It took far longer to locate Kakariko Village than Link would have liked. The forest of central Necluda was denser than it was elsewhere, causing nearly every last bit of sunlight to be smothered before it could touch the needle-carpeted forest floor.

Still, it should have been the opposite since it was a whole village they were searching for. But it was surprisingly elusive, even with Fira asking the native Pokémon if they knew of any nearby villages. Then a Bellsprout was able to give them a definitive answer. It was north from where they were, and there was a road leading to it as well.

"Watch out for the Zoroark," the Bellsprout had also said. Zoroark were one of the Sheikahs' signature Pokémon, and they apparently patrolled the village's borders.

Following more walking and searching, Luce was the one to spot something, though it wasn't the actual village. It was a dirt path, much smaller than the one the group had followed to Lake Totari, but was too well-maintained to be a wild Pokémon trail.

I'm guessing this is the road that Bellsprout had mentioned? Fira asked.

"Some road," Link said. His senses then pricked as an aura entered his peripheries. Both he and Luce looked farther down the path, only to see an approaching Pokémon. Narrow blue eyes searched the trees around it as it strode forwards on its red-clawed hind legs, its long red mane almost trailing on the ground—a Zoroark.

Should we take cover? Resa hissed, ducking down.

"I dunno if that's a good idea," Link muttered as he watched the Zoroark get closer. "It might think we're tryin' to attack the village."

"In that case, we may as well introduce ourselves," Zelda said, stepping out onto the path. Link bit back an angry curse as he followed her after Fira.

When the Zoroark saw Zelda, it stopped right where it was, some ten feet down the path. Its eyes narrowed as it held out its paws, claws beginning to become enshrouded with the purple haze of a Shadow Claw. It got into a defensive stance, barking sharply.

'Who are you people?' Fira translated.

Link took a small step forwards, putting himself in front of the others while keeping his gaze locked with the Zoroark's. "Lemme do the talkin'," he said, giving Zelda a quick glance.

She frowned. "But—"

"Please," he pressed, the word slipping out before any other could. Zelda didn't object further. "We're lookin' for Kakariko Village. Someone I know likes to hang 'round there, and we need his help."

The Zoroark's suspicion didn't lessen at all. It then barked again. 'Why didn't you approach from the road?' Fira repeated.

"We didn't know this path existed. All we knew was that Kakariko was somewhere in this part of Necluda," Link said. "We don't wanna hurt ya or any of the Sheikah. We're just lookin' for my friend. If we don't find 'im, we'll leave right away."

Some of the haze surrounding the Zoroark's claws started to fade as it straightened up a little. It slowly stalked forwards, making careful its approach. It again stopped when it was only a couple feet away, and its eyes flicked to each member of Link's group before coming to rest on Link himself. He easily met its gaze again, unwavering. Then with a shake of its head, it shoved its way past them, letting out a yap.

'Fine. Follow me.'

"Thank you, Zoroark," Zelda said with a smile. The fox gave her another look, exhaling sharply before waving everyone on with a claw.

I... expected that to turn out much worse, Resa said.

"Yeah, you're not the only one," Link muttered, glancing at Zelda.

The sun stubbornly refused to peek through the treetops for more than a few seconds at a time as the group walked the path. But if Link had to guess, it took another hour or so for them to finally reach Kakariko Village. And it was certainly a sight to behold, even if it was a more humble one.

Nestled between the fronds of the towering pines were small, single-story wooden buildings with sloped, thatched roofs that were elevated a few feet off the ground on sturdy supports. Rope could be seen wrapped around the trees between the buildings, extending to them in a way that reminded Link of a fence or barrier of sorts. Thin strips of wood hung from the rope, which lightly clicked together as the faint breeze disturbed them.

Link could sense auras in the trees, and looking up revealed pairs of eyes that would duck behind a branch as soon as they made eye-contact. They weren't hostile, likely because of Zoroark's presence.

The group was instantly met with tension the moment they entered the village. The Sheikan inhabitants paused to stare, and Pokémon began to make themselves known. Dark and Poison-types flaunted their claws, teeth, and stingers to let the newcomers know of what they could do. Children stopped playing and ducked under the supports of the nearest home, watching on in curiosity and confusion. An army of red eyes bore into Link and his companions. His confidence began to crack, like it always did whenever he was the center of a crowd's attention.

