Chapter 79 - Royal Guard

Summary: In the Calamity Timeline, Fallon takes the oath of office at the Royal Guard induction ceremony. Afterward, Astra opens up to him about where she has been. Aldora spends more time exploring the Calamity Timeline and pays Dr. Purah a visit.

As the sun rose over central Hyrule, Fallon slowly opened his eyes and at once felt a mixture of excitement and nerves as he realized that today, after much hard work, he would finally be sworn in as a member of the elite Royal Guards.

This honor meant more to him than just a boost in his career; it was also a chance to prove himself to Queen Zelda and show her that he was at least a tiny bit worthy of Astra's love. And at the right time, he could eventually summon up the courage to propose to her. But as he lay there, he couldn't help but also feel a twinge of longing for his beloved as he hadn't seen her in four days.

"At least I hope to see her today, albeit officially and amidst a crowd of onlookers." he muttered to himself.

It was four days ago that he had received a short note from her delivered to him in a sealed envelope marked "personal" by a stiff Royal Guard officer whose demeanor conveyed disapproval of Her Highness having dealings with a lower ranking person like him. The letter read as follows:

My Dearest Fallon,

I am sorry to do this, but I must cancel our dinner date for tonight. An unexpected opportunity arose to visit family I have dearly missed, and I cannot turn it down. I hope you can forgive me and understand. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

With love,

Astra

Since receiving the note, he hadn't seen her or heard from her. Moreover, he had no idea where she went or how far away her family lived. Aside from her father, the legendary Champion Link who disappeared almost twenty-five years ago, Astra never spoke of other family, and their existence was both a surprise and a puzzle. He knew Astra was not yet twenty years old, so she was presumably born wherever Link travelled to. And since Astra was of royal blood, Link must have married a relative of Queen Zelda. But who?

It was known that Queen Zelda had no siblings, making it impossible for Link to have married a sister. So Link must have married a more distant relative - possibly someone from Queen Zelda's maternal or paternal line, such as the daughter of an aunt, uncle, great aunt, or great uncle. However, little was known about the Royal Family ancestry due to the loss of castle records during the Great Calamity 128 years ago.

It was also a mystery as to where Link's marriage took place and why no one ever returned to visit. For instance, why didn't Astra's father and mother attend Astra's coronation? It was indeed a puzzle that left Fallon with many unanswered questions.

Anyway, all he could do was hope that she would return in time for the Royal Guard induction ceremony at the Sacred Grounds today.

After a light breakfast which he ate alone in the mess hall as his friend Torin was taking longer than normal to get ready, he returned to his quarters to change into his newly acquired uniform. He was just finishing up when Torin arrived.

"You definitely look spiffy in it," chuckled Torin as Fallon straightened the tunic of his Royal Guard uniform. "I'm sure Her Highness will find you even more handsome."

"I hope so," replied Fallon. "I already find her irresistibly beautiful."

"Speaking of which, Farana, you remember, the Gerudo Vai I met during our desert combat training mission, is meeting me at the Sacred Grounds," stated Torin. "We're attending the ceremony together to cheer for you. She said her friend Zara may also attend as Zara said she wouldn't mind an opportunity to mingle with some Royal Guard members."

"I'm sure she wouldn't!" chuckled Fallon. "But if she does come, Torin, please keep her away from me. Even though there is no reason to be, I sense Zara's presence makes Her Highness jealous, and I don't want to upset her."

"Seriously?"

"Yes, Torin, I love her and don't want anything to jeopardize our relationship," explained Fallon. "Plus, we haven't seen each other in several days, and I don't want to start our reunion off badly."

"Hold on, your cap is crooked. Let me fix it," said Torin as he reached out to adjust it. "Why haven't you seen each other?"

"She sent a note saying she had an unexpected opportunity to visit some family members," shrugged Fallon. "I didn't even know she had any living family. But I guess it's another one of her mysterious secrets like where she came from."

