A/N: Well, guys. Here we are at the end. I know I haven't talked much throughout this story and I'm sorry you haven't gotten the same treatment and love as all of the others. I figured my big mouth got me into trouble, so I might as well keep it shut. But now, we're going to talk a little more right now. Even though it caught some static in the beginning (See earlier AN drama from chapters 1-3.) but to those of you that have stuck with it every week, thank you. I'm sorry you had to see that kind of ugliness so early. You didn't deserve that. And to that one person that didn't like it, I hope you're doing well. Now, how about last week's review?

Trevor, sweetheart, clearly, you must be new to this site because this isn't even the best story on my profile. However, I'm flattered and thank you for saying such nice things. I reward you with yet another virtual hug and my undying love. If we are ever to meet in the wild, well…That'd be neat. But approach with caution. I have social anxiety and panic attacks aren't pleasant. Now, how about we get to the story, yeah? I can be mushy at the end. Ok?

Our return to Hyrule Castle was met with great pomp and circumstance. We were treated like the Goddesses themselves as soon as we arrived through the front gates. They didn't even think twice about Luna. The guards saw me. The guards saw Zelda. That's all that mattered. More than likely, they wrote Luna off as an attendant of either mine or hers. Not only did we end Ganondorf, but I think it's safe to say the Gerudo princess is truly dead.

"Princess Zelda!" Impa threw her arms around her as soon as we walked into the throne room, "I'm so glad you're safe."

"I'm alright, Impa," Zelda assured, smiling at me, "Thanks to Link. I can always count on him to come through for me."

"Yes," Impa looked to me, giving me a nod of solidarity, "Yes, you can. Are you sure you're alright? Do you want me to send for a doctor?"

"Impa," she giggled sweetly, "I promise. I'm alright. You needn't worry so much about me."

"I don't worry about you enough, your highness," Impa bowed to me, "Well done, Link. Forgive me for ever casting any doubts about you."

"Thank you, Impa," I returned the courtesy, "But I did have help."

"Did you?" a deep, regal voice boomed out over his throne room. Immediately, both Luna and I dropped to our knees as the King of Hyrule stepped into the room.

"Your Majesty," Impa bowed as well, "The princess has returned safely."

"Daddy!" Zelda ran to her father's loving embrace.

"Zelda..." the King held her tight, "Thank the goddesses, you're safe. What's this I hear of you having help, Link?"

"My sister," I confessed, "Luna. She holds the other half of the Triforce of Courage, Your Majesty."

"And is this her?" he wondered, glancing over at Luna.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Luna nodded.

"I see," the King allowed us to rise, "The Gerudo princess, I presume."

"Forgive me, sir," she jumped at the mention of her old moniker, "But how did you know who I was?"

"I was told the Gerudo princess was in our midst," he settled her, "But I thought it was nothing but a rumor. Your reaction confirmed it."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Luna confirmed, "I am the Gerudo princess. At least I was. Now, I'm only Luna."

"Would you say you are no longer?"

"Yes," she assured.

"You know," the King looked her over, expressionless, "You've done quite a bit of damage in my kingdom, Luna."

"I know, sir," Luna quivered.

"And you were working for Ganondorf?"

I could tell that Luna was near the brink of tears. Why would the King be putting her on the spot like this? I can understand him being upset, but this was being downright cruel. Our king was much more just than this. I know she's done wrong in the past, but I refuse to let my sister be treated like this.

"Your Majesty, if I may," I stepped in, "Yes, Luna was working for Ganondorf, but she also helped stop him! If I didn't have Luna's help, I never would've been able to stop him. I never would've been able to save your daughter. Not to mention, on our quest for the Spiritual Stones, Luna has made all of her wrongs right again. She was also under Ganondorf's thumb the whole time! Until she realized what he was doing was wrong and ran off! Please. I beg you."

"Silence, Link," the King hushed me, "It is Luna, is it not?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Luna's voice broke.

"Then, your sentencing," he decided, "For crimes against the crown and against Hyrule, some to the severity deserving the penalty of death, it is my royal decree...to pardon you for Ganondorf's wrongdoings."

"Excuse me?" she perked up.

"Come here, child," the King beckoned, allowing her to approach, "Tell me what life was like for you."

"It wasn't pleasant, Majesty," Luna sat on the step at the King's feet, "Day in and day out, it was constant training. By training, I mean Ganondorf would tell some of the strongest moblins to attack me randomly throughout the day since I was ten years old. I fought for my life daily. Some of those moblins were rather aggressive. Some would beat me near death, but they could never kill me. Ganondorf needed me for my half of the Triforce, so if I were to die, he couldn't harness that power. There were days where I wished I was dead, but then, I realized that would only mean he won. And I would never allow such a thing. That's when I left in the dead of night with a few moblins of my own."

