Chapter 31: A Memory Lapse

AN: Hey everyone! I got another chapter ready for you. I'd really like to know what you all think, so please don't hesitate to leave a review for any of the chapters. I do appreciate the feedback. But again, I'm grateful that you are reading my work and I am thankful for all the people who enjoy it. Thank you once again and enjoy!

***I don't own anything in this story, so please don't sue me.***

She sat up in fear and looked around her surroundings. The first thing Samantha noted about her surroundings was that her bed was rather small; like it was meant for someone shorter than her. The second thing was that she noted was that she was in a castle of sorts.

"You're awake." Samantha turned her head to see Prince William, firstborn of the Crimea kingdom, approach her with a tray of assortments used for tea. "How are you feeling?"

"I am well, thank you. But…where am I?"

"Fort Alpea. It's…I suppose one might call it a summer home…of sorts."

"Fort Alpea?"

"Mother uses it only in cases of emergency. She doesn't like leaving Crimea for extended periods of time, but when she must…she comes to Fort Alpea."

"Where is Genny?"

"Lady Samantha…you were alone. Tea?" He offered.

"What do we have?" Samantha sat up and licked her lips with anticipation.

"If I recall, you enjoyed green tea with lemon…unless you were sick. In which case, chamomile tea with two teaspoons of ginger and two teaspoons of cinnamon." Samantha smiled and chuckled.

"I'm surprised you remembered."

"Marcus and I have always been close allies." He smiled and poured a pot of tea into a teacup. He took two small spoonfuls of tea and squeezed a bit of lemon in the cup before stirring it and serving the princess.

"Marcus no longer lives." Samantha quietly said while she blew on the hot liquid.

"Yes. We informed Krystal of your location. She asked us to call her the moment you woke up. I will inform mother and Aunt Lucia that you have woken up when they return."

"They're not here?" She took a sip and smiled with satisfaction. "William, it is perfect."

"Your words are too kind, Lady Samantha." William bowed his head. "Perhaps we can speak another time. Your…" William sighed. "…guard will be excited to hear of your wakening."

"My guard? What is he, a fan of mine?" Samantha questioned.

"She…" He corrected her. "…admires her former babysitter."

"…Juliet? She's been watching over me." William poured two more cups of tea before walking towards the door. "Juliet, how would you like your tea?"

"Sugar and lemon, prithee." Juliet entered and a great big smile spread across her face. "Lady Samantha!"

"Juliet." Samantha smiled and the young girl rushed to her side.

"I am joyus thou art alive and well."

"I miss your Shakespearian speeches." Samantha laughed. "Have you been at my door all night?"

"I wouldst guardeth thy doth'r f'rev'rer if't be true thee hath asked me to."

"What will I tell your mother?" Samantha questioned the young girl. It was as if she had not thought of that suggestion had not occurred to her.

"Moth'r doest not needeth to knoweth." Juliet said sheepishly while digging a foot into the ground.

"For now, William-"

"It's already made." He whispered as he poured a liquid into her teapot and served his cousin. "Let us speak with her for a few moments. She will be out within ten minutes." Samantha nodded and moved to the side.

"Why don't you have a seat, Juliet? You and William can tell me all about what has happened to Crimea?" Juliet took the tea ad carefully sipped it as she began to lie next to the Hylian princess. "Tuck yourself in, my dear. We wouldn't want you getting cold." She carefully held both plates while Juliet tucked herself in next to Samantha. "Comfy?" Juliet nodded as Samantha handed her tea back to her.

"Mother, Aunt Lucia, Uncle Bastian, Marcia, and Kieran. That is all who remain of the kingdom."

"Where is everyone else? Please tell me they aren't-" William sipped his own tea and waited for Samantha to confirm her previous sentence. "…I'm so sorry."

"After witnessing father's death…mother…" He cleared his throat. "She fell into a great depression. She could only watch as the other knights protected the castle and gave their lives in doing so. After the last two fell, she withdrew and abandoned her home. She remains here until a viable solution presents itself." William explained to the princess.

"Genny might be that solution." Samantha stated.

"Who is't this…" Juliet yawned as eyes began to grow heavy and she almost dropped her cup of tea. Samantha caught the cup and handed it to William. "…Genny thee speaketh of?"

