"That is quite the story," Impaz said thoughtfully, leaning against her cane as she chewed over Kari's words.

Kari stood with his eyes looking down at the ground. Her question to him had been simple: what was he doing in a place like this? His answer should have been short and quick, at least in a normal state of mind. He would have been cautious with his words and said nothing that revealed his true intentions.

But therein was the problem. He was not in a normal state of mind. Everything he thought he knew had been completely turned on its head. His thoughts and emotions rode waves of anger and sorrow like a battered vessel, lost and completely hopeless to the water's tossing and the wind's fury. Impaz's arrival had shone like a lighthouse standing on the cliff, finally giving him something he could focus on.

In a way, explaining to this innocent old woman what he was struggling with helped bring clarity to his scattered thoughts. He didn't care whether she believed him or not; he just wanted someone to listen. He told her about how he came from the past, about how he was the last Sheikah, about his friendship with Link until the hero's eventual betrayal, and the dilemma he now faced with regards to returning to the past or staying here to fight. He was impressed the old woman had listened this far.

"I apologize if I have burdened you," Kari mumbled when he had finally finished telling his tale, his hand idly tapping one of the grave stones. "It's just…there is so much…and I…"

"There is no need to explain, young one," Impaz assured, holding her hand out to stop him. She looked up at him with a warm smile.

Kari met her gaze. Though her face was covered in wrinkles and her hair was as white as the falling snow, Kari could see a quiet strength residing in those old bones. And her eyes…there was something strange about them. It was on the tip of his consciousness, but the disarray of his thoughts made it impossible to identify.

"Whether I believe you or not, it is clear that you bear quite a burden," she said.

Kari shook his head. "It is quite a burden. But it is one I must bear alone." He looked to the mountain. The sun was just beginning to set, and this was not a safe place to be after dark. "Well, I thank you for listening. I did not mean to keep you here so long with my problems. Evening is almost upon us, so I think it best if we head our separate ways. May the goddesses bless you wherever you are headed."

Impaz shook her head. "What's the hurry? We're not done talking yet."

The wind tamer looked at her curiously. "Was there something you needed?"

The old woman frowned. "For one, I am afraid you have been misinformed on a few things. Perhaps if you learned the truth, it would ease your troubled mind."

She had his attention now. "What is it you have to say?"

There was a twinkle in her eye. "Well for one, we Sheikah are hardier than you give us credit. Do you really think yourself the only one fit to survive?"

Kari's mouth slowly gaped open. "We?"

Her mouth curled into a mischievous smirk. "Do you think I could have found this place otherwise?"

Kari stuttered. "But…I…" He fell to his knees. His voice began to quiver. "Does that mean…are we the only ones?"

The old woman couldn't help but pity the young man in her heart. She could feel the loneliness consuming him and empathized with it. She had felt it for a long time herself. As the bearer of the Sky Book, royal decree had forced her to wait years in the Hidden Village for someone to come and claim it. As the years passed and the loneliness grew, she often wondered if her suffering would be worth it. It had been centuries since the last Messenger to the Heavens had passed away. Why would he come now? With the slow onset of age came a growing fear. More than anything, she feared passing away in that small house where no one would notice or care.

But then, everything changed when she found Ilia. One thing led to another, and before she knew it, Impaz had finally found a friend. Though the girl had lost her memory, her companionship was more than enough. In time, that chance encounter led to Link's arrival, the very one whom she had been waiting for. The moment she handed him the Sky Book was the proudest moment in her life. All of that waiting had had a purpose after all. And as an added benefit, with her purpose complete, she could finally leave the village at long last.

"There are others as well," she said softly, as if comforting a small child. "Though we are few in number and widely spread, our race lives on. Zili was not the last of us, and neither are we."

Kari knelt with mouth agape, his eyes beginning to glisten. Like the affirmation a child seeks from their parent, they were words he had longed for but never thought he would hear. As he pondered on their meaning, a tear began to trickle down his cheek. Their soothing message released a burden from his spirit. It was as if he was finally liberated from the shackles that had chained his body.