One of the Sheikah, an adult female, approached the group. Like most other Sheikah, she had a willowy yet toned build. She wore the traditional garb of the Sheikah spy: form-fitting navy clothing with the weeping eye symbol stitched on the front in red, fingerless gloves, a mask to cover her face from the nose down, and a gray scarf. Her white hair was pinned up in a tight bun, though the lack of hair obscuring her face didn't make it any easier to read her expression.

"Who are you, and what business do you have in Kakariko Village?" she asked icily.

Link knew he had to be the one to respond. "I-I'm lookin' for someone I know," he said. "His name's Iigo, and he told me he likes to hang out 'ere a lot."

The woman's eyes lit up. "Ah, Iigo! He's out on a scouting mission at the moment, though he's supposed to return tomorrow morning. I didn't think he had any friends outside of the village."

Link frowned. Scouting mission? "Wait..." His jaw almost dropped when the realization dawned on him. "Iigo's a Sheikah?"

The woman nodded. "Of course he is. He wouldn't be allowed to stay here otherwise. Though I suppose it may be surprising that a Rito is a member of our ranks. But due to a request by King Daemos, we have begun to take in non-Sheikah because it will make our activities less noticeable. After all, our unique appearance is quite telling of what we are."

Link's mind was still reeling. Iigo, a Sheikah? He was going to have to kick that Rito for not telling him this.

"But speaking of appearances," the Sheikah continued, her gaze closely examining the group, "you and your companions are wanted by the king, if I'm not mistaken."

The reeling was instantly snapped into seriousness as Link's muscles tensed, and the concern flashing through his companions signaled a similar reaction. His hand went to the Master Sword's hilt. "Dammit, why'd I think this was a good idea?" he hissed.

"There's no need to be hostile," the woman said. "You're no fugitives. If it wasn't the blade of evil's bane sheathed upon your back, it's the traces of divine energy swimming in yours and the Hylian woman's auras. It does confuse me why the Aegislash bears some divinity as well."

Link's shock over having their identities revealed was briefly overtaken by this new piece of information. "You can sense auras? I didn't think there were any Lucario in Necluda," he blurted out.

Link could tell the woman was smiling through her mask when she next spoke. "The founder of Kakariko Village was from Ordon, and his Pokémon partner was a Lucario. Their knowledge of Aura has been passed down through the village for generations, even if no Lucario dwell in Necluda."

She raised her hand, and a sphere of churning blue light formed in her palm. Link knew that move instantly: an Aura Sphere. He was in awe. That was something only a highly-skilled Aura user could hope to create, a perfect concentration and wielding of the energy forged by years of training.

"I've been training in the art of Aura ever since I was a child. Even the most minute abnormalities in one's energy are ones I can detect," the woman said. She easily unraveled and dissipated the Aura Sphere with a flourish. There wasn't even any recoil from disbanding the orb, further proof of her prowess.

Zelda quickly picked up Link's slack and moved to his side. "So you know we're Holders," she said. Around them came the hushed whisperings of the Sheikah who heard Zelda, and that snapped Link from his stupor, making him more nervous. "What does that mean for us?"

"It means you are safe here, and that I have the honor of meeting such legendary figures." The woman bowed deeply. "I am Impa, the leader of the Sheikah, and I welcome you to my village." The other Sheikah offered Link's group bows of their own. Link wasn't sure if he'd ever get used to people treating him with respect.

As if Impa's words had been a signal, a noticeable calm descended over the village. The Sheikah and Pokémon returned to whatever activities they were doing beforehand. While some still lingered to hopefully catch a few more bits of the conversation, they left when Impa regarded them with dismissive looks.

"I-It's an honor to meet ya as well, Impa," Link finally spoke. Zelda's surprise didn't go unnoticed.

The coldness in Impa's voice had melted away by now, and she tugged down her mask. While a brutal scar slashed from her jawline to the left corner of her mouth, it was offset by her warm smile. "This knowledge isn't known to most, but the last few Holders of Wisdom were in Hyrule's royal family. I'm sure you're aware of our servitude to them. Even if the blood has shifted from Hylian to Gerudo, we still serve them."

