Chapter Twenty-Three

Contra Spem Spero
"I Hope Against Hope"

Zelda hadn't spoken with Link or Midna since their talk regarding the creation of another portal and their return to the Twilight Realm. The Hylian was far to busy with arranging a formal meeting to discuss the matter with her court. She also hoped to have an ambassador or two from a few of the neighboring countries present in hopes of at least discussing the formation of an alliance between the Twilight Realm and her own land as well, but knew that would be highly unlikely, as many of the dignitaries had already departed to their homelands now that their business in Hyrule was complete. Zelda also realized that bringing to light knowledge of the other realm was best left to being addressed solely in her kingdom, and then expanded to others later if the creation of the portal was a success.

The Princess of the Light world was almost prepared. Tomorrow the existence of the Twilight Realm and its people would finally be exposed. She hoped that the others were ready, and that her council would be open to a treaty with the ones that long ago betrayed Hyrule.

"Hey, Link?" Midna asked as she stood before his door. Even after their discussion with Zelda, Link had stuck with his routine of staying in his room much of the time, yet on occasion she had seen him roaming the halls. Midna mostly kept up with visiting the gardens over the past week or so since the meeting, but now she gave the Sheikah the apples in person, Link opening the door when he heard her approach. At first it shocked the Twili, but she was welcome to the change. Something about Zelda's reveal the other day seemed to have helped the two understand their own and each other's needs; even if the slightest. It was if they were once again beginning to open up to one another, hopefully this being the last time they would be distant. When they got back to her realm Midna believed she would tell Link what had been on her mind all this time; taking the Hylian's words that it may be a risk to heart. Even so, it was a risk Midna realized she was willing to take when the time came.

"Yeah?" the Sheikah called from the other side of the door after a short hesitation.

"Do… you want another apple?" Midna asked tentatively.

"An apple?" he asked, almost sounding irritated. Maybe she should stop bringing him the fruit, but it was really the only excuse the Princess had to be near the Sheikah and begin opening up once more. Even after these few days since Zelda brought up the capture of the bandits and Twilight Realm discussion, Link still didn't seem to take too much action in conversing with Midna. This was the most he did as of now, but at least he was interacting with her more than before. He was willing to have conversations, and they were starting to seem more and more like the ones they shared in the past. At least just the slightest bit so.

"Yes, an apple," Midna sighed, a touch of irritation in her own voice. The door opened slowly, Link's eyes not meeting hers and instead going to the fruit he held. She followed his gaze and lifted the object the slightest, extending her arm that held it towards him. The Sheikah reached out, taking it from her hand. After a moment the Twili smiled weakly. "I'll take that as a yes."

Link took a bite of the fruit, the corner of his mouth twitching up in the slightest bit of a smile as he chewed. After he swallowed a mouthful, the Sheikah spoke.

"Yes, and… thank you. But why do you keep bringing apples? I've been meaning to ask." He took another bite and swallowed as Midna stood watching, noticing his sharper canine dig into the fruit in the process. "…But I haven't, because… Well, I'm sorry," his gaze drifted to the partially eaten fruit in his hand then a moment later brought it to his mouth once more, eyes not meeting hers.

"It's… okay," Midna spoke, now regretting not bringing another apple so she could eat one herself. "May I come in?"

Link paused mid-bite, eyes darting to hers as he pulled the red fruit away from his mouth. He looked down to it in his hand before meeting her gaze again. The Sheikah carefully stepped back from the door to make room for her to enter.

"Sure…" he spoke quietly. Midna tentatively stepped over the threshold and Link walked to the center of the room, gesturing to the chair before a desk if she wished to sit, while he leaned against the post at the end of the bed, taking another bite of the apple. As she approached, Midna noticed a small pile of apple cores next to an empty leather satchel. She couldn't help but let her mouth twitch into a smile for a brief moment before turning to the chair sitting upon it; the backrest of the seat facing Link as she put her arms over the top, propping her chin on them and silently watching as he ate.

Midna didn't exactly know what to say, not expecting to actually be allowed to enter, as their conversations over the previous few days had taken place as they stood before the door. She was pleasantly surprised by the direction this was going in; the Twili simply staying in Link's company and watching as the Sheikah continued to take bites of the fruit she had given him, briefly recalling Zelda's apple lecture before Link interrupted her thoughts.

