Author's Note: This. Took. Longer. Then. I. Expected. Its not even that long of a chapter its just college really needed my time as I was just getting assessment after assessment and assignment after assignment. Whenever I got time to myself I just needed it to relax, but I still tried to focus on this chapter when I could. I had hoped to get this uploaded by the end of December but now we're near the end of January so I guess that didn't happen. Also when I started this story I had planned to complete it before the end of 2018, but we are in 2019 so I guess that didn't happen either. I just never expected my college course to be as challenging as it is, but I am really enjoying it and I'm progressing well through it so no worries there. So, I just want to apologize for the long wait and I hope you think this is worth the wait.

Anywayyyyyyyyyyy I hope you guys enjoy!

Link wore the stance of a predator, ready to strike down its prey after hours of patient stalking and planning. His arms wrapped in cream cloth shook slightly as the cold seeped into his gloves, numbing his hands so he struggled to grip tight onto the hilt of his wooden blade. His knees were burdened with a slight wobble as he tried to keep his feet firmly planted on the ice floor, as thick as stone yet clear as glass. The wind bit at his skin with countless snowflakes falling around him, painting the world white. His usually gentle blue orbs now pierced through the pale atmosphere like a hungry wolf's gaze directly towards his teacher Rusl, standing across from him carrying an almost identical stance with his own wooden sword pointed towards the young hylian.

In a grand burst of energy Link charged forward, pushing his feet against the frozen lake gliding forward through the floating snow. With each thrust of his feet he picked up the pace speeding towards Rusl who stood his ground as he watched his pupil.

The teenage boy swung his practice weapon to strike the older man, who immediately raised his weapon to meet Link's in a powerful clash that sent Rusl sliding backwards over the ice, but he remained standing firm. Link never broke his stride, always pushing on sending strike after strike at his tutor. Rusl parried, blocked, and evaded each attack with calm precision.

The lad was fighting with much more ferocity then he ever did. He had been this way for some time now, since he realized Impa had left to be exact. Though he still asked himself why she left he had come to accept the fact she was gone, but he was still hurt and confused. He rarely if ever went to the tree now, he didn't enjoy sitting under its branches like he used to. Now, he spent most days training in combat with Rusl, taking out his frustration through their duels.

In a single movement so quick it blurred with the snow Rusl span to the side out of Link's path. The lad almost stumbled trying to stop himself from continuing forward and he managed to come to a halt with a less than graceful slide. He twirled to see his teacher keeping the same stance with a stare as cold as the frosty wind.

"Remember to keep control Link!" He advised rather loudly so he may be heard through the shrieking wind, "Or you may make a decision that could prove to be fatal."

Link's body was still shaking from the cold, his green sweater didn't do much to ward off winter's icy touch, but listening to his teacher he ignored his quivering body, he calmed his mind, and released a small white cloud as he took a slow breath. Then again in explosion of action he dashed ahead, flying along the frozen water directly towards his teacher. He raised his practice sword above his head as he got close to Rusl who sighed before swinging his weapon at Link's abdomen and once it struck he knew the lad would be defeated. Just before his finishing blow could be dealt the boy dropped to his knees and slid under the strike, bringing his own weapon down he whacked Rusl's legs, tripping him and his face kissed the ice.

Before the older man could scramble to his feet Link planted his foot on the man's back keeping him from continuing the fight.

"If I say you win will you let me get up?" Rusl enquired. Once he felt the weight of Link's foot abandon his back he sat up to see the lad making his way off the frozen lake and towards the snow coated ground where his bag and cloak lay. With a shrug he mumbled, "I guess we can call it a day then."

The lad hoisted his bag over his shoulder and as he wrapped himself up in his cloak he heard his teacher approaching him asking, "Link, are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

With a heavy sigh Rusl uttered, "Her absence still hurts you."

The lad still refused to turn and meet his mentor's eyes as he replied, "I've accepted that she's gone. It's just...just..."