"She's a young laguz girl who is traveling with my sister. I hope all is well with them…but hey, it's my sister. She's the smart one…she can't cause too much trouble, right?" She chuckled and took another sip of tea.

"Shall thee bid me a st'ry? Prithee?"

"Sure." Samantha smiled while Juliet curled up next to her. "There once was a beautiful young girl named…"

"Juliet…" The young girl uttered quietly while her eyes grew heavier and heavier.

"Juliet…" Samantha repeated quieter. "She was the most beautiful girl in all the lands." Samantha barely made it into the story before the young girl was already fast asleep in the bed.

"What happened? I mean, prior to us finding you?" William quietly inquired.

"I…I was with my grandmother. The afterlife, it was called."

"Life after death?" William asked with surprise. "Surely, you jest."

"I have never lied to you, William. I gain nothing by deceiving you now." William could see the sincerity in her eyes and he nodded for her to continue. "Before that, I willingly gave my life to protect my sister's friends. Gannondorf said he needed me out of the way…but I don't understand what he meant by that."

"You think Gannondorf is behind this?"

"I think there are too many pieces I don't have yet. Like the book that is currently with my sister…and Genny's parents, and what is happening." Samantha quietly spoke while staring blankly forward.

"Well, while you are looking for those answers, feel free to stay as long as you wish. For Alpea has quite the selection in books to entertain your mind and once my mother arrives, I'll be sure-"

"William? Who are you-" Elincia froze as she opened the door and stared at her son. "Wait…William; you said she was a statue."

"Mother." William set his plate on the tray next to the bed. "She was a statue. You saw her as I did."

"Statues do not move, William." Elincia replied. "Lady Samantha…are you well?" She quickly rushed to her side and noticed Juliet fast asleep next to her. "I see Juliet is happy that you are here."

"She is fast asleep. Shall we move to another room? She spent all night guarding my door."

"All night? William…" She spoke in a hushed, yet stern tone.

"I insisted she return to bed. But she refused to move an inch. You know how she is when she has made up her mind." Elinica smiled and nodded.

"She's as stubborn as your Uncle Bastian." Her attention returned to the Hylian princess. "Are you able to move? William, please assist her out of bed and into the dining room."

"Of course, mother." William got up and carefully assisted in getting her out of bed. It was at this point that Samantha discovered her clothes were in fact, made of burlap sacks. Her top was made of a simple sleeveless shirt and short shorts made some a second burlap sack.

"Um…William…why-"

"Mother changed you before she left. I did not see anything, if that is what you are worried about." William said while she put an arm around the prince and he carried her towards the dining room.

"Don't expect me to kiss you. I am a married woman, after all."

"Do not worry. I have higher standards." William smirked as he managed to quietly open and shut the door while holding Samantha. Her jaw dropped as if she should be insulted by his implication that she was beneath him. However, her mouth formed a smile and she began laughing.

"You're such an asshole." She folded her arms and turned away. "Now, I definitely not kissing you."

"Well, I tried my best." He smirked and made his way to the dining room. He finally set her down on the couch and his mother sat in a chair directly across from her. William stood nearby like a knight giving respect and distance to their rightful ruler.

"William, sit down. Princess Samantha will not harm you." She turned to Samantha and winked. "…please?" Samantha grinned and pat the seat next to her.

"I'm so cold…and so lonely…if only a big, strong, man could-"

"I'll get you a blanket." William turned to fetch a blanket for the princess. Elincia gave a warm laugh.

"Oh William…" Elincia smiled and looked back up. It was as if she had just realized what she was wearing. "About…about your outfit…"

"I wasn't going to question it."

"We didn't have any clothes that fit you. I am only five feet tall and my closest friend, Lucia, is only five four."

"Where are my clothes?" Samantha looked at the door and saw a blue haired woman walking towards them.

"Elincia, I-" she paused for a moment and saw Samantha sitting on the couch. "I like your new clothes." She joked and handed her a bag. "It's not much, but…it should be enough while I wash your clothes. They're filthy by the way." Lucia stated and pointed towards the nearest bathroom. "Though that hallway, third door on the right. Do you need help getting there?"

"I should be alright, thank you." Samantha stood up and, though her legs shook, she managed to walk towards the bathroom. Though it wasn't as big as Castle Crimea, Fort Alpea was incredible in size. The bathroom looked was the size of a master bedroom. Samantha quickly changed into the clothes and admired them in the mirror. She wore blue loose jeans, a white t-shirt that had a giant heart in the middle. It also had the word 'I' at the top and 'Crimea' at the bottom. She exited the bathroom and returned to the dining room.

