Hyrule Castle
For The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks on the Nintendo DS.
The game puts the name the player picks where these lines say Link.
I'm so glad you made it, Link! Did any of the guards see you on the way here? Nope! Dunno.
Well, I suppose it doesn't matter that much. I'm hoping you can help me.
Really? That's great! Listen, you're the only one who can help me.
I have to ask a favor of you, Link. As you know, the Tower of Spirits has protected our kingdom for ages. The tower connects all the Spirit Tracks that crisscross the land. However, for some reason, they seem to be vanishing from everywhere. Something must have happened at the tower to cause all this. I must go there to investigate.
I've heard tales of a sage who guards our land and lives in the tower. Perhaps she might be able to shed some light on what's happening.
Chancellor Cole forbids me from leaving the castle due to "safety concerns." I think he just doesn't want me going to the tower, though. But why? It's clear he's hiding something... I have the feeling that something terrible is about to happen!
That's why I absolutely must get to the tower. What do you think? Will you take me on your train? OK. I can't.
Thank you so much, Link.
All right, please put this on right away. It's a recruit uniform. The guards are starting their patrols, so getting past them won't be easy. But if you wear this, they'll think you're one of them!
Yes, I realize I'm asking a lot of you. But the castle guards are under the chancellor's control. Whether I order or plead, they won't listen to me. You're the only person I can trust.
Please, Link! Will you take me to the tower? Oh, OK! I can't.
I see... So you won't help me, no matter what. Well, thank you for listening to me, Link. I guess I'll just have to do it alone, even though there will be many hardships. I shouldn't have asked you to go with me. After all, we just met today! Yes, I understand that now. But such is my mission... OK, OK. I'll help.
What? What was that? You mean you'll really take me to the Tower of Spirits?
Please get changed so we can go.
Looks...good enough, I suppose. Now let's go before the guards find us!
Let's get to the Tower of Spirits! We don't have any time to waste!
...Oh, I-I'm sorry! I'll look the other way. But please hurry!
Now what? You're going to quit before you even start? You'll never be a good soldier with that kind of work ethic!
Gah ha ha ha! Only … times?! That's nothing to write home about! You can try again anytime, so come back when you're ready!
Hmmm, … times? Not bad for a new recruit! Here, let me give you this reward for your effort!
You'll be a real swordsman in no time! Come polish your skills whenever you feel like it!
What?! … times... Uh, very good, Recruit. Here's your reward!
There's still much to learn of swordsmanship, though! Keep practicing!
...My word, … times! Ho ho ho! That's quite the achievement, Recruit! I never thought I'd see one of my men break that number! Here, take this!
You could be the only one to beat this room's record for hits. And that record would be 900 hits! Compared to that, your record is just a drop in the ocean, so keep practicing!
Ho ho ho! So you've done it at last! We may have a new captain of the guard on our hands! Ho ho ho! Sigh...
It looked like you took a lot of swings, but you only connected a few times... Well, I guess you still earned one of these. Here you go.
Oh, quitting, are you? Are our training methods so terrible? Gah ha ha ha! Well go on then, if you can live with the shame!
Har har har! I didn't think you'd be cutting corners for us! I guess you got another hit, though!
Ha! Nice work, Captain! Think you can give them a break now?
Aw, take it easy on them, Captain...
Unngh... My head... Did they hurt you, Link? And what happened to the princess? Did she escape unharmed? As long as I'm laid up, you're responsible for her safety, Link!
I'm feeling better now. You shouldn't feel bad for me though. After all, I failed to protect the princess. Actually... Um...
Ah, Link... So you got my letter, did you? I can finally get around on my own again, but what hurts most is my pride. How could I fail to defend the princess? Truth is... Um...
What's that? The princess's spirit is here with us? You have to go to the Snow Realm to get her body back?
Well, normally, I'd say you were crazy. But you seem pretty serious. The thing is, from here on out, there are going to be lots of monsters. And an ordinary train like yours isn't going to be able to stand up to them.
Oh, I have an idea! But we have to go back home to Aboda Village first. Use your new train to take me back there. I'll be waiting at the station.
Uggggh... My head... Who were those guys? I hope the princess is OK.
Hello! Hello! Guards! Please help me! ...Can any of you see me? I need your help!
