Subdued Ceremony
A young man with blond hair, blue eyes, and a medium build was knelt before the princess as he was her knight. He wore tan pants with a blue tunic denoting him as also one of five champions and had the Master Sword sheathed on his back. This was Link.
The princess who stood before him was a young woman with long, blond hair, green eyes, and a more petite build than her knight. She wore finery denoting her as the princess of Hyrule, but she was also the commander of the five Champions. This was Zelda.
"Hero of Hyrule, chosen by the sword that seals the darkness…"
The princess' voice echoed among the Sacred Grounds. It was soft and gentle; however, there was also clear distraction and trouble behind it. Even with his head bowed, Link could feel the stinging stares of his fellow champions on his back. Silently, he bore Zelda's every wore.
"You have shown unflinching bravery and skill in the face of darkness and adversity." Zelda mumbled. "You have proven yourself worthy of the blessings of the Goddess Hylia. Whether skyward bound, adrift in time, or stepped in the glowing embers of twilight…
The sacred blade is forever bound to the soul of the hero. We pray for your protection, and we hope that the two of you will grow stronger together, as one." The princess set down her raised hand and heaved a long sigh. "Forged in the long distant past, the sword that seals…"
"Gee, this is uplifting." Daruk's loud voice cut through Zelda's quiet prayer. "She's making it sound like we already lost."
Daruk was a large Goron with a white mane and blue eyes. He wore his Champions grab wrapped around his torso.
"— Ancient stow is bound to the hero —"
"Wasn't this your idea?" Revali sarcastically sneered. "You're the one who wanted to designate the appointed knight with all the ceremonial pomp, grandeur, and nonsense we could muster. Honestly, I think I'm on the same page as the princess."
Revali was a navy blue and white feathered Rito with green eyes. He wore a red and golden garb of his people while wearing the champions garb as a scarf.
"— that the two of you would be stronger together —"
"Oh, give it a rest." Urbosa's strong voice came next. "That boy is a living remainder of her own failure."
Urbosa was the chief of the Gerudo, so she naturally had tanned skin and vibrant red hair which was tied in a high ponytail. Her outfit was an elaborately designed breastplate, and a blue skirt given to her as a symbol of her role as a Champion.
Link felt his heart freeze as he took in what the Gerudo Chief has said. Suddenly, the princess's voice faded out, as well as all the other sounds around him, until it was but a soft whisper around his ears. He felt alone, afraid, and cold.
"Sir Link?" Zelda's voice broke him from his freezing cell sending an unsettling feeling down his neck. "We are finished with the ceremony. Would you kindly get moving with us?"
Trying his best to ignore the impatience in her voice, Link nodded and stood up. The last person among the Champions was the red and beige Zora, Mipha. She was an old friend of Link's and princess of her species. She wore her garb around her torso from the shoulder
Roxas' Diary
Day 7: Entry 1
It's been a week since I got here, and Saix told me to keep a diary. What am I supposed to write about? Well, today they told us to go to the Round Room where we met our new member, No. XIV. Was I like that when I first got here? I think I was, but I don't remember too well.
Day 8: Entry 2
Axel and I went to Twilight Town today. He taught me a lot. Before we RTC'd (Returned To the Castle), we swung by the clock tower and had some sea-salt ice cream. Axel called it the "icing on the cake" after a successful mission. Well, except there was no cake-just the ice cream.
I don't know what to write in this thing!
Day 9: Entry 3
The past few days, the other members have been showing me how to fight and do mission stuff. They also told me more about the Organization, and about myself. I still don't really get what a "heart" is. Apparently, it's a vital piece of who I am, so I've decided to cooperate. If I collect enough hearts, I can complete Kingdom Hearts, and I'll be whole.
Revali's Flap
Link stared up at the giant flying machine in the sky. "To think this was built by people."
He couldn't help but want to bow in respect for his ancestors. Link wondered what it would be like to be a Sheikah. To be wise and intelligent. To be able to create something like this. Zelda had decided to take a research trip around Hyrule, and their first destination was Rito Village.
Upon arrival, she had told him off before locking herself in her private room within the inn. Before she had closed the door, a nasty look was thrown Link's way. He sighed softly as he recollected the memory. A whirl of wind snapped him out of his thoughts.
He tensed his muscles until Revali revealed himself from beneath the stadium with his body twisting around gracefully. Link's sharp blue eyes followed his figure as he soared gently in the skies. The blue scarf around his neck fluttered in the air as he did so.
"Impressive, I know." Revali crossed his arms as he landed. "Very few can achieve a mastery of the sky, yet I have made an art of creating an updraft that allows me to soar." He swayed his wings lightly in the air. "It's considered to be quite the aerial technique… even among the Rito."
He set his wings in a heroic gesture. "With proper utilization of my superior skills..." Revali opened his wings wide as his green eyes did not leave Link's face. "I see no reason why we couldn't easily dispense with Ganon."
"I don't know what Revali's problem with me is?" Link questioned internally. "It doesn't matter that I wield this sword because it'll be all of us who take Ganon down."
The Rito leaned a little forward towards the Hylian knight. "Now then, my ability to explore the firmament is certainly to note…" Revali suddenly wheeled back to his left and leaned in slightly as he spoke to Link softly, "But let's not pardon me for being so blunt.
Let's not forget the fact that I am the most skilled archer of all the Rito. Despite these truths, it seems that I have been trapped to merely assist you. All because you have that darkness-sealing sword." Revali poked the sword's sheath slightly with his feathers.
"I mean, it's just…asinine unless you think you can prove me wrong?" After a long stare, Revali edged uncomfortably closer to Link's face. "Maybe we should just settle this one on one? But where? Oh, I know!" He gestured to the divine beast above. "How about up there!?"
"I'm confused by how that would solve anything." Link thought.
Oh, you must pardon me." Pity into Revali's voice. "I forgot you have no way of making it up to that Divine Beast on your own!" Before Link could open his mouth to respond, the Rito flew skywards elegantly. "Good luck sealing the darkness!"
Link really couldn't understand the Rito's insistence on pride over this. Still, maybe it was an initial understanding on their positions that made him let the Rito get everything out there like he does.
Roxas' Diary
Day 14: Entry 4
Me and Axel went on a mission to Twilight Town. Afterwards, we went and had ice cream again up on the clock tower. He said friends do stuff like that, or they simply laugh together. Does that mean we are friends?
Day 15: Entry 5
The other members have been teaching me more about how to fight and stuff. It's going, I guess. Every day after work, I've been meeting Axel at the clock tower to have sea-salt ice cream. It really is salty! But still sweet, too. How come it tastes so familiar?
Day 22: Entry 6
Axel is going to some place called Castle Oblivion. He told me because we're friends. He had to go home early to get ready. After he left, I noticed the word 'WINNER' on my ice cream stick. I wonder what I won… I'll ask him when I see him tomorrow.
Resolve and Grief
Link followed several feet behind the princess as she walked and ranted about the ancient Sheikah technology. She did that more than he'd expected, but he didn't mind. Link wasn't a gearhead like her, but it was still interesting to know about this mysterious power.
Plus, it felt good to get out into the world instead of being cooped up with the other knights in the barracks or training grounds. Though, he wasn't sure about this new princess/knight dynamic. Zelda didn't boss him around much, but she didn't seem to like him either.
Perhaps it was because he never spoke. It wasn't that he didn't have anything to say. Simply put, it was because there was a lot at stake. He felt it necessary to stay strong and silently bear any burden. Link scanned ahead for any threats; ready to defend her.
There was nothing as Zelda merely spoke to him. "Tell me the truth. How proficient are you in wielding that sword on your back? Legend says that an ancient voice resonates inside it. Can you hear it yet, hero?"
"Where did that come from?" Link pondered.
He shifted expressionless since he was uncertain about an ancient voice, but he had heard something. He remembered stepping up to the pedestal which was surrounded by trees and excited Koroks. Despite the Great Deku Tree's warning, he'd gripped the hilt firmly and pulled.
Then he'd felt it. An unseen force traveling up his arms, spreading through his chest, and draining the life out of his body. He recalled the horribly dizzy and weak sensation. His heart had threatened to stop altogether until the blade came free.
Once the Master Sword was Link's, his strength had returned, and he'd heard a sound emanating from the blade. Link didn't want the princess to think he was incapable, but he wouldn't break his vow of silence. He held her gaze wishing that he could understand her.
Roxas' Diary
Day 23: Entry 7
Axel left before I woke up this morning. I never got to ask him about the ice cream stick. I was partnered up with No. XIV for today's mission. Xion wore a hood the whole time and wouldn't say a word to me. Come to think of it, I didn't have a whole lot to say either. Afterwards I went and had ice cream by myself.
Day 24: Entry 8
I teamed up with No. XIV again today. We finally talked a little-Xion even said my name for the first time. Afterwards I had ice cream by myself again. The lady at the shop said you can trade the WINNER stick for an extra bar, but I can't eat more than one.
Day 25: Entry 9
Today was my third day with Xion. I've gotten to know a little more about her. That's right-she's a girl, with black hair, and she can use the Keyblade just like me! I took her out for ice cream afterwards, but I'm saving the WINNER stick. Axel deserves a reward when he gets back.
Xion wants to have ice cream with us from now on. Maybe we'll be friends.
Daruk's Mettle
The Divine Beast, Vah Rudania, climbed around Death Mountain. Its gigantic legs and robotic body moved fluently over the rocks. Hyrule zoomed past Link as he looked out to the distance. Every village was small now that he was on the tallest mountain in the country.
Hot, blazing wind tossed Link's hair around playfully. It got to the point that he was forgetting when he drank a fireproof potion. He hoped long enough, but he always did have a few spares on him. The moment he started to feel the heat, he could easily down another.
"Yeah!" Daruk cheered loudly next to Link drawing his attention. "I think I'm finally getting the hang of controlling this Divine Beast!"
Rudania let out a sharp, ear-piercing roar. This made Link, not for the first-time mind you, ponder how his fellow Champions piloted these machines.
"I tell you what, it sure is a blast piloting a toy like this around." Daruk stretched his muscular arms while Link stared at him. "Let those other champions know they better eat their gravel if they want to keep up with Daruk."
Link stopped himself from reminding the Goron that he was a champion too.
Daruk turned away from him. "Speaking of which, can you believe this view?"
Link tried to make himself agree with the fellow champion but staring at those plain brown rocks made it known that he wouldn't choose to live on Death Mountain. More power to those who liked living up here, but it wasn't for him.
"You know, I don't know a whole lot about this Calamity Ganon thing…" Daruk turned back to the Hylian knight. "…but mark my words because I'll protect this land of ours to the death!" Link smiled faintly at his effort and the unwavering loyalism in his voice.
"Right, little guy?" Daruk raised his thick arms in the air and clapped Link on the back bringing out a familiar pain from prior times. "Hey, congrats on becoming the princess's appointed knight. It's a big deal to protecting the king's daughter."
Link knew it was, but he had to admit that Zelda didn't make it easy "Just remember little guy, the princess is a strong personality… so strong that she can't quite see the range of the peaks. Ah, I'm sure you'll be fine."
Suddenly, the ground beneath them started shuddering violently. Daruk let out a confused grunt before large boulders started raining down the mountains towards Vah Rudania. With a mighty shout, Daruk placed himself in front of Link protectively.
Before the boulders hit, Daruk casted a polygon-shaped orange ball. Its powerful glow slowly fading as the Goron released his arms from his sides. The light of the shield melted away, and Daruk turned back to the young knight.
"All right, so what was I saying…" He trailed off distractedly as he looked up the mountain from where the boulders fell. "…That was a little strange. As far as I know, Death Mountain has been quiet for decades. If the mountain is shivering." He shook his head. "Forget I said anything."
The Goron studied the peaks of the mountains warily while the knight copied him.
Worry stirred in Link's heart. "Could that have been an attempt by the Calamity to get rid of me now rather than having to deal with me later?"
Roxas' Diary
Day 26: How Long?
I heard somebody sent to Castle Oblivion was terminated. Saix said it may have been Axel. I tried to ask Xigbar about it on the day's mission, and he said nothing's left of Nobodies once we're gone. It's because we have no hearts to leave behind. I don't remember much after that. They say I collapsed and wouldn't wake up...
Day 50: Xion's Seashells
I must have missed a lot. It's like I had the longest dream. I woke up to find a bunch of seashells by my pillow. I counted them-one for each day they said I was asleep. I wondered who left them there, but when I got to the clock tower, Xion gave me another one.
I held it up to my ear, and I could hear the ocean... Why did it sound familiar? The stuff I dreamed about felt strangely familiar, too. I remember being in a white room with somebody in red. Then, he sort of disappeared into the white. There was also girl's voice. She said she knew I'd be "snoozing." Why would she know that? The voice was a little like Xion's.
Day 51: Annihilated
It sounds like the worst has come to pass. The whole C.O. team, wiped from existence. It's hard to come to grips with the idea that Axel is gone. I feel...choked up? I don't know what you'd call it. I've never had this sensation before. I went up to the clock tower to have ice cream, but nobody else showed up.
Zelda's Resentment
Link sped up the hill, atop his steed, past the ruins of what seemed to be stone pillars. "How does the princess keep getting away from me? I'm her appointed knight for crying out loud, yet she ends up taking the Sheikah Slate and keeps giving me the slip."
At this rate, she would be given another knight. Link wasn't sure why, but that filled him with anxiety. Sure, she had a habit of taking her frustrations out on him, but this was a time of rising tension.
"Would she even be safe with another knight when I'm the one who wields the Master Sword?" Link contemplated.
That wasn't even accounting for the skill he had without the blade. He was capable of defeating adults in combat by the age of four. Realistically, he just needed to shape up and be more vigilant. He eventually spotted the top of what looked to be a shrine ahead.
"If I had to wager a guess, I'd say the princess went to study that." Link thought.
That seemed like a logical conclusion since Zelda showed a deep interest in all things related to ancient Sheikah technology. He crested the hill and soon caught sight of a pure white horse before seeing the princess herself. Link let out a silent sigh of relief.
Zelda turned to glare as he dropped from his mount. "I thought I made it clear that I am not in need of an escort." She stepped down from the shrine and sighed as Link remained silent. "It seems I'm the only one with a mind of my own. I, the person in question, am fine regardless of the king's orders."
It was his duty to protect her. Didn't Zelda realize how many dangers she could stumble upon if she went galivanting off on her own? Monsters crawled nearly every inch of Hyrule these days. He didn't want to think of what could happen if she were to be spotted by a Lynel.
"Return to the castle and tell my father what I have said to you, please." She then started on over to her horse only for Link to follow behind her. "And stop following me!"
Link blinked but refused to let his face portray the hurt he felt inside. This kind of anger coming from her made him feel like he'd done something wrong. The knight hung his head for a moment as a silent apology. Still, he would accompany her, wherever she went, no matter what.
Roxas' Diary
Day 52: Ice Cream Alone
I sit up on the clock tower, but no one comes. Not Axel. Not even Xion. That weird lump in my throat won't go away. Something else is bothering me. This is going to sