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A man stood over the corpse of a dead woman with flowing white hair, watching the blood exude from her chest. Her chest has been brutally stabbed with a large sickle, which is still embedded in her body. The man holding the handle of the sickle with a firm grasp, yanks it out of the woman's chest, causing her body to jerk involuntarily. He examines the blade in fascination, watching the blood trickle down to the sharpened tip before falling to the hot desert ground. The weapon is designed for deadly precision, with a sharp and curved blade that can inflict maximum damage. The red rope wrapped around the handle of the sickle gives the weapon a tight grip, perfect for assassinations.
He grimaced when he saw the symbol in the center, a stylized eye with three triangles and a tear droplet on the bottom. His parents told him stories about the Sheikah, a race of white-haired hypocrites. It baffled him that ten thousand years ago, his clan was part of theirs. They developed technology to help the kingdom of Hyrule, aiding in sealing Calamity Ganon. And how do they reward us? Banishing our technology! Outcasting us! The Sheikah agreed, submitting to the king, even throwing away everything they worked on! The rest of the clan were shunned by the kingdom and even the Sheikah!
Then, ninety years ago, when Calamity Ganon was said to strike again, what do they do? They go and use the very same technology that they banished and loathed! And they have the audacity to call our clan the traitors! But now, his clan serves Ganon, to ensure his resurrection is complete. To him, it did not matter what it would take, even if he had to sacrifice himself.
He grabbed a small brown rag from his pocket and meticulously wiped the blood off the blade. Once satisfied, he puts away his sickle in its iron sheath. "Zal'Kaz," A gruff voice pulled him away from his thoughts. A big man in a snug red and grey bodysuit, adorned with a black belt featuring an eye pattern buckle, and a yellow-sheathed blade at his side, approaches him. The man's hair is tied in a short ponytail and adorned with two horned earrings. His arms are wrapped in red bandages, and his head is covered by a hood connected to his neck by two grey belts. He wears the Yiga clan's white mask with an inverted Sheikah eye, seemingly ridiculing the Sheikah clan. "It seems that you carried out your mission with no issues."
He walked up to Zal'Kaz, patting his shoulder before kneeling to examine the body. After a moment he turned back, "Excilent kill, your parents would have been proud of you." He rubs his chin with his hand in thought, "These Sheikah spies are getting out of hand, we need to be careful going forward. They're plotting something, we just don't know what. Nevertheless, you did well. Perhaps, in time, you will become a blademaster like your father."
The hot and dry wind of the Gerudo desert kicked up debris, causing it to swirl around their clothes. "Return to the hideout. I'll take care of the body," he said, extending his hand to offer a shake. "You've proven yourself worthy of becoming an officially recognized footsoldier." With a firm handshake, Zal'Kaz departed, making his way up the treacherous path of the Karua Valley. As he climbed, he traversed the rough sandy terrain and scrambled up rocky ledges. The deeper he went, the more he encountered paper talismans strung up on ropes, swaying in the desert wind. Even rocks and boulders were adorned with these symbols, each one a testament to the clan's unwavering commitment to their mission.
He entered a tall circular room cut out from the cliffside, many walls were adorned with large banners carrying the Yiga symbol, and in the center was a small pedestal encircled by eight torches. He walked up to a nearby wall and cupped his hands over each other, a red light began to glow from his hands, growing bigger and brighter. With a flash, he vanished and appeared on the other side. It was natural for members of his clan to enter as no one besides his clan knew how to use this ability.
He entered the hideout, feeling the cool air around him. Crossing a small wooden bridge and red carpet, he jumped down and was greeted by another Yiga Blademaster. "Greetings, I assume everything went accordingly?" He asked.
"Yes, I am now officially recognized as a Yiga Clan member," Zal'Kaz replied with a bow.
"Very well, I have been informed that Master Kohga would like to see you," he said before he tapped on the wall, causing it to tremble before slowly descending. Inside was a small elevator shaft, with a lever to control it. The entrance is hidden away as that is our true main base. Outsiders tend to sneak in, so we built a front upper level to deceive these people.
Zal'Kaz walked into the room, grabbing the lever with both hands, and with a grunt, he pulled it inward. The subtle sounds of gears turning as the lift jolted to life. As it slowly made its descent, he felt the air around him begin to cool. As the room opened up and the lift stopped, he stepped out. Hundreds of Yiga clan members sat at tables chatting and eating, two masked Blademasters noticed him stepping out into the open.
