Crossing Shadows

by JDetan, TheAngelicStoryteller

Summary:

Impa is a shadow, a weapon, only a means to an end, to be used and discarded as the Hylian Royal Family sees fit. But despite her loyalty, despite her reservations... she has a heart. One she gives away.

Chapter 1: To be a Shadow

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.

Chapter 2: To Be A Family

Cal couldn’t believe his good luck in finding someone to settle down with so easily. He had tried it with a few other girls in his past, but they didn’t last. But now he had a woman he was fairly sure he was falling in love with that he was sharing his tiny house with. And while the house barely held him, it was still a wonderfully comfortable space to share with someone he cared about. Cal thought for sure he was going to have to sell it and move if he snagged a partner, and yet…

“Good evening, Cal.” Impa said, and to Cal’s credit, he barely jumped. Hylia help him, he was getting used to his girlfriend suddenly appearing behind him or leaping in through an open window or jumping down from the rafters.

Appearing out of the shadows in front of him was a new one, though, he had to admit. Cal turned to see dark red eyes in a lined face that was mostly hidden behind the cloth he’d seen most other Sheikah wear. He glanced at Impa, who stood straight and looked impassive as she looked at him and the new Sheikah. Cal bowed respectfully, if a little awkwardly. “Um, hello. What can I do for you two today?”

“I have been granted leave to conceive a child.” Impa said simply. “I have three months dispensation to do so… and also,” She turned to look at the other Sheikah, “My father wishes to meet you.” She gestured to the aged Sheikah. “Cal, this is my father, Mellin. Father, this is Cal, the future father of my child.”

Cal looked at the older Sheikah carefully, who did not give anything away, as Cal expected. Cal gave a slightly nervous smile and bowed respectfully again. “Hello, sir. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said respectfully.

“Hm.” Mellin grunted slightly. “Apologies for the intrusion.” He walked in and took a seat at Cal’s table. “Impa, please. Make us some tea.”

Before Cal knew it, they were in a small office he wasn’t aware existed sitting at a table before Mellin as Impa pulled out a tea set and began to make them tea. Cal looked over at Mellin curiously as Impa worked. “So… do you run the Sheikah? I remember Impa saying something about a Grandmaster that knows everything and you certainly look the part.”

“The identity of the Grandmaster is not for you to know.” Mellin said simply. “It is the Grandmaster’s sole prerogative to tell people who they are.” He fixed his eyes on Cal, bringing his pipe to his lips. “I am here as Mellin, the father of Impa, to meet this man she cares so deeply for.”

“Ah, makes sense,” Cal said with a chuckle. “I’m sure if my parents were alive they’d want to do the same.”

“How did they pass?” Mellin asked, taking a drag on his pipe.

“Ah, I’m a war orphan,” Cal said with a slightly sad smile and shrug. “They were lost in the final battle of Castle Town.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Mellin said with a nod. “We lost many good people in that battle. May they rest in the shadows.”

“I was still pretty young when it happened so I can really only remember the fires,” Cal said with a frown. “But I know it was bad. But Queen Irene made the best of it, as I recall. And, uh…” he blushed, glancing at Impa. “I guess we’re about to add to those numbers…”

“What, right here?” Mellin asked, his face completely unchanging. “Do you intend to breed my daughter on this table in front of me so that I may watch?”

“No!” Cal said, turning bright red. “I - I meant - I mean we - not here! ” He sputtered as he tripped over his words to try and clarify as quickly as possible. 

Mellin allowed himself a small grin as Impa gave him his tea. “He is just as you said, Impa. A good man with a good heart… and a mouth faster than his brain.”

Cal groaned, placing his head in his hand to hide his face. As Impa served him a cup of tea, he looked up at her pleadingly. “You said you’d kill me painlessly, right? Can you do that now?”

“I am not my father, Cal.” Impa replied with a smile. “He gets to kill you however he wishes.”

Mellin stared at Cal, letting the silence grow until it was as heavy and agonizing as a sodden blanket. “What are your feelings toward my daughter, Calvin Tulas?” He asked, finally breaking the silence with an even more agonizing question.

“I care about her deeply and want to stay with her as long as she’ll have me,” Cal said immediately. “And she wants to have a kid and I do, too.” He chuckled. “I thought I’d marry the woman who has my kid first, but I’m willing to mix the order up a bit.”

“Do you intend to marry her?” Mellin asked, keeping his eyes focused on Cal. “If she asked you to be joined with her, would you?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Cal said with a smile, as if it was the easiest question Mellin could have asked. 

“Do you love her?” Mellin asked, leaning forward slightly.

Cal frowned at Mellin. He looked over at Impa, leaning over to her. “Hey, can I say something to you really quick?” He asked her quietly.

“Yes?” Impa asked, having been standing politely to the side.

Cal gestured for her to get closer and Impa obliged. She looked at him curiously as he leaned in and whispered in her ear. “I love you,” he told her. “I just wanted to tell you first.”

Impa smiled and kissed Cal’s cheek. “I know.” She replied quietly.

“You’re both very sweet.” Mellin said with a bit of a laugh. “Very well, then.” He took a sip of his tea, then passed it to Impa, who took a sip as well before passing it to Cal. “Drink. You’re family now.”

“Sure thing,” Cal said easily, taking a sip of the drink. “Mm, that’s some good tea.”

Mellin watched carefully as Cal finished drinking the tea. After a few seconds, Mellin’s face began to swim and distort slightly, with the ambient noises becoming muted and rushing slightly before Cal’s head hit the table with a soft thunk . “Well, Impa,” He said, turning to his daughter with a much more relaxed expression, “I don’t suppose he’ll trust any more tea I give him.”

“I suppose not.” Impa said, lifting Cal up over her shoulder. “Thank you for your blessing, Father.”

“Of course,” Mellin said with a chuckle. “I suppose you’ll take him to Kakariko, then? Shall I send a team to gather your things?”

“I appreciate the thought, but I have actually grown to quite like our little home.” Impa said with a soft bow. “It is… cozy.”

“As you wish,” Mellin said, standing up. “You are allowed to have and raise your child anywhere you like, after all.” He looked over at the sleeping Cal. “Tell me, though, Impa…” he looked back at her with a sharp gaze. “Do you love him?”

“I do.” Impa nodded. “My loyalty remains uncontested, but… yes. I do.”

Mellin smiled, nodding. “I’m happy to hear that. Though you might wanna tell him that,” Mellin said with a chuckle. “He’ll probably appreciate it. I can already tell he’s a sap.”

“You are much more casual now that you’re no longer Grandmaster.” Impa chuckled. “I hope you enjoy your retirement.”

“Are you kidding me? I just got to interrogate and poison your boyfriend,” Mellin pointed out with a laugh. “Retirement is suiting me perfectly .”

---

Impa gently stroked Cal’s hair as she waited for him to wake up. Her father wanted her to tell Cal that she was in love with him… things clearly were changing, and they were changing quickly. She was the Grandmaster now, which meant that she had the power to dictate the path the Sheikah took in the future…

Impa thought a bit more as her fingers ran through Cal’s hair. A Sheikah who could love. A Sheikah who could marry. A Sheikah who could have conflicting loyalties. She was becoming something she didn’t recognize, but… she wanted to meet this new Impa. And she wanted Cal to know this new Impa.

Cal sighed in contentment in his sleep, nuzzling into her. Impa smiled at him, knowing his tells for when he would wake soon. She loved to watch him sleep. He was a laid back man who took everything he did seriously, but seeing him so vulnerable, so willing to be vulnerable with her… there wasn’t many more ways Sheikah said they loved each other.

Even if this sleep was not something he chose.

Cal gave a large yawn and his eyes opened. He blinked slowly as he gathered himself and looked at Impa. He stared at her for several long seconds. “Did… I meet your father or was that a dream?” he asked sleepily.3

“Yes.” Impa said with a slight smile, running a finger along Cal’s jaw. “You snore.”

“I thought you’d know that about me now…” Cal said with a chuckle. But his brow immediately furrowed as he became more lucid. “Wait… did you two drug me?”

“We drugged ourselves and you.” Impa said, letting Cal sit up. “The first time you’re dosed, you fall asleep for two hours.”

“Ah, but…” Cal looked around their tiny room. “Wasn’t I on duty when you two found me? Captain’s gonna be annoyed…” he said with a chuckle, stretching.

“It was dealt with.” Impa said cheerfully. “There is much that can be excused with ‘Sheikah Business’.” She lightly dragged a finger down Cal’s cheek. “Can you feel this more keenly than before?” She asked. “The Lidless Eye makes a person’s senses much sharper.”

Cal shivered slightly. “Y-yeah…” he said, surprised. He chuckled, giving her an unsure smile. “Should I expect to be drugged with lots of different things now that I’ve admitted that I love you?” he asked.

“Perhaps.” Impa said, kissing Cal gently and carefully along his jaw. “A Hylian man being a Sheikah’s lover is rare, after all, and a Hylian man being a Sheikah’s husband is rarer still.”

Cal bit his lip as he leaned into her kiss. “H-husband?” he asked, his thoughts unfocused as Impa moved her hands in light, teasing trails along his chest and arms. “Does… is that a marriage proposal?”

“It is.” Impa said. “Your cognition should be unaffected, Cal, and I have decided. I want to take you as my spouse.” Her face changed from stoicism to slight doubt. “If you wish for that–”

Impa was cut off as Cal grabbed her into a tight hug, crushing her to his chest. His lips kissed every inch of her face he could reach, smiling widely around his kisses. “Yes! Pardon my Holodrumese, but fuck yes , Impa! I want to marry you so bad!”

Impa laughed softly, welcoming Cal’s kisses and letting him calm down slightly before she spoke again. “It won’t be all fun and games, you know, Cal. You will be privy to secrets that you must not speak of to anyone…”

“I’m a great secret keeper,” Cal promised, kissing her cheeks and neck still, though less fervently. “You could tell me anything and I’d fall on my sword before I’d spill anything.”

