SHADOW AND TWILIGHT CHAPTER 1: REUNION
Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/55675726
Zant stood at the frame of the door in the storage room of the base. Inside of the cold and dusty room, sat a cage covered by a large cloth. He stood still and silent, not sure of what new creature he was supposed to make join his Master’s army. The creature didn’t make any noise, no breathing, no mumbling, nothing. So, he hesitantly walked over to it, crouching down to see. Zant stared at the cage, feeling…strange. This creature held a familiar aura, he sensed it as soon as he got close. His hand reached forward, lifting up the cloth. His heart stopped at the sight of this creature. Inside of the cold cage was a woman, a beautiful woman with the brightest yellow eyes Zant had seen out of any other pair of yellow eyes he had seen. Her luscious black hair styled into a very lengthy braid. She wore a black turtle-neck tank top and black baggy pants to match her hair. Her arms had a dark pattern covering them up to her shoulders. Her ears clearly missing chunks of them, looking like they had been bitten… But his breath didn’t catch just because of her looks. He hadn’t seen this woman since the Era of Twilight. He knew this woman. He was in love with this woman. This woman…was his queen. Her eyes widened and her voice was quiet.
“Zant..?”
Zant whispered softly back to her, “Selene..?”
Zant rushed to remove the cloth and unlock the cage door. Once the cage door swung open, Selene jumped out and into the Ursper’s arms. She squeezed him tightly and he returned the tight squeeze, afraid that she would disappear if he let go. He could barely believe it. After his death, as he was stuck in his limbo hell, he thought he’d never see his love ever again. A shaky breath escaped his trembling lips. “Oh my queen…” he murmured, “you look just as beautiful as I remembered…” Selene pulled away a little to see his face, a loving and caring smile on hers. Goddesses she was beautiful… “My darling king… you’ve returned to me…” she mumbled. Zant smiled back at her, “And I will not ever leave you again, my love.”
Shadow and Twilight would never be separated again.
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The two rulers walked side by side down the hallway, trying to make up for all of the centuries they spent apart. “...and so Master Ganon has returned. That is why you were in that cage; he wanted you in his growing army. I am certain that he will be pleased to hear that one of his strongest warriors has returned to us,” Zant finished, trying to fill Selene in on the current state of this strange world. Selene grinned toothily, her usual smug look had returned to her bright eyes, “So you’re telling me that this chick named Cia fucked up the timelines for Blondie? You’ve gotta be pulling my leg here, pretty boy.” Zant chuckled and shook his head, “I am afraid that I am being completely serious, my dear. But nevermind that for now. I must introduce you to the others. I am sure they will be thrilled to-” Zant was interrupted by a loud and very dramatic gasp coming from an overly dramatic painter at the end of the hall. “Darling! Is that truly your beautiful face that I see?” Yuga spoke with a bright smile at the sight of Selene. “Auntie! Holy hell, how have you been?” Selene’s eyes shone as soon as her old companion, running over to Yuga, both immediately turning into chatterboxes. A small smile came upon Zant’s lips at the reunion. It felt reassuring that the introductions wouldn’t go in a negative direction. The war was already putting much more pressure on his shoulders than expected, so at least this was sure to go right.
So the three walked further until they finally ran into the Demon Lord. Ghirahim’s face looked surprised for a second before settling into a smirk, “Oh hello, Birdbrain. I wish I could say that it is good to see you, but I would hate to be a liar.” The Shadow Queen grinned at the sword spirit, “Aww, still so sour, diamond? I suppose being stuck in a sword would make anybody sour, eh?” Ghirahim rolled his eyes, placing his hand on his hip, “Well as much as I would love to stay and chat, I am afraid I must be on my way.” Yuga nodded and turned her head to Selene, “I am afraid I must get going as well, my dear.” Selene pouted, sighing,” Fineeeeeee…Bye Auntie…” The painter chuckled at her pitiful pout and patted her shoulder, “Goodbye, darling.” The two lieutenants parted from the other two, Zant taking the opportunity to speak, “I should show you to Master. It would not be the smartest decision to keep him waiting.” Selene nodded, she knew it was an awful decision to keep him waiting too. She had seen what happened to those in the past that kept him waiting…
So the king and queen stood outside of Ganondorf’s throne room, the door guarded by Gerudo guards. Zant nodded his head slightly at the guards, signaling for them to open the large door. The first thing that met their eyes was Ganon sitting on the throne that sat inside. His large, fiery eyebrows rose slightly. Zant and Selene bowed, Selene much more hesitant than Zant. Ganon spoke, “And who have you brought to me, Zant?” The two rose, Zant responding, “This is the queen of the Shadow Realm and the last Mico alive; Selene Cxod.” Ganondorf looked much more focused now, his interest peaked as he recognized her name, “Lady Selene…I have heard tales of you. You do not fail your reputation for appearing out of nowhere. I am glad to see you return no matter how many lives I live. And since I can trust you enough to expect no betrayal, the role of another one of my lieutenants is one you shall fill. Understood?” Selene grinned as she bowed once more, lifting up her head, “Of course, Sir Dragmire.” Ganon nodded sharply, pleased, “You are dismissed.”
Selene stood and walked out of the throne room, Zant following her closely at her side. As the door closed and as they made their way towards Zant’s chambers, a short, masked imp ran quickly, aiming at Selene. “MAMA!” Shouted the imp. “KID!” Shouted Selene, catching the imp into her arms, hugging them tightly. She hadn’t seen them in years. It felt wonderful to see them again. Zant looked surprised before his lips slipped into a smile. “Ah. So you know Skullkid already? And not only that, but you are their mother?” Zant questioned curiously. Selene nodded eagerly, grinning from ear to ear, “I liked their style when I met them, so I couldn’t help but take them under my wing! Ain’t that right, kid?” Skullkid nodded, jumping back down onto the floor and turning to Zant, “Righter than a left! Hehehehe!.” Their strange mask shook from side to side. A soft chuckle slipped from Zant’s lips. Those two were like two peas in a pod. “Though I am very much delighted to see the both of you joyful, I suggest for you and I to continue our way to my chambers, my queen.” Zant said, suggesting the idea to Selene. She shrugged a little, “Fair. Seeya, kid! Make sure you cause some problems for me, ‘kay?” Skullkid nodded eagerly, “Okay, ma.” Selene gave the short imp a high-five before the imp floated away from the two monarchs.
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Before Zant could even fully open his eyes after closing his door, Selene pressed her lips to his and wrapped her arms around his neck. Zant’s eyes widened in pleased surprise. He had to admit, it felt divine to have her back in his arms. Selene pulled away slowly, not wanting to stop the kiss, but she knew he needed to breathe. “I’m so happy you’re back, princey…” She murmured, “I thought that you would’ve stayed dead…” Zant wore an adoring smile on his lips. “Were you wishing for that?” He playfully teased her. Selene grinned and shook her head, “I’d never dream of it…”