Resa spoke up. And yet you still trust us over them? she asked.

Impa looked at Resa, intrigued. "You can speak? Though I suppose it's through the Braxien." Her eyes narrowed in thought. "Your aura is quite familiar... I can't exactly place it, however. Did you work in the castle as a guard Pokémon? Or did you when you were alive?"

Resa's sashes stiffened, and by that reaction alone Link was sure she wouldn't answer that. But that expectation was dashed when she did speak. I... I-I did serve in the castle in life, yes, she said with a distinct calm edge to her voice.

"Then it makes sense," Impa said with a nod. "I served as Queen Aveil's personal spy, and I've since moved on to Daemos. You're fortunate to have caught me between my visits to Castle City."

But can you please answer my question? You can sense the divinity in our auras, so you surely have been able to do the same with King Daemos.

Impa glanced about. "I believe it would be better if we spoke of this away from any eavesdroppers. The children like to start their training young, too young for my liking," she said with a chuckle.

Impa's home sat furthest back in the village and helped create part of the roped outer border. It was the size of three homes put together, stretching out from side to side, and had a large, elegant front porch. The front doors let out into a spacious central room. The walls were all darkly-colored where they weren't tan, and they were decorated with inked scrolls and painted canvases. Candlelight painted them in both light and flickering shadows, provided by the candle-laden chandelier that hung from the bare support beams above them. A strong scent of incense hung in the air like a shroud.

"H-Hello?" A girl nervously peered out from another room before stepping out into the open. Her clothing was more simple, tans and browns made from heavier cloth, and the long hair that would have framed her face was tied up in a bun while the rest flowed loosely down her back. Beside her was a yellow and magenta weasel Pokémon, which Link recognized as a Mienfoo. "Who... wh-who are they?" she asked.

"They're guests, Paya dear," Impa responded. "Could you please take Meina and go put in a word for the Zoroark to take a break? The Zorua and Skorupi should have a longer guard shift today for more training."

Paya nodded. "I-I will." She quickly rushed past everyone on her way out the door.

"Paya is an assistant to the village's healer, and she is also my daughter," Impa explained while Fira closed the doors behind the girl. "I can admit that she wouldn't make the best spy or scout, so she's hoping to take over as healer." Link could sense the interest in Zelda without having to even look at her.

But we are alone? Resa asked.

"We are," Impa said firmly. "And to answer you, I know King Daemos is the Holder of Power. But I am also aware of the filth that plagues his aura." Distaste tugged her mouth down into a frown. "I'd first sensed it years ago, but it was much weaker, and it wasn't from the king's aura. It was like it had shifted to him."

Shifted? There was a confused waver in Resa's voice.

"Wait, that means King Daemos wasn't the Holder of Power before?" Zelda burst out before clasping a hand over her mouth. "M-my apologies," she mumbled.

Impa didn't seem to mind. "It's fine, and that does seem to be the case. Either someone gave him Power, or he took it from them. I'm more inclined to believe the first."

You're right in that it has to do with the Triforce of Power itself, Resa muttered. It's the cause of his shift in nature.

Impa's lips pursed as she processed the information. "A demon, perhaps?" she mused. "Regardless I never thought I'd be here to experience the next clash of the Holders," she said, shaking her head. "As much as I would like to continue our talk, I have to leave. The last time I went to the castle, I arrived half a day late. His Majesty said there would be consequences if I was late again. That is why I must leave again right now."

Our apologies for delaying you, then, Resa said. We have a plan to stop him, and that is why we need Iigo. He's our best bet for reaching the Ironwill Temple.

"Ironwill? I suppose meeting with the guardian makes some sense for those such as you, and Iigo has a better knowledge of the Quince Cliffs than most." Impa released a sigh. "While I have countless questions for you all, I unfortunately can't ask them until my return, and I'm sure you don't intend to stay for that long. But you are free to stay here tonight, and I'll let my outskirts guards know to send Iigo here."

"Thank you, Impa," Zelda said.

"Yeah, thanks," Link muttered with a slight nod.