"Is…is this really true?" he choked out at last.

Impaz nodded. "You poor child. You carry the weight of our entire race on your shoulders. Let it go. You're not alone in this world."

Those words were too much for Kari to handle. He bent over, his tears now forming soft puddles of wet snow. He didn't care about the cold numbing his hands. He didn't care that he looked foolish. All of the pent up confusion and hurt finally released itself in a medicinal stream of tears.

Impaz watched in silence as the wind tamer wept for joy. A small smile crept onto her lips as she watched the Sheikah process through this new revelation. Such simple words she had said; she never imagined they were capable of bringing so much life. Still, hadn't she felt the same on the day she finally handed the Sky Book to Link?

Kari didn't know how long he had been crying, but as the tears dried up, he realized how childish he must've looked. He slowly lifted himself to his feet and looked sheepishly at the old Sheikah. "I apologize for looking foolish, but I must thank you. Your words have given me hope again."

Impaz nodded slowly and leaned against her cane. "I am glad to hear it. No one should ever have to endure such loneliness."

Kari wiped his cheek. "It is a burden I never wish to carry again."

The old woman grunted her affirmation. "I agree." Her face grew solemn and her grip on her cane tightened. "However, there is more I must say." She took a deep breath. "This will not be easy to put into words."

Kari tensed. "I…I am prepared for whatever you must say."

Impaz shook her head. "Zelda has spoken of you to me a number of times. It has all been good things, mind you. She praises your affinity with magic, your coolness in combat, and your endurance. But more than anything, what she admires in you most is your loyalty to your friends."

Kari felt a lump in his throat. "Those are very generous compliments."

The old woman laughed nervously. "Indeed. Such compliments from Her Majesty are not to be taken lightly." The smile slowly disappeared. "However, it makes what I must tell you all the more difficult."

The wind tamer looked down at the ground. "Is this about Kasuto?"

Impaz nodded. "Yes." She looked away as she tried to find the right words. "From what Zelda has said, you are pivotal in the upcoming struggle. I do not know much about you except from what she has said and what you have just told me. One thing is clear, though. I know you care about our people." She sighed. "Although there are still a few of us left, there is no guarantee things will remain that way. If you return to Kasuto, then I promise you our race will go extinct. We cannot hope to win against this threat without you."

Kari nodded slowly. "I…I hadn't thought about it that way." He looked away. "But it is not as simple as choosing whether to stay or go. No matter which I choose, there will be sacrifice. If I return to the past, then the present is lost. If I stay here, then my loved ones of the past are gone."

Impaz looked at him sternly. "I have news for you, Kari. The past is already gone. Only the present remains."

Her words hit a nerve with the wind tamer. He raised his voice. "Not with the Ocarina! I can return to Kasuto! I can return to my loved ones and regain the time I lost!"

Impaz was silent. She continued to look on the young man with pity.

"Why do you continue to stare at me?" Kari said defensively. "Why won't you say something?"

At last, she spoke. "Why do you mourn for this place, young one? Why do you hold onto it? This place has been dead for centuries."

Kari flinched as if he didn't know how to respond. He looked out towards the ruined village. As a lonely wind swept through the neglected structures, he realized her words rang true. He just didn't want to admit it.

Impaz continued. "Do you know the reason that our people do not speak the name of this place? Because we realized the mistake we made here and vowed to look ahead towards the future. We have moved on from this place. Isn't it time you did the same?"

Kari pointed accusingly at her. "If you have moved on from this place, then why did you return?"

Impaz shook her head. "You seek to compare us, but you and I are here for different reasons." She looked out over the ruined village. "I am here to remember and reflect on the past so that I might learn for the future. You are stuck in the past, unable to move forward on the path the goddesses have designed for you. Do you think it mere chance that brought you to this era?"

