New Horizons - A Skyward Sword Aftermath Story

Chapter 24 - Kakariko

The pair walked down the vast cobblestone street in the centre of the village. Terraced houses stood on either side, facing each other. Presumably, these compact buildings were once homes for its ordinary residents. The village's infrastructural design differed from that of their own back home. Each building had a temple-like appearance to it, with outwardly-curved rooftops and stylistic pillars supporting the porches outside their front doors. Red bunting, sun-bleached and tattered with age, draped from one building to another throughout the entirety of the land.

A completely different language, unreadable to the pair, was etched into every signpost, stone wall, and water fountain. Despite the words' lack of legibility, Zelda immediately recognised it. Her suspicions were confirmed as she gazed up to one of the houses in front of her. Atop the decaying doorway was a golden Sheikah eye crest, covered in rust, secured to the wall. 

The two took the time to explore all of the houses, but were met with nothing of value or importance. The occasional chest containing dusty rupees were sometimes found in small corners; they often found the rotten remains of wooden desks, beds, and chairs. In one of the drawers, however, they managed to find an old, damp cloak and pair of trousers, decorated with exquisite patterns, similar to what Impa once wore. Much like Impa's outfit, they soon found an exercise tank top, which wore the Sheikah symbol on its chest, embroidered with a red thread. With the training outfit they found and weapon wall mounts in every home's living room, it was assumed that these houses did in fact belong to ancient Sheikah warriors. 

At the end of the long street was a vast building unlike any other. The giant building sat on stilts, guarded by a stone fence surrounding the premises. While it looked similar in architectural style, it was evident that this house was more culturally significant. Perhaps people with a higher status once lived there. 

Upon walking up the stairs to the grand building's front door, a strange feeling of familiarity fogged Zelda's mind. To their surprise, the interior of the house had been preserved well for its age. The place had a vast communal area in the centre of it, with an upper platform that went around the edges of the building, accessible by the two staircases either side of the entrance. The entirety of the second floor was consumed by bookshelves after bookshelves, giving them the impression that this place must've once been some form of a library as well. Just as they figured, all the books that weren't water damaged and ripped apart weren't readable anyway. Although they couldn't understand the texts, there were depictions of the Goddess, the Triforce, and people in fighting stances. In other books there was more medicinal imagery, such as plants, potions and rocks. Impa was rather vague when ever telling Zelda about her tribe, but she did mention that they were protectors of Her Grace; excelled fighters who could wield magic.

On the ground floor, something sprawled out on a large desk near the rear wall sparked the girl's interest. Upon closer inspection, she could see that it was a tattered black shawl. She gasped. The neck collar, the gold embroidery along its edges, the impeccable condition it was in… 

This was Impa's old shawl. She had only ever seen her wear it once or twice, but regardless, she was certain it was hers. 

Delicately, she picked up the old garment, and gently ran her fingertips over the thick, sturdy fabric. 

Without either of the two saying anything, Link could understand exactly why she was focused on this particular artifact.

"She..." Zelda slowly started. "Must've come back here before the end, to see her home one last time." 

The room returned to silence. Her eyes grew sadder as they stared down at the garment in her hands. She let out a sigh. 

"Oh, Impa... We really could use your help right now."