Chapter Text
The Sheikah people and their clan were at an unprecedented time. Queen Zeldas of the past would wield the Sheikah willingly and mercilessly against their enemies - from the grand heads of states that opposed them to the small petty arguments amongst nobles in their own court. Queen Zelda Kapintasan, who ruled during the height of the unification war, was paranoid and would send her Sheikah against anyone for any slight both real and imagined. The Shadow Temple’s wall of bodies were built almost entirely from The Mad Queen’s rule.
Her granddaughter, however, fought for peace and saw an end to the war. Queen Zelda Irene saw the end of the war, though battles still broke out on occasion even into Queen Zelda Adeya’s rule. Impa was born while Queen Irene was on the throne. And Irene, in the name of peace, held back her Sheikah forces, realizing that stability and peace was won with an open hand rather than a dagger point.
So when Impa swore her fealty - such that she could, being five years old - to Queen Irene, her missions were one of protection for the idealist queen. And while Impa and her clan still saw blood - as no head of state was ever immune to the need for skilled assassins and guards - it was hardly the rivers that ran in Queen Kapintasan’s time. And they became less weapons and more protectors, especially as Queen Zelda Adeya took her throne.
All and all… it was a strange time. They were bred as killers and ninjas and while they stayed in the shadows… they rarely left them. And Impa found herself bored as she spent her time watching the young queen stoically maneuver through her court.
Impa sighed as she idly sat in a hidden alcove as she watched Adeya try - and fail - to flirt with her young husband lord Daphnes. He was not king yet and it was clear that Adeya was attracted to him - lucky for her - but she did not know how to express her own emotions. Impa could read them both like open books. Oh, the tired trial and error of young love…
Not that she would know, she supposed.
After another boring day watching the Queen, Impa traded places with her replacement and - as a change of pace - decided to walk the halls rather than slinking through the hidden passageways. It was good to remind people that the Sheikah were present. Even if they unnerved the populace, that was to their benefit. They could prevent people from making moves purely through their reputation.
She turned a corner and nearly collided with another person. She stepped away smoothly as the man she nearly ran into stepped back quickly, nearly falling. He caught himself and looked over to her with wide eyes. “Hey, sorry, didn’t hear you coming,” he said before glancing down at her chest. “Ah, a Sheikah. Well, that would make sense why I didn’t hear you,” he said with a chuckle.
Impa said nothing, only glaring at the man for a moment. A Lieutenant. Hylian army, rank-and-file. Assigned to… Impa raised an eyebrow. Oh. He was assigned to Arn Hateno’s squad. That meant he was well trained and likely to see more promotions in the future. “Yes, we typically are not noticed unless we wish to be.” Impa said with a nod. “My apologies, Lieutenant…?”
“Oh, Lieutenant Calvin Tulas,” he said with a salute. Then he laughed, offering a hand out to her. “And I’m sorry, too. I was thinking about dinner, I admit, and wasn’t really watching where I was going. It’s nice to meet you Lady…?”
“Impa.” Impa replied, shaking Calvin’s hand. “I could also go for dinner. Would you care to join me?” She asked, raising a single eyebrow. He was nice looking, well built, with an attractive bit of stubble, and no unity bracelet. Impa was getting to the point where she should start considering having a child - it was good to keep her options open.
“Oh yeah?” Cal said with a smile. “Well, I was just going to go to the mess hall, but that doesn’t seem like your thing, so if you want, we could go down to Castle Town. There’s this little ramen shop I know of that makes good bowls. It’s barely a shop, more of a kitchen with a counter we could sit at, but their broth is amazing .”
Impa nodded. “Yuta’s on ninth?” She asked with a tiny smile. “I know that well. He’s a friend of my people.”
“Yeah, Yuta’s!” Cal said excitedly. “I think they’re still open for a little while longer, so let’s go get a bowl.” He gestured for her to follow and the two of them started to walk side by side. Cal was only silent for a little while as they walked before he spoke again. “So, you Sheikah are pretty secretive, yeah? I think you’re the first one I’ve seen that doesn’t have most of their face covered.”
“We typically hide our identities for our safety and that of our charges.” Impa said simply. “Not I - I guard the royal family, and therefore I need to have my identity a bit more of an… open secret.”
“Oh, so do you work with Queen Zelda and Lord Daphnes directly?” Cal asked. “Is Zelda as standoffish as they say or is she just shy?”
Impa glanced at Cal, thinking of her response for a moment. “She is neither standoffish nor shy. She merely sees the world in a different way than most. She is actually a kind, loving woman.”
“That’s good,” Cal said as they walked out of the castle and towards town. “I heard about her great grandmother, but it seems like Queen Irene managed to calm everyone down.” He chuckled. “Or maybe it’s Hylia, since the queens are of her blood, right?”
Impa shrugged. “I’m not sure how much stock I put in that tale. They have magic that is unique to them, but Hylia Herself?” She wiggled her hand lightly. “It is impossible to say, as Hylia lived so very long ago.”
“That’s true…” Cal said easily as they made it to town and to Yuta’s. “So… can I ask you about your people?”
“You can.” Impa said, grabbing a menu. “Perhaps I might even answer.”
Cal chuckled as he sat next to her at the bar. “Fair enough. Are there a lot of Sheikah? I only ever see a few roaming the halls, but I can’t tell if they’re the same people or different people since most of you cover your faces.”
Impa hummed lightly. “There are a few hundred of us.” She said. “We tend to keep our population low for practical reasons.”
“What practical reasons are those?” Cal asked, pausing only to order a variety of toppings for his own large bowl of ramen. “If there are only a few hundred, are you worried you’re one bad illness away from dying out entirely?”
