Chapter 76 - Our Princess is in Another Castle

Summary: After two and a half years apart, Astra reunites with her sister Zelda. Aldora, suspecting she will not be permitted to retain the timeline travel rune on her Tab when she returns to North Hyrule, decides to spend some time in the Calamity Timeline.

Perched on the edge of her childhood bed, Astra's heart raced as she waited for her unconscious sister Zelda to awaken. She hadn't expected Zelda to stumble upon her so suddenly and felt guilty for the shock it caused her. She reached out to brush a stray lock of blond hair from Zelda's forehead before leaning down to press a gentle kiss to it. While Astra preferred short hair, her sister liked to wear it long and usually braided like their mother.

Each second that passed felt like an eternity until Zelda's eyelids finally fluttered open. A sense of relief washed over Astra as their eyes met.

"Astra?" Zelda whispered, her voice trembling. "Is it really you?"

Tears welled up in Astra's eyes as she nodded, "Yes, Zel. It's me. Are you okay?"

Zelda reached out, her hand shaking slightly. She touched Astra's cheek as if trying to convince herself it was real. Astra gently enveloped Zelda's hand in hers and smiled, conveying reassurance and comfort.

"When I first saw you, I thought … I was seeing a ghost."

"I'm sorry for startling you," Astra said softly, her voice tinged with regret as she squeezed Zelda's hand. "But I didn't expect you to come upon me so suddenly. I did try to message you yesterday, but it obviously never reached you. I should have messaged you again today to prepare you, but I was too eager to come here."

"But how is this possible?" Zelda asked, her voice a mix of confusion and wonder. "We thought… we all thought you were gone from us forever."

Astra took a deep breath, realizing she had much explaining to do. "I thought so, too. It's a long story, Zel. However, the short version is that the Sheikah scientists in North Hyrule maintain a connection between our timelines. They gave me a Tab rune so I can travel between them now."

Zelda sat up, and they reached out and embraced, holding each other close.

"I … I used to cry every time I walked past your room," Zelda confessed tearfully, her voice full of emotion. "I miss you so, so much!"

"I miss you too, Zel, more than words can express," Astra replied earnestly.

"At first, I was hurt you didn't say goodbye to me. But Mother convinced me that it was for the best, or we would have spent your birthday crying. Then later I found your sweet note and I …."

Zelda broke down sobbing as Astra held her close and tried to comfort her.

"It's okay. I'm back now, Sis, and I promise to visit often."

After a moment, Zelda regained her composure and shifted so she could sit beside Astra on the side of the bed, their hands still intertwined.

"I can't believe you're really here," Zelda murmured in awe. "I'm still afraid I'm dreaming."

Astra squeezed Zelda's hand gently, sharing the depth of her own emotions. "Seeing you again is a dream come true for me, too," she whispered tenderly.

Then, after a pause, Astra continued.

"Are Mother, Randall, and Horwell all well?"

"Yes, all fine. Mother is currently at the Sacred Grounds, presiding over some promotions. She still enjoys doing that, meeting and spending time with the families of those honored. There's a buffet meal and a party after the ceremony, so she won't be back until after dinner. Randall took Horwell to Castle Town for some father-son time, and they won't return until after dinner either."

Astra felt a twinge of disappointment. She didn't think she could afford to wait that long for her mother to return and would have to defer seeing her for a future visit.

"But how are you, Astra? You look well … but why the Sheikah outfit? Is that what you wear now?"

"No, not usually," said Astra with a smile. "Now I have to dress all Princessy like you and use my real name on official documents. But today, I was being cautious. I had to meet someone I didn't know, and this outfit gives me excellent freedom of movement. I … um … I'm the only next generation's blood descendant of the Goddess in that timeline … which I'm sure is the main reason I'm there, to ensure the future stability of the kingdom."

Zelda glanced down at Astra's wrist.

"Is that a new bracelet? It's lovely."

"Yes," Astra replied, feeling her cheeks warm. "A gift from someone special."

"You have a boyfriend?"

"I'll tell you more about it next time," Astra promised. "But how is my father Link doing?"

"Oh, Link …," said Zelda thoughtfully. "Yes… well… he's doing fine. He's …um … changed a bit since you left, but still happily living in Zora's Domain with Mipha."

"Please don't tell him or his family I'm back. I'd like to surprise him in person on my next visit. I'm sure he can handle the surprise."