"Her family is most likely the witch's coven she was born into," joked Torin. "Don't say I didn't warn you about getting involved!"

"You and your witch nonsense," Fallon laughed. "If she is a witch, she should turn you into a frog for croaking so much about it."

"That's funny," Torin chuckled. "But seriously, I should go now. I want to get there before it gets too crowded so Farana and I can have a good view of the ceremony."

"The way you've been mooning over Farana I'm surprised if you can manage to take your eyes off her long enough to even see the ceremony," joked Fallon.

"I'll look up when your name is called," Torin responded with a laugh. "Now, good luck, and don't be nervous with everyone watching."

"Thanks for the reminder! And thanks for being here for me, Torin," Fallon said gratefully as Torin patted him on the back for reassurance. "You're a great friend."

"I wouldn't miss this for the world, Prince Fallon," Torin joked before saying goodbye and walking away.

Fallon smiled and shook his head, taking one last deep breath and checking his uniform before heading to join the other inductees at the castle entrance. They would then march together to the Sacred Grounds for the induction ceremony.

As Fallon approached the castle entrance, he felt a mix of excitement and nerves fluttering in his stomach. The other inductees were already lined up, their uniforms crisp and faces solemn. He took his place at the end of the line, standing tall and proud.

Colonel Lorton, the stern-faced commander of the Royal Guard, paced in front of them for several minutes eyeing the inductees then spoke up. "Attention!" he ordered. "Remember, in a short time you will become members of the most elite and honorable branch of the Hyrule army. You will represent the crown from now on, so you must conduct yourselves with honor and dignity at all times."

He nodded at Captain Hawkins who stepped forward, saluted Colonel Lorton, and turned to face the inductees.

"Forward march!" he shouted, and they all began the short journey to the Sacred Grounds.

As Fallon strode forward he couldn't help but think about the upcoming ceremony. When his name was announced, he would make his way to the center of the dais, where he would receive his Royal Guard appointment from the Princess while kneeling on one knee before her. It was a sacred moment steeped in tradition and history, as this location had been used for such ceremonies since ancient times. It was said that almost 130 years ago, the legendary hero Link was honored there in the company of his fellow Champions. Fallon's mind wandered back to when he was a young boy and witnessed the restoration of this sacred place. Six of the eight pillars that surrounded the dais were lighter colored new construction now, but the ancient emblem at its center remained unchanged.

The weather was perfect that day, with bright sunshine and a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. As they arrived at the Sacred Grounds, Fallon noticed a pair of Bushy-Tailed Squirrels scurry off into the shrubbery, probably annoyed at all the commotion disturbing their peaceful surroundings. He looked around at the gathering crowd and caught a glimpse of Torin and Farana, her presence easily noticeable among the sea of faces due to her height and vibrant red hair. However, Zara was nowhere in sight; perhaps she hadn't come or was hidden from view. The group of inductees then took their designated places in a semi-circle on the edge of the dais.

After approximately fifteen minutes, Colonel Lorton walked towards the center of the dais and gestured for silence. As soon as the low murmurs from the crowd died down, he began to speak.

"Good day, everyone. In just a few moments, Her Highness, Princess Zelda, will arrive and preside over the ceremony. She will say a few words and then administer the oath to all of our new inductees. Each individual will then be called forward by name to kneel before the Princess and receive their knighthood. We kindly ask that you hold your applause and cheers until all inductees have been knighted. Thank you."

After another ten minutes or so, a hush fell over the crowd as Astra entered the grounds, adorned in her formal royal attire and wearing a golden tiara with three inlaid rubies in the center. Fallon couldn't help but catch his breath at her stunning appearance. Their eyes met briefly, and he saw a glimmer of warmth in her expression before she composed herself and took her place at the center of the dais.

"Good day, citizens of Hyrule," Astra began. "I am honored to conduct this year's Royal Guard induction ceremony on behalf of Her Majesty. This is my first time doing so, and she hoped I would be less nervous than our new inductees; that is certainly my goal."