“There is a difference between Sheikah, the race and Sheikah, the clan.” Impa said. “The Sheikah race, if they breed with a Hylian, will produce a Sheikah child seventy-five percent of the time. The majority of the Sheikah race , however, do not live in Hyrule, and have not for many thousands of years. The Sheikah clan , though, are the ones who carry on our traditions and techniques. I was speaking of the clan.”
“Really?” Cal asked curiously. “If you don’t live in Hyrule, then where do you live?”
Impa shook her head. “I do not know. Only the Grandmaster of the Sheikah clan knows where the rest of our people live, and his identity is never given to anyone other than his chosen successor.” She took a bowl from Yuta with a nod, dipping a small stick in it to check it for poisons. “Our people once all lived in Hyrule, until an ancient king feared us and banished us to a far away land. Ever since then, we have only had the clan residing in Hyrule.”
“Do you think the Sheikah people would ever want to return?” Cal asked curiously as he thanked Yuta for his bowl and began to eat quickly.
“Perhaps. Perhaps not. It is not my place to know, nor do I truly think of them as my people.” Impa said with a shrug. “Our clan has been in Hyrule for thousands of years while the others have been elsewhere. The only thing that binds us is our race.”
“So if it was up to you, you’d keep them separate?” Cal asked around slurping his noodles.
“I didn’t say that.” Impa said with a sly smile. “I just wouldn’t instantly expect the Clan and the People to instantly reconcile all differences. We will have two very different lived experiences to overcome, should we ever reunify.”
“Well, I know I don’t have a horse in this race, but I think it might be cool if you unified,” Cal said as he got another bowl. “That seems what Queen Irene and what Queen Zelda keep working for, ya know? A unified Hyrule and Zelda would probably like a unified Sheikah, if she’s worried about it at all,” he said with a chuckle.
Impa nodded. “I have to admit, it’s a nice thought.” She took another few bites of food before gesturing for a second bowl. “But it is something for the future - many, many years in the future.”
“Sure - I think Zelda wants stability first, right?” Cal reasoned. “And there are still skirmishes that happen from time to time on the edge of Hyrule, so she probably wants those to stop before worrying about the currently divided but stable Sheikahs, right?”
“Exactly. We have survived this long as we are, so we can survive a bit longer.” Impa glanced over at Cal. “I must say, you’re much more… eloquent and thoughtful than I originally thought you would be, Lieutenant Tulas. This is a pleasant surprise.”
“I get that a lot,” Cal said with a laugh. “I have this look in my eye that makes it look like I’m not paying attention, but I’ll let you in on a secret…” he leaned in close to Impa, smirking. “I pay attention to everything ,” he said with a chuckle, leaning back again.
“So I see.” Impa said with a smile. “I don’t suppose you would be amenable to future dinner chats, would you?” She gave Cal a larger, more genuine smile, her eyes crinkling a bit around the lids. “It may surprise you, but I am not a very social woman.”
“I’d love that!” Cal said with an excited smile. “I tend to take dinners alone, so with a beautiful woman? Well, I’d be an idiot to turn you down,” he said with a chuckle. “Maybe I could even feed you at my place, though I’d… probably get some broth here and make the toppings at home.”
“I actually prefer home made food, actually.” Impa chuckled. “There’s less need to test for poison when you can see it being made.”
“Oh! Well, I can try to make you something at my place, but I have to warn you - I’m a mediocre cook at best,” Cal said with a laugh. “I could make some onigiri or sushi. I have some pretty good knife skills.”
In a flash, Impa had three Kunai drawn, two of which were at Cal’s throat. “So do I.” She said with a grin. “I look forward to seeing how you match up.”
Cal’s face went red as an expression that confused her crossed his face. It was a mix of fear, surprise, and… arousal. “Ah ha ha ha…” he said awkwardly, looking down at the knives. “I think you got me beat there… I’m better against fish and beef than people.”
Impa grinned and - in a move that did not help Cal with the arousal - licked her lips as she put the kunai away. “That’s an odd trait for a soldier. Your place tomorrow, then? What time?”
“Uh, six?” Cal offered, his face still very red. “What kind of fish do you like?”
“Salmon. Tuna. Whatever is easy to store and transport.” Impa said lightly. “I oftentimes find myself eating on the job, so I never get the expensive stuff.”
“But if you didn’t have to worry about eating on the job and wanted the expensive stuff?” Cal asked with a smile. “What kind of nigiri would you indulge in?”
“Hmm…” Impa thought for a moment. “Uni or ebi. I’ve never had shrimp.”
“Well, you happen to be in luck, since urchin and shrimp are in season,” Cal said with a smirk. “So I will treat you to a sushi feast at my place tomorrow.” he said with a wink.
“It’s a date, then.” Impa said, getting to her feet. “It’s been a pleasure, Lieutenant Tulas.”
“Likewise La–, uh…” Cal cut himself off as he thought for a second and then laughed. “I actually don’t know the correct title for you. Lady? Sheikah? A secret Sheikah rank I don’t know?”
Impa laughed softly and quietly, like she was careful not to let anything slip even when relaxed. “How about you call me Impa, and I call you Cal?”
“Deal,” Cal said with another laugh. “It’s been great, Impa. See you tomorrow.”
Impa had to admit - Cal was a surprisingly good cook, and the shrimp he made paired wonderfully with the sauces he created as well. “This is quite good.” She said around bites, trying not to let on just how hungry she had been. “Do you make this often?”
“Not really,” Cal said as he prepared a side tuna right in front of her. He had gotten all the dishes, but had waited to make the rice and nigiri itself until she arrived, both since the food should be eaten immediately and because he remembered about Impa’s preference of watching her food be made. “I generally eat at the commissary or buy it,” he admitted with a chuckle.