"My dear," he put his hand to her cheek, "You've been through quite a bit in your life, haven't you?"

"Yes, sir."

"You had no choice then," the King smiled down at her, "That is why I'm pardoning you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Luna bowed, "I swear to you that you won't regret it."

"Wait," he stopped her, "This pardon also comes with two stipulations."

"Anything."

"First condition," he decreed, "You stay on the side of good and don't go back to evildoings."

"Absolutely," Luna agreed, "I've been down that road already and it's brought me nothing but misfortune. Although, it did bring me to Link."

"No more."

"Yes, sir," she put her head down.

"And your other condition," the King ordered, "You are to join the Hyrule Royal Guard. Effective immediately. Controlling moblins isn't an easy feat. Leading them is nearly unheard of. I'm sure that our strategy team would be lucky to have you. Do you accept the terms and conditions of your parole?"

"I accept, Your Majesty," Luna smiled, "Thank you."

"And just one more thing," he looked over her shoulder at me, "Stay by Link's side. He seems to bring the hero out in everyone he meets."

"You don't have to tell me twice," she shot me a quick wink, "He's the only family I have left now. We shouldn't be split apart."

"I couldn't agree more."

"Sir!" one of the other guards bolted in, "Forgive the intrusion, but I have news to report!"

"Yes," the King allowed, "What is it?"

"Link should no longer be trusted!" he drew his sword, "Not only was he harboring moblins in his house, but we have reasons to believe he was also harboring the Gerudo princess as well!"

"The Gerudo princess is dead," the King declared, "However, I am curious about the moblins, Link."

"They're with me," Luna admitted, "I told you that I escaped Ganondorf with a few of them."

"You kept moblins?" he gave her a look.

"They're loyal to a fault," I defended her, remembering what Luna told me the first day we met, "They wouldn't hurt anyone unless Luna told them to."

"You have no reason to worry," the King promised, "Link can still be trusted. Now, the Princess has been returned safely. I'd say that's cause for celebration. Would you agree, your highness?"

"Definitely," Zelda beamed, "Do you think we could celebrate tomorrow night, Father?"

"If you so desire," he allowed, "Prepare the kingdom!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the guard ran off to begin the preparations for tomorrow night.

"As for you two," the King turned his attention to Luna and me, "I'm sure you're both very tired."

"Please, Father," Zelda insisted, "Allow me to show them to their guest rooms."

"As you wish, my dear," he let her go, "Link...Luna...As King of Hyrule...and a loving father...Thank you for bringing her home to me."

"You're welcome, sir," I gave him one last bow and followed Zelda to the castle's guest rooms. I've only stayed here a few times before and I did promise Luna a room in the castle to rest up. Zelda brought Luna to her room first, then me to mine. Everyone was exhausted. The Triforce could only do so much for us. A good night's sleep would put us back into fighting shape.

The next morning, I woke up feeling a hundred percent better. I could take on Ganondorf again all by myself at this point. Or maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration. Luna would have my head for saying something like that. I grabbed my shield and my sword and took a walk around the castle. Luna wasn't in her room where I left her. She must have gone for a morning run.

The castle grounds are definitely a good place for that. The gardens were so scenic. In fact, I should go down there myself. I slid on my boots and fastened the buckles, then headed down the spiral staircase at the end of the hall. I may not have found Luna there, but I did find the next best thing.

"One would think that the Princess would be getting ready for her party tonight this early in the morning," I snuck up behind her, "Unless she's hiding from her handmaids."

"Link!" Zelda's face lit up, "Good morning. I'm hoping you slept well, yes?"

"I did," I nodded, "And you?"

"Better than what I have in a long time," she admitted, "I'm just glad to be out of the desert. I missed Castle Town. I missed my bed."

"I'm sure Castle Town missed you, too," I sat with her, "I never got the chance to ask if you were alright."

"I was so scared, Link," Zelda vented to me, "But I knew that you were coming. Somehow, I could feel it in my heart that you would come to rescue me. You always do. That very thought gave me strength."

"If only a certain princess would quit getting taken," I teased, "But you're ok now. If you weren't, we wouldn't be having this party tonight. Are you even sure you want to do that so soon?"

"Now, you're starting to sound like Impa," she jabbed, "Yes. This is what I want. More than anything. I just want things to go back to normal. For you and me to meet in our tunnels again and run around under Hyrule."

"As would I," I took her hand. This was exactly what normal felt like.

"There you are, your highness!" one of Zelda's maids found us. Fantastic, "We've been looking all over for you! Come now. We need to prepare you for the evening's festivities."

