"Hmm, hmm-hmm, hmm, hmm-hmm…" Seraphina rocked back and forth upon her seat in the back of the carriage, humming pleasantly to herself. "Are we almost there?"

Jeanne grimaced. "Almost, little angel."

"Good!" The young princess was extremely excited. Being reunited with Jeanne and her aunt had been the greatest relief of her life. Returning home to her siblings would be even better. "I wonder if Vicky is queen now." It still hurt to know she would not be returning home to her father or Sage Aurun, but she preferred to look on the bright side.

Her red-haired caretaker sat across from her, twisting her clasped hands nervously. "Little princess, I would like to speak with you for a minute. About something… difficult."

Seraphina's bright smile faltered, but she kept it up as best she could. "O-Okay, Jeanne."

Her bodyguard gave her a look that was grateful yet apologetic. "Little angel," Jeanne said gently. "There have been reports lately of… violence… in the capital," she explained. "I do not wish to worry you, but I also do not wish to see you get your hopes up only to have them shattered."

The princess could not keep her smile up any longer. She had a twisted feeling in her gut. "What… What do you mean, Jeanne?" she asked, hoping her knight did not mean what she thought she meant.

The excruciating hesitation demonstrated how serious Jeanne was. "Nothing has been confirmed, of course, but… Not everything may be as we last saw it. Your father has gone to join your mother, and… well, it is possible that some of your brothers and sisters may have gone to join her as well."

"Don't say that!" Seraphina had not meant to shout, but within seconds, she'd nearly been brought to tears by Jeanne's words.

"I-I know. I apologize, little angel." Jeanne leaned forward and reached out with her hand, placing it upon her charge's shoulder comfortingly. "I do not wish to think that way either. I would never wish to upset you."

"I know." The princess sniffled. Jeanne slid over to sit beside her, and Seraphina laid her head on her caretaker's lap. She knew it wasn't Jeanne's fault. She'd just been trying to avoid thinking about it. Throughout her journey, Seraphina had been telling herself all she needed to do was get to her aunt, and then get back home. Then she could be with her family again. The idea of her family no longer being there when she got back wasn't something she would even consider.

Seraphina sighed as Jeanne gently stroked her hair. If nothing else, she found comfort in the fact that Jeanne was still there for her. Even if she had no one else, she would always have Jeanne.

And I have Aunt Celessa, too.

The two of them had been her saviors, along with Sheik, but it was difficult to think about Sheik. He was being held prisoner by the Gerudo now, and while the Gerudo queen said she wouldn't hurt him, Seraphina wasn't sure how long that would last.

Something else was on her mind, too. The rabbit god Blumen was being pulled along in one of the wagons somewhere else in the convoy. Blumen had entrusted her with the mission to bring him to the Light Temple. That task would soon be complete, and then she would officially be made his sage.

Everything that's happened has been part of the gods' plan.

She'd been telling herself that quite frequently. She prayed she wouldn't have to say it much longer.

Just as they had done in Gatepost, Seraphina and Jeanne allowed Celessa to do all of the talking when they arrived back at the capital. Jeanne insisted Sophitia stay inside the carriage until they'd made it safely to the castle, which she was okay with. She was less worried about the potential danger of being spotted by their enemies, however. Not knowing what awaited her back home, she felt like she was holding her breath throughout the whole trip between the city gate and the castle.

When the carriage came to another stop, there was a short pause before a knock came on the door. "Dame Jeanne," came a voice from outside.

Seraphina stayed in her seat as Jeanne moved to open the door. "Yes?"

"We've arrived. Governor Kochi has sent for her niece."

Jeanne nodded to the soldier outside. "Understood. Thank you." She then turned to her charge, holding out her hand. "Come along, Princess."

Seraphina could hear her heart beating in her ears. She reached out and took her caretaker's hand, hoping Jeanne would lead her to her siblings.

Outside the carriage, the princess was greeted by several members of the Royal Guard, who bowed in her presence. Many of Celessa's knights were present as well, and they saw fit to bow as well. "Rise," Jeanne told them. "Take us to the governor."

"She's already inside, dame," one of the royal guards informed her. "Come this way."

Since Celessa had been at the front of the convoy, she had arrived at the keep already, while their carriage had stopped closer to the back of the convoy. Seraphina looked around and saw they were already deep within the castle grounds, high atop the island. Despite her trepidation, she smiled, feeling a sense of warmth from this homecoming.