“I appreciate you remembering what I said about seeing food prepared, by the way.” Impa said with a smile. “If you usually get pre-made food, that must be a bit of a change.”
“Not a bad one,” Cal said easily as he sliced the tuna and started to make the sushi itself. “I’m not actually cooking much,” he pointed out with a laugh. “But for a date like this?” He winked at her. “Can’t really beat the privacy. The…” he waggled an eyebrow at her. “ Intimacy of it.”
Impa smirked at Cal. “Not on the second date, Cal.” She said with a laugh. “Instead, how about this? Yesterday, we talked all about me and my people. Today, let’s talk about you.”
“Hey, no expectations but eating some sushi,” Cal said with a laugh, sitting across from her. “So, what can I tell you ‘bout myself?”
“Well, I’d like to know what it’s like serving under the legendary Captain Hateno.” Impa said with a wry smile. “That man has so many accolades and so many tales told about him, I’d half expect him to be the Hero of Hylia.”
“I’m pretty sure he earned most of those by dumb luck and I’m only saying that because he believes it and I’ve heard his version of those tales about him,” Cal said with a laugh. “He just happened to be in the right place at the right time, but he is brave, damn near recklessly so. He got many of those accolades because, and I quote, he was ‘too dumb with too big a bleeding heart to just turn and run like he was told to’.” Cal laughed. “I admire his ability to not turn away when someone is in need, I’ll give him that,” Cal said with a smile that said he clearly admired the man in question.
“Now that’s something worth hearing about.” Impa said, taking another piece of nigiri. “How about you? Are you too dumb with too big of a bleeding heart?”
“Honestly, I don’t know,” Cal said as he poured them some sake. “I’d like to think I’m brave and will help everyone I can, but that’s not exactly something you can say you have - you have to be tested, right?” He chuckled as he down his sake.
“I suppose you do.” Impa shrugged. “Maybe it’s best you never get tested. That means you have a peaceful life.” She took a sip of her own sake, raising her eyebrows. “This is high quality sake. You really went all out for this, didn’t you?”
“I make some pretty rupees I barely spend so yeah, I thought I could treat you a little,” Cal said with a chuckle. “And you’re right about it never being tested. While I’d like to be known as brave and good, I’d rather we be at peace.”
Impa chewed thoughtfully for a moment. “Have you seen combat, Cal?” She asked. “Or were you lucky enough to join after the lion’s share of the fighting?”
“I saw a little combat,” Cal said. “I did my training out by the forests in Bourne lands. The monsters and bandits like to hang around there. I saw a few battles, but my commanders said they weren’t anything serious.”
“Really? I’d heard that the Bourne lands saw the worst of the fighting. There were a lot of casualties coming from the last assault…” Impa did a quick scan of Cal’s visible body, but didn’t see any scars. “Did you ever get injured?”
Cal nodded and rolled up his left pant leg to show his thigh, which had a long, wide scar on it. “Moblin tried to skewer me a few weeks into my training. I think it was trying to take my whole leg, but I managed to dodge most of it,” he said with a chuckle.
Impa raised her eyebrow again. “That’s a nasty wound. You’re lucky to have kept your leg at all.” She fell silent for a moment. “Most of the squads that encountered monsters didn’t come back. You’re extremely fortunate.”
“Really? My squads always made it back…” Cal said with a curious frown. “I… had no idea how lucky I was. My CO’s always said these weren’t that bad…”
“To me, that sounds like Captain Hateno living up to his reputation for choosing the best of the best.” Impa replied, a quiet smile on her face. “You’re quite humble, Cal.” She took a quick sip of the sake as her eyes bored into him. “What do you plan for your future?”
Cal chuckled. “Do you want the smart future or my sappy ideal?” He asked, drinking more sake.
“Why can’t they be both?” Impa asked. “We are nothing without dreams, after all.”
“Sure, but the smart future is to climb the ranks of the military and then retire before I get killed in some war or skirmish,” Cal said with a laugh. “But what I want to do is find a wife and raise a family.”
“Those sound like two dreams that can coexist.” Impa said with a smile. “Your CO has a wife, in fact, and last I heard, they were talking about having children once he’s able to retire.”
“Oh yeah, I know about Sophia,” Cal said with a laugh. “How could I not? The guy never stops yapping about her. So I could, but, honestly? I’d love to just be around kids, you know? Maybe run a dojo or something after I’m done in the army, if I gotta gal to settle down with.”
Impa nodded. “Are you a philanderer, Calvin Tulas?” She asked simply. “Or are you actually keen on finding a stable partner?”
“A stable partner,” Cal said with a chuckle. “I’m not really interested in flings or settling, you know?” He gave her a small look. “I like to look for something real.”
“Hm. Good.” Impa nodded. “Are you interested in pursuing me romantically, then?”
“A bit, yeah,” Cal said easily. “You’re an intriguing woman and you’re beautiful to boot,” he said with a relaxed smile. “I’m honestly surprised I’m not in line for a chance.”
“I’m not exactly sociable.” Impa said with a light shrug. “If you hadn’t walked into me, I would have just gone home and gone to sleep.” She took another bite of nigiri, smiling to herself. “This is… nice, though. I’m enjoying myself.”
“I’m glad,” Cal said with a smile. He looked over at the fish he still had. “So… would you like to help me finish off all this fish tomorrow? I think I can find something we can eat with it - unless you’d like nigiri again.”
“I’d like that.” Impa said, finishing off her last piece of nigiri. “But one of these days, I’ll have to treat you.”
“Hey, if you want, I certainly won’t say no,” Cal said with a smile, finishing off the remaining sushi. “But I think we should call it for tonight. The sake is starting to get to me,” he said with a chuckle. “I’d walk you home, but… I don’t think I know where you live.”
