Hello readers! Chapter 158 is here! This week, Link's date with Impa continues.
"Feeling any better now?" Link asked.
"A little I suppose." Impa nodded.
It was sometime after Impa had confessed to Link that she was torn between her creed as a protector of the Royal Family, and her desire to start a family and continue the Sheikah bloodline. Link couldn't bring himself to tell her which choice she should make, as he felt it wasn't his place to say that. All he could do was comfort Impa in her distress.
They walked through the park area of Kakariko Village, taking in the calming atmosphere helped Impa calm herself somewhat.
"Um, I apologize that you had to see me like that Link." Impa spoke awkwardly, "I know it's not becoming of someone my age…"
"Hey, don't worry about it. Sometimes it's good to just let it out." Link smiled warmly, "Honestly I'm kinda happy to see another side to you."
"Is that so…?" Impa blushed lightly, feeling a desire deep down inside her.
Before she could think any more about that though, they then heard a strange noise in the area, it was very faint, but it sounded like a sniffling and sobbing.
"Link, do you hear that...?" Impa asked.
"Yeah, sounds like.. crying?" Link spoke, "Let's check it out."
They went off the stone path and into the tree area to investigate. The two wandered through, trying to follow the path of the sound.
As her keen ears were focused on the sound though, Impa stumbled a little on her wooden sandals again, but Link helped catch and stabilize her.
"Woah, careful there." Link warned her.
"Thanks…" Impa blushed softly.
"The ground here is pretty uneven." Link said scooting at it with his foot, "Why don't you go back and wait at the path and I'll check it out?"
"No, I'll be fine." Impa said stubbornly, "Come on."
The two continued through the trees, and the sound of the sobbing was getting louder. The trees were a lot more dense though, making it harder to determine which way to go.
"Well this is a problem." Link frowned, "What do you think Impa?"
"…" Impa stared up at the trees, then down to her legs. She nodded to herself as she took the bottom of her kimono, and ripped it off with one strong tear, making it look more like a short skirt, and showing off her strong legs.
"Allow me."
Impa took a deep breath, knelt down, and shot up the side of a tree, before swiftly leaping from one tree to another to get higher up.
"Woah." Link said impressed, and did his best to follow after her.
Impa continued to flip and bound off the trees of the park forest, noting one particularity tall tree that was towards the center of the park. She leapt off another tree and started darting up the side of the tallest one. She didn't even slow down for a second as she went up as high as possible and bound off the top, flipping through the air and getting a good look down at all around her.
With her keen Sheikah eye, she pinpointed a small figure deep in the area where she and Link had been investigating. They appeared to be squatting with their head down. Impa released a paraglider from seemingly nowhere and used it to descend downwards.
When she landed, it only took Impa a brief time to see sitting against a tree was a small girl. She was sobbing and shaking as she looked down at her injured leg. She was in too much pain to get up and leave, and even if she did, she had no idea where to go to get home.
"Are you okay?"
The girl was jolted out of her sadness by the sight of Impa looking down at her with a sharp stare. The girl was scared at first of the intimidating woman, but then Impa smiled warmly and knelt down to get a good look at her.
"M-My leg hurts…" sniffled the girl, "I went out here trying to find a tree I could climb, but I fell and… and…"
"It's okay, looks like nothing's broken." Impa said checking the wound, "Why would you be trying to do that to begin with?"
"Some kids were picking on me, saying I was too weak to play with them…" sniffled the girl, "I thought if I could climb a tree they would let me…"
"Oh, that's not good." frowned Impa, "Sounds like those children should get a talking to, but let's help you for now."
Impa began to work with what knowledge she had in medical training. It reminded her of when she used to take care of Zelda back when she was a little girl.
"Impa?" she heard a voice call out, and shortly after Link showed up coming in through the trees, then noticing the child, "Oh good, you found them!"
"Indeed, nice work tracking us down." Impa said.
"I followed you when I saw you glide down from the center tree." Link grinned.
"Huh? You climbed that really, really big tree?" the girl said with round eyes, "That's so neat! How did you get so strong?"
"Training. Lots and lots of training." Impa said, "But a big part of it is my Sheikah bloodline. It gives us some shadow ninja techniques only we can use."
"Oh… so that means I couldn't do that…" pouted the little girl.
"It's okay, young one." Impa chuckled lightly, "Not everyone can do the same things others can. Neither of us can lift boulders like a Goron or swim like a Zora."
