Disclaimer: I don't own Yakitate! Japan or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
This is yet ANOTHER oneshot in the "Trials Of The Wild" series, so if you haven't read the other ones before this one, please check them out first!
Warning: Discussions of amnesia, canon-divergent due to Champions being resurrected post-Ganon's defeat, takes place post-BOTW, Yakitate! Japan and BOTW spoilers are mentioned, canon-typical violence
A Little Training
Summary: Our heroes start preparing for their journeys across Hyrule, and some training is needed. Actually: Lots of training is needed.
Kai Suwabara surveyed the battlefield in front of him. In preparation for his eventual trip to Zora's Domain, Kai knew that he wanted to be ready. Same went with many of his fellow bakers, as well as the Champions themselves.
Monica was off to one side, trading hits with the sword against Urbosa. Mipha and Daruk squared off against Kawachi and Shachioko, while Sidon, Yunobo, Riju and Teba were all fighting each other. Kai looked up to see Revali and Meister flying above…
Just in time for the two to fire arrows at Kai.
Kai easily snapped Meister's arrow in half with a swing of his katana, before dodging Revali's arrow. He noticed Revali frown, before firing several more times. Kai barely had enough time to quickly slash all the arrows away, before dodging another arrow from Meister.
"You're better than I thought with dodging." Kai heard Revali call. "But can you dodge this?"
Kai noticed that Revali's new arrow was none other than a bomb arrow, aimed right at him. As Revali let the arrow fly, Kai quickly rushed out of the way – and ran straight into Yunobo.
"Oof!" Yunobo helped Kai straighten himself, offering him an apologetic glance. "Sorry!"
"No need." Kai reassured him. "Want to team up against the others?"
"U-uh, sure!" Yunobo's eyes widened, but he nodded quickly, quickly activating his defensive shield as Revali fired an arrow at him.
How asinine, Revali thought as Teba fired an arrow at him, and then another at Meister. In the midst of training so far, he'd seen Kawachi flailing around like there was no tomorrow, Shachioko trying to beat Daruk and clearly failing, and Meister Kirisaki trying to fly properly to avoid attacks, but…
Revali dodged Teba's arrow, and he heard a yelp leave the General Manager of Pantasia as he swung his body to the left, narrowing dodging the arrow Teba shot in his direction. "A friendly reminder: Don't put anyone in the infirmary, accidentally or not!"
Teba offered Meister an apologetic glance before ascending, firing another three arrows at Kai this time. Kai dodged the first two, but slashed the third one in half before it could hit him.
"Trying to continuously dodge isn't going to help you." Revali pointed out as Meister floated in the air by his side, the man still hanging onto his paraglider with both hands. "You'll tire yourself out that way."
"What else do you suggest?" Meister raised a brow (he hadn't been wearing his mask today). "Closing in on them and risking getting hit up-close?"
"When you're in battle, you need to finish the fight quickly. We were lucky when we went up against that Hinox, having everyone around to help, but we won't always be so lucky." The Rito Champion managed, sighing lightly. "Of course, you know that well-enough, considering your near-death."
He saw Meister visibly frown. "That was harsh, but a fair point." He managed, after a moment. He paused, swooping in close to Daruk, before firing a few arrows. Daruk couldn't dodge, but he did put up his shield in time.
As expected. Revali observed as Meister managed to capture the wind's updraft and fly out of the way before anyone could try to hit him. He learns fast.
He looked around. Monica was doing well, now going up against Kuroyanagi and Mipha together. Kawachi and Shachioko were fighting each other, with Yunobo and Sidon cheering them on. Even Urbosa, Riju, Teba and Daruk were fighting Kai all at once.
And…
Wait.
Where was Azuma?
Revali frowned, looking around. Azuma wasn't here. A groan left him. "Has anyone seen the headband-wearing baker around here?"
"What?" Kawachi paused, almost getting put off-balance from an attack Shachioko attempted, before looking around. "Wait, you're right! Where is he?!"
"Azuma said he wasn't feeling well." Revali heard Meister speak up. "I believe he's resting in his room."
Revali groaned. "Really?" This was the third day in a row since the ball. And if Azuma was going anywhere outside of the castle, that boy needed to at least know combat basics! "I'm going after him."
"Tell him that dinner's going to be in about two hours from now!" Daruk called as Revali swooped down, about to head into the castle halls. "It'll be bad if the little guy misses some good food!"
"I will!" Revali then looked towards Meister, calling, "And remember what I told you! You need to finish the battle quickly!"
With that, Revali rushed into the castle halls, deciding to check on Azuma. He thought he heard Kawachi call out to him, but he ignored him, knowing too well that Azuma Kazuma needed a good talking-to.
Sidon noticed that Meister grew tired of training, and he suspected it was due to Meister accidentally flying into the wall after Revali left to go after Azuma (although the impact was surprisingly light). Mipha was quick to heal him, and it was Sidon who got by his side after Meister reassured the others that he was fine. Both the Zora Prince and General Manager of Pantasia were grateful for the opportunity to speak with each other (Dorephan and Muzu went back straight to Zora's Domain after the ball a few nights ago), now that training was over. For the sake of and excuse for privacy, Sidon offered to accompany Meister to his guest room.
"If it wasn't for you hitting the wall, I think you'd be the least beaten out of all of us." Sidon chuckled, and Meister laughed softly before speaking up.
"I'm not so sure. Even if I didn't hit the wall, I'm pretty sure I'd be the most beaten. Especially if Revali stuck around."
It was adorable, Sidon thought, seeing him like this.
Both of them always managed to sneak a couple moments to each other so far this week, talking with each other. Sidon was always so curious to learn about this 'Japan' and 'Pantasia' and more about Meister himself, and Meister was equally curious about Zora's Domain and how life worked there. Because Hyrule Castle was so huge, it was easy to find an empty balcony or a hallway that not many people frequented to speak in.
Sidon was pretty sure he and Meister did a pretty good job of keeping things private, considering the many friends and allies that were also in this castle right now.
"Will you be alright in Gerudo Desert?" Sidon frowned. "I'm sure it's hot out there. I trust that Riju and Urbosa will help you figure out a way to deal with that, but what about getting into the town?"
"I'm familiar with playing dress-up for my work as General Manager, Sidon." A soft chuckle left Meister at that, a smile flickering on his face. "I literally wear fancy clothes everyday."
Sidon stared at him. "Including silky traditional Gerudo garb?" What did people in this 'Japan' typically wear, anyway? Hylians were fascinating, but the bakers and their world called 'Japan' were also so interesting to learn about! Sidon kept learning more
Meister quickly shook his head. "Nothing as exposed as that, I admit. I fear the admirers I have would faint upon the sight of my exposed self. And personally, I'd be mortified to be caught like that without warning. However," He smiled lightly, "I'll bear the disguise, for the sake of the trip. I'm sure it'll be the least of our problems. And I don't want to get Monica, Riju or Urbosa in trouble while we're there, either, so I want to do this well."
Sidon tried to imagine a bunch of fans swooning at the sight of Meister. He must be quite popular back in Japan, right? He couldn't stop himself from smiling at that. "That's the spirit! I'm sure you'll be fine."
"Thank you, Sidon. I appreciate the encouragement." Meister paused, before asking, "I know that Zora's Domain is pretty far from Gerudo Town. Have any Gerudo ever visited Zora's Domain?"
Sidon shook his head. "We didn't get many visitors for the past several years, due to the rainstorm caused by Calamity Ganon controlling Vah Ruta on top of all of his minions heavily guarding one of the main paths in. However, the few that braved their way through were often a mix of people; mainly other Hylians, but we did have one or two Goron or Gerudo visitors. It's better now since Ganon was defeated, of course. In terms of the actual clothing, however, I've seen Link in traditional Gerudo clothing before, when he visited the Domain briefly after visiting Gerudo Town." Sidon mused, tilting his head to the side.
"Really?" Meister raised a brow. "How did that go? Did you recognize it was him, when you saw him in the attire?"
"No!" He put a hand to his own chin, a quiet hum leaving him. "I was surprised when I realized it was him! If it wasn't for the Shiekah Slate he had on hand, I would've thought he was just a Hylian lady in Gerudo garb."
A soft chuckle left Meister at that, and Sidon realized oh, it was endearing. "I hope I'm not too unrecognizable then, the next time I see you. I'd hate to blend in too much."
"Isn't blending in the point of a disguise?" Sidon pointed out.
"Perhaps so." Meister smiled at him. "But…after this is over, maybe I can come visit Zora's Domain. From what I've heard from you, Mipha and the others describing it, it sounds beautiful."
Sidon smiled lightly at that. "After you come back, I'll make sure that happens."
It didn't take long for Revali to find Azuma's room. It had a literal note on the front door reading "Keep out" on it, so it seemed pretty obvious where Azuma was. Revali sighed, knocking on the door once.
"Azuma?"
No response. The Rito Champion resisted the urge to roll his eyes as a scoff left him.
"Oh, come on. You haven't come out for training all week and dinner's in about two hours or less from now."
Still no response.
Revali huffed, before deciding to just barge into Azuma's room. If Azuma wasn't going to come out, he'd drag him out himself!
