(Edit: Forgot to put this up...whoops) TW: There will be an attempted sexual assault. It doesn't go far but just putting it out there.

Chapter 22

Early morning arrived at Kakariko Village with many inhabitants already begun their daily routine. Back at Shad's family, the manor was a different story. Today was the day the group was heading towards the Lynel's Den, Castle Town. Since they were close enough to the town, they all decided to walk from that point, so they were all packing what they could carry with them. One such topic was brought up to them during this process.

"How will you sneak The Master Sword and the Bow of Light into the city?" Ilia pointed over to the weapons lying on the table.

"I've been wondering that myself," Zelda pipped in. "Our weapons stand out and would no doubt give us away."

"Simple…" Sheik pulled out an ordinary-looking bag big enough to carry items as large as books.

Link looked at the teenage Sheikah as if he lost his marbles. "A bag? We're going hide them in a bag?"

"It's not just any bag. This is a magic bag that can carry a whole lot of items in it, weapons included. As Zelda pointed out, The Master Sword and Bow of Light would draw attention, or worst case scenario, someone who was at Lake Hylia would see you with them."

"A magic bag? Sounds interesting," Ilia gazed at the bag with admiration.

"Then prepare to be amazed."

Sheik reached over for The Master Sword as the Ordon Trio watched. All eyes widen as they watch Sheik put the sword into the bag smoothly as if it was perfectly fitted. The same thing happened with the Bow of Light.

"Wow…that was pretty cool," Link commented after a minute.

"So I guess with that taken care, we just wait for Shad & Ashei to get ready. Where are they, I wonder?" Zelda looked around the room for any sign of the couple.

"I'm letting them sleep in. We still have plenty of time, so there's no need to rush," Auru announced as he entered the room.

"Are they okay?"

"Trust me when I say I know them and their habits."

"I would listen to him on this, Zel." Link grunted as he rubbed his eyes. The room that he had stayed in was close to the one Shad & Ashei resided in. During a small portion of the night, he had heard…noises from there. Noises he very much prefers to forget.

"That gives us some downtime before we head out. I can make some coffee. Any of you want some?" Auru offered.

"I'll have a cup," Sheik responded first.

"What about you three?"

"I would like one as well," Zelda accepted the offer.

"Eh, I'll take one," Link followed.

"I'll pass!" Ilia stated.

"Not a fan, I presume," Auru inquired the teen.

"It tastes gross, euck!"

"It's not that bad..." Zelda argued with her sister.

"Dad agrees with me. You and Mom are the only ones in the family who like that stuff. Remember that time I mistook your coffee for my hot cocoa?"

"Hard to forget after you spit it all over the room."

"Because it was gross! I swear, I thought I was going to throw up."

"I think I got the picture. Would you like something else?" Auru offered again.

"I'm good, thanks. I'll check in on the horses in the meantime. You guys enjoy your coffee party."

Ilia left the room, and the sound of the front opening & closing echoed soon after. Minutes went by as the remaining inhabitants chatted. Eventually, Shad entered the room. Even though he was already dressed up, he was evidently a bit sleepy, given that his hair was a bit disheveled and small bags resided under his eyes. There was also a…mark of sorts on his neck.

"Well, look who finally decided to join us. Had a good night's sleep?" Sheik spoke with a touch of playfulness as Shad massaged his eyes.

"I had trouble the first few hours. You would after dealing with Dodongos and an Igeno Talus. But I did manage to get some sleep."

"I bet Ashei helped you with that…" Link muttered under his breath.

"Did you say something, Link?"

"I uh…I was wondering where Ashei was."

"She's getting ready. Where's Auru and Ilia, on the other hand?"

"Auru is making coffee. Ilia is checking on the horses because she wanted nothing to do with coffee," Zelda simplified.

"I thought I smelled coffee. Ashei hates it as well. Says it makes her nauseated."

"Then I think it's best if you all drink them before she gets in here." Auru walked into the room, holding a tray consisting of several coffee mugs. "Glad you can join us, Shad."

"That coffee smells good," Link complimented.

"Then I hope it's to your liking. It's still hot, so be careful."

Auru placed the tray on the table. Everyone interested grabbed a cup, Auru included. Zelda took a sip from her mug. The coffee was indeed as great as it smelled.

"Wow…this is great coffee."

Seeing her reaction, Link decided to take a sip as well. "I think this is the best coffee I've ever had."

"Auru makes exceptional coffee," Shad claimed.

"How else could The Resistance have stayed afloat for the past eighteen years," Auru joked.

"So with that done, I guess we'll be leaving soon," Link mentioned.