He looked around the room, red banners covered the walls with the Yiga symbol. Red and yellow lanterns hung against the hall, illuminating the room with a dim light. The two guards walked up to him, "Welcome back, we will escort you to Master Kohga's quarters."
"Very well," he nodded, taking off his mask and clipping it on his on-body suit. He knew it was tradition for new recruits to take off their mask when presenting themselves to Master Kohga for the first time. When new recruits join, they are not permitted to meet Master Kohga until their trial mission is successful. He's heard stories of Master Kohga's unique personality, but also that his strength is not to be underestimated.
To serve the calamity was nothing but an honor to him, he swore that he would do anything to ensure his revival. As a child, he wanted to be a Blademaster like his father, perhaps even more. Blademasters were a step up from the common Yiga footsoldiers, they were more than guards to the clan. They were the ones called to assassinate powerful people who were labeled a threat to Calamity Ganon and the clan. Most Blademasters start as footsoldiers, doing missions such as thievery, and less important assassinations, such as spies. They were also spies themselves, using a technique to disguise themselves as the common traveler.
One of the Blademasters knocked on a heavy set of wooden doors. "Master Kohga, you have a visitor."
"Come in," a voice came in, sounding sluggish.
"Pardon the intrusion," he said before pushing the doors open. The room was decorated with red walls with strange swirling patterns, red lanterns hung from the ceiling. In the center was an extravagant red chase where Master Kohga sat. Above his was a white banner holding the Yiga eye.
Master Kohga lay back, his arms behind his head and his feet crossed. He stretched outward. He donned the standard Yiga attire - a red body suit with grey accents on the shoulders and knees, which emphasized his pudgy belly. His waist was adorned with a belt featuring three white eyes, while his metal shoulder pads and upper-body harness were embellished with the same motif. His arms and legs were adorned with cuffs sporting purple rings, much like his high collar. His black hair was wrapped in white bandages, making it appear tall. He wore a Yiga mask with six upward-sprouting horns.
Zal'Kaz kneels with his right fist on the ground. The Blademaster stood beside him, "Forgive me for waking you but this is Zal'Kaz, he is a new recruit that successfully carried out the trial."
Master Kohga leaned forward, sitting straighter. "Zal'Kaz, that name sounds familiar."
"This is the son of Salean and Razeen," the Yiga member informed.
"Oh!" Master Kohga's head jerked up, he tried to push himself up only to fall back down. "Er, could you help me up?"
"R-Right away Master Kohga," the guard rushed over and helped him off the chase.
"So you're their son, eh?" He said as he observed the young boy standing in front of him, "Y'know, you have the same seriousness as your father. Your parents were highly respected in the clan, so it pains me that they have left this world. I'm not... really good with this whole death stuff." He scratches his neck before continuing, "I think they would be proud of you so, welcome to the clan!" He held out his hand which Zal'Kaz reluctantly shook.
The meeting with Master Kohga baffled him, he was so... informal and laid back. He expected the leader of his clan to be someone who devoted his time to making sure the demon king's revival was absolute, yet here he was napping. He couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment, but he would let it slide for now.
Master Kohga paused before springing to action, "Oh! I almost forgot, your mother wanted to gift you something when you joined."
"A... gift?" Zal'Kaz raised his eyebrow in question. He did not expect his mother to leave such a thing, she was not that type of person. "What kind of a gift?"
"A weapon," Master Kohga replied as he was rummaging through drawers and cabinets. "Your mother, like your father was respected in the clan. So much so that we even forged her a unique weapon. She wanted to pass it down to you so that- where is it?"
"I believe it was on the top shelf, Master Kohga," the guard said.
"Oh, that's right!" He stretched out his body as far as it could go, finally grasping what appeared to be a handle sticking out, "Here we go." He turned around to reveal a large sickle, similar to the classic Yiga esthetic. The blade was made of a polished silver alloy that was sharpened to the tip. Just like the Yiga's sickles, their indelible crescent-moon shape stuck out. A series of small spikes ran along the back of the blade, making for devastating strikes in close-quarters combat. The handle was wrapped in black leather and featured intricate silver designs that were aesthetically pleasing to look at. The pummel was weighted, seemingly allowing it to deliver powerful strikes.