"That's right." Link grinned, kneeling down by Impa, "We all have our own strengths and limits. The important thing is to focus on what matters the most to you."
"Ooooh… I see." the little girl said, she looked own at her leg, "To be honest, I don't really like climbing trees all that much… but I love when Momma lets me help her cook!"
"Then how about this, when you're all healed up, you have your mother help you make something for the kids, show them you can do something they can't!" Link suggested.
"Okay!" the girl nodded, bowing her head, "Thank you both!" she then looked curiously over at Link, "You're a nice man. Are you her boyfriend or something?"
Link coughed out awkwardly as the two of them both blushed. He was about to say they were just out on a walk together when Impa took his hand and squeezed it.
"He's indeed my boyfriend." Impa said with a pleasant smile.
"Aww, how nice!" the girl squealed.
Link turned even redder at Impa's words, as she finished the work on the girl's bandage and lifted her up carefully.
"Come Link, we should take her to the Kakariko Potion Shop. Dr. Ehia and Granny Truttlo can give her the proper care she needs there." Impa said.
"Y-Yeah, sure." Link nodded.
As the two walked along, Link glanced over at Impa holding the young girl in her arms. While she was trying to be discreet about it, Link could tell how much she was enjoying caring for the girl like the caretaker he always knew her as.
He could imagine her helping Shikki like this when he got to be that age and started his training… or perhaps when she had a daughter of her own...
Link nodded to himself. He just knew, when they were alone again, that it was time.
After leaving the girl at the Kakariko Potion Shop, Link and Impa went back to the park to resume their date. Impa didn't bother to try and fix her kimono, and allowed herself to walk in her new 'skirt' as it were. Link wasn't complaining, since he was getting a good look at her strong, lean legs.
The two walked out to an arced red bridge that went over a narrow area of the park lake. They stopped at the center of it and took in the view. The fireflies had come out that night, and were flying around the water, illuminating it with their glow.
"Nice huh?" Link spoke.
"Yes, it's so beautiful here…" Impa whispered, she frowned just a little, "But we have to go back home tomorrow morning to prepare for the meeting… Honestly, I wish this night would never end."
She let out a long sigh,
"And there I go again, putting my own happiness before my duty." she spoke, reflecting on what she had admitted to Link earlier, "I must sound truly selfish to you, don't I?"
Link stared at Impa for a moment, before looking back out the water, and speaking up,
"…well, maybe you do."
"Huh?"
"Maybe you're right about some things; you're setting aside your bloodline's creed, your father's vows, and even your duty to your princess, all to do something for yourself…"
Impa just stared downwards silently as the guilt from before creeped up on her once again.
"...but I don't think that's an inherently bad thing." Link continued.
"W-What do you mean?" Impa asked.
"You've done so much for the Royal Family and Hyrule your whole life. It's because of that the princess has been able to grow into the bright and beautiful woman she is today."
He took Impa's hand and squeezed it, making her blush, as he looked out at the pond.
"Just like how the people have built up Kakariko Village into this beautiful place like that from the past, you've begun rebuilding the Sheikah after they almost went extinct." Link spoke, "Soon Shikki will grow up like Zelda did, and be able to follow his path in life, whether it be to protect the Royal Family, or focus on continuing the bloodline and techniques of the Sheikah. You created a brighter future for your people, and the Hyrule kingdom as a whole."
He looked to Impa and smiled warmly at her.
"If anything, your selfishness is the kindest thing I could ever see someone do."
"Link…" Impa whispered with a blush on her cheeks.
"I'm certain your father, as well as the Hyrule Queen, are both very proud of all that you've done." Link spoke, "If you ask me, you've done more than enough for the Royal Family, and it's time for you to focus on what you want to do, and pursue your own path in life."
"My own path… …" Impa stared down in awe of Link's words.
All her life, she had followed her people's example, that she needed to give up any personal happiness for the sake of protecting the Royal Family at all costs. She never had anyone tell her to do what she wanted to do with her life. Her heart suddenly swelled, as she felt so uplifted from his words.
"Y-You're right Link… what I truly want, is to have a wonderful family to have and to hold with all my heart. Even if it means turning my back on the Royal Family and my people's creed… I think… I just want to be happy."
"I'm so glad to hear you say that." Link smiled warmly, as he got down on one knee.
