A.N. Thanks to everyone who reviewed on the last chapter! You guys are great, and apologizes for the long wait, but we're back so enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 7

Zelda's heart was racing a mile a minute. The Master Sword was gone! She had placed the sword with the rest of her things next to her while she slept last night. Now all that was there was her bag!

"Fi?" Zelda called out, fear and panic rising in her voice. The logical side of her knew that with the sword gone Fi would not answer. She needed to hear the sword spirit though. Fi's voice would let her know she didn't just lose the most powerful weapon in Hyrule along with one of her only companions.

Twilight barked, bringing Zelda out of her panic stricken state. She looked to the wolf who was around where she had laid the sword. He sniffed around before raising his head to look at Zelda, barking again.

"Can you smell the sword?" She asked in hopeful desperation. Twilight barked again, sniffing around and barking.

Zelda didn't waste anytime grabbing what was left of her things and slinging them on her back. If Twilight could track the sword then that was their only option. They couldn't lose the Master Sword. Zelda shuddered to think what Fi must be going through right now. Someone must have stolen the sword while she slept, Zelda thought. It was the only explanation that made sense. That meant Fi was in the company of a stranger. Zelda had faith the spirit could handle herself in a fight, but Fi was unable to pick the Master Sword up. Even if the spirit struck down whoever stole her she would be unable to return to Zelda.

Twilight rushed over to the stable, Zelda close behind him. The former royal scanned the interior of the stable, just in case the thief was foolish and left it out in the open. People were just beginning to wake up and begin mulling about when the clerk spotted the frantic hylian:

"Somethin' wrong miss?"

Zelda's gaze snapped to the hylian man running the counter. Twilight was still sniffing around so she took the opportunity to approach him.

"Y-Yes, can you help me? I believe someone stole my sword. It's very important to me. Have you seen anyone pass through here with a long sword?" She moved her hands to approximate how long it was, "It has a purple, winged hilt. The blade is undamaged. You can't miss it."

"Hm…" The stableman hummed for a moment as if trying to remember. He idly wiped the counter with a rag. Zelda tried not to nervously pace but she could feel the anxiety welling up inside her.

"I remember you comin' by with it. Didn't see anything but don't know if you noticed some guy eyein' it up the whole time you were here."

Zelda gulped. She didn't notice anyone's eyes on her before. Inwardly she cursed herself for being so unobservant. Perhaps if she had been more vigilant she wouldn't be in this situation!

Twilight barked loudly and broke Zelda from her guilt ridden thoughts. The panicked hylian thanked the stableman who, in turn, gave a wish of luck in finding her sword. Going over to the wolf, Zelda knelt down to be at eye level.

"Do you have the scent? We have to find this man, Twilight." She looked the canine in the eyes desperately, "Fi could be in trouble!" Her words seemed to spur Twilight on, arising a bark.

Out of the corner of Zelda's eye she could see herself and Twilight getting a few odd looks. Remembering Brigo's words about how it was uncommon to have a wolf, she understood why but didn't care. Finding Fi and the Master Sword was more important than the thoughts of a few random people. After all, getting stares and looks of disapproval were nothing she hadn't faced before.

"Go, Twilight! Track Fi!"

Twilight barked, racing off down the road, veering to the right and heading eastward. Zelda followed as quickly as she could while still maintaining an air of caution. After all, what was in this direction nowadays was completely unknown to her. The road used to lead to Fort Hateno. Even farther - the Necluda Sea. But after the Calamity there was no telling what would be out this way.

There was still dozens of broken down guardians littering the field. Zelda could spot the old fort up ahead, the entire thing covered in decrepit guardian ruin. Twilight was rushing ahead towards the fort seemingly unbothered by the destroyed machines.

The already anxious princess tried not to pay any mind to them. Images of Link being beat and about to fall raced through her mind. She could recall the quick beeping of the guardian's laser about to fire extremely vividly. She took a deep breath to regain control of her mind; clenching her eyes shut then opening them again, Zelda instead focused on the wolf ahead of her. This, however, impaired her ability to scan her surroundings and suddenly she felt something hard hit her chest, flinging her backwards.

Her vision went spotty for a moment as she felt her back hit the ground. Twilight's growling filled her ears and the hylian groaned, sitting up and eventually getting back up.

Blinking the darkness away, she saw what had hit her: a bokoblin waiting alongside the road to jump travelers. In its one arm it flailed its wooden club. Twilight gripped its other arm in his jaw and bit down.