The two parties of knights took up a formation around the princess and led her up the pathway, weaving through the wagons of supplies and other passengers that had been brought with them, eventually arriving at the entrance to the main keep.

Inside the entry hall, Seraphina immediately caught sight of Sophitia. Her sister was speaking with her aunt. Sophitia's retainer, Liliana, was also there, as was Grand Protector Brigo. Additionally, Link and his sister, Linkle, were present. Seraphina was happy to see all of them, but more than anything, the sight of her sister made her light up with joy.

"Sophie!" she cried loudly from across the great hall. Ripping her hand out of Jeanne's grip and pushing her way past the other guards, she sprinted across the red carpet as fast as her little legs would carry her.

Sophitia took a few steps away from the others and knelt down, allowing her sister to leap into her arms. "Sera," the elder princess said gently. "Thank the gods you've returned. I've been so worried about you."

The younger princess couldn't help but giggle as she cried tears of joy into her sister's dress. "It's been so long! I'm happy to see you, too." She wanted to keep hugging her sister forever, but there were others she wanted to say hi to, so she let go of Sophitia and stood up. "Link! You found your sister, too!" she said cheerfully, directing her attention to the sibling adventurers.

"Yep." Link nodded, sharing a glance with his sister. "Glad you caught up with us."

"Hello again, Princess!" Linkle said, placing the Master Sword tip-down on the floor and giving her a respectful bow.

"Hello, Hero!" Seraphina had not seen Link's sister since they'd met before the Blood Moon. She approached the siblings and hugged them both at the same time.

With Seraphina busy talking to the heroic siblings, Sophitia resumed her conversation with Aunt Celessa. "What are we to expect from the Gerudo?" the elder princess asked.

"We instructed them to leave one day after we did," Celessa explained. "This way, we'd have time to explain the situation to you and make plans for their arrival."

"And Queen Urballa bears no ill will towards the Crown at this time?" Grand Protector Brigo inquired.

"She still desires Gerudo independence, but she no longer believes her daughter's death to be the fault of anyone but the Impa Family, who she recognizes as having acted on their own," Celessa answered. "Her ward has joined forces with the enemy, and she wishes to have him returned to her safely. I have requested an alliance between our peoples in order to resolve the situation, and I have promised to support their request for independence in exchange." She turned back to the princess as she continued. "Since you are to be our queen, Sophitia, it will fall to you to negotiate these terms with her when she arrives."

Her words got Seraphina's attention. "Sophie is to be queen?" she asked, confused. "Not Vicky?" Everyone fell silent after she asked her question, and that dreadful feeling she'd experienced earlier returned. "Sophie, where is Vicky?"

Her sister hesitated. "Everyone, would you please excuse us?" Sophitia forced an apologetic smile, then took Seraphina by the hand and led her away. She didn't need to say anything more. Seraphina knew what that meant.

Vicky is…

She remained in a daze as her sister led her silently through the halls, pulling her aside into the closest guest room. There, Sophitia knelt down in front of Seraphina, placing her hands gently on the younger princess's shoulders.

"Sera…" Sophitia already had tears in her eyes herself as she spoke. "Victorique, Lancel, and Percival… they are no longer with us."

It was even worse than Seraphina had thought. It wasn't only her eldest sister who had died while she was away, but her brothers, too. She couldn't even say anything in reaction to this news. She simply burst into tears, burying her face in her sister's chest.

"I know. I know. I'm so… I'm so sorry…" Sophitia hugged her tightly, her own tears falling mutely as her sister bawled her eyes out. "We'll get through this, little sister. I promise you."

After Seraphina received the news from her sister, Jeanne came and carried the young princess to her own bedroom. By then, she had mostly finished crying, although the tears still slowly fell as her caretaker quietly comforted her. Jeanne laid her down on her bed and allowed her to sleep until the next day.

The young princess was then awoken by Jeanne, who carried a tray of food for her. Seraphina did not feel like doing anything, but she was hungry, so she quietly sat up and ate breakfast with her bodyguard.

"How are you feeling, Princess?" Jeanne asked gently. "Do you feel sick?"

Seraphina shook her head and continued eating.

"That is good." The red-haired knight looked nervous. "Blumen has not yet been brought to the Light Temple," she said. "Would you like to escort him there today?"

