The morning Impa arrived back at Kakariko was a somewhat startling one. It was like one moment she wasn't there, and the next she was there in the kitchen helping Paya prepare breakfast. Link was a light sleeper, but he didn't even hear her come inside.

Link sensed Zelda approaching from behind and asked, "Did ya hear Impa come in at all?" He glanced at her. "Oh, and mornin'." Following a return of the greeting, Zelda peered into the kitchen around Link.

"Oh wow, she is back," she said, surprised. "And no, I didn't hear her either."

It was impressive, yet unnerving. Link winced. "It's like she's a damn..." He trailed off, realizing what he was just about to say.

"A Sheikah?" Zelda finished, raising an eyebrow.

"Forget I said that. I'm still half-asleep," Link sighed, rolling his eyes as Zelda snickered. He couldn't deny that he'd walked into that one, though he really was tired.

Impa then noticed the Holders standing in the doorway and gave them a look over her shoulder. "If you two are awake enough to gawk, do you mind helping us?" she asked.

"I dunno, I'm still pretty tired," Link said, inching away from the door. He anticipated Zelda trying to grab his arm and avoided it, only for her to skillfully snag his other as he tried to move away.

"We'd love to help," Zelda said, pulling Link into the kitchen with her before he could protest further.

It was almost odd to see Impa casually eating breakfast with the others and making idle conversation. Her demeanor, for the brief time Link was able to witness it, didn't seem capable of being laid-back.

"Paya informed me of your situation," Impa said, "and while I'm glad your mission at the temple was a success, I do offer my pity for the injuries you all sustained. You don't have to worry about staying here, because I'm willing to offer hospitality for as long as you need it."

We weren't worried since Paya already reassured us that we would be safe here, Resa said.

Impa nodded, looking relieved. "That's good to hear, you weren't worrying this whole time while I was gone."

"So what were ya doin' in Castle City, anyways?" Link asked. "You said you're Daemos' spy, but what exactly does that mean?" He couldn't help but ask, especially since Impa had been gone for so long. A flicker of concern flashed through Resa's aura, though it was brief and laced with understanding.

"I'd like to know that as well, if it's not too intrusive," Zelda said.

Impa looked from Link to Zelda before replying. "I was meant to report any information about the Holders if I or any of the other Sheikah were to come across them."

Link frowned as Zelda looked worried. "I don't believe you would, but did you say anything about us?" she asked.

Impa shook her head. "While I wish the Sheikah could swear themselves to the royal family even without the Triforce of Wisdom remaining in their bloodline, we have a bias of our own," she said. "I changed my priorities to gathering information I could share with you."

Then you can guess what any of us would inquire about next? Resa said.

"Yes, and I'll tell you. But first, I would like to hear your story and what your business at the Ironwill Temple was." Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "I feel it is only my right to know after all that my village has done for you, yes?"

Instead of answering instantly, Resa looked at Link and Zelda. She still didn't speak, but her aura was confused, almost inquiring. The curious shift in aura only raised Impa's suspicion, evidenced by her expression, though Resa didn't yield. She was asking their opinion.

Zelda seemed to give it some thought before nodding, followed suit by Fira and Luce. Link agreed as well not long after that. His instincts told him to agree because he didn't want to make enemies with a master Aura user, but he agreed because the others had in spite of his instincts. Even if this was a mistake, he knew that not everybody was always right.

With the unanimous agreement, Resa gave her response. Yes, that would be right, she said. I would ask that it is only just the six of us when we tell you, however.

Paya's gaze fell as her shoulders slouched. "I-I'll leave, if that's what you want," she said.

Zelda gave Paya an apologetic, sympathetic smile. "We're sorry, Paya, but we don't want to risk too many people knowing, even if they're aligned with us," she said. Paya nodded solemnly and headed outside, Mienfoo following her.

There's nobody in the house besides us now, Link told Resa, who nodded.

Impa leaned forwards, propping her elbow up on the table as she rested her chin in her hand. "Now, what exactly is going on between the Holders this time?" she asked, and Resa began explaining.