"Ok," Zelda got up, "You will be there tonight, right, Link?"

"I wouldn't miss it," I vowed, "I will be there."

"I'll see you tonight!" Zelda's maid dragged her off to her parlor and left me alone in the garden. I had some time to kill before tonight. What to do, what to do. I could go find Luna, but who knows where she would be. I'm sure she's getting to know the other strategists. We had some of the best people in the kingdom running our military. Now, I had no one to play with. I guess I had to be by myself for a while.

I guess I could get ready for tonight, too. What did I have to do, though? All I had to was show up. All I could think about was tonight. The whole kingdom was going to be there. I knew it. Zelda was very particular about that sort of thing. Usually, the parties at the palace were meant for other royals, but Zelda...She wouldn't have such a stuffy affair. The castle gates were open to all of Hyrule, not just royalty. It's like she said. If the royalty can't mingle amongst their people, did they truly deserve to rule over them?

She'll make a fine queen one day. And I, for one, can't wait for her coronation day. Zelda will make a kind and just ruler like her father before her. She'll guide Hyrule with a firm, yet gentle hand. I'll probably get a promotion that day. Likely, I'll be right under Impa in rank. And Impa outranked everyone except for the royalty. That will be the day Hyrule ushers in a new, beautiful age of peace and prosperity.

Finally, the time came. The lanterns around the castle were lit brightly and people started pouring into the castle. Parties at the castle were always so beautiful and so lively. And they were never not a good time. First order of business when I get inside? I needed to find my sister, wherever she may be. I haven't seen Luna all day and she's got me worried.

Although, everyone else had to stop me and tell me how wonderful it was that I saved Zelda. Everyone from the common citizen of Castle Town to some of the Zoras that have shown up, the Gorons that have come. Even a few of the remaining Kokiri were here. This party was booming and I knew a certain princess that wouldn't have this any other way.

"Link!" There she was. Luna's ok. Good. I thought she may have been torn limb from limb in the town square, but people seem to be trusting our King's judgments. Luna was dressed head to toe in silver and blue armor. That armor was only worn by Royal Guard. However, I was the exception. Heaven forbid I stray from the aesthetic of the Hero of Time.

"Luna!" I threw my arms around her, the two of us letting off a soft glow together, "Where have you been all day? You had me worried."

"I was meeting with the Hyrule Royal Guard," she shrugged, "And they outfitted me with new armor. Isn't it gorgeous? A lot stronger than what Ganondorf gave me when I first arrived at his place."

"It suits you," I spun her around, "When do you start?"

"The King gave me the weekend off," Luna sat with me, "What are you doing all by yourself here?"

"I forgot how draining it was mingling with everyone," I chuckled under my breath.

"You know," she insisted, "You should go find Princess Zelda."

"Why?" I wondered, "Did she say she was looking for me?"

"No," Luna shook her head, "But I'm sure if you go up to her and ask her to dance, she won't say no."

"I don't know," my face felt hot, "She has royal duties to attend to here."

"Come on, Link!" she groaned, "Just go."

"Luna," I sighed out, "I don't even know where she is."

"She's somewhere in this room," she pulled me onto my feet, "Really pretty, really regal. I'm sure you won't be able to miss her. Princess Zelda tends to stand out in a crowd."

"But," I tried stopping her, "I can't dance."

"Yet you can come up with excuses for days," Luna saw right through me, "Don't be such a baby. Go, Link. You just saved the princess yesterday. The least she can give you is one dance."

"You saved her, too," I argued, "Why don't you go dance with her?"

"Because," she groaned, "I have a Goron chieftain looking for me that I'll have to dance with instead. Good luck with Zelda, brother. You can do it!"

Luna pushed me into the crowd and sent me on my search for Zelda. I knew she had other things to deal with right now, but I've always been her escape from them. Every single time. Why stop now? Now, where are you hiding, Princess? She could be right under my nose and I may not even know it. Although, I searched this entire ballroom and Zelda was nowhere to be found.

"Impa," I stood with her attendant near the main gate.

"Hello, Link," she greeted me, "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes," I nodded, "Palace parties never disappoint."

"What can I do for you?" Impa asked, "You look like there's something on your mind."

"Have you seen Zelda?" I wondered, "I've looked all over and I can't find her."

"Zelda?" she thought for a moment or two, "I can't say that I have. Not since we got here. Sorry, Link."

"It's fine," I let it go, "But if you do see her, could you tell her I'm looking for her?"

"Sure," Impa promised, fixing my shirt collar, "What are you looking for Zelda for?"