Kari was silent.

Impaz continued. "This place serves as a dark reminder of our mistakes and failures as Sheikah. It speaks of a time when we strayed from our way and lost our path. But what is done is done. This village is dead; nothing can change that." She looked at him with a twinkle in her eye. "However, its legacy lives on in you. This place does not have to remain a symbol of darkness and death; it can become one of hope and restoration. You have the potential to fix the mistakes our people made. You can serve as Kasuto's Redemption."

Kari shuddered. "That is still a heavy burden to bear. It is almost as bad as being the sole survivor."

The old woman chuckled. "But there is a difference. Before, you were completely isolated and alone. But now, you have the friendships you've formed in this era to draw on. After all, you cannot find a more noble heart than Link."

The wind tamer shook his head. "I cannot fight by his side. Not after what he did."

Impaz scowled at him. "There you go again…clinging to the past. You speak as if you are blameless in this situation."

"I am not the one who murdered an innocent Sheikah in cold blood. Not only that, but he has murdered countless others in the past."

She arched a brow. "But if you return to Kasuto, you will be damning far more innocents, Sheikah and Hylian alike, to the grave in this era. That is more than anyone can kill in one lifetime. Are you any better?"

Kari's cheeks flushed. "Well…no."

Impaz leaned forward on her cane. "What actually happened between you two? Zelda mentioned you and Link used to have such a strong friendship, even if your interactions were somewhat…strange. Such a powerful bond doesn't just break down."

Kari kicked idly at the snow by one of the gravestones. His eyes avoided any contact with Impaz. "I already told you what transpired. He killed Zili and followed me here. We fought and I won. After that, we parted ways."

"But I feel like you're leaving something out. What happened afterwards? From the wounds on your body, it is clear you were fighting to the death. Did you…?" She didn't finish her sentence.

His foot remained still now. "He is still alive if that is what you are asking."

"Then where is he?"

Kari rested one hand against the nearby grave. It clenched into a fist as his tone became somewhat aggressive. "I told you I do not know!"

"Please, Kari. I am doing this for you. Where is Link now?"

"I already told you," he replied, his voice slowly quieting.

Impaz looked at him intently, as if she could read into his soul. "You know that Sheikah are trained to see the truth from birth. I can tell when you're lying."

Slowly, his fist unclenched. His gaze dropped after a long period of silence. "He…I…he is in Mudora's hands now."

Impaz's eyes widened. "By Din's fire! Tell me it's not so!" She looked upon him with disappointment. "And you would leave him there? The greatest chance this world has of surviving aside from you? Not to mention one of your friends?"

Kari shouted back. "He brought it upon himself! He deserves it!"

Impaz intentionally quieted her voice. "Maybe he does. But the fact that you abandoned him makes you just as guilty. Since when does throwing more dirt in the pool make it cleaner?"

Kari didn't respond.

"Do you know, Kari, that Link was the one who saved my life? Not only did he kill the monsters that were infesting the village I called home, but he freed me from the decree that had bound me there my entire life. Now, I don't know what drove Link to kill Zili, but I do know that that man is not a monster." Her brows arched. "Did he ever give a reason for doing what he did?"

Her question was met with more silence. The Sheikah looked far to the peak of Death Mountain, lost in thought.

"Well? Did he give a reason?"

There was regret and guilt in the Sheikah's eyes as he recalled Link's words. He had been too blinded by anger to truly listen to them the first time around. But now, as he actually thought about what the hero was trying to tell him, the Sheikah began to see the situation from a new perspective.

"It was his mother. He thought Zili had killed her," Kari said quietly.

"And you know what that loss feels like, don't you?" Impaz asked.

Kari's eyes dropped as he nodded. "All too well."

"We all make mistakes, Kari. You are no exception. But will you continue to hold those mistakes against him? Will you continue to firmly grip the past? Or will you allow forgiveness to come and set you free? And I'm not just talking about forgiveness for Link; I'm also talking about forgiving yourself as well."