“You don’t, and that’s by design.” Impa said, standing up and walking to the window. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She said, giving Cal a wave as she leapt out the window with utmost grace.
Cal stared at the window where she left for a long while before he took another long pull of sake. “What a woman…” he said with a chuckle before he stumbled to his bed. “I hope she’ll let me sleep with her.” He said right before he flopped onto his bed face first and promptly passed out.
Two weeks later
Impa never expected to be spending her evenings - not even her nights - with anyone, but Cal had caught her attention. Though she was still, really, just interested in having him father her child, she couldn’t deny how… intrigued she was by the young lieutenant. Enough that she actually made some inquires about him, learning he was a Castle Town native and that she was correct that Captain Hateno would have picked him only if he was skilled. The battles he experienced on the Bourne borders training camp were as deadly as she had heard. It seemed Cal had misunderstood what they were saying - not that the battles were not serious, but they were surprised injuries had not been more serious. After hearing how he fought, it wasn’t a wonder Captain Hateno had wanted him.
But her inquiries came with a price. Not one she had to initially pay, but came in the form of a message that appeared on her nightstand without her knowing who placed it there. The note had instructions on a meeting place and time, one she followed without question, snaking deep within the castle through many hidden chambers to a small, windowless meeting room. It looked empty when she arrived, but her senses told her otherwise.
“Impa,” a voice said from the dark, seconds before an elderly man appeared from them.
“Grandmaster Mellin.” Impa said, dropping to one knee instantly. “How may I be of service to you?”
“I have seen you investigating Lieutenant Calvin Tulas,” Mellin said, kneeling on one of the two floor pillows in the room. He gestured for Impa to sit as well. “As well as spending time with him for these last two weeks. I wish to know why.”
Impa knelt before Mellin, bowing her head in respect. “I have been… cultivating a friendship with Lieutenant Tulas.” She answered honestly. “I have been considering using him to father a child.”
“I see,” Mellin said and pulled a tea set from seemingly nowhere, preparing them each a cup. “And rise, Impa. There is no need for you to bow while we speak.” He set up the set and began to boil water in the pot while he eyed Impa. “You are at the correct age to have your first child. And Tulas is your target?”
“Currently, he seems to be a fine candidate.” Impa nodded. “He is fit, unmarried, has no genetic issues, is a kindhearted person…”
Mellin eyed Impa with an unreadable expression. “A kindhearted person, you say? That is not generally in the criteria for a Sheikah that wishes for simple procreation.”
Impa’s eyebrows shot up. “I… apologize, Grandmaster. I fear that, as I have said, the friendship we have cultivated may be influencing my objectivity.” She bowed her head once again. “I will end our relationship if you so desire.”
Mellin chuckled. “Peace, Impa…” he said with a slight smile. “Now that I know your intentions are more social than business, shall we talk not as Grandmaster and Sheikah, but parent and child?”
Impa was surprised by this as well - her father rarely deviated from his role to speak to her merely as her father anymore. This must be serious indeed. “If that is your wish, Father.”
“I can see you are surprised and for that, I cannot blame you,” Mellin said with a sigh. “We are Sheikah and our duty is a sacred one indeed. But we live in a time where peace is nearly upon us. And as Sheikah we must… adapt. We should learn to… enjoy this… peace.” The words seemed awkward on his lips, but he looked almost… relieved to say them.
“You mean…” Impa tried to keep her tone even, but she couldn’t deny that she was excited - she had been expecting to hear her father forbid her to continue seeing Cal.
“You must remember, however - our priority is to the royal family above all else,” Mellin said, looking serious again. “Before family, before love, before yourself - the royal family is everything .”
“Of course.” Impa said, displaying the mark on her hand. “My life is theirs to spend as they see fit. I am their shadow.”
Mellin nodded. “So long as that priority never waivers, then…” he relaxed, pouring her a cup of tea, “your time is your own. Queen Zelda nor Lord Daphnes has asked anything of you. If you wish to enjoy the company of this… lieutenant, then so be it. Be ready for the royal’s call, keep your training sharp… and enjoy yourself, since Queen Irene has led Queen Zelda to a peace Hyrule has not seen in decades.”
“I shall, Father.” Impa said, taking the tea. “And… thank you. For your consideration.”
“You and I should speak more as it is,” Mellin said easily, drinking his tea. He looked at Impa over the rim of his glass. “I am naming you my successor.”
Impa had to try very hard not to choke on her own tea. Mellin had always been extremely clear that when it came to matters of his successor, he would choose the most skilled and the most dedicated of Sheikah, and to that effect, he had been doubly harsh on Impa for any of her failures. She had not expected this turn of events at all. “T-truly?” She managed to sputter, her composure slipping for just a moment before resetting. “I am honored.”
Mellin smiled, raising his cup to her before finishing it. “I have not been secretive on who I would pick. And this time of peace also breeds a time of laziness, if we let it. And while I have always been harsh with you, I had high expectations… which you have met.” He smiled as he prepared himself another cup. “Some of our people have chosen to fall into this time of peace to be complacent. But you are still dedicated and until I gave the word to allow you to relax, you were still vigilant. You will do well to lead our people into this new… peaceful era.”
Impa shifted around, bowing until her head touched the floor. “Words alone cannot express the honor this brings me. Thank you. I will not let your expectations down.”
“I know,” Mellin said with a nod. “Trust is hard won and even harder kept. But you do have my trust, Impa.” He smiled again. “And I am proud of you.”
“I… am gladdened to hear that, Father.” Impa said sitting up and sipping her tea. “Your pride begats my own.”
Mellin smiled and then raised his cup to Impa once more. “May you lead our clan and people into a new life with this new era. One we may be proud of.