The crowd chuckled softly at her comment.

"But on a serious note, this is a solemn occasion for both the inductees and their families and friends. It is no small feat to achieve the honor of being chosen as a member of the Royal Guard, and they should all be proud of their achievement. Now, inductees, if you would please raise your right hand and repeat the oath of allegiance after me."

Astra proceeded to lead the inductees in reciting the oath that included swearing their loyalty to serve and protect the Royal Family, including preserving their secrets, and to defend the people of Hyrule while obeying all laws of the kingdom.

"Now, it is my honor and pleasure to call each of you forward to receive your appointment," Astra announced.

She began to call out the names of the inductees one by one, and they approached her, then knelt on their right knee to receive their honor. Afterward each one stood and bowed their head in thanks, then returned to join their fellow inductees along the edge of the dais. The fourth person she called forward was Fallon.

"Fallon, please step forward," Astra said with a smile.

Fallon approached and knelt on his knee before her.

"Having met the requirements and taken the oath of allegiance, I hereby appoint you as a member of the Royal Guard," Astra declared proudly as she raised her hand towards him. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Your Highness," Fallon replied with gratitude as he stood, bowing his head briefly and then heard Astra whisper. "Meet me at the castle after the ceremony."

Fallon discretely nodded his heart beating with excitement as he returned to stand among his fellow inductees.

After the ceremony concluded with Colonel Lorton saying some final words, inductees sought out family and friends in the crowd. Torin and Farana approached Fallon and offered their congratulations.

"Well done, dear friend," said Torin as he shook Fallon's hand. "You should be proud!"

"Congratulations," said Farana. "From what Zara tells me of your combat skills, I am sure this honor is well deserved. By the way, Zara was planning to accompany me today but she met a Voe she found interesting along the way when we stopped to rest at Outskirt Stable. So, she sends her regrets."

"Thank you and no need to apologize. I understand completely," said Fallon. "Now I need to go to the castle. I have an appointment there."

"Yes, by all means start your new career by guarding that special royal in your life," teased Torin as Fallon waved goodbye.

Fallon's heart raced with anticipation as he made his way through the throng of people, nodding politely to well-wishers and fellow guardsmen he passed, his mind focused solely on reaching the castle to meet Astra.

Upon reaching the castle entrance, a guard directed him and he found Astra waiting for him in a secluded alcove near the main hall. Her eyes lit up as she saw him approach, and without a word, she pulled him into a tight embrace.

"Congratulations and I've missed you," she whispered, her breath warm against his ear.

Fallon held her close, inhaling the familiar scent of her hair. "And I missed you," he murmured. "Very much."

Astra pulled back slightly, her hands still resting on his shoulders. "You look so handsome in that new uniform," she said, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "I almost forgot my lines."

Fallon felt a blush creep up his neck. "You were magnificent," he replied. "I've never seen you look more regal."

"Well, maybe I'm finally growing into that part of my job," laughed Astra.

"You're already perfect in so many ways, sweetheart. But your note said you were away visiting family? I didn't know you had any relatives. Are they far away?"

Astra smiled slightly as she replied,"You could say that. Visiting my family is quite a challenge, but the chance to see them again after over two long years apart was too good to pass up. She looked at Fallon and asked, "By the way, do you have to report for duty or have anything else to do today?"

"No, inductees were given the day off to celebrate," said Fallon. "I don't go on duty until an orientation meeting tomorrow. I was kind of hoping we could make up for lost time today."

"Lost time," Astra chuckled and looked away for a moment. "That's such a fascinating expression, Fallon, and can mean so many things. Anyway, let's stay by the castle and have a private dinner together later. It's your duty to protect me now, after all."

Fallon laughed. "Protect you? I feel safer with you than anyone else I know! Well, from physical danger at least." He quickly corrected himself, blushing slightly. "I mean... I feel unsure about what you're thinking or how best to make you happy."