The monster bashed the wolf with its club, sending the wolf reeling with a yelp. The sound caused Zelda to jolt and spring to her feet. She had to help Twilight! The bokoblin was already approaching the animal to finish him off.

Pulling her bow from her back, Zelda quickly let an arrow loose at the monster. The beast let out a small grunt as the arrow struck its back. Seemingly only slightly injured, the beast released an angry growl as it rushed at Zelda.

She jumped back, avoiding the club smashing down. The weapon hit the ground, kicking up dirt and dust.

The bokoblin swung the club again as Zelda tried to notch another arrow. Just when she managed to get the arrow notched in the bow and draw the string, she let out a cry as the club swung at her, catching the bow, and throwing it to the side.

The bokoblin rushed forward to finish her off but with a loud, thunderous snarl. Twilight leapt on the monster's back and sank his teeth into the monster's shoulder. It dropped, its club failing to get Twilight off.

Lunging forward, Zelda grabbed the club.

The monster threw Twilight off. A pained yowl coming from the wolf as he hit the ground.

But before the monster could do anything else, Zelda swung the club with all her strength and hit the monster's large head.

The monster reeled from the strike but Zelda wasted no time swinging the club again. The beast was flung back, falling to the ground with a thud. Not taking any chances, the former royal swung the club downward, hitting the monster while it was down. The creature let out a breathless groan and ceased moving.

Zelda stood there, her breaths shaky and fast, club still sitting on the monster's gut. Taking a few deep breaths to calm down, the hylian dropped the weapon. She stared at the lifeless creature for a moment before hearing a small whimper from Twilight. Turning, her eyes widened as she saw the wolf laying in the grass not far from her. She rushed over.

The wolf was struggling to stand up and Zelda carefully laid the animal's head in her lap, letting him rest there. Twilight let out a small, relieved bark as he curled close to Zelda.

"Just relax, you're okay." Zelda spoke, softly checking the wolf for any major wounds. It was concerning that Twilight was still so thin, she thought, it'd be easy for something to break his bones. Luckily, looking him over, nothing appeared broken.

Twilight let out a small whimper but stood up, getting off of Zelda.

"Are you fine to keep going?" The hylian asked caringly.

Twilight barked, causing her to smile softly at the animal as he moved around. His movements were more sluggish but Twilight sniffed the ground, catching the scent again, and heading off towards the fort. She stood up and looked at Twilight before following along more closely. Despite only knowing Zelda a few days, the wolf was already as loyal to her as any faithful hound could be.

As they followed the scent trail to Fi, Zelda realized just how much her own movements were hindered. She felt a sharp pain in her chest and hands. She would no doubt have some nasty bruising but feared that at the worst, one of her ribs could be fractured. However she was still moving, so Zelda assumed she had to be okay.

The aging remains of Fort Hateno were barely standing. Covered by deactivated guardians coupled with the woods behind it, the structure was close to being completely overtaken beyond recognition. Twilight led them past the fort into the woodlands behind, only stopping to sniff the ground again before barking and heading off, following the scent.

Eventually the treeline of the woods faded and in the distance, Zelda saw a clustering of windmills. A village, she realized, feeling a sense of pride and happiness at seeing her people thriving. She quickly refocused herself though. Twilight was barking and sniffing something laying on the side of the road.

Hope building, she approached it, picking it up and examining it, only to be left with a frown. It was the makeshift sheath she had been using to carry the sword. She held it out to Twilight to sniff:

"Alright boy, we're close can you still track it?" The wolf, understanding the command, took several moments catching the scent before barking and bounding forward, still following the road.

"Go, Twilight!" Zelda yelled, quickly following behind and hooking the sheathe back onto her belt for when they found the sword. She refused to believe they wouldn't find Fi and the sword.

After following the road for a bit longer, Twilight started growling. At first Zelda became worried they'd stumbled across another monster. Instead, he bounded forward towards someone curled up on the side of the road.

Rushing to follow the wolf, Zelda saw a man sitting and cradling his hand close to his chest. Twilight lunged at the man, jumping in front of him with a snarl.

The man jumped up, his eyes widening as he noticed Zelda following behind Twilight.

Looking him over, Zelda tried to remember seeing him at the stable but couldn't remember the face.

"You!" The man snapped, "What sort of witch are you!?" Zelda was startled at the sudden accusation and Twilight snapped his jaws right back at the man, making him yelp. It was then she saw why the man was cradling his hand - it was burned horribly. Charred, black skin covered his entire hand. The black char crawled up his wrist and arm like a virus. Zelda flinched at the sight, looking away and schooling her expression.