Before he could finished he felt a strong hand grip his shoulder as he heard his tutor say, "I know...I know."

There was a moment of silence before Link spoke, "I'll see you tomorrow." And hurriedly left Rusl who watched his pupil become hidden from his vision by the millions of snowflakes being carried by the wind.

...

Under the dark sky, grey as the feathers of a dove Link plodded over the snow piled on the ground. The loud crunch of his boots crushing the snow underneath him resounded within the harsh howl of the wind. As he moved forward he raised the blue scarf wrapped around his neck over his face, stopping just below his eyes so he could see ahead.

He remembered the days that followed since he first knocked on her door and received no answer. Days when undeterred he knocked on her door hoping and waiting for an answer. Even though he never got one he refused to give up, but with each day that dragged by an idea began to manifest in the back of his head where it festered as he tried his hardest to ignore it, the idea that Impa was gone, that she had left Kakariko; left him. He clung onto a false hope, but this concept of Kakariko's absence of Sheikah soon became reality as the news of Zelda's awakening reached the quaint village. This news was met with great cheer and joy, even though Link participated in the happy celebration he couldn't help a small feeling of grief as he realized why and where Impa had gone.

Now, in these winter days the time he spent with Impa and the moments they shared together feels almost like a dream now. A period that doesn't even feel completely real, her sudden disappearance making it hard to believe it ever truly happened. Perhaps dubbing their shared time together a meagre mirage of his mind would make moving on simpler, but those memories he held on to he knew were real and he didn't want to let go of them, even if they hurt now more than anything.

Suddenly, Link halted his steps and his blue orbs decorated by the snowflakes clinging to his eyelashes looked upwards, targeting the tree a top the hill coated white with snow. A desire tugged at him to head up the hill, but at the same time his belly began to churn at the sight of the tree.

Then just as he was about to turn and continue his journey home a whining noise pierced though the screeching wind and grabbed the boy's attention. Setting his eyes to his left they were met with a tall figure moving towards him steadily, the falling snow concealing much of the approaching individual appearing like a ghost.

As if the cold wind froze him in place, Link stood firm keeping his blue orbs locked on the ghost-like figure. Through the tumbling snowflakes he watched them stop, becoming frozen in place like him. A moment of time passed in which Link discovered what stood before him was a person seated on a large white stallion. They dismounted their steed and made their way towards the boy, wrapped in a cloak as white as the snow around them with a hood hiding away their face. The cloaked individual stepped before Link, being a little taller they looked down at him, staring for a second as if contemplating what to do next. Then slowly, the arrival raised their hands and lifted off their hood.

Immediately, Link recognized the person once his ocean eyes spilled out their sockets as they met with her crimson orbs and his heart battered his chest. A tiny cloud formed out his mouth and kissed her on the lips as he gasped. Impa looked down to him. Link was taken aback by her beauty underneath the falling snowflakes clinging to her grey hair, even his memory of her did her no justice- for again he found himself in awe.

Impa's expression was sombre. She had spent hours back at the castle and on her way here practicing what she would say when she saw him. Now, standing here, Link standing in front of her- she found herself empty of words to utter. So, she stood for a time simply looking at the boy who appeared shocked by her intrusion back into his life. Eventually, she managed to pull her lips up into a smile as she asked, "Can we talk?"

...

Impa tossed small wooden logs into the mouth of her stone fireplace, encouraging the fire inside to grow stronger, and cast its orange hue across the room. It's glow reached the straw-haired teen, seated on the Sheikah's humble red couch. Before him resting on a small wooden table was a small mug, hot steam drifted from the hot tea inside that Impa had made for him.

Link's young, curious, eyes ventured around the room trying to take in every detail as if it may be snatched from him at any second. In the corner of the room stood a coatrack on which his and Impa's cloaks hung, two windows sat in the wall granting vantage to the view of a village blanketed in white, and hanging from the ceiling was an unlit candle chandelier. Her house was definitely grand when compared to his own, but it was still a quaint living space, yet one he couldn't make himself comfortable in. The days he spent knocking on the front door hoping for an answer that never came were still fresh in his mind. Sitting here now it almost felt like he was breaking some rule, as if he wasn't allowed to be here.

"That must feel better now mustn't it?" The voice of Impa said tearing Link away from his surroundings.

"S-sorry?" Was all he managed to push out his lips.

A small smile tugged on her mouth before she replied, "The fire. Do you feel warmer?"

Feeling a little embarrassed he'd been caught in a daydream Link responded, "Oh, yeah thanks."

A chuckle emanated from the grey-haired woman as she sat on a sofa across from Link and uttered, "Your welcome, lad." She took a sip of tea from her own mug and placed it on the wooden table. This was the last sound heard before they were hoisted into a period of hush. Only the crackling of flames, accompanied by the tense breathing of the two individuals could be heard as a thick fog of awkward silence set upon them.

Never had quiet been so loud and it was excruciating for them both. They had so much to say to each other, but found it impossible to even think of what they wanted to say. Eventually, unable to bare the awkward silence any longer the Sheikah uttered, "So, tell me lad, how have you been as of late?"

Refusing to look up to meet her gaze Link answered, "Fine, I guess."

"What about training?"

"It's alright."

"Have you created any new artwork?"

"Yeah."

"I'm glad to hear that...How is..." Impa trailed off as she realized she was getting nowhere and was now simply rambling on. The cheerful lad she treasured was before her looking forlorn. She wanted to talk to him and see him smile again, but right now her mind drew a blank.

As she sat there not knowing what to say or do Link's voice grabbed her attention, "How's Princess Zelda?" Her crimson orbs met with his blue, finally he was looking at her, and on his lips was a smile. It wasn't genuine, she could tell that much, but to see he was trying was enough for her.

A grin brightened her cheeks as she answered, "She's great...Just as she used to be...as if nothing happened. Her strength truly amazes me sometimes."

"That's good to hear." Link nodded and the grey-haired woman noticed his smile shine with a more honest hue. Seeing this made her relax. "I bet it felt good to see her awake again."

"Oh, you have no idea!" The older woman chuckled, "When I first saw her awake it was the most joyous moment in my life! Now, something as simple as seeing her walk down the castle halls, reading a book, or playing her ocarina brings me a joy I don't know exactly how to describe. Fulfilling my duty as her attendant once again has never felt so...well- fulfilling before." A grin proudly presenting her perfect, white, teeth dominated her face as she spoke of this. Her pure happiness proved to be contagious as a grin plastered itself onto Link's mouth.

"I'm glad to hear that Impa. I really am."

"I know." The Sheikah smiled then paused for a moment before admitting, "Whenever I hear her play her ocarina...I think of you." There was another pause as the two held a gaze, "Well...I think of you at other times too."

Link smirked, "Good to hear you thought of me." A faint blush laid itself on the cheeks of the tattooed woman before he proceeded to ask, "You don't still have my drawing, do you?"

Instead of answering his question with meagre words the older woman took out her pocket a folded piece of paper and handed it to the teenager. Upon receiving he unfolded it to reveal the portrait he made of Impa, bright with colour. The creases from being folded did little to detract from it.

Link stared at it speechless for a brief time, failing to notice his mouth had dropped agape.

"I can't believe you actually kept it on you."

"I carry it with me everywhere I go." Impa declared with a honest and gentle tone as a smile crept along the lad's lips. "Her grace took a liking to it as well."

"Wow, really?" Link said pleasantly surprised. The older woman nodded. He smirked, "Who'd of thought royalty would see my drawing, much less like it. " It went quiet, not with a sense of awkwardness, but it was a chance for them to digest the nice atmosphere. Link taking in the revelation Impa had held onto his drawing and that it had even received praise, while the Sheikah appreciated the lad's face. The genuine happiness that had made itself home in his eyes and smile. It was what she had missed most.

