They had left Kakariko Village behind the previous day, and Zelda and Link were now travelling towards Hyrule Castle. "Zelda, I assure you that your hair looks just fine, Impa did a good job." She shook her head at his words, he was just reassuring her. She reached up, placing her hand in her hair, it felt alien being so short, but there wasn't anything she could do apart from embrace it. She briefly thought about what had occurred with the Yiga Clan member, Link had taken him down so swiftly, even without a blade. His skill had certainly improved in the past year. She then cringed at the memory of her trying to kiss him. She should've known it wouldn't end well, but her emotions were so all over the place that for a moment she forgot that he didn't remember what had transpired a century ago.
"Hopefully we can find some information which will aid us in unlocking the rest of your memories." She stated after a few moments. She had seen how frustrated Link had become when struggling to remember his past, she wished to see if there was anything they could do to return his memories to him. She figured there wasn't going to be anything of interest, and anything that might be of use to them was most likely destroyed by Ganon in his most recent assault. "Hopefully.." She glanced at him as he echoed her. He seemed quite distraught. "Is everything alright, Link?" He nodded softly before raising one hand to his forehead. "Just a headache. At times I get these overwhelming feelings of déjà vu which results in a headache." She frowned, déjà vu may potentially mean that his subconscious still remembered, but he could not access those memories.
She put her speculation aside, she couldn't base anything on an assumption. They made it to the castle at around mid day. She gazed up at its ruins before glancing back at the ruins of castle town. The place looked so different from when she'd last seen it. It was completely flattened now, buildings that once proudly crowded the area, reaching towards the sky were now no higher than knee length. It pained her to see the result of their previous failure. She sighed softly before dismounting her horse, which Link then did the same. She began to walk towards the gateway, hearing Link walk behind her. "Stay vigilant, the castle is still crawling with monsters." She nodded at that, but she doubted they would have much trouble as long as they stayed quiet. They made their way into the castle, Zelda found it odd that malice was still present. She had hoped that it all would have cleared up after the monster that created it all was defeated.
Their path was blocked off by a large wall of malice so they were forced to enter a side entrance. The area looked damp and the floor was cracked in places, allowing water to seep through. There was a gate that was closed up ahead, Zelda curiously stepped forward before hearing a screeching sound of metal on metal as a gate closed behind her. She yelped in surprise before realising she was trapped. She began to feel quite claustrophobic as she desperately tried to find a way out. "Link! I'm stuck!" He had only just entered, and as soon as he had he pulled the Sheikah Slate out. She frowned before watching a pillar of ice erupt from the water, one of the runes he had unlocked. She sighed with relief before feeling his arms around her. "Don't wander off too quickly." He sounded rather worried. "What if the gate fell on you?" He pulled back from her and she wished she could avoid his eyes, he looked overwhelmed with worry. "Link, I'm fine. I just got a little scared." He nodded softly at that before using cryonis yet again on the second gate. She got to her feet slowly before walking past the pillar.
She could feel the cold resonating off the solid wall of ice as they walked past, Link was now walking alongside her, deeming that safer. They made their way up a stairway before Link paused and pulled his sword out. She frowned before hearing footsteps up ahead. She froze as she heard a Lizalfos as it turned the corner, it stared at them for a moment before letting out a deafening screech. She stepped back as it raced towards them, Link somehow managed to dodge its swift attack. He then began repeatedly hitting the enemy until it simply fell at his feet. He was so insanely strong, even the blade seemed to appear stronger. "You didn't attempt the Trial of the Sword, did you?" She inquired softly, she genuinely hoped he wouldn't have been that insanely reckless to put Hyrule in danger just so he could hopefully improve his combat. He nodded slowly and she huffed in frustration. "Link, you idiot! What if you got killed?!" He looked down and she sighed softly, she shouldn't be scolding him. He'd already suffered enough, and she had no doubt that the Trial took a toll on him back then, he would've surely learnt his lesson.
