Disclaimer: Even though I started a new Zelda story, the Zelda characters still don't belong to me. AHHHHH!

Author's Note: Hello, peoples! Gamegirl's back with another fun filled story. And don't worry, I won't leave out those wonderful cliff hangers that you all love so much. Unfortunately, I don't have a cliff hanger in the prologue, but there will be plenty of opportunities for more! MUWHAHAHAHAHAHA! Anyways, this is the sequel to Shattered Twilight, so if you haven't read the first one, DON'T READ THIS YET!!!!!!! Please read and enjoy Deceptive Shadow!

Prologue – Resurrection of Hope

A new day dawned over the land of Hyrule. Light filled the sky as the sun slowly rose above the eastern horizon. The different races of Hyrule took in the peace of the light and enjoyed every minute of it.

No one wanted to go back to the time when darkness had nearly destroyed the light of Hyrule and consumed everything into its lifeless grip.

But no one forgot about the fight; the epic battle between the Chosen Hero and the King of Evil; the battle between light and darkness.

And through his sacrifice, the Chosen Hero had defeated the darkness and the King of Evil. And through the bravery of their own Princess and the Princess of the Twilight Realm, he was brought back to life by a miracle.

No one knows what really happened then. Some say the Goddesses of the Triforce played a role in this adventure, taking the forms of three dragons to help protect what was left of the light.

Many say it was just a myth, others believe it wasn't even possible. But there are a handful of people out there who believe it to be true.

The only ones who know are the Princess, the Twilight Princess, the Chosen Hero, and the King of Evil. Maybe it is just best it stayed a mystery.

Many people don't worry or think about it much now, ever since Link became King of Hyrule. The people and races of Hyrule feel much safer knowing that Link and Zelda are together to protect it.

Yes, peace has been restored and everyone is happy with their new King and Queen.

And now, nine months later, something big is about to happen…

Across the vast plains of Hyrule Field, in the Province of Lanayru, close to the Zora's Domain and Snowpeak, a small group of Hylians fought their way through a hoard of Lizalfos, desperately trying to reach the castle.

"Link! Please hurry!"

"This baby is not going to wait much longer!"

"Hang on, Zelda! We're almost there!"

______

Link and Zelda had traveled south to check up on the repairs in Ordon and the restoration of Faron Woods. Telma, Auru, Ashei, Rusl, and Shad had come along for possible needed defense; for Zelda was expecting her child very soon and no one knew when the moment would happen.

Zelda lay comfortably in the back of Telma's cart, Shad and Ashei sat next to her for company. Link and Rusl rode their horses in front of the cart while Auru covered the rear. They were taking every chance in making sure Zelda was safe.

Everything was running smoothly in the woods. After some exchanging of news and blessings for the baby, they small party left.

They then decided to make a quick stop at Kakariko. Like Ordon, Renado and the others were getting by nicely. The Gorons were helping them restore Kakariko into something better.

Upon departure, the King and Queen chose to travel north rather than south back towards the castle. As protectors of Hyrule, they had to make sure all of Hyrule was at peace.

But, halfway through the gorge separating Eldin Province from Lanayru, Zelda took in a sharp breath.

"Link?!" Hearing the urgency in her voice, Link pulled Epona back so he now gazed into the cart.

Zelda's eyes were wide with fear and pain. Her hand gripped her stomach as if she had been shot with an arrow. Shad and Ashei's stares never left the Queen. "I think it's about that time."

"Oh, no," Link urged Epona to speed up. "Telma, pick up the pace!" He called over his shoulder as Epona took off in a gallop. Rusl took off after him and Telma was not far behind with Auru still defending the back.

Lanayru Province became clear. Zora's river glittered from the afternoon sun. And all around the river were hundreds of menacing Lizalfos.

The Lizalfos saw the small party, and ran in for the attack.

Link unsheathed the Master Sword. He back flipped off of Epona and stabbed the closest enemy as Epona went plowing through a small group, trampling them into the ground.

The Hylians went in for the attack.

_______

Link and Rusl moved quickly along the ground as their blades sliced through countless foes. But as one fell, another always took its place.

