Hello and welcome to Twilight Twists. Before reading, a few points shall be addressed:

Thank you for those who have read Skyward Swaps. I loved the comments you wrote after the conclusion of the fan fic, and I hope this will be just as good, or better than last time, with less spelling errors.

Much like Skyward Swaps, this is a role reversal, but there will be a reason for it in this story, which will keep it from being too exact to the video game.

This will contain references to Skyward Swaps: with that in mind, expect one certain spoiler, but I think you already figured out which one, based on the concept.

Just like last time, there will be some skimming on certain parts of, if it wouldn't have changed either way, unless it's interesting really important. This will include the majority of what occurs in the dungeons.

There might be less joke cutaways and possibly only one breather chapter.

And finally...

I know some of you readers are fond of Zant. I'll try to do my best with his characterization. Also: he's not going to be an imp in this story. I'll explain later.

Chapter 1. Lady Wolf

I had expected my day to turn out differently than this.

To begin, I will explain.

Although I had lived in the town of Hyrule Castle since age six, I had mainly been raised in Ordon Village, which was just barely on the border of the kingdom of Hyrule. I had not gone back since the day I left- there were too many painful memories I wanted to forget- but I enjoyed growing up in the village.

It was Rusl and his wife Uli who helped raise me. Rusl taught me how to fight with a sword, and Uli provided me with books on the legends and history of our kingdom, which I not only eagerly devoured, but I would pass on those tales to their son Colin, even after I was able to get a place of my own.

I earned my livelihood as a shepherdess to the village's famed goats, and helped farm for corps or watched over the village children, but a part of me desired something more than the life I had lead.

It was a joke amongst the villagers that, despite being friends with Ilia- Mayor Bo's daughter- we would one day have to fight for the title of Mayor, as we displayed the ideal qualities. Although I was flattered with such a notion, I wasn't sure if it was what I wanted, or if I wanted to live in the village for the rest of my life.

Then came the day Rusl and I sat by the waters of Faron Spring, when dusk was to fall.

"Did you know that the coronation ceremony is coming in a few days time?" Rusl asked me.

"The prince is to be crowned king so soon?" I raised an eyebrow. The king of Hyrule had passed away not so long ago, leaving behind his only son and heir to the throne.

"I trust that he will make a good king." Rusl smiled with pride. "He is not much older than you, but he is known to be very brave and willing to put his people before himself. Our village is to bestow upon him a gift of goodwill, upon his coronation: I have crafted a special sword in his honor. I was planning on going... but I figured that it would be best to ask you to take my place. It is not every day that one gets to see their future king."

I felt a little unsure about this. "It would be an honor Rusl, but..." I hesitated.

"There is nothing to worry about." Rusl gave me an understanding glance. "What is past is past, and you needn't stay in the town for long."

"But wouldn't Colin want to come with you?" I asked.

Rusl frowned. "Not only am I concerned for the fact that bandits may take this opportunity to strike, but there have been rumors of monsters roaming our lands. I don't want to put him in any harm, but I trust you well enough to take care of yourself."

Even though I wasn't too keen on seeing the soon-to-be king, or returning back to my birthplace, I agreed. "I will represent the village then." I agreed. "After all you and this village have done for me, it is the very least I can do. It would be an honor."

Rusl smiled at me with fatherly pride. "Thank you, Zelda."

-and skipping ahead( get used to this)-

The day I was supposed to go to the castle started off on a bad note when Ilia took Epona, my beloved mare, on the account of a wound that I had failed to tend to. While the mayor reminded me that it would be bad if the village's representative would be late for the coronation.

I appreciated that she cared about my horse, but she had no right to just take Epona away from me. Epona was my horse, and she acted as if she belonged to her.

I was grumbling to myself all the way back to my house, when I found the children hanging nearby. Unsurprisingly, Colin had distanced himself from them again.

"...Zelda, are you going to see Ilia?" He shly asked before nervously turning around to face Malo and Talo. "Maybe it's just me... but those guys don't normally let people through."

I glanced to the two brothers and sighed: it was no secret to me that they were rather antagonistic of Colin for being 'weak' and considering that Colin told the adults about Talo chasing a monkey into the woods the day before, I wasn't surprised by this new woe in the boy's daily routine.