Impa bowed again. "Anything for the Holders of Wisdom and Courage. If you need anything else from us, we will do our best to provide it," she said. "Wait here until Paya returns, and she'll show you where you can stay. I bid you all safe travels."

—~*~—

Link would have to admit that their accommodations at Impa's home weren't as nice as they were in Zora's Domain. Instead of him and Luce getting a cottage-sized room to themselves, they had to share a much smaller one with everyone else. All that seperated Link and Zelda was a screen Paya had set up to divide the room in half.

As he laid on a small bed, a candle flickering away on the nightstand next to him, Link felt utterly content. Despite its size, the bed was comfortable, and he was happy about that since he was frankly exhausted. He still wasn't used to traveling so much again, even if it had been a couple weeks by now. At that, he winced. Zora's Domain had definitely made him soft.

The last thing Link expected was to have Zelda come visit his side of the room. While he was glad to see her, he only minded it because he was so tired. And Luce wasn't there to dissuade Zelda; she was out exploring the village, and apparently Fira went with her. Link would have gone as well if sleep wasn't calling to him. But he was now at the mercy of Zelda's inquires, and inquire she did.

"So what was with your attitude shift when talking to Impa?" she asked. "It's nothing like you at all."

Link stifled a yawn as he folded his arms behind his head. "I can't not respect someone who can use Aura that well," he answered. "It takes over a decade of trainin' for someone to create an Aura Sphere, let alone a stable one."

Zelda's brows rose. "Wow, the Illusion having respect for someone? And when I thought you couldn't surprise me any more," she said wryly.

"I'm full of surprises," he responded with a shrug, "even if ya think ya got me all figured out."

"And I know you think the same of me, but honestly..." She sighed. "Never mind."

That chased away some of Link's tiredness as interest took ahold of him. "Say it," he said with a snicker. "Ya might as well since you've already started sayin' it. Then I'll just pester ya until ya do."

Zelda shook her head. "I hate that you're right. But I also think you're right that you've got me figured out as well. I suppose every personality type has certain traits that are common between them." She buried her face in her palm. "I also hate how you've been getting me to admit to more too."

"Thought we were friends? Don't friends need to talk?" Link said, a corner of his mouth quirking up into a half-smirk. Zelda released an exasperated laugh. She'd walked into that one, but she wouldn't admit that. Link wouldn't have either.

"Friends don't have to talk about everything," she said.

"Guess I still have some stuff to learn," Link said. "And yeah, I wanna say you're kinda predictable, and then I'd be a hypocrite after I said that I have more hidden. The surprises come from how ya admit 'em."

Zelda's gaze flitted off to the side for a moment, easy evidence of how she was thinking of something. "Alright," she said. "I'll... keep that in mind."

"You do that," Link said. He couldn't help but yawn again at that moment, and he didn't stifle it.

"I'll let you sleep, since you're clearly so tired," Zelda said. If Link had been more alert, he would have felt embarrassed. But the confirmation of the conversation's end brought back his drowsiness with a vengeance. "Good night, Link." If he replied, he didn't know it, as he was already drifting off.

The next morning, Link awoke to Luce prodding him. He fought through the remaining haze to open his eyes, and already he was puzzled. The amount of sunlight pouring into the room was far more than he was used to waking up to, and that was for a reason. Apparently he'd slept longer than he thought, because besides Luce, he was the only one in the room. That surprised him, since he was usually one of the first to be up.

Link found Zelda and the others in a small dining room off to the right of the central room. Breakfast was already underway, consisting of omelettes of some sort with fruit on the side. He expected some kind of meat to be a side dish, though he wasn't complaining that there wasn't any.

Zelda was the first one to notice Link and Luce, and she greeted them with a small wave. "Good morning, you two."

"Mornin'," Link said as he took a seat. He ended up being next to Paya, who regarded him with another nervous look. He tried to ignore her and poked at his omelette with a fork. "Sooo... why am I the last one up today?" he then asked.

Zelda was the one to respond. "You looked like you were sleeping so well that I suggested that Luce leave you be."

Link turned to face Luce. "And ya listened to her?" Luce nodded firmly, and Link sighed. He did feel more well-rested than he had since the Domain, so he could appreciate that. "But thanks, Zelda," he said, and she smiled.

Digging into his food, Link was pleasantly surprised to see that the omelette had a spinach and walnut filling. This one breakfast was much better than all the combined meals of straight-up fruits and vegetables he had at the Domain.

"Didn't think there'd be stuff like this in an omelette," he observed.

"W-we Sheikah gravitate towards meat-less foods," Paya said, nervously picking at her own omelette. "Um, I-I hope you don't mind if I ask this, but wh-why are you going to the Ironwill Temple?"

We hope to find something there, Resa said simply.

"A-alright." Paya's shoulders hunched. "I was just curious. Um, a-are any of you finished yet? Because I'd like to st-start clearing the table." She seemed more than eager to collect some of the cleared plates, hurridley rushing into the kitchen afterwards.

"She's a weird one, huh?" Link said through a mouthful of egg.

"Link!" Zelda hissed, glaring at him. He shrugged and went back to eating. He knew he was right.

Link was finishing off the last of his breakfast when a knock echoed in from the central room. Before he or anyone had a chance to speak, Paya's Mienfoo rushed to the door. Even from where he was, Link instantly recognized the aura at the front door. That Rito had quite the storm coming. He stood up, but by then Iigo was already in the house, and he saw Link through the doorway.

"Rinku?" he asked, grinning.

"Hey, Iigo," Link replied. He was about to ask the obvious when Iigo continued on with his usual rambling.

"I was told that somebody was waiting for me, but I didn't think it would be you. Usually I'm the one to seek you out when we don't cross paths." He put a hand to his chest. "Like a pair of star-crossed souls, forever fated to be entwined whether they want to be or not."

Link rolled his eyes. "You and the poetic shit, haven't missed that. But when did ya become a Sheikah?"

"Hm, about a year ago now," Iigo said with a shrug. He brushed up on some of the feathers on his neck, revealing the weeping eye symbol branded onto his skin. "Of course I couldn't tell anyone about this, even my best friend," he chuckled. "I'm shocked they allowed me to join considering my history. But I suppose that may have helped me since stealth is favored here, also my knowledge of Necluda contributed to the deciding factor."

"Glad to see ya haven't changed in the past, what, four or five months?" Link said.

"Change takes time, Rinku," Iigo said with a shrug. "But speaking of," his gaze traveled over Link's companions, "it seems some things have changed with you. You've gone and made new friends! I can't believe you would replace me!"

Link gritted his teeth before he responded. "Th-they're, uh, yeah they are, but shut it, Iigo," he stuttered. "Everyone, Iigo. Iigo, this is Zelda, Resa, and Fira." They all exchanged "hellos" and other basic greetings, though of course Iigo had to make a show with his.

"So what is it that you need from me, Rinku? I would love to think it's because you missed me, but we both know that isn't like you."

Link laughed dryly. "You're pretty right 'bout that," he said. "It'll take too long to explain, but we need your help in takin' us to the Ironwill Temple in a way that's not through Rito Village."

Iigo leaned in close to Link, raising a brow slyly. "You don't need to lie, Rinku," he said. "Even if I've only just started my Aura training, I heard enough from the others on my way here. You're a Holder, eh? Out of all the people I envisioned such a figure to be, I didn't think it would be you."

"Believe, I'm still surprised too," Link sighed.

So does that mean you will be able to guide us? Even if the path is treacherous, we'll still take it, Resa said.

Iigo didn't seem too shocked to hear Resa speaking. "If you want treacherous, then I'll take you that way," he said. "But there is a much safer trail we can take. It will take us around the backside of the cliffs, so it might take longer. I say, perhaps three or four days?"

"Time don't matter so long as we get there," Link added. "Right?" he cast a glance at Resa, who nodded.

Iigo clapped his wings together. "Then I'll be happy to be your guide!" he crowed brightly. "Iigo, at your service."

As Iigo and Resa began plotting their route on the map, Zelda lightly elbowed Link. "'Rinku'?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah..." Link muttered, glancing away as his shoulders tensed. Hylia, this was going to be new ammunition for her, wasn't it? Even with how they acted towards each other now, she wouldn't pass up the perfect opportunity for a jab like this... right?