The following days are spent in preparation for Impa's mortuary rites. Zelda keeps to herself, spending her time sorting through Impa's things alongside Paya. But Impa was never much for material things.

Since Sheikah live unusually long lives, it is an incredible event when one passes. The traditions they practice are almost as old as time itself.

"It is… a time to celebrate the life that they lived, the impact they had." Purah explains what will happen the next day as Link helps her carry pumpkin ale up from the cellar. "It won't be the same here without her, but we can appreciate all she's done for us." She smiles but it doesn't quite reach her eyes.

That night, they meet to discuss the next steps. Zelda states that she and Link must go to the Lost Woods to see the Great Deku Tree, who will hopefully be able to shed some light on the situation. "We'll leave tomorrow, after the service."

"You're not going to stay for the party?" Symin asks, concerned.

"Well…"

Purah shakes her head. "Oh you must stay, Zelda. It's important you be here."

"You won't regret it," Robbie adds. After a bit of cajoling, she reluctantly agrees. Link wonders if she learned her stoicism from the Sheikah, as he has yet to see her break character, so to speak. He's almost as good at playing the Hero as she is the Princess.

/

The memorial service is at dawn, just as the sun peeks out over the horizon, spreading pinks and purples across the cloudy morning sky. A few guards carry Impa's body to the top of the hill overlooking Kakariko Village with the procession close behind. Villagers crowd around to view the ceremony, some standing on the Shrine to get a better look.

The ritual that follows is one Link has only read about in books. Three Sheikah dressed in full ceremonial regalia kneel beside the body to make the points of a triangle. Paya kneels by the head, her arms outstretched. The other two, who Link does not recognize, do the same on either side of her feet, turning toward the center.

The three move their hands in geometric patterns, creating a swirling blue light that oscillates between them. Soon the glowing mist settles onto the body in front of them. They then join hands, chanting an old prayer that Link doesn't know. He glances at Zelda, who is whispering it, eyes closed.

Many stay all day to pay their respects, though most of the villagers return to prepare for the evening.

The memorial celebration is held in front of Impa's house, where there is enough room for a dozen tables and enough room to dance. Everyone scurries around in preparation, trying to avoid the children whose shenanigans never cease. Villagers carry out chairs from their homes, followed by dishes of meat and vegetables and casseroles and sweets. They string up lamps and colorful ribbons between the trees, illuminating the area in a warm glow.

Those who can play instruments get together to coordinate the music. There's a couple horns, a few odd string instruments, and a harp. Together, they play upbeat songs passed down through generations.

As the sun goes down, everyone comes out to join in the festivities. Link starts to see just how much joy Impa brought to the community, the kind of joy they clearly feel compelled to sustain. Many share personal anecdotes about Impa, times they didn't know who else to turn to and Impa helping them without a second thought.

Eventually, Zelda comes out of the house wearing a blush pink summer dress she must have borrowed from Paya. Link watches as she hesitates, looking over the jovial scene. When her eyes finally meet his, she smiles, walking down to greet him. They get a couple pieces of pie and sit at a table near the back. Purah, Robbie, and Symin join them shortly after.

"I have a story I'd like to share." Dorian, one of Impa's most trusted guards, gets up to speak. He has a kind, gruff voice that gets everyone's attention. The music dies down and the majority of the village listens intently. He talks about how he used to be part of the Yiga Clan. Initially, he came to Kakariko Village to spy on the Sheikah here, but quickly came to care for the people here. He fell in love with a local woman, got married, had two children, and lived happily for a few years. He soon confessed to Impa his true identity and she helped him cut ties with the Yiga. But the Yiga held a grudge.

"They tried to blackmail me into giving them more information, and when I refused, they dealt their most severe punishment. To take the life of the one I loved most. The mother of my children." He takes a moment to compose himself, clearing his throat. "In the Yiga Clan, they teach that love is nothing more than weakness. Her love gave me the strength I needed, and without her... I was lost." He takes a breath. "Always compassionate, Impa offered me the position of personal guard, and with her help, I was able to continue a life here."

As Link looks over the small crowd, he sees no signs of judgment or callousness, just understanding and love, even admiration. It fills up his heart to the brim. He looks to Zelda, who watches on with a neutral expression.

"But almost a few months ago, they came to me once again. Scared for the lives of my children, I gave in, giving them information on Link, and the heirloom that once resided in Impa's house. Luckily, well - Link was there to save the day." He bows his head to him appreciatively. "But I was so… ashamed. I was ready to pack up and leave the following night if I had to, because Impa had given me her trust, and I…" He shakes his head. "Instead, I was honest… and she understood. We worked together to increase security in the area. She made sure my girls felt safe." His eyes start to well up. "Somehow, she forgave me. She saw the good in me, something I still have trouble seeing. I hope to… express how grateful I was, how grateful I still am, by continuing to serve the people here however I can." He raises his glass. "To Impa."