"Um, Zelda, you think... you think we can go see Ilia together?" Colin- who was fond of the both of us- asked.

"I would appreciate that Colin." I smiled. "I need some help getting Epona back after all."

When we approached the brothers, Talo was eager to see me. "Hey, we've been waiting for you, y'know, Zel!" Talo cheerfully greeted as his brother eagerly bounced and held his arms up in the air- which was odd, considering how mellow Malo could be. "Yesterday was sooo much fun! Yeah, chasing that monkey was great! I was just telling Malo here about how we wanted o show it to him, but we let it go instead!"

Malo's odd demeanor dropped back to his quiet sarcasm as he spoke "Oh, YOU didn't get caught, Talo?"

"Oh, Colin!" Talo's cheerfulness changed as he scowled in contempt at the boy beside me. "Way to spoil everything by telling your dad. Nice job." He sarcastically added before mumbling how awful the scolding he got from his dad was.

"I bet you're trying to go see Ilia, aren't you? Well, there's no way I'm gonna let you pass." He crossed his arms with firm determination. It irritated me, not only because it was mean of him, but such behavior had always gotten on my nerves, for some reason or another.

-?-

"Mido or Groose, maybe?" A voiced asked... before realizing something.

"Oh yeah... I'm not supposed to be commenting yet... oops."

-back to the story-

"Oh, hey neat!" Talo noticed my wooden practice sword with eager gleefulness- the childish greed and longing was too evident. "Zelda, lemme borrow that wooden sword!" He almost demanded before placed his fists on his hips. "If I had that wooden sword yesterday, I could've handled it all alone, definitely! C'mon! Let me borrow that wooden sword right now!"

"I can't." I merely told him.

"Colin, you better fix this." Talo quietly growled at Colin, who responded in turn by glancing up at me in fear and pleading eyes.

"Talo, I need to get Epona back." I crossed my arms and gave the boy a firm look. "And you have yet to show any real maturity. Especially right now: if I can't expect you to be polite or apologize to Colin- who was only looking out for your safety- then I can't trust you with my sword."

I pulled the sword out and gave it to his brother instead. "Here Malo: I know you'll like bargaining for a fair price with this."

Malo snickered as he took the sword and Talo's face fell before he sent Colin a dark glare. Unfortunately, there was nothing else I could do about what would come next for Colin.

As we walked to the spring, Colin thanked me. "Th- thanks." He gulped and nodded. "I didn't-"

"You aren't off the hook so easily either, Colin." I knelt beside him. "You need to learn how to stand up for what is right. I can't always be there to stop them from teasing you, or fight your battles for you."

"You see this?" I held up the back of my right hand, where my birthmark was located. "It looks like the Triforce, doesn't it? The right triangle represents courage: Farore inspires and favors those who show true courage."

"I don't want courage!" Colin protested. "I don't want to fight go off and do stupid things! I'm not like you or dad!" He shut his eyes. "I don't even know what courage is supposed to be!"

Perhaps I took it too far. I sighed and placed my hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry Colin. The definition of courage is a tricky one that even I struggle with."

Colin looked at the birthmark on my hand- one that I always tried to hide, for what it had meant to me for as long as I could remember, despite it's legacy- before looking to me.

"When you come back..." he timidly began. "I want to know everything about your journey. But... when you meet the prince, are you going to dress up?"

"I..." felt a little sheepish as I got up. "I don't have anything nice to wear. Your mother offered me money for a dress, but I don't want to spend it on such a luxury." I was still wearing the garbs of the village with red and purple being the most prominent colors, and I didn't really have anything that would look nice.

"I found a pretty brooch that you could wear." Colin was a little disappointed that I wouldn't be going off in style. "It has such a pretty red stone in it too..."

We then continued on our way, only to find that the spring was sealed off, along with Ilia and my horse. Much to my dismay, Ilia was still adamant about giving Epona back.

With Colin's help, I found a secret passage that permitted us to enter the spring. Colin entered first, so that he could speak to Ilia on my behalf about what had happened yesterday, before I could approach her.

"Look, I'm sorry." I began as she turned to face me. A relieved Epona turned away from Ilia and faced me, which didn't escape my friend's notice. "If Talo hadn't been so rash, I would have noticed the injury. And I suppose it's my fault for not checking on her this morning, since I'm going to ride her."