Following the long story, Impa sat there quietly, contemplating. "King Daemos has been intentionally sending troops to stand guard at the temples. Some way or another, he must have learned the truth as well," she informed. "I wasn't able to find out much unfortunately, but he's been beginning to act more... erratic. He's more driven by anger now, rarely is he calm. It seems that this demon you spoke of is influencing him more."

No, this isn't good. It's happening faster than I thought it would be... It's only a trace, and yet it's still causing so much damage, Resa said. Her sashes curled and uncurled nervously. It's managed to lay dormant for so long, or has it just been eating away at him all this time?

"What will happen if it fully consumes him?" Impa asked.

That... I do not know for sure, Resa said. I can only imagine that his soul will be irreversibly corrupted. And an embodiment of pure anger and hatred having the position of a king will surely mark the downfall of Hyrule. Her voice had a sharp twist of pain and sadness in it, matching her aura. We're running out of time... How much longer do we have? A week? A month? Her words grew more frantic.

"It's concerning, but there is no use dwelling on it," Impa said. "None of you can go anywhere at the moment."

Resa went quiet momentarily, her sashes going limp at her sides. The only harm that can come to me is my blade being damaged. I have no flesh to mar or organs to destroy, she said hollowly. I... I may be more than an Overseer, but I'm still an Aegislash.

Link had never heard Resa sound so discouraged, and it was painful to watch. He was used to Resa's sturdy wall of an outlook, not this. "Ya still have a mind, though, and a spirit," he said.

And that matters? Resa said.

"Uh, of course it does!" Link retorted, shocked at the bleak reply. "How ya have an aura proves you're alive, and if you're alive, ya can still be hurt!" He dropped his voice back down. "You're hurtin' right now; your aura's all twisted up and nasty. Impa's right. Worryin's gonna hurt ya even more, and... we need ya, Resa."

Resa was silent. I appreciate you saying that, Courage. But this sadly won't stop me from being concerned.

"Then just tell us you're worried, and we'll try to help out and stuff," Link said. "Right, Zelda?"

Her eyes widened. "O-of course!" she replied instantly, nodding.

Resa gazed around the pair for a moment before releasing a sigh. Thank you, she said, gratitude radiating from her. A corner of Link's mouth quirked up into a smile.

"Now, Paya said that you would like my help in plotting a course to the next temple in Eldin?" Impa said. "I don't know the area as well as the rest of eastern Hyrule, but I can do my best in helping you figure out a path. From the sound of things, however, you intend on traveling alone."

Yes. Our group of five is large enough. While additional help could be useful, it will also make us more noticeable.

"Even if I just said that there will most certainly be more troops stationed at the temple," Impa said. "You were lucky that you were able to enter while the guards weren't there, but they will not make that mistake again."

Zelda nodded. "Resa, she's right. We should take at least another person or two with us."

I know that, Wisdom. But... it'll be odd having some newcomers with us. She sighed as she fell into thought, tapping the end of a sash against her hilt like someone tapping the side of their head with a finger.

"Yeah, I agree with Zelda too," Link added. "As much as I don't want more people, we'd be screwed if we were captured 'cause we were beaten. Havin' even more Aura users'll definitely help us. If we had to take anyone extra, Sheikah would be our best bet."

Even you, Courage, Resa muttered. After another moment of silence, she said, Okay, then. Your scouts can escort us to Eldin and back here to the village, but then I ask that you accompany us no further. We have a place to go afterwards that only we may tread. Anybody else runs a risk of being endangered. Link knew Resa was speaking of Kokiri Glade when she said that.

"If you insist, then I'll oblige," Impa said with a nod. "Is three enough? I can also spare one of our Zoroark as well as a Murkrow. I will acknowledge that having a large group isn't the smartest idea, even if the additions are Sheikah."

Five is more than enough, Resa said. Link again agreed while Zelda was of course more unsure, though she went with it.