Seraphina could not answer. She used to love going to the temple. She and Victorique had been the only two among her siblings to attend services regularly. Sage Aurun had been a great mentor to her ever since her healing powers had begun to develop. And when she prayed there, Laemora would often respond to her. Now, all of them were gone.

"I understand if it is too difficult for you," Jeanne said gently. "We can rest today if you like."

"No, I–" The princess nearly knocked over the tray of food as she sat up more. "I… Blumen's my friend. I want to help him. Nayru wants me to help him. I'm going to be his sage."

Her caretaker smiled at her. "Aurun always knew you were virtuous enough to be his successor," she told him. "I'm sure he's looking down on you proudly right now."

Seraphina looked up at the ceiling, trying to picture her loved ones looking down on her. Blumen had said that even he did not know where they'd gone after they died, but it was comforting to think they were somewhere more peaceful.

Jeanne helped Sera out of bed and helped dress her in her finest temple-going robes; the kind fit for a sage. Afterwards, the princess was led back to the main keep. They did not take the most direct route, as several areas of the keep lay in ruin as a result of the various conflicts that had occurred while the youngest princess was away.

Eventually, Seraphina and Jeanne stepped outside and into the courtyard. They found Blumen sitting in a large centerpiece fountain. The fountain was made up of three statues joined together, depicting Din, Farore, and Nayru. It was a place where knights, servants, and visitors often came in order to pray while they were on the castle grounds. Some had made a habit of tossing green rupees into the fountain waters as a small offering to the goddesses.

"Hi, Blumen," Seraphina greeted the rabbit god, calling out to him as she and Jeanne made their way down the path.

Blumen turned to face them. "Ah, my sage." The rabbit sat on his hind legs for a moment, then bent forward in a bow of sorts. "My deepest condolences for these most dreadful of days, my young lady."

Seraphina gripped Jeanne's hand harder. "Thank you," she said politely.

The rabbit god nodded and shifted positions again, getting onto all fours in the water. He then stuck his head beneath the surface. When he came back up, he splashed water all around him, and the princess could see the tip of a rupee sticking out of his mouth. After a moment, he tilted his head back and munched on the rupee, chewing it loudly before swallowing it.

Seraphina was stunned. "My lord?" she questioned. "What are you doing?"

"Hm? Why, I'm reading your people's prayers, of course," he replied, as though it should have been obvious. "The young man who made this offering wished to be with the one he loved. I'll have to see if I am able to make that love bloom somehow." The light god crawled further into the fountain, stuck his head back under the water, then surfaced again to eat another rupee. "Ah. A young maiden desires her husband to return alive from the war. I must be sure to keep an eye on him in the next battle, yes?"

The young princess was still plenty confused. "Did Laemora do such things as well?"

"Well of course! This is a god's duty. We cannot all be as lazy as Cyclos, or as mad as Chronodormi." Blumen chuckled to himself.

"I don't remember Laemora ever eating rupees out of a fountain," Seraphina pointed out.

"Why? How did she receive their offerings?"

Seraphina shrugged. Blumen tilted his head uncertainly as well, then went back to chomping down rupees.

"My lord, Seraphina would be honored to escort you to the Light Temple," Jeanne said, speaking up once their conversation had ended.

"Oh, yes!" The princess was suddenly reminded of why they'd gone there in the first place.

"Ah, splendid. I have been most eager to take up my predecessor's mantle." The golden rabbit hopped his way over to the edge of the fountain and climbed over the edge, shaking his luminous fur free of water. "Come, my sage. Let us fulfill our destinies together."

Once they had collected Blumen from the garden, Jeanne called for Seraphina's guard detail, along with a group of light priests who would accompany them to the cathedral. Messengers were also sent to Seraphina's sister and aunt, as well as the Hero and her brother. All of them assembled in the entrance hall.

Before they set out, Seraphina stood before all those who would be joining her for the ceremony. Although Jeanne and Blumen stood by her side, she felt the need to take a few steps forward and address everyone on her own. Looking at her sister and her aunt was difficult, as she was immediately reminded of all the family she had lost, but she choked back her tears and spoke.

"Thank you everyone for coming with me today. The goddesses must truly love me if they have given me all of you to have as my friends and family. I hope Blumen's ascension will be the first step towards putting an end to all the fighting."