The wind tamer shook his head. "I know what I need to do. But knowing is one thing; actually doing it is so much harder."

She approached him and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Let me give you some advice, Kari, from one Sheikah to another. Embrace what is in front of you today. The past is gone and can never be regained. Even if you travel back in time, it will not be the same as you remember it." She slowly retracted her hand and looked up at him. "The sooner you can understand that and take it to heart, the happier you will be."

Kari shook his head in disbelief. "How are you able to perceive the world so clearly and see to the heart of matters so quickly? You are able to see in seconds that which has eluded me for years."

A sly smile crept up on the old woman's lips. "You may be from the past, but I have lived far longer. The experiences of life teach you a few things. Wisdom is one of the pearls of old age."

The Sheikah nodded. "Well, I thank you. You have relieved me of a great burden and given me much to think about."

"For your sake as well as mine, I hope I was able to give you some clarity, Kari." She looked up at the sky. "But alas, it is getting late. I have already stayed here longer than I planned. I must head back. Would you like to accompany me?"

Kari shook his head. "No, I cannot. Not yet. I think I know what I must do. Now, I need to find the courage to carry it out. Until I have succeeded, I cannot leave."

"Then may the goddesses bless you, Kari. I hope the next time we meet, you are a freer man."

He watched as the old woman turned around and made her way through the ruins, the rhythmic tapping of her cane slowly softening until he could no longer hear it. Soon, she was just a speck on the horizon.

"You and I both, Impaz. You and I both," he quietly said to himself. With one final glance over his shoulder, the Sheikah turned around and headed back towards Death Mountain.

Although winter had claimed much of Hyrule, there was one location where its icy breath could never reach. The Gerudo Desert was a dangerous place where death came no matter what time of day it was. The wind brought with it the searing heat and blinding sandstorms in the day, while a piercing cold gale tore along the sandy surface once the sun had set behind the dunes. Those who had learned to adapt to the desert's harsh rhythm had done so by force. Only the strongest survived on this merciless landscape.

Within the vast expanse of the Gerudo Desert was a region known as the Desert of Doubt. Here, the winds were especially fierce and the sandstorms even more deadly. All manner of monsters made their nest here, preying on those foolish enough to venture out this far. These were often adventurers and treasure hunters who were spurred on by the rumors surrounding this place. These rumors spoke of a weapon, one of which would bestow its wielder with the might of a god. Of course, only a few knew the true location of this weapon. These few were called the Zuna, a secluded race that made their home hidden among the desert's ever-changing winds. It was their role to protect this weapon from all who would seek to misuse it.

That is why, when the large man with golden-brown skin and fiery red hair had inquired about the weapon, they had initially refused his request. They recognized him immediately as one of the Gerudo, their neighbors to the east. However, the darkness in his words and the aggressive posture with which he threatened them alerted the entire village that this was no friendly visit.

He had not come alone either. There were several others with him. Though none were as intimidating as this giant, they all possessed the same bloodlust in their eyes. The weapons they carried were not for show.

Nonetheless, it didn't take long for the will of the Zuma to break before his terrifying power. With a nod of his head, the thief's underlings brutally murdered several of the Zuma in the presence of their kin. After that, those who remained practically volunteered the information he wanted on the condition that he and his thugs left. Geroshida was happy to oblige them. After all, their lives were worthless to him; killing them would only cost him more precious time.

The Pyramid of Power was exactly where they described. They had warned him of its various traps and puzzles. They had cautioned that he would lose his life just like all the others who had sought to enter its forbidden chambers. But none of them had the power of the Gods dwelling within them. He would prove them all wrong.

And prove them wrong he did. The traps were every bit as dangerous as he had heard; several of his men died because of their carelessness. But in the end, nothing was able to stop him from finally arriving at the place he had been seeking. He had his men wait outside while he entered it alone. Here, in a dark chamber deep within the forbidden pyramid lay the weapon he had been searching for.