Impa nodded. "Very well. Arata and Ena are currently not on any missions, and Haruo will be returning from his later this afternoon. I'll see about assigning them to you. They're among our most experienced fighters and are decently skilled Aura users, so there's no doubt that they'll be of help. I'd go myself, but I have to leave for Castle City again at the end of the month. I can't afford to raise any suspicion."

Whoever you can offer us, we'll be satisfied with, Resa said. But this afternoon? That means...

"You'll have to wait before we can start plotting a course," Impa finished.

Resa sighed, twisting her sashes around her hilt. Yes, but there's nothing to be done. Her sashes tightened as her aura flickered with acceptance. Courage is rubbing off on me, as I seem to be catching his impatience as well...

"Whoops," Link grumbled under his breath. He couldn't help that he hated waiting, it was a waste of time. The conversation lulled briefly before Link noticed that Impa was staring at Resa with an odd intensity that leaked into her aura. Resa, ya got a gawker, Link said, and the Aegislash took notice as well.

What is it? she asked, uncertain.

Impa blinked before leaning back in her chair. "My apologies, but I just can't let go about how familiar your aura is, Overseer," she said. "You said you served in the castle when you were alive, what was your position?"

My position? Resa repeated.

"Your aura is very similar to that of Queen Aveil," Impa continued. "Were you one of her servants? She tended to surround herself with people who were similar in mind and tastes to her own." Resa went quiet as she contemplated Impa's words for several moments, and Impa frowned. "Am I imposing? I would like to know, but not if—"

No, I understand, Resa said. I... I was indeed a personal servant to Queen Aveil, she began slowly. We spent nearly all of our time together; I was even there to witness Daemos' birth. Aveil, Link swore Resa glanced at him, she... let me become as close with her son as I was with her. It was like he was my son as well as hers. She paused, her voice having grown shaky. I-I miss that life dearly.

Impa gave her a sad but sympathetic smile. "That certainly seems to be the case since you refer to them by their names and not their titles," she said. "How interesting how you wound up returning as the Aegislash Overseer."

Well, I did choose to become an Overseer to help the royal family, and the kingdom as a whole, Resa said.

"Wait, wait, I wanna say somethin'," Link interrupted. "Ya worked directly for the royal family?"

Yes. I didn't say anything about it because I was worried how... you would react, Courage, she said, this time really looking at him.

"Clearly this is something between the three of you, so I'll go ahead and leave you three alone," Impa said, standing. "The kitchen is still a mess."

"We end up scaring everyone away, don't we?" Zelda said after Impa left.

We have ourselves to blame for that, my lady, Fira replied, his fur ruffling as he sighed. Or more like Link does.

All eyes turned to him, and Link clenched his fists.

With how things are now, learning this information would have been inevitable, Resa said. I still do hold respect for the royal family, and I won't apologize for it.

And that was something Link didn't understand. The admiration, the unflinching loyalty, it all lay beside horrible actions.

"Link?" Zelda gently prompted, and he knew he had to answer.

"It bothers me, but... I won't hate ya for it. They're your thoughts." That sounded so wrong coming from him, it was like spitting up bile. Still, he couldn't completely discount the notion. He didn't know what to think anymore.

I'll keep that in mind for the future, Resa said. Link didn't know whether to be relieved or worried by that statement.

On that note, I'll call Impa back in, Fira said.

"Or we could help her clean up," Zelda offered, taking a couple plates in her good hand.

"Nope, I ain't doin' that again," Link refused instantly. "Ya might only have one hand, but at least ya can breathe and bend over without your chest achin' like a bitch." Luce yipped in concurrence.

Zelda sighed, shaking her head. "You're fortunate you have that to say," she said.

—~*~—

Later that day, Link and everyone else were gathered in the strategy hall at the back of Impa's home, a room lined with bookshelves as well as maps. At the center of the room was a large table with more maps spread across it along with a couple compasses and pencils.

Joining the group in the strategy hall were three newcomers, the trio of Sheikah Impa mentioned. Arata and Ena were twins, almost identical in their lean frames and facial structures save for Ena's slightly larger eyes. Haruo was more well-built than the Sheikah men Link had seen up until then; strength was clearly his forte. They introduced themselves to Link's group, and they didn't instantly seem too unpleasant to be around, an immediate plus for Link.