"I say within the hour. I would like to get to our contact in the city before it gets dark."

"I need to pay a…visit before we go. If it's okay with-" Shad was cut off by Auru giving a comforting pat on his shoulder.

"Of course it is. Though, I suggest that you cover your neck before you head out.

Shad gave a bewildered look before his eyes widened in realization. He quickly lifted his shirt collar to cover his neck, a light blush growing as he gave a nervous smile.

"Thank you for the heads up, Auru. I'll be going now."

Shad drank whatever coffee was left in his mug. After Auru assured him he would clean it up, he placed it back on the tray. Exiting the room, Shad went to a small mirror hanging on the wall while pulling down his shirt collar. Sure enough, there was a bruise on his. One that he did not earn from yesterday's visit to Death Mountain.

"Oh, blast! I told Ashei not to be rough last night…At least it's easy to cover it."

Shad then covered the bruise again. He proceeded down the hall leading to the exit. On the way, he stopped to gaze at a portrait hanging on the wall. There lies a man with brown hair and eyes in the same shade of blue as Shad's own. Next to him is a woman with hair the same color as Shad. Standing before the couple was a twelve-year-old child with the man's eye color and the woman's hair. Below the portrait had a small golden plaque with three names engraved.

Abraham Sokol

Mesha Sokol

Shad Sokol

Looking at the portrait again, Shad proceeds out of the front door. He saw Ilia caring for the horses and quickly waved to her. The scholar trekked through the village, greeting several villagers that said hello to him. As he almost entirely passed Renado's home, he heard someone call his name. Renado walked up to him, holding a small batch of white flowers.

"I figure you need these for where you're going."

"How did you know?"

Renado gave a gentle smile. "Even if you don't live here fully, I still know your habits."

"Thank you." Shad accepted the flowers. "They are lovely. I'm sure they would like these."

"Luda picked them while you were at Death Mountain yesterday. Said she had a feeling you would like them."

"Seems like she got it from you."

"She looks up to you, you know. She once told me she wanted to be like you as she ages."

"Goddesses, I hope not. The last thing I want for her is to be like me."

"A wise, caring person who sticks up for what's right?"

"I was referring to my lifestyle where any day could very well be my last, and almost any decision I make could be life or death for me or when put in a situation when it's kill or be killed. I wouldn't want that life for her. I won't allow it."

"I appreciate that, Shad. I say you are one of the best The Resistance has. Your parents would be proud." Renado pats his shoulder. "Go on. I'm sure you and the others intend to leave for Castle Town soon. I won't keep you."

"Tell Luda I said thank you for the flowers."

"I will. And Shad…May the Goddesses watch over you and the others."

"May the goddesses watch over you as well."

They both parted ways. Shad resumed his trek through the village. He arrived at a secluded section of the town. A sign above the archway leading to it read 'Kakariko Graveyard.' Tombstones lay scattered, showing the final resting place of the bodies of those who once lived in the little village. At the same time, their souls passed onto the Kingdom of Golden Goddesses. Many of the stones were old and worn down due to age, though he knows Dampe does his best to keep them clean. When Shad was a boy, he once asked Dampe why he did that, to which the groundskeeper responded that the dead deserve respect, including a clean tombstone. Near the middle of the graveyard, he came across a sizeable double tombstone, still relatively young compared to the others. On the headstone had the dates of the deceased birth and death. Two names were engraved on them.

Here lies Abraham Sokol & Mesha Sokol

Their passion for knowledge was admirable.

Their desire to help others was inspirational.

Their love for their family and friends was incomparable.

May they both rest in peace

Shad knelt at the base of the gravestones. He parted the bouquet into two smaller bouquets, placing one for each stone. The scholar remained silent. The only sounds accompanying him were the winds blowing.

"Hello, mother, father…It's been a while, hasn't it? I hope you're doing well in the Golden Goddesses Kingdom. As for me, I've been doing alright. Ashei and I are still together. Weird to think that she and I came together despite our different backgrounds and initial first thoughts. Sometimes I wonder if you two had a hand in bringing us together…Anyways, The Resistance is doing alright. We've gained some new members a few months back. They're from Ordon Village, which was destroyed by Ganondorf, surprise, surprise. I've become close friends with some of them. A great man named Link and a charming pair of sisters named Zelda & Ilia. I think you would've enjoyed their company. They're special people, Link & Zelda especially. You probably wouldn't believe it, but they're the chosen champions of the Goddesses. I couldn't believe it myself when I first heard it. Impa believes they may be the ticket to…finally bring down Ganondorf once and for all."

The only response Shad received was wind blew against him.