"As you wish, Astra. I'm sure you both can," Zelda nodded. "And it is probably best to meet him in person. I will only tell Mother and Randall of your visit but swear them to secrecy."

"Thanks, Zel. I knew you would understand."

"Oh, and next time you visit, it would help me if you can find time for a brief interview with the Hyrule Herald."

"An interview?"

"You can say the details of your mission remain a secret but can confirm that you're alive and well," Zelda continued. "The reason I ask is that ridiculous publication, the Hyrule Inquirer, has been spreading malicious gossip about me concerning you, and I'd like to put the matter to rest."

"Gossip about you concerning me?"

"Yes. They dared to suggest the Royal Family is covering up the fact I murdered you out of jealousy since I, quote, 'grew envious of her younger sibling's beauty, talents, and accomplishments as Astra outshined her in many ways," said Zelda.

Astra paused and nodded thoughtfully.

"You know, I can see that, Zel. Maybe we should stick to the ghost story and that I sometimes return to haunt you."

"Astra!"

"Just teasing," Astra chuckled, squeezing her hand. "Of course, I'll do whatever it takes to help."

"In the meantime, how about we take our picture together now?" Zelda asked, wanting to capture this special moment.

Zelda held out her Tab at arm's length, took the picture, and sent a copy to Astra.

"At least messages work here," said Astra. "Anyway, I should get going before I'm missed. I .. um … kind of snuck off without telling anyone."

"You snuck off to another timeline? Wasn't that risky?" Zelda asked.

"Not technologically, but more … interpersonally," said Astra, ruefully shaking her head. "The people there don't know about North Hyrule and how trustworthy their technology is. But my behavior might provoke a scolding for being a wayward daughter … once again."

"I can see some things haven't changed," said Zelda with a grin.

"In my defense, though, I was told it was permissible to travel directly by travel gate. Nobody said that did not include travel gates in another timeline. And if anyone asks where I was, I can honestly say at the castle."

"It sounds like you're still good at getting in trouble and then being clever at getting out of it," Zelda chuckled as she squeezed Astra's hand. "But can't you please stay just a little longer? There's so much we haven't talked about."

Astra hesitated, torn between her desire to spend more time with her sister and her worry about the consequences of her unannounced departure.

"I… I really shouldn't, Zel," Astra sighed but couldn't resist her dear sister's plea. "Okay, but only for another hour."

Zelda's face lit up with joy at Astra's decision to stay longer. "Thank you, Astra. I'm so glad you're willing to risk a scolding for me," she said with a playful smile.

Astra laughed softly. "Well, what are sisters for if not to get each other into trouble?"

"And I think I have some catching up to do after all the trouble you used to get me into," laughed Zelda as she squeezed Astra's hand again.

The two sisters settled back onto the bed, sitting cross-legged, facing each other as they used to when they were younger and sharing secrets.

"So, tell me more about this 'someone special' who gave you that bracelet," Zelda said, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Astra felt her cheeks flush again. "His name is Fallon, and he's about to be inducted into the Royal Guards. He has blond hair and green eyes, much like Mother's. He's… he's terrific, Zel … kind and fun to be with, and easy to tease, too. We first met over a dish of Honey Glazed Mushrooms in Castle Town before he knew who I was. "

Zelda's eyes widened. "Oh, Astra, that's cute! Now, tell me more about your first meeting and what you've been doing together."

As Astra began to recount her story, she felt a warmth spread through her chest. It felt so natural and right to share these kinds of moments with her sister again. Then their conversation moved on to other topics, laughing about old memories and enjoying each other's company. The time flew by, and before they knew it, over three hours had gone by.

"I really better go," said Astra, glancing at her Tab for the time. "But I promise I'll return soon, and we can catch up even more then."

"Alright. But you better keep that promise, or I will pester the North Hyrule Sheikah to let me come visit you."

Astra smiled and hugged her sister tightly. "I will, Zel. I love you."

"I love you too, Astra."

After a final hug, Astra stepped back and activated the rune on her Tab. She vanished in a flash of blue light, leaving Zelda alone. Then Zelda at once composed a message to her mother.

Zelda_P_H: To: Zelda_Q_H: You won't believe this, Mother … but Astra briefly returned here! She was sorry she missed you, but has a means to return and promises to visit again and stay longer. Here's a picture we took of each other. I promised we wouldn't tell anyone else yet, as she wants to surprise them in person, so you shouldn't either.