"You like it?" Lucia asked with hope.

"I guess you couldn't find any 'I heart Hyrule' shirts, huh?" Samantha joked and Lucia smiled.

"That shithole city? I hear that royal family has a big ego." Samantha smiled and scoffed before laughing.

"You Crimeans are so rude…" Lucia chuckled and shared a smile as well.

"In any case, my dear…I'd like to know where you were before all this occurred." Elincia requested. "William told me about the afterlife and I must say…that…please forgive me, but it sounds rather farfetched."

"I know how it must sound, your grace…"Samantha lowered her head to show courtesy. Though she was a princess, her mother did teach her elegance and grace towards other kingdoms. "…but what I told your son is not false. I would never lie to our allies, much less our friends."

"Surely you understand why I have my doubts."

"I do. And though I have no physical proof of its existence, I offer my word as princess of Hyrule, that such a place exists." Everyone sat in silence for a few moments.

"Lucia, William…speak freely. What are your honest opinions on this?"

"It sounds completely made up." Lucia folded her arms. "But…you and I know Zelda. We know she would never raise her children to lie or deceive anyone. I believe her claims are to be taken seriously." Samantha felt good knowing that Lucia was at least in her corner.

"William?"

"She is the firstborn of Hyrule…I have known Lady Samantha for most of my life. I consider her to be one of my closest allies outside of Crimea. I would defend her word, no matter what."

"Alright, it's settled. Samantha, we will take you at your word." Samantha smiled. "But, before you were in the…afterlife…" Elincia said, still with doubt in her voice. "Where were you?"

"I was in the Alola region. I was travelling with a little girl named Genny."

"Who is Genny?" Lucia inquired.

"I…I have reason to believe she may be from Tellius. She has black wings and black hair, like a raven."

"Kilvas." Elincia nodded.

"Right. Anyway, I met her when I was on Corneria…she's the most important thing to me right now. Getting her home is my top priority."

"Where is this young girl?" Samantha sighed.

"To the best of my knowledge, she is still on the Alola Islands." Samantha murmured. "If possible, may I have access to any and all information regarding the bird tribes? I want to look up any information regarding both Kilvas and Phoenicis."

"Of course." William replied before the queen could reply. "I will see to it you have full access."

"Thank you, Prince William. But…shouldn't I receive verification from the queen?" Samantha insisted. Elincia smiled.

"I'm so glad that Zelda has taught manners to you." Elincia beamed with pride. "Of course you can have full access to the library." Samantha then looked around like something was missing.

"Your grace, may I ask…where is Count Bastian, Lord Renning, and Romeo?"

"They are out gathering dinner. Romeo has become quite the skilled hunter." The front door opened and in ran in a young man. Three older men entered just after the young man.

"Speaking of Romeo." Elincia stood up and smiled. "Hello Romeo." The young man ran up and hugged the queen.

"Hi Aunt Elincia! I shot a buck! Right between the eyes." He cheerfully announced.

"Did you?" She looked up and saw the other three men. "Good day, Sir Kieran, Count Bastian, Uncle Renning."

"Good day to you, my queen." Kieran took a knee in front of her, followed by the other two.

"My dear queen." Bastian spoke as he rose to his feet.

"Hello, your grace." Renning said.

"Uncle Renning, I have told you countless times…you may refer to me by my first name. You are my father's brother after all."

"It seems improper to refer to you by your first name."

Uncle, please. "Elincia insisted. Lucia hugged her son.

"I missed you, Romeo." Lucia smiled while Bastian walked up to the prince.

"Prince William. You missed out on quite the hunt."

"Lady Samantha's well-being is more important. Surely, you understand, Uncle Bastian."

"I was merely making a joke." He ruffled the young prince's hair.

"Sam!" Romeo broke the hug and rushed to the princess.

"Hey, Romeo." Samantha hugged the young man. "You killed a buck? That's great."

"Princess, would you mind assisting us in-"

"Lord Renning!" Lucia's voice boomed.

"Lucia, it's alright. I'll be fine. I need to start repaying my debts for the clothes and the hospitality." Samantha stood up and began walking towards the front door. Samantha exited and began looking for the deer.