"A time without Ganondorf around sounds delightful. After so many years, it seems surreal. But…I can't help but wonder, should the day come, what will happen to Hyrule then? The Royal Family is dead…At least the king & queen are. The princess is a completely different topic. Impa always said she doesn't believe the princess perished, but that's as far as she'll say. She never wants to delve into discussions about potential leaders to take over. Always saying, 'Worry about getting Ganondorf off the throne first' before moving on. I suppose that is understandable, but I can't help but wonder…what the future has in store once Ganondorf is gone…But I also trust Impa. It's thanks to her that I'm the person I am today. I trust her with my life. I'm certain she knows what she's doing."

Shad then talked about topics such as their current mission to Castle Town, his recent endeavor to Death Mountain, and minor developments in his life. After a while, Shad pulled out his pocket watch. It was almost time for his group to get moving.

"I have to leave now. People need to be saved. I'll come back next time. Take care, you two."

Shad slowly got back to his feet. A few minutes after gazing at the headstones, he treks out of the graveyard. A young woman with familiar red hair was waiting at the cemetery entrance.

"Anju?"

"Hey, Shad," Anju breathed out. "I was hoping to catch you before you left. I heard you were here, so I was waiting for you. I need to talk to you about something."

"About what?"

"It's…it's Kafei."

"Is he back?"

"No, that's the thing…he hasn't been back."

The way Anju had said it was enough for Shad to be immediately concerned. "What are you talking about?"

"I told you that he took a job outside of the village. That job was in Castle Town."

Shad instantly didn't like where this conversation was heading.

"He wanted to make some extra money. I told him to write back what he promised. And you know Kafei NEVER breaks any promises. Once he was there, he wrote to me. I wrote back…and I haven't heard from him since…."

"How long has it been since you heard from him?"

"A few months…I never should have let him go…" Anju started sobbing. "Castle Town has become a dangerous place with each year gone by. Anything could've happened to him. And it doesn't help that my mother is paranoid that he just used this as a ploy to leave me, just like her first husband did. I-I…"

Shad pulled Anju into a gentle hug. The young woman sobbed for a few minutes as the scholar tried to comfort his friend from his childhood. He held on to Anju until she calmed herself down.

"I'm sorry…I didn't mean to break down like that."

"Have you tried looking for Kafei?"

"You think I haven't?!" Anju sounded almost offended by that statement. "I went to Castle Town to look for him, but some soldiers seemed more interested in my relationship status and…offered to 'comfort' me. Which is why I want to ask-"

"-If I could try to find him instead," Shad concluded. "Why did you not tell me this went I got here?"

"I didn't want to burden you with this, especially after you traveled a long way, and I know you have other things more important, but you have…connections. I don't trust the Castle Town Guard, so you're my only option…I don't know what else to do."

Shad comprehended the newfound information about one of his dear childhood friends going missing. A part of him dreads the reason for Kafei's disappearance. With Castle Town being his last known location, every grim possibility raced through his head. Despite that, Shad was determined to get to the bottom of this.

"Anju…" Shad held her hand in a comforting manner. "I'm certain, whatever reason, Kafei has gone off the map. I know he's not doing it to hurt you. There may be something going on that we don't know about. But I promise you I will do everything I can to find him. He's my friend too, and nothing will be more important than that."

Anju wiped the tears trailing down her eyes. "Thank you…You're such a good friend, you know that."

"To me, you and Kafei are more than just simply friends." Shad smiled at her. "You're like the siblings I never had…"

The group had long since left Kakariko. They made their way on foot to Hyrule's capital. Needless to say, the Ordon Trio felt nervous. All their lives, they heard only stories of the bustling Castle Town. That it's the center point of all the kingdom's affairs. After hearing the horror stories about the place, they felt apprehensive. Eventually, the Resistance members seemed to catch on to the tense expressions on their faces and tried their best to calm them.

"You three are doing okay?" Sheik spoke to them.

"Yeah…Just nervous," Link rubbed his arm. "I've never been to Castle Town before."

"Just try to relax and don't stand out," Ashei simply instructed.

Link seems to quickly relax. Zelda, on the other hand, looks completely unsure. She didn't know why but something about visiting Castle Town made her extremely nervous. Everyone continues along the path. They rounded a large hill. On the other side lay a long wall of stone that stretched for several miles. A gate is in the middle of the wall, accompanied by large metal doors. Behind the walls, the rooftops of several buildings could be seen. Way farther in the background laid were the towers of a large castle.

"We're here," Auru announced as the group continued on.