Impa was almost walking on clouds when she went to see Cal that evening. The next Grandmaster of the Sheikah! Such an honor… She smiled to herself and even allowed herself to hum a small tune as she made her way to Cal’s residence. I hope things have gone just as well for Cal.
As Impa turned to Cal’s tiny home, her eyes went wide and she stopped dead as she saw smoke starting to rise from one of the open windows. Impa only assessed the situation for a moment before she ran to the nearby well and grabbed a pale of water. She picked the lock on the door with practiced ease and ran inside to see Cal coughing as he struggled to stop a fire that had come from his woodburning stove. Impa grabbed Cal by the back of his tunic, forcing him to the ground as she threw the water over the fire. It hissed angrily, dying down, though the embers around the stove still smoldered and smoked.
Impa covered her face quickly to block the smoke, grabbing Cal’s hand as she did so. She didn’t allow him to stand up as she dragged him out of the house, practically pushing him down the few stairs that led to his door. He grunted as he hit the ground on his back, but Impa only leapt over him to grab another pale of water and finish extinguishing the flames.
“Okay…” Cal groaned as he coughed, trying to clear the smoke from his lungs and pick himself off the ground. “No more hot baths for me…” he said.
“Idiot!” Impa snapped, clapping Cal on the back fiercely. “Don’t stay when a fire begins to spread! You run to get help or warn others! Smoke is a killer that works quietly and quickly!” She grabbed a canteen and held it to his lips. “Drink, gargle, and spit thrice before taking a long, proper drink. That will clear the soot.”
Cal did as he was told, gargling and spitting as the open window allowed his house to clear of the remaining smoke. Once he had rinsed his mouth three times and took a long drink, he returned the canteen back with a sheepish smile. “Thank you, Impa… I think you might have saved my stupid hide.”
“I almost certainly did !” Impa said harshly, pressing an ear to Cal’s chest. “Breathe deep of the clean air and let me listen for any damage.”
Cal blushed as her head was on his chest, but he obeyed, taking a deep breath. He tried to suppress another cough, but didn’t fully succeed, making Impa frown. “I had no idea a hot bath was going to cause so many issues…” he muttered, even as he hesitantly moved his arm closer to her, but didn’t move around her.
“You still have soot in your lungs.” Impa said, shaking her head. “There’s nothing for it. We’ll have to work it out.” She handed him the canteen. “First, we are ensuring that all sources of fire are fully extinguished, and then we are going on a walk.”
“Alright, alright…” Cal said as they both stood up.
They went inside to assess the situation. The stove was still steaming, but it was only steam instead of smoke that was coming from it. There was ash all around the floor of his entry room, which served as a kitchen and dining room, with even one of his chairs covered in soot. There was soot on the ceiling from when the fire started. The floor around the stove showed scorch marks, but was luckily stone and did not look damaged. And water was everywhere.
Cal sighed, clearing his throat slightly as he felt a cough coming from the action. “What a mess… I’m going to be cleaning this for days…”
“You will not.” Impa said, stepping over to the window and whistling, low and long. “Come. When we return, there will be no sign of damage.” She said, walking swiftly out of the room.
“Wait, are you summoning cleaning ninjas to my house?” Cal asked, stunned into stillness. Impa looked at him in annoyance and grabbed his hand, leading him out of his house. “But I wanna watch the ninjas clean my house! Or at least help - since it’s my house I nearly burnt down.”
“It is our job to dispose of any damage.” A quiet voice said from behind Cal, making him jump. “And we are professionals. Any signs of your indiscretion will be gone soon.”
“Um, okay, thank you?” Cal said, grateful, but also confused. “I… should I pay you for your service?”
“No.” The unseen Sheikah said simply. “We do not accept payment for our duties.”
“Um, okay…” Cal said, slightly uneasy, but happy that he wouldn’t have to deal with the fire. He glanced at Impa. “Do… is there something I need to do? I really appreciate this, don’t get me wrong, but I’m confused.”
“What you need to do is to come with me on a walk so you might work the rest of that soot from your lungs.” Impa said firmly, “And then, as payment for my saving your life and having my friends clean, you can treat me to some food.”
Cal chuckled, following Impa as the other Sheikah disappeared. “Then what can I treat you to? I’ll take you anywhere you like as thanks for saving my hide.”
“I would appreciate a dish of sushi today.” Impa said, finally allowing herself to smile. “Something worthy of a celebration.”
“Oh yeah?” Cal said with a smile. “Well, I know a place that has the freshest fish we can go to,” he said, pointing the way. “And what are we celebrating today?”
“Sheikah business.” Impa said enigmatically, but with a wide smile. “Let’s just say I got a promotion at work and leave it there.”
“Alright, I can deal with that,” Cal said with a bright smile.
Cal led Impa to what looked more like a fish market more than a restaurant. But Impa saw a huge selection of fish there - most of it still alive. There were a few tables with tiny personal grills. After grabbing them some sake, Cal sat them at a table and an annoyed looking worker came to dump a large bowl of rice and a smaller bowl of wasabi before giving Cal a look. Cal nodded and the worker just rolled their eyes before walking away.
Cal smiled at Impa. “I know this place has an… interesting smell, but look!” he pointed to a counter where Impa saw the worker talk to an irritable looking man, who began to butcher and prepare fish. “You can see it being made - and see how fresh everything is. We have to make the nigiri ourselves, but I can form them for you, if you’d like.”
“I appreciate that.” Impa said softly, her eyes locked on the worker. “Does that man have a grudge against you?” She asked. “He seemed irritated by your very presence.”
