A/N: Well, here it is. After a rewrite and a long period of time, I bring you the final chapter of Tribulations of Twilight. The sequel is out and well into Chapter Four! If you liked this story, be sure to read its continuation 'Repentance of Twilight'!
Tribulations of Twilight
Final Chapter
Days painfully crept by; the number of which few had counted. After their souls restored, the twili sought answers. Midna gave a public announcement on the events that had came and went. Link was hailed as a Hero by many on that day, but he wasn't the only one in the spotlight.
In the stead of the deceased Cerebrum, Lunaris was promoted to High Councilor for his stand against Lienosus and his taint. He accepted the title gingerly, vowing upon the Creed of Councilmen to uphold his duties as such.
Ordinatur was trialed by the courts of Medietas for aiding Lienosus. It was soon he was exonerated, condoned for joining the fight against Lienosus despite how he helped the man. A discharge from the Councilors followed him; and upon being pardoned by Midna he was granted the right to remain as Councilor.
General Robur was hospitalized, with Link and Anxia. Midna had sustained little damage and remained with Link the whole time he was under medical care. Despite his complains that she had a kingdom to run, she just told him he'd need someone who would be there just in case he stepped on his own tail trying to limp around.
But soon, the city was back in order as well as the physical body of Link.
He received a guest room in the castle to stay.
While sitting on the overly pompous and soft bed, wearing only his shirt and pants, he thought of his life, and what he'd do now. The obvious one would be to take his title from Midna and travel. But the more daring option would be to tell Midna his feelings. After all, if she would reject him he was going to go his separate way at any rate. He figured it was now, or never.
He found a simple raiment in the room's closet and garbed himself in it. It consisted of a less-than-pompous robe with azure marks that rivaled his cerulean eyes with an orange sash. He exited the room, walking down the long corridors that lead to the Throne Room.
He felt the cloth glide against his skin with each step he took down the corridors, a soft tap eminating of which his boots met the floor.
The sounds echoed in his mind, as he was cascaded deep into the recesses of his mind. He thought about what his life had come to, and how it even began.
He had no mother nor father to his recollection. A simple orphan found by Uli and Rusl, and raised by the two. Well into his early teenage years, Colin was to be born. There wasn't enough room for to boys, so the villagers came together and built a house from scratch into a tree on the slight outskirts of the village. It was to be Link's home.
Taking what little he had, he moved into the treehouse. It wasn't too spacious, but he thought it was satisfactory. Soon, he began to dwell in the housing.
The day came when Rusl taught him the ways of the sword. A rough teacher indeed, but Rusl later told stories of his sloppy footing and grip, however his eyes shone a reluctance to succumb defeat to his teacher. Link faintly smiled at the memory.
From there, days turned into months, months into years... He spent quality time with all of the villagers whom he considered his family; for he had no other family to go or return to.
Ilia passed his mind for a fleeting moment, as he reflected on his relationship with the emerald eyed girl. At first, he thought he loved her. Then, the Twilight came. During and after the ordeal, he began to see her as a sister and nothing more.
On the Twilight incident, his mind wandered to his many quests. And partnered with him, Midna.
He thought she was an extremely annoying imp at the time. The wolf even thought of ways to either kill her or leave her behind. But his patience grew; an enigma even to him as he began to tolerate her personage; and even like it.
He knew that liking turned into a deep love etched within his heart. A hand glided up his robed stomach and to his chest, as he gripped it, stopping in his steps to glance downward where his heart lie. He felt the thump of it brush his hand repeatedly.
Memories of them together flew through his mind... and settled upon an event that made him furious.
Ganondorf, perched upon his black horse, held up her fused shadow like a Trophy. And before his sapphire eyes, crushed it; signifying her death.
Link wanted nothing more at that moment but the man's beating heart in his grip to show the thief how coal-like it was. He left behind his wit, and let his hands be guided by his raging anger and hurt. Somehow through all of that, he won.
The bearer of the Triforce of Courage resumed his walking pace.