There were a few guards stationed at the gate. Their gaze met with the group as they walked through the entrance. This only lasted a minute before they looked away, clearly uninterested. One lazily greeted, "Welcome to Castle Town," before looking away.

All sorts of buildings clustered together. The streets were filled with Hylians & Humans and several armored Gerudo. Somewhere walking, some were jogging as if they were in a hurry. Underneath the bustling population, the city has much to be…desired.

Many buildings look like they have only been tended to for a long time. Some were even just straight-up abandoned. The streets were covered in filth, such as trash and…many types of waste. Rats also scurried around on the roads, taking shelter in nearby alleyways. To add it all off, a putrid smell lingers in the air.

The people were no different. Tired expressions glued on their faces. They all looked so…defeated. Others stared at the group with skeptical glares, almost as if they were asking them why they would visit here. If the people walking in the street looked terrible, the ones lingering in the alleys were likely in no better positions. The alleyways filled with either group huddled together, throwing dice as a form of gambling. Some women were wearing scanty, revealing clothes giving seductive grins. All of which are in Link's direction. And lone men with large cloaks covering them gave unsettling smirks. Shad kept a good grip on his dagger every time they passed them.

This place is different from what The Ordon Trio expected it to be.

"This place…it looks so…miserable," Link muttered with pity. "I knew you guys said this place was bad, but I never expected to be like this. This is supposed to be the capital, right?"

"This is Castle Town. The Shining Star of Hyrule itself," Sheik said as if he couldn't believe such a statement.

"More like the Dirtiest Dump of Hyrule," Ilia commented dryly

Zelda sniffed the putrid air and pinched her nose to block the air. "What is that smell?"

"You…probably don't want to know that yet," Ashei suggested with an uncertain look.

"But you do get used to it after a bit," Shad tried to assure.

Words could not escape from Zelda's mouth. While the sight of Castle Town disgusted her sister and friend, all Zelda could feel is…just pure sorrow. Everywhere she looked in this place made her heart feel heavier, like she wanted to burst into tears. It was so different compared to Ordon or even The Resistance Base Camp. At least the people living at the camp seemed happy despite their circumstances. She had never been to this place, yet…something about this place seemed familiar to her. A voice in her head tells her that she needs to help these people. That they need her help.

One such sight almost shattered her heart.

Sitting in one of the alleyways appeared to be a woman with two small children, a boy & a girl, around Colin's age, each sitting by her side with her in the middle. Their clothes look so filthy and tattered. They all seemed thin like they hadn't had a proper meal in a long time. Their eyes filled with hopelessness. To make it even sadder, everyone that walked by didn't seem to pass a glance at the family as if they weren't even there. It just infuriated Zelda. Had Ganondorf treated the people in this city so severely that they were forced to turn away to others in need to look out for themselves?

Without thinking, Zelda hastily reached into her bag, pulling out one gold & two silver rupees, which would be worth around five hundred green rupees. Zelda had earned them after the jobs she took with The Resistance. She did not need them, but the others insisted she could keep them just in case. Giving them to a family in need should be good enough. It may not erase their current situation, but it should help them for now.

"Hello?" The woman glanced up at Zelda with a skeptical & untrusting look while her children clung to their mother. Zelda smiled gently as she knelt to their level to hand out the rupees. "It may not be much, but it should be enough for food, maybe new clothes."

The woman's hardened glare softens up in disbelief. Hesitantly she reached for the rupees in Zelda's hand, which Zelda encouraged her to accept. The children looked astonished at the rupees, while the woman looked about to cry. It's as if this interaction was foreign to her.

"T-thank you…No one had paid any mind to us in such a long time." The woman sniffled. "May I be kind enough to ask your name?"

Zelda was about to answer with her name but quickly stopped herself, remembering not to use her real name. A feeling inside urged her that giving her a false name would be wrong, but she could not risk exposing her identity.

"...Tetra."

"Tetra? Like the pirate from the stories?" The little girl chimed in with interest.

"Yeah. My parents really liked reading them."

"That is so cool!" The little boy exclaimed.

"Thank you so much, Tetra. I won't ever forget your kindness…" The woman wiped her eyes, filled with gratitude.

"May the goddesses watch over you three."

Zelda trekked back to her group. She took a glance over her shoulder to the family. The woman and her son gazed at the rupees. The little girl was the only one to look back at her. The child gave a small wave. Zelda waves gently in response.

"Everything alright?" Auru called Zelda once she rejoined their group.

"I…Something about looking at this place just feels so disheartening. I grew up hearing stories about how wonderful this place is. I've never been here, yet it hurts to see this place like this."