"Did you tell her about me at all?" The blue-eyed boy inquired curiously.

"No." She asserted.

"Ah...oh..."

"I'm joking lad, of course I did!" She exclaimed with a laugh.

The lad stared at her for a second before a short chuckle escaped him.

"So, what did you tell her?" He asked.

"Just about how you drew a picture of me without my consent."

"Th-that was the one time!"

Impa, commonly seen as a quiet yet daunting figure suddenly broke out into a trembling mess as her mouth opened wide to release a great laugh. The boy's panic had struck a funny bone inside her.

"Please forgive me lad-" She squeezed out as she tried to quell her hysterics, "But I was merely speaking in jest." As her laughter dissipated away Link flushed slightly in embarrassment, but couldn't help a smile at her reaction to his panic. Taking a breath of recovery the older woman continued, "I assure you lad. I wasn't short of virtues to share about you. I told her how your good-hearted and affectionate. How you made me laugh and were talented with both a pencil and a instrument...I told her how I found comfort with you here."

Link's smile steadily grew into a grin stretching across his face, and felt a warmth from her words more enveloping than the heat from the fire.

"Heh, the knights still scared of you?"

"Terrified."

The sound of crackling flames was joined by the charming laughter shared between the two. At this point of the discussion the friends had finished their cups of tea and the expert hostess took hers and Link's now empty mugs to be washed in the kitchen, which was simply a oven, sink, and a couple small cupboards in the corner of the room.

As she rinsed out the two mugs she couldn't help a small giggle, though its sound was hidden by the water rushing out the tap. The Sheikah while keeping a calm appearance (as always) was performing backflips in her heart and mind. To talk to Link again as they used to made her overjoyed, yet a single worry clung onto her, it's weight dragged along with her: How does Link really feel about her disappearance? This is a question she has been asking herself since she rode out of Kakariko. The Shiekah wanted to know how he felt, how it affected him, she needed to know.

The older woman didn't want to dawdle and just continue pleasant chat, all while trying to ignore what poked at her mind. So, she took a deep breath, and turned off the tap. Stillness filled the room as Impa hesitated to turn around and face Link. The lad began to suspect there may be an issue at hand and uttered, "Is everything alright?"

"..."

"Imp-"

"Do you hate me?"

Taken aback by the sudden question Link could only respond with, "W-what?"

Finally turning to face him the teenager was again dazed as he saw her expression. She owned one he was sure she would never show those under her rank. Apprehension tainted her face with a worried trace. It would be a lie to say he had never seen her vulnerable, but she seemed so timid as she struggled to maintain eye contact with him.

"I...I left without a word. If you have come to hate me I wouldn't be surprised, it would be much deserved."

The light-brown haired boy didn't even notice his mouth was agape as he stared at his mature friend shocked. He couldn't believe that she would ask such a question, but when he gave it thought; there were times he felt betrayed, even angry about her abrupt leave; but he could never hate her. Never.

The young lad took a moment to search for the right answer and it wasn't long until he stumbled upon one. The answer he had arrived to made him nervous. It would be the truth, but it would take courage to say. His face began to relax as he overcame his shock and worry. So, smiling at the Shiekah he gave her his answer, "How could I hate you Impa? I..." There was no backing out now, "I love you."

Everything dialled back to a hundredth of a second for the older woman. Her mouth slowly stretched open in shock at the declaration. Even so, for a reason she couldn't quite fathom, the news felt strangely wonderful to her- second to the news of Zelda's awakening. A fire lit up inside of her- a fire blazing with joy, but she ignored it.

"Don't be silly, lad." The words slid out her mouth like a dagger, piercing Link's heart. "Perhaps the weather is getting to your head." She said as she sat herself back on the couch. "A young lad such as yourself with an older woman like me? No."

"I...I..." Link uttered barely above a quiet whisper.

"Not only that, but once I return to the Castle who knows when we will even see each other again? It's foolish." The teenagers face had become downcast, giving full attention to the wooden floor beneath him. "There is also my duty to Princess Zelda. My loyalty belongs to her, she needs to always be my focus. You don't deserve that. You should have-" Before she could finish the boy rose from his seat and walked to where his coat hung in the corner; never making eye contact. "L-Link?" She stammered.

"I need to go." He muttered dryly as he put on his green cloak

"You don't have to-"

"Good-bye."

"Wait!" She shot to her feet, but he was already out the door shutting it quickly behind him.

Again, Impa found herself surrounded by silence, but this time alone. She told him the right thing, it was better he receive the truth quickly and painfully, than to be torturously led on. If so, why did she feel so terrible? Her belly churned, her chest ached, and her head felt fuzzy. The older woman ignored this retaliation as she reasoned with herself what she did was right.

Impa sat back down. Caught in a battle with herself over whether what she did was right, or wrong. She was telling herself "It needed to be done. I told him what he needed to hear. I was being honest." But the same voice was quick to cut itself off and shout, "LIAR!" In that moment Impa realized she failed at carrying out what she came here to do: to apologise. Instead all she had accomplished was hurting Link...with a lie.

All her memories she's shared with the lad came flooding back to her in a second. When he learned to play Zelda's Lullaby just so she could hear it again, and how he dedicated himself to perfecting his portrait of her. She remembered offering him comfort at his family's grave and teaching him skills of the Shiekah. She remembered the woods where she was vulnerable, yet felt safe with Link by her side.

Then she thought of her time spent in Hyrule Market with the lad. She remembered enjoying herself immensely, she remembered speaking to her friend and every word Scarlet said. What lay engraved in her brain was the envy she felt when Malon took Link away, and the joy that filled her when he returned. The truth she must admit is without Link she feels incomplete, a feeling she has become well acquainted with back at the castle. Link has become the one she needs to be around, the one she wants to be around, and in that short moment with him everything felt right.

Impa felt her heart begin to hammer against her chest, as excitement and nerves infiltrated her senses. All these occurred as she put the pieces together and realized, 'Does this mean I...I..." she thought, a smile gracing her lips, but was instantly swapped for an expression of horror as she gasped, "What have I done!?"

The Shiekah leapt off her sofa and tore open her door, allowing the freezing wind to embrace her as she flew out into the cold, pale, world and continued to dive down the hill; bolting over the icy steps with her sole determination of reaching Link propelling her through the snow.

The stone steps, coated in ice and piled with snow attempted to tug her to her backside as she slipped and tumbled over them, but the unwavering woman refused to be slowed.

It was not long until her red orbs pierced through the whitened atmosphere, spotting the green figure of Link at the bottom of the staircase. Before she could even think she shouted his name, "LINK. " It didn't get his attention, her words lost in winter's harsh wind. Then she almost screamed, "LINK!"

This time the boy halted his steps. He span around and forced the grey-haired woman to halt with a glare that paralyzed her in place. He stood only a few feet away from the bottom step and she was a mere 6 steps above him. So close, but his fierce stare kept her far away.

From his cold, blue, orbs Impa noticed tears squeezing out from behind the firm gaze. The moment they broke free they fell down his face, leaving a wet trail along his quivering skin.

"What now?" He asked harshly while more tears made their escape.

Impa found herself with nothing to say. Unprepared for the coarse welcome she needed time to respond. It was the first ambush that had found her ill-equipped.

"Why...Why..." Link muttered through gritted teeth, "Why did you leave secretly? No-no warning, no explanation, no letter, nothing!" He took a moment to breath. "I was so confused at why I couldn't find you and I just got more worried about you. Then...I just felt hurt. How could you be so selfish?!" Feeling terrible, Impa was now understanding the affect her actions have given Link. "Now, your here," The boy continued, "and still no explanation for why you left without saying ANYTHING to me! Then...you made me listen to all those reasons to why we can't be together. It would of been easier if you just said you didn't feel the same. But to give me stupid reason after stupid reason. Do you know how much that hurt to hear?!" Link's breathing had grown heavy, his face soaked with tears. Impa remained silent, breathing white clouds that floated up and around her face as she struggled to hold back her own tears. "All that time we spent together...were you just using me?" Impa gasped as Link continued, "Did you ever actually care about me? I...I told you so many things! My parents...my hopes to make them proud...did you ever give a damn?!"

