It is times like these that Zelda is reminded that this may not be the same man she knew all those years ago.
Though 'years' is a strange way to put it.
Just like Link, she had no remembrance during the past century. While Hyrule was burning, Zelda's body and soul were locked tight within the cocoon of darkness that was the Calamity, and she had long thrown away the key.
It wasn't until she felt something- a tug, or perhaps a push. Something that whispered to her slumbering soul in a scathingly desperate manner.
He's awake. It told her. There was no room for question. Zelda simply knew the man who sacrificed his life and being for her sake was now stirring somewhere in the unfamiliar land they called home.
For the first time in a century, Zelda reached out. Though her form was non-existent, she pushed and pulled herself in every way she could, clawing her way out of her eternal prison to deliver even a few words to her chosen hero any time she sensed his need for guidance.
During his long journey, she watched over him in ways that felt ethereal even to her. She could offer no advice. Her vision was lacking, and her hearing non-existent. It was as if she saw him in thoughts and feelings... Yet something about that statement doesn't feel quite correct either. It was a sixth sense that she couldn't explain. She knew she understood him. His pain had flowed through her ghostly fingers like hot flames, his sorrow like cold spring water drenching her hair, happiness like the light breeze they had once shared in tandem. Their bond had not faded with the long span of time and held steady through the thick fog his amnesia graced him with.
Or so she believed.
With every passing day she realizes maybe she doesn't know her companion as well as she thought she did.
Everything about him was different. Physically, he had grown a hair taller. His body now leaner and more muscular. His torso marred in starbursts of scar tissue stretching up his neck and going as low as his thighs. Even his body language was different. His movements were a tad clumsier, he tired easily, he developed a subtle limp, and now favoring his right hand more when he was doing menial tasks even though he was left dominant.
Zelda knew the physical changes were simply a side effect of his healed wounds. He often stretched and complained of achy muscles. His range of mobility was affected drastically by the scar tissue refusing to give way and the internal injuries she could only guess didn't fully set correctly.
Even so, he held himself taller with shoulders that sat with a more relaxed demeanor. She could almost laugh at the inappropriate posture he developed, one that would surely have Captain Mician red in the face and sputtering.
Truly it was his personality that surprised her the most. He was quick to smile, made jokes freely, even threw puns her way. Puns! He had never been so openly friendly before!
It was obvious how heavily his lack of memories and the events of his travels weighed so heavily on his mind still. Link may believe himself to be a closed book. He still has yet to realize Zelda has no trouble reading him with practiced ease. Every self doubt and thought of failure that weighed on his mind shattered her own heart into immeasurable pieces for him. She only hoped he realized he shared none of the blame for past events. If only she were stronger, if only her power awoke minutes prior, he wouldn't need to feel like a hollow shell being punished for not being invincible over a century ago.
Even so, she truly believed this was the most at peace she had ever seen him in. Link would probably disagree and make a strange comment about how his lack of past stole that right from him. Zelda couldn't find it in her heart to tell him how scared that Link of old was. How he carried the weight of the world on his young shoulders, just as he does now.
Just like Link, the Hyrule she knew and loved was gone forever too.
There was nothing but rubble and brimstone to remind her of a yesterday she desperately clung to. She had begged Link to show her around, to see the land she failed to protect, to meet the people who she sentenced to live in a ruined world. She needed this. She needed to see what had become of the land that she had sworn to live and die for. She needed to know if there was anything worth salvaging.
Link did not share her point of view. He knew what was lost through fragmented memories and stories of the past the denizens loved sharing.
He loved this land as it was. This is the land he bled for, the land he laid down his life to protect. Though it may seem empty at times, he often gushed about how full of life it was whenever Zelda started to doubt herself. How both flora and fauna flourish like never seen before. Towns, though small, became homelier and closer than ever before. Even new settlements like Tarrey had a sense of community that made Zelda's head spin. She could only recall the cold indifference Castle Town held for those living in it's confines.
The more they traveled, the more surprised at how every nook and cranny reminded her of pleasant times. The overgrown flowing grass of Hyrule Field reminded her of peaceful days picking flowers with her mother. The Lanayru Mountains in the distance reminded her of her first trip to Zora's domain as a child swathed in heavy coats and surrounded by an equally heavy guard. The stringent air of Gerudo Desert brought back fond memories of painting small tapestries while they visited her Godmother, Urbosa.