"I don't know what you're talking about but I believe you have something that belongs to me." She said in a stern and commanding tone, surprised at how sharp and forceful her words came out. Accompanied by Twilight's snarling, Zelda would say she sounded borderline threatening!

"Gah! Yeah, I took your sword but a demon or… some… THING… spawned from it and demanded I return it to you!"

By demon, it was obvious he meant Fi and Zelda frowned: the man clearly didn't heed the spirit's request.

"Then, why didn't you?" Zelda asked, leaning forward, watching as the man flinched, looking sheepish.

"I didn't think it would actually do anything! I thought it was just smoke and mirrors! But then look what that… thing... did to my hand."

He held up the burnt appendage. Zelda would have felt sympathy if the man hadn't stolen the sword in the first place.

"Where is it? What did you do with her!?"

"Her?" The man's expression became pale. Zelda inwardly cursed herself for the slip of the tongue.

"It." She backtracked, "What did you do with it? Where. is. my. sword?" Zelda spoke slowly, drawing out every word as her emerald eyes pierced through the man. Twilight growled menacingly, stepping closer and snapping his jaws open and closed. The man stumbled away from the wolf, his expression paling as he shouted:

"You're a damn witch! I tossed the cursed thing to the side! I was too busy nursing my hand to bother with it. But I think I saw one of the brats from the village up ahead take it while I was distracted." Zelda glanced around to make sure the blade wasn't in sight.

"Alright… But if you're lying my friend here can, and will, find you to ask again." She motioned to Twilight as he snapped his jaws at the man again, causing him to jump back.

"I don't have it anymore! I swear! If I had known it housed a demon, I wouldn't have taken the damn thing in the first place!"

Zelda's eyebrow twitched at the accusation of Fi being demon. If the man had only known that he had attempted to steal one of the most important artifacts known in Hyrule! Not only that, but it was the one that had helped save Hyrule over eons.

The thought of how well documented the sword was made Zelda wonder why there were not better records kept of the sword spirit, but she put the thought away for the time being. It was more important for now that they actually find Fi and the Master Sword.

"Come on, Twilight." Zelda said, summoning the wolf. They had to hurry to the village before the sword passed hands again. Zelda didn't think Fi would harm a child for touching the sword but she didn't even know Fi was able to do the damage that was done to the man's hand. It made sense. Not everyone was allowed to wield the Master Sword. It wasn't surprising there was a way to stop undesirables from touching it. When they found her, Zelda would have to ask Fi how she burnt the man's hand.

Following the road up to the village, Zelda saw a large sign. "Hateno Village" was carved into its face. By it, a man holding a pitchfork stood by the entrance of the village.

"Ho there! Who are you?" The man held up a hand telling Zelda to stop. She could see Twilight's fur raise as he felt threatened so she stopped and placed a soothing hand on the wolf's head to calm him.

"Just a traveler." Zelda said, holding her hands up to show she meant no harm, "My name is Zelda. I'm actually looking for something: my sword. Has anyone come through here with it? It has a purple winged hilt and a finely sharpened blade." She saw recognition light up the man's face.

"Ya actually. A few o' the kids were playin' in the woods and found a sword like that. I took it off 'em, not good for kids to play with somethin' that sharp, y'know? I gave it to Uma, one of the older folks livin' here. She was goin' on and on about it bein' a holy blade or somethin'." The man spoke dismissively and waved off the idea that the sword was holy. Zelda couldn't help but grin though, this Uma wasn't wrong.

"Does she still have it?" Zelda asked urgently eager to find the sword, "Where is it?" The man pointed up to a building higher up in the village with trees planted on its front.

"She took it up to the goddess statue. Probably prayin' or somethin'." The man stepped aside to let Zelda enter the village. She wasted no time running up the hill to where the man had pointed, not being concerned with the odd looks she was getting.

The sun was setting by now. Zelda couldn't believe she had spent the entire day running after a thief.

Reaching the top of the hill and entering a small, little fenced in area with an apple tree near a house, Zelda smiled and breathed a sigh of relief as she spotted what she has been searching for: the Master Sword laid at the feet of a small goddess statue appearing undamaged and unharmed. The entire day of running was worth it upon laying eyes on the sword.

In front of the sword, Zelda spotted who she assumed to be Uma. An elderly woman with grey hair tied in a short braid wearing simple clothes. The woman was knelt in front of the sword and statue, her hands folded in front of her in a praying position. She must have heard Zelda's approach as she straightened herself, looking to the former royal.