"Midna, what is this about?" Link spoke after a short while. "Ever since Zelda brought up returning to the Twilight Realm, you're somehow… different. But at the same time, not really."

"You are too. You seem a bit more… relaxed. Normal even," she finally spoke after a bit of contemplation. Things were moving forward now.

Link stopped chewing for a second, thinking over her statement. She was right. He no longer seemed to have that distance he had shown her previously upon their return to Hyrule Castle. He still didn't feel ready to tell her everything, but was at least more open and didn't shut himself off from the Princess.

"Yeah, your right. I mean… we might be able to go back to the Twilight Realm soon, and when we're there…" he drifted, looking at the apple in his hand. Midna could tell he was still hiding something, somehow, and knew she had to let Link tell her on his own. The Twili waited patiently. It was hard for her to not speak, knowing that he had something to say, but she felt he needed the silence. It seemed Zelda's advice she had previously found pointless was starting to work, as the Sheikah continued on his own.

"…I-I have something I want to tell you then," he gripped the apple tightly, looking to it as his nails dug into the skin. Link let out a breath, easing the tension he held. Midna smiled.

"Okay," she stood from her seat, leaving it at that. The Twili was glad he'd been that open, realizing that Zelda really was right. Letting Link go at his own pace made things easier for him to return to normal. It was a bit hard for her to do so, but the reward was worth it.

The Sheikah smiled back at her, and then glanced at the apple in his hand. He sensed she was going to leave and almost wanted to say something to make her stay a bit longer – even if they wouldn't talk and instead simply just enjoy the company of the other. It seemed he hadn't said anything fast enough, as the Princess decided to speak once more.

"Link," Midna looked over her shoulder at him with a kind smile as she made her way towards the door. "I have something I want to tell you, too… When we get back to the Twilight Realm, I mean."

He blinked in surprise and the Twili continued.

"So, thank you. Talking like this has been nice."

Link paused before speaking.

"Yeah… It has." The Sheikah hadn't realized how true that was. "Thank you, too."

The Princess nodded, then stepped out of his room. Before she had a chance to make her way down the hall, Link called her name.

"Midna."

She turned.

"These apples taste great. Sorry I didn't really show appreciation for you bringing them before."

The Twilight Princess shook her head.

"No, sorry I brought you so many. You're probably sick of them now, aren't you?" she smirked. Link let out a tiny chuckle with her words. He didn't expect to laugh, but somehow did anyway, the mood between them so much lighter. Midna looked to him shocked for a moment, then giggled the slightest as well.

"Then I'll bring a couple more tomorrow," she spoke before turning and making her way down the hall with a wide grin.

Zelda stood at the head of a large mahogany table that had been set up in the throne room. The arrangement was the exact same as when the Princess had first seen the Twili and now current Sheikah but previously Hero enter her palace a couple weeks past, except this time the meeting would be held with the two present. Currently Link and Midna, the latter cloaked, stood to either side of the Hylian as the Princess addressed the council.

"You may have noticed the presence of these two guests," Zelda said, speaking of Link on her left and the veiled Twili to her right. "I apologize for not introducing them sooner, but there were other matters to attend to," the Hylian continued, referring to the bandits and relations with other countries. "But now is the time to address this topic. Although the foreign affairs may have come to a close with the departure of the dignitaries of neighboring countries, I hope to once more open them and address that of a kingdom not previously known to the public of Hyrule."

Zelda paused there; letting her court absorb the strange concept she presented them with. The councilmen looked to one another, mumbling under their breath as the two royals and Sheikah waited for their discussion to die down. After a time that seemed to last eternity, the last of the councilmen turned their attention to the Princess once more.

"This kingdom… the realm has had relations with Hyrule going back to ages past. These relations were tense, and because of that, their world was separated from ours. I apologize that even all of you are unaware of this, as it was something only passed along my family line and that of this other kingdom's; closely guarded by the rulers of each, but now it must finally come out of the dark and meet with the light…"

And with those words Zelda began her explanation of the legend shrouded in shadow.

