Chapter 4

"You may wield the Master Sword, Princess. It seems unproductive to use other weaponry." Fi's voice chimed. Zelda noted the sword light up on her back as if proving its strength in battle.

"Maybe... but you've never seen me with a sword. I'm... not very good. Besides, I don't want to use up your energy." Zelda spoke as she continued to pick up a crudely made bow next to a bokoblin's corpse. They had run into the beasts on the way up to the Shrine of Resurrection. Fi had easily dispatched the group, and was now, as Zelda presumed, resting inside the sword leaving the former royal to loot what was left of the monsters for anything useful. Before, such things were unnecessary. Any supplies Zelda needed would have been given to her at a town or at the castle. She wasn't a fool though (she hoped at least). They didn't even know if any major towns survived through Calamity, therefore, any supplies would be useful.

Zelda hummed quietly, finding a quiver strapped to one of the beast's belt. It wasn't monster-made, instead it probably was taken from one of its victims. Unhooking it from the corpse, Zelda strapped it to the back of her own belt. The weight felt strange, but Zelda figured that was something she could get used to. After all, it would prove useful, as she would easily be able to reach any arrows that were put in it.

"I was not aware you had skills in archery." Fi's voice spoke up, causing a light blush to surface on Zelda's cheeks.

"Not really, but I can't just keep cowering and running every time we encounter a monster." As if to prove her point, Zelda tested the bow she had picked up, holding it out and pulling back the string. It felt rough in her hands, but that was expected, since it was made crudely by the bokoblins. There was no arrow to send flying, but the string snapped back into place.

"If that is your desire." Fi stated, her voice laced with a disapproving undertone. The disapproval sent a familiar sting down her spine. Some might have found Fi's words to be strange, but Zelda was used to disapproval from her father and others. She had simply just automatically assumed that to be Fi's response.

As they finished checking for supplies, Zelda let a pleased smile come to her lips. Fi had taken down three bokoblins, which left three very important items: the bow, the quiver, and a few arrows that Zelda happily put away. She would have to practice later, but for now, it was time to continue on to the shrine. They were almost there after all.

The path leading up to the shrine showed that the two were closer to the Temple of Time now. Up close, the temple looked even worse. A once beautiful structure brought low by battle and time. The decayed, disabled guardians' corpses were littered about. Clearly, the mechanical monsters had attacked the temple furiously when the Calamity took control of them.

The words from the woman in Zelda's dream the night before came back to her, causing the former royal to shutter. She had had strange dreams before, even dreaming of the woman before, but never had the dreams been so clear. They'd never told Zelda to do something. It almost frightened Zelda thinking about what could happen if she did go to the temple, or even worse, if nothing would happen at all. The dream would be just that, a dream.

Zelda shook the thoughts from her mind. She would think about whether to go to the temple or not after she checked on Link. Up ahead, Zelda spotted the Sheikah-styled arch carved into the entrance of what seemed like a normal cave.

Wasting no time, the hylian hurried inside the cave, noting how a lot of the amenities that she and the Sheikah scientists set up were gone. The cave, though, largely remained the same as it was nearly a century ago.

Jumping down a slight drop, Zelda landed in a puddle of water. The liquid seeped through her boots, wetting her feet. However, she was met in front of her with a large door. Luckily, this too seemed to be the same, even the Sheikah eye was still emblazoned on its front. The former royal assumed there would be no easy way of entry, after all, there was no control panel. The Sheikah decided on that as a safety measure so that the shrine would be sealed completely, and whoever lay healing inside would be safe. Somehow, though, the door seemed to sense Zelda was not a threat, and it began to slide open.

Zelda coughed as dust and dirt filled the air as the old door moved. Dim light filtered out from ahead. The air felt stale, and as Zelda walked forward, she could see the massive machine before her that held Link within.

The shrine held Link within a sealed bed, filled with a water of some kind. Slowly but surely, the hero would be healed of every wound he had obtained on that fateful day. At the cost of his memories, he would live. That was all that mattered.

Not wasting any time, Zelda hurried over to the Sheikah control panel that was by the door. Just as she thought, whoever took Link here placed her old Sheikah slate within the panel for Link's use when he awakened. Taping on the slate's screen brought up a small prompt detailing Link's status inside the chamber. Zelda frowned as she looked over the data in front of her. Link was still healing even now! If they ended the slumber of resurrection now, not only would he be without his memories, but he would also still carry some of his injuries.

