The Twilight Princess

Nineteen

Whimsical music filled the air as people from all across the kingdom made their way into the grand ballroom. Men dressed in suits escorted women dressed in beautiful gowns of all colors and sizes. Everyone was either chatting, dancing, or sipping on drinks served by the royal butler. Several carriages filled the courtyard as they lined up one by one, with men opening the doors and helping the women step out.

Security was extra high this year, since this ball was no ordinary ball. This was the year were the Twilight Princess would receive even more power and youthfulness from a select dewdrop, to avoid the Prophecy from killing her. Little did Zoey know that she was indeed the one that would do this. She peeked out from behind the curtain at the top of the steps. She watched as laughter and pleasure emerged from the guests.

She watched as true love formed down below, with dancing couples gazing into one another's eyes passionately. "Zoey!" She let go of the curtain, and rushed over to the princess upon command. "Oh yes, perfect." The Twilight Princess gazed profoundly at the sacrifice's attire. The princess herself was wearing an enormous purple gown so dark, it also looked black. It had a black spider web print on the top, and a golden ridge outlining the top. Around her neck she wore a golden necklace with a black medallion in the center.

As for Zoey, she was forced to wear a long sleeve silk, plain black dress, with a gold necklace and her hazelnut hair in a side braid. The princess had picked this out just for her, so she wouldn't distract from what the princess was wearing, as the ball was held just to celebrate her only.

"Now, you will do specifically everything I say without hesitation," her majesty ordered. "Or else everyone you care about will be...." She bended down to Zoey's level and made a tight fist. "....crushed." Zoey nodded. After the Twilight Princess left, she looked out from behind the curtain again. While everyone out there was having the time of their life, she was stuck up there, and felt like Cinderella. A horn sounded, signaling the last couple had just entered. Zoey knew that it was time. She shut the curtain and ran down the hall.

The crowd gasped in awe as they saw a young red-haired girl walk down the steps in the most elegant gown they had seen all night. Aria couldn't help but smile in her Cinderella moment as all eyes were on her. Arm in Kai's, they made their way down to the ballroom. There was complete silence and stillness. People had stopped talking and dancing just to see Aria. Even the music had stopped.

The butler broke the silence, and cleared his throat. "Please welcome, her royal majesty, ruler of Zerelelia, the one, the only, the Twilight Princess!" The crowd applauded, not because they wanted to, but because they had to. If they didn't, they would be thrown in the dungeon immediately.

The horns started to play as the Twilight Princess started to make her way down the steps, Zoey following closely behind. "Look, there's Zoey," Aria whispered to Kai. "What is she doing up there?" Kai whispered back. "I have no idea, but it can't be good," replied Aria.

The crowd parted and made way for her as the Twilight Princess reached the last step. "Oh, why thank you," she said. "Thank you, thank you. Now as you all know, tonight is a very special night," she boomed her voice loud and clear to make sure the entire room could hear her in all her glory. "For that, tonight, I will defy the Prophecy, once and for all. I have carefully chosen my sacrifice, and would like to present her now. Ladies and gentlemen, Zoey Destiny Wesluck!" More clapping occurred as Zoey stepped in front of the princess.

"Sacrifice?" Aria's voice shook in fear. "What does she mean?"

"Now, watch as I, the Twilight Princess receive my much needed and deserved youthfulness and power from this sacrifice." The drums started to roll as a few Zeru rolled out an enormous coffin. Zoey gulped.