"So you prefer your Mistress over me, Epona?" Ilia was a little crestfallen, but understanding as she addressed me. "Don't worry about her, Zelda- the injury isn't too serious, so you two can go on together."

"Thank you for checking on her." I approached Epona and petted the space between her eyes- other than Rusl and his family, Epona was my dearest companion, who I've had for quite awhile, and had helped raised since she was born. She was a beautiful horse, and I wouldn't have forgiven myself if something happened. "Really, thank you."

"Zelda," Ilia began and I gave her my attention. "Could you at least promise me this? No matter what happens on your journey, don't try to do anything... out of your league. Please?"

"I'm not going to stray from the path to Hyrule Castle and back." I answered. "This is not the journey I wanted, but it will come to pass someday." I hoped.

Ilia understood: we grew up together, and she knew how much I felt about wanting to leave Ordon Village.

"...Just come home safely." She asked.

I shot her a smile, but before I could answer, there was a tremendous crash behind us. We turned in horror as horned creatures riding on large, monstrous beasts came charging in: from my readings, I immediately recognized them as bulbins.

It all happened so fast: Ilia turned to run, but one of the bulbins shot her in the back with an arrow. Before I could do anything, my world became black.

When I woke up, I found myself lying in the spring water.

"Ilia?!" I cried out as I shot out of the water. "Colin?!" Panic set in: my best friend and my practical brother had likely been kidnapped, as they where no where to be seen.

I looked around until my eyes darted to the opening that lead to Faron Woods, where the monsters had entered.

"Please no, please no." I panicked and ran, despite how sopping wet I was from the water.

As I made my way towards the bridge, I noticed that the sky was a strange, ethereal golden yellow. My interest in this didn't grow until I made it beyond the bridge, to the other side, where a strange sight befell my eyes as the area became bathed in darkness and a reddish yellow glow.

"What the-" I wondered as I panted for air as a black and yellow like symbol blocked my pathway. What was it, and what was it doing here?

Suddenly, a long dark hand shot out of it and I screamed as it pulled me in.

I chocked for air, as the thing held me up. In my desperation, I could make out a strange black creature with a circular helmet haunched over it's head, but I was more concerned with staying alive.

My right hand suddenly grew warm, and I could hear a strange pitch through the air, until the creature suddenly tossed me. I collided against the ground and struggled to get up, when I felt something happening inside me.

I was beginning to feel sick to my stomach as the world around me began to pulsate, around me. And suddenly, my body began to change as my bones suddenly shifted in their shape or snapping apart on the inside.

It was agonizing- I let out a scream before it was too much to bear. Before I blacked out once again, I could hear the pained howl of a wolf nearby, that overpowered my screaming.

But it felt as if my scream had become the howl.

-?-

"That looks painful, doesn't it?"

I couldn't see who was speaking in the darkness.

"Oh, don't mind me." The voice of a girl spoke. "See, this was done before, with a certain three ladies entering a dream. I felt that I needed to repeat myself to get back in touch of things... without another exposition... uh... there's a slight chance you might hear from me again... or at least the appointed overseer of this fan fic... yeah, pretend you didn't hear this."

I have the oddest dreams sometimes.

-?-

When I finally awoken, I had found myself staring up at a stone ceiling. When I looked elsewhere, I saw iron bars. Somehow, I had landed myself in a jail cell of sorts: and it smelled rather damp and musky.

However, what bothered me was why I felt so different. My body felt strange, and my bones didn't feel like they were in any normal shape that resembled hylian or human.

I tried sitting up, except that my back wouldn't permit me to go up very far.

I tried moving my hand up- but when I did, I saw the foreleg of a reddish purple furred appendage, and not a hylian arm.

I let out a cry of surprise, but it sounded more like the yelp of a dog or a wolf. I glanced around and, sure enough, my body was now that of a reddish purple and white furred wolf- complete with a tail! A tail!

I let out another howl and, in a panic, I tried to run off, but I felt something pull around my my right foreleg and I was knocked flat to the ground. A quick two glances told me that I was cuffed by a chain attached to the ground.

THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING! I thought. FIRST ILIA AND COLIN ARE KIDNAPPED, AND NOW THIS?! WHAT IS GOING ON?!

"SOMEONE HELP ME!" I tried to scream, but all that came out was a series of barks. In defeat, I turned back to the chains and decided to try to free myself.

I tried using my new mouth to bite the chain (which was cold), in a futile attempt to free myself from my binds. All I did was hurt my teeth, but I couldn't care less: I needed to get out of here!

"My, aren't we desperate for escape?" A voice spoke through my determined growls.

In confusion, I looked up, just as I heard the sound of metal against metal, and the bars of my holding cell flew over me. It made me wince at first, until I could relax and see who my rescuer to be was.

A pair of scimitars were held up in front of the person, until they were lowered to their sides. The wielder was revealed to be a tall figure, in the strangest garments of black, with red and green markings, and sleeves that engulfed his hands and part of the scimitars, but was most strange was the helmet he wore. Above some sort of metal shoulder armor was what looked like some sort of chameleon or lizard with a long tongue.

I could smell him somehow: the smell reminded me of something, but I couldn't place it in that confused moment.

Slowly the figure walked towards me and I couldn't help but let out a growl, as he made me a little nervous.

"Oh come now." He spoke with disapproval- his voice was deep sounding, and yet not quite at the same time. "I'm here to rescue you, Lady Wolf. You should be grateful that I wish to rescue you."

With some hesitance, I stopped growling and relaxed before he knelt down beside me. "Now stay put." He commanded as he raised a scimitar up and then brought it down on the chain. I briefly winced again as I felt the blade snap the chains in half, before I saw that the cuff was still attached to me, but I was otherwise free.

I looked at him in confusion before he nodded. "Ah, much better: such a beautiful beast must be free to roam wherever she choses. But you aren't a beast, are you, my Lady Wolf?"

He slowly got up. "You are possibly wondering as to what is going on... and why you are here. Unfortunately, you are now in my debt- and I will warn you, that I can be rather excitable- so while you are now in my service, you will at least come to know what is going on."

I let out a growl: I did not ask to be in debt, nor did I ask for his help.

"Don't you growl at me, Lady Wolf." He hissed. "I could have killed you, if you didn't have a use to me. Consider yourself lucky that I have further need of you: now, if you obey me, you might find out the truth, so follow my instructions carefully."

I wasn't happy with this. With reluctance, I followed him out of the cell and, as soon as we were out, he then turned into a black shape that shrank towards the floor, and into my shadow.

"I'll direct you, Lady Wolf." I could hear his voice echo around me. "I am trying to avoid being seen at the moment, but I will still be of use, when it is needed.

And so, began my journey. I made my way out of the cell and through what seemed to be crossed between a dungeon and a waterway: all throughout the journey, not only did I see strange moving blobs writhing on the ground like animals, but I saw blue flames flickering here and there.

"Tap into your senses." The voice spoke. "See the flames anew, by focusing."

Though I was curious, I felt something inside my mind that I never felt before and focused on that- suddenly the flame changed into a human guard that was cowering in fear. I could have sworn I saw that armor somewhere before.

And so, with my 'companion's' help I made my way out of the dungeon, up a tower, and found myself on the rooftops of a large castle. The sky was new: golden yellow, with odd looking black shapes rising upwards, and black bird like monsters, but the castle was familiar.

"Did you figure it out?" The voice asked.

I did: it was impossible not to recognize Hyrule Castle.

"There is someone I would like for you to meet." The voice continued. "I hope you are able to try to tend to yourself and look presentable when we arrive."

Eventually, the rest of the journey lead me to a tower, where I walked up the stairs, and into a bed chamber.

This bed chamber was almost as large as my house, with several bookshelves in one corner, the bed itself, with a large canopy, an expensive looking table with chairs and a large fireplace, and there was a plague of sorts that was meant to hold a weapon on display, but it was missing: this was a room fit for an extremely wealthy person.

By the windows, was a figure, dressed in a robe that reached the floor. I couldn't help but growl: anything in this world that was black was a cause for alarm, and that extended to the monsters that I had encountered. Even if this person gave off the pleasant smell of the forest and steel, of all things.

I could hear my companion snigger.