"Well you're not quite what I was expecting." She spoke slowly, getting to her feet. Zelda started to move to help the older woman up but she waved her off, standing on her own.

"My parents told me stories of this sword. The rest of the village doesn't know or believes it's just a story." The elder motioned to the sword, looking at it with almost reverence.

"Where are my manners though? I am Uma. And who might you be, young lady? You're definitely not the hero of legend I expected."

Zelda gulped, she supposed if this woman knew of Link she would have expected him to come for the Master Sword. It was said that the hero and sword would always come to find the other. Destiny tying them together every time evil reared its head.

"Zelda." The former royal introduced herself, happy when the woman's face lit up in surprise but said nothing of the name that used to be given only to those of royal blood. "You know what this sword is?"

"Only stories." Uma explained, "My father, he had served Hyrule as a soldier when the Calamity hit. I was born shortly after - during the Age of Burning Fields. He used to tell me stories of a valiant hero that carried a sword that could burn through the darkness."

Zelda flinched at that name 'Age of Burning Fields.' She shuddered to think what her people went through during that time. She went to speak again, but Uma held up a hand, silencing her.

"I don't need to know whether it's true or not. Her Grace Hylia will let me know in the coming time. You may not be the hero, but I would say the sword belongs with you more so than me."

Gently, Uma picked the Master Sword up from where it sat in front of the statue. Zelda took the sword, feeling the familiar weight in her hands. Her body finally calming knowing the sacred blade was back in her possession.

"Princess." The light voice chimed in her ears, Zelda felt herself smiling. She wanted to respond to the sword spirit but first, thanks were in order.

"Thank you Miss. I don't know what I would have done had I not found the sword."

Zelda gave a small bow of respect. If she still had her title, to do so would have been preposterous, being she was the heir to Hyrule's throne. Now though, Zelda had to show her gratitude. A lesser person may have taken claim to the blade for themselves or sold it for money.

"It's no issue dear." Uma smiled, "I was happy to help. If I may though, it may be of interest for you to know. There's a group of Sheikah scientists that live up on top the hill." Uma paused to point out a tall building overlooking the village.

"You know, legend said the Sheikah were bound to aid the royal family against evil." Uma laughed, giving Zelda a knowing look - one that caused the former princess to stand straighter. Regardless, she gave the woman a grateful smile.

"Thank you again! I should be off then. If you ever need anything I'll find a way to repay you for this!" Zelda promised, sliding the Master Sword back into her sheathe.

Uma waved her off as Zelda went to head up towards the hilltop. If there were Sheikah there it was definitely worth investigating. Besides, the sun was going down and Zelda could feel the ache of her injuries from earlier draining her of the energy to travel.

Uma waved her off as Zelda headed up the path towards the tall building. Fi was silent but Zelda was relaxed knowing she was there. The sword spirit probably realized they were in the middle of a village. Talking to a sword like some crazed lunatic would win her no favors, especially when Zelda thought back to the thief who called her a witch and Fi a demon.

Once they were fairly far up the hill and there was no one in sight, a flash of light emitted and the sword spirit stood before Zelda.

"Fi!" Zelda's face lit up as she looked the spirit over, appearing unhurt. Fi's expressionless face looked at the former royal before bowing lowly.

"I believe apologies are in order, Princess. I was distracted and did not realize I was being taken from you before I was too far to return." The spirit's voice sounded quite downturned from its normal monotone.

"It's fine, as long as you're okay." Zelda gave the spirit another look over, "You are okay… right? That lowlife didn't harm you at all?" She knew it was unlikely as she had met the thief and if anyone was harmed, it was him.

"I am undamaged. I believe, though, I may have caused permanent damage to the man that took the sword from you." Zelda was surprised how little she cared about the thief. He was still one of her people, after all. But, the man had stolen the Master Sword and therefore kidnapped Fi.

"He kidnapped you, in that sense then, it was self defense." Zelda stated, looking around to make sure they were still clear of onlookers. Seeing nothing, she started back up the hill. Fi followed at her side, Twilight at their heels.

"I am not a living being. Therefore I can not be kidnapped. Regardless, it was unacceptable that he stole the Master Sword. I could not allow him to endanger our mission." Zelda frowned at Fi denying that she was of any more standing than the sword as an object, but that was a topic for later. Right now though, they were approaching the large building Uma said that members of the Sheikah lived.

Glancing around, Zelda spotted a sign sticking out of the ground "Hateno Research Lab" emblazoned on its face.