“I am the Grandmaster of the Sheikah.” Impa said quickly. “Father’s last act as Grandmaster was to grant me maternity leave, so, technically, he is still interim Grandmaster, but…”

“Well, first, congratulations,” Cal said, kissing her temple. “Second, shouldn’t you take more than three months leave to be with the baby? I feel like you owe them a good six months after you give birth.” He shook his head. “I won’t even have the little one and the army’ll grant me six months leave.”

“The Clan will assist me…” Impa said, humming quietly as Cal kissed her. “And I will have a partner. One that I trust implicitly. One whom I love.”

Cal paused, his lips still on Impa’s skin. He moved his face and kissed her lips gently, letting this kiss linger. There were so many emotions in this simple action, further enhanced by the way he moved his hands gently up her spine, one hand caressing her cheek as he looked into her red eyes. “I love you, Impa…” he whispered.

“And I love you, Cal.” Impa replied, meeting his gaze. “I am grateful that you are a clumsy oaf - for if you were not, I would never have met you.”

Cal laughed, resting his forehead on hers. “I never thought I’d be grateful for being a total clutz, but look what these big feet of mine landed me.” He nuzzled his face into hers. “In bed with a strong, sexy, scary woman who’s willing to marry me and even have a baby with me.”

“Who else would be worthy?” Impa asked with a bright smile - the first unfiltered, unguarded smile she’d ever shown him. “I am quite particular, you know - I want only the best.”

“I’m flattered,” Cal said with a happy laugh, his eyes on her face, drinking in her smile. “I only pray I will be worthy of you for as long as I live.”

“So long as you remain yourself - this wonderful, brave, caring man who thinks of others before himself - you shall.” Impa said, resting her head against his. “You earned my love well and true. You deserve everything in the world.”

“I could say the same of you,” Cal said, running his thumb over Impa’s cheekbone. “It’s not often a woman like you would give me the time of day. I probably cashed in several lifetimes’ worth of luck to snag you.” he said with a chuckle, kissing her cheek. “Worth it.” he said with a smirk.

Impa lifted Cal into her arms, carrying him over to their bed. “Stay here for just a moment.” She said, walking over to the kitchen and returning with a bright blue potion. “This potion all but ensures conception, Cal.” She said, holding it out to him. “But, if we are to be wed, I want your opinion. Should I take this potion?”

“Well, I guess that depends on if you want to have the baby before or after we get married,” Cal said seriously. “I don’t know what a Sheikah wedding would look like, but I know that I drank myself blind at Captain’s wedding.” he chuckled. “But that was a Hylian marriage.”

“Our ceremonies are quiet and subdued.” Impa said with a chuckle. “The after parties are the ones to watch out for.” She pulled Cal into a deep kiss. “But, if I may be selfish, just for once…” She said, pulling the cork out of the bottle with her teeth, “I would like to marry you and have a child as quickly as I can.”

“Hylia, you don’t know how happy I am to hear that,” Cal said, waiting just long enough for her to throw back the potion before he was kissing her again, his tongue in her mouth, tasting the lingering potion. “I never thought I wanted a kid so bad, but…” he chuckled as he worked her clothes off. “I’m competitive and I wanna beat Captain at it, since he beat me at getting a wife.”

“So be it.” Impa said with a laugh. “But I should warn you - that potion has been known to cause significant sexual arousal in men, and priapism at higher doses. You’re lucky you only tasted a little.”

“Then it sounds like it was the perfect thing to savor, before I savor you…” Cal said with a chuckle as he leaned back so Impa could undress him in return. “Especially since we’re celebrating you becoming Grandmaster, right?”

“We are.” Impa said as she casually tossed Cal’s pants out the window. “I now guide the Clan however I may see fit.”

“And where would you guide them to?” Cal asked as he pulled Impa into his lap as he sat on the bed, kissing her deeply. “What future would you make for your people and your clan?”

“I would see one where we are not weapons.” Impa sighed quietly. “One where we serve, where we aid, where we can love who and when we want…” She kissed Cal as she shifted slightly, getting into position. “We have been tools and weapons for generations. I would have us be people once more.”

“I’d love to see it,” Cal said as he moved back on the bed so that Impa was more comfortably in his lap, his back propped up by pillows and the headboard as he smiled up at her, his hands settling onto her hips. “I think your people have seen enough bloodshed.”

“You are a very unusual man, Cal.” Impa chuckled lightly as her hands ran along Cal’s chest. “Most people consider the Sheikah to be shadow witches that eat the souls of children.”

“Yeah, but that’s because people are scared of what they don’t understand,” Cal said, giving a moan at Impa’s touch. She hadn’t even brought him into her yet and he already felt really good. He had a feeling that drug and the bit of that potion was already affecting him.

“We are spies and assassins, though.” Impa said, raising her hips slightly. “I have killed for the crown. Not many, admittedly, but I have blood on my hands.”

“Every country has assassins,” Cal said easily. “I’m a soldier, not an idiot - I know the people around Queen Zelda - and even the queen herself - have blood on their hands. Nature of keeping things running, right? I’ve killed myself. And what’s the difference between a political enemy and a bandit in Hylia’s eyes? Still people, still dead, still killed by us.”

Impa shut her eyes for a moment, then stood up, walking over to a drawer. “Cal. Give me your hand, please.”

“Uh, sure, but…” Cal glanced down at his crotch and his very needy erection, chuckling awkwardly. “Please don’t make me stand up,” he said, leaning over and offering his hand from where he sat on the bed.

Impa painted a small symbol on Cal’s hand before making a series of quick hand gestures. There was a brief flash of pain, and the paint faded away. “You are marked, now.” Impa said quietly. “I will know where you are, and, if you are ever… if the royal family orders your death, it must be me who does it.” She shut her eyes. “I cannot mark you as safe, for none of us are safe, but… this is how we treat family.”

Cal smiled and took Impa’s hand, pulling her back over to him. He held her tightly as he kissed her gently, running his hands in her hair as he held her close. “I’m honored, Impa,” he told her softly. “I wish I had something other than my heart to give you in this moment…” he chuckled lightly. “I’ll work on the unity bracelet.”

“All I need from you is your heart.” Impa said, preparing to roll on top of Cal for a moment before thinking differently and rolling underneath him instead. “And I will show you my trust like this.”

“Ooo, I get to be on top at last?” Cal teased, kissing down her neck as he settled between her legs, his hands moving down her thighs and up her torso. “But it’s so much fun being led by you…”

“You know we have rules about everything, and that includes sexual positions.” Impa said with a slight smile. “‘Section nine, subsection b-1: A Sheikah must never allow themselves to be placed in a vulnerable position at any point, be it at rest, on the duty, or during recreational acts.’”

“I would think you having sex at all would put you in a ‘vulnerable position’ - especially for a man,” Cal said with a laugh as he moved his erection across her wet folds, groaning. “Literally have them by the dick…” he grunted.

“I’m sorry, are you trying to talk me out of having sex here?” Impa asked, laughing softly.

“No ma’am, just yappin’ since all my blood left my brain to go to my crotch,” Cal said as he kissed across Impa’s collarbone.

“I thought as much.” Impa chuckled. “Now, since I am being quite generous and very open, I would appreciate if you moved on to giving me a child.”

“Yes ma’am,” Cal said, moving his hand down and gently guiding himself into Impa, moaning loudly as he barely entered her. “ Shit , I… I really hope I can last…” he whined. He then laughed. “I… I think I feel that heightened senses you were talking about…”

Impa bit her lip, hard. She was also feeling the effects of the Lidless Eye, on top of the effects of the conception potion - which, of course, had the effect of boosting libido for everyone, not just men. As Cal slipped inside her fully, she threw her head back and - ever so quietly, mind you - moaned Cal’s name.

Cal nearly lost it right then and there. And if it wasn’t for years of endurance training and sheer willpower he would have. But he stopped as their hips connected, kissing Impa fiercely as he held them still for a moment. “Din’s flame-filled tits, you’re going to be the death of me…” Cal said breathlessly into her mouth.

“I hope not for a long, long time…” Impa said, gently moving her hips. “I want to wake up next to you for many years…”

“Me too…” Cal whispered, his eyes on her face, slowly moving his hips with hers. “I want your face to be the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing before I sleep… I want to share the rest of my life with you, Impa…”

“And you will. I promise you that.” Impa said, moving her hips a bit faster. “A Sheikah will never betray their spouse… and should they be betrayed…” She grinned at Cal, a dangerous glint in her eyes. “Well, that is a foolish decision to make.”

Cal laughed, a little deliriously, as he sped them up even more. “Yeah, I’ll bet. One day, it’ll be ‘where’s Calvin?’ and someone will say ‘who’s Calvin?’, right?”

“More like ‘This Calvin Pot Pie is delicious, Impa’.” Impa said with a small giggle. “If you believe the rumors, anyway.” 

Cal laughed, his hands digging into her skin, as his laugh twisted into a moan. “Ah… well… I know they’re not true…” he said with another laugh that changed to a moan. “Becuase… I’d be terrible to eat… I’m all… gamey…” he said, laughing around his moans some more.

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Impa said idly. “I know at least one part of you that I enjoy the flavor of quite a bit…”

“Yeah, and that part is making me feel really good right now…” Cal said with a moan. “Hope… hope you’re feeling good, too…”

“Did you not hear me moan your name earlier?” Impa asked, a blush quite obvious on her face. “I’m loving this.”

“Didn’t quite catch it…” Cal said with a grunt, but he was giving Impa a smirk. “Maybe you could refresh my memory…?”

“I believe it went something like this…” Impa said, clinging to Cal’s back. “Oh, Cal, I love you…”

Cal’s rhythm slipped, his fingers digging into Impa’s hips. “Shit, fuck… I love you, Impa…” he whined, fighting and somehow returning to his rhythm, but it was fast and hard. “I’m… I’m not gonna last much longer!”

“Then let it go, Cal…” Impa sighed quietly. She was near her limit as well, but, of course, she wasn’t about to tell him that. She had her pride.