As he opened the door, what he found in there was Azuma Kazuma, sitting on the ground of his room and leaning back against the wall, knees bunched up to his chest. His head snapped up at
"What are you doing!?" Azuma yelped, twisting as if to back up from Revali, but realized he couldn't from where he was.
"Checking in on you because you've avoided training all week." Revali huffed, glaring at him. Sure, the poor boy was probably traumatized from losing his memory, and sure, that probably sucked, but still. "What are you moping about? You could have at least answered me from behind the door, you know.
"Sorry." The other's voice sounded so soft, this time, that Revali could barely hear him. He noticed Azuma let his legs stretch as he looked up at him, before asking his voice a little louder, "Are you going to ask if I remembered anything yet?"
"No." Revali himself didn't need to know whatever the heck Azuma forgot right now. "But it is important that you learn a little combat, at least. There's still monsters out there, you know."
"Good." Azuma exhaled, leaning back against the wall. "I'm glad. I've gotten sick of that question."
"The one about your memory?" Revali frowned.
Azuma nodded, before explaining. "Everyone keeps asking me if I want to get my memory back, or if I've remembered anything yet. Especially Kawachi." Azuma sighed as he tried not to bury his head between his legs as he looked up at the Rito. "I just..I know I want my memory back. I think I do. But…it feels like a lot to handle."
"You don't have to remember." Revali pointed out. In his opinion, there were memories he wished he could permanently forget right now. "If you're a genius baker like they say, I'm sure you'd whip up some magical bread or something without even remembering the recipe at some point."
"I know I can bake, Revali." Azuma frowned. "But what if I never remember the exact recipe to make what I need to get home?"
"Then make a new recipe." Revali groaned, shook his head. "Getting yourself stuck in this box of making the one perfect thing and moping about forgetting it isn't serving you or anyone else. Do you understand that?"
"But–"
"Enough buts, Azuma." Revali looked him in the eyes and locked their gazes together. "You're not obliged to remember anything just because the others ask you to. If you want to work towards remembering things, recipes included, fine. If you want to find a way home, that's fine too. And it's fine if you want to do both those things. But don't do it because someone else expects it of you."
Azuma went quiet. Revali stared him down, noticing how the young man's eyes widened as if he took in that information. Before he could say anything else, however, someone else did.
"What the hell, Revali!?" The two turned to see Kawachi in the doorway, face reddening as he stared down Revali. "Are you trying to make sure we don't get home!?"
Kawachi was pissed.
First, Azuma lost his memory and he and the others were all stuck here in Hyrule. Sure, people were nice at least, but they'd gotten into some dangerous situations already! And Kawachi already missed his family and really wanted to get back home.
And now…this?
Revali frowned. "You know, it's rude to eavesdrop, Kawachi." He snapped. "How long were you there?"
"Long enough to hear the last part." Kawachi resisted grabbing Revali by the arm or shoulder right now. For him to suggest that Azuma was better off forgetting him and the others – "Azuma has to recover his memory, Revali! That's the point of all of us going all over Hyrule!"
"As far as I recall," Revali managed, brows furrowing, "All I heard you discuss were ways to find a way home, and all of you decided to do that by baking bread, hence the trips for ingredient. You know there's more than one solution, right? Or are all of you so narrow-minded?"
"Easy for you to say." Kawachi looked him in the eye, but Revali didn't falter. "Azuma's my friend!"
"And would a friend bug him constantly about his memories when he's so uncomfortable about it?" Revali's sharp words cut into Kawachi's speech. "He doesn't know you. He barely remembers you or the others. Give him some slack!"
"But…!"
"Stop!"
Kawachi and Revali froze as their gazes snapped towards Azuma, who glared at them through teary eyes. Azuma now stood, staring them down, and even as tears threatened to spill out the corners of his eyes, it was too clear, from his tense shoulders and posture, and how strangled his voice sounded, that he was upset.
Kawachi swallowed. This was not how he hoped this would go. "Azuma…"
"Just stop, okay!?" Azuma shook his head, jaw clenching lightly. "I'm just as scared about my memory loss as you and the others are! But I'm tired of you asking and depending on me to fix trying to get back home alone. I'm tired of being talked about as this genius baker when I don't even know or remember my own skills! And I'm tired of being looked at as the one to get us home! So just stop it, okay!?"
Kawachi would've opened his mouth to say something. To apologize. To reassure Azuma that things would be okay in time, or something, but….he didn't get the chance.
Azuma was already out the door before he could say anything. Kawachi's hands balled into fists, before he looked towards the Rito Champion.
"This is all your fault," Kawachi snarled.
Revali kept his gaze on him, cold as he asked, "Is it mine, really?"
Kawachi ignored him and ran after Azuma.