'Where is it?' Samantha thought as she wandered around; looking for anything that looked like a deer. She heard someone chuckling, but she didn't see anyone around her.

"Who goes there?" Samantha called out, but there was no response.

"Gannondorf has offered a grand reward for anyone who can bring him that triforce thingy. I want that reward."

"I won't go quietly." Samantha took a fighting stance. "Come out from wherever you are…let's settle this like adults."

"There is more than one way to get what I want." Samantha turned around to see a lanky man donning purple clothing and black overalls. He had a pink nose and a thin, pointy mustache. He opened his hand and blew some kind of pink powder at her. Samantha had no time to react and she breathed in most of the unusual powder. It filled her lungs and her eyes. She coughed and gagged at the dust particles entering her body. Her eyes burned and she groaned loudly. She tried to see where the stranger ran, but she couldn't even see where she was.

"Samantha!" Bastian called out and ran up to her.

"I c…can't see. My eyes…"

"Kieran, get some water." He instructed and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Samantha, try to remain calm.

"Count Bastian! There's a water pump over here." Bastian began walking while holding her hand.

"Samantha, I must ask you to remain calm." Samantha complied with Bastian's directions; aside from the occasional grunting and sharp inhales. He led her for what seemed like a few minutes.

"Kneel down and cup your hands." Again, Samantha complied and her hands were guided to a cold rush of water. She immediately splashed her face and continued washing her eyes out. Her sight quickly returned to her and she then began to drink the cold water. There was few more moments of coughing and groaning before she looked up and looked around.

"Where…where'd that guy go?"

"Who are you talking about?" Kieran questioned her. "There's…it's just us."

"Some thin guy…wearing purple…"

"Lady Samantha…there wasn't anyone here. We just…you were alone." Instead of arguing, she wiggled her fingers and toes and began to recollect all information to see if maybe she had forgotten anything important.

'I am a princess of Hyrule, firstborn to the kingdom, daughter of Zelda and Samus, married to Marcus McCloud, three siblings…Virginia, Alex, and Jackson, Genny is the laguz girl I was trying to bring home…what exactly was he trying to do?' Samantha questioned.

"In any case, the deer is just over here." Bastian helped her to her feet and walked towards the deer. It was a huge buck with an arrow sticking between its eyes. Samantha gave an approving whistle.

"Wow, what a shot. Romeo took it down himself?"

"Yes. It was an incredible shot. You should have seen it. Here, grab the head. Kieran and I will lift the body." All three of them got into place. "On three…one, two…three." The three of them grunted as they lifted the buck through the main door and towards the kitchen. They set it down on the kitchen floor before breathing a collective sigh of relief.

"Gods, that…that was a massive animal." Kieran complained while stretching his back.

"Chin up, Kieran. We'll have enough food for weeks. Plus, what we don't use…we can trade for necessary supplies. Thank you for assisting us, Princess Samantha."

"Yes…do you…" Samantha lightly groaned as she placed a hand to her head.

"Princess? Is everything alright?"

"Just…a little headache is all." Samantha shook her head. Lucia approached the group.

"Sam…do you want dinner or…" She paused and looked at the princess. "…Sam, you look pale…here, let's get you to bed."

"No, I'm…" She sighed and nodded. "Before I go, I need to know where the library is."

"Of course. Do you have a hunger for knowledge?" Bastian questioned her. Samantha didn't feel like repeating herself, but she remembered that Bastian wasn't there the first time she asked.

"I just need to find…"Samantha paused; she seemed to forget what it was she was supposed to do.

"You must be really tired." Lucia joked. "You rest up and I'll start looking up everything about Genny. I'll make calls and see what I can dig up. Sound good?" Samantha put on a weak smile and nodded. "Let's wash up and get you to bed." Samantha washed her hands and returned to her room. Juliet was still sprawled out across the bed.

"I'll wake up Juliet. I can move her to-"

"It's fine." Samantha looked around. "Can I at least have my underwear?" Lucia laughed and pointed to the closet.

"They should be dry, alongside your clothes." Samantha retrieved them and changed in the bathroom. She returned to the bedroom and crawled in next to Juliet.

"Rest your head; I will begin looking for Genny's parents." Lucia quietly closed the door and Samantha fluffed her pillow before closing her eyes.

'Who is Genny?' Was the last thought she had before returning to her slumber.