“Tony? Nah, he’s just like that,” Cal said with a laugh. “He’s a fishmonger before he’s a waiter and he acts like that with everyone. Good at his job though - ask him what he recommends and he’ll get you the best tasting fish, guaranteed. I come here a lot so he knows what I like. Hope you like yellow tail, eel, and scallops. But if you don’t, I can get you anything else you’d like.”
“I love them.” Impa replied with a small smile. “Especially yellow tail. That’s one of my favorites… but don’t think for a second I’m letting you off the hook, Cal - we’re going on that walk after this.”
“But we walked here?” Cal said in confusion as Impa continued to watch the worker that was preparing their fish. “You mean to go on an even longer walk?”
“Yes.” Impa said flatly. “We are going to go on a long walk together, through the forest, and it will be a long, private walk.” She narrowed her eyes at Cal. “You scared me earlier, and that is your punishment.”
Cal blinked at Impa a few times as she saw the connections happen in his mind as the worker came back and dropped a few trays of fish piled high and sliced to perfection. Cal automatically started to form the nigiri for them as he continued to make the connection. “Okay… I… okay…” he beamed at her as he started to put nigiri in front of her. “So does this mean I can say you’re finally willing to admit you got a thing for me, too?” he asked, both teasing and hopeful.
“Shut up.” Impa said, half seriously. “And yes. You jackass.”
Cal couldn’t stop smiling for the rest of their meal. Impa also ordered some umi and after Cal graciously paid, he eagerly got to his feet to follow her. “So, you said we’re going through the forest? Did you have a direction in mind?”
“There is a small, clear pond hidden in the forest.” Impa said, walking slightly ahead of Cal so he couldn’t see the twinkle in her eye. “It’s still warm, even as the sun sets…”
“Sounds great - maybe I can wash the soot out of my hair,” Cal said with a chuckle as he followed along. “You know, most of the people that come out of the training camp I was in find the forest terrifying since it was so close to the Lost Woods, but I always liked it. I swear I saw a fairy once, but I couldn’t get close enough to her.”
“Fairies do not generally get close to people.” Impa said with a tiny laugh. “If you saw one at all, they must like you.”
“I only saw a flash of it and, honestly, could’ve easily been a really lost firefly,” Cal said with a laugh of his own. “But I like to say it was a fairy.”
“Well, if you believe it was, I will believe it was a fairy as well.” Impa said, carefully selecting a root to “trip” over. “Oh. Ow. I believe I have twisted my ankle.” She said, standing perfectly upright. “Can you hold my arm?”
Cal smirked at her, and rather than just taking Impa’s arm, he scooped her up entirely. Something they both knew that Impa allowed him to do. “Now now, if you’ve twisted your ankle, best you not walk on it,” he told her. “Best I carry you.”
“If you insist.” Impa replied, just the tiniest hint of a blush on her cheeks. “Keep following this path for another ten minutes and we will reach the pond.”
“Yes ma’am,” Cal said with the same smirk. He was very good at following directions.
In no time at all, they came upon the pond in question. It was small, but crystal clear, sparkling in the light of the setting sun, throwing golden light on the trees around them. Cal gasped softly as he took it in, holding Impa tighter as he looked at the water. “Wow… what a view…” he said softly.
“Yes, I quite enjoy it. I come here to relax when I can.” Impa said, hugging Cal’s neck gently. “Very few people even know of its existence.”
Cal turned to look at Impa before he kept her in his arms and sat down on the grass. He held her tightly, looking at her carefully. “You know… we’ve been seeing each other for a few weeks now. And I never wanted to overstep because, well…” he chuckled. “I know you could kill me probably in more ways than I can count and I can’t read you very well.”
“I have thirty-five ways to kill you right now.” Impa said simply. “Thirty six if you count drowning you in the pond.”
“See? That’s what I’m talking about,” Cal said with a chuckle. “But my point is is that I don’t wanna overstep anyone’s boundaries and you’re a hard woman to read.” He looked at her carefully. “But now you’ve taken me to this beautiful location and you’re in my arms and I must say…” he smirked at her. “Your lips look very tasty right now.”
“Why are you not kissing me already?” Impa asked, mildly irritated.
“Because I don’t want to be stabbed,” Cal said with a laugh before he gently caressed Impa’s face and then kissed her sweetly.
Impa sighed softly, leaning into the kiss. “Cal, even if I had to stab you, I’d make sure you wouldn’t feel it.” She said with a smile. “But I would appreciate you kissing me some more.”
Cal smiled and then kissed Impa again, deeper this time, hesitantly adding a drop of fire into the kiss. Impa reciprocated, one hand tangling into his hair as she pulled him close. Cal held Impa tighter in response, shifting himself slightly so they were both laying on the soft grass next to the pond as the kiss remained unbroken. Impa held him even tighter as they kissed, adding a bit of heat herself.
Cal sighed into her mouth. “Impa…” he whispered, pausing to look at her face. “What do you want to do?” he asked quietly.
“I think …” Impa said softly, “I’d like to go for a swim.” She climbed out of Cal’s arms and turned her back to him, slowly undoing her shirt. “You are welcome to join me, of course.”
Cal immediately started to undo his boots, nearly strapping the laces as he watched Impa easily slip out of her Sheikah attire. He was struggling with his belt as he watched her strip naked in almost a single action. She grinned at him over her shoulder as she walked into the water, which was still warm from the day. She chuckled to herself again as she heard Cal begin to swear as he fought his clothes, both eager and unwilling to damage his outfit.
“There’s something to be said for having clothing that is easy to take off or put on…” Impa said, silently gliding through the water as she watched Cal struggling.
“Why did I have to pick the trousers with the laces?” Cal complained, though he finally managed to get undressed and practically launched himself into the pool, eagerly swimming after Impa.