Then she realized her mother might not get the message immediately if she was busy, but she received a reply a moment later.

Zelda_Q_H:To: Zelda_P_H: Are you serious? This is the most amazing news ever! I'm going to burst open trying to keep this to myself!

Meanwhile, earlier that day, after lunch, Sheikah scientist Aldora strolled from shop to shop amidst the hustle and bustle of Castle Town. The colorful displays and varied merchandise caught her eye at every turn. She was curious about how different things were here compared to the Hyrule she was familiar with. Her third stop was a souvenir shop selling miniature portraits of Princess Astra's coronation. Without hesitation, Aldora reached into her pouch and pulled out a handful of Rupees the princess had loaned her, then moved on.

However, despite focusing on the shops and their wares, Aldora noticed something amiss – a young woman seemed to be discreetly following her. Her Sheikah instincts kicked in at once, and she kept an even pace, careful not to reveal that she knew someone was tailing her. The woman was skilled at remaining undetected, always keeping just enough distance between them and making it appear she was just another of the many shoppers that thronged the marketplace.

Aldora's suspicions were confirmed when she reached her fifth shop and saw the same figure lingering nearby. This was no mere coincidence, and this person was quite unlike the two obvious Royal Guards who openly accompanied Princess Astra to the restaurant.

Aldora decided to confront her pursuer directly. She abruptly ducked into a narrow alley between two shops and then waited just around the corner. As expected, the young woman following her hesitated for a moment before entering the alley as well.

In a swift motion, Aldora stepped out from her hiding spot, blocking the woman's path. "Why are you following me?" she demanded, her voice low but firm.

The woman's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly regained her composure. "I'm impressed you noticed," she said, a hint of respect in her tone. "I'm Lieutenant Lara of the Royal Guard. It's our standing security protocol to investigate anyone who meets with a royal family member. I was assigned to learn what I could."

Aldora relaxed slightly but remained cautious. "I see. And what have you concluded from your investigation?"

Lara shrugged. "Nothing suspicious so far. You seem to be exactly who you seem to be - a visiting Sheikah. May I ask your name and your business with Her Highness?"

"My name is Aldora, but I'm afraid, at the Royal Family's request, my business with Her Highness is confidential," Aldora replied smoothly. "If you have concerns, I suggest you or someone in your organization speak with the Princess herself."

"Confidential?" Lara sighed. "Well, I suppose one of my superiors will have to do just that so we can complete my report. Since you have done nothing suspicious, we have no reason to detain you. Enjoy the rest of your visit. I won't follow you anymore."

Aldora nodded, then waited for Lara to leave before resuming her stroll through Castle Town. She had to chuckle to herself. Would Master Saldon be amused if she managed to get herself arrested?

Meanwhile, Lara returned to the castle, completed her report as best she could, and then made her way to her superior officer, Captain Logan.

"I've completed what I could, Sir," said Lara. "The person's name is Aldora, and there has been nothing suspicious about her behavior since I began following her. She's very sharp, but I guess that's to be expected of a Sheikah, as she spotted me pretty quickly. Anyway, she suggested we consult with Her Highness to learn about their relationship, saying she was under orders to maintain its confidentiality. So I left that section blank."

"Very well," said Logan. "I'll take it to Myra and have her ask if Her Highness wouldn't mind answering that part of the form or confirming it is privileged information. Ironically, the completed form eventually goes to Her Highness for review, so I'm sure she will understand. And though you were spotted, don't feel bad. Remaining undetected when trailing a Sheikah is almost impossible."

Logan picked up the unfinished report and made his way through the castle, then up several flights of stairs to the offices of Princess Astra and Queen Zelda.

"Good day, Myra," greeted Logan as he arrived at the area just outside the two offices. He and Myra were old acquaintances. "Are you keeping busy?"

"You know that's a running joke, Logan," laughed Myra. "Everyone always teases me about being too busy. What brings an undercover Royal Guard Captain like yourself here? Did someone steal the castle's silverware?"

"Ha ha, very funny," chuckled Logan. "In all seriousness, though, I just need Her Highness to answer one question on this form so we can wrap up our report. Can you ask her to take a moment?"

