The corridor was now empty. Link and Sheik stood before each other, bathed in blood and sweat. Sheik held Gannondorf's head in his arm and his eyes twinkled.
"Wow, Sheik," said Link, "you were outstanding. I couldn't have done it without you. The Triforce is safe and Princess Zelda's life will never be dangerous again. This land is indebted to you."
Sheik lifted his head. "Link…" the voice was feminine.
"Wow!" Link jumped back. "I've never heard you speak to me before…"
"Yes, and there's a reason for it. I must tell you…"
And then, an amazing thing happened. Sheik removed his orange greaves and the Triforce of Wisdom was revealed on his hand. Link stared at it, knowing its bearer.
"Zelda?"
The body before him was bathed in light. The steely armor simply dissolved into the air. There was a brief moment when the female body was exposed, but it was quickly replaced with flowing pink fabric. The light faded and a slight musical tone played, but then it was over. Long golden hair dropped lazily on narrow shoulders, and pointed ears poked up from where white wraps had been.
"Yes, Link," said the holy princess, "there never was a Sheik. It was all a ruse that I put on to fool both you and the kingdom of Hyrule. But, you must understand. I needed adventure. Being a princess does not bring much excitement. Being up in a castle, not knowing when some villain will cast you away brings fear. I wanted to vanquish evil and kill monsters, because that is…well, fun. But mostly…"
She took a step towards Link, who was very perplexed.
"…Mostly, I wanted to fight alongside you. From the beginning, it's been all about you. I love you, Link… kiss me."
Link blushed. "Well, I… of course I will, but… um, can you do one thing for me first…er, Zelda?"
"Of course." She lowered her eyelids and put her arms on his shoulders.
"Could you be Sheik for that?"