Impa laughed, swimming over to Cal to drape her arms around his neck. “Take a deep breath…” She said, rubbing her hand on Cal’s head. When he did, she pushed him underwater and began fiercely scrubbing his hair for a few moments before letting him back up for air. “There.” She said, smiling at him. “Now your hair won’t smell like smoke.”
Cal laughed as he wrapped his arms around Impa’s waist, bringing her in close. “Well thank you. Nothing beats a beautiful woman washing your hair or back, I think.” He gave her a smirk. “I’d wash yours too, if you want. Unless you’d like my hands somewhere else…”
Impa laughed softly, raising her hands and slipping beneath the water, only to resurface behind Cal, running her hand down his chest. “Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer my hands somewhere?” She asked, kissing his neck softly. “If it isn’t clear, Cal, I would very much enjoy a sexual liaison tonight.”
Cal chuckled, leaning back into her. “Yeah, I got that. I think I’m getting better at reading you,” he said as he watched her hands dip below the water. “And I like where your hands are going…”
“Good.” Impa said, kissing a bit further down Cal’s neck. “Because I am learning as I go.”
Impa’s hands moved down Cal’s torso to find his quickly hardening length. Cal bit his lips to try and keep his volume in check, but as Impa started to slowly work her hand on him, she noticed he was near incapable of being quiet. The moans and noises she got out him him were louder than she expected, though she thought she might have appreciated it. Cal moved his hand down to the back of hers on him gently encouraging her to move faster, which she obliged. Her other hand roamed his chest, feeling his breath quickening and his heart start to race.
Cal’s head fell back with a moan as she kissed his neck, making him shiver. Oh? He seemed to like that… she kissed his neck a little harder, even adding a playful little nip, which earned her an even louder noise.
“Ah… do you like it when I use my teeth…?” Impa teased, nibbling at his ear.
“Fuck, sorry, fuck, yes, Hylia this feels good…” Cal whined.
“Don’t apologize.” Impa said quietly, nipping at Cal’s neck some more. “I’m doing this because I want to do it.”
“Ah… that was for the language…” Cal explained, trying to laugh, though a moan won out. “Fuck, I… I don’t think I can control myself for much longer… Shit, you feel really good…” he groaned. “I promise I have more endurance than this…!”
“It’s okay, Cal…” Impa cooed, biting his ear as she moved a bit faster. “This is just the warmup. Unless, of course, you think you’ll only be good to go once …”
“Nope! Definitely willing and able to go as many rounds as you want!” Cal said quickly as his breathing became shallow and fast. “I’m… I’m pretty close now, though… I…” he turned his face to look at her. “Kiss me?” he asked in a voice that was both endearing and pleading.
Impa kissed Cal, and she kissed him with all that she had, pushing her tongue past his lips as she felt him begin to spasm in her hands. She kept moving, just slower than before, hoping to push him along. His hand on hers guided her through it until he eventually encouraged her to stop and release him. He was breathing heavily, leaning into her hard, his face and body very warm. He looked over and smiled at Impa, one of his hands coming out of the water, to cradle her head. “Thank you… Hylia, I think I needed that…” he said with a laugh.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Impa chuckled, kissing him soft and sweet. “I am… quite fond of you, Cal.”
“Well, I’m quite fond of you, too…” Cal said with a smile. “And, if you’re willing, I think you’re due for some reciprocation.”
“I’m quite willing, but first, there is something I would like to discuss with you, Cal.” Impa said, swimming over to a small rock that jutted out of the water.
Cal swam over to join her on the rock. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”
Impa pulled herself out of the water to sit on the rock. “One of the responsibilities a Sheikah woman has is to ensure the clan does not die out, Cal.” She said, taking his hand in hers. “Our numbers are very low, and we keep them low by design… but they are much lower than they normally are. We lost many during the war.” She looked at Cal seriously. “If we continue this relationship, Cal, I will want a child.”
“Cool, me too,” Cal said with an easy smile. “I love kids. I think I told you my dream was to have a family and settle down. But since you brought it up…” he looked at Impa curiously. “Are there any special rules about kids for your people I should be aware of?”
Impa was utterly thrown by Cal’s casual response. She was so thrown, in fact, that for the first time since he’d known her, Cal saw Impa completely break down in peals of laughter. “‘Cool! Me too!’ he says…” She laughed, doubled over. “As if I was asking him to join me for lunch, not to have a child together…”
Cal blinked at her slowly as she laughed. “Did… was that the wrong answer?” he asked in confusion. “I’ve told you I always wanted kids with a stable partner…”
Impa laughed some more before hugging Cal tightly. “No, Cal, it was not the wrong answer. It was just a very… ‘Cal’ answer.” She pulled him into a deep, happy kiss. “If the child is a Sheikah - and it most likely will be - they will be raised in Kakariko in our traditional manner. You could choose to see them or not if you wish, of course…”
“I’d like to be a part of their life, if that’s alright,” Cal said with a smile, holding Impa tight. “I always wanted to be a dad…”
“Then you will be allowed to be their father…” Impa said brightly. “But I must repeat - a Shiekah’s first loyalty is to their charge. This comes before friendship, love, or even family. If I was ordered to kill my father, I would do so.”
“That’s intense, but I’m glad that Queen Zelda and her family are so well protected,” Cal said with a smile. “And I get it. I’m supposed to lay down my life for the royal family, too, so I get it.” he gently caressed Impa’s cheek. “We’ve talked before about your oath and I know you take your job very seriously. So it’s okay… I’m not gonna get in the way of it, I promise.”
Impa’s only reply was to kiss Cal, and to kiss him with all that she had. Every unsaid word, every emotion carefully withheld, every carefully measured touch… they all poured forth at once. Cal responded to her kiss in kind, holding her tightly with one arm as his other hand wove into her short white hair, pressing her face to his. He kissed her long and hard before he moved the kiss from her lips down her neck, his mouth traveling down her torso.