When she finished speaking, those in the gathered crowd fell to one knee, one by one, bowing their heads low. Even her sister, who was to be queen. Seraphina teared up at the sight, but quickly turned red and giggled lightly in embarrassment. "Thank you again, everyone."

Sophitia was the first to return to her feet. "It is our honor, little sister. Let us proceed, everyone."

What followed was a holy procession, going down the road through the castle grounds and out into the city. The citizenry had been informed a brief period of time earlier, so the guards had known to clear a path for them as they marched. Despite the bizarre sight of the giant golden rabbit, many of the citizens rejoiced. They seemed happy simply to see the youngest princess had returned safely, which must have been welcome news after the many recent deaths among the Royal Family.

"You should tell them what Blumen is, little angel," Jeanne quietly said to Seraphina. "It will bring them comfort to know the gods still watch over them.

Seraphina nodded. As she looked out into the crowds of citizens they passed by, she began to feel nervous. She had often made the trek between the castle and the temple in public, but she had usually done so with Victorique, who had been much more well-versed in addressing a crowd.

The younger princess cleared her throat, setting her eyes on the golden rabbit being carried atop a wagon in front of her. "Behold, people of Hyrule!" she said, speaking loudly. "Blumen, the new God of Light, has arrived to watch over us!"

At first, the crowds reacted with murmurs of confusion, and even doubt.

"That thing?"

"What, the rabbit?"

"That's supposed to be a god?"

However, Blumen responded to Seraphina's heraldry by sitting upright on his hind legs. As if to demonstrate his power, he began to glow a rich, golden color, which drew oohs and ahhs from the crowd. Then, suddenly, he emitted an enormous flash of light, and grew a few feet taller before the citizens' very eyes. The doubters and hecklers were soon drowned out by the cheers of those who were impressed by the sight.

"It is true!"

"Laemora's legacy continues!"

"Praise the gods!"

The young princess was glad to see people accepting Blumen already. After seeing how others had reacted so skeptically to him throughout their journey together, she was sure he was overjoyed to hear those cheers as well.

The procession ended when they reached the Light Temple. Several light priests were waiting for them, lined up on the steps leading up to the cathedral's entrance. The guards escorting them formed a barrier around the stairs, allowing Seraphina, Blumen, and the priests who had come with them from the castle to enter first.

"Princess Seraphina, I see you have returned." A priestess standing by the entrance was the first to greet them. "And it appears you have brought a new friend," she continued, setting her eyes on Blumen.

The rabbit god remained on a lower step, allowing him to speak with the priestess face-to-face. "Greetings, wise priestess. I am called Blumen. I have been sent here by the Golden Goddesses so that I might succeed Laemora as the new God of Light." Blumen bowed, but after announcing his title, the priests surrounding him became the ones bowing to him.

"I see. We shall carry out your ascension ceremony at once," the priestess replied. "Lord Blumen, have you selected a suitable sage to fulfill your duties when you are otherwise occupied?"

"Of course! Young Seraphina here shall be my most treasured sage."

The princess nodded, smiling proudly.

"I thought so. Everyone always said she would be wise Aurun's successor." The priestess gestured into the temple. "Come along, now. We must prepare before we allow your audience to enter."

Sometime later, the cathedral's pews were completely filled, with many more Hyruleans resorting to standing in the gaps. Sophitia, Liliana, Celessa, Jeanne, and several other nobles were given seats closer to the front. The priests who maintained the temple formed two lines on either side of the altar. Finally, Blumen himself was perched atop the altar, radiating a golden light that all the citizenry seemed to enjoy basking in.

As she'd been instructed by the priests, Seraphina entered and slowly walked down the red carpet that led down the middle of the room. The priests led those in attendance in prayer as she walked, with all of them honoring Hylia, the Golden Goddesses, Laemora, and all the other Gods of Light who'd come before her.

When Seraphina stood in front of Blumen's altar, she put her hands together and bowed before raising her head to recite the question she'd been instructed to say. "Blumen, the world of mortals needs the light to guide us in all things and protect us from evil. Will you watch over the light for us, and keep us safe?"

"I, Blumen, who has been appointed this task by gods even greater than I, shall take up my predecessor's duties. I will protect the light, guide the world of mortals, and protect it from evil." Upon speaking those words, Blumen's body began to shine brighter once again. The temple rumbled, and the rabbit god grew ever larger, until his head nearly reached the high ceiling. The crowd gasped, and Blumen emitted one final flash of light, causing everyone to shield their eyes as if they were staring into the sun.