Astra placed her hand on his arm reassuringly and said, "A little mystery is a good thing but you're doing wonderfully so far, just by being yourself. And I love you for who you are."

Fallon couldn't help but smile at her words. "I love you, too."

Astra took Fallon's hand, interlacing their fingers. "Come, let's go find somewhere more private to talk. It's a beautiful enough day to spend some time in the castle garden."

They walked through the winding corridors of the castle, passing servants and guards who acknowledged them with quick bows and curtseys. At last, they reached an exit that led to the tranquil gardens, where sunlight streamed through the lush green foliage. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the delicate petals of budding rose bushes. Alongside them, bright white Silent Princess flowers mixed with Blue Nightshades and purple hyacinths, ushering in the early signs of spring, and adding a burst of color to the green landscape.

As they settled into a comfortable walk holding hands, Astra turned to face Fallon. "I want to explain about my family," she began hesitantly. "It's... complicated. And a bit hard to believe."

Fallon squeezed her hand encouragingly. "Whatever it is, you can tell me. I'm here to listen. And you can trust me to keep whatever you tell me secret - I've just taken an oath to do so."

Astra inhaled deeply before speaking. "My family... they're not from this time. They come from over 80 years ago, but a different past than the one we live in."

Fallon furrowed his brow in confusion. "I don't understand. A different past? How is something like that even possible?"

"Do you remember the stories about the Calamity that happened 128 years ago? About Princess Zelda, and Link, and the four brave Champions who lost their lives?"

"Of course, everyone learns about that in school," Fallon replied.

"What if there was a way to prevent it from happening the way it did?"

"But it already did happen - you can't change that," Fallon argued.

"You're right - you can't change it for us - not in this timeline," Astra explained. "But what if someone could travel back in time and create a new reality, branching off from this one into a different future? That's what my father Link did almost 25 years ago thanks to the Temple of Time and Sheikah technology. He left here, and he and the rest of my family are living in that alternate timeline."

Fallon looked away for a moment then turned back.

"So ... given your age, you yourself must have come from that other timeline? You're ... not really from here?"

"It's a bit more complicated than that but yes, that's probably the easiest way for you to understand it," said Astra after a pause. "That's why my arrival here seemed so mysterious. I was sent here by Goddess Hylia to help save our kingdom, which had no hero able to defeat the Yiga Clan. "

"I see," said Fallon who grew quiet. "I'm a bit at a loss for words, Astra . This is all a lot to take in."

"I know, it's a lot to process, Fallon," Astra agreed as she squeezed his hand. "And I didn't like to keep this secret from you. But what has changed is that within the last four days I came into possession of some amazing Sheikah technology from a neighboring land. I am now able to travel between timelines and visit my family and those I left behind. Now do you understand where I've been?"

"Well...perhaps "understand" is too strong of a word," Fallon conceded after a moment. "But I do grasp the general idea of what you're saying. You were somehow able to travel to this alternate reality."

Then, all at once, a feeling of dread washed over him as he suddenly thought of something that would dash all his hopes and dreams.

"But ... what are your plans for the future Astra? With the Yiga Clan gone from here now, and our kingdom at peace, will you ... leave us permanently to return to your family?"

Astra smiled and squeezed his hand.

"No, Fallon. I can visit my family anytime now. But my home and my future is here," she replied. "And destroying the Yiga Clan was not the only goal of my mission. I need to fulfill another to achieve what Goddess Hylia expects of me."

"Really? What else is there to do?"

"Perhaps you will find out in time, and even play a part in helping me accomplish it," Astra chuckled. "For now, remember to keep what I told you secret, and let's enjoy the moment and celebrate your accomplishment."

"Yes, let's," agreed Fallon as he took a deep breath, leaned toward her and they shared a kiss. "This has been quite an eventful day!"