"I don't mind asking, but unfortunately, she's not here right now," replied Myra. "Her Highness had urgent matters to attend to in Castle Town and left quickly."

"But the guards who accompanied her reported that she returned some time ago," pointed out Logan. "And there has been no record of her leaving again."

"That is odd," mused Myra. "Perhaps she went to her room instead?"

"I would hate to disturb her if she's resting," sighed Logan. "But it is concerning that she did not return to her office. Just to settle things once and for all, I'll take the form to her room and check."

Logan retraced his steps, descending the stairs and walking along the corridor until he reached another set of stairs. He climbed up to the family living quarters and along the hallway to the bedrooms. But it was clear that the Princess was not there. Her bedroom door was open, and the room was empty.

"This is very strange," Logan said to himself. "I don't want to cause alarm, but I think it's best to search the castle for the Princess."

He returned to Royal Guard headquarters and initiated a search. The castle was closed to visitors, and guards began scouring every floor. Logan then returned to speak with Myra.

"Her Highness is missing, and no one knows where she is," Logan informed her. "I've ordered a full search of the castle. I'm going to join in as well."

"That's very odd," said Myra. "If I learn anything, I will let one of the guards know at once."

Queen Zelda's door was open now, and she couldn't help but overhear some of the conversation. She came out to ask Myra about it after Logan had left.

"The Royal Guard lost track of where Her Highness is," Myra explained. "She went to Castle Town to meet someone, then returned afterward, but no one has seen her since. I'm sure there's some innocent explanation."

"Innocent?" chuckled Zelda. "That's not a word I would associate with Astra - more like concerning. How did I suddenly end up needing to worry about a teenager? Please let me know as soon as you learn anything."

Despite trying to brush it off, Zelda couldn't help but feel anxious about Astra's disappearance. Where could she have gone without telling anyone?

Much later that day, as the blue light of ancient energy faded, Astra found herself back above the castle docks in the Calamity Timeline. She breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have returned safely and without incident. The joy of reuniting with her sister Zelda still warmed her heart. She made her way up the passageway to the library and was about to continue to her room when a guard rushed up.

"Your Highness! We have been looking all over for you. Are you alright?"

"Yes, fine," said Astra and then muttered, "Uh oh!" under her breath.

"I will report that you're safe," said the guard. "But I understand Her Majesty wishes to speak with you as soon as possible. I believe she is in her room."

"I'll go there at once," said Astra.

Astra hurried toward the castle living quarters. But as she turned the corner into the hallway leading to their bedrooms, she nearly collided with Purah, who let out a startled yelp.

"Princess Astra! Thank Hylia, you're safe!" Purah exclaimed, her usual energetic demeanor tinged with worry. "Where have you been? The entire castle has been in an uproar!"

Astra felt a pang of guilt wash over her.

"You won't believe this. But I met a Sheikah Scientist who installed a special rune in that Tab device. I… I used it to visit my sister in the other timeline," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Purah's eyes widened in disbelief as she exclaimed. "You what? That's amazing! You need to tell me all about it."

But before Astra could respond, Queen Zelda appeared, looking out from her bedroom door at the end of the hallway, having heard Purah's voice. Her face was a mix of relief and anger.

"Astra! In my room! Now!"

"Uh oh! I knew it," muttered Astra under her breath.

Astra gave Purah an apologetic look before walking down the hallway to Queen Zelda's room. As she entered, she could see the worry and frustration etched on her mother's face. As if trying to comfort Astra before an upcoming scolding, Zelda's cat, Mia, rubbed herself against Astra's leg.

"Where in Hylia's name have you been?" Zelda demanded, her voice a mix of anger and concern. "Do you have any idea how worried we've all been?"

Astra took a deep breath, steeling herself for the inevitable scolding. "I'm sorry, Mother. It's rather complicated. Perhaps we should both sit down?"

"It's that bad?"

"No, it's good, actually. But a little shocking."

Zelda sat on the edge of her bed and gestured for Astra to sit beside her.

"I… I went to visit my sister in the other timeline. The one I grew up in."

Zelda's eyes widened in shock. "You what? How is that even possible?"

"A Sheikah scientist installed a special rune on that device we call a Tab that allows me to travel between timelines," Astra explained, her voice growing smaller with each word. "But only to travel gates … you know, the way you said I could travel without guards."