He's right, Link. Heading to the Tower of Spirits without a sword is too dangerous. Why don't you find the guard captain and ask him to loan you a sword? He'll probably just think you want it for training.
You did a wonderful job! That was just amazing, Link! Now that you have a sword, we can exit through the door in the back. Let's go!
Help! I need your help! ...Why can't anyone hear me?
Wait just a second, Link! The tracks are gone, and even if they weren't, we don't have a train. How can we get to the Tower of Spirits?
Oh, I know! I've heard that there's a path from the castle to the tower... But if it does exist, it certainly hasn't been used recently. There's a door at the back of the castle. Maybe the path is somewhere there. Let's go see!
I'm glad to see you're finally awake. There was some hubbub outside. When I went to investigate, people said that the Spirit Tracks were disappearing... At that point, the guards brought you and Alfonzo in from outside. Both of you were out cold, so I've been waiting for you to come to. Now tell me, what happened? Well... Nothing.
What a story... Could it really be true? Kidding! Yes!
So, what you're saying is... The chancellor is some kind of monster? And he kidnapped Princess Zelda? Hmm...
My goodness, what a story! You're just pulling my leg though, aren't you? Yep. No!
So it was just a rumor. Well, if you think these eyes can't see, you're quite mistaken. You engineers were passed out! And the tracks have disappeared! Still, you say you made it all up? Actually... Well...
What's this? Teasing an old man? What a naughty child you are! But I'm not the kind of old man to be taken in by those tales.
So it's true, you say... Hmm...
WHAT?! So...what you're saying is...the princess has been kidnapped!
This is terrible! I must inform the princess at once! ...Ah, yes, that's right. She's not here. Well, I'm at a loss as to what to do. Hmm... What to do... What to do...
Oh, what should I do? Perhaps I should talk to the chancellor. But he's not here either. Not to mention...he could very well be a monster. What a terrible mess...
What to do, what to do... Oh, dear, what a mess! I must find the princess! Oh, but where do I look?
Hmm... What to do... What to do... The princess is always flitting in and out of the castle on adventures. Perhaps that's what she's doing now. Perhaps she'll be back any moment... Perhaps...
Welcome back, boy.
What's this? I carry you all the way back here and not a word of thanks?
Ah, it's you again... Listen, the princess still hasn't returned. It's very troubling... Whatever should I do?
Teacher! I'm right here! Oh, drat! He can't hear me.
Link! Please tell Teacher that he doesn't have to worry about me!
...What was that, young man?
You mean the princess's spirit is here right now? Yes. Of course.
You talk as if she's passed away!
How incredibly insensitive of you! I'm sure she's just out wandering somewhere. But if I sent the soldiers out looking for her, the kingdom would panic. I suppose I'll just have to go out and find her myself. Move aside!
I guess no one is going to believe us... Come on, let's hurry to get my body back. I have to let Teacher know I'm OK!
I'm the only one who can save the princess! Hmm... But where do I begin looking for her?
All right, time for a little sword practice. These fellows are here to help you train... So don't hold back when you're attacking them! First, the targeted attack! Hit each guard twice with a targeted attack! If you don't know how to do a targeted attack, just ask me!
Good! The targeted attack is the most basic attack! Next is the side-slash attack. Hit each guard with two attacks. Get moving, Recruit!
Nice form! Now for the spin attack! This one's a little bit trickier. If you don't know how to do this attack, just ask me! Now hustle!
Good work, Recruit! You've completed all the training exercises! Since you've got the basics down, I'll give you this sword! Now, keep up the good work, and come back here to polish your skills!
To do a targeted attack, you just tap on the target you want to hit!
Doing a side-slash attack is simple! Just slide the stylus after tapping the target!
To do a spin attack, quickly draw a circle around yourself. Doing a spin attack allows you to hit all the enemies around you! Use it at the right time and the bad guys don't stand a chance!
What are you doing? Don't just flail around like a maniac!
Hey! Quit pointing that sword at me and get serious!
HALT, RECRUIT! You're training! Where do you think you're going? I don't tolerate deserters!
Captain! Where are you going? Are you...obeying nature's call? ...Well, nature can wait till practice is done!
What is it, kid? We're kind of busy protecting Hyrule Castle right now. If you've got no business here, I'd suggest you scram! What's that? You're here for the engineer graduation ceremony? Yes, sir! No, sir!