Impa gasped out with wide eyes with her hands covering her mouth, as she saw Link pull out a small box and open it up,
Inside the box was a pair of thin but sturdy wooden black sticks with beautiful decorations on one end that was in the shape of red and white flowers, as well as some beads hanging from them.
Link spoke up to her, "Lady Impa of the Sheikah, if it pleases you… I'd like to make you my beloved wife, and mother to my children, to have to hold forever."
Tears began to form in Impa's eyes as she trembled, reaching down and putting her hands over Link's.
"I... would would love that so much Link…" Impa sobbed happily, "I want to be happy with you, Lady Nabooru, and all your wonderful brides…"
She brought one hand of his up to her stomach and rubbed at it, "And I want to have a great family with you… I want to give Shikki so many little brothers and sisters… until I cannot possibly bear anymore… Not just for the Sheikah clan's future, but for my own happiness…"
"Link, my dear pupil… I love you!"
Link stood up and the two shared a firm kiss, the older woman's arms wrapped around his shoulders as his own arms were wrapped around her waist. The two held that kiss for what felt like forever, until they finally separated, panting out lightly for the brisk, cool air.
"It makes me so happy to hear you say that." Link smiled, taking Impa by her chin, "As of now, you're no longer a loyal Hylian servant, but that of a royal Gerudo queen, and I intend to treat you as one for the rest of your days."
"Th-Thank you…" Impa whispered with labored breathes. She glanced down at the sticks in the box he had given, "So, where did you get these by the way…?"
"Like em? I was told the traditional gift for a Sheikah marriage proposal was a pair of chopsticks. After I found out you were pregnant with Shikki, I went out and got the best looking ones I could find!" Link grinned, "I would have liked to let you eat with them back at the restaurant but I was saving them for when I proposed. What do you think?"
"…Link, these aren't chopsticks." Impa spoke.
"Huh?" Link asked.
"These are called 'kanzashi', a traditional Sheikan hair accessory." Impa said with an amused smile.
There was a moment of complete silence as a frog hopped by the two of them croaking, then jumping into the water.
"Wait... you put these in your hair and not your food?" Link exclaimed, she smacked his forehead with his palm, "Ah jees, I'm sorry! I know it's supposed to be traditional and-"
But Impa just gave him a kiss on the lips to shut him up.
"Link... you don't know how much these mean to me." Impa spoke with small tears in her eyes, "You see… you just made me remember a story my father told me…" she looked down at the hair sticks, "Namely, how he proposed to my mother with hair accessories much like these."
"Did he make the same mistake?" Link asked.
"Not at all, he just wanted to do something... a little different for her. He said it made their relationship more special." Impa smiled, picking up the sticks, "You reminded me that even he didn't follow all of our traditions to the letter… and as such..."
Impa turned away to face the pond. She took a kunai from her belt and used it to cut off the band holding her braided hair in place, allowing her white hair to fall down long and straight. She then took the hair accessory sticks, and with some precision use of her fingers, managed to fix up her hair into more of a top-down ponytail, before sticking both sticks in the tied bun to hold it in place.
Link's jaw was dropped as Impa spun back around, her ponytail waving around with her motions, and she smiled brightly at him. He could swear her new ponytail made her look twenty to thirty years younger.
"What do you think?" Impa asked.
"I-It looks great!" Link exclaimed, "How did you do that?"
"My mother died when I was young, so my father had to do both jobs." Impa spoke, she played with the end of her new ponytail, "He was never really good at tasks like cooking or cleaning, but he always tried his best at it." she spoke with a light smile, "One thing he could do though was braid my hair for me, and he taught me how to do it for myself."
Impa glanced aside as she ran a hand through her ponytail.
"After he died, I decided to follow in his example and live as the servant to the Royal Family. I had no time to focus on wearing a ponytail any longer, and cut it off to just wear my hair short."
"So what changed that?" Link asked.
"It was shortly after Rauru had captured Ganondorf, I had learned something about myself… that I was supposed to become the Sage of Shadow…"
"So you already knew about that…" Link spoke somewhat sadly, "I remember Saria and Darunia saying they had vague premonitions about it as well."
