AN:
Let us start simple. This is my first fan fic and I am not a professional writer, so please forgive any mistakes I make. I hope they don't ruin the story. I'll probably write a little something at the top of each chapter, maybe a little something at the end of a chapter. I wanted to be able to pull any character, place, or specific item I wanted, so this is a kind of a mashup of all of of the Legend of Zelda games with my own original story. (ok fine. Orignal-ish story. Highly cliché but whatever.) However, it is heavily based off of OoT Hyrule. If it helps, think of it as full out AU OoT with additional areas. Dodongo Cavern is now called Eldin Mine, the water from Lake Hylia drains southeast into an ocean (not the Great Bay), south west of the Lost Woods is the Ordon Village(imagine a road the skirts the edge of the Lost Woods that cuts southwest and leads to the village), and the Gerudo desert connects to Lanayru Sand Sea and Ikana Valley. (This connects Termina to Hyrule. Yes. Termina is its own kingdom. Who knows I might make Lorule a kingdom.) Zora Domain was moved to a ravine between Lake Hylia and aforementioned ocean, with the Ice Cavern only accessible through Zora's Domain still. Most other things like Kakariko Village and the graveyard behind it are all in the same spots as in OoT. I might make a map for you all but...my drawing skills are worse than my writing skills so unless I get a lot of requests for it...not happen. Without further ado, let's get started.

Prologue: Beginning of the Fall

Telma idly cleaned a mug as she considered closing the tavern early. It had been stormy for days and even now it grew steadily worse. The bad weather had kept even her most veteran of regulars at home. She sighed as she knew that her brother-in-law, Talon, would raise a fuss if she closed early. Rain pelted the walls and caused a constant drumming sound. Thunder crashed as lightning struck nearby, which caused her to jump and drop the mug. She managed to catch it before it hit the ground. However as she went to place it on the counter, she noticed there was a now crack on one side. A bad omen if you were the superstitious sort...which Telma had been involved in enough mysticism to give the omen some merit. She stowed it beneath the bar and walked towards the door, with the intention to lock up for the night.

Before she was even halfway around the bar the door opened abruptly and was blocked by the bulk of a person who entered. "Alright I'm gonna need all of y'all to clear out of here and-" Talon paused mid-sentence to look around. His iconic blue overalls and red shirt were covered by an aged long brown cloak he threw on to brave the storm. He gave an irritated grunt as he realized the pub was devoid of customers and turned to move back towards the door. He shed his cloak and Telma noticed with a bemused expression that it would need another patch job soon.

"Alright Telma, I'm gonna need ya to keep calm. It was a shock to me too, but do try to not flip out too bad when they come in." Telma walked around the bar with a huff- she could handle anything her sister's husband could. After all, she when acted as the midwife for her sister's firstborn Talon passed out and left Telma to without help to deliver Cremia. Talon ignored her glare as he leaned out the door, his own bulk blocked her view, as he called out to someone outside. After a moment, he turned back inside and led in a stranger- no, strangers- as more than one person followed him in.

As the one in the lead lowered the hood of his cloak, Telma's eyes widened with a gasp. "You're alive! We haven't heard from you in ages! Who are your fri-"

Telma's jaw dropped and she fell silent as one by one, the others also lowered their hoods and moved about the pub. "By the Three...what did you do?"

The one in the lead removed his cloak and draped it over a chair next to the fireplace. Another pulled a chair away from a table and sat in front of the fire. The other two sat down at a table, one watched over the door. The one without his cloak turned which revealed that his olive green tunic was ripped in several places, which displayed that even the chain mail beneath was also damaged. He gave Telma a sad smile before he answered.

"This? This happened a while ago. Talon, could you gather those provisions we talked about? We need at least a week's worth apiece. Just let me know what it'll cost-"

Talon interrupted him with a wave as he moved to the kitchen behind the bar. "Forget it, considering all the work ya' have done for us, it's the least I can do." Talon stopped for a moment to consider a thought, before he turned back to face the other man. "Although it would appear ya' had help all along? Isn't that right…"

"Don't." A heavy silence settled over the group. "With our current situation, we decided it was best to give ourselves new names." Talon shrugged as he made his way to the kitchen. Telma shook her head before she asked, "And those names would be...?"

"Well...starting with me, I'm Levio. The one obsessing over the fire is Stalcer, the paranoid one watching the door is Telvio, and the miserable looking one is Anvy." One by one, each turned to give Levio a glare as he promptly ignored them.