What?! Then why are you talking to me? Can't you see I'm busy? Go on, get lost!
Ah, I'd completely forgotten that today was the graduation ceremony. Huh, I didn't know they gave engineer certificates to little kids like you... I guess times are a-changing. Well, go on in.
Anything interesting going on? All we do is train, train, train! BOOORING!
What? The princess has been kidnapped?! Oh, stop messing with us. It's not our fault we don't have anything to do!
Go up the central stairs to the throne room. That's where Princess Zelda is. And don't you go wandering around the castle!
YAAAAAWN! I'm sleeeepy... I've been standing here since dawn... Hey, why don't you stop bugging me and get moving!
So you're saying the princess is in trouble, eh? You think I've got nothing better to do than listen to your crazy stories? Don't bother me anymore.
So you're here for an audience with Princess Zelda? Don't do anything foolish in front of her! Now hurry and don't keep her waiting!
The princess's throne room is up these stairs. Only invited guests are allowed in. What that means for you is...GET LOST!
What's all the commotion here?
Oh, good day, Chancellor Cole! Apologies for the disturbance. This boy says he's come to see the princess!
Is that so? You're here for the graduation ceremony? But you're so young. What a waste of resources. The Spirit Tracks are vanishing, yet the princess insists on performing these ridiculous ceremonies. Well, come along, boy. We must get you to your ceremony! Follow me!
Don't just stand there drooling, Private! Move aside!
Yes, sir!
He's so full of himself! Princess Zelda is so nice, she lets the chancellor get away with anything! Now he struts around the castle as if he were king!
Oh, so the ceremony's over already? How did it go? Isn't the princess pretty? I wish she'd look at me, just once! Um... Anyway... Since today is a special day, you're free to wander around the castle. Just stay away from places where you don't belong!
Did you hear that voice? Or did I just imagine it? I really need to get more sleep. I'm so tired that I'm hearing things.
You're crazy for wanting to go to the back of the castle. This door will take you there, but...why head there in the first place?
Looks like the Spirit Tracks are back to normal. But now the princess has gone missing... Honestly though, now that the chancellor's gone, I'm kind of relieved... He's not the nicest guy I've ever met.
You know, you might want to talk to the guard captain. He's probably in the training hall here. But as a guard, shouldn't you know that?
AUGH! You scared me! ...I mean, HEY! Who are you? Where'd you come from? L-let me just tell you, um, I'm a lot tougher than I look! But I'll let you go this one time if you hurry!
This is the place where soldiers can take a break and nap. Oh, but not like I was napping on the job or anything like that! Somebody's got to be on guard everywhere, all the time. Even the break room!
...I really have no idea what you're talking about, little guy! And I certainly don't know anything about the princess being kidnapped. Or, for that matter, the chancellor being a monster! That's just crazy talk!
The chancellor hasn't returned since the incident. Is the princess really gone? Well, that kind of thing isn't my concern, so I'll just keep it to myself for now... After all, making a ruckus by yourself isn't any good.
When he was carried in, he was covered in wounds, but now he's just fine... He's nothing short of amazing!
This room is where we train the castle guards. I'm the captain, Russell! As you can see, this is no place for an engineer like you! Har har har har!
What now, Recruit? Eh? You want a sword so you can leave through the back of the castle? Did I get that right? Right. No.
So you're the new recruit? Listen, the secret to becoming a great warrior is practice and more practice. So be sure to stop by here later to polish those skills!
Some swordsman you are, running around with no sword! There's something fishy about this... Are you really a new recruit? Heh heh heh! Your eyes tell the whole story! All right! Take this one!
If you want to be a great swordsman, the first step is to stop goofing around!
But listen, just because you have a sword, that doesn't make you a swordsman. Let me see if you're truly worthy of handling a weapon like that!
Remember to keep practicing every day. Come see me again when you want to train some more!
Oho! So you've come back, Recruit? Have you been training? Well then, let's have a little training game, shall we? Game? No.
Har har har! Too soon for the chick to take flight? Well, come back when you're ready!
Yep! The rules are simple: hit my three men there as many times as you can! If you hit them enough times, I'll give you something nice. Want to try? Yeah! Not sure.
Har har har! That's the spirit! OK, just one last thing before we start. I'm going to need 20 Rupees for training costs. Sure thing. What?
OK, begin training!