Meanwhile, North Hyrule Sheikah scientist Aldora was fully embracing the chance to explore this alternate timeline. Sheikah Chief Master Saldon had granted her permission to stay as long as she desired, and she intended to take full advantage of his offer. She thought it unlikely that such an opportunity for her would ever present itself again, given the secrecy surrounding cross-timeline travel.

Thanks to the Rupees provided by Mistress Astra, Aldora could afford meals and lodging at the local stables, as they were still called here. However, as a trained Sheikah, if necessary, she could also survive off the land.

Although this timeline was technically in the future, being the year 145 instead of 61 where she came from, to her it seemed to be living all too much in the past. There were no Tabs to communicate with and people still traveled by horseback or on foot. Of course that wasn't all bad - it was rather quaint really. But she doubted she could stand living here for long and sympathized with poor Mistress Astra for having to do so.

In her brief wanderings around Hyrule, Aldora had been careful not to cause any trouble by revealing alternate timelines or where she came from. And everyone she met had been polite and helpful. She had put it off for a few days, but there was one person in particular she was interested in seeing before she returned to North Hyrule, and it was someone who was undoubtedly aware of the situation: fellow Sheikah scientist .

While the need for secrecy had been made clear to her, she suspected that Dr. Purah had already figured things out. She had a reputation for brilliance and was even respected by scientists from North Hyrule - albeit with a dose of concern over her reputation for recklessness. In her timeline keeping an eye on Dr. Purah was one of Aldora's duties. She felt it only made sense for her to keep this kingdom's top tier scientist and Royal Family advisor in the know.

After enjoying a breakfast of freshly-picked fruit, she headed straight to the Royal Ancient Tech Lab located just west of Hyrule Castle. It appeared different than how she remembered it; apparently, it was still only partially restored with the north wing still missing. She knocked on the door and a young Shiekah answered.

"Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for Dr. Purah," said Aldora. "Is she available?"

"Oh! Dr. Purah doesn't work here, at least not yet. Her Majesty hasn't been able to convince her to leave her current residence."

"Do you know where I can find her then? I'm a fellow scientist named Aldora and I need to discuss some important matters with her."

"She currently resides in an old silo-shaped structure on a hilltop overlooking Hateno Village. She's usually not fond of visitors, but perhaps that has changed since the Yiga Clan was defeated."

"Thank you, I'll go look for her there," said Aldora before departing.

As soon as she was out of sight of the lab, Aldora checked her Tab for a map. There was a travel gate right at the entrance of the lab and another one not far away, closer to the village. She decided to use the one at the lab entrance.

Aldora activated the travel gate and in an instant, she found herself standing on a hill overlooking Hateno Village and directly in front of the silo-shaped structure. The building appeared old and worn down, most likely due to its exposure to the elements from the nearby Necluda Sea.

Aldora approached the door and took a deep breath before knocking confidently. She heard shuffling footsteps from inside.

"Who's there?" called out a voice, sounding wary. "I'm not interested in buying anything!"

"Dr. Purah? My name is Aldora. I'm a Sheikah scientist like you, and I was hoping to discuss some research with you."

There was a moment of silence, then the sound of multiple locks being undone. The door slowly opened, revealing a young woman in her thirties with red eyes and white hair tied in a topknot. This wasn't the 68-year-old Purah that Aldora knew, but she still recognized her. Purah looked up at Aldora suspiciously.

"You say you're a fellow scientist? Hm...you don't look familiar. Where are you from?"

Aldora hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal at once. "I'm from ... far away. But I believe you will be interested in speaking with me."

"Wait...you must be from the other timeline, aren't you? The one that Princess Astra and I have been discussing," Purah said, her eyes narrowing with fascination.

Aldora blinked in surprise. "How did you know...?"

"Oh please," Purah scoffed, waving her hand dismissively. "I may not look old, but I have plenty of years experience under my belt. Please come in. Would you like some tea? I have so many questions for you."

"Yes, tea would be wonderful," replied Aldora as she stepped into the dwelling and Purah shut the door behind them.

It was time for some interesting conversation.