Slowly, the villagers stand, raising their glasses. Paya adds, "And to Dorian."

Zelda stands as well, going through the motions. As she is about to sit, all eyes are suddenly on her. She quickly realizes they expect her to say something.

She forces a smile, taking a long pause before speaking. "It is absolutely splendid to see your community thrive. It is all I can hope for." She watches their expectant faces and tries to sound like the leader they expect her to be. "I am so thankful to hear your stories, to hear of times Impa has helped you. She was very generous with her love, even to those who put her in harm's way." At this, she is met with mumbles and confused looks. "I - I do not mean to imply you aren't deserving of forgiveness, Dorian, simply that…"

"I apologize, Princess, if I have offended you. I assure, you my intentions going forward are nothing but -" Dorian sputters.

"No, no, there is no need to… I just…" She looks for the words and comes up empty. "I apologize. Thank you." She sits down.

Robbie stands and raises his glass. "To Impa!" Everyone echoes him and takes a drink. "Now who wants to dance?" Robbie sings, excusing himself to dance. The music starts up again and some join him, but most go back to chatting amongst themselves.

The full moon rises above them, its light contrasting the warmth of the lanterns. Zelda quietly excuses herself to the house. Link waits only for a moment before following.

She steps inside, then reaches back to hold the door open. "Must you follow me everywhere?" She sighs as he catches up to her. "I'm sorry, that isn't fair."

"I just want to make you're okay." He stands at the door. The house feels empty without Impa, not physically, but as if there's a void where her energy once was.

Zelda sits on the step in front of Impa's chair, running her hands through her hair. "That was really bad, wasn't it."

"No." She gives him a look which he gives right back. "It was fine. Dorian is fine."

She sighs. "I just keep thinking…"

"That's no good."

She sighs again. "It's… I think about all the times I've put people in danger for no good reason." She gestures to him. "You… Impa… these people. These are good people."

"They are." Link walks over and sits next to her.

"And… Everything the Champions went through! I can't believe I expected Dorephan's forgiveness so easily. I thought everyone would… We've been gone for a century and have nothing to show for it!" She keeps messing with her hair until it's tangled up around her face like a lion's mane. "After all the mistakes I've made, after all the harm I've caused…" Her mouth twitches as if she is about to cry. "All the times I let her down… she still believed in me, too."

"Of course she did."

Zelda shakes her head. "I didn't deserve it. I don't deserve anyone's faith."

"Okay… I don't know about that."

"It's true!"

Link scoffs. "How?"

"I haven't told you but…" She frowns. "I can't use my powers right now. I don't know why."

"That doesn't matter."

"What?"

"That's not why people follow you." He turns to her, trying to look her in the eyes. "No one cares as much as you do about the people of Hyrule. If there is anyone who can lead us, it's you. Not because you're the Princess, but because you're… you're you."

"You have such a way with words." She smirks, wiping her face with the edge of her dress. They sit for a moment, sorrow filling the empty space.

"I'm sorry, Zelda." He tries to sound as sincere as possible.

"I know." She shrugs half-heartedly. "Me too."

/

They leave on horseback the following morning after saying goodbye to their dear friends. "We'll stay in contact," Zelda reassured them. "Let us know if there's anything we can do." Robbie said the same, and Purah gave them both a big hug. After Paya loaded them up with leftovers from the night before, they were on their way.

It's late in the afternoon when they start to make their way along the Squabble River, through the Dueling Peaks. They round the bend, keeping an eye out for monsters.

"I talked to Dorian yesterday," Link says. "About the Yiga clan. He said he doesn't know what they're planning."

"Hm." She pauses. "Do you trust him?"

"I do."

"Well, we'll have to… Wait, do you see that? Up there?"

Link looks to where she's pointing: a spot next to the river with some trees and rocks, and something else he recognizes easily, "Malice." When they come upon it, they can see the red and purple goo spill out over the rocks along the river, seemingly without a source. "It's probably just leftover from before."

"Maybe." Zelda studies it from a distance. "But wouldn't we have seen it when we came through here last?"

Link shrugs, realizing that the feeling of unease that had accompanied them home a week before had never really left. They continue on, hoping to get Riverside Stable by nightfall.

/

All across Hyrule, many feet underground, red malice twists through the cracks in the earth, upsetting the bedrock. Many animals have gone into hiding, finding safety together in numbers. The Yiga Clan is deep in preparation, forging weapons and stocking their arsenals. It is far too late to stop it now.