A/N: I know you heard me rambling about it already, but THANK YOU AGAIN. I'm kind of sad that this story is actually over...It's been such a long and incredible journey. I love you guys.

Shadow's Overture, Epilogue.

~Link's POV~

She's beautiful. She's always been beautiful, but now more than ever. Her joy seems to light up the entire kingdom with a brilliant radiance, startling given how naturally dim it is. A chorus of young Twili sings a brilliant song, further heightening my mood, as an elegant crown is placed atop Midna's head - almost as perfect as she is, and yet seemingly frail despite being carved out of stone.

A ritual ensues, a speech is spoken, and dedications are given, but all I can focus on is how tall and proud she looks, the regality that she has always carried with her; and simply wonder how I couldn't tell before that she was a princess.

Now, as of just a moment ago, she holds the status of queen, the sole ruler of the Twilight Realm. I was asked to be king, given that I have full right to the position, but I denied once it was revealed to me that I can still be at Midna's side without having to be a part of ruling the kingdom.

It's not that I don't want to always, always be at her side - it's just that politics and authority really aren't my thing. Honestly, my primary tactic is more 'hit and run' than anything else.

Before I know it, the coronation is over and she's arrived at my side as we head back to the castle.

"Congratulations," I say, wrapping my hand around hers with an affectionate smile.

She smiles briefly in response, although she looks exhausted now that tradition has been fulfilled. "It's just a status update. I've technically been queen for - I don't know how long now."

"Well, considering you were revived a year ago, I'd say it was around then."

"Dork." I simply grin in response. She lets out a contented sigh and rests her head on my shoulder as we walk. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

She tilts her head back up to kiss me, and it's just as special to me as our first was, as all of them are. Every kiss is a reminder that she actually does love me, even for all the mistakes I've made.

I could never honestly say that I've completely forgiven myself. I still have nightmares, night after night, of the memories that drove me to the brink of insanity, and could still push me over if she wasn't there to remind me that it wasn't my fault - because somehow, my mind still doesn't think of it that way. How could it truly be Zant's fault if I was the one who held the blade?

It was my fault because I couldn't stop him, and that's how it will always be to me.

But she loves me anyway, and that's what keeps me going.

We start walking again, and she reaches up to brush a tear from my eye. "Put it behind you, silly. I'm alive now, and that's what matters."

"Yeah," I breathe, even though I grip her hand more tightly to ensure it won't disappear. "I know."


The End

(hiding in Link's shadow really teaches you a lot)