"I'm sorry, but I figured the more I trained, the more equipped I would be to storm the castle. I didn't know what I was getting myself into, and there were so many tales of people arriving at the castle but never making it out. I had to be sure that I could make it in and out in one piece." She nodded softly, she knew he would've been scared, but she never imagined that he could be so scared that he would take on everything difficult in an effort to build up his strength. "It's okay I suppose. You proved your might in the end." She continued forward with him following behind.
They entered the Guards' Chambers. It seemed empty now, weapons on the walls were now rusted. She recalled passing by the room and hearing the friendly banter of the guards as they trained or relaxed in an area that was theirs. She frowned, she didn't enjoy these memories coming to mind, not when her home was in a state such as it was now. They left the interior, bypassing the wall of malice. They passed through the first gatehouse and Zelda was sickened by the sight that greeted them upon leaving. Malice had severely infected this portion of the path, they would have to take the long way around.
They began making their way though, passing under Zelda's room. She tried not to look at it, there were so many memories she had in her room and her study. Both good and bad. She knew that at some point during however long they would look for information that they would need to return to her room and study to consult the books that she had kept inside her room. For now though they continued forward, entering a small entrance which led downwards to the library.
She gazed at the large open hallway. It was a mess now from what a quick glance would suggest. But the more she looked the more she saw. There was a huge hole torn in the side of the building, malice blocked off the back of the hall and one section seemed inaccessible due to the pathway being destroyed. The place was empty now, though it appeared as though monsters had dwelt here over the years. She felt a sickening pain twisting her heart, so much was destroyed, so much information was now lost to time once again.
"Let's see if there's anything we can salvage." He had broken the silence, for which she was grateful. She nodded softly before making her way down the steps and further into the decayed library. She began examining the books for anything to do with Sheikah Technology. From what she could see, most of the books were no longer intact, there were pages strewn lazily across the faded floor, it was disheartening to see the shape one of her favourite rooms was now in. She eventually stumbled upon a book to do with the ancient tribe, one she never recalled reading. Perhaps this would be of use. As she reached out to grab it, the bookshelf to her right burst forward before crashing into a table somewhere behind her.
Lizalfos poured out from the fresh hole, causing Zelda to jump back in fright. In an instant Link was in front of her, his sword out in front of him. The group of monsters surrounded them, taunting them almost. Zelda watched Link put his sword back, she thought he was being crazy until he raised his hands and snapped his fingers. Electricity shot out of his hand and straight into the Lizalfos, Zelda sighed with relief before looking down at the book in her hands. She brushed dust off the cover before looking back up at Link. "I see that you have Mipha and Urbosa's powers at your disposal." She stated softly. "How is that?" She inquired before looking back down at the book. "After freeing the Divine Beasts I saw their spirits, they each gave me their abilities to use in order to help me defeat Ganon." She shot him a look of disbelief at that. "You met them?!" She couldn't believe how that would've been possible. "I also met your Father." He added, she gulped before making her way over to the table. She sat down, it was damp but it would do for now. "What did they say?" Her voice was soft and quiet, she was trying to process such a truth. "Revali was reluctant to see my triumph, Daruk was rather cheerful, Mipha was rather glad to see me it seemed." He made his way over to her, sitting down next to her. She looked up at him, knowing he was saving Urbosa and her Father for last for a reason. "Urbosa told me to tell you that she couldn't be more proud of you and for me to take care of you and Hyrule."
Zelda frowned and looked down, knowing what Urbosa meant by that. She must've forgotten that Link's memory was compromised. She realised that she was referencing their relationship in the past, and that Urbosa expected Link to be the future king, with her as the queen. Zelda hadn't even thought much about ruling the kingdom, there were more pressing matters currently at hand, the last thing she could think about was reclaiming the throne. "And my father?" She asked softly, meeting his eyes once more. "He's proud of you, truly. And he only blames himself for Hyrule's downfall." She sighed softly, at least her Father hadn't scolded her. She shook her head softly, not allowing herself to get lost in her own grief, there were more important things that she could be doing, such as reading this book.