What's this? You don't have enough money! Come back when you've saved enough!
Ugh! We need the fees to make the kingdom a safer place! It's not like I'm going to pocket the money myself! The way of the sword is not for those with small hearts...or small wallets!
Welcome back, Recruit! How's your sword training coming? Perhaps you'd like to train a bit with us? Sure! Nah.
Oh, Captain! Want to practice again? Right! No.
I doubt you need any more practice, to be honest. Ha ha! Good for you!
A captain needs to have the right attitude toward practice! Of course, the rules are still 20 Rupees a go! OK. Forget it.
...I see how it is. Oh, but it's not like I think you're stingy or anything! Come back once you've saved enough! Har har har!
Ho ho, Captain! You haven't got enough cash there! Sorry, but why don't you come back after you scare some up? Har!
Gah hah hah! You've got time to talk to me in the middle of training? While you're jabbering, something might come up from behind and eat you!
Wow, you're good enough to chat in the middle of sword fighting? Those are quite the skills you've got, Captain!
What is it, Recruit? Eh? You want to leave through this door? Well, I can tell just by looking at you that you aren't adequately prepared. There are all sorts of strange beasts on the other side of this door. It's not the kind of place you want to go without a sword!
I can't let you out without a sword at least. What was that? The guard captain? He's in the training hall working with the other recruits! The entrance to the training hall is right here! But it is kind of strange that you don't have a weapon already...
Hey, Recruit! There are all sorts of monsters on the other side of this door! I've told you already that I can't let you out there without a sword or-- Oh, I see you got yourself a weapon. All right then. Be careful out there!
It's tough going past here, Recruit! There are monsters everywhere! It's no place for little pups like you to be out for a stroll! Go play somewhere else!
I wonder if someone will relieve me soon. I've been here all day by myself. It's a little lonely...
Oh, erm, hey there. It's dangerous being out here by yourself with all these monsters! What? You're searching for a tunnel that will take you to the Tower of Spirits? Well, there was a path up that way, but recently the rockfalls have closed it off.
I'm not exactly sure where it was. But if I were you, I'd investigate that wall.
AUGH! AUGH! Get away!
Princess Zelda's private quarters are through here. No one enters without permission! By the way, I noticed that she gave you something at the ceremony... You can see what it was in your Collection screen. ...It wasn't a love letter, was it?!
I thought I saw someone moving out of the corner of my eye. This castle can be awfully creepy sometimes...
You want to go out behind the castle? Well, there are lots of monsters in that area, so be careful! Go through that left door and down the stairs. That's the way out.
With the princess gone, the castle just isn't the same. I wish I could go look for her, but then who would watch this...empty room?
The private quarters of Princess Zelda are through this door. But you can't go in there without permission. You'd better get out of here! Go on, shoo!
Nice weather we're having! And the view here is really something else!
Oh, hey, you! You shouldn't just wander around the castle like that. People might think you're snooping!
Attack, defend, attack, defend! That's all there is to mastering the art of war!
No matter how talented you are, you have to train to keep up those skills!
The only way to put on muscle is the old attack, defend, attack, defend!
Ah, the captain is here for inspection! Welcome, welcome!
It's important to develop your own battle cry. Like this: "HYAAAAARGH!"
Now that the princess and chancellor are gone, what will happen to the castle? I guess we'd better train extra hard just in case!
I guess you make allowances when it's time to practice. Don't think we're going to go easy on you, though! Get ready!
Oh, Captain! Can you give us a few pointers?
We have to do a thousand reps before dinner. I tell you what, this sure works up an appetite...
Not bad! Of course, I've been training all morning, so my muscles were pretty tired!
How long are they gonna make me do these boring drills? They wouldn't be so bad if we could do them outside...
Oh, Captain! I'm still practicing! See? I even stopped snacking between meals! I want to be lean and mean like you!
Hey, what are you up to? If you're not supposed to be here, quit skulking! Eh? Graduation ceremony? I guess I heard something about that. Well, it's up in the throne room. The stairs will take you there.
Congratulations on your graduation! If you want to look around the first floor of the castle, go right ahead. But the second-floor rooms are off-limits!
We're all waiting to see what's going on with the disappearing Spirit Tracks! And do you know where the princess and the chancellor are? We could really use their help right now!
