The Legend of Zelda: The Silent Princess

Many Tasks of a Hero

While I had been right by Link's side as he traveled to Kakariko, I was suddenly brought out of my spiritual state and stood in the dim light of the castle. I gasped as Ganon's power beat down upon me. It could only mean one thing, the Blood Moon was approaching. After I fell to my knees, I quickly stood again. Tears stung my eyes as let my light bind the creature.

Once I maintain the beast, I willed my spirit to return to Link. He was now riding on a horse, still on his way to see Impa. How long had that truly taken me? As he reached the hill, I immediately noticed my prediction was correct as the red moon rose in the sky, lighting Link's path in red. He pulled back on the horse as he looked around in bewilderment.

I needed to speak with him. No one else would properly tell him of what was happening. I pressed my willpower, making the connection with him.

"Link . . . Link . . . Link . . ." I repeated, knowing that my voice would take time to ring clear in his ears, "Be on your guard. Ganon's power grows . . . it rises to its peak under the hour of the blood moon. By its glow, the aimless spirits of monsters slain in the name of the light will return to flesh. Link . . . please be careful."

It wasn't long after that I was taken back to the castle where Ganon swirled around. Its yellow eyes were as piercing as ever under the tinted sky. Again, I raised my hand as it glowed brightly. Ganon rushed at me, but I was able to hold the beast long enough until the blood moon fell. It took me a while before I was able to see across Hyrule and send my spirit to Link.

When I did, Link was running up the steps to what I knew was Impa's home. Washing the porch at the top was a girl who I almost mistook for Impa. Of course, I quickly remembered that time would have taken its toll on her unlike Link and I. That and, well, the girl hid behind her hands when Link approached.

"A man?!" she shrieked, then peeking through her fingers, "Huh? Is that--?!" She removed her hands from her face, her voice becoming clearer, "It's . . . a Sheikah Slate!" Alas, she turned into a nervous wreck again, "Could you be the hero my grandmother told me about? What was his name? Li . . . Lin . . . Ummm . . ." She quivered, "Oh, it's not that I forgot . . . I'm just bad with speaking. As for me, my name is Pa . . . Paaa . . . Paaay . . ."

Link lifted his eyebrows, wondering the same thing I was: what kind of name was Pay? Thankfully, she clarified.

"Oh! My name is Paya!" she squirmed out, then to more or less herself she said, "Phew! I got it out . . . I know I should be able to say that easily, seeing as how it's my own name and all. I'm so . . . sorry. Anyway, my grandmother's been awaiting your return ever since I was little. Plea . . . please hurry inside."

As Link passed her to open the door, Paya immediately covered her eyes again. I smiled, glad to hear that Impa had lived a full life and was able to have a family. Based on how small the house was, however, I got the feeling that it was just Paya and Impa who lived there. Did Impa have to bury her husband along with her children? I dismissed the thought as Link entered the house and I followed behind.

Across the room, an elderly woman sat on three pillows. Her appearance wasn't what I knew, but her large hat was very much Impa. When she spoke, her voice was creaky, unlike the smooth tone of when she was younger.

". . . So you're finally awake," she said, lifting her head while smiling, "It has been quite a long time . . . Link. I am much older now, but . . . you still remember me, don't you?"

When Link didn't respond, she squinted at him, "What is the matter? You are looking at me as though I am a stranger to you. Those eyes . . . They lack the light of familiarity. It is I, courageous one, Impa. Surely you must at least remember the name Impa."