Auru remained quiet for the next several moments. Zelda noticed the expression on his face filled with somberness, as if something was bothering him.

"I know the feeling…I grew up in this city," Auru told her after several minutes. "This place was so much better when I was your age. The buildings were held up, the streets were clean, and the people here were kinder. Seeing it like this breaks my heart. Every time I come back here, I swear it looks worse. Yet at the same time, it reminds me of why I do what I do. So that everyone here can have a better future."

The group continues walking on. Unbeknownst to them, some had eyes on them. A particular person with pale skin dressed in purple took a keen interest. After minutes of watching the group, he quickly went in the direction of the castle.

It was a little while until the Resistance group arrived in front of a building. Above the door read a sign that reads 'Telma's Bar.'

"This is where our hideout is?" Zelda guessed.

"Sort of. This is merely the entrance," Shad responded.

"Okay, you three, listen up." Auru brought his attention to The Ordon Trio. "The four of us will go in first. Wait a few minutes, and then go straight to the barstool."

"Why can't we go in together?" Ilia question.

"It'll attract too much attention. This place often attracts soldiers in their off-hours. If we go in separate groups, we'll look like two different parties."

"That makes sense," Link acknowledges.

"Just go in, and like normal customers. Also…tell the bartender you are there at 'Linebeck's request.' They'll know who you are."

With that done, Auru, Sheik, Ashei, and Shad entered the bar. The Ordon Trio peek in the window to see the inside. They approached a large, dark skin woman. They talked for several moments before the woman led them to a section of the bar covered by curtains. The trio figured it was a good time to walk in.

The inside of the bar was more extensive than it appeared outside. It is occupied with many types of people doing various things. Chatting with their companions, gambling for rupees, or just sitting alone having a drink. Others dressed in uniforms scatter around the place. They must've been employed there. A small band played on one end of the room, filling the entire establishment with lively music.

The trio slowly made their way to the barstool. Several patrons gave them glances of interest which they tried to ignore. They made it to the barstool with ease. There they see a man cleaning a glass with a rag.

"Welcome to Telma's Bar, where our drinks will rock your taste buds," The bartender greeted them. "What can I get ya?'

"We uh…came here at Linebeck's request…?" Link told him with an unsure expression.

"Linebeck's request? All three of you?" The bartender gave the group a curious look.

"Yeah," Zelda responded with uncertainty.

"Well…in that case, I suppose your drinks are on the house then."

"Seriously?" Link questioned.

"Of course I'm serious!" The bartender barked back, almost as if he was offended. "What would you three like?"

"Well, preferably something non-alcoholic for starters," Zelda requested.

"I figure since you have the kid there." The bartender obliviously referred to Ilia, who looked almost insulted by that statement.

"Any recommendations?"

"Well…if you're a big fruit person, I suggest the Copious Fruit Juice. It has a mix of all the tastiest fruit Hyrule has to offer."

"Guess we'll take that then," Link declared.

"Alright! You three just relax while I'll prep your drinks."

The bartender left the counter, and the trio relaxed at the bar as they waited.

"Why does everyone call me kid? I'm only a few years younger than you two," Ilia grumbled.

"Well…you have that adorable baby fat on your face," Zelda gently teased. Ilia responded by sticking her tongue out.

The bartender returned minutes later with three glasses filled with pink liquids with a touch of berries on the top. One by one, the trio took a sip out of their glass. They rather enjoyed the drinks.

"This is good!" Ilia exclaimed.

"I'm glad you and your friends like them, little lady. And like I said, they're on the house since you came at Linebeck's recommendation. Let me know if you folks need anything else."

"So now what?" Zelda wondered once the bartender left their sight.

"Just act natural and wait for the others, I guess," Link figured.

They sat in silence, enjoying their free drinks. They had only the noises of the bar patrons to listen to. A group of young adults lets out joyous laughter. Another pair of adults are having a conversation. Another patron bumps into another one, who they yell at to watch where they are going. At the same time, the poor person apologizes before scampering away, and a group of young women are whispering to each other. Finding nothing of interest, Zelda focuses back on her drink. All was peaceful until she felt a new presence by her side. Sitting next to her appeared to be a middle-aged man wearing a blue shirt with a crimson vest and ruff collar, brown hair that looked reclining, and a large bushy mustache.

"Can I help you, sir?" Zelda said to him politely.

"Just admiring a gorgeous young lady such as yourself." Just from how the man spoke to her, Zelda could already tell this guy was some sort of creep.

"Um…thank you."

"I don't think I've seen someone like you around here before. What's your name?"

"...Tetra."