Cal locked Impa into a deep kiss as he planted himself deep into her, moaning her name into her mouth as he hit his limit, feeling himself working overtime to ensure conception. Impa held him tightly as she allowed herself to moan his name into the kiss as well, feeling her release flood into her, making her toes curl as she wrapped her legs around Cal’s hips and kept him close.

It was several seconds later that Cal collapsed on top of Impa, holding her tight and kissing her all around her face. He was pressing her into the bed but Impa found that she… liked it. She liked feeling his weight on her, his body surrounding her. She threaded her fingers through his hair as they collected themselves, Cal’s never idle lips kissing her neck and jaw.

“Okay…” Cal said weakly after a long second. “I think that did the trick…” he said with a breathy laugh.

“I believe so…” Impa said with a soft chuckle, wrapping her arms around Cal to keep him from rolling away. “Don’t move for a while, alright?” She asked, enjoying his weight on her. “I want to… just for tonight, I want to feel like a normal woman.”

Cal held her close. “Well… if it makes you feel better… I always think of you like a normal woman. A woman that can lay me out, but I like that about you,” he said with a chuckle, kissing her cheek.

“Mm…” Impa sighed quietly, holding Cal closer. He could say that, but Impa had never, ever thought of herself as a normal woman. Oftentimes, she hadn’t even really thought of herself as a person . A Sheikah was a tool for the Royal Family, and they were not to have any wants of their own… but here she was, confessing her love and laying in the arms of a man she would die for.

She was Impa. She was real. She was a person. And soon, she would be a mother. What more could she ever ask for?

---

“So you wanna stay here to have the kid?” Cal asked as he cooked dinner for the two of them. “I would’ve thought you’d want to have the Clan help in Kakariko.”

“When I deliver the child, I will most likely relocate,” Impa said, idly watching Cal as he cooked. “But until then, I would prefer to stay as close to you as possible. I believe it is possible for the child to bond with the parents even in the womb.”

“Yeah, but I would relocate with you,” Cal pointed out. “I wanna be with you during this time too,” he told her with a smile as he flipped the fish he was frying.

“Even though you could commute daily, doesn’t mean you should , Cal.” Impa said with a soft laugh. “You want to become a Royal Guard, yes? They need to be punctual.”

“Yeah, I mean, this will definitely make things easier,” Cal said with a chuckle as he got the rice and served the large bowl for them to share before going back to the fish. “When it gets closer to time, I’ll take that leave and we can relocate, if you still want me to come with you.”

“I do, and I will.” Impa said, running a hand along Cal’s side. “I want to share my life with you, Cal, and that means sharing all things good and bad.”

Cal smiled happily, leaning over and kissing her forehead as he sat down with the grilled fish and vegetables. “Still can’t believe we’re getting married…” he laughed. “I’m gonna have to talk to Captain Arn. Probably bring him over in the next few days.”

“Ah, yes, the legend himself.” Impa laughed to herself. “I look forward to meeting him. I’ve never heard a harsh word against the man - and for a military man, that means something.”

“He’s a good fighter and an even better man,” Cal said proudly as he ate. “Some of the tales are true, but - and he’d be the first one to tell you this - most of them are exaggerated.”

“I did find it questionable that he was said to have killed a Lynel singlehandedly.” Impa replied as she took a bite of fish. “Mm. This is well done.”

“Thanks - and he says that while he did defeat it alone, the Lynel had a limp,” Cal said with a laugh as he ate.

“A limping Lynel, huh?” Impa chuckled to herself. She chewed thoughtfully for a few moments before she looked up at Cal. “This is nice, isn’t it? We can almost pretend we’re a normal couple like this.”

“It’s different in a nice way, but you make it sound like how we normally are is bad,” Cal said with a chuckle. “You sneaking up on me and then stealing my food before you disappear again is fine, even if it isn’t what everyone does, you know.”

“You’re the only person whose food I trust.” Impa said with a laugh. “And it’s fun to watch you jump.”

“I knew you were doing that on purpose!” Cal said with a louder laugh. “I’ll have you know that I’m getting used to it. I nearly didn’t jump at all when you snuck up on me today.”

Impa smirked at Cal, then, while still making eye contact, reached over his shoulder from behind him to steal a bite of food. Cal jumped, of course, looking at how Impa was suddenly behind him and in front of him at the same time. “How on…”

“Shadow clone.” Impa replied, her illusory double fading as she sat back down. “I always have a new trick, Cal.”

Cal looked at the empty space behind him before looking back at Impa, then behind him, then back at her with a suspicious expression that nearly broke her from her smirk to a laugh. Eventually, Cal sighed, settling back into his chair to give her a slightly bemused smile. “I think that’s something I love about you - you always leave me guessing.”

“I have to, don’t I?” Impa asked with a wink. “If I don’t, I’m sure you’d just get bored with me.”

“I think I have to worry about you getting bored with me long before I lose interest in you, Impa…” Cal told her with a loving smile, reaching over and gently caressing her face. “I could know every inch of you and every part of your mind and I would still find you the most interesting thing in the world.”

“I could never get bored with you, Cal. You’re fascinating to me.” Impa sighed, leaning into his touch. “Do you have any idea how rare it is for someone to love a Sheikah? At least one that isn’t hiding who they are?”

“Since you guys are so secretive, I guess it’s pretty rare,” Cal said easily, still staring at Impa. “I get to be the lucky guy that gets to see you.”

“It is not just rare , Cal.” Impa said, shaking her head. “It has happened once in our recorded history - The Shadow Lover, Zelda Antumbra. Records claim she loved a ghost, but no - that was her sworn protector.”

“Wait, so the two people that love a real Sheikah is a Queen Zelda and little ol’ me?” Cal asked with a chuckle.

Impa nodded. “Unlike Tomotoshi, though, I will not be cast out of the Sheikah for being with you.” She said with a soft smile. “The Clan has softened its stance on marriage and love since his age.”

“No way, they exiled the Sheikah?!” Cal said in shock, his eyebrows shooting up. “But wouldn’t loving the queen be the ultimate connection to make sure they were loyal to her?”

“They only exiled him because they could not execute him.” Impa said softly. “They said that the Sheikah were to serve the royal family, not to love them and certainly not to marry them. They forbid him from teaching their children the techniques of the Sheikah, and came very near to killing him outright.” Impa shook her head. “The goddess’s blood won out of the Sheikah heritage, but to this day, the Royal Family has some Sheikah in them.”

“Is that why Zelda moves so quietly?” Cal asked with a smirk. “And here I thought I was just jumpy.”

“It’s been quite some time. She’s most likely just naturally sneaky.” Impa said with a chuckle. “Still, though… the affinity for our ancestral magics remains within them. They could be trained, and they could make excellent Sheikah, should they ever desire.” She laughed quietly to herself. “Though I would shudder to see the day a Zelda asks a Sheikah to train her.”

Before Cal could comment or ask more questions, a knock came at the door. Impa was on her feet in an instant, slipping into the shadows and out of Cal’s sight. Cal didn’t react to her actions and instead got up and answered the door, wondering who would be visiting at this time of day.

On the other side of the door, Captain Arn Hateno stood looking into space, his attention snapping forward to Cal once the door opened. Both men smiled at each other widely, giving each other a firm handshake. “Captain!” Cal said happily as he opened the door to let Arn in. “Good to see you! What are you doing in my neck of the woods?”

“Came to check on my favorite lieutenant," Arn said with a laugh as he walked inside. “I heard you were excused from duty for ‘Sheikah business’ and I was coming to make sure they hadn’t dumped you in Death Mountain,” he said with a chuckle.

“Aw, thanks Captain, but it was actually personal Sheikah business, if you can believe it,” Cal said with a smile as he got another cup out to offer some sake to Arn.

“C’mon, Cal, we’re not at the castle,” Arn said with a laugh. “None of that ‘captain’ business.”

“No can do, Captain,” Cal said with a chuckle. “That’s just your first name to me.”

Arn snorted lightly as he held out a bottle of wine. “Would some wine change that?” He asked.

“If it means I don’t have to share my sake, then maybe,” Cal said with a laugh, getting some wine glasses out instead.

Arn looked past Cal, seeing the table set for two. “Am I intruding?” He asked. “The food looks half-eaten.”

Cal paused for a moment. They weren’t exactly secretive and this was his captain, so… He shrugged, knowing he’d get a sleep dart to the back if he was about to cross the line and just went with his gut as he handed Arn a glass. “Well, Impa and I were having dinner together, but she wanted to meet you anyway, so I think it’s fine,” he said.

“Oh right… your girlfriend. Where is she? Not many places to hide around here.” Arn said, looking around curiously. “I’d love to meet her.”

“Welp, that’s up to her if she wants to appear or not,” Cal said with a laugh as he poured the wine.

“Hello Captain Hateno,” Impa said right in Arn’s ear half a second after Cal finished.

“Sweet Hylia’s tits!” Arn yelped, leaping a genuinely impressive three feet in the air. “Goddesses Grace, I think I saw my life flash before my eyes, over and over and over again!”

“Must have been quite the experience, since I hear that you’ve lived a very interesting life,” Impa said with a smirk.

Arn fell into a chair, taking the glass of wine that had been poured and downing it in one go. “Jumpin’ jackrabbits…” He muttered, shaking his head as Impa sat down. “She do that to you, too, Cal? No wonder we can’t catch you by surprise anymore!”

“She’s trained me well,” Cal said with a bland chuckle as he moved over to the icebox and got out another fish and began to cook more for the three of them.

“Clearly.” Arn said, giving Impa a quick once-over. “Yeah, I can see why Sheikah are so feared. You’ve got a plan to kill everyone in this room, yourself included, don’t you?”

“My death would be the simplest to accomplish.” Impa said casually, sipping on her sake. “You would be… remarkably difficult, I believe.”

“Me? You think I could take you?” Arn asked with a laugh. “I’m flattered, but I know a losing fight when I see one.”