Zelda's heart ached.
Many things reminded her of Link. Of the boy he used to be.
Like the small fishing hole on the outskirts of Hateno Village.
"You know..." Zelda began, unsure of how to breach the subject regarding his past. It was always a risky dance. She was never sure how much she could safely bring up now. A century ago Link was guarded about his personal affairs. Getting him to talk was like pulling teeth... Now, Zelda just didn't know what was appropriate anymore. She could sense his yearning for remembrance yet, the Link of old and his insistence in privacy remained forefront in her mind. "Your father once told me you both used to fish here." She stated, eyes trained on the rippling pond yet not missing the way his ears perked up with curiosity from a few paces to her left.
Link stopped rifling through his small lure satchel and gently placed it in his folded lap. His right hand found it's way over his pressed lips as he gave a thoughtful hum. His gaze was unsure as he studied the pond. He seemed to be waiting for something... what, Zelda didn't know.
Zelda felt her mouth dry, she had meant to bring him comfort. Yet judging by his expression, she had done the exact opposite. Her brain scrambled for something, anything to say to make this right. "You didn't spend much time with him. I'm not even sure you even remembered back then." she spewed, immediately regretting the words as they left her mouth. Comforting was never one of her strengths.
Slowly, he blinked in her direction. "So, you knew my father?" he asked quietly. If Zelda hadn't been so hyperfocused on him, she might have missed the question entirely.
"Not well." She admitted. "He was captain of the Royal Guard. Before you were designated as my personal knight he would accompany me on outings." She didn't have very many memories of the man, after all Zelda didn't leave the safety of the castle walls often. Nor did she have any reason to hang around the knight's quarters before Link.
"What was he like?" he asked airily. Blue eyes returning to study the pond as if his stare would force the rippling waters to reveal the secrets he sought.
Zelda thought back for a moment, wracking her mind for details in order to give him a genuine answer. "He was a strict man." she settled after a moment. "He had a strong sense of duty, and a no-nonsense attitude when it came to the other guards. He believed in discipline and structure."
Link's expression was unreadable, Zelda could tell some thought was brewing behind those blue iris'. If only she knew what was going on in that head of his.
"He spoke of his family fondly. I believe he was very proud of you, Link." she said warmly. Hoping it would bring a smile to his face.
To both of their surprise, Link snorted in disbelief.
Zelda watched as his smug expression morphed into confused horror.
"I-" he began, choking up in his own uncertainty. "My apologies, I don't know where that came from." He explained quickly. Uncomfortably shifting, he moved the satchel to the ground and twisted his legs out in front of him. Almost as if he were getting ready to bolt at a moment's notice.
"No!" Zelda's heart plummeted into the depths of stomach. "No, I should be the one to apologize. I shouldn't have brought it up until you regained more of your memories." She said with an awkward smile hoping she came across as reassuring. After all, he rarely spoke of his father before. Zelda should have known better than to bring him up now that he had little inkling of his previous life. She had very little information to offer Link about his family. It was as if she were trying to rub salt in the open wound that was his gaping memory.
If Link was truly affected by this conversation, he gave no sign of it. In turn he gave a small smile back, "Yeah, when they come back." he said optimistically. Zelda wasn't sure who he was trying to convince.
"Indeed, when." She agreed, echoing an uneasy smile back to him. She looked down and flexed her hands, releasing them from the white knuckled grasp on the hem of her tunic she didn't realize they ended up in. She had almost wished he took a pole for herself instead of denying one due to her known inadequacy for fishing, It would have given her clammy hands something to cling onto. Instead her body language was open for all to see.
He may never get it back. Her insecurity screamed in her ears. She quickly swept the thought aside as she watched Link give a very audible stretch.
"Well-" He huffed, working the knots from his left shoulder. "I don't know about you, but I'm bored. This kind of fishing is too slow for me." He laughed, an airy sound, and pulled the- his Sheikah Slate off his hip to store the rod. "I vote we go do something else. Purah might enjoy some company?" He suggested.
Zelda could only nod numbly, watching mesmerized as his rod disappeared into inky blue spirals.
Next to her, Link stood with an audible groan. He spent a minute acclimating his limbs, complaining how fast his foot fell asleep on him. Zelda paid him no mind, her thoughts busy reeling from their previous conversation. How was it that she remained so insensitive to the man that trusted her with his very life? The rational part of her brain attempted to soothe her growing anxieties, reminding her that Link didn't seem phased by the conversation. A small scoff meant nothing. Another louder part of her brain reminded her that Link had always been good at hiding his emotions. It screamed at her until it began boiling over, finding its way into her trembling limbs.
A hand in her peripheral was enough to instantly derail her thoughts. Green eyes found themselves locked onto blue ones. Any doubt that plagued her mind vanished as she took hold of his palm and allowed herself to be pulled to her feet.
"You know, when Bolson suggested fishing with a rod, I thought It'd be a tad more exciting." He mumbled.
Zelda could only blink in response, "How else would you fish?"
Link practically lit up beside her, "Electric arrows of course! How else?" He stated proudly.
"That's not how you fish at all, silly!" Zelda couldn't help but giggle at his overly prideful stance. "Your friend Bolson was correct in doing it with a rod."
The Hero gave a very unheroic puff of air and folded his arms over his chest in a pout, "Yeah well, we've been out here for hours and we haven't caught a single fish. I could shoot a single arrow and get at least 7 at once."
"I suppose I'll have to give you that. Please do be cautious with those arrows and water though, you may give our Zora friends a heart attack if they see you haphazardly shooting the water."
"Oh yeah, they absolutely hate it. Prince Sidon thought I was a man possessed the first time he saw me do it. Nearly got stuck in a Zoran Institution. I shudder at the thought."
Zelda couldn't help but smile at the warm hearted joke at the Zoran's expense. "Yes, I suppose you wouldn't fare well locked up. You seem to have a penchant for moving constantly. I suppose it's best to stick to the rod, right?"
Link stuck out his tongue in response, earning an airy giggle from her.
The two began their trek back through the gates of Hateno. Link giving a hearty nod to the self stationed guard. She gave a curt nod back, unwilling to bend her image of duty. Zelda couldn't help but smile at how seriously they took each other's safety and wellbeing here.
The walk through the village was nice. Birds were chirping. Children running and laughing, two women gossiping near a cooking pot, shop keeper's wives yelling advertisements. Zelda could almost close her eyes and picture the old hustle and bustle of Castle Town.
Suddenly the reality of what happened to Castle Town slammed into her like a Tsunami. Zelda felt her breath hitch as a shiver raked it's cold claws down her spine. Her pace slowed until it eventually came to a stop. She took one shaky breath in… and then exhaled. Urbosa's adamant yet gentle instructions on how to breathe echoed in her brain. Though the technique may have helped her in the past when the aching disappointment in herself became too much to bear, the small reminder of her lost mother figure felt as if it would crush her ribs under its heavy weight.
Her companion, seemingly sensing her sudden dismay, turned to look at her, "Are you alright?" He asked, eyes full of heavy concern.
Zelda bit her lip and nodded. She focused on pulling herself together, even if by frayed threads, enough to continue walking past Link. She refused to turn around to see her knight's expression, knowing it would only add to the absolute despair she felt at the moment.
Boot steps picked up behind her as Link rejoined her side.
His hand found itself suddenly, yet gently intertwined with her.
Something in her felt as though she should feel embarrassed at the sudden contact. But her heart was far too heavy, the air felt far too thick, and the sounds of the lively small village were far too loud. The only thing keeping her thoughts grounded at the moment was the rough calluses on Link's hand and how he rubbed small circles over her thumb with his.
Zelda was sure it looked far too domestic. She knew both her father, the king, and his father, captain of the royal guard, would disapprove of this sort of action. Someone of her station, seen holding hands like a lowborn peasant girl with her first crush? It was practically unheard of. Much less seen with her own knight. Oh how she could almost hear the noble's of the court bicker and moan about how much more she failed to be the perfect little princess they expected of her.
But at this moment… Zelda craved the small comfort Link had offered her.
Even if the action was nothing but a hollow imitation of what the man she knew before would have done.
They continued walking about the hill. Zelda felt as though she were a ghost, being pulled as she glided to their new destination. Thankfully it was quieter up here. The only sound gracing her ears were that of Link's delicate huffs as he strained to walk up the incline mixing with the gentle autumn breeze of Hateno. If she took a deep breath, she could almost pinpoint the rotting leaves that littered the ground around them.
As they rounded another incline, the Ancient Tech Lab suddenly came into view. Zelda held her breath as she eyed the flickering blue flame. The glow of the flame always tended to pull dangerously at her memories. Images of guardians and their bright blue beams wreaking havoc found their way to the forefront of her mind.
Before Zelda had a moment longer to dwell on the resemblance, the door to the lab slammed open with an unceremonial thunk.
"Linky!" a small shrill voice rang out, startling Zelda out of her thoughts. A small child- No, a false child, Purah stood there, practically vibrating with poorly contained excitement. "Oh! And you brought little Zellie along with you too!" Her small figure launched and grabbed Zelda's frazzled hand with both her small ones. "Come, come! There is just so much we have to discuss!" Zelda couldn't do anything aside from let herself be pulled inside by the 7 year old girl, or 125 year old, she wasn't sure.
The warmth of the Ancient Tech Lab rushed to meet Zelda's chilled flesh. Zelda sighed happily. The Calamity had been frigid. Something that sank deep into her ethereal bones and into her very being. Zelda welcomed the warmth and found safety and security in it.
The lab was just as she remembered. Chaotic. Books and papers strewn all about. Reports scattered every workplace the small area had to offer. A constant buzz of machinery that Zelda had yet to ask about continuously echoing in the background.
Her last visit, Link had nearly slipped on some loose papers. She could recall his insult to the area, calling it a pigsty. Purah just smiled and snapped in his face. It's an organized mess. Mind watching your step Linky boy. Or else you'll ruin some of my valuable resources with your clumsy self.
Behind her, Link shut the door sealing the cool autumn air out and pulling her from her recent memory. Purah let go of her hand in order to rush towards her assistant. Symin, if Zelda's memory serves. Footsteps stopped beside her. Zelda glanced over and met the apologetic smile of her appointed knights with a confused look of her own. He gave a half-hearted shrug as if to say 'she's just like this sometimes.'
Zelda recalled working with Purah over a century ago. A very intelligent young Sheikah though she was, she was also very excitable and optimistic. Yet Zelda distinctly remembers her being far more reserved than the young girl before her. Was time alone enough to add this more Manic trait to Purah, or was simply a side effect of this 'de-aging' rune accident she dubbed it as. Or perhaps it was something else that had Purah vibrating in anticipation to show them.
"Welcome, welcome! You both have impeccable timing!" Purah announced from her makeshift tower of thick bound books. "Symin and I have a super exciting discovery I assume both of you would be interested in!" She cackled. Small hands reached up to adjust her hair ornament before continuing. "Now, we all know there is still so much we don't know about ancient sheikah technology. Though we have made several large strides in the past, we seem to have come to a… roadblock if you will."
"There is far too much corrupted data for us to work with." Symin supplied as he made his way beside Purah. The man's tall demeanor dwarfs the young scientists on her pile of books, highlighting just how small Purah truly is.
"Yes, well, though unavoidable, I've been working on restoring as much as I could. Get this, I came across a particular function that may have been used to manipulate brain activity-"
"Brain activity?" Zelda echoes, her inner scientist being tugged to the surface, thirsting for more information. How could it possibly interfere with brain activity. What sort of function does it serve? Does it manipulate thoughts and feelings? She had to know.
"Yes, brain activity. We don't know for certain what it was used for. But-" Purah figited, suddenly looking a little agitated, suddenly a little unsure of herself.
"But?" Link asked, curiosity painting his features. His hand lowered to rest on the sheikah slate sitting unassumingly on his hip.
Zelda herself bit her lip in poorly contained anticipation. What sort of thing did Purah uncover?
"I don't want to make any sort of promise until we have more information, maybe test it out a little. But! We think it might be possible to restore your memories!" Purah finished with a snap.
From aside her, Zelda could feel Link's entire world shift.