"It's an honor to be working with you, Holders of Wisdom and Courage," Ena said. She bowed reverently while Arata nodded in agreement.

"I can't believe it, this is like a dream come true!" Haruo said, grinning. "Sorry, I can't help but feel excited."

Zelda smiled, waving her hand dismissively. "It's fine. We need all the enthusiasm we can get," she reassured.

"But not too enthusiastic," Link added, slightly regretting his previous thoughts.

Now that we're all acquainted, we can finally make some progress here, Resa said.

"Yes," Impa agreed before saying loudly. "Everyone, direct your attention to the map here." On the map of eastern Hyrule spread before her, she pointed to a spot in what Link assumed was Necluda, marked with a Sheikah eye symbol.

Staring intensely at the scribble of black that labeled something on the map, Link thought he could make out an "a" and "c." At least, he thought it was those letters. It took a light nudge from Zelda to draw him back to what Impa was saying.

"... in the village, and you all have to make your way here," Impa finished. She then pointed much higher up on the map, to an area surrounded by sketched mountains and crags. "This is where the Cavern Temple is located. It's a two-week trek at the most, though it depends on how the summer's rock slides affected the trails."

There appears to only be one trail leading to the temple, if I'm seeing this right? Resa said. The trio of new Sheikah had been informed that Resa was the de-facto leader of the group and communicated via Fira regularly, though nothing else about her role or identity had been revealed.

Resa traced the trail with a sash to its southwestern starting point. Even if Link couldn't read the label, he knew the trailhead was at the base of the Eldin Highlands, which marked the border between Eldin and the provinces around it.

"Yes, and that's the trail the guard would have taken to reach the temple." Impa placed her finger at the base of the highlands directly south of the temple. "What you'll have to do is cut across these foothills," she dragged her finger straight northwards, "scale this small cliff, and you'll be able to look down into Yiga Canyon, where the temple can be accessed from."

"More mountain-climbing?" Zelda sighed as Fira grumbled unhappily beside her. Eyes turned to her, and she shook her head. "Sorry," she muttered.

Ena spoke up, concerned. "Those foothills aren't the kindest, Lady Impa. You sent us to train there for a reason."

Haruo scoffed. "You guys just have lousy endurance, that's all," he said. "Climbing's easy."

"For you, perhaps..." Arata whispered, disgruntled.

Link couldn't help but contribute to this. "I've been to the foothills too. There's more... what'd he say, endurance, then skill needed to climb 'em."

"See, Courage knows what I'm talking about!" Haruo said happily. "And we can just bust foot and handholds into the cliff if we need to. That's why we learned how to create Aura Spheres, right?"

Never mind. Link again took back his thoughts. Haruo was speaking his language. "I like your style," he said, smirking.

"Regardless of however you choose to scale them, this is the only way of reaching the temple that doesn't involve funneling yourselves into Yiga Canyon," Impa said. "It honestly isn't too complicated of a route taking directions into account. It's merely a straight north shot from northern Necluda."

"But how are we to deal with the guards if we encounter any?" Ena asked. "I'm assuming an ambush of some sort, or a diverton might do."

Impa shrugged, smiling slyly. "That is something you'll have to figure out once you reach the canyon. Improvisation is part of a Sheikah's arsenal, after all. You'll have a Murkrow and Zoroark with you as well, so do not dismiss their capabilities."

"Of course, Lady Impa," Ena said with an apologetic bow.

"So is this all you needed to know?" Impa asked Resa.

Resa crossed her sashes, and Link could imagine her squinting at the map. It all seems exceedingly simple, too much so for my liking... However, travel has always been the easiest aspect of this journey. But I don't have legs, so I cannot reliably state that as fact.

"It's pretty easy," Link said.

"Mostly," Zelda said, her voice edging on a whine.

Then I believe we're set for now, Resa affirmed, nodding. Of course, be prepared for me to ask more questions.

"Anything to assist the Holder of Wisdom and save the royal family," Impa said firmly.