“Oh, not at all.” Impa chuckled. “You are correct - I have a method to kill everyone here. My own death would be the simplest for me to ensure.” She smiled politely as she took another sip of her sake. “A small dose of poison, drunk with water, and I would just fall asleep - and never wake up. It’s how I would like to die.”

“That’s rather macabre, but I suppose it’s in your job, being an assassin and all,” Arn said with a chuckle, sipping his wine. “But, I assume you won’t kill me unless the queen or king asked you to?”

“Correct.” Impa said with a firm nod. “Unless you threatened their lives, of course.” She chuckled to herself as she kept her eyes locked on Arn. “But you would never do that, would you?”

“Of course not,” Arn said with a smile. “I owe the pair a lot - I would do anything for them, though I think you could put even my dedication to shame.”

“In that case, you have nothing to fear from me.” Impa said, sipping her sake. “It is much more likely they will order me onto a mission that costs me my life instead.”

“Well, Queen Zelda doesn’t seem the type, so I think we’re probably both safe,” Arn said with a chuckle. “So, you’re the mysterious girl Cal’s been going on about. No wonder he was so secretive about you.”

“I asked him not to go into detail about me - we must remain secretive, and a relationship between a Hylian and a Sheikah is… uncommon.” Impa said simply. “I would not have him become a target because of me.” She leaned forward, her eyes locked on Arn. “I trust I do not need to impress upon you how much I would like this relationship to be kept private.”

“No concerns for me,” Arn said, raising his hands to Impa. “It isn’t my place and I’m not about to go blabbing y’all’s business.”

“Excellent, so long as we understand one another.” Impa said with utmost calm. “In that case, I feel I can also inform you that I am going to be conceiving a child with Cal.”

Cal choked on the wine he had been drinking as Impa said this. Arn looked at Impa in confusion. “Um, don’t people usually get married first?” Arn asked with a small smile.

“We will also be wed soon.” Impa replied without so much as a blink. “It will be a small ceremony - family only, in an undisclosed location. Such is our way.”

“That makes sense,” Arn said with a chuckle, sipping his wine again. “Do you two know when or is this a new development?”

Impa glanced over at Cal. “Apologies, but that is on a need-to-know basis, Captain Hateno.” She said with a quiet smile. “I will let you know shortly ahead of time.”

“Yeah, especially since I’d kinda like him at the wedding, if I’m honest,” Cal told Impa. “I don’t really have any family except for Captain."

“Family you only refer to as their rank and not even their name,” Arn teased with a laugh.

“Habit,” Cal said with a shrug.

“One month from today.” Impa said with barely a nod. “We will come and fetch you and Sophia. I advise you not to resist.”

“Intense, but alright,” Arn said with a chuckle. “I think Cal was probably gonna talk to me about that, but I guess Sophia and I don’t have a choice anymore.”

“That is our way.” Impa chuckled, raising her glass of sake in a toast to Arn. “Welcome to the family, Arn Hateno. I believe you will find us to be excellent in-laws.”

“Welp, I’ve heard of weirder things in Hyrule,” Arn said with a laugh, raising his wineglass to Impa. “It’s an honor, Impa.” He looked over at Cal. “And congratulations, Cal.”

Cal smiled as he served up the extra food he had made for Arn. “Thank you… Arn,” he said, giving a laugh. He took his glass of wine again and raised it. “Here’s to family.”

Notes:

This fic is very self indulgent, but you don't really realize how much so until you drop thousands of words on a single chapter, lol.

Hope you all enjoy!

- Angel

Chapter 3: To Be A Person

Cal was kneeling on a pillow in a shrine carved into the mountains around Death Mountain,a small stream of water flowing through which provided cool air to keep the shrine at a comfortable temperature. The shrine was, somehow surprising to Cal, still a dedication to Hylia, specifically constructed for marriage. Her hands were cupped and outstretched, which caught the tiny flow of water so that it fell into her hands before falling to make the stream that passed them. She was carved to wear not the simple dress and shawl he had seen most other statues depict her in, but in a kimono with a traditional Sheikah headdress. It was a more elaborate version to the one that Impa wore kneeling beside him. 

Cal was also dressed in traditional Sheikah clothes, though not the skintight outfits he thought of when Impa told him he would be wearing Sheikah attire. It was the full kimonos he had seen being sold at a single shop in Kakariko. They robes had a lot of layers, but he wasn’t as hot as he thought he would be. Not as hot as he thought Impa must have been, who had even more layers than he did. 

Everyone here was wearing formal Sheikah clothes, his and Impa’s being the most elaborate. Mellin was the only other one to be wearing more elaborate robes as the officiant of the ceremony.

But it was hard to focus on any of their clothes, really, or even what anyone but Impa was doing - even Mellin. Since some unexpected guests, to Cal, had joined them at the wedding. Cal had expected himself, Arn, and Sophia (who had also dressed in formal, traditional Sheikah clothes they wore respectfully and appropriately) to be the only other Hylians in attendance. But there were two other ones that he didn’t expect…

Queen Zelda and her husband, King Daphnes.

The Royal pair had been escorted in by the ten other Sheikah that were guests of the ceremony. Cal had been too stunned to speak to them, even as they came up to where he and Impa sat just before the shrine and bowed to them, like the other guests had. Both royals were in Sheikah clothes that, surprisingly, didn’t outshine their own outfits. The only thing that gave away their royal stature were the hairpins they wore - the only guests to wear anything in their hair other than himself, Impa, and Mellin.

Cal had never seen the royal couple this close, but Queen Zelda smiled warmly at Impa, taking her hand after they bowed. The two seemed close, which surprised Cal. Not that Impa hadn’t told him the exact relationship between her and the queen, but that she was so close to her - especially after everything she told him about Tomotoshi.

“But then they respectfully took their own seats with Arn and Sophia being just as star struck to be guests at the same event the king and queen were. But luckily, the three remaining Hylians kept their cool as the ceremony began. 

Mellin was kneeling on a pillow in front of them as well, on a small dais above them at the foot of the shrine. Behind them knelt their guests on their own pillows, though there were less than fifteen people in the cave, which looked as if it could hold one hundred. Mellin was conducting a tea ceremony in silence. The entire cave was silent save the sounds of the water flowing around them. 

Mellin poured a single cup of tea, placing it before Cal with a nod. “Calvin Tulas,” He finally said, his voice quiet, but it carried in the silence of the cave. “You are to be joined to Impa. You are to be a man who loves a shadow. Do you accept this responsibility?”

“I do,” Cal said, his voice also quiet but easily heard.

“Drink from the cup.” Mellin commanded Cal, passing him the cup of tea. “And speak your words of commitment to Impa. Tell her how you will live your life with her, despite the fact that her oath supercedes her love.”

Cal took the cup and turned to look at Impa. “I know your oath will be your priority over everything in your life, including me. And I want you to know I will never forget that and I will still love you no matter what happens and no matter what you do. I will always be by your side and always protect your secrets even under threat of harm. I love you, Impa, and I always will.” He raised the cup to her and then took a sip of the tea before placing it back down.

Mellin passed the tea to Impa with a nod. “Impa. Drink from the tea as well, and speak your own words of commitment to Calvin.”

Impa took the tea and turned to face Cal. “Calvin…” she said in a clear voice. “While I will always have my duty to the crown and my clan, it is a great privilege of mine to be able to love you as I can. I will keep you in my heart always, no matter what I may be called to do and no matter what life will bring. I love you, Calvin Tulas, and I always will.” With that, she drank the rest of the tea and gave the cup back to Mellin.

Mellin nodded, adding some pigments and herbs to the cup and stirring things up. “Calvin. Impa. Extend your hands.” Both of them did as they were asked, and Mellin pricked their thumbs, letting a drop of blood fall into the mixture. “The paints are mixed.” He said, stirring them once more.

Mellin took hold of the paints, pressing his thumb into the paint before pressing it to Cal’s forehead. “You are marked as an honorary Sheikah, Calvin Tulas.” He said, adding an eye design around the thumbprint on Cal’s forehead and adding a teardrop. “You are under our protection now, and for all time.” He slowly made his way to Arn and Sophia, repeating the process for them as well.

“And you, Arn and Sophia Hateno. You and yours are family to us, as you are family to Calvin. You are welcome in our village, and we will assist you in the future.” Mellin bowed to the pair respectfully. “May your lives be long and fruitful.” He made several quick hand gestures, causing the paint to flash and vanish from each of them. “We will know you now, and we will know your children.”

Arn and Sophia looked at each other with wide eyes, though they seemed excited as Mellin came back to the shrine. Cal looked over at Impa and reached over, taking her hand and squeezing it. Impa smiled in return, squeezing it back before taking her hand back as Mellin returned to the shrine. 

“Turn to face your guests,” Mellin told them as he grabbed a brazier of incense. Impa and Cal turned around as Mellin took the brazier on a chain and swirled the smoke around the pair. “To you all as witnesses, I declare Calvin Tulas bonded with Impa, making him a part of the Sheikah clan and the two wed.” He placed the brazier back down before the statue of Hylia. The smoke swirled around the statue and then it gave a soft white glow before going dark again. Mellin nodded and clapped his hands, bowing to the statue, as did all the other Sheikah with the royals, Calvin, Arn, and Sophia clumsily following after. “So witnessed, too, by our Lady Hylia.” He said. 

And then, the ceremony was over.

“Congratulations, Impa, Cal.” Queen Zelda said, walking up to Cal with a bow. “It was a beautiful ceremony. I’m very happy for you both.”

“T-thank you, your majesty,” Cal said quickly, bowing to Zelda quickly. “It’s an honor to have you in attendance.”

“It was an honor.” King Daphnes said with a light smile. “Impa has been a trusted part of our family. Attending her wedding is the least we could do.”

“Yes, I know she is supposed to be an aloof, shadow body guard, but Impa has been around me for, gosh, I think my entire life,” Queen Zelda said with a thoughtful smile. “I was so pleased to hear that she found someone to love and decided to get married. Even more pleased she invited me to the ceremony.” She smiled at Cal. “And to meet her blushing groom, of course.”

