proud at what I had accomplished, for all I had gone through. It made my heart soar to see all the people I saved and helped be happy once more, and I felt pride in myself for all I had done to achieve that.

I turned my head back to Link. "If you know." He quietly spoke. "I wouldn't mind it if you and your family wish to stay for a little longer. I'd actually-" He went red in the face. "Never mind, now's not-"

"I don't mind." I caught on as I quietly, honestly replied. "I'd like that." Internally I was laughing- I suppose the deal that was made so long ago came to be after all.

I glanced up towards the stone depiction of the Triforce and the three goddesses above the throne. As if by some sort of strange miracle, as if to reassure me, half of the entire work was bathed in light, while the other was darkened by shadow.

"Born of light," I automatically, quietly sang as I gave my thanks and my regards to the twilight, it's people, and it's king. "Born of night..."

-* Thank You for-

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!" Lexi interrupted as she pushed the words aside to get a better look at you. "I was just asleep that one time! I woke up eventually! Anyway, see you guys in Hyrule Warriors Warped, coming this summer! Bye!" She eagerly waves at you, and moves aside.

-*...Thank you for reading. See you guys in Hyrule Warriors Warped.*-

...And yes: Lexi being Colin's sister's future weapon was planned this whole time.

Link's coronation outfit was inspired by the magic armor and the Hyrule Warriors scarf (And the center leaf on the crown is a lot smaller than the one in the game.) I've never written out a coronation and a knighting before, so I'm sorry if it came across as cheezy.

I was considering Zant getting revenge in Hyrule Warriors... but the idea of being a little evil and manipulative was too funny to pass up.

That final scene between him and Zelda was slightly difficult to write out, knowing what I had to ultimately do, and Zelda's momentary naive optimism made it worse. But, as you guys now know, the two will meet once again, in another life... it will take time, but it will happen.