"Do those names mean anything?"

Levio gave her a level stare before he gave his reply, "Yes." Telma waited for one of them to explain. The silence stretched before she noticed something odd. She figured he did not want to explain their aliases so instead she asked, "Where is your sword? I mean the one you always carried on your back. I don't see any of you carrying-"

"Broken." Telma faced Stalcer with a huff. She didn't take kindly to anyone interrupting her. No matter the situation, this was her tavern. She accepted back talk from no one. He gave her a half shrug before he added. "Hyrule Castle has fallen." Telma's mouth fell agape. How was that related to the broken state of their sword?

"Stalcer, that was a terrible explanation and you know it." Anvy stood from his place at the table and hopped over the bar. He snatched up a mug and held it up to ask a silent, 'May I?' Telma reeled from the news and before she could even nod, he pulled on the tap to fill his mug. "It was Ganondorf. I don't know all the details- well, none of us really know all the details. Telvio will probably do some poking around to and will figure everything out."

"Because Nayru forbid at least ONE of us asking; where we are going, why we are going there, what we are going there to find, how long it will take, and who is going to try to kill us along the way because there is ALWAYS someone who wants us dead." The others seemed to ignore Telvio's rant as he interrupted Anvy's story. With a sigh, Telvio pinched the bridge of his nose and remained that way for awhile before he returned his gaze to the door and resumed his vigil.

Anvy finished his mug and started to draw another from the tap as he continued. "What we do know is that he recruited some bandits, some traitors in the knights' ranks, and even managed to get some monsters to obey him. It didn't even take him a full day to take over Hyrule Castle. Everyone knew he was power hungry, but there were no signs he was that close to making a move." Anvy sighed, "The only reason we were there at all is because we ran into Rusl. He told us that crime was dropping off in the surrounding areas and that they were all popping up near Hyrule Castle. That and how there hadn't been any notable monster activity for several weeks, only sighting near their dens, no actual attacks."

He paused to take a sip and then placed the mug down before he pulled off his own cloak. Telma cocked an eyebrow at him. Oblivious, he took another sip and fiddled with the mugs under the bar. Eventually he noticed the look.

"Huh? Oh the tunic? Yeah, Zora's Tunic, nice navy blue color. It lets me breathe underwater, very useful."

Telma scowled, as he quickly amended, "Right! You want more details, sorry. The King is dead. We found that out when we first arrived. We helped hold the gate to buy the Princess, a few young nobles who happened there, and the Sheikah guards enough time to escape. According to Impa, most of them, the princess included, witnessed the King's execution by Ganondorf's own hand." Telma leaned back against the bar. Their king was dead? That would leave their kingdom in a sorry state, even if they managed to take care of Ganondorf. She heaved a sigh as she voiced her next question. "What does that have to do with your broken sword?"

Stalcer sighed and took over the conversation once more. "We fought our way through. All the way through Castle Town. All the way through the castle, right up to that traitorous bastard sitting on the blood soaked throne. We were doing fine, until Ganondorf started using a piece of the Triforce. He broke our swords, and..."

They all shared a sorrowful look. "A close friend was killed. He stayed behind so we could escape."

"Ganondorf has the Triforce!?" Talon's shout echoed from the kitchen, which informed them that he was able to keep up with the conversation even from the other room.

Telvio answered, "He had the crest on his hand, and when he started using it there was no denying the divinity of that power. Used for evil, yes. But divine power all the same."

"Why do you think that it's only a piece of the Triforce, not the whole thing?" Telma asked, as she watched Talon wander out of the kitchen laden with some bundles that he placed on an empty table. Concern was etched on his face.

"If he had the whole Triforce, he would have had no need for followers. Besides, when he was using it, only the top crest was lit, the Triforce of Power." Telvio spoke from his table; his eyes never strayed from the door as Stalcer stood and moved to the bundles of food.

Silence hung over the pub, and Telma noticed the storm must have abated during their talk. Talon brought himself to ask, "What of the town?"

"It is probably burned to the ground or still in the process." Stalcer returned to his chair after he took a bundle from the table. "They swept in from the only entrance, a stupid set up as I've pointed out a dozen times before."

Levio shook his head at him. "Not the best time or situation to bring that up again."

Stalcer ignored him and continued. "They burned all of the buildings along the path to the castle to prevent anyone from flanking their forces. When we arrived, they'd already taken the castle and were in the process of burning down everything near the castle walls. Again to deter attacks, but to also buy more time to fortify their hold on the castle. By then most of the citizens had already escaped. When we...left everyone had either escaped, fell in the initial attack, or died to the flames. "

Talon stumbled backwards for a chair. He missed and slumped to the ground, his eyes vacant. Telma's eyes widened as she came to the same realization Talon had moments before. "Talon, where is my sister?"

The warriors froze, as Talon gave a strangled laugh. Levio spoke quickly, "Maybe she escaped. We saved as many citizens as we made our way to the castle. Plus their forces were focused on holding the town- they gave no pursuit to anyone who fled."

Talon shook his head as he struggled to regain his composure. "She stays at the Prancing Pony Inn. It is right along the main road to the castle. It o-overlooks the square where we, that we first-" Talon sighed and let his eyes close. Several long moments passed before he continued. "We first met in that square. When she delivers our produce, she always stays there."

A heavy silence to fill the room as Telma covered her face with a hand and slid to a stool next to the bar. The door opened, and instantly Telvio was on his feet, a purple sword with roses patterned along the blade in his hands.

"Papa?" Telvio relaxed slowly and returned the Great Fairy's Sword to his pouch as Malon hesitantly walked in. Cremia followed Malon in as she carried the youngest, Romani, who was fast asleep. She shot a furious look at Telvio but said nothing. The look turned to surprise as she surveyed everyone in the room, her eyes came to a stop on Talon on the floor. Malon ran forward and called for him again. "Papa? Where's mama? Is she gonna be comin' home now that the thunder stopped?"

Much to his credit, Talon managed to smile for his daughters. "Come on girls, let's all go back to the house." It was enough for Malon, but Cremia wasn't fooled. The concerned look on her face deepened, as Talon took Malon's hand and led them out. He paused at the door and spoke to the warriors.

"I do not blame any of y'all. I know who is to blame and I know y'all did everything yeh could. For that you have my thanks." He left, as they heard Malon ask him what they had talked about. Telma managed to regain her composure and had wiped away all signs of her tears. She steeled herself as her eyes hardened.

"What happens now?" She looked to each of them before Levio finally answered. "We search. For those who carry the other pieces of the Triforce. For more relics, as well as those we lost that Ganondorf will no doubt be hiding. Assuming he doesn't give them away to his followers but he isn't exactly the trusting sort. And most importantly, we go our separate ways." Telma considered his words as Levio continued. "We've talked some beforehand. If you'll allow me, I'll stay here on Lon-Lon ranch. Stalcer will go to Kakariko Village, Anvy to the Zora Domain, and Telvio to the Gerudo Fortress."

Telma saw Anvy and Telvio pick up their bundles as Telvio started to address her. "I want you to reach out to the resistance. Have someone join each of us. We'll use those connections to remain in contact, and share any intel we gather. Hopefully that will allow us to keep a low profile and remain undetected. No offence but the resistance isn't as well known or as easily recognized as we are."

Telma sighed, "With all the chaos that will soon follow it'll take some time for word to finally get around to everyone. It'll take even more time to get everyone in place. But first things first, yes Levio. You can stay. We've considered the extra tool shed yours for a long time now."

Each one nodded in thanks as one by one they filed out of the pub, and left Telma alone with her thoughts.

-x-x-x-x-

Levio made his way to the extra shed. The reason it was built in the first place was to make more room for an expansion for the ranch. But after Levio and the others helped build the extra shed, they left things so organized (well, Telvio organized everything in the other sheds), that in the end, the extra shed wasn't needed. So, Talon built some simple furniture and let Levio stay there whenever he visited. It became a home away from home and a place for the resistance to meet. However, when Levio opened the door, it seemed clear that the last inhabitants were not kind to the place.

Levio stepped inside as he slowly inspected the damage. They weren't just rough with the place; it looked like someone tore the place apart in search for something. Everything was scattered about and-

He jumped back, and drew the Gilded Sword in one fluid motion as he heard a noise. He stood in the doorway and waited until for any signs of what caused the noise.

Then noise sounded again, some kind of slight thump. Warily, Levio advanced into the shed. He slowly crept around the dresser and wardrobe that formed a half wall across the space. There, asleep on the ground, lay a small child. Next to the child was a half eaten loaf of bread and several apple cores.

Levio sheathed the blade before he knelt down next to the boy. The child twitched slightly and whimpered, which caused him to bump into the dresser once more. Levio gently shook the child's shoulders to rouse him from his nightmare. When the child stirred, Levio moved back as the boy sat up and groggily looked around. When he saw Levio, a look of confusion covered his face before he yelped and jumped back.

"Peace child, I do not intend to cause you any harm. I assume you hail from the castle town, and came here for shelter and food following the events that occurred there." Much to Levio's surprise, the child did not look scared, only wary. After a long pause, the boy nodded, his dirty blond hair poked out from under his hat had fallen in front of his eyes. Levio noticed his clothes were not too different from his own. They were a darker green, granted, but similar all the same... what a strange coincidence. "Child, what is your name?"

As the child brushed his bangs from his blue eyes, Levio's eyes widened at the sight of the triangular crest on the back of the child's hand. "My name is Link."

-x-x-x-x-

At the same time, on the other side of Hyrule…

She sat at the back of the cave, lost in thought. She was told that the cave would be safe for a time, and they could even light a small fire. Apparently the cave was carved out by hand and had channels carved in the ceiling to let the smoke out, yet disperse it in such a way that it wasn't visible. Time and time again she heard from the others the word, 'failure'. They failed to protect the king, the kingdom, even the secret passages into the castle, somehow made it into their enemy's hands. And yet, here she was, about to take the initiation test for the Sheikah. To join the group who were sworn to protect the Royal family. She tried to grin at the irony of her situation, but it came out as a grimace. Shivering, she pulled the cloak closer over her torn clothes and inched closer to the fire.

With a sigh she let her mind wander. It was a mistake, as her thoughts immediately turned to what transpired only hours before…

-x-x-x-x-

The King was dead. His headless corpse fell to the ground at the feet of his killer. The Sheikah went into a frenzy. One of them gave the order to grab princess, as well as any other survivors, and to flee. They also chose a few Sheikah to escort them out to safety. The remainder charged the desert sorcerer, only to fall to his magic one by one. At some point, one of the Sheikah had picked her up. Maybe they decided she was important enough to save, or maybe they decided there had been enough death for one day. After all, they attacked while the King was in the middle of holding court, almost every noble was present.

The journey through Castle Town was like a scene from hell. Houses burned, smoke filled the air, as cries for help rang out from all directions. Even the rain that had fallen for days now could not quell the fire. Bandits, thugs, traitors in the guard's own ranks attacked them. Each time the attackers were dealt with, it was awe inspiring and terrifying to watch. A single strike to the neck, a thrown weapon that found the tiniest gap in their armor, each Sheikah dispatched their opponent in a single brutal attack, and kept pace with those who were dragging survivors or the injured.

The gate loomed into view, and at once all the Sheikah stopped. Confused she looked around. The fires near the gate had started to die down combined with the smoke and rain made seeing difficult. Suddenly due to the illumination from a flash of lightning she felt hope die. They were surrounded, not by simple bandits anymore, but by monsters. She was placed on the ground as the Sheikah who was carrying her took her chin to get her full attention. For a moment all she could think of was why she was dropped in a puddle and how she finally had a chance to get a good look at the Sheikah who carried her. Unlike the others, this woman didn't cover her face, and on her back was an enormous sword. How did she miss that? "Listen to me child, we will create an opening. In that time, flee. Escape to the desert."

"Impa! You can NOT be serious!"

The woman, Impa, briefly turned away from her, "Have you seen a single Gerudo here? Ganondorf does not have the support of his people. They are the largest and best trained group of fighters that exists in Hyrule right now. They are their best bet for survival."

Impa released her and stood as the other Sheikah quickly took defensive positions and surrounded them. The flames cast flickering shadows upon Impa's darkening form. No, the girl reeled in shock, the shadows were being drawn to her. Then Impa vanished, only to re-appear across the square. Impa danced out of shadows, striking down monsters with a single strike before vanishing and reappearing elsewhere.

The Sheikah scattered, each engaging enemies around the square, drawing them away from the gate. But they were no longer fighting men, the monsters shrugged off their blows like insect bites. One of the Sheikah was struck by a giant club wielded by a pig like monster. He flew through the air and landed next to her. His arm hung by his side at an unnatural angle. He turned and look at her for moment when-

"INCOMING~~!"