The Shiekah felt as if the cold ice that coated the steps had latched onto her, creeping up her body gradually freezing each limb. Snowflakes struck her speechless face as silver tears tumbled down her cheeks. The lad was beginning to grow annoyed of her silence.

"SAY SOMETHING DAMMIT!"

The crimson eyed woman couldn't handle it anymore. Seeing him so upset she wanted nothing more than to hold him and comfort him and tell him how much he meant to her. She exploded from her frozen position on the stone step, dashing down she threw herself onto the lad as she wrapped her arms around his neck and proclaimed through her own sobbing, "I...I love you!" The teen's blue eyes lost their coldness in an instant as they widened in shock. "I'm..I-I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye. I-I'm so-so sorry...b-but I knew...if I came back to say goodbye...I could never leave." Her words were muddled under the crying, but Link paid careful attention and understood each one. He brought her closer into a tight embrace, planting his face into her shoulder as he also cried.

Then, as the Shiekah continued to heave out apologies and proclamations of love under her heavy and uncontrolled breaths, Link lifted his head from her now dampened shoulder, his eyes glistening with his own tears. The teenager proceeded to lift the older woman's head to see her face stained with tears. He stared deep into her crimson eyes, bloated from wept sentiment. Resting his hand on her cheek he brought her in and silenced her weeping as he enveloped her lips with his own.

Impa's eyes shot wide open, shock impaling her as she felt the warm embrace of Link's lips take in her own. Not only had her weeping ceased, but all her thoughts and feelings screeched to a halt as she absorbed his soft touch. The grey-haired woman allowed herself to sink into the loving kiss and pulled the younger lad in closer as she returned the affection. Cold wind wrapped around them carrying snowflakes but couldn't invade the warm hold their senses were locked in as their mouths intimately mingled with one another. The kiss wasn't a lustful mess of tongues and spit, but it was gentle, affectionate, and loving.

Reluctantly, Link let go of the kiss, Impa took a breath she hadn't realized she needed, her lips already pining for another taste. For a moment they simply looked into each other's eyes, an overwhelming joy danced across their faces as their truest desire had been fulfilled. The light-brown haired boy began to stroke her cheek as he uttered softly, "It's okay Impa. Go back to Hyrule Castle and in a few months, I'll follow you." A smile stretched across the Shiekah's face as he continued to enquire, "Will you wait for me?"

Caressing his cheek, the older woman promised, "Of course I will, lad. I love you."

"I love you too." Link replied, and closed in for a second kiss which the crimson-eyed woman welcomed joyfully, fully accepting his lips as she caught them with her own in a tender hold.

Author's Note: FFFFFFFFFIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNAAAALLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYY they've kissed. Man glad to finally get this out and I hope after all these chapters their confession was satisfying. If it wasn't then I apologize. Also I was debating for awhile whether it should be snowing or still raining, but I went with snow for two reasons. One. It showed a passing of time and showed what time of the year this took place around. Two. I just kinda got tired of writing about rain really.

It's sort of strange to know I've made it to this point in the story I mean I still remember concocting this fanfic in my head as if it was yesterday and it feels pretty accomplishing to know that I've reached this point with it now.

Now, you could consider this chapter to be the final chapter, not saying that this is the final chapter, but it could be considered it as we have Impa and Link get together and the promise that they will be reunited at the Hyrule Castle. The next chapter will be more of a epiloge than anything, but stick around for that...even though it may take awhile as its requiring a rewrite.

Anyway I hope you guys enjoyed and please review criticism is welcome!