Master Kohga held out the blade for Zal'Kaz to hold. Once he reached and grabbed the sickle, it almost dropped to the ground from its weight. As he looked at the weapon, he saw a Yiga symbol etched into the side of the blade. "Er, perhaps it's a bit too heavy for you to wield for now. Don't worry, I'm sure with some training, you'll be able to use it!"
"How was my mother able to wield such a weapon, as a footsoldier no less?" Zal'Kaz asked.
"I have no idea, she just did. She was quite graceful with it as well," he replied, looking at the blade.
"I see," he said, tracing the blade with his fingers. "This silver, it's not common to find in the desert. How did you get this material?"
"I dunno, I wasn't the one who made it," he shrugged. "But, I do remember some of my members stealing from a merchant cart down in Zora's Domain."
"Zora's Domain!? Isn't that on the other side of Hyrule!?" Zal'Kaz questioned.
"Yes, those aquatic basterds never even saw us coming!" He roared with laughter.
"R-Right," he replied. He's heard of the Zora but has never seen them before. From what he has heard, their a graceful aquatic race far from the other side of Hyrule. They could live in and out of water freely and were known for their beautiful architecture and silver weapons. Other than that, he has never encountered one in his life.
"So, any more questions?" he asks.
"No, I belive that is all."
"Alright, you may take your leave. I'll leave this here until you have the strength to wield it," he moves back to his chase with a satisfied sigh.
"Follow me," the guard motions for him to follow. They crossed the hall into the common area where the chatter of other members was heard.
Rows of members lined tables, some had food others chattered. "Hey, you! Over here!" One of the members waved Zal'Kaz over. He was a relatively young man with short dark hair and green eyes. Zal'Kaz's eyebrow twitched, something about the man irked him. However, he did not want to leave a bad impression; so he walked over to the man and sat next to him. "So, you're the new guy?"
Zal'Kaz looked at him with repulsion as he saw the half-chewed food in his mouth as it flew out when he talked. "Disgusting," he thinks to himself. "Y-Yes, I just officially joined the clan today. My name is Zal'Kaz, it will be nice to know you."
The man's eyes widened, "You're named after the ancient Sheikah monks from ten thousand years ago!?"
Zal'Kaz scowled, "Yes, my name is a mockery of Sheikah monks of old. My parents expect me to become powerful in the clan so I can be a message to all the monks that most likely don't exist."
"Geez, that's rough buddy!" The man tries to put his arm on my back which Zal'Kaz slaps away with a sneer.
"Don't touch me."
"Okay, okay! I was just being friendly!" He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Well, my name is Leif Green! It's nice to meet you."
"Same, and I didn't come here to make friends, I came here to ensure Ganon's revival." He said.
"Whatever you say, playing hard to get at I see," he rubbed his chin with a smirk.
Zal'Kaz scoffs, "Yeah right."
"So, who are your parents?" He asks.
"Why do you want to know?" Zal'Kaz narrows his eyebrows. In truth, he already knew this question was going to be asked.
"Because you mentioned that you were named to mock the Sheikah. The only ones who would do such a thing must be Yiga clan members themselves," He said before taking a sip of water from a glass.
"Salean and Razeen, if you must know."
Leif spits out his drink before going into a coughing fit, "What!? Your parents are the Salean and Razeen!?"
Zal'Kaz covers Leif's mouth, "Not so loud! I don't need more attention!"
He gave a silent nod before Zal'Kaz released him. "I can't believe your their son! It does explain your behavior though," he said.
"Give him a break, Leif." A new voice rang out as a hand playfully shoved him. "Sorry about him, he doesn't know when to shut up." Her white hair flowed down her back. The right side of her hair was braided, falling down her shoulder. Her eyes shined a stunning blue as she gave a friendly smile.
"And who are you?" he asks, folding my arms.
"Kotta, that's my name," she said as she sat down beside Leif. Zal'Kaz did not know what to think of the two. He's spent a lifetime dedicated to training and Ganon and these people didn't seem to take any of this seriously.
"So, what's your story?" Leif asked as he scooped up some of the remaining scraps of food on his dish.
"You don't need to know that," Zal'Kaz huffed out.
Kotta stared at me with a frown before looking at Leif to which he shrugged. She sighed, "I was once a Sheikah if you couldn't tell by my white hair. Since the Great Calamity struck, I wanted to help Hyrule. But everything I tried to do was frowned upon. Why would I associate myself with people who would accept me? So, I turned to people who accepted me; waiting for a dead hero to save Hyrule seemed pointless."