Impa smiled at Queen Zelda. “I’m only about as old as you are, My Queen. You make me sound like an old woman.”

Queen Zelda giggled. “Yes, I suppose I did. Ironic, given that I think I’m actually a year older than you.” She smiled at Impa. “But that just means you’re my oldest friend.”

“And I will always be your friend, My Queen, even when we are both in our dotage.” Impa replied, her eyes soft. “Perhaps we can sit around and argue whose grandchildren are cuter.”

Queen Zelda giggled. “I will have princes and princesses to contend with, so you will have a challenge on your hands to outdo me!”

“And my grandchildren will be shadowing your grandchildren.” Impa teased back with a smile. “Perhaps they will grow to resemble one another.”

“Perhaps a pair might even fall in love,” Queen Zelda teased. “And then you and I can be sisters!” she said with a cheerful laugh.

“That would be wonderful - especially since they would no longer face ostracism for their relationship.” Impa nodded. “To have the royal family and the Sheikah Clan celebrated at once would be an honor beyond compare.”

“I could say the same,” Queen Zelda said with a smile. She reached down and took Impa’s hand again, giving it a squeeze. “As much as I would love to keep talking… I know others wish to speak to you, so Daphnes and I will take our leave. Congratulations again, Impa.” She turned and took Cal’s hand afterwards, giving it a squeeze as well. “Congratulations, Calvin. I hope we can speak more in the future.”

“My Lady.” Cal said, bowing deeply. “Thank you. To have you and King Daphnes at my wedding is an honor beyond compare.”

“It was our pleasure,” Queen Zelda said with a smile. “And there is no need for bowing - I have told Impa long ago not to bow and I do not expect her husband to bow either.”

“I apologize, but I am a mere Lieutenant. Not to bow to my Queen would be an offense.” Cal replied. “Just ask Captain Hateno - I still don’t even call him by his given name.”

Queen Zelda chuckled. “Oh, very well. I suppose I have time to convince you to just call me ‘Zelda’ or ‘Adeya’, when I have my own daughter.” She bowed to the pair again. “At any rate, we are needed back at the Castle. It was as honor, you two,” she said before she turned and the Sheikah escorted the pair away.

Cal watched as the pair left before laughing incredulously. “I’m gonna tell this story to our kids…” He said with a laugh. “The King and Queen came to our wedding… she even knew my name!”

“Of course she did - I have talked to her quite a bit about you,” Impa said with a chuckle.

“Hopefully you said good things.” Cal said with a chuckle. “Like how I jump every time you scare me.”

“I did include things like that,” Impa said with a chuckle. “And how you are a good man she should consider promoting.”

“Which brings me into the equation.” Arn said, walking up to Cal. “You can’t call me Captain Hateno anymore.” He grinned at Cal as he pulled him into a hug. “For one thing, I got a promotion to General, and for another thing, I retired.”

“At the same time?” Cal asked in confusion as Arn and Sophia gave them a small bow. He laughed. “Are you finally going out to that little place you’ve been eying out by the forest?”

“Yep. Got the promotion for a better pension.” Arn said, kissing Sophia on the cheek. “We’re gonna settle down, have a mess of kids, and enjoy the rest of our lives.”

“You deserve it… Arn,” Cal said with a laugh. “Wow, okay, that is going to take some getting used to.”

Arn grinned happily. “Finally got it! Oh, man, it feels good to just be Arn again!”

“Don’t tempt me or I’ll start calling you ‘general’ on principle,” Cal said with a laugh. “But I wish you two well. Going to meet us for the reception in Kakariko?”

“You know it!” Arn laughed. “And you better get started on having that kid, because Sophie and I are gonna be racing you!”

“You might have gotten a wife before me, but you won’t have a kid,” Cal said confidently. He glanced at Impa, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. Cal looked back at Arn with a victorious smile. “We’re already expecting!” he said triumphantly.

Arn raised an eyebrow. “When did you find out? She’s flat as all get out - I have more of a gut than her!”

“I have been pregnant for two weeks.” Impa replied simply. “We conceived seventeen days ago, to be precise, at nine forty nine PM.”

“That… might be a bit more information than they needed…” Cal said, embarrassed.

Arn groaned in defeat while Sophia beamed, taking Impa’s hands in hers. “Oh, congratulations! I know it’s still early, but that’s so exciting! I hope to have my own little one soon!”

“I’m sure they will be a delight for you.” Impa said with a bow. “I am looking forward to greeting my child as well.”

“I see I have been defeated in having a child before you,” Arn said with a laugh, shaking his head. “Ah well - I suppose that makes us even, then.” He shook Cal’s hand. “Congrats, soldier - for all of it.”

“Thanks, Cap– Arn.” Cal smiled. “I hope our kids can be friends - make sure to bring them to meet us, okay?”

“Our child may well serve the Royal Family.” Impa reminded Cal with a smile. “It would be nice if our child, Arn’s child, and a future princess could all grow up together, wouldn’t it?”

“That would be amazing!” Sophia said happily. “All of us could grow as closer friends while our children made lifelong friends!”

Cal laughed softly. “That would be a dream come true…” He said with a smile. “Some days, I almost expect to wake up to find all this has been a wonderful dream…”

---

“Cal. Wake up.” Impa said firmly, shaking Cal awake. “Wake up, I said!” She repeated, groaning slightly. “Why did I marry a man who could sleep through Death Mountain erupting?”

Cal bolted upright with a half snort, half choking on the drool in his mouth. He cleared his throat and looked over at Impa, blinking. “Wazzat? Wassup?” he asked groggily, trying to gather himself.

“The baby’s coming!” Impa hissed, wincing once again. “I need you to go get the midwife and her assistants!” She groaned once more, holding her stomach. “And hurry, please!”

Suddenly Cal was completely awake. He was up and had his pants on record time before he ran out the door, not even putting his boots on as he ran though the sleeping, snow covered Kakariko village. Impa lived on the outskirts in a hidden home above the village. The path was long, but Cal ran the entire way and made it to the healer’s home in record time, throwing open the door with a loud bang.

A woman that was reading on the other side of the room jumped as he ran in. “Goodness!” she said, standing up as she took in Cal. “Cal, what–?”

“Baby,” Cal gasped out around his heavy breathing. “Coming… now!”

The midwife ran to her tools, gathering them in a matter of moments. “I’ll be there! Go get water on the stove!” She yelled, pausing only to slap a few of her assistants awake. She grabbed a random pair of shoes and threw them to Cal. “Go, Cal! But put those shoes on first!”

Cal got the shoes on - which were a little small, but he didn’t care - only halfway and ran back home. By the time Cal got back, the healer was set up, her assistants were disinfecting their hands, and Impa was already doing rhythmic breathing. “Sorry it took me!” Cal gasped out, severely winded. “I’ll get the water on!”

“Wait!” Impa said around her breathing. “They… have it…” she said, looking at him. “You… stay…”

Cal was by Impa’s side out of the way of the midwives immediately, taking one of her hands. “Here,” he told her, even as he struggled to breathe and started to shiver from the cold.

“Blanket.” One of the assistants said, draping a blanket across Cal’s shoulders.

“Fire.” Another said, idly tossing a small explosive into the fireplace, igniting the logs.

Impa squeezed Cal’s hand tightly as he wrapped himself in the blanket as best he could. She looked up at Cal as the midwives moved around them. “You’re… still… here…” she said, her tone slightly amazed.

“Still shocks you, huh?” Cal asked, kissing her hand. “I told you I wasn’t going to leave you.”

“Got fat… got emotional…” Impa muttered, grabbing onto Cal’s hand with her other hand as well. “Yelled at you a few times…”

“You’ve been working hard on this baby - it’s to be expected,” Cal said with the same smile, holding her hands with both of his as well. “I’ll take getting yelled at a few times if it means I get to be a dad.”

“You’re such a good man, Cal…” Impa said, wincing again. “I hope… I hope it’s a girl…”

“Yeah?” Cal asked, keeping calm even as he knew she was in pain. “Hoping for little Paya or Chara?”

Impa looked at Cal, smiling as best she could. “Either… as long as they have you for a father, they’ll be incredible…”

“And for you as a mother,” Cal said, kissing Impa’s cheek. “You’ll show them how to be dutiful and loyal like I could only dream.”

“Mmm…” Impa paused to breathe for a short time, “No… you’ll teach them so much better than me…” She groaned as the midwife gave her some tea. “All the children we have together…”

“The multitudes,” Cal said with a laugh. “Since you’ll be in the prime for having babies for… what? The next thirty or forty years?”

Impa chuckled quietly. “It’s an… advantage to living so long…” She said with a smile. “We’re in our prime all the way up to our seventies or eighties…”

“One baby will be old enough to start thinking about being their own person and then we can make a new one, if that’s what you want,” Cal said with a chuckle, leaning over and giving her a kiss on the forehead again.

“Mmm…” Impa smiled quietly. “You could be a dad again in your sixties, even…” She laughed quietly, looking into Cal’s eyes. “When most men are retiring, you’d be a new father…”

“There’s nothing I’d love more,” Cal told her happily. “I always wanted to be a father. And if I could spend my retirement doing that? Sounds perfect.”

“The tea will kick in soon.” The midwife said. “She’s been in active labor for about an hour - this will speed up the process.” She looked up at Cal. “She’ll be in pain and there will be blood.”

“I can handle it,” Cal said confidentially, squeezing Impa’s hand. “She wants me here, so that’s where I’m going to be.”

“Very well.” The midwife replied. ‘Hot towels.”

“Hot towels.” An assistant repeated, handing one over to the midwife.

“Suture kit.” the other said, handing the midwife that as well.

The process was long and bloody, just as the midwife warned. Impa didn’t cry out like Cal knew women did in childbirth. But even as upsetting as it was to see her bloodied and abused as the midwife and her assistants worked… thirteen hours later, it was all over and Impa was sweaty and semi conscious, but holding a tiny crying baby in her arms. The baby was just as much of a mess as Impa was, covered in blood and fluids Cal didn’t want to think about. 