The Princess knew that exposing the past would be a very sensitive matter, but this time would be when her court was most open to the proposition. She finished the history with a sigh, pausing for a short time to catch her breath and allow the council to absorb the information. She didn't leave the air still for long though, diving right into the next matter as to not let dark thoughts of the harsh past take hold.

"Much time has passed since that era, and the other kingdom is more than willing to once more be in alliance with Hyrule. They no longer cling to that history and are a peaceful people now," Zelda spoke as the Twili and Sheikah listened attentively, patiently waiting in silence for their role in this matter.

Midna had never had the chance to discuss the topic of relations with her own people, but for them to once more have a connection to the world of Light… she believed it was for the best. Her subjects trusted her. They let Midna and Link leave easily, knowing the Princess would return one day. She was grateful to her people. They were too kind in a way, letting her do all this. Midna thought she didn't deserve their kindness, though this was the least she could do for them, once more opening connections with the world of Light. If all went well, then the children that expressed interest in Link's homeland may finally be able to venture there themselves. The Hylian continued.

"The current Princess of this kingdom has been staying in the castle for a short time now," Zelda said, holding her right hand out, palm up, towards Midna. "Once more I am sorry for keeping this a secret to everybody. Midna, you may uncloak yourself."

The Twili pulled back her hood, finally being free of the cloth that hid her exotic features.

Some of the council members let out a gasp, while others simply stared.

"Their appearance has changed drastically from their time in this other realm. It has taken generations for their current state to come to what it is. I understand what they look like may be strange, but many races that reside in Hyrule or have alliances with our kingdom are unique: Gorons, Zoras, and others. Although they appear different, within these are of the same people who lived here long ago. As a matter of fact, all along our hidden savior was one of them, residing here in Hyrule and coming forward to save our kingdoms," Zelda spoke, this time gesturing to Link then nodding to Midna a moment later. The one previously known as a Hero had been a Sheikah the whole time, but not a complete Sheikah, as that matter was far too complicated to explain, at least of now with all the other information.

"You know of the one that saved this realm, defeating the man who threw both of our worlds into the chaos that passed. Link here is of Sheikah blood. He is of the race that became the Twili," Zelda turned to face Link, nodding, and then once more looking to her council. The gaze of the Princess met that of each individual, attempting to read their expressions in order to see where they currently stood on the matter. After some time of stillness and tense silence, one of the eldest members of Zelda's court voiced his thoughts.

"And if something similar to the history you have told us comes to pass yet again?" The others nodded in silent agreement. Zelda was prepared for that question, knowing it would be the most dangerous topic yet hold the most fulfilling reward.

"We are stronger when united rather than divided. Think of the course of history I have told you. Think on all this and what it would mean if it were to repeat. Undoubtedly a time will come once more when tension arises, as it has in the past, but if we attempt to understand, then we may attempt to avoid meeting with that terrible fate. It is inevitable that something will happen once more, an unpreventable cycle. The direction of that cycle we follow is up to our decision here. With knowledge comes responsibility, but with ignorance comes only pain."

Silence filled the room again. Link shifted uneasily, not used to such serious meetings as these. True, he was a councilman of sorts himself in the Twilight Realm, but the Twili almost seemed much more lighthearted than those of the Light dwellers. No matter the subject addressed, the council would approach it more openly than the court of Hyrule seemed to. Then again, there wasn't the same sort of stress in the meetings he held. The Twilight Realm didn't have to deal with foreign affairs, at least since before all this. Link realized that if everything came to pass smoothly, then he would have much more work to do as part of the job he had been given by Midna to replace Zant. That wouldn't matter though. He would take on that additional responsibility willingly. If it meant there would be a peace between the two realms, if this would mend the bond his parents wished, then Link would make sure it came to pass well and stayed that way for as long as possible.

Eventually Zelda broke the silence once more.

"We have peaceful alliances with the Goron and Zora people. Zora's Domain is an extension of Hyrule, yet it is ruled by King Ralis. If there is success in forming an alliance with the Twilight Realm, it will be vaguely similar yet simultaneously quite different in a way. Because of its unique… placement… relative to our world, the form of travel is unlike anything in Hyrule. Warping is the way of traversing between our realm and that of the Twilight. I do not know for sure how it will all work, as we have not yet created the portal, waiting for your approval before doing so, but I believe we may set up two main passages. One of which would reside here in the castle, where we will attempt to open the gateway once more if approved.

"Gerudo Province was the location of the previous connection to the other realm and if possible, I plan for another main gateway to be where the last one resided... as to never forget the past transgressions that caused the initial separation. Additional portals to that gateway may be set up throughout the provinces of Hyurle if deemed necessary and possible."

Zelda looked over the council again and Midna followed her gaze, eyes hopping from one member to the next. A time of seemingly infinite silence passed before the Princess of Hyrule spoke once more, waiting for her previous words to sink in before moving on.

"Whatever option is chosen, now you will come away knowing the truth. It is up to you to make the decision regarding relationships with the other realm. Either way, these two will one day return to the Twilight Realm. The final choice regards whether or not they will be able to come to Hyrule once more and whether or not a connection may be formed between our worlds. Trade of commodities and such may be further addressed at a later occasion and when necessary. I have presented all the information needed at this time. Please discuss the matter amongst yourselves and ask of me any more questions regarding this. I expect a decision in the upcoming days and will handle the matters personally. Until then, these two will take their leave and prepare for what is to come, as will I."

Link and Midna walked the halls together after they had departed the throne room. As they rounded a corner, the Twili pulled two shining red fruits out from beneath the shall that was still draped about her shoulders but no longer her head. Silently she handed the Sheikah one, and he took the apple after a moment of hesitation. Lifting it to his lips, Link spoke.

"You were holding on to these the entire council?" he questioned without meeting her eyes. The Sheikah took a bite upon finishing his query. Midna gave him a sidelong glance. She didn't want to think on the tension of the discussion that had taken place mere minutes ago.

"What? Are you complaining? Yesterday I said I'd bring more apples. I figured I should give yours to you before you head back to your room," the Twili said jokingly, lifting her own apple to her mouth and not expecting any sort of reply from the one next to her. Link suddenly stopped walking.

"Midna…" his voice drifted. She turned, having taken a stride after Link had come to a halt. The gaze of the Sheikah was distant as it drifted out a window in the hall they walked, overlooking the gardens below. The Princess stepped towards him, bringing her arm that held the apple to her side. Link tore his gaze from the outdoors, looking to the fruit the Twilight royal held. "I don't really want to go back to my room right now. So… can we… maybe go on a walk?"

The Twili started, shocked that he wanted to spend time with her like this all of a sudden.

"Yes!" she said enthusiastically, excited by the proposition. "The gardens are nice here. Do you want to talk about anything on your mind?"

"Um… no. I just want to walk. If you don't want to, you don't have to…" Link drifted. Midna noticed he'd become a little less open upon hearing her question. She quickly followed up with a reassurance.

"No, I'll do whatever you want. Anyway, you've been cooped up in your room so long you probably need the exercise, so it's best to focus on that, isn't it?" the Twili smiled. Link met her gaze, returning the expression.

"Yeah. I really haven't been myself lately, so this will be nice," he replied, and as Link began to walk once more Midna fell into step with him, the two eating their apples without a word as they made their way to the orchard.

That evening the Sheikah sat before the window of his room with a smile. Until doing so, he hadn't realized how nice it was to simply go on a stroll with Midna. Not long ago they'd parted ways, he returning to his room after the outing with her. Link looked back on his actions since their return to the palace, having a clearer head that he attributed to the fresh air and peace he found in the silence that was shared between him and the Twili. He felt like an idiot; thinking that distancing himself from the Princess to think over his problems would help him come to terms with them. No, simply being in silence with her as the two made their way through the gardens gave him time to process what was happening around – and within – him.

So far, things were looking much brighter. It seemed all that remained was the approval of the council, the creation of the portal, and then…

Link frowned. There was still the possibility that caused the one blessed with courage to feel fear. He'd managed to push it aside with everything else that had happened, but it was approaching the time when he needed to face it. Keeping it a secret from her could only go on for so long, but…

Was the Interloper telling the full truth? Or had the Hero's Shade been the one who was right?