The figure noticed me and then turned with a slight, masculine gasp. He wore a hood over his head, which obscured his eyes, and a dark blue scarf obscured his mouth from view.

"Hello again." My companion reappeared from the shadows and I watched as his helmet suddenly moved back on its own.

Under the helmet was a pale, almost blue skinned man with a rather flat looking nose that made him seem reptilian. He had reddish orange eyes that lacked any pupils, red hair that peeked out under a cowl, and I noticed that there were splits in his mouth. Those splits opened up with his mouth as he spoke in a mock flattery, which was rather unsettling.

"Here is the one that I seek." With a flourish, he made a bow that came across as mocking to the robed man. "Isn't she beautiful?"

"What are you doing here, Zant?" The voice was young- almost my age- but it contained a weariness to it.

"Ah, you remembered my name?" Zant seemed amused as I walked towards them. "What an honor!" He let out a giggle.

The man knelt down to my level and looked at my paw, where the cuff was. "You were imprisoned?" He seemed troubled by this.

Yes: one moment, I'm in the forest, the next, I'm a wolf locked in a dungeon. I thought with annoyance. I was supposed to go to the castle, but not like this.

The man suddenly let out a noise of surprise. "I..." He slowly began. "I can understand what you say."

This surprised me. You do? Wait, tell me: what color are my eyes?

"As blue as a jewel that cant decide if it's a sapphire or an amethyst." He breathlessly answered- possibly excited to be speaking to a wolf, unless he knew that I was a hylian. He then bowed his head. "I am sorry... this is all my fault."

"Instead of being apologetic to Lady Wolf." Zant spoke. "Why not tell here where this is or what has happened? Why not tell her what you've managed to do..." I heard a smugness in his voice. "...Prince of the Twilight!" He burst out laughing.

The man stayed quiet as Zant laughed, and did not say a word until Zant had finished.

"Listen carefully..." The man began. "This was once the sacred kingdom of Hyrule, where the power of the gods was said to have slumbered. But one day... she came."

-past-

The knights of Hyrule stood by in the throne room, as their future king stayed by their side.

Word spoke of an invasion of beasts, who managed to enter the castle, and were attempting to reach the throne room.

"Are you sure that you wish to be part of this fight, Your Highness?" One of the knights asked in concern as the prince stood by with a sword large enough to require the use of two hands in his position.

"I refuse to abandon my men." The prince- dressed in regal armor and a fine green tunic- adamantly spoke as he held his sword up.

-?-

"Think of something like the magic armor, only green instead of red... and if you're thinking of the crown too, the huge leaf at the center is a lot smaller... Ah, sorry, I'm still not supposed to show up yet!"

-past-

Suddenly, a wave of black smoke came out and knocked a number of soldiers to the side.

The prince grunted, but stood his ground.

Out of the smoke came the dark beasts, and the soldiers on the front lines charged, with swords and shields, but all were over powered in mere seconds.

The prince watched in horror as the beasts had their victims in their clutches, never once killing them, and yet they showed their power over the soldiers.

And then, she came: with a beast on each side, was possibly one of the most beautiful woman that many of them had ever seen.

The exotic, bluish green skinned woman- with flaming red hair, seductive looking black clothes at highlighted her best features, and yellow eyes with red pupils- approached the throne, yet stopped at the stairs. This temptress radiated with a confidence that the knights were losing- all but their beloved ruler.

"It is time for you to choose: surrender or die" The woman declared to the prince.

"Oh, and may you kindly relay this message to your people," She smirked. "Life, or death? It's your choice, your highness: I'd advise you to take the more noble path, if I were you."

Nervously, the knights turned to their leader and awaited his choice. Any choice that the prince had made thus far had earned his people's respect, if not love or approval.

The prince looked at the soldiers who were in the clutches of the beasts... and he dropped his head in defeat. For once, their normally brave prince had given up, in a situation where there was no true victory.

The sword slipped from his hands and fell to the ground.

-now-

"Twilight covered Hyrule, like a shroud, and without light, the people became as spirits... all but one. And within the twilight, they live on: unaware that they have passed into spirit forms... and without the leadership of their prince, or any assurance, all the people know now is fear... Fear of a nameless evil..."