Then, the light died down, lowering to Blumen's normal, healthy golden glow. The now-colossal rabbit god bent his head down to speak with the princess. "Zelda Seraphina Hyrule," he spoke, his voice now echoey and godlike, while still maintaining his odd charm. "You are wise and fair, and can be trusted with my power. Will you serve as my sage and perform my duties to the mortals whenever I am otherwise occupied with higher tasks?"

"I will, Lord Blumen," Seraphina accepted.

The rabbit god reached out with his paw, holding it above the young girl's head. A brilliant white glow was emitted from his paw, bathing the princess in light. Seraphina immediately felt something coursing throughout her entire body. It was the same sort of sensation she felt whenever she cast her healing spells, but it was as if she was absolutely brimming with magic. She stared down at her shaking hands, almost worried that she might explode.

I feel like I could heal everyone in this room right now if I needed to.

"Then our covenant is complete," Blumen replied, moving his paw back. "Now, I must ascend to the upper atmosphere to assess the condition of the barrier that protects this world from the sun's most harmful rays. You, my sage, have an important task of your own to complete. I trust that you will summon me when you need me."

"Yes, of course." Seraphina gave him a bittersweet smile. "Goodbye for now, my friend. I hope to see you again soon."

"Farewell, my child." Blumen rose to his full height and looked over the ground beneath him. "Farewell, good people of Hyrule. Continue to follow the path of righteousness, and these troubled times will soon be over." With that declaration, Blumen's body seemed to transform into floating rays of light. His shimmering form rose upward, disappearing through the ceiling above them.

Seraphina turned to face everyone. She wasn't sure how to address them now. She still felt extraordinary power pulsing through her veins, and she was irrationally worried that even speaking would unleash some sort of powerful spell. Luckily, two of the light priestesses came over and stood on either side of her.

"Lord Blumen's ascension is complete. Please join me in one final prayer before we conclude the ceremony." Those in the crowd put their hands together and bowed their heads while the priestess led them in prayer. Seraphina did the same.

Once it was over, citizens in the crowd began to leave. Some wished to approach the new sage, but the guards prevented them from doing so. Seraphina might have been glad to speak with them, but she was still a little confused about what she needed to do next.

I'm supposed to do everything Sage Aurun did, right? So, I give sermons, I heal people, I give advice, I, um…

A million thoughts raced through the young sage's head. She suddenly realized she had a lot of responsibilities now.

What if I can't do all that? I can't be as good as Sage Aurun, can I? I don't know how to use Blumen's powers! How much did he even give to me? What if I do it wrong?

Seraphina gulped. She stared out into the sea of faces in front of her. They all had expectations of her now, and she had no idea if she could live up to them.

Suddenly, her sister appeared before her, and placed a hand lightly on her shoulder. Seraphina looked up at her before Sophitia knelt down to her level.

"I know it's a lot to take in," her sister spoke to her gently. "And I know you've been through a lot lately. Just know that I'm very proud of you, little sister. I'm here for you now, and always. We can get through it together."

That was probably what Seraphina had wanted to hear more than anything at that moment. Tears in her eyes, she smiled gratefully and hugged her sister tightly. "I love you, sister."

Author's note:

Short chapter this week, but this chapter serves as sort of a "the dust settling" kind of chapter to close out the "Return to Hyrule" arc. Only the final arc is left, which will be just the last seven chapters. We're approaching the endgame now. Thanks for sticking with me so far, everyone!

Also, I thought it would be funny to include this little behind-the-scenes snippet from my planning document for this arc. Trust me, this stuff is harder to keep track of than you'd think!

End results:

Link - Alive

Linkle - Alive

Sophitia - Alive

Liliana - Alive

Seraphina - Alive

Jeanne - Alive

Celessa - Alive

Blumen - Alive

Sheik - Alive

Urballa - Alive

Bularis - Alive

Mila - Alive

Onnick - Alive

Victorique - Dead

Percival - Dead

Lancel - Dead

Impa Ayako - Dead

Impa Shiho - Dead

Anselm - Dead

Toren Remoth - Dead

Vanova - Dead

Luft - Dead