At the very least, Zelda let out a sigh of relief knowing Link was safe and healing.

"Is Master Link healing to satisfactory standards?" Fi's voice chimed in Zelda's ears, almost sounding concerned. Zelda let a small smile come to her lips, as she turned off the slate. She could take it with her, but on the chance Link woke up without her here, the slate would be useful to guiding him where he needed to go.

"Yes," She answered, " in a decade or so he should be as healthy as can be. For now, though, it looks like we're on our own." Fi was silent for several moments while Zelda went about checking the chamber itself. She wanted to make sure there wasn't anything visibly malfunctioning. Soon, Fi spoke up,

"There is a strong possibility that my master will not be fit to fight before our barrier begins to fully fail." Zelda frowned, she had already known this, so she waited to respond, feeling Fi about to continue.

"It may come to you having to face the Calamity without Link's aid." There was no hesitation or cushioning the reality in Fi's tone. The sword spirit spoke bluntly, and Zelda flinched, already having thought that briefly on the way here.

Zelda wasn't a fighter, nor did she understand her sealing magic ...or any magic, for that matter. What chance did she stand against the strongest force of evil, even with Fi's help? There was the real possibility that Zelda would have to fight Ganon, and there was little doubt in her mind that she would die trying.

"I'll be as ready as I can be….if it comes to that." There was a somber finality in Zelda's voice. She wouldn't run away if it came to having to fight Ganon herself. Perhaps then, if she failed, Link could still rise and push Ganon back himself. She wasn't sure how he would without the sealing power, but Link had the skill. There was little doubt that he would find a way to save Hyrule.

"I will assist you in anyway possible, Princess. You shall not be alone." Fi said, as if she could sense Zelda's downturned mood. Hearing the sword spirit's reassurance didn't give Zelda anymore confidence, but it did bring a small smile to know that Fi was right behind her.

"Thanks Fi." She made one final examination of the chamber before continuing, "Alright. Link should be fine as long as we seal the door back up."

"What is our next objective, then?" Fi no longer spoke with the smallest amount of (Zelda dare say) emotion. The sword spirit was back to business. Zelda thought for a moment as they left the inner chamber and began heading out of the shrine. The door sealed shut behind them with a loud, shuddering thud.

"We should see if Kakariko Village is still standing. If there is anyone who would help us against the Calamity, it would be the Sheikah… if… there are any left." If there were any people that would commit the threat of Calamity Ganon and how to stop it to memory, it was the Sheikah tribe. Among them was Impa, a high ranking Sheikah warrior a century ago. The woman had always been pillar of strength and wisdom. Zelda held a small hope that Impa was still alive. She and Zelda had spent much time together when the former royal would visit with the Sheikah tribe to study the ancient technology along with their scientists. It was among the Sheikah Zelda had felt most accepted and at home. Her own people looked down upon such pursuits, instead believing Zelda should be busy studying her Goddess-given powers.

Reaching the ledge that lead out of the cave, Zelda was pleased that compared to the climb she made to get to the Plateau, this was nothing, the only difficulty being a slight ache in her muscles still persisting.

The hylian blinked several times upon exiting the cave. The sun was fairly low in the sky now, but the sudden change of light from the dim lighting inside the cave was very apparent.

"No treasures to be found in there I'm afraid, my looter friend." Zelda jumped, looking for the source of the voice and finding a large, elderly looking man sitting under a tree a few feet away. He had a hood that covered his face mostly, but his bushy, gray beard stuck out.

"Excuse me?" Zelda couldn't help but feel offense at the man implying she was a simple looter. She may not be a princess anymore, but she hoped she didn't appear that mangy to be mistaken for a barbarous thief. She watched the old man tense up as his head turned to fully look at her. She assumed it was from the glare she sent him, but the man recovered quickly, standing up with the help of his staff that held a lantern to it.

"Apologies, it is rare to see anyone other than thieves looting these ruins for treasures. I did not want to cause offense." The man said as he approached, his lantern clanging against his staff as he moved. Zelda relaxed a little, always ready to accept an apology if given honestly.