"A pleasure to meet you, Tetra. My name is Ingo Gorman. Proud owner of Ingo Ranch. It's in Mabe Village, just right outside the city walls. Perhaps you've seen it."

"I'm afraid I haven't," Zelda responded, trying to indicate that she was not interested in having a conversation. Ingo, however, persisted.

"You should stop by sometime. It's been a while since I've had a woman in my company…."

"Sorry, but I'm not interested."

"Oh, I wasn't asking."

Ingo leaned in close to Zelda, placing his hand on her thigh. Zelda promptly slapped Ingo's hand hard enough for him to recline back and away from her thigh. Ingo let a small shout of pain as his hand stung.

"Keep your hands off and leave me alone!" Zelda barked at the man, loud enough to get the attention of some patrons and staff.

"You cunt! Sorry for giving out a compliment!" Ingo seethed as he rubbed his hand.

"I saw that! That wasn't a compliment, you creep! You were feeling my sister up!" Ilia shouted back.

"This doesn't concern you, bitch!"

Link stood from his chair and marched over to Ingo. "Listen here, pal. One: You don't talk to them like that. Two: I don't know about you, but where we come from, that qualifies as harassment & sexual assault! And Three: My friend isn't interested in you, so leave her alone and get out of here!"

"You're clearly not from around here, pretty boy. How 'bout I show you how that kind of talk is handled here." Ingo punches Link hard enough to send the young man to the floor. Zelda and Ilia knelt by the side.

"Anyone else likes to say something?" Ingo called out to the patrons and staff who were watching the scene.

"I believe we do." Standing near the barstool is Shad, accompanied by Ashei.

"Whatsittoya pal? This ain't your business!" Ingo barked at Shad.

"I happen to see you harassing that young lady and her friends. Saying those vulgar comments to her and the other girl after you touched her inappropriately, mind you. Should I mention that she's probably young enough to be your daughter? And then you punched her male companion when he requested you to leave them alone in response. So yeah, I'm afraid that is my business."

Ingo chuckled, and he rested his arm & hand flat on the bar, which happened to be the same hand he used to grope Zelda and punch Link.

"What are you gonna do about it then?" Ingo sneered at the scholar.

"What am I going to do? Ah, right, what shall I do? Hmm…" Shad placed his hand under his chin in the thinking gesture while the other lingered around his hip. "Ah, I know."

Shad pulled out his dagger in a flash and slammed it through Ingo's hand hard enough for the blade to lodge into the bar table. A pain-filled shriek escaped from Ingo as he tried to remove the dagger binding his hand to the bar, only to see it wouldn't budge.

"Oh dear, it would seem my dagger slipped into your hand. Clumsy me." Shad feigned shock while Ingo tried to pull out the dagger. "And it appears that it's lodged in there pretty good. Maybe if you apologized to those three, I could get it loose. What do you say?"

"Screw you, you psychopathic asshole!" Ingo snarled at the scholar as he tried to pull the dagger out.

"I'm afraid that's the wrong answer. Perhaps my partner here can help persuade you."

Ashei stepped forward, right past Shad. Ingo glared at the warrior. That did not faze Ashei, who responded by punching the man square in the face hard enough for blood to pour out of his nose.

"Not so fun when you're on the receiving end of the punch, yeah?" Ashei told with a snark, only for Ingo to hiss at her as he clutched his bloody nose. "Still don't get it yet, huh? Maybe this will help."

Ashei kicked Ingo right in his crotch. With enough force to almost send him tumbling down, his hand trapped in the dagger preventing him from landing on the ground. Ashei grabbed his free arm and pulled it on his back while she used her other hand to push his head against the bar table, his cheek pressing against it.

"Now…are you ready to apologize, or should I continue trying to 'persuade' you," Ashei asks in a threatening matter. "Or better yet, I should leave you to my partner. He once cut someone's tongue off because he couldn't shut his mouth. You reckon you do that again, babe?"

"Hmm, I could do that, but I had something else in mind. Perhaps we can go…below the belt if you catch my drift." Shad gives a playful evil smirk

"OKAY, OKAY, OKAY! I'LL APOLOGIZE!" Ingo begged frantically. Ashei pulled his head up and faced the direction of the Ordon Trio. "I-I'm sorry for touching you without your permission, saying those harsh words, and punching your friend!"

Shad, at that moment, removed his dagger from Ingo's hand. With his hand finally free, Ingo cradled it as the blood poured out.

"Now, see how easy that was. I certainly hope you learned a lesson," Shad spoke to the sobbing Ingo. The scholar turned his attention to Ashei. "Kindly escort this man out, my dear."