But Impa couldn’t be happier as she beamed down at the baby. The midwife took the baby to clean her as an assistant came over to clean Impa. Cal assisted with that, cleaning up her face and chest then carrying her over to another bed - one that was clean. Impa kept her eyes on the baby, who had red eyes and a shock of white hair on her head. A Sheikah girl.

Impa smiled weakly at the baby as the assistants got her comfortable. Cal tried to step back, but Impa pulled him back to her, encouraging him to get into the bed with her. Cal flipped over and settled between her and the wall as the midwife returned with the baby, now wrapped securely in a blanket. 

“A healthy baby girl,” the midwife told Impa as she handed the baby to her. “Congratulations, Impa. You two seem to have made it with no complications.”

“Paya.” Cal said, holding out his finger, which the baby grabbed with all her strength. “Hey there. I’m your papa.”

Paya took this news well, ignoring Cal entirely and nursing. Cal laughed as he watched her gently running his thumb over her soft fingers. “Well, food is important, so I’ll worry about introductions later,” he told her with a bright smile.

“At least you know where you stand.” Impa laughed softly, gently stroking Paya’s hair as she ate. “Look, Cal - her ears wiggle as she drinks.”

“Like a kitten! That’s so cute!” Cal said happily.

“She’s so sweet, so innocent, so…” Impa paused, blinking in confusion as tears began rolling down her cheeks. “I’m crying. Why?”

“You created new life,” Cal said as he gently wiped Impa’s cheeks. “You have a child… a family now… I think you’re happy, Impa…” he said with a watery laugh as he started to cry himself. “We’re a family!” he told her with as much excitement as he could while being quiet.

“We are!” Impa laughed quietly. “Oh, Paya… I hope your life is filled with joy.”

“And that your life is filled with triple the friends we have,” Cal agreed, kissing Impa and then Paya’s head. “And we already love you so much.”

---

Cal had a few perfect years before the first tragedy hit. He was in their new home in Castle Town feeding Paya when Impa appeared into the room, looking serious. Cal turned to welcome her home when his face dropped at her expression. He made sure Paya had her food before he got up and hugged Impa. “What happened?” he asked her quietly.

“You should sit, Cal.” Impa said, ushering Cal over to his chair. “I have… some sad news for you.” She sat across from Cal taking his hands. “Arn Hateno, Sophia Hateno, and their child are… missing. Presumed dead.”

Cal felt his heart drop as his expression turned horrified. “What…?” he whispered.

“There… was a battle that broke out on Bourne lands,” Impa explained quietly. “Surely you heard…?”

“The… the one people are calling the last battle of the Unification war?” Cal asked, his mind still reeling.

“Yes…” Impa told him quietly, holding his hands tightly still. “We were unable to locate their bodies, but…” She shook her head. “That in and of itself says much.” She squeezed Cal’s hands. “We tracked Arn and Sophia, who split up. We lost Arn’s trail, but Sophia’s… the tracks led to the Lost Woods.”

“And no one returns from the Lost Woods…” Cal said quietly. “Goddesses… she was probably running with their child…” He found his hands shaking as he felt a dream - that the Hateno’s child would get to be friends with Paya and the princess - die inside of him. “Captain Hateno… Arn…” He pressed Impa’s hands to his forehead as he began to cry.

Impa gently pulled Cal into her arms as he sobbed. He practically tried to crawl into her lap, but the chair wouldn’t have it, so Impa moved them gently to the ground, still holding them. Cal cried for a long time and it was only when Paya began to be fussy that Impa gently led Cal to their bed, laying him in it to take care of Paya.

Once Paya was settled, Impa found Cal exactly where she left him. She crawled into bed around him, pulling him to her chest. He clung to her, still sobbing quietly. “I… I can’t believe…” Cal was trying to say, crying harder. “Why… why…” he whispered, knowing there was no answer.

“Cal, I’m so sorry…” Impa said, gently rubbing his back. “I know Captain Hateno was important to you…” She sighed softly, rubbing his back some more. “I swear, we will search for them as much as we can.”

“I… if you couldn’t find Arn… he’s gone…” Cal said around his shaky, sob filled voice. “And the Lost Woods are a death trap. She… they’re not coming back out.”

Impa pressed a kiss to Cal’s head. She knew this was true - the chances of Arn, Sophia, and their baby Link being alive were basically zero - but she didn’t want to say so. Not right now - even if Cal seemed to realize it.

“Din’s fury… I really hope what was left of the dissonants are gone…” Cal said, his body going tense as she saw grief and anger war in him. He held Impa tighter to him. “Queen Irene was supposed to have put an end to this war years ago… and now…” he started to shake. “And now… The Hatenos are…”

“I know, Cal…” Impa whispered. “It’s just as much the Sheikah’s fault as anyone else’s… they stayed so low to the ground they even escaped our information network.” She rested her head against Cal’s own, not wanting to tell him that Mellin had been banished from Kakariko for his failure to root out the insurgents during his tenure. “We… we will live with that shame. I will live with that shame.”

Cal held onto Impa tightly again, so tight she was almost uncomfortable, but she didn’t say anything. After a long moment he finally loosened his grip on her, though he kept her in his arms. “I… did the people that started all this… are they gone?” he asked quietly. 

Impa nodded. “They are. Queen Zelda… she wanted to offer amnesty, but they refused, to a man.” She shut her eyes. “They are all dead.”

“Good… it’s what they deserve…” Cal said angrily. There was more vitriol in his voice than she had ever heard before, though she couldn’t say she was surprised. She was, if she was honest with herself, just happy that he was not angry at her.

“I’m sorry, Cal.” Impa said, once again. “I’m so, so sorry…”

Cal cried himself to sleep and then didn’t get out of bed for a few days. Impa took care of Paya and tried to convince him to eat as much as she could. He started moving again, but a week after the battle… more news came and Arn’s body was found. Cal took this news better, of course, as he already knew his friend was gone. But still… he cried himself to sleep in Impa’s arms again that night.

A few days later, Cal stood in his army best as he and his fellow soldiers sent Arn off. It felt so strange for Cal to be the next of kin, since this should have gone to Sophia… but even she was gone, and they didn’t even have a body to bury. But Cal managed to make it through the funeral with his head held high, though his cheeks were constantly wet. But… when he came home, holding Paya close… he did not cry himself to sleep again.

“It was…” Impa frowned slightly, bowing her head, “The ceremony showed just how well loved Arn and Sophia were.” She shook her head. “I had never seen King Daphnes cry before today.”

“It did…” Cal said, holding Paya to his chest, rocking her back and forth as she slept, his eyes distant. “Arn was a good man and I know I’m never going to stop missing him.” he kissed Paya’s head. “But…” the ghost of a smile passed his lips. “I know Arn would want me to be happy and remember him telling me his wild tales over too much ale. Not… not lowering his casket.” He nuzzled Paya’s hair. “I… I wish his kid had made it… I know Link was the most important thing to him.”

“I…” Impa took a deep breath. “Our beliefs are not the same, Cal, but… I believe that he and Sophia and Link have all become part of the shadows now. They are themselves, but they are each other as well. They have no more secrets, no more pain, only comforting darkness in which they may rest.” She closed her eyes, whispering a quiet prayer. “May they rest in and with each other.”

“So long as they’re together, that’s all that matters…” Cal said quietly. He looked over to Impa and reached out, taking her hand in his. “I’ll be able to follow you into the shadows when I’m gone, right? I’ll be able to wait for you there?”

“I pray that is the case, Cal.” Impa said, running her hand along Cal’s cheek. “If I could not see you after my death, I would know that I was being punished, not rewarded.”

“I can’t imagine that Hylia or the gods would be that cruel to either of us…” Cal said with a sad smile, pressing his face into her hand and kissing her palm. “I cherish every second of us being together… and I know it won’t be enough. Forever would barely do…” he gave her a sad smile. “So I’ll have to stay by your side when we both meet our own final rest.”

“We can agree on that, then…” Impa sighed quietly. “Cal? Can I tell you a secret?”

“Of course…” Cal told her, moving his hand up to hold hers.

“I… have failed as a Sheikah, Cal.” Impa said, squeezing Cal’s hand. “I swore an oath that my loyalty to the royal family was above all others… but it is not. Not anymore.” She closed her eyes, letting a single tear fall. “If they commanded me to kill you or Paya… I would deny them.”

“Would you like to know my thoughts on that?” Cal asked, looking up at Impa compassionately.

“You are ashamed of me, I am sure.” Impa sighed.

“Nope - not even slightly,” Cal said with a small chuckle. “And my thoughts are that if you told Queen Zelda that, she’d say she understood or might even be proud of you for making us a higher priority.”

“I cannot imagine a scenario in which that would be true, but…” Impa smiled to herself, “It’s a nice fantasy, at least.”

“Maybe you should ask her,” Cal offered as he kissed her palm. “You two are close - I think she’d be truthful with you.”

Impa shook her head fiercely. “No. Never. Zelda must never, ever know. I will carry this shame to my grave.” 

“Whatever you say, Impa…” Cal said with a sigh. “Can… can we put Paya to bed? I… I’d really like to hold you…” he said, his voice shaky and his eyes going distant again.

“Of course.” Impa said, taking Paya and walking off. She barely got out of eyesight before dropping her head and sobbing. Cal, you may hurt badly now, but one day, you will realize this pain is a blessing. She thought. You are lucky - you’re allowed to be a person.

---

Six months later, Cal was feeling almost normal again, even gaining a promotion for himself to Captain, when their life changed again. But this was much happier news, as Queen Zelda announced to Hyrule the news it had all been waiting for since she and King Daphnes took the throne. News to help take the minds off many people in the wake of the final battle of the Unification War.

Queen Zelda was with child.