Ashei had climbed up into a nearby tree, firing arrows at any Lizalfo who dared to venture near the cart containing the Queen.

Auru stood next to the cart, throwing bombs into small groups, attempting to try and take out a handful of the giant killer lizards at a time.

Telma bashed in the Lizalfos' skulls with the paddle she used to kick out drunkards from her bar.

Shad stayed within the cart. He held onto Zelda's hand, trying to help her remain calm. His attempts were not very successful as Zelda breathed heavily. Sweat beaded up on her forehead as she clenched her teeth through the contraction pains. Shad could feel his hand go numb as Zelda's grip tightened, cutting off the circulation of blood. His hand was as white as the snow that drifted down onto Snowpeak.

"Link!!"

Link finished off the Lizalfo before him, then ran to the cart. He jumped into the back and crouched down next to his wife.

"She needs help!" Shad said, a hint of panic and pain in his voice. "We can't deliver the baby here!"

Link swallowed hard as his heavy breathing from battle prevented any words from coming out. He sheathed the Master Sword, then brushed the sweat off her brow, not knowing what to do.

"Go, Link!" Link looked up. He saw Telma's head peering into the cart. "We got this! Take Zelda, get on Epona, and just go!" Without another word, Telma disappeared, running back to help fend off the Lizalfos.

Without hesitation, Link wrapped his arms around Zelda and scooped her up. As he carried her out of the cart, he called for Epona, whistling her song as best he could. Fortunately, she came running up quickly.

Not even realizing the combined weight of Zelda and their baby, Link mounted Epona while still holding onto his wife. She lay securely against his chest as Link wrapped a strong arm around her and Epona took off towards the castle.

Inside the large castle of Hyrule, the air was quiet and peaceful. Servants and maids carried on with their daily tasks, taking their sweet time in completing them.

Suddenly, the front doors could be heard bursting open, breaking the silence. A horse's whinny could be heard throughout the many halls.

The servants rushed to the main hall, desperate to see if someone, or something, was attacking the castle. To their surprise, they saw their King.

Epona ran into the castle. Link pulled back the reigns, causing his steed to come to an abrupt stop. Zelda lay limply in Link's lap, his strong arm wrapped around her.

"Someone, help! Zelda is in labor!"

Minutes turned to hours as Link paced anxiously up and down the hall outside the nursery door. Time dragged on as he continuously looked at the door, wondering if Zelda was all right.

"Why so nervous, Link?"

Link heard a soft, familiar chuckle drift down the hall. He looked away from the nursery door to see Midna walking down the hallway towards him.

"Zelda is in labor," Link spoke quietly as he avoided eye contact with the Twilight Princess.

Midna stared curiously at Link. "Shouldn't you be happy? I mean, you're going to be a father soon."

"But I'm not allowed to be in there, so I have no idea what's going on!" Link took in no breath as he began to fire question after question out into the open. "Is she alright? Is the baby healthy? Boy or girl?"

"Hey, hey!" Midna placed her small hands onto Link's broad shoulders, making him stop his pacing rampage. She forced him to look directly into her powerful, yet gentle red eyes. She smiled. "You need to calm down. If you pace anymore, you're going to make a hole in the floor."

"I can't help it," Link still sounded stressed, but Midna could feel the tension in his shoulders begin to relax.

"I know," Midna let her hands fall and playfully nudged his arm. "You are quite the worry wart."

A small smile crossed Link's face. He breathed in, then let out a long breath. His hands came up to massage his temples as he closed his eyes. "This is more nerve-wrecking than fighting Ganondorf."

"Listen, Link. This isn't some monster who's eating Zelda from the inside out. It's a baby," Midna waited patiently for Link to respond. When she only got a small nod, she continued. "You must give the baby time to come into this world. It will be very important to Hyrule, and it won't help if the baby is dead."

"It will be the hope of the people, but what makes you say that? Link looked curiously at Midna.

Midna shook her head. "You really haven't thought this over, have you?"

"Thought what over?"