And so, the figure turned from the window he stared from, holding himself upright in a way that seemed noble and dignified. "Though the kingdom has fallen to twilight, and my throne is forfeited, I remain it's prince." He declared as he pulled back the hood and my muzzle dropped in shock as the Prince of Hyrule revealed himself to me.

I knew that he was around my age but I never expected him to be so handsome. He had simple, yet well formed facial features, and hair that looked somewhere between a dull yellow and a light brown, but what captivated me were his eyes.

His yes held a determination, despite of the weariness and sorrow that they also contained. These were the eyes of one who endured many burdens and duties, and yet still managed to overcome them.

"I am known to some as simply Link." He introduced himself. "There is no need to burden you with my full title."

Your Majesty! If I blushed, I could have, and I bowed, out of respect.

"Why so depressed?" Zant sighed with slight annoyance. "This perpetual twilight isn't that horrendous, you know. My kin find it to be quite livable." He perked up when he said this.

"Not mine." The prince calmly replied. "You have already seen what has been done to this kingdom. What I'd like to know is why she is looking for you."

Zant then made an erratic twitch. It was rather unsettling, the way he did it, as it came across as if he were suddenly nervous.

"That is none of your concern." He sharply replied. "I'd think there are more pressing matters to attend to, what with Lady Wolf in our presence."

The prince glanced to me. "What is your true name?" he asked.

I am Zelda. I responded. Zelda of Ordon Village.

The prince seemed taken by surprise. "The name of the-" He cut him self short and grew alert. "The guard will be making his rounds. I'd advise you to hurry."

"Then we shall flee, oh noble prince." Zant made one final mock bow, before going back into my shadow.

Why stay here? I asked the prince in concern: why should he be a prisoner in his own castle? Why not come with us-

"Go, Zelda!" The prince demanded. "If I leave, there's no telling what could happen to Hyrule!"

I obeyed. Yes! I hurried away. Farewell, Your Majesty!

I was lucky that my hearing as a wolf was excellent, because I wouldn't have heard the prince say,

"Farewell... Zelda."

Much later, I was once again on the rooftops of the castle, where Zant came out to speak to me.

I couldn't help but think back to the prince: it seemed that he had given up so much to protect his people, and I felt sorry for him, as he had to be alone in this strange distortion of our world, no matter how beautiful it seemed.

"I suppose I could return you back to where you once came." Zant spoke. "After all, it's safe and secure from all this 'wretchedness'."

I shot him a glare.

"I can't understand wolf, Lady Wolf." He shook his head as the helmet went back on over it. "Or are you thinking of those friends of yours? The little boy and the girl with the atrocious hair?"

I let out something that resembled a gasp- how on earth did he know about them?

"Perhaps," Zant nonchalantly spoke as he began leaning to one side. "I can help save your friends, and keep your village from being affected... but that means being my servant. Is Lady Wolf up to such an assignment?"

I had no reason to trust this strange man, and yet I had no choice. Especially considering my current state. With reluctance, I nodded my head, just as he leaned far enough that he could have fallen to the ground.

He returned back to a normal standing position and let out a deep chuckle. "Wonderful."

As I watched my body turn into black squares and felt myself pulled up into the sky, I wondered: what had I gotten myself into?

Why is this chapter so **** long? Because I wanted to get the intro out of the way. The next one is all about the forest.

Link's coronation: I'm following that theory that there was a coronation that was supposed to have taken place, had things went as scheduled. From what I could make out, the Ordon Sword was meant to be a gift of either goodwill or acknowledging Hyrule's soon to be queen in the actual game. I also figure that Link would have a more noble sounding name as a prince, hence why he said "I'm known to some as simply Link." Except I haven't figured out what it is yet.

Zelda's response to Talo: The little **** had it coming to him. I wanted to have her whack him on the head with the sword, until I remembered that someone else did that in a parody version.

Why isn't Zant an imp?: because I didn't want to do that. RedRumRose of tumblr has done this take on the role swap already- I recommend checking that artwork out. Also, that insult to Ilia is born from the fact that I'm actually not that fond of her. (though I am willing to respect her, for this fan fic.)

Hello there handsome: There will be a little Zelda/Link in this, but it's not going to be as major as it was in Skyward Swaps.

For my heath, updates won't be as frequent anymore. See you sometime soon.