I heard the tracks were back, but who knows if that's true. Working this post, I don't exactly get tons of opportunities to go outside.
HALT! You can't go any farther! What's that? Why are my clothes different from the other guards, you ask? Well, I'm still a recruit, you see. But once the higher-ups see how good I am, I'll get a regular uniform. Hey, you just made a face! Don't think I didn't notice just because I'm new!
Just 'cause you're an engineer, it doesn't give you the right to snoop. Even new recruits like me know there are places you're not supposed to go! I hope I get promoted soon. I'm tired of wearing this goofy recruit uniform.
I heard the Spirit Tracks have all disappeared! Now how am I gonna get back to my grandma's farm? What a hassle!
Now that the tracks are back, I can finally get back to my grandma's farm! Yay!
The graduation ceremony is over, so it's time for you to go. Well, that's not entirely true. You CAN look around. Just nowhere off-limits!
I heard people talking outside. Did something happen? We soldiers aren't allowed to leave our posts, so I'm in the dark here. Y'know, most crimes occur when people are distracted by events like these. Hey! Maybe you should stop distracting me!
The training room? Yeah, you can find it downstairs. Just head down the stairs in front of the throne room. The guy on duty at the bottom of the stairs can help you out.
Hmm? The Spirit Tracks have returned? Great! But you know who hasn't returned? The princess! Where could she be...
Please wait for me, Link!
Wait for me! Are you trying to leave me behind, Link?
Would you mind walking a littler slower for me, Link?
Y-Your Highness! What are you doing here? You're not allowed out on your own!
Princess Zelda! What are you doing here? Please return to your room!
Your Highness! You mustn't wander outside like this! To your room, please!
What's that look for? Is something in my teeth?
Why are you skulking around me? It's creepy!
Scram! You're interfering with my duties!
You! Why are you throwing rocks at me?
Hey! Quit messing around! I mean it!
Why'd you do that? I've got a bad heart, you know!
OK, let's go! C'mon, Link! Keep an eye on the top screen to make sure we aren't found again!
I'm sorry for getting you caught up in all of this, Link. But I must get to the Tower of Spirits.
Come on! Let's go! What's wrong, Link?
Go distract him. If you can get him to look the other way, I can slip past him!
Do you think we can get that guard to move? If you can surprise him somehow, I think he'll get out of the way.
We made it to the exit! Let's go, Link!
These guards are pretty serious, so just pretend to be a new recruit. That way, if they see you, they'll just think you're one of them. But if they see me, I'm sure they'll make a big fuss and won't let me out. So please help me get past the guards without them seeing me, OK? I'll follow behind you, but if you want me to take a different route...
Look! That guard isn't moving. He's just standing in the same place... Why don't you try to distract him somehow, Link? I can slip past him when he's looking the other way if you draw a path for me.
That guard seems really serious about his job, Link... I don't think you can distract him with small talk. Is there some way you can get him to move from that spot?
Touch the marker at my feet and draw a path for me to walk on. Just draw the route you want me to follow!
This is the switch icon! If we get split up, just tap it to see where I am.
And this is the call icon. Tap it to call me over to where you are!
I know you're going to do a great job! Let's get moving!
Tee hee! Suddenly things got a bit more complicated, didn't they? It's OK. I'll explain again!
Did you understand my explanation? Yes. No.
The first rule of patrol duty is vigilance, even when people are talking to you. Furthermore, if you hear any suspicious sounds, investigate them at once. Only once you can do these things on instinct will you be a true watchman!
Don't you have work to do, rookie? Why don't you go cut the grass or something?
You can't come this way! This post is for elite guards only!
Just a recruit, but already on special patrol duty? You must be good! We have to make sure that there are no unwanted guests hanging around.
Yaaawwrrrnn... Guard duty is a total snoozefest. I don't think I've seen you around. Did you just enlist or something?
Recruit, you should be patrolling outside! Only elite guards have what it takes to guard areas near the princess!
Howdy! Sure is nice weather we're having! Not that I'm--heh--slacking on my patrol duties or anything!
Whew! For a little guy, you sure are fast!
There's something strange about the flute Princess Zelda was playing.
Unauthorized personnel may not enter the second floor.
I need some backup here!
You got the recruit's sword! Tap an enemy or slide the stylus to attack.
You got a recruit uniform! Wearing this, you can pose as a soldier and move freely about the castle!