"No problem, and who might you be?" Zelda took a step back, keeping her distance from the man, not liking how he towered over her smaller frame. She knew Fi would appear to protect her if the man was malicious, but Zelda would rather avoid things getting to that point.

"Just an old man of no importance, and who might you be?" The man repeated Zelda's words with a slight chuckle. Zelda frowned, the man's voice sounded familiar.

"Zelda." Before she could say anything else, the man went ridged with a sharp intake of breath. He whispered her name, taking a step closer to Zelda.

"I-It's really you... you're alive….Zelda..!" The man's voice was thick with emotion, and Zelda took another step back. He seemed to notice Zelda's growing discomfort and let out a half gasp of air, half laugh.

"You don't recognize me? My daughter, it's me…." the words faded and Zelda had to look away as a flash of light resonated from the man. When Zelda blinked, the old man that once stood before her in old, worn clothes was gone. Now Zelda's father, King Rhoam, stood in his place before her in all his glory. Except Zelda saw how he hovered slightly off the ground, his body nearly transparent, green flames surrounding him.

"Father," Zelda bite her lip, fighting tears. She didn't cry when her mother died, and she wouldn't cry now.

"Zelda, how are you alive? Everyone assumed you died after creating that barrier." Rhoam frowned deeply and Zelda swallowed the guilt festering in her stomach. If that was what everyone assumed happened, then that meant her father died afterwards, meaning he died believing he was going to join his daughter.

"Fi, the spirit inside the Master Sword, put me in a form of stasis. I just recently returned from it, and I came here to check on Link." Rhoam stared at her for several moments after she spoke. His eyes looking her over, no doubt noting the ragged clothes and dirt that clung to her. Zelda tried her best to clean herself up when she could, but it was no substitute for one of the baths back at the castle.

"You should return to the stasis then. Link has yet to awaken. It's too dangerous for you to be out with Ganon so close to breaking out of the castle." His words were firm, but Zelda frowned, clenching her fist.

"I'm not going to do that, father." The words felt so strange, but Zelda couldn't blindly obey her father now. The man seemed surprised by this and his brow furrowed.

"Zelda, it's not safe…"

"As if I didn't already know that! I didn't teleport here! Guardians are still swarming around the castle, and I dread to think what is going on around the rest of Hyrule. I can't sit idly by father, Ganon may break through the barrier before Link awakes. I have to do my part to ensure he is defeated!" Zelda snapped. For years, she had done everything to please her father. She prayed everyday, despite never hearing the Goddess's voice. She put aside everything she enjoyed to listen to her father's orders. But no more, the king before her was gone. As was his kingdom.

"But Zelda…" Whatever he wanted to say, Zelda didn't want to hear it. She didn't expect to ever see her father again, and the wound was still too raw.

"No, I'm sorry, but…" It was too much for the former royal. Taking one last look at the man that was her father, Zelda bolted down the hill. She heard a cry from her father, but didn't care. Tears burned down her cheeks, but she ignored them as she ran.

Zelda ran down the hill away from the shrine as fast as her feet would take her. Almost tripping and falling down instead, but Zelda couldn't care to take notice. Her breathing was fast and heavy, her mind whirling at what just happened.

"Princess." Fi's voice was a small footnote to the whirling thoughts in Zelda's head. She was such an idiot, she thought, and probably just threw away her only chance to see her father again. It didn't matter though, he was gone. Gone like her mother. Zelda had to continue. Had to save Hyrule. Had to stop Ganon. Had to free the divine beasts. Had to…

Zelda didn't even realize she was at the steps of the Temple of Time until her legs gave out from under her, and she collapsed in front of the main entrance. Breaths coming out in heaving gasps, she felt like she couldn't breathe. Dropping to the ground, her forehead touched cold stones, and Zelda's hands tangled in her hair that was falling out of its tie. She didn't see the flash of light or hear Fi's heels clicking against the stone. Her mind was buzzing, it was like static, clouding her thoughts. None of this should be happening, the world she knew was gone, just like her father and his floating spirit form.

"Princess." Zelda's mind screamed at the title, the one she didn't deserve. A title that had cursed her since her mother died.

"Don't call me that," she rasped, her throat felt like it was filled with cotton, holding back sobs.