Zelda's expression shifted from shock to concern. "Travel gate or not, Astra, that sounds incredibly dangerous! What if something had gone wrong?"

Astra looked down, feeling a mix of guilt and defiance. "I know it sounds risky, Mother, but the Sheikah scientist assured me it was safe, and I know their technology. It's quite advanced. And when I was given this opportunity… I missed my sister so much; I just couldn't resist seeing her again."

Zelda's face softened slightly at Astra's words. She reached out and took Astra's hand. "I understand your feelings, sweetheart. But you can't just disappear without telling anyone. We were all worried sick about you."

"I'm sorry," Astra said softly. "I didn't mean to cause such alarm. I thought I'd only be gone for a short while."

Zelda sighed, her anger starting to dissipate. "How is your sister?"

A smile lit up Astra's face. "She's well. It was wonderful to see her again. We talked for hours, catching up on everything. Well … almost everything."

"I'm glad you got to see her, sweetheart. Did you learn anything about your father, Link? I think of him often and wonder if he's well."

"Only that my sister said he's fine and living with Mipha at Zora's Domain. She said he'd changed a bit since I left but didn't elaborate."

"I see," said Zelda. "If you learn more, I would love to hear it."

"Um … speaking of my father, I haven't had any dinner," Astra muttered.

"Nor have I," said Zelda. "I was too worried to eat anything. But I hate bothering the castle dining staff now - it's so late."

"Can one of the guards pick up meals for us from Castle Town?" Astra suggested. "There's a new seafood restaurant called the Fish Feast that's quite good, and they stay open late. It's where I had lunch today."

Zelda smiled. "Fish, huh? We'll have to keep Mia away while we eat. But that sounds like a good idea. I'll have one of the guards fetch us some dinner. You can recommend what to order."

Zelds called for a guard, and Astra gave instructions for the meals to bring back from the Fish Feast. As the guard departed, Zelda turned back to Astra.

"While we wait for our food, tell me more about your visit. How did your sister react to seeing you?"

Astra's eyes lit up. "Oh, Mother, it was wonderful! She was shocked at first, of course. I'm sorry to say she even fainted when she first saw me. But when she awoke, we hugged and cried and talked for hours. It felt like no time had passed at all."

Zelda listened intently, a bittersweet smile on her face. "I'm happy you had that amazing chance to reconnect. But Astra, we need to discuss this timeline travel. It's not something to be taken lightly."

Astra nodded, her expression growing serious. "I know, Mother. I promise I won't abuse this ability. But… it means so much to me to see my other family again."

Zelda reached out and squeezed Astra's hand.

"Promise me you will let me know first."

"Promise," said Astra.

"And don't forget you have the Royal Guard induction ceremony coming up," said Zelda. "Are you going to mention any of this to Fallon? I'm not sure that would be wise."

Astra nodded, her expression thoughtful. "You're right, Mother. It's best to keep this quiet for now."

Zelda smiled softly. "Speaking of Fallon, how are things going between you two?"

A faint blush colored Astra's cheeks. "They're going well. We've been spending a lot of fun time together, and I look forward to seeing him at the induction ceremony."

"I'm glad to hear that," Zelda said, her eyes twinkling. "He seems like a fine young man. But remember, you're both still young. There's no need to rush into anything."

"Mother!" Astra groaned, her blush deepening. "I'm almost twenty. And I won't rush into anything."

Zelda chuckled. "Alright, alright. I'm just doing my motherly duty to embarrass you a little."

Their conversation was abruptly cut short by a loud knock at the door. The guard had returned with their meals from the Fish Feast, and Mia's ears perked up at the smell. As they made room on the small table for their food, Zelda couldn't resist offering her beloved cat a small piece of fish after carefully checking for bones.

"That's all you get," warned Zelda, knowing that too much fish could upset Mia's delicate stomach. But her feline companion seemed content with just a taste as she curled up by the fireplace afterward.

Meanwhile, Astra and Zelda indulged in their meals, savoring each delicious bite. "This is amazing," exclaimed Zelda. "You have good taste."

Astra smiled, feeling a sense of warmth spread through her body. "I've always loved fish," she admitted. "It makes me even more excited to see my father again. I know he loves it, too."

"I would dearly like to know how he is."

"I would too, and I plan to visit him next," said Astra after swallowing a bite of fish. "It will be a big surprise."