Impa paused for a moment and continued, "Honestly I should have been proud of that knowledge, to carry such a great responsibility on my shoulders for the sake of Hyrule, Princess Zelda and the Royal Family…"
She sighed a little,
"But after seeing the death of Rauru… it brought back the trauma from my youth…" Impa spoke, "He died to protect Hyrule from a great evil, just as my father did…"
"That was when you decided to grow out your hair and started braiding it again." Link spoke, "So then why restyle it like that?"
"Well, I've been thinking since that day you told us all about the dark future, and how you worked to change our destinies by going back in time and preventing that horrible tragedy from happening." Impa said, "It's thanks to that, I could continue being Zelda's caretaker, and I could do so much more to help the people's lives."
"I just wanted all of you to be truly happy is all." Link chuckled modestly, "As far as I'm concerned, you don't need to be an all-powerful sage to be able to do great things for the world." Link nodded, "You, Nabooru, Saria, Ruto, and Brother Darunia have all proven that."
Impa nodded, slowly stepped up to the edge of the bridge and held out her arms, taking a deep breath of air, before she turned around to face Link, putting a hand to her side and smirking.
"And it's all thanks to you, Link… I feel so free because of what you've done, so I've decided to style my hair loose and freely as such." she spoke, "You once saved me from becoming a sage, and now you've saved me from the expectations I kept putting on myself… I feel like now, I can do anything I want."
"That's right, and I'll support you every step of the way." Link nodded.
"Speaking of which, it's getting late." she blushed a little as she reached out and took his hand, using her other hand to twirl a finger through her new ponytail, "Perhaps you and I should... turn in for the night…?"
"That sounds great." Link smiled.
The two held hands and went off together, but not before stopping at a food stand for a little dessert.
Rather than an inn like before, Link and Impa returned to her home that was perched on a cliff which overlooked most of the village. It was a bit of a climb up the stairs to the house, but Impa was having no difficulty getting around now, even with her wooden sandals.
"Here we are. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to take a load off." Impa spoke as they walked inside, going right for a chair to sit down.
"Okay, I'm going to find a nice place for this little one." Link said, pulling out the Pocket Egg they got from the Cucco rancher lady Rifea as a reward for him finding her lost Cucco flock earlier that night. He got a small cushion and placed it on top to help it stay intact.
"How long do you think that thing has before it hatches?" Impa asked.
"Not long. I actually had one like this in the dark future too." Link said, rubbing the egg to keep it warm. He looked around, noting the ladder which led up to her bed, "So this is your place, huh?"
"My parent's actually. I lived here most of my childhood, but these days I just rent it out to anyone who wants to stay. I've been thinking for a while of selling it since I seem to spend most of my time in Hyrule Castle anyway." Impa kicked off her sandals, wiggling her toes around now that they were free, "I couldn't even come here back when I was pregnant with Shikki due to the stairs and ladder."
"Right, that's why you were staying at that inn when I came here." Link noted the caged-in spot that was lined with hay, "Didn't you own a cow?"
"Yeah, I gave her away to Lon Lon Ranch." Impa said, "I just felt she'd be happier there."
"Well, now it's going to be your turn to happy." Link turned to her and grinned, "When the time is right, I'd love for you to come live with us in Gerudo Town. Our nursemaids are experts at childcare and they'll take good care of Shikki and our kids whenever you're not available."
Link pondered for a moment how Impa would look in a Gerudo outfit, finding the idea absolutely fascinating.
"Not so fast. Even with our engagement, I still have a number of tasks to do before I can officially leave the Royal Family…" Impa smiled, "But that honestly sounds wonderful Link. For now though…" she gestured up the bed, "...shall we go up?"
Link nodded and began climbing up the ladder to her bed, while Impa just casually walked up the side of the wall and jumped down to the floor.
"One of these days you're going to have to teach me how you do that." Link said as he removed his jacket.
"Trust me when I say that's one technique not even you can master, my pupil. As I told that girl earlier, it's an ancient Sheikah art, and took decades of training for me to master myself." Impa said.
The Sheikah looked over Link's bare upper body physique and smirked lightly, "Looks like you've done plenty of training yourself though…" she licked her lips a little, "I never thought I'd see you get so muscular."
"You can thank Reirousa for this, she helped me with her weight training." Link flexed an arm and rubbed at his bicep, "I wasn't too sure about bulking up at first, but time in Gerudo Town made me realize that in order to keep up with all the girls, I'm going to need to really strengthen my body." he glanced aside and blushed,
"And I've learned from the time with my childbearers that I'm going to need to be stronger in order to support all my wives when they start having children themselves..."