Geroshida smirked to himself. This was the weapon Mudora had spoken of. He was surprised to find the deity had told the truth. Though it had been an arduous journey, he was finally here.

Link and Zelda had made him look like a fool. Mudora had treated him like a child. But he would show them both. Between the trident and the Triforce, he would be unstoppable. Soon, all would know his name and fear it.

"Master, I have news to report." Agahnim's voice echoed from the gossip stone in the thief lord's pocket.

Geroshida pulled out the stone from his cloak and held it close to his face. It gave off an eerie blue glow, providing a small source of light against the bright flames stationed next to the altar.

"This better be worth the distraction," he growled. "I am quite busy."

There was a moment of silence, as if Agahnim was deciding whether to continue.

"I have been spying on Mudora as you have instructed. I contacted you to report that he and his monsters are on the move," he finally said.

Geroshida's brow rose in interest. "And where are they heading?"

"To a tower it would seem. Somewhere close to the border between Hyrule and Nevkah."

"For what purpose?"

"I do not know, Master. But I will continue to investigate."

Geroshida glowered. This was an interesting development. What could that ritzy book-worm hope to achieve?

"And what of the queen and her faithful dog?"

"Zelda is mobilizing an army as we speak. I believe she intends to meet him in combat at the tower." Agahnim hesitated for a moment. His voice lost some of its confidence, as if he feared punishment for what he was about to say. "However, Link's whereabouts are unknown."

Geroshida's silence hung heavy in the air like a ship's anchor. The thief lord could imagine his underling shifting nervously as he awaited a response.

"There is no need to find him." He said at last. "If Zelda is there, he will be too. He's too loyal to let her fight a battle alone."

Then what would you have us do next?"

"Gather our best assassins and continue to follow both parties. I have found what I came for. Await further instructions upon my return."

"As you command, Master."

With that, the blue stone dimmed and became quiet. Geroshida examined it a moment before tucking it back into his cloak and sneered. How convenient. Everyone would be in one place.

Geroshida approached the altar that served as the Trident's resting place. His attention focused on the prize he had come for.

The weapon was black as midnight and radiated an otherworldly aura. The Trident had one large spike emerging from the center while two hooked spikes emerged on either side of it. A jewel crimson as blood rested at the spikes' common origin point. Mudora had explained this weapon had once been used by a demon king. Now, as the thief lord beheld it, he believed the deity's words. Even looking at the weapon, he could sense the power locked deep within.

Geroshida reached for the Trident and lifted it from the altar. Immediately, he felt its power surge through his body. The Triforce resonated boldly on the back of his hand.

Suddenly, a foul wind swept through the chamber and blew out the flames covering the altar. A sharp pain jolted through the thief lord's body. He shouted in agony as his body underwent a terrible transformation in the darkness. An invisible force kept the weapon in his hand even as his shouts echoed across the pyramid's dark stone walls. His men fidgeted nervously from the doorway, peaking around the corner. They were unable to see anything in the darkness.

The thief lord's athletic body became brutish and animalistic, outgrowing his armor and throwing it to the ground. His dark desert skin became blue and rough. His hands, once adept for making bombs, became large and clunky with long claws. A long snout grew from his nose while his face became distorted and pig-like. His voice deepened to a low growl. All the while, his underlings looked on with fear and uncertainty. What was happening to their leader?

Geroshida was glad when the transformation finally completed itself. He could feel the power surging through him. Although he had lost some of his former dexterity and good looks, it was a small price to pay. He was unstoppable now.

Two red beady eyes glared from the figure shrouded in darkness.

"Link and Zelda, I am coming for you!" he snarled. "But this time, things will be different. Last time, you faced and defeated Geroshida, the leader of Scorpio." The Triforce of Power glowed brightly on his left hand. "This time, you will be crushed by Ganon, the reborn King of Darkness!"