"So, you didn't join to support Ganon?" he furrowed his eyebrow.
She looked at him incredulously, "What's with all this Ganon obsession!? Yeah, I support Ganon, but there is more to life than Ganon."
"You dare suggest that Ganon's resurrection is not of absolute priority!?" he shouts, gaining everyone's attention. "I simply do not understand! I spent a lifetime dedicating my life to Ganon's resurrection that I had to sacrifice everything!" He shot out of his seat and began to walk away.
"Where do you think you're going!?" she shouted.
"Away from all this nonsense!"
---
He sat there on top of a cliffside near the top of the Yiga clan entrance, his legs dangling on the side as he peered into the cold night sky. He thought back to the conversation, mumbling bitterly under his breath. "I've dedicated my life, they suggest that my parents were wrong!? That the Demon King isn't important, what blasphemy! The way they talked, they acted like they had no respect for Ganon at all!"
He closed his eyes, and he could see himself as a seven-year-old, multiple cuts and open gashes laced his arms. He stood in front of his imposing father with a sword in hand. "Again," he says in a gruff voice.
"But father! We've been at this for hours, I'm tired and I need a break!" the younger Zal'Kaz pleaded.
His father only grunted, "Foolish boy, people will not give mercy on you; they will kill you and you will die. The elimination of your existence will determine if the Calamity's revival is successful. I will not allow anything to alter its course, all it takes is one death, one mishap to change the outcome. Your death could mean the death of Ganon."
"But-"
A loud smack rang out across the desert as Zal'Kaz put a hand against his bruised cheek. "Enough talking boy! Now raise your weapon once more, unless you wish to go against Ganon!" Both father and son ready their blades once more.
As Zal'Kaz opened his eyes, he was brought back to the present moment. The memories of his past training with his father were still vivid in his mind, but he shook his head, clearing the thoughts away. He focused on the present - the cold night air, the sound of the wind whistling through the cliffside, and the entrance of the Yiga clan below him.
"Zal'Kaz, what are you doing here?" A female voice asked, causing him to jolt. "Don't tell me you're still sulking," she sighed.
He could visualize her rolling her eyes, "I simply don't understand why you lot act like the resurrection of Ganon is a game! The way my father and my mother described the Yiga clan, trained me to become part of the Yiga clan; yet when I lay my eyes upon this clan, all I see is a mere joke. They held the clan in the utmost respect and expect me to do the same."
"Y'know, you talk kind of funny. Like your trying to replicate how people used to talk a long time ago," she said with a teasing voice.
He scoffs, "Oh please, it's merely how my father taught me."
"You know, it's rude to face the other way while talking to some-"
"Are you here just to taunt me?" Zal'Kaz cut her off. "What do you even want?"
"What I want, is to get to know you! You certainly made an impression with that yelling." She smirked, placing her hands on her hips.
He shot up and turned around, his face scrunched up his eyes bore into hers, "I suggested you cease your annoying prattle."
"Or what?" she said while leaning in, unfazed.
"I have several wounds on my body, proof of my dedication; but I have yet to see a mark on yours," he smirks.
She gasped before glaring, "Don't you dare talk like that, not all wounds are physical!"
"I've spent eight years of nonstop training! To be called that these years don't mean anything, it's absurd!" he shouted.
She gritted her teeth before sighing, "This is getting us nowhere."
"Agreed," he said while crossing his hands.
They both sat in silence, admiring the frosty breeze against their faces. Kotta turned to look at him, her hair gently blowing in the wind, "So you've really been at this for seven years?"
"Yes, after I reached eight, my parents put me through rigorous training. Five hours of non-stop training for years, it was not an easy thing," he replied. "A lot of expectation has been built upon me, especially after their deaths. I am the son of people who are respected in the Yiga clan, I cannot fail them." He inhales while clenching his fists, "Yet when I see everyone relaxing, joking, and being lenient; I can't help but show my frustration. It makes me question my father's and mother's teachings, or if it was the mark that made them strict."
She raised her eyebrow, "A mark?"
He grunted, "Yes, they believed it was a sign from Ganon. That I was chosen to serve him and only him. Like that accursed appointed knight that served that girl one hundred years ago."
"That girl, you mean Princess Zelda?" she asked.
He scowled at the sky, "The very same, the amount of hate I have for those go beyond the Yiga clan, and yet I cannot understand why."
"Now you have my interest, could I see the scar?" she asks.
