the legend of zelda Age of Calamity

Chapter 7 The Road to Hyrule Castle

The journey back to Hyrule Castle was slow and quiet. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the land as Link and Zelda made their way through the wilderness. The air was crisp, filled with the distant sounds of nocturnal creatures, and the silence between them felt heavy, laden with unspoken thoughts.Zelda walked ahead, her steps steady but thoughtful. The weight of what had just transpired—the battle with the Yiga Clan, the pain that Link was still trying to hide—had left her with many questions. She could see the exhaustion in his eyes, the way his shoulders tensed with each step, though he never once let his guard down. Link walked behind her, just a few paces behind, his hand never far from his sword. His stoic demeanor remained unchanged, but Zelda could feel the intensity of his gaze on her as if he were watching for any sign of danger, even in the quiet of the night.She glanced back at him, her heart aching as she saw the bloodied tunic clinging to his form. The cuts on his arms and chest were still fresh, but he said nothing about the pain. As always, he silently bore the weight of everything.Zelda stopped and turned to him, her voice soft but firm. "Link, you're hurt. You need rest. You've done enough."He gave her a small shake of his head. "We can't rest yet. Hyrule Castle is not far, and we need to stay alert."Zelda sighed, her eyes tracing the quiet path ahead. She knew he was right. The Yiga may have retreated for now, but their presence still lingered, and the road ahead was never safe. Still, the sight of Link—wounded but unwavering—stirred something deep within her."I can't help you fight," she murmured, almost to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't protect you like you protect me."Link didn't respond immediately, but his steady footsteps drew closer as he moved up to stand beside her. She could feel his gaze on her again, that familiar weight of his silent presence. Then, he spoke, his voice low and calm, as if he had said this many times before."I feel it's necessary to stay strong... and silently bear any burden," he said, his words carrying an unusual weight. "But you don't need to protect me, Princess. We protect each other."Zelda's heart fluttered at his words. She wanted to say more, wanted to tell him how much his dedication meant, but she held her tongue. Link never asked for anything. He never sought recognition or praise, even when he had earned both a hundred times over. All he asked for was the chance to protect her, to see the mission through to the end."You're stronger than you give yourself credit for," he added, his tone softer, though still gruff.Zelda swallowed the lump in her throat, her thoughts momentarily swept away. She turned back to the road, her steps resuming, but this time, she was more mindful of Link's presence behind her. She wasn't as helpless as she once thought. She couldn't wield a sword, not yet, but there were other ways she could contribute—ways that Link couldn't protect her from forever.She wouldn't be left behind again.As they continued their journey toward Hyrule Castle, the night seemed to grow colder, the shadows deeper. Despite the dark path ahead, Zelda couldn't shake the feeling that they were nearing the end of one chapter—and the beginning of another.The gates of Hyrule Castle loomed in the distance, a silhouette against the night sky. Despite everything they had been through, despite the bloodshed and the struggles, the castle stood—silent and waiting.The castle was a place of both safety and danger, of hope and uncertainty. It was the heart of Hyrule, the place where Zelda's legacy was intertwined with her father's—and where the battle for the kingdom's future would be decided."Soon," Zelda whispered, almost to herself, her eyes focused on the distant silhouette of the castle. "We'll be inside the castle walls. Then, we can plan our next move."Link, still walking behind her, said nothing but gave a subtle nod, a silent affirmation that he was with her—always.As they neared the castle gates, Zelda felt a strange sense of relief mixed with dread. It had been a long journey to this point, and the road ahead was fraught with uncertainty. But with Link by her side, no matter the challenges, she knew she wouldn't face them alone.As the large gates of Hyrule Castle finally came into view, Zelda could feel the weight of her duty press down upon her. She wasn't just a princess. She wasn't just the daughter of the king. She was the future of Hyrule.And she would fight for it. With Link at her side, they would fight until the end.The gates slowly creaked open as they approached, the familiar sight of the castle grounds unfolding before them. Link's eyes scanned the surroundings with the same vigilance as always, never letting his guard down, even in the safety of the castle. He stood behind her, as ever, ever watchful, ever silent.Zelda paused at the entrance, looking back at him once more. Her heart swelled with gratitude for his unwavering loyalty and strength. "Thank you, Link," she said softly, her voice full of sincerity. "I couldn't have made it this far without you."Link didn't respond, but the small nod he gave her was all the answer she needed. It was enough. And so, with the gates of Hyrule Castle open before them, the weight of their journey ahead heavy on their shoulders, they walked into the castle grounds—together.