The Sheikah let out a sigh. Whatever it may be, he couldn't keep thinking of it all in a negative light. Link hoped that happiness would follow when the time came. Simply thinking of it in a positive way seemed to help the slightest, and his mouth curved into a small smile.

Soon he would confront his fears with courage.

They waited eagerly.

A fortnight had passed and after the events following the meeting, the Twili and Sheikah had begun to spend even more time with one another; simply eating apples in the garden together or going on walks throughout the castle. They didn't necessarily speak much and when they did, the two brought up simple things. Midna still knew that there was something Link had yet to tell her, but the atmosphere they shared was much calmer and she didn't feel the need to know whatever he hid nearly as much as she had before. It made the Princess feel relaxed, and her worry for Link had waned greatly. In addition to that, Midna had completely discarded the cloth covering her features now that the existence of her kind was known within the castle.

As of now she sat in the garden with a smile, turning an apple core she held in her hand and looking at the seeds that peeked out from the remaining flesh. Link had just left minutes ago after finishing his own fruit, and the Twili was debating if she wanted to eat another.

Although tensions between her and Link were much less stressed, the Princess still held the underlying fear that the council wouldn't approve of the decision and the two would either be stuck in Hyrule forever or need to wait until the Fused Shadows regained just enough power to create a portal that would last barely long enough to return.

The ability to possibly be able to travel back and forth between the two realms like before the Mirror of Twilight was destroyed… It was a far-fetched wish and Midna knew it. Even if the council approved, they might fail in making the permanent portal. She couldn't get her hopes up, as she still had other matters to be concerned with, especially if they didn't succeed.

The Twili set the apple core on the bench next to her and stood, reaching for a fresh fruit. After she had plucked a plump red morsel from the tree, she sat back down. The Twilight Princess stared at a recently picked apple she held in her hand and let her mind think over Zelda's riddle of sorts: on what it meant that the apple knew of its condition, and how it got to it. During her silent walks with Link she had plenty of time to think on it. For the most part, the topic of the cycle made sense to the Twili. The cycle –

"Miss," a guard spoke, snapping Midna out of her thoughts before she could complete the idea. The Twili looked to the man that she hadn't noticed approach; too focused with the words Zelda had told her in the garden from before. A moment later the soldier continued. "Her Highness requests to see you in the throne room."

Midna almost jumped from her seat. The anticipation of not knowing was painful to her, but now was the moment of truth. She let the apple fall to the ground as she hurriedly made her way into the castle, leaving the surprised guard standing alone in the gardens.

Link walked to the throne room, trying his best to prevent himself from running. The decision had been made, he knew it from the way the guard informed him that Zelda was waiting for his arrival. The Sheikah could feel his heart racing in his chest, the last time this had happened was from his excitement the night Midna and he spoke their initial truths, confessing their feelings to one another. If it all worked then… They were getting closer and closer – he knew. Link desperately wanted it to go as planned, but understood the matter may not succeed, Zelda's court having looked quite serious during her address to them the other day and in addition to that, they still had to tackle the creation of the portal, not knowing what that would entail. He took a deep breath as he came to stand before the grand doors, waiting for the guard to open them and permit his entrance to the throne room in which the Hylian waited.

The Princess of Hyrule had a formal and dignified smile on her face, nodding to Link as he approached once the moment the great doors were wide enough for him to enter. The Sheikah knew that Zelda's expression could only mean good things, and he saw Midna standing next to the Light Princess, excitement apparent from the way she held herself.

"The council? What's the decision?" Link spoke the instant he was close enough to them that he didn't need to shout in order for the two to hear his words.

"It has been decided. The treaty has been agreed upon. All that is required is the approval on Midna's end with the signing of the official documents. That may come later though, as it will be pointless if we cannot succeed in creating a portal that will last."

Her final words caused Link and Midna's hearts to fall. One obstacle had been overcome, but there was still another, and after that…

"Worry not. With the enthusiasm and dedication you two hold towards making this a reality, the possibility is quite real, yet I cannot guarantee the results."

Midna and Link looked to one another, both letting the smiles slip from their faces.

They didn't wish to think what would happen if they failed.

A moment later Zelda turned to face her throne, looking up to the beautiful marble carving of the Triforce and the three Golden Goddesses that created it. After taking a deep breath and offering a silent prayer of hope, she once more shifted her gaze to the Twili and Sheikah in her presence. They drew their eyes from one another and looked to the Hylian royal.

"Are you prepared? What we are about to do… I do not know what may pass, or what we will endure in the process," Zelda spoke. Link thought back to his own ordeal. At least he had an inkling of what might happen. He now felt bad for not explaining what he had faced there so that the Sheikah might be able to better prepare the others for that possibility. At the same time he was somewhat glad, not wanting to burden them with that knowledge at this time. What would come to pass here was going to be different, he knew. Link just wasn't sure exactly how it would be so.

After a silent nod from the two who had ventured across worlds, the Princess of Hyrule gestured for them follow her and the three made their way to the back of the throne, standing in the large empty area behind the regal structure. Link and Midna hadn't realized how much space was there, having only spent time in the main portion before the grand seat. They wondered if this was a new addition added with the repairs to the palace after the fight with Ganondorf, or if it was originally like this and they hadn't taken note of it during the heat of battle. At the very back wall was a balcony built into the side of the castle that overlooked the gardens below, and in the distance Hyrule Field of Lanayru Province was visible.

"I believe this will be the ideal place," the Princess of the Light realm explained. "It is the closest it can be to the heart of my kingdom, symbolizing the trust I have for your people and that of our deep bond from the past. If we are successful, the portal will reside here, watching my back, just as the Sheikah had done ages ago. Of course this will be well guarded on peaceful terms from my end, and I trust it will be under close watch on yours."

"Yes," Midna replied. "I will make sure of it… once we get back that is."

"Understandable. Link," Zelda turned to the Sheikah. He perked up at his name. "Are you ready?"

"Yes," he spoke determined, meeting bright blue eyes that were the antithesis of his own now. This was it.

"Midna, the Fused Shadows," the Princess spoke, turning her gaze to the other royal once more. The Twilight Princess nodded, summoning her ancient relics and letting them hover about her form, not yet drawing from their still recovering magic and awaiting the instruction of the Hylian.

Zelda turned to Link again, holding out her hand with the palm up. The Sheikah looked to it, then back at the face of the Princess, resting his own palm in hers, the faint symbol of the Goddesses beginning to glow just the slightest. The one of Wisdom placed her other hand over that of the crest of Courage, her own glimmering in response. The Hylian closed her eyes and spoke confidently.

"Spirits of the light! Wielders of the great power that shines far and upon the lands of our world… Please grant me the ability to mend what has been torn by time; to once more create a bond between that of Light and Twilight now that we know the past, and that of the truth…"

The Fused Shadows began to radiate power and Midna watched them in awe. They shone brightly, light emanating from the grooves in the stone just as when the Twili summoned the magic to create the last portal, but this time the brightness seemed much more pure in a way. Link brought his gaze to the sight as well, Zelda opening her eyes a moment later.

Then they were shrouded in darkness.

A/N: Regarding the vacant space behind Zelda's throne, that does indeed exist yet it lacks the balcony. You can explore the throne room fully by not triggering the cutscene leading to the final battle upon entering. To do so, you must damage boost out of bounds onto the railing leading to the throne room. By entering through a wall (they lack collisions from the exterior) you can bypass the load zone that triggers the cutscene; thus permitting you to run around like an idiot all throughout the grand hall for as long as you please. (Thanks for teaching me how to do that, Pseudo Twili! Blowing up Zelda's throne was fun! :D)

Oh, it seemed people experienced some feels regarding something in chapter sixteen, and that was kinda foreshadowing for the next chapter… :3 I'm just going to leave you people guessing what I'm talking about until next week. xD You hate me, don't you? Don't worry – the next chapter is going to be long. Probably too much so, but whatever. :P

Also, I do feel as if I should apologize about, well, the seeming lack of effort at this point of the story. A lot has been going on and that leaves me with almost no time whatsoever to put into this fic. Things should be getting better over this next week though. Anyway, you probably won't believe me, but I've been typing such an absurd amount of stuff for school/work/family/free time/etc. that two of my fingernails actually started to bleed. I wish I were kidding...