"Of course, but it is on my chest; do you still wish to see it?" he asks, putting a hand on his chest.
"Yes, a little chest won't bother me. I've seen worse in the clan."
Zal'Kaz chuckled, "Oh, that's a story I must hear."
She smirks, "Maybe for another time."
He nods and closes his eyes and a moment later a puff of red smoke envelops him before disappearing just as quickly. Kotta's eyes widened, there he stood with a bare chest, and multiple scars covered his body. Some looked like stab wounds while others looked like deep cuts, she couldn't help but gasp at the sight. "Wow, that's just... I can't put it into words. It doesn't really suit a fifteen-year-old."
"How did you know I was fifteen?" he asked.
"Oh, I was right? I was just guessing, there was no way you were older than fifteen with that body and face, yet those scars say otherwise," she commented.
"Thank you?" he couldn't tell if that was meant as a compliment or an insult.
Her eyes looked over at her before spotting the dark mark in the center of his chest. It was dark, spreading outward like vines or the cracks of broken glass. It gently pulsed, switching between a dark purple and black simultaneously. "Woah, how did you-"
"I don't know, I was born with it; it's why my parents thought I was Ganon's chosen," he bitterly laughed. "Sometimes I question what would happen if I hadn't had this or had been born into the Yiga clan at all."
"I don't mean to come across as rude, but your life sucks."
"I don't even know how to respond to that," he replies.
"You don't need too," she says with a yawn. "Anyway, it's late; we should get some sleep."
"I agree, you don't mind showing me the sleeping quarters?" he asked.
She grinned, "Just follow me!"
---
"You will be traveling to Central Hyrule to gather ancient parts, our research section has run low on resources. There have been reports of destroyed Guardians so we want you to dismantle and scavenge them for parts," A Yiga Blademaster explained to us. "To some of you who lived in the desert, this experience will be new. Remember, the closer you are to the castle, the more guardians are active. We will have a separate team to keep watch for any active guardians."
One of the nearby Yiga members raised their hand, "Sir, what would we do if one of them activates?"
"If one activates, alert all teams and begin to attack, preferably the eye. Our lord Ganon may have taken over these machines but that does not mean that they won't try and kill you. Any other questions? he asked. After no other response, he nods, "Alright, wagons will be prepared tomorrow; so get ready in the morning."
After the meeting and everyone departed, Zal'Kaz heard a voice call out to him. "Hey! Zal'Kaz, it's you!" To his dismay, he recognized the voice coming from Lief.
"Don't call me that," he grunted.
"Then what should I call you?" He asked.
"Just Zal, only Master Kohga and the Blademasters should call me by my full name," he explained as he wrapped a red bandage around his arm.
"What's the bandage for? You're not planning on fighting with your hands, are you?" He pointed to Zal's hand.
"No, I'm using the sickles like everyone else. I don't have gloves so I'm improvising."
"That's cool, it seems like we are on the same team. I hope we can get along," he sheepishly rubs his head.
Zal pauses before turning around, "Wait, what!?"
"You didn't hear? It's you, me, Kotta, and a few others. It's the perfect opportunity to get to know each other!"
"Great," he muttered before he tied off a small knot. "So, it's all three of us?"
He grinned, "Yup!"
"You might as well get used to it," Kotta calls outward, sheathing her sickle. "What are you boys up to?"
"Oh, just family bonding!" Lief grins, patting what would have been Zal's shoulder but finding none. Looking over, he finds that Zal already stood away from the man.
Zal scoffs before standing up, "So, we are a group?"
"Still a bundle of joy, huh?" Kotta shakes her head with a teasing smirk. "But to answer your question, yes. Sorry to disappoint you, but we'll be working together."
Lief laid back on his bed, resting his hands behind his head on the pillow. "Man, tomorrow will be interesting. I've never got to see an actual guardian before, I've heard plenty of horror stories before; many good people died. All I had was simple thievery missions, nothing as grand as this." He turned his head toward Zal, "Yet you got this for your first mission; pretty impressive."
Kotta chuckles, "Amazing what reputable parents can do for you." An awkward silence filled the air as the realization of what she had said hit her. "Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-"
"It's fine," he cut her off. "It has been a month, and I'm over it."
"Oh... Well, I- I'm just gonna go- and- er... yeah," she awkwardly declared before rushing out of the room. He watched before walking to his bed and allowed exhaustion to take him.