Queen Zelda sat happily in her parlor with her hands over her pregnant belly. To the naked eye, she was alone, but she had tea set for two in front of her. She hummed happily as she poured more honey into her tea and ate the many many snacks that were around her. “Mm!” she said happily as she ate a small tea sandwich. “I wonder if I will still like pickles this much when I am no longer pregnant..” she speculated happily. “Though you would know about how cravings work better than I, right?” she asked the apparently empty room.

“I had… relatively few cravings,” Impa said, stepping out of the shadows with a bow, “But my tastes did change. I developed a peculiar fondness for cucumber and cottage cheese sandwiches.” She chuckled to herself. “I am surprised Cal did not leave me for that.”

“Well, Cal loves you more than life itself and almost as much as he loves Paya,” Zelda said with a giggle. “Sit, sit - I wanted to talk to you about the new Zelda that will be showing up in a few weeks!”

“I am excited, I must admit.” Impa said with a small smile, taking the offered seat. “I swear to guard her with my life, and I will serve as her nursemaid to the utmost of my abilities, if you so wish.”

Zelda gave a small gasp, but it quickly turned into a laugh. “That is my wish! Ah, but I shouldn’t be surprised that you were able to read my mind and would know exactly why I wanted to talk to you today.”

“I make it my business to know the goings-on and anticipate any and all possibilities.” Impa replied with a chuckle. “And, I must admit… I desire to honor Arn Hateno’s wish as best I can. He wanted our children to be friends.”

“Yes, and I would love for Paya to know and grow up with my Zelda…” Zelda said, resting her hand on her belly again with a fond smile. “And I want to make sure she is protected by the best…” she looked up at Paya. “I know it’s awful for me to ask you to play nursemaid when you have your own little one… but I know you’ll keep my little Amari safe, no matter what.”

“It would actually be much easier for me, since I have Paya.” Impa said with a small laugh. “I am already learning to handle children, I can get them on the same feeding schedules, and even serve as a wet nurse if you desire.” She bowed slightly. “I am, as always, your right hand, My Queen.”

“I don’t think being a wet nurse is necessary, but thank you,” Queen Zelda said with a smile. “And, truth be told, it’s a king’s duty to raise the child, so I am sure you will not be needed too much, as Daphnes will be looking after her mostly.”

“I understand, but I wished to offer regardless.” Impa said, bowing once more. “I…” She took a deep breath. “My Queen, may I speak to you as a friend, and not a servant, just for the moment?”

“Aw, I was already speaking to you mostly as a friend, but yes, please, I would appreciate that,” Queen Zelda said, drinking more of her tea.

Impa cleared her throat lightly. “Zelda. My Queen. My friend.” She took a deep breath once more. “I feel like I failed Captain Hateno and Cal. I am the Grandmaster of the Sheikah, and yet my father claimed responsibility for failing to anticipate the insurgent’s attack. The responsibility - and the punishment - should have been mine.”

Queen Zelda calmly finished her tea, sighing in contentment before putting the cup back down. She smiled gently at Impa. “No,” she said happily with the same content smile.

Impa’s face went blank. “I’m… sorry?” She said, utterly flummoxed.

“I have long since told you that, as Queen of Hyrule, I will not interfere with the affairs of the other people that call Hyrule home,” Queen Zelda said serenely. “And as such, I said nothing when your people and clan decided that Mellin should be punished for not finding those that led the attack that marked the final battle of the Unification War.” Her smile remained unchanged, but as her eyes turned to Impa, she saw a hard glint inside of them. “But I did not agree with your choices. Mellin served me and my mother with the utmost dedication. But he is mortal, not god, and could not see what was invisible. And as such, I certainly do not agree that the responsibility for what occurred should fall on you.”

Impa bowed her head all the same. “I… also have a confession, Zelda. One that fills me with so much shame, but… as your friend, I must confess it to you.”

Queen Zelda tilted her head at Impa. “Yes? What might that be?”

Impa sighed deeply. “My oath to you and Daphnes… it has faltered. I should - I must - favor your lives and your whims above all others, but…” She shivered quietly, standing, only to kneel and press her head to the ground. “While I would obey most any command you gave me, while I would give my life in an instant should you but ask… not Cal. Not Paya. I am shamed, beyond all measure, but… I could not take their lives. I could not hurt them. Not even if you commanded it. To me, Cal and Paya… they occupy the place in my soul where you and King Daphnes should rightfully stand.” She took a deep breath. “I await my punishment.”

Queen Zelda was quiet for a moment before Impa heard her shift. “Impa?” she asked calmly. “Would you please stand and kneel before me, so I can reach you? With your head up, please.”

Impa rose to her feet, wondering if Queen Zelda had deemed to smite her right then and there. She moved to be just in front of Queen Zelda, her head bowed, even as she wanted to press it to the floor again. Queen Zelda placed her hands on Impa’s shoulders gently and Impa braced for the power of Hylia that was surely about to destroy her…

And instead, she felt Queen Zelda lean down to give her a soft kiss to the top of the head. “There… I would have done so from where you were on the floor, but I can’t crouch down like that with this belly of mine,” she said with a chuckle.

Impa stayed kneeling, her mind running completely wild. “I… forgive me, My Queen, but I don’t understand.”

“Your punishment is to be my friend and love Cal and Paya as much as you do,” Queen Zelda said with a small laugh. “You are commanded to continue to live your life as you have, though without any guilt, if you could.”

“I…” Impa dared to look up at Zelda. “Z-Zelda…?”

Queen Zelda took the opportunity to cradle Impa’s face when she looked up, smiling down at Impa kindly. “There’s your pretty face!” she said happily.

“Zelda, I don’t understand.” Impa said, her face creased with concern. “I have committed the most unforgivable sin a Sheikah can possibly commit - I hold others above my charge. My loyalty is not absolute. I am…” I’ve been a person. Impa thought, though she dared not speak it. “I am… a failure as a Sheikah, and as such, I have no worth to you.”

“You are worthy to me, Impa,” Queen Zelda told her gently. “I never wanted your people to be so blindly and utterly devoted to the crown as it is.” She smiled as if she could see down to Impa’s soul. “I want you to be people, Impa - not shadows that have no wills or wants of your own. I appreciate your dedication, but I hope you can lead your people into a new life where you live it rather than live for the crown.”

“Zelda…” Impa bowed her head once more. “I would… I… words cannot express my gratitude. Know that… behind Cal and Paya, you stand proud in my heart, regardless of my oath.”

“And that’s enough,” Queen Zelda said, running her hand through Impa’s hair affectionately. “I want you to be happy with your family, Impa. I’m happy to hear you love them more than me.”

“You are…” Impa took Zelda’s hand, kissing her knuckles. “I do not deserve to serve you or to count you as my friend… but I am thankful beyond words that I do, Zelda.”

“I am the lucky one to have you as such a devoted friend, Impa,” Queen Zelda said with a chuckle. “Now, how about we finish our tea?”

---

Queen Zelda bore her child with success and presented Hyrule to its crown princess, Zelda Amari. Paya was introduced to the young princess quickly and Impa was her dedicated nursemaid and guardian, using every opportunity she could to have Paya and Zelda together. And as both Impa and Cal were happily able to watch Paya and Amari begin to develop a friendship… 

Queen Zelda became ill.

It was not concerning at first. She became tired quickly and needed more rest than before. And then she began to become gaunt and wouldn’t eat. She became weaker and weaker… and then they found the cancer inside her.

Impa was one of the few that were told about Queen Zelda’s dire condition. At this time. Princess Amari was only four and already knew something was wrong with her mother. Amari was much more interested in being with her mother than playing with Paya, which upset Paya, unable to understand what was happening.

“Mama, does Ama hate me?” Paya asked quietly as Impa walked home with her one evening. “She doesn’t like to play with me anymore…”

“No, Paya… Ama is… she’s very worried about her mommy, and so she wants to spend a lot of time with her.” Impa said, squeezing Paya’s hand softly. “She’s being a good, caring daughter. That’s all.”

“Oh yeah, Queen Zel-la is always really tired, isn’t she?” Paya asked, becoming thoughtful. “Is that why King Daphni is always at court instead?”

“Mm-hm.” Impa nodded, giving Paya a quiet smile. “King Daphnes is filling in for Queen Zelda while she’s… tired.” Her face fell ever so slightly - she knew her friend was dying, slowly and painfully, but she couldn’t say so. Not to Paya.

“Okay…” Paya said, both soothed, but also thoughtful. She looked up at Impa with her big red eyes. “Mama…? Is Queen Zel-la going to be okay?” she asked quietly.

Impa frowned softly, crouching down to be eye level with Paya. And just as she didn’t want to tell this to her little girl, upon being asked directly, she found that she couldn’t lie - and so it all came spilling out. “No. She isn’t, Paya.” She said, squeezing her daughter’s shoulder. “You must not tell anyone, Amari most of all, but… Queen Zelda is dying. She will be gone soon - and that is why Amari is spending as much time with her mother as she can… because soon she will have no time left.”

Paya was quiet for a long moment, thinking over Impa’s words. She then hugged Impa’s neck tightly. “Mama? Do… do I have lots of time with you and Daddy?”

“I… hope so, Paya. If I have any say in it, you do. But that is the way of life, Paya - sometimes bad things happen and all you can do is survive.”

“Okay…” Paya said softly and Impa heard her voice shake. “Mama…? I…” she sniffled. “I think I’m really sad…” she said as she started to quietly cry into Impa’s shoulder.

“So am I, Paya. So am I.” Impa nodded. “Queen Zelda is one of my best friends, and I will miss her terribly.” She picked up Paya gently. “Come. We will go home, and your father will tell you about his best friend, Arn Hateno.” She smiled lightly at her daughter. “Just because someone dies does not mean they are truly gone, Paya - we will show that to you.”

“Okay…” Paya said as she nuzzled her face in Impa’s neck. 