“Now… how about that reciprocation I mentioned?” Cal asked with a chuckle as his lips left a train of kisses between her breasts and down her torso, slipping back into the water and between her legs.
“I wouldn’t say no…” Impa laughed, running her fingers through Cal’s hair, “But don’t expect me to moan.”
“Oh yeah?” Cal asked, looking up at her with a smirk. “That sounds like a challenge , if my ears don’t deceive me…”
“It’s a warning , Cal.” Impa replied with an equal smirk. “That just because you won’t hear anything doesn’t mean I won’t be enjoying it.”
“Yep, that sounds like a challenge,” Cal said, kissing up her thigh. “Guess I better bring my best, then, huh?” he asked, but before she could answer, his mouth was on her sex.
Impa bit her lip as Cal’s mouth began to work on her. His eyes were locked onto her body and every tiny tell he seemed to see and responded in kind, focusing on what she enjoyed the most, his tongue twisting in ways that were absolutely glorious. Heat bloomed in her middle to catch fire in her blood at a rapid pace. Her fingers grabbed his hair and she saw him smirk, even around his talented tongue.
Oh, he is talented with his body, isn’t he? Impa thought, carefully making sure to keep her face stoic. No wonder he’s in an elite squad. No wonder he’s being mentioned as a Royal Guard candidate. No wonder I like him.
Cal paused in his work and Impa had a thought that he had given up. But then he licked his fingers, spreading his saliva and her own excitement over his digits before he brought his tongue and his hand back to her. His tongue focused on her clitoris while his fingers slipped inside her, his eyes still on her as he watched her tiny tells. He was clever, she had to give it to him, that he looked not only at her carefully controlled face, but her body and probably what he was feeling with his fingers.
“Keep going.” Impa said, her voice almost impassive. “I’m enjoying that.”
Cal laughed across her skin. “I’ll get you to crack yet…” he said, kissing across her abdomen as his fingers continued their work. “But you are a very formidable opponent.”
“You are welcome, and indeed encouraged, to try.” Impa said, making a show of yawning slightly. “But I will not crack.”
Cal smirked and then brought his face down to her crotch. And while he was already doing his best, he managed to redouble his efforts on her, using everything he had just learned about her specifically and everything he knew previously. The fire in Impa’s blood raged and within seconds, she found herself fast approaching her limit with Cal not showing any signs of slowing down on her.
Impa really wanted to scream. She wanted to call out Cal’s name and moan loudly as she threw her head back, letting everything in the forest know that Impa, Sheikah Grandmaster-to-be, was getting off right now. She didn’t, of course. She merely bit her lip slightly and rode out the orgasm with the barest sign of how she felt.
She was very good at her job, after all.
When she was finally finished, Impa fell back against the right lightly, quickly working to catch her breath. She heard Cal swim away and leaned up to look at him as he went back to his pouch and pulled out a canteen. He swam back to her quickly and crawled up on the rock with her, offering her the canteen. “Here. I must admit defeat this time, but I hope you at least enjoyed it,” he said with a chuckle.
“It was good.” Impa said, taking a drink of the canteen. “And I fully expect that to be the baseline going forward.”
“Yes ma’am,” Cal said with a smile, waiting patiently until Impa gave the canteen back for him to take a deep drink from it himself. “And I lost the battle, but the war has yet to be decided,” he told her with a smirk.
“I must admit, Cal…” Impa said with a smile, “Once again, I underestimated you. I expected you to be a selfish lover, as I have heard many a tale whispered in the halls about military men. I’m pleased that you buck that trend.”
“I better,” Cal said with a laugh. “Captain Hateno would have my hide if he found out I didn’t treat my partners well. I saw him run a recruit triple duty because they lied to a woman and stood her up after a one night stand.” Cal laughed. “ Boy he was mad.”
Impa laughed brightly, even as she pulled herself into Cal’s lap. “Do you think you can spare another hour or so with me tonight?” She asked, leaning her forehead against his. “I want to know you better every day.”
“Honestly? I’d love to spend the whole night with you,” Cal admitted as he held her close to him. “I think it’d be nice to wake up with you, if that isn’t too sentimental for a tough Sheikah like yourself,” he teased, kissing her cheek.
“Just the whole night?” Impa asked with a mock pout. “That short of a time?”
It was at that point that Calvin Tulas, Lieutenant in the Hylian Army, knew that he was doomed.
And he couldn’t have been happier about it.
Cal chuckled, kissing her cheek. “Should I expect your things to just materialize in my house? I can make some room for you in the closet.”
“Why do you think I had my friends clean your place up?” Impa asked seriously. “They’ve already moved me in.”
“Good thing you can pick the lock - means I don’t have to get you a copy,” he said with a laugh, holding her tight. “Will we need to move to Kakariko one day? Like when you have your baby?”
“If you prefer.” Impa said. “I have a place there. It’s nice and roomy, with a good view.”
“Well, it’s a small walk from Kakariko to the castle, so we can worry about that when you’re about to have your baby,” Cal reasoned. “If you haven’t gotten rid of me by then,” he added with a chuckle.
“I do not plan on surrendering you anytime soon, Calvin Tulas.” Impa said firmly. “You are about to learn that a Sheikah is a very devoted lover.”
Cal liked the sound of that. He smiled at her. “Well, you won’t hear me complain. A sexy, tough woman that knows how to kill me and kick my ass eight ways til Hylia’s Day who wants to stay by me? I can think of worse fates and no better ones.”
“Stay with me, and I will show you a better fate.” Impa said, pulling Cal into another deep kiss.
All in all, they ended up having a very nice walk.