Link could tell that hearing about those she missed so dearly was painful to her, he wondered briefly if he shouldn't have said anything on the matter, but she seemed to see his conflict. "Thank you, for telling me." He looked into her eyes, they seemed like they could erupt into tears at any given moment, but she was holding back. "What's the book about?" She placed it up on the table before blowing the remaining dust off. He read the title as she began opening the book, catching the words: 'Overview of Sheikah Technology'. Zelda seemed quite excited to be reading this, he never recalled seeing her so engrossed in anything, or maybe he had.
He sighed softly before focusing on the book. "Let's see here.." She placed her finger on the paper, running her finger down along the page as she examined the multiple chapters that were present. "A-ha! The Shrine of Resurrection.." She traced her finger across, finding the page where the chapter began. He wondered why she so desperately wished to restore his memory further. As far as he could tell he remembered everything he needed to about her, but he did long to learn more about his past life and his family. She flicked through the pages and arrived at the chapter she desired.
He followed along with her as she read silently, the only indication of her place being her finger which was steadily moving along under each word she read. As they reached the end of the chapter she let out an audible sigh. He looked at her face which appeared quite frustrated. "Nothing, no solution." She shook her head and folded her arms before meeting his eyes. "Zelda.. it's okay.." "No, it isn't." She snapped before closing the book and then placing her head in her hands. "So much happened back then, so much you don't know. I just wish you could remember.." He looked down, curious as to what she wished for him to remember. "What is it that you wish I remembered?" He inquired quietly, cautiously waiting for her answer. "Us.." She stated simply, with an exasperated sigh she had stood up, making her way back over to the shelf before pausing. "I'll hold on to this actually.. there may be something of use in here after all." He turned around in his seat to watch her. "Whatever you wish to do." He followed her gaze as she looked down towards the end of the large hallway. "We can explore the rest of the castle another day. I just can't bear to see it all in its current state. But I would like to see my room." Link gave her a small nod before standing up. "There's something I have to give you first." She frowned and tilted her head to the side before he took the Sheikah Slate out and approached one of the bookcases. He selected magnesis before pulling away a shelf, revealing a small room. He stepped inside and slowly took the journal which rested inside before exiting the room. He made his way over to Zelda before holding it out in front of him to give to her. "What's this?" She asked quickly, looking down at the small book before taking it from his hands. "It's your father's journal. I believe you should have it before it gets taken. I've no doubt there will be raiders arriving at the castle now that it is vulnerable." He found it disheartening that a historic building such as this could fall into more ruin because some people would wish to steal from it to make a profit. "Thank you, Link." Her voice was soft, her tone remorseful. He placed a hand on her shoulder before looking into her emerald eyes. She looked so upset, so guilty.
He got lost in her eyes briefly, something he knew had happened before. He broke his gaze before anything could overwhelm him. He would need to reevaluate his feelings yet again it seemed. He didn't no what to think, his whole body longed for her, but he didn't know what boundaries there were, he was so confused, he had no true reason to feel such emotion, how could he love someone he barely knew? He sighed softly before taking his hand away. "Let's head to your room and call it a day. I'm quite exhausted." She nodded at that before beginning to lead the way. "We can't access it that way, the corridor to your room is blocked off." She sighed softly before turning back around. "Of course it is.." She sighed before allowing him to lead the way.
They made their way up in silence. Zelda gasped upon stepping into the room. She clearly didn't enjoy seeing its current state. "Oh goddesses.. it's destroyed!" She exclaimed before shaking her head profusely. "The staircase, my bed, by desk. Everything.. this was intentional, I'm sure of it." She took a seat on the chair by a table, Link could see the remains of a book placed on top of it. "What's my study like?" She sighed before shaking her head profusely and standing up. "Never mind, I do not wish to see.." She looked around before beginning to exit the room. "Hold on, you may wish to see." He stated quickly, recalling the sight that greeted him upon entering. She gave him a sceptical look before reluctantly nodding and folding her arms. "How do you expect to get us up there." He folded his arms to match her posture before smirking. "We climb." She raised an eyebrow quizzically. "Me? Climb? You're being delusional, Hero." She turned her head away from him and he shrugged lightly.