He remembered the immediate relief, and how strong his love had grown once he saw her in her true beauty; at coincidentally, the hour of twilight.
He remembered the events that followed. The ultimate destruction of the Mirror of Twilight Midna had warned him about who knows when at the Temple of Time.
He remembered. Remembered the sheer anguish he felt. The sadness, despair, and remorse. Suicide crossed his dazed mind many times through his struggle. Then, he found a small pillar of strength – A desire to protect her. Protect her from what Zeke said would come.
And now, there he was. Standing before the great doors of the throne room. Placing his hand upon the door, it began to glow cyan as it raised itself. He entered the room, his sapphire eyes fixated upon the ruler of the twili herself.
Midna was surprised, to say the least at why Link had come when he should have been resting; being released not too long ago.
"Shouldn't you be on your bed licking your wounds, Wolf Boy?" She asked, smirking as she rested her head on her hands and leaned forward slightly. Her crimson eyes portrayed her playfulness.
His lips twitched, wanting to form a smile but he had to remain serious. Despite his want to reply with a snide comment of his own, he had to gather his thoughts.
Midna's smirk lost its edge, as she slightly raised an eyebrow as the hero approached. Was he going to ask for his title and leave her behind? Taking a breath, she straightened herself in her seat.
He stopped, a foot from the throne, lowering his eyes from her crimson. He looked to the floor, before taking a knee. If he was going to leave, he was going to do it formally. The guards standing near the exit watched the scene.
He felt Midna's questioning eyes upon him, as he cleared his throat. "I... can't bear the day when you take up a suitor, Midna." He began slowly.
Midna's mind was thrown into skew at the statement. She knew she couldn't remain a princess upon the throne and had to take a suitor to make her queen. However, she wasn't mentally prepared for that step just yet. Yet, her mind wondered about his words and their meaning.
"Which is why.. I want to tell you this." Link resumed, gathering his nerve as his focus was on the ground as he knelt before the Twilight Princess. Suddenly, the floor seemed interesting. Midna's ears perked as she waited, leaning in slightly.
His lips formed silent words, as he realized he wasn't making any sounds. Luckily at the tilt his head was at the floor, Midna didn't catch his lips moving.
Gritting his teeth, his head lashed up and stared her directly in the eye. In the cerulean depths that rivaled each ocean and sky, emotions were seen. Ranging from affection, admiration, and a deep, earnest love. He was going to do this.
"Midna, I love you." He finally said, each emotion he felt making themselves known in his voice.
Silently, the guards crept toward the door and left the two to themselves.
"You have no idea what happened to me after you broke the mirror." His eyes dulled slightly, recalling what he could of the hazy events. Still upon his knees, he threw his arms around her abdomen, burying his face into her stomach. "I trained for four long years – Trained until I dropped to make sure nothing would happen..." He didn't end the sentence, as his face was buried in her abdomen and his eyes clenched shut tightly.
Midna was in shock of the moment. He listened to the words and emotions they conveyed. She herself recalled to what came after the mirror being broken. A recollection of sleepless, tear-filled nights struck her mind. She latched onto Link, afraid to let go as she made him stand.
Link opened his eyes at the abruptness of which Midna pulled him to his feet. His visage caught hers. His eyes were deeply locked with hers, as her eyes to his. "I'll be damned if I'm going to let you go, my wolf." With that, she clamped her eyes shut and forced her purple lips onto his. Link blinked once or twice, before realizing that was her way of returning his feelings. He began to kiss back slowly, wrapping his arms around her in a better embrace.
Even after they pulled away, their eyes were still interlocked. Afraid if they tore their gaze away, the other would disappear in their arms. True to her word, she wasn't going to let him go. She latched onto him like a cat; claws an all. He didn't really care though, content she was in his arms. She planted her head on his chest, listening to his rapid heartbeat as he rested his head upon hers.
Despite the moment, a thought retreated into Midna's mind. She pulled away slightly, looking into his sharp eyes.
"We're going to need an heir to our throne."