Impa recalled back when Link was helping to support her through Kakariko Village when she was still pregnant with Shikki. He was somewhat clumsy back then, but did his best to help her stay balanced anyway. She had found herself captivated by how hard he could work for both her and their child. And then came that night when they made love… despite how round and heavy she had gotten, he was just as eager to make love to her as he would any slim woman.
When she visited Link's royal childbearers during the alliance meeting, they had told her all about how he would treat them through their pregnancies. Sometimes he would allow the servants a break to take a hands-on approach in assisting them all; included but not limited to helping them get dressed, moving them into more comfortable positions, escorting them to the bathroom, and giving them massages. And when he made love to them he'd do most of the physical work when they were too weighed down by their maternal bodies to do much.
As she thought of those stories, Impa glanced back at Link, and found herself having a daydream…
That of her laying back on some pillows in Gerudo Palace wearing a traditional Gerudo silk garb, She'd be reading a book with one hand while indulging in a bowl of fruit with the other. After finishing the last fruit, her hand would pat at her content stomach, very large and round from being pregnant again. She'd feel a kicking motion, and set her book aside to rub at her sides, feeling the rapid motions from within.
She'd try to get herself up, but due to her belly she was too heavy and tired to be able to get around like she used to. Thankfully, soon after she would be greeted by an older, and much stronger and bulkier Link coming in. He'd place a hand on her stomach to feel the motions himself, before effortlessly lifting her gravid form up in his strong arms like a princess. She would wrap her arms around his neck and snuggle against him, allowing her belly to press against his chest and let him feel the kicking of her children, as he carried her off to their bedroom for a wild and passionate night together...
"Impa?"
Impa's eyes were glazed over a little before snapping out of it. She looked over at Link and saw he had discarded his clothing to the side and was now in the nude. She looked over his strong body and found she had to hold back her legs from fidgeting too much, as she was just too turned on from his looks. This wasn't just her princess' messenger, or even her cherished pupil anymore; this was the father of her first child, now her husband-to-be, and she wanted him badly.
"S-Sorry, I was just taken aback." Impa spoke, turning away and closing her eyes, smiling proudly, "It's amazing to think of how you went from that cute little hero to becoming such a strong and handsome man…"
Link walked up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, giving her a kiss on the cheek. He slowly took her robe and pulled it open, allowing it to slip off her shoulders and expose her own nude form.
Her body was very strong, not overly muscular, but just enough to give her firm arms and legs, as well as an especially strong back. Despite that muscle though, she also had some nice womanly curves, most of it resulting from her pregnancy. Her hips were wider and her butt was rounder than they were back when they made love at the Goron Hot Springs, giving her a more prominent womanly stride to her step. Her breasts were also quite nice, not as big as Nabooru, Sarami or Reirousa's, but very round and weighed. Her skin also still had a light tan to it, that nicely contrasted with her long, silky white hair.
Impa gasped as Link turned her around to face him, and he smiled warmly at his new bride-to-be.
"And you look absolutely beautiful Impa, I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you..."
"Link…" Impa whispered as he leaned forward and gave her a kiss on the lips. She returned the kiss back, putting her hands on his chest as her breasts were pressed against him.
They held that kiss for a while as they slowly moved to the bed, and Link laid her down on the mattress, propping himself up with one arm. He soon pulled away and stared down into her deep red eyes. She was staring up at him longingly, while ravenously rubbing at her stomach, suggesting to him how much her body was begging her to get pregnant again.
"So... how big a family are you wanting?" Link asked, tracing his finger on her firm stomach, "Your doctor said due to how long you waited to have children, that you may only have about eight or nine years left before you can't conceive anymore, right?"
"Yes, which is why I'd like to begin before we officially get married." Impa said wrapping her arms around his neck, "I'd honestly like to bear as many children as I possibly can before that time comes."
"That might take a toll on your body," Link said with concern, "Just don't push yourself too hard for the sake of the Sheikah bloodline, okay?"
"No, this isn't just for the Sheikah anymore." Impa shook her head and sported a lustful smile, "This is for me to bear a great family to love and to hold for the rest of my days… with you."
"I'm glad to hear that." Link smiled back, as the two started to kiss again, and his hand ran along her breast.
And the two of them shared a wonderful night together…
The next morning, the sun shined through the window of Impa's house. The beautiful Sheikah woman was laying back in bed with the sheets covering her up to her chest. She flinched a bit as the sunlight shined over her eyes, and she subconsciously rolled to the side to embrace her lover.
She realized she felt nothing but air, and opened her eyes to see Link wasn't in bed anymore.
"Link?" Impa asked, propping herself up and looking around in confusion. It seem uncharacteristic for him to wake up so early in the morning. Maybe he went to go get breakfast?
Getting herself dressed, Impa stepped out of her house and looked around, seeing Link was still nowhere to be found. She was worried that maybe something happened to him? Could it have been the Order of Reyahm coming after him again...?
But she then saw some people were going by talking among each other excitedly, and oddly enough, they were all heading towards the Kakariko Cemetery.
"Strange place for them to be so enthusiastic about going to." Impa spoke to herself. She leapt from the cliff and down to the ground to see the people going by, "What's going on here?"
"Ah, Lady Impa!" spoke a familiar voice, as she turned to see Granny Truttlo in her wheelchair, along with a few of her Potion Shop's nurses, "Glad you're up, you should probably be seeing this for yourself!"
"…?" Impa was confused, but followed after them all.
They soon arrived in the back of the graveyard where a crowd had gathered, in a certain place that Impa knew all too well. It was the location of her father's grave, but it had been destroyed by the Order of Reyahm not too long ago…
But now, much to her shock, the gravestone was mostly intact. While the large cracks were there, most of the pieces were now back in place!
"Alright! Looks like it's secure, let's move onto the next piece!"
"Okay boys, one.. two… three and liiiift!"
Impa then turned to see what turned out to be Link and a few carpenter men, they were all lifting up a large piece of the tombstone and setting it back onto place on her father's grave. They were careful to make sure the pieces were evenly positioned and aligned so that they wouldn't fall off by accident. There was even a man who was placing a wet and gooey compound between the pieces.
The Sheikah was taken aback, "W-What's going on here?"
"You should have seen it. That boy spent the whole night going around asking for help in fixing up your father's grave." spoke an old man by Impa's side, "He even brought over those carpenter men from Hyrule Market Town to assist with it."
"You're kidding…" Impa spoke in surprise, thinking to herself, 'To do all that work… He must have been working at this since I feel asleep after our night together!'
"You sure that's going to hold?" Link asked the carpenter smearing the mud-like sludge on the cracks.
"You betcha, it's my own experimental recipe!" said the carpenter, "It's special stone that's been ground up into dust and moisturized by water into this mud-like substance, and as soon as it hardens it'll ensure this stone stays intact for years to come!"
"Nice. Thanks again for helping here guys." Link said to the carpenters as he and two others worked to lift up the final piece, "I know your boss puts way too much work on you to begin with."
"You kidding? After what you did saving his daughter Jovie during that whole Widowmaker incident we're more than happy to help!" laughed one of the carpenters.
It took some lifting as it was so heavy, but Link and the carpenters finally got the last piece up and onto the gravestone with a gentle impact.
Impa could only stare in awe at how the gravestone looked now. Granted it wasn't the same from when it was first chiseled, but it looked as good as it could have possibly been.
After setting down the last stone piece, Link let out a deep breath. He took a towel and wiped down his head of the sweat from the work, he was currently shirtless and giving much of the women in the crowd a good view of his muscular physique as the sweat rolled down his body.
"Oh my… is that really the Gerudo King…?" spoke a blushing young woman.
"I thought he'd be a monster like that Ganondorf bastard, but he's actually quite a looker." grinned a slightly older woman.
"Ahhh.. he's really dreamy…!" spoke another younger one with sparkling eyes.
"Ha ha ha! Nice work Mr. Hero!" laughed a certain Hylian knight in the back of the crowd.
"Oh, hey Impa!" Link waved his hand, sporting a big goofy grin, "I was saving this for a surprise and uh… well…" he trailed off a bit before he simply presented the grave and said, "Surprise!"
The crowd parted ways to allow Impa to slowly walk up to the grave, taking in every detail. She got down on one knee and placed her hand gently against the stone, running her hands along the inscription 'Here lies the Sheikah Master Alkidal', as tears started to spill from her eyes.
"Father..."
"Looks like she took it pretty well." Nuba the gravedigger apprentice grinned by Link's side.
Impa slowly stood up and looked to Link, "I can't believe you did this Link. Just when it felt like the Sheikah's legacy was about to disappear… you've done everything in your power to help me restore it…"
"Of course." Link grinned, holding out his hand, "And you and I are going to keep working at it for the rest of our days together, right?"
"Huh?" "What's he talking about?' spoke the crowd in confusion.
"Yes… for the future, and our happiness." Impa said with a light blush, as she came up and gave him a kiss on the lips, not even caring that she was in front of the crowd.
The people gasped out in shock, before they all erupted into loud cheering by the revelation that Lady Impa had finally chosen a husband, and a celebration broke out in honor of the last Sheikah's engagement.
Meanwhile back in Impa's house, the Pocket Egg was still sitting on it's cushion from last night.
Suddenly it shifted a little, until it started to break apart, and a baby Cucco burst out from it.
It ruffled it's down feathers, before bellowing out a loud noise.
"CUCCKOOOOOOO!"
It was the miracle of life!
"Well everyone, with how things have turned out… me and Impa have become engaged."
Standing in Hyrule Castle later that day was Link and Impa, standing beside each other with their hands clenched together.
Before them was Lady Nabooru, along with Link's brides, with Sarami holding Shikki in her arms. Halei, Malon and Epona were there, as well as Princess Zelda and her husband Prince Darius. Lieutenant Ashe was also there with some knights, and though she was trying to remain quiet and discreet about being part of the group, she was ecstatic to see Impa had joined their family.
"Na ha ha! That's real great! Congrats to both of ya!" laughed Togau
"Yaaaay!" Aviel cheered, running up and hugging Impa, "Welcome to our family Lady Impaaa!"
"I'm so proud of you both! You can count on me to look after you when you become pregnant again…" Sarami said cheerfully, taking a moment to shake a small rattle at Shikki, "...as well as look after your cute little children all you want!"
"Ah hee hee!" Shikki giggled.
"O-oh, thank you everyone..." Impa said, taken aback by how welcoming the girls were, she bowed her head to them, "It's truly an honor to have you all accept me."
"Impa…" the Sheikah turned to see Zelda standing there with wide eyes and her mouth agape, "You're truly certain of this…?"
Impa hesitated for just a moment at the sight of her princess, but she held her resolve and took a breath.
"Yes Princess, when the time is right, I formally ask to resign from my position as your caretaker." Impa said bowing down on one knee and lowering her head, "Gerudo King Link has captured my heart, and I desire to devote myself to spending my days continuing the Sheikah's bloodline with him…" she looked to Link with a light smile, "… as well as see to my own personal happiness."
"Impa… you know this is considered an act of insubordination of the Royal Family, correct…?" Zelda spoke, looking downwards as her bangs covered her eyes, "There are certain consequences that come with doing this…"
"...I-I understand that." Impa spoke somewhat nervously, "I know this means forfeiting my position in the Royal Family, as well as going against my people's creed…" she bowed her head back down, "But regardless, I've made my decision, and I truly feel this is what I wish to do with my life."
Everyone looked on as Impa poured her heart out to Zelda, Nabooru watching her carefully all the while.
"After having Shikki, I realize that I can't bring it upon myself to sacrifice my life for the sake of the crown any longer. I've come to value my life too much to do that." she lowered her head further, "I'm willing to accept any consequences for this, other than the death penalty naturally…"
Impa looked up at Zelda with determination in her crimson eyes.
"But it's my resolve to live my live with my new husband, and continue our family together for years to come! That is my vow!"
There was a tense moment in the air, as everyone stood around silently. Zelda stood motionless as her features were obscured by her bangs. A cold drop of sweat ran down Impa's head, somewhat worried about how Zelda was going to respond. Would she be sad, angry? Maybe even subject her to prison time…?
But that was when the princess knelt down herself and embraced Impa, surprising the older woman.
"That shall be just fine Impa." Zelda spoke, pulling away and smiling brightly at her nanny, with tears of happiness in her eyes, "You have done more than enough for me, my father, and the Royal Family. I and Prince Darius shall speak to my father about it, but as far as I'm concerned, even if it means leaving the castle and my side… You have my blessing to live as you choose."
Impa was surprised to see Zelda instead take this so well. The Sheikah woman, for a brief second, saw Zelda's mother in her place, and she teared up as well. She truly was her mother's daughter.