"Zelda." The voice couldn't have been Fi's. It was filled with warmth that Zelda didn't deserve. All of this was her fault, if she had just mastered this cursed power. The kingdom wouldn't be in ruins, her father wouldn't be dead.

Zelda felt something brush against her, the small contact making the former royal flinch, jolting her out of her blinded state enough to look up. Fi was there, knelt down in front of her, the brushing contact had been the spirit's cloak, caught in the wind, causing it to touch her.

The sight of the expressionless spirit did nothing to calm her though. If anything, it made Zelda feel worse. The spirit shouldn't have to help a worthless failure, she thought. Fi's place was at Link's side, aiding him in defeating evil.

"I'm sorry... I…" Zelda's words came out in gasps, still holding in the sobs that wanted to escape her lips.

"You have no reason to apologize to me. To do so is a waste." Zelda shook her head, it wasn't right. Link should be the one here now, he could stop Ganon. Not her, not the princess of nothing but failure.

"I… am not accustomed to comforting. I have no data on it. However, I am sorry that your father has passed from this world." Zelda felt the tears trailing down her cheeks despite her best effort to stop them.

"It's...It's not just that, I could have stopped all of this. All this ruin, it's my fault…"

"No." Fi's solid tone stopped anything else Zelda was about to say in its tracks. Zelda looked at the spirit, surprised that there was almost a righteous air surrounding her. The spirit may not emote like a normal hylian, but Zelda now could see she was far from emotionless.

"The destruction of this land lies solely on the evil that has consumed Ganon. Your effort to stop him should be commended. Not many would have the conviction to continue trying as you have. I have little memory of your ancestors before you, but I believe they would be proud that you've made it this far." Zelda wanted to argue that she didn't make it very far at all. The only thing she'd done so far is survive, but she felt fresh tears running down her face. No one had ever told her that she did right by her ancestors, or even suggest that anyone was proud of her. Not even her own father.

"I…" Zelda wasn't sure how to respond. She wanted to believe what the spirit said, but the guilt clung to her like a parasite. The dark thoughts reminding her of her wrongdoings stayed present in the back of her mind, waiting for the chance to consume her again.

"We must not give up, this land…" Fi gestured to the calming fields of green behind them. The sun beginning to set, painting a soft orange glow on everything.

"...is one worth trying to defend, even after Ganon's destruction. Wouldn't you agree? I would not be allying myself with you if I did not believe we have a margin for success." Fi spoke, her words finally getting through to the formal royal. Sniffling, Zelda wiped her face with her sleeve, removing the tears.

"You're right," Zelda let out a breath of air, standing up. The sword spirit followed in suit.

"You must think me rather foolish breaking down like that." Zelda said, a small humorless smile coming to her face as she rubbed her eye, trying to rid the last of her tears away.

"Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. To ignore one or both would be foolish." Inwardly, Zelda chuckled, the only person who ever showed this amount of care for her mental state was Urbosa, and even then it was subdued due to their statuses. She found it funny that a seemingly emotionless spirit seemed to have more insight on Zelda's own mental health than she herself did.

Then again, as it was just proven through her last statement, Fi was far from emotionless. Her tone was going back to her normal way of speaking without inflection. The passion in her words losing some of their edge.

"I'll keep that in mind. For now, perhaps we should make camp. I don't like the idea of climbing down that cliff in the dark." While Zelda wished to put some distance between herself and this place, after listening to Fi just now, she wouldn't put herself in danger because of it, even if it meant the chance of another unwanted encounter with her father's ghost.

"Agreed, the temple here is fairly secured. I suggest here. This area by far seems more or less safe. It would appear Ganon's minions have as much trouble getting up here as you." Zelda blushed, not sure if Fi was making a jab at her or just stating a fact. The sword spirit was right, they had only encountered a few bokoblins, and the temple, despite half caved in, would serve as good cover against the elements.

"Alright, I'm going to gather some wood for a fire then." She started to set out before stopping and turning her head, "...and for the record, it wasn't that hard climbing up here." If the sword spirit could, Zelda would have bet she'd raise an eyebrow at that.

"You nearly passed out after making it to the top." Fi bluntly replied. Zelda blushed, huffing, and turning back to walk down the steps to go find the wood.

"I was just resting!"