"Two wielders of the triforce come together and make a baby." Link looked at her, urging her to go on. Midna chuckled and tried explaining in simpler terms. "Wisdom and Courage? Together? You will be the father of a very powerful child."

Link couldn't believe he hadn't thought about that. Him and Zelda had just been so happy about their baby, they didn't even think about the minor, yet at the same time, major details.

Before he could think in depth about the surprising news, a baby's cry broke the silence.

Midna and Link turned and gazed at the door as it began to open. A small maid with short, curly brown hair stepped out into the hall. "Your Highness?"

Link held back a groan as he eagerly waited for her to continue. Even though he had been Hyrule's new king for a while, he hated being treated like royalty.

A smile spread across the small woman's face. "Come in and see your baby girl."

A broad smile filled Link's face as he began to follow the maid into the nursery. Before entering, he turned back to Midna. She had patiently waited with him, calming his nerves when he thought he was about to burst.

"Thank you."

Midna nodded. "Go on and see your daughter."

Link saw Zelda lying on a large bed in the nursery room. Her hair was moist with sweat and her eyes told him that she was exhausted. But yet, a smile filled her face as she stared endlessly at a small bundle that she cradled in her arms.

Her eyes lifted from the bundle once she heard her husband walk in. Her tied eyes shone with such joy and happiness as she beckoned Link to come over to her.

"She has your eyes, Link," Zelda spoke softly as Link approached the side of her bed.

He knelt down and peered into his daughter's face for the first time. Sure enough, her eyes were a deep blue, giving a sort of feral look, yet also containing peace and gentleness. Link smiled. "She may have my eyes, but she looks at people with care the way you do. She's also got your nose." He tapped his daughter's nose lightly with his finger. A small giggle escaped from the baby.

Zelda laughed softly. "It seems she'll have your courage, as well."

Link suddenly remembered what Midna had told him. He reached down, gently took the baby's small right hand in his, and checked the back of it. Nothing was there. He reached for the left one.

"What are you doing, Link?" Zelda watched curiously as Link's eyes widened slightly when he gazed at the back of their daughter's left hand.

"Look." On the back of the baby's left hand, a small imprint of the triforce began to glow. The triforce of wisdom and courage glowed faintly while power remained dim.

Zelda's eyes widened as well. "It was so obvious, yet I never thought of that."

Link shook his head. "I didn't either until Midna told me."

A smile pushed aside the surprised in Zelda's face. "Midna's here?"

Link nodded. "Would you like me to bring her in?"

Zelda shook her head. "Not yet." She then held the bundle out to him. "Don't you want to hold your daughter first?"

Slowly, Link placed his arms under the baby, not knowing what to do. He tried to mimic how Zelda held her as he lifted his daughter close to his chest. But once he felt her tiny heartbeat against his own, something happened.

Time slowed and came to a stop as everything felt so right. Link didn't even notice the maids leaving the nursery, wanting to give the King and Queen some quality time with their new child. Happiness coursed through him as he held one of life's many creations. He was overjoyed, nothing else in the world mattered.

"Link."

Link came out of his world with his daughter at the sound of Zelda's gentle voice. He gazed lovingly at his wife.

"Since I had the honor of carrying her in my womb for the past nine months, you can have the honor of naming her."

Link nodded. "And I have the perfect name." He chuckled once he saw Zelda's surprised look. He knew she wouldn't have expected such a quick response, especially from him.

"Stacia."

"Stacia…" Zelda smiled. "What made you think of that name?"

"Well, I wasn't sure about how to take care of a baby, so I went to visit the Great Fairy to ask for advice and helpful hints," Link's face turned red with embarrassment as he told his story. "She laughed at me the entire time, but when I came to names, her face lit up. She immediately said Stacia. Turns out, one of the Great Fairies before her carried that name. It means resurrection."

Silence fell upon the room, but it was a peaceful silence as Link gently lowered Stacia back down into her mother's arms.

"I like that name." Zelda gazed into Link's feral blue eyes.

Link leaned down and gently kissed Zelda's forehead. "She'll be the resurrection of hope and the light of our people."