"With pleasure."

Ashei grabbed Ingo by his ruff and practically dragged him across the bar. She tossed him onto the street at the exit, covering him in the filth that painted the streets.

"You should get that hand checked out. Wouldn't want it to get an infection!"

Ashei watched the man scurry away in the streets until he was out of sight. She dusted her hands as she made her way back to her friends. The band resumed playing their instruments while bar patrons watching the scene quickly returned to their business, utterly unbothered as if that entire interaction did not happen.

"Are you alright, old boy?" Shad knelt to Link.

"He got me in the jaw. I'll be fine," Link rubbed his jaw area.

"What about you, Zelda?"

"I am…Thanks for dealing with that pervert."

"Honestly, he deserved all of that," Ilia commented.

"Believe us when we say we have no tolerance for people like that. They're just pure scum," Ashei replied.

"Where are Auru and Sheik?" Link wondered.

"They're waiting for us outback. We both came out here when we heard the commotion," Shad responded. "We should go through the alley outside. No doubt you drew too much attention."

The group helped Link back to his feet. After ensuring he was okay, they went back outside through the front. Next to the building was an alleyway which they all entered.

"That performance you both gave…it was pretty hardcore," Ilia remarked as the group walked through the alley.

"When you've been in our line as long as we have, you develop what I like to call a hardcore persona," Ashei explained smugly.

"It is admittedly kinda fun to do," Shad confessed.

"I think you had too much fun," Link shared.

Shad let out a flustered look. "Admittedly, I do get way into it sometimes."

"I got to know this. Did you really cut a guy's tongue because he was annoying you?" Ilia inquired

"I wouldn't do it for that reason. I'm not that petty of a person."

"So…you didn't do it?" Zelda said curiously.

"Well...I didn't say that. That's as far as I can say."

The Ordon Trio remained silent as they watched Shad walking along, uncertain if he was messing around or being serious.

"Remind me to never get on his bad side," Ilia noted, to which her sister & Link agreed.

The group arrived at a section covered by small stone walls and had an old wooden door. On the other side showed Auru & Sheik promptly waited. With the pair was the same large woman that escorted them behind the blocked-off section of the bar.

"Everything okay?" Sheik asked the group.

"Some asshole was hassling these three. Shad and I took care of him," Ashei cleared up.

"But Link got punched in the jaw by him," Shad added.

"Not even an hour since we got here, and you're already getting caught in bar fights," Auru remarked as he crossed his arms. "Not sure if I should be disappointed or impressed."

"That pervert wouldn't leave Zelda alone! I tried to stop him," Link retorted as he rubbed his jaw.

"I wouldn't even call it a bar fight," Ashei exclaimed. "You may be a good swordsman but suck at melee brawls. You and I are going to work on that."

"Are you doing okay, Zelda?" Auru brought his attention to her.

"He only went as far as touching my thigh. It was…unnerving. I've never been through something like that before…But at least it ended before it got worse."

"What about you, Ilia?" Sheik walked up to the girl.

"The worst he did to me was call me a bitch. I'll get over it."

"That's good to hear that you're all alright," Sheik responded with relief.

"Not that we're all here, Link, Zelda, Ilia, let me introduce one of our allies in this city and a good friend." Auru gestured to the woman.

"So you must be the famous Ordon Trio I've heard so much about! It is a pleasure to meet you." The woman stuck her hand out to offer a handshake. "Call me Telma!"

One by one, the trio returned the handshake to the woman.

"What's this trouble I've heard you three get into with Ingo?"

"You know him?" Zelda questioned the woman.

"Unfortunately. That man is always causing problems in my bar, especially with my female customers and staff. I tried to enforce a ban, yet he still somehow slithers his way in. Of course, the city guard is no help as well. I swear if the economy in this city wasn't terrible, I would hire a bouncer to keep him out."

"Well, you can rest easy knowing Shad, and I dealt with him," Ashei assured her.

"Any damage caused in the process?" Telma questioned in a stern tone.

"There might be a bloodstain on your bar and a knife mark. That's pretty much it," Shad answered sheepishly.

Telma shook her head. "At least you didn't break the furniture or window this time."

"Are you going to…shelter us?" Link questioned.

"I'm more of a gatekeeper to the shelter."

"So…where's the gate?"

"Sick back and watch, honey." She gave Link a wink.

Telma walked over to the wall, which appeared flat with nothing interesting. She placed her hand on a section which she then pushed down, giving a square shape. A section of the ground then slowly opened. A wooden platform emerges from the hole. It is a moving platform of sorts.

"A secret entrance…" Link muttered astonishingly.

"Impressive, is it not? This is one of the few passageways to the underground network of Castle Town," Telma went on.

"A secret underground? Sounds like something straight out of a novel," Ilia commented with amusement.

"It's very much real. A sanctuary under the Lynel's Den." Telma turned to Auru. "He's most likely waiting for you. Best not keep him waiting."

"Will do."

One by one, each of The Resistance groups went on the platform. Auru pulled on a rope, prompting the platform to move down. The hole emitting light above the platform closed, encasing them in darkness. The platform moves down at a slow pace. The only light emitting down the hole were lanterns hanging on the wall.

Eventually, the platform landed on ground level. Several rats were seen hanging at the bottom, which freaked Zelda out. Ilia let out a snicker at her sister's reaction to the rats, to which Zelda responded with an annoyed glare. An extensive set of wooden doors in a stone archway lit up by two torches on each side greeted them. Standing in front of the doors appeared to be the figure of a man who appeared to be in his thirties, had a thin mustache and goatee, sandy-colored hair, and wore a blue trench coat with a red livery collar and boots. A cheeky smile grew across his lips once he caught sight of the group.

"You kept me waiting quite a while, old friend," The man said to Auru as they both gave a greeting handshake. "Nice to see all of you alive and well."

"Same to you."

"Looks like you brought some new faces. These are the small fries Impa mentioned in her letters.

"Small fries?" Link muttered.

"I think he's calling us baby fish…" Ilia responded.

"So you three must read the famous Link, Zelda & Ilia I've heard so much about." The man spoke enthusiastically as he trotted to the trio. "I assumed ol' Auru told you about me?"

"I'm afraid we don't. Should we?" Zelda stammered, which made the man recoil in surprise.

"What?! You don't know who I am?! Auru and his gang never told anything about me?! I'm shocked and appalled."

"We didn't want to scare them off," Ashei quipped, earning Shad and even Sheik a chuckle.

"Har har. Nice to know your sense of humor hasn't changed, Ashei. Well…in that case, I'll introduce myself. Have you ever heard of the underground networks of Castle Town?"

"I heard that's where thieves & criminals like to hide," Link said.

"That's what the general public thinks we are. In reality, we're a diamond in the rough. A secret city for those seeking sanctuary. I'm the leader of this sanctuary: Linbeck III." He gestured to the door. "Let me be first to welcome you to Lower Castle Town!"

Inside Hyrule Castle…

Chancellor Cole sat in his office dealing with paperwork. Just the usual approving and disapproving permits and all that. The solace to all this is the peace lingering in the air. At least until he heard a knock on the door.

"You may enter."

Emerging from the opened door was none other than Vaati.

"Chancellor Cole."

"Ah, Vaati, back from your excursions from the city already?" Cole greeted plainly as he resumed his paperwork.

"I was doing such a thing when I saw a person of interest in the city."

"Isn't that Lord Ghirahim's department? Why should I be concerned?"

"I believe he's an old friend of yours."

"And who can that be? All my old friends are either dead' or…mysteriously disappeared."

"Auru Bishop…"

The mere mention of the name was enough for Cole to stop his signing so quickly his pen flicked around the room. Silence lingered in the room as Cole comprehended the information Vaati revealed.

"You're certain it was him?" Cole inquired in a demanding tone, in which Vaati nodded in confirmation

Cole let in a breath. The chancellor turned his gaze to a table with several pictures, a few of which went as far back as before Ganondorf took the crown. One such image had four men in it. In the photo, King Daphnes stood in the center in a dignified yet relaxed pose. One side of him had a young Cole standing formally. The other side had a man with a large mustache dressed in orange. Next to the man casually resting an arm on his shoulder was a younger Auru.

"Tell me everything you know…"

How ya'll been? Me well, I'm still I've started another Zelda fanfic. One based in the world of Skyward Sword which is title "An Impulse Decsion." If you're interested please give it a read.

The gang arrives at Castle Town and visit their equivalent of Mos Eisely Cantina from Star Wars. That thing with Ilia mistaking hot coccoa for coffee is something that happened to my mother years ago. She ordered hot cocca but was given coffee by mistake which she found out the hard way by spitting it out. And we have the introduction of Linebeck! Though instead of a pirate he's the leader of an underground city. I don't know why but I thought that would be fitting for him. Next chapter will explore more of Lower Castle Town, which hopefully will be a better experience for the group than the actual Castle Town.

Last Name meanings:

Sokol= falcon

Bishop=overseer

And it seems like Auru and Cole might have some history together...

Thanks for the favs, follows, and reviews. Happy Reading.