"Fine, then I guess you'll never know." She looked at him again, he knew she wouldn't want to miss out on anything. "Fine then, but I'm going first, so if I fall on you that's your own fault." He chuckled lightly before waving his hand towards the wall. "Be my guest." She slowly lowered her arms before making her way over to the area where the staircase used to reside. He watched with amusement as she attempted to scale the area, but she failed to focus on getting better grip. He stepped forward before taking her hands and placing them correctly. "Alright I'll just boost you up, make sure you have a good grip though." She rolled her eyes at him before he lifted her up with his hands. She latched onto the sides before he watched her pull herself up. He quickly hopped up and leaped up, getting to his feet quickly.
"How in the name of Hylia did you scale that so fast?" She glared at him, but he could see admiration in her eyes. She got to her feet before they made their way into her study, and he heard her gasp once again as she noticed the delicate flower which resided in a mound of dirt. "It must have grown from the seeds of a previous silent princess I took home. One which you actually carelessly plucked from the ground before-" She cut herself off and shook her head. "Before I what?" She looked down briefly, shuffling awkwardly on her feet. "Before you placed it in my hair.." She replied softly. He raised an eyebrow before taking a few steps forward and gently taking the flower from the dirt. He examined it carefully before walking back over to Zelda. "Like this?" He inquired softly before gently placing the flower in her hair. Her cheeks tinted red and she looked up at him with surprise and glee. She nodded softly. "Just like that.." She whispered softly. He ran his hand through her hair briefly before beginning to remove it, she grabbed it and placed his hand on her cheek. He blushed lightly as he looked into her eyes, he glanced at her lips momentarily before her face began to advance towards his. Their lips were barely a centimetre apart before he pulled back. "Sorry.. I can't.. I'm not ready." He explained, though he felt guilty for letting things go so far. She nodded silently before making her way out of the room. He watched as she left, feeling awful. He didn't even know why he had stopped himself. He was just so conflicted at the moment.
She couldn't imagine how much emotional stress Link was under. At times he seemed to genuinely long for her, at other times it seemed as though he was only there to protect her. She wished he would just hurry up and make up his mind on how he truly felt. It was so infuriating how he kept waiting until the last moment before deciding he was unable to kiss her. She briefly touched the flower in her hair before hearing his footsteps. "I suppose we should go." She stated, looking out over the kingdom for a moment before glancing at him. He gave her a simple nod, he was back to simply protecting her. She turned and walked over to the ledge where the stairs had disappeared from. She crouched down before hopping into the room below, Link landed next to her. With that they descended the castle.
A little while later they arrived at the gates. Link shut them in an attempt to keep looters out, but she knew they would still access the castle via the moat. She glanced back at the tall structure, looking at it silently before turning and making her way forwards again. She thought she had seen something now, but she wasn't sure. She glanced back once more and saw the spirits of the Champions, and the spirit of her Father. They had been watching over the two of them it seemed. She felt slightly joyous at the revelation, but also saddened to see them in such a state. Before she could even process it, they faded away, their spirits being set free.
She heard Link inhale sharply and she gazed at him. "You okay?" She questioned and he nodded gently, but he seemed somewhat confused. "They've gone now, their abilities have left me." He explained softly, he seemed rather pale, as though the sudden extraction of such abilities had made him ill. "I feel a little lightheaded. But I'll be okay.." He stated before collapsing on the ground. "Link?" She quickly knelt down next to him. She felt for a pulse, he was breathing still, but his breath was laboured. She needed to get him to a stable, fast.