"Well," I watched and stayed incredibly still while Impa continued fixing anything on me that could possibly be out of place, "I was hoping to dance with her tonight, but I have to find her first."

"I'm sure you will," she finished up, "If I were you searching for Zelda, I would look in one place that the two of us know better than anything."

"I don't think she'd be in the tunnels," I figured. For formal occasions, Zelda avoided getting dirty at all costs. I've done enough of them with her to know.

"Well then," Impa shrugged, "Why not search the castle? You did say you only looked in the ballroom. There are many other rooms she could be."

Then, it clicked. I bet I knew exactly where Zelda was. With so many people in one room, I'm sure she was feeling a bit claustrophobic, "Thank you, Impa."

"I'm not quite sure what I did," she gave me a look, "But you're welcome. Go find Zelda. Wherever she may be."

"I will."

I ran off from the ballroom and headed straight for the one place I knew Zelda would be. When she became overly stressed, no matter the weather, she always sought refuge outside. And where, oh, where, would the kingdom's princess be hiding? Where else? In the center of the castle gardens. One of the most beautiful places in Hyrule, if I'm being honest. Sure, Zora's Domain in the winter was stunning and sunsets over Death Mountain were brilliant, but they had nothing on the castle gardens. Sure enough, there she was. Her off white and lavender dress draped over the stone bench, shining in the moonlight. There she was.

"Excuse me, Princess," I joined her, "But there's an entire party inside just for you."

"Not just for me," Zelda moved over, offering me a spot on her bench, "It's for you, too."

"I was doing my job," I pointed out, "My civic duty to my kingdom. Do you think any of the other members of the Royal Guard would've been able to save you?"

"Maybe Impa," she thought, "But even Impa's power is limited. She would still need the help of the other sages. We can't all be the Hero of Time."

"Everyone's been calling me that tonight," I blushed, "There aren't many I would run into the flames for like that. You, Luna, Saria. That's it."

"I'm honored," Zelda rested her head on my shoulder, "If I haven't said it enough, thank you, Link. For always being there for me no matter what."

"Always will be," I promised, snaking my arm around her. Zelda seemed awfully comfortable. It'd be a shame to ruin it. But I had to be the one to do it, "Hey, Zelda…"

"Yes, Link?"

"Do you think…" my hands started to sweat. No. I can't hold Zelda's hand when it's all sweaty. That's gross. Come on, Link. Pull yourself together. You've known this girl since you were kids. You've been around her for most of your lives. You can do this, "Do you think I could trouble you for a dance?"

A soft, gentle smile graced her face, "I thought that's why you were looking for me. I'd be honored. We should go back inside then."

"Why bother?" I pulled Zelda onto her feet, "It's nice out here. The stars are bright. The moon is big. And it's just the two of us. Why would we want to ruin that?"

"Alright," she laid her head on my chest just under my chin, "Nervous, are we?"

"Why would you say that?" I bit my lip, slowly moving with her.

"I can hear your heartbeat," Zelda pointed out, "It sounds like you're going to explode."

"I'm fine," I lied, my heart racing even faster.

"Link…" All of a sudden, we stopped moving. Zelda looked up at me with those big, beautiful, blue eyes of hers catching beams of moonlight that only made them sparkle more, "There's something I've been meaning to give you for a very long time, but the moment never seemed right."

"Oh?" I wondered, "And what's that?"

Zelda moved her arm around my neck, bringing my face closer to hers. And with one subtle movement, my knees turned weak. She just…Did she just kiss me? Not that I'm complaining. But Zelda's lips…They were just on mine. So…soft…She giggled so cutely, "Was that too forward of me?"

"I'd say it was a long time coming…" I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her in for another one. It's been so long that I've loved this girl and now, I'm glad that not only she feels the same, but that our first moment together was like this. I couldn't have asked for a better night, nor a better friend. I had my princess. I had my sister inside. What more could I ask for?

A/N: And now, we're done. Granted, I thought about a way to work Luna into the end, but Link and Zelda needed their time alone. And I'm glad they got it. I'm proud of those crazy kids for doing what they've wanted to do since 1987, but Nintendo didn't have the grapes to do it. Also, as much as I love Link dearly, that poor boy wouldn't dare make the first move. There's no way. He's too awkward, but I still love him all the same. Now, I'm going to go. It was nice hanging out with you guys while it lasted, but I'm going to go back to my original Tuesday update starting next week. I miss my Ouran High School Host Club fic. And I'm sure I'm not the only one. If you want to keep up with what I'm doing, you can always give me a follow here and my social media sites are in my bio if you want to fog up the outside of my bedroom window. Whether or not I ever do another Zelda fic is up in the air, but it's a thought. See you guys later. xx