The first thing Zelda noticed about the building on the hill was the ancient Sheikah furnace position in front of the building. A bright blue flame dancing happily at its center provided power to the building and any Sheikah tech within. Only those who worked closely with her and the other top Sheikah scientists knew how to reconstruct one of them. Their research showed that the furnace was pivotal in creating any form of ancient tech, so any research about it was kept under tight lock. After all, it wouldn't do to have just anyone walking around with ancient weaponry. Today, if anything, was proof of that: a man robbed Zelda while she slept. While Zelda thought the best of her people, that didn't mean they were all good at heart.

"Did you catch what Uma said about this building?" Zelda asked the sword spirit, who looked like she was about to return to the sword.

"Affirmative. You wish to see if there are Sheikah still running this station." Zelda nodded, confirming the statement as she approached the door. Twilight already left her side to sniff around the area for anything of interest.

"Lay low in the sword for now, Fi. At least until we can confirm they won't freak out if they see you."

She didn't need to ask twice as Fi already faded away, disappearing back into the Master Sword.

"I detect injuries on you, Princess. Did you incur damage while we were separated?" There was the smallest twinge of concern in Fi's light voice and Zelda looked back at the sword, smiling.

"I'll fill you in later, we certainly had an… eventful outing without you." If one could even call the mad search to find the sword 'an eventful outing.' Zelda shuddered to think what she would have done had she not encountered the injured thief on the road or the trail to find the sword had gone cold. She thanked whatever gods were above that she had Twilight at her side. Without the wolf she never would have been able to track the sword down.

More importantly though, Zelda knocked on the wooden door to the lab. She waited a moment, then heard a voice bid her to come in. Pushing the door open, Zelda was greeted with the familiar scent of grease and machinery. Despite entering into the unknown, a smile came to her face. Memories of late nights in her study tinkering with the ancient tech flooded her mind.

The lab was a modest one with several work benches, book shelves, and even a Sheikah guidance stone set up in the far corner of the room. An old Sheikah woman with gold plated goggles stood in front of it, peering inside. The panel of the console had its face torn off which revealed the machinery inside.

"I'll be with you in a moment, but if this is to ask for another "magic" Sheikah fix to some mundane problem I will have to decline, yet again." The elder woman said evenly as she pulled a gear from out of the console, examining it.

Zelda shifted awkwardly, unsure on what to say or do. How did one ask if the clan that had at been so loyal to their family once still held the same loyalty

The elder woman continued to work on the console, and Zelda stood there tensely. After maybe a moment too long, she finally found her voice.

"That's…" she started, clearing her throat, "that's okay... take your time…" Her words seemed to have the opposite effect as the elder Sheikah froze, immediately whipping around to look at Zelda, staring. Her face was still mostly covered by the golden goggles she was using, but Zelda felt her body tense and coil even more under the woman's gaze. Swallowing, she gave a small wave and an awkward laugh.

"H-Hello, sorry to bother you, but, uh, you see… I… well… I… it's kind of hard to explain…" Zelda rambled, grabbing her neck and trying to find the right words to explain herself. While she stumbled over her words, the woman slowly pulled her goggles up to rest on top her head. Zelda found red eyes gazing at her with something the former royal couldn't place.

"Princess Zelda." the single name from the elder stopped her in her tracks. The Sheikah knew her. This wasn't just a random Sheikah. Making eye contact with the woman, Zelda tried to put a name to the face. It was a firm reminder to her that despite it seeming like yesterday to her, a hundred years did indeed pass. While unlikely, one or two of the people she knew may have survived.

"Purah?" Zelda guessed, and that was it for the woman. Zelda let out a gasp as suddenly she found herself wrapped in the older woman's arms. She stood stiffly, not expecting the contact.

"Princess! I can't believe it! You're alive..!" Zelda felt the arms holding her shake with emotion as she too felt tears prick her eyes. Purah had been one of the head researchers among the Sheikah along with another Sheikah man named Robbie. Back then, Zelda liked to think they were something akin to friends. Though she was never entirely sure due to their statuses, Zelda being a Princess and Purah a researcher. She just always assumed Purah saw her as a colleague at most.

"Purah, it's really you?" the former royal asked. The woman drew back for a moment, holding Zelda at arm's length.

"Yes, of course it's me, Princess! By the goddess, you haven't aged a day! Princess I... oh, I'm sorry!" Purha let go of Zelda, taking a step back to give the former royal space. "My emotions got the better of me for a moment there. Princess…" Zelda held up one hand to stop Purah in her apology while using the other to wipe the stray tear from her eye.