A crash rang over the din of battle as the gate was blasted apart, as huge spiked ball having burst through. There was a flash of green light and suddenly she was being helped up by a man in a violet tunic. The ball tore back through the gate as the man wielding the pulled it back, and strode through the gap, brushing splinters off his scarlet red tunic. He stepped to the side as a chain shot past him. The chain retracted and pulled a man with a navy blue tunic through the air. He pulled himself to one of the giant pig monsters as flames exploded from his body. The flames incinerated the monsters yet passed harmlessly through the Sheikah.

Impa appeared out of the shadows and approached the man in violet. "You are here! Quickly we must..." She trailed off as she looked at the others fighting. "By the Three Golden Goddesses." her eyes were wide as she turned back to the one she addressed. Shock was evident in her tone as she continued, "What have you done?" Another figure had started to approach them. Through the smoke she almost missed him, until Impa started to draw her sword from her back. The man in violet grabbed her wrist and stopped her.

"We would appreciate it if you did not kill Kard."

The man in black with scoffed. His eyes may have been red but unlike the Sheikah, his eyes glowed with an unnatural and malign light. "She is more than welcome to try. After all, Telvio, none of you could beat me on your own." He gave Impa a feral grin as if daring her to make a move. She took a moment to look at the man who held her wrist. "Fine, I will not even inquire as to why you are here now. All I ask is that you clear the gate. These trainees have not been taught how to deal with monsters, and now they are all that's left of my people. We-" Impa paused before could bring herself to continue. "We failed. The King is dead, by Ganondorf's own hand. Everyone here saw it. We need to get the princess out," Impa glanced in her direction and allowed herself a small smile, "As well as a few others."

"Consider it done." Another fighter approached them, answering before Telvio or Kard could. "I'm Levio by the way. Kard and Telvio you've already met. Anvy is the one who likes flying through the air with his claw shots. Stalcer is the one who messed up the gate. Sorry about that, by the way."

Impa watched a man in an olive green tunic stop before them and make a dismissive gesture to the other fighters. Telvio nodded once and drew a sword before he moved to attack the monsters that remained. Kard scoffed and as he turned to walk away, she reached out to stop him. She had no idea why she did; she just knew that she had to. Her hand grabbed his tunic, and he looked down at her in surprise when shadows covered both of them. For a moment nothing happened, then out of the smoke a spear hurled at them and passed right through their shadowy forms. The shadows dropped away from them, as Levio yelled to the others, "Stalcer! Anvy! Take out all of the damn ballista!" Kard looked down to the girl who let her hand drop as she stepped away. He stooped down to meet her eyes. "Aren't you supposed to be running?" With a grin he spun her around and gave her a little push towards Impa, all the while Levio continued to bark out orders. Due to the noise and Levio's shouts, she almost missed what Kard said next, "Get going and...thanks, kid."

"Impa! Get your people out of here! Now!" Impa grabbed her and gave a piercing whistle. The other Sheikah quickly broke off from combat. Before she could turn to reply to Kard, or even say she had no idea how she did that, Impa lifted her and ran. The other Sheikah had once more picked up their injured and followed Impa out of Hyrule Castle town. The burning town faded into the darkness and rain as they fled into the night.

-x-x-x-x-

She shivered once more as she pulled the cloak tight. Why was it so cold? "Child..." With a gasp she jumped up and spun around to see Impa stood behind her. Impa ignored her reaction and asked, "What do you remember?"

She frowned, "I remember the attack. The king was killed, we ran, the fight at the gate and...the shadows." She looked up at Impa, "Is that why must I become a Sheikah?"

Impa sighed for a moment she almost looked...heartbroken, before her face returned to her impassive mask.

"You remember nothing of your time in the castle?" She shook her head, her eyes stung but she refused to let them fall. Impa answered her question, "The shadows that you used. To a degree, all Sheikah can use shadows. But they cannot manipulate them or connect them. That is a power only the Sage of Shadow can use...That only I, can use. I do not know if the Goddesses have sent my replacement, or if you are...something more. For now, I must assume you are here to take over as Sage of Shadow. Which means you will one day have to lead the Sheikah, and thus you must be trained as one."

She fidgeted, and Impa waited. She worked up her nerve and asked, "What is...my name?" Impa smiled sadly, "Who you were before does not matter. From this day forward, you will be known as Sheik. Although, due to your training, it is likely you will not be referred to as such for some time."

Sheik fidgeted once more. Impa's lips twitched in a ghost of a smile as she waited. "What...happened to the princess? Princess Zelda?" Impa's smile disappeared. "She is safe for now. Train hard, because one day it will fall to you to keep her safe."