Impa carried Paya back to their home, the two of them not speaking as Paya sniffled occasionally, but mostly was lost in thought. When they arrived, Cal was home, cooking, and recognized the mood instantly. With a short explanation of what Paya needed, but not why, Cal regaled Paya with tales of Arn Hateno, getting Paya laughing in no time. Cal glanced at Impa often, but of course, she gave nothing away. 

But when Paya was settled for the night and Cal and Impa were settled into their bed, Cal looked at Impa seriously, holding her close. “Zelda is in a really bad way, isn’t she?” he asked softly.

“She is.” Impa said simply. “Each day she lives is one that is unexpected.” She lay back, staring up at the ceiling. “The cancer was caught too late and had spread throughout her body. It is… an awful way to die.” She kept her face stoic, never breaking her gaze from the ceiling.

Cal leaned back and cradled her face, gently having her look at him. “Impa… you’re allowed to feel that with me, you know. Don’t hold it in - it will only hurt you.”

“I know…” Impa sighed, her face softening. “I… I love her like a sister, Cal, and I have protected her for so long… and in the end, she will die from a disease. The one thing I could not shield her from.” She closed her eyes, her lower lip quivering slightly. “Cal, could you hold me? I believe I am about to cry.”

Cal’s arms were already around her, cradling Impa to his chest before she could even ask. “I’m here for you, Impa…” he told her gently, kissing her forehead softly. “Please… you know you’re safe with me. You’re so strong, but I can protect you while you cry, I promise.”

Impa needed no further encouragement, clinging to Cal as she broke down, sobbing in his arms. Nothing would change the fact that Queen Zelda was dying, and nothing would change the grief that she felt, but at least she wouldn’t face it alone. Cal’s arms were warm and strong, exactly what she needed, as she felt herself fall to pieces.

---

Queen Zelda Adeya’s funeral was a long affair as the entire kingdom mourned her passing. But Queen Zelda, now only being called Adeya, as Zelda Amari was now the only living royal Zelda, was never one for huge crowds and events. So while Hyrule was invited to view a closed casket with her likeness carved atop it, a much more private and subdued ceremony was held in the Royal mausoleum with only a handful of guests - King Daphnes, Princess Zelda, Impa, and her family. 

A marble monument bearing Adeya’s final poem stood at the foot of the matching marble casket that was open, showing Adeya’s gaunt form. King Daphnes stood on one side while Princess Zelda stood on the other, both of them holding Adeya’s skeletal hands. Impa stood behind Zelda as she stared at her mother’s face, silently crying. Impa was impressed with how brave Zelda was being. At four years old, already she had so much weight on her shoulders… weight she bore with dignity beyond her years.

Daphnes cried even more than Zelda as he looked at Adeya’s face, though most of his tears were lost in his beard. He held her hand gently, tenderly, as he did in her final moments. And while he seemed calm, Impa could see how he almost wished to crawl into the stone slab with her. 

There were no words spoken, no sounds made other than the occasional sniff or sob. It was a long moment later that could have been a few minutes or even a few hours when Zelda moved first. She put her mother’s hand on Adeya’s chest before crawling up as much as she could and giving Adeya a gentle kiss. “Goodbye, Mama…” she said quietly. “I’ll miss you…”

With that, Zelda moved away and walked over to Impa, leaving Daphnes alone with Adeya. He took another long moment before he mirrored Zelda’s actions, placing Adeya’s hand on her chest and kissing her cheek. Though he also moved to give her a final kiss on the lips. “Goodbye, Adeya…” he whispered to her. “I will always only love you.”

Daphnes stepped back away from Adeya and walked over to Zelda, taking her hand from Impa. Zelda clung to Daphnes as they watched Cal maneuver the lever that moved Adeya into her casket, lowering her down and sealing her in. No one spoke as Cal removed the restraints and ropes, sealing Adeya into her tomb. Once Cal was done, he took his place at Impa’s side one more. 

The silence stretched on again until Zelda sniffed and began to cry quietly. Daphnes leaned down and gently took Zelda into his arms, holding her close and kissing her cheek. He turned to leave but paused as he passed Impa.

“Impa…” Daphnes said quietly, pulling out a letter addressed to her in Adeya’s hand. “Adeya… wrote this for you, as well as a small message,” he said with a sad smile. “She wants you to take some time to yourself. Give yourself at least a few weeks before you return to us. Amar—” Daphnes caught himself, though he looked pained. He cleared his throat quietly. “Zelda… and I will be fine without you for a little while.”

Impa nodded firmly. “If that is your command, My King, I will obey without question.” She said, keeping her face stoic.

“No commands, Impa, please…” Daphnes said quietly. “We both know Adeya would want you to think about yourself and your family right now - not us.”

“In that case… may I ask what you both want?” Impa said, letting her walls drop just a little. “Do you truly wish for me to step back for a time?”

“Not forever, but I know you take pride in your work and do you think you can do your best right now after we just laid her to rest?” Daphnes asked. 

“I…” Impa shook her head. “I could not.” She knelt down to look Zelda in the eye. “Zelda… Amari. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel right now. I promise you, though - I will always work to support you, and my family will always be here for you. Whether it is Paya, Cal, or me, you can talk to us any time you need us.”

Zelda nodded and then released Daphnes to hug Impa tightly. “I miss Mama… will miss you, too… but want Paya to have her mommy… Let Paya have her mama as long as she wants.”

Impa hugged Zelda as tightly as she dared. “You are… such a good girl, Zelda. You’re brave and wise beyond your years.” She pressed a soft kiss to Zelda’s forehead. “I will… spend some time with Cal and Paya, but again - if you want to visit us, we will welcome you with open arms.” She smiled gently at Zelda before standing up, holding the letter. “King Daphnes. Would you like to read this letter with Cal and I, so we can share in Ze– Adeya’s last words to me together?”

“I helped Adeya pen the letter, Impa, but thank you,” Daphnes said with a sad smile as he picked Zelda up. “I’m going to take A— Zelda back to the castle so she can rest.” He placed a comforting hand on Impa’s shoulder. “You can come visit us too, if you’d like, Impa. Not as a Sheikah guard, but as Adeya’s friend, if you wish.”

“Thank you, King Daphnes.” Impa nodded. “Though it may be impertinent… may I offer you a hug?”

Daphnes smiled kindly at Impa and pulled her unit a hug. Impa held onto him tightly, just as he did for her. Zelda, still in Daphnes’ arms, also hugged Impa gently. They stayed in that embrace for a long moment before Impa finally pulled away, quickly drying the tears on her face. She then dried Zelda’s face as Daphnes cleared his own. He gave Impa a sad smile. “Be well, Impa. We will see you again when you are ready,” he said.

“I will see you both soon, King Daphnes, Princess Zelda.” Impa said with a nod. “Thank you, and my condolences.” She took a deep breath before giving them both a firm bow. “I will forever be there for you both.” She watched as the royals left before leaving the mausoleum herself, and managed to avoid reading the letter until she and Cal managed to get home.

“Cal, I will need you to hold me.” Impa said as she carefully opened the letter. “I do not trust myself with my emotions at this moment.”

Cal gently pulled Impa to his chest, sitting down in the bed as he held her tight, looking over her shoulder at the letter. He kissed her jaw gently. “I’ve got you, Impa…” he promised her quietly.

Impa took one small breath as she fully opened the leader and the two began to read.

“Impa…” the letter began. 

I write this to you knowing these will be my last words to my oldest friend. I wish so much that we could have been able to grow old and have those arguments on whose grandchildren were cuter. But the goddesses have called me away and I will be wrapped in Hylia’s embrace soon. But I have a few things I want you to always remember, even as my soul departs. That I will always be with you and the ones I love, as the breeze that cools you on a hot day, the flowers that first bloom after spring, the sound of the birds singing… that will be me and I will watch over you all. And I will watch our children and grandchildren grow until you return to the shadows and we may argue about our adorable families then. 

But while I am not with you in body… remember that you are my oldest and best friend. And that the time we shared is among the highest ones I treasure. And I treasure you not as my Sheikah shadow, but as the person you have allowed yourself to be. And my prayer for you, Impa, is that you will allow yourself to still be that person, even after I am gone. 

 

Farewell words too often part

And cleave with sorrow to aching hearts.

With a final wave, all disappears

Beneath the hush of silent tears

 

Why can't sorrow be so kind

As to hide away and stay confined?

And leave us only thoughts of bliss,

Of joyful things to reminisce.

 

So focus not on sorrows born

Where happy times are now forlorn,

But instead on joy and merriment

And delight all felt without relent.

 

And with all the love to fill our hearts,

Sorrow and pain then soon departs.

And although goodbyes are bittersweet.

We can no longer feel incomplete.

 

Goodbye, Impa… you are the loving sister I had always wanted as a child. I love you. 

Zelda Adeya

 

Impa closed the letter, carefully folding it and returning it to the envelope before storing it in a small, locked drawer. “That is just like her…” She said quietly, smiling to herself. “Thinking of others at the end of her life, and always, always the poet.” She hung her head for a few moments, taking several slow breaths. “Cal. Paya is still being cared for, yes?”

“Yes - Anji has her right now,” Cal told her quietly, quickly wiping his own eyes. “It’s just us right now.”

“Good. I do not wish to have her see me like this.” Impa said, pulling Cal into a tight hug and instantly sobbing.

Cal held Impa tightly as she cried and cried and cried. The only time he released  her was for a short instant to get her food and water, taking her in his arms as she drank and then cried again. Impa slept in short bursts between her tears and it was not until late into the night that both she and Cal fell asleep, exhausted. But even in her dreams, Impa wept. 

Impa did not return to service for two full weeks, though she did visit Daphnes and Zelda several times. They gradually began to work past their grief together, knowing that while they would miss Adeya forever, they could at least find solace in their friendship and their shared memories of this remarkable woman.

Impa would remember Zelda Adeya for the rest of her life, and in doing so, Zelda Adeya would never truly die.

Notes:

I want you to know if you’re crying at Adeya’s funeral, I am too. Her passing makes me cry EVERY time.

- Angel

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 9 of The Across Expanded Universe