"It's okay. You don't have to call me Princess either. I'm hardly one anymore…" Purah frowned at that statement but Zelda continued before she could comment on it. "I'm not dreaming this right though, you're really still alive, Purah?" At that a slight mischievous smile came to the elder woman's face.

"Hmph! Decrepit and old maybe, but not dead yet, Prin….err, anyway you didn't think I would pass away before seeing Calamity Ganon run through, did you?" Purah gave Zelda a smile as she gestured to one of the work tables for them to sit at. It was strange seeing the woman, who Zelda remembered being around her thirties at the time of the Calamity, now over double that age, but at the same time it was still Purah. Despite the slightly slow gate she moved at and the wrinkled face, she still had the same sharp eyes and quick wit. Despite everything, it was still Purah, and the very knowledge of that made Zelda want to cry.

In fact, tears were pricking her eyes again, and Zelda sniffed trying to hold them back.

"Princess?" Purah was looking at her with concern on her face. The hylian felt her body shake. How could Purah, who was alive for the Calamity, still look at her with so much loyalty and kindness in her eyes. Zelda had failed her! She failed everyone! Purah knew that! She shouldn't be welcoming her into her lab, she should be at the very least be telling Zelda off for disappearing!

"I'm sorry!" Zelda blurted out suddenly, covering her face with her hands, not being able to bear looking at one of the people she truly failed. After a moment, she felt a hand on her back. Purah spoke softly.

"Hey, come now, Princess. You didn't cry back then…" Purah was right, Zelda never did cry before the Calamity. She didn't even cry at her own mother's funeral. Her father always said she had to be strong to lead the kingdom. 'Rulers didn't cry.' It was one of the few things Zelda had gotten right back then.

"I-I'm sorry, how… h-how are you not furious with me? I failed everyone! I-I…!" A light slap to the back of Zelda's head stopped her cold. The former royal looked in shock at Purah. To her surprise the woman didn't even look apologetic.

"Apologizes, Princess. I find in my old age I have less patience. Now, unless the world we're living in right now is some dream, Ganon hasn't won yet." Purha paused, her expression becoming slightly more somber. "We've all sacrificed a lot to get where we are now, Princess. And yes, we've lost some people along the way…"

Zelda hung her head at that, too many people in her opinion.

"But," Purha spoke up again. "How can I be furious at the woman, that despite everything, is still trying to save this land? I don't speak for everyone, Princess. But everyone we've lost on this path was fully committed to the cause." Zelda clenched her fists, it was only a truth for some. There had to have been plenty of civilians who lost their lives too. But, for the moment, she would accept the comfort. At the very least it affirmed that Purah did not blame Zelda for what had happened, even though she should.

"After a certain point, Princess, one has to let go." Fi's voice came light and airy as always and Zelda frowned. Taking a deep breath, she gathered herself. She couldn't let go of the guilt yet. She had to keep moving forward, though. It was her only option.

"Thank you Purah. Sorry to break down on you there." Purah waved her off as she settled back down into her chair across from Zelda.

"No harm done Princess. Now, care to explain what happened to you? Impa always had a feeling you were still around. But the last anyone saw of you back then was sealing up the castle." The mention of Impa got Zelda's attention. The younger sister of Purah, while not a scientist, had often hung around Zelda, Robbie, and Purah while they worked. In contrast to her more spunky sister, Impa had always been the calmer of the two. If Zelda was being honest with herself, she even came off as a bit intimidating. But she had always held the highest respect for the younger of the Sheikah siblings.

"Impa? Is she…" Zelda hesitated, afraid to even ask the question, but Purah gave Zelda a grin knowing what she wanted to ask.

"Impa is still around. Give us a little more credit, Princess! She's the elder of our people in Kakariko Village. She even has a granddaughter now, too. The girl's mother wanted to name her after you but Impa was certain you were still alive. Robbie's still alive and well too, researching to his heart's content in the Akkala region." Hearing that not just Purah was alive, but the whole trio of Sheikah she had known before nearly made tears fall from Zelda's eyes again, but this time she was able to hold her composure. Only the smallest of trembles gave away how much the news affected her.

"That's… good." She said, absorbing the information, "I'm glad everyone is okay… I, uh, I'm going to need all of your help again." She had no right to ask it of them. Zelda knew that but the Sheikah were the only allies she could think of that she had right now, though. Purah didn't appear angry at the request. In fact, her eyes sparkled with the same youth Zelda remembered from back then.

"Princess, I've been waiting nearly a hundred years to hear you say that!"