Azuma wasn't sure where he was running, but he needed to get out of here.
He wanted to go home. And maybe he wanted to remember things. But he couldn't bear being in this castle right now and sticking around with everyone else leaning on him for help. Maybe later, but not now.
"Whoa, little guy!" Azuma heard Daruk call. "Where are you running off to!?"
"None of your business!" Azuma knew it was rude, and he regretted yelling that the moment he did so, but he needed to get out of here.
"Azuma!"
Azuma tried to fight the tears flowing down his cheeks, wiping them with the back of his arm, but that was when he felt himself collide with someone, and he hit the ground after that, groaning. Azuma swallowed, his head darting up towards the other person to apologize, when he realized it was none other than Link.
"Are you…" Link cleared his throat, his voice a little hoarse as he was about to finish his question, but Azuma shook his head.
"I'm not okay." He managed, getting up after Link offered him a hand. "Can I just…I need to get out of here. Do you have anything that can take us outside the castle?"
Link frowned, but then nodded, taking out a glowing slate with an eye embedded in the back. Azuma guessed that was what the others called the 'Shiekah Slate,' as far as he understood. "Any place you want to go?"
"Just as long as it's not close to the castle." Azuma managed.
Link nodded, and then tapped his fingers against the tablet a few times. A soft, glowing light appeared around the both of them –
And before Azuma knew it, they were gone.
"Azuma!"
Kawachi had just turned the corner to see Azuma and Link vanish together in a flash of light. He barely covered his eyes in time to avoid blinding himself, and as the light faded, he uncovered his eyes.
Azuma and Link were gone.
"Azuma?"
No response.
"Azuma!"
"Will you stop screaming, already!?" Kawachi turned to see Revali storm over, a huff leaving his beak. "Where did Azuma go?"
"He…Link…" Kawachi started, but that was when he heard other footsteps. He and Revali turned to see none other than Daruk, Mipha, Shachioko, Riju, and Suwabara run over.
"We saw the little guy pass by before you did." Daruk managed, before looking around. He frowned, realizing that Azuma really was nowhere in sight. "What happened?"
"We had a bit of a fight." Kawachi swallowed after he said it. "It's…complicated. Azuma ran off, and Revali and I went after him, and…well, Azuma left with Link?"
"How exactly did they leave, though?" Shachioko raised a brow, frowning. "Did they just jump out a window, or…?"
"Of course not." Revali glared at him. "They used Link's Shiekah to go elsewhere. Wherever they went, they're far from this castle."
"What!?" Kawachi noticed Revali roll his eyes at the collective exclamations from the others.
"Link could be anywhere," Mipha breathed, looking between the others, "And if Azuma went with him, that means it's just the two of them by themselves. Will they be alright?"
"Link defeated Ganon, Mipha." Revali pointed out. "I'm pretty sure he and Azuma will be fine, unless they do something ridiculously foolish."
Shachioko tried not to grimace. "I'm pretty sure that's not helping, Revali…"
Kawachi noticed Riju glance at the others, before speaking up.
"Can everyone please take a deep breath?" Riju stared down everyone as she spoke up. Despite her being one of the shortest of the group, she spoke with such authority that no one could ignore her–befitting of the current Gerudo Chieftan. The others looked between each other, and some of them at least took a deep breath as Riju kept speaking. "Azuma left with Link, correct? Link has the Shiekah Slate with him, and it can take them virtually anywhere, including this castle. They just need time to cool down on their own before they come back."
"Riju's right." Kawachi heard Suwabara mutter. "We can't stay heated like this to get anywhere." He then turned his head, his stare cutting into both Revali and Kawachi's sightlines. "And both of you should cool off, while we're on that topic."
"The whole lot of you need to." Revali huffed. "Not just us." He didn't hesitate to turn his back to the others and storm off.
Kawachi watched Revali go, before he leaned back against the closest wall, closing his eyes. "It's my fault." He muttered. "Azuma…he said, before he ran, that he was upset at us asking him about his forgotten memories. And he mentioned that he was getting sick of being near-solely relied on to get back home."
"Oh." He heard Shachioko numbly mutter. "Yeah, I can…I can see how that would've ticked him off." Kawachi opened his eyes to see Shachioko look towards him, frowning lightly. "If I were him and woke up finding out that I was the main one relied on to get back home, with no memory of anyone else involved, I'd feel the pressure."
"And we placed too much on him." Kawachi ended.
He heard a 'hmph' leave Suwabara, before he walked off. "At least you know what you did wrong."
Kawachi could only close his eyes again.
Azuma…are you going to be okay out there?
Would they even have a chance of being friends again, regardless of Azuma's memory?