"Th-Thank you, my princess…" Impa trembled, as she hugged her back, "It's truly been an honor to see you grow up before my eyes since you were a young babe… And it's only hardened my resolve to have children that grow as strong and brightly as you."
Link watched as Impa and Zelda held each other. It was somewhat ironic that after he prevented Impa from becoming the Shadow Sage to allow her to keep watching over Zelda, that she would eventually leave her anyway. But in this case it was hardly a tearful separation, but a happy one, as Impa was pursuing her own path now.
"Well this calls for a celebration, ain't it?" Kesuta suggested, "We gotta have a party!"
"Alright, that means a lot of grub!" Reirousa said eagerly, "Maybe we outta go to that barbecue tavern Link told us about before!"
"Seems a bit too late to be going out anywhere today." Zelda pondered, "But I suppose we could have it ordered out instead."
"Sounds quite lovely, and delicious!" Prince Darius laughed out, "I'll see to the order, pre-haste!"
"I think you mean post-haste, Darius." Zelda said sweatdropping as her prince ran off.
"We should see about getting you a good Gerudo outfit for when you move to town with us Ms. Impa." Nemisa said looking her over, "I think purple would go wonderfully on you."
"Do you really think so…?" Impa spoke, looking herself over.
"It took me a while to get coaxed into wearing one, but they're really comfy, and perfect for the desert weather!" Saria nodded.
"I'm fascinated to have a member of the Sheikah in our family… especially one with such great power of shadows like you possess." Korume gave a dark giggle, "I look forward to working with you from now on... Sister Impa,"
"So I'm truly considered one of you now?" Impa asked looking to Nabooru.
"Of course, it's been something I've been thinking about for a while now." Nabooru casually strolled up and put a hand on Impa's shoulder, sporting a smirk, "You assisted us with the Goron's plight at the mines, you helped save our king after the incident with the Fierce Deity, and you helped us take back our town from the rebels. You've more than proven yourself in my mind. As of today, you're an official Gerudo, Sister Impa."
Impa was taken aback by Nabooru's gesture, recalling her words from back when she confronted her about her people's connection to the Order of Reyahm before she left Gerudo Town.
"...and I'm sorry I kept this from you and Link."
"It's understandable, we all have secrets we hold in our hearts. But regardless we're proud to still have you as our ally. We'll support you in fighting these fiends anyway we can."
"I appreciate that… I have to say, it's easy to see why I was able to work alongside you as a sage in that 'dark future' Link spoke of."
"Yes, but I'm glad that never had to happen after all… Especially now that you have a child to go back to."
Impa was astonished at how close she had become to the Gerudo people. For so long they seemed like they were just minions of Ganondorf, as well as notorious thieves and killers. But overtime she truly saw them in a new light thanks to Link and Nabooru, and she was proud to now be a part of their new society.
"I am honored Lady Nabooru." Impa bowed, "I hope you and I can continue to work together, for everyone's future."
"Indeed." Nabooru nodded.
"Now with that said…" Impa stood herself up and took Link's hand, squeezing it tightly, "I hope you're ready for tonight, my dearest."
"Eh?" Link asked.
"I made a vow to continue my people's bloodline and have a large family, so I think we need to continue our activities from last night." Impa purred in his ear, putting her arms around his waist, and groping at his firm rear end, "We do need to make sure we conceive them as soon as possible after all, and I'm feeling rather frisky tonight…"
"Hoo boy." Link said, feeling as though he had awoken a shadowy beast of lust from deep within Impa.
And as the joyous celebration went on that night, little did they know the result of Link and Impa's wild time over last night was already starting to manifest deep within the Sheikah woman…
…and Impa would soon learn how much the future of her and the shadowy Sheikah was truly going to shine.
But the celebration would be only brief, as the clock was still ticking forward, as time always does, for the day for the meeting with the Hylian Parliament was drawing near.
And little would everyone soon realize, a horrible incident was about to befall them all...
And that ends the chapter. Next time, King has a personal meeting with the King Reinald of Hyrule, and reflects back on some memories of the past.
So Impa's officially joined Link's family. I have you guys to thank for inspiring me to follow through on her having a child, and it's led to probably one of my favorite character arcs in this story. Impa's story isn't entirely done though, so her fans can look forward to more of her, in more ways than one...!
Thank you all so much for your support and feedback! If you're new feel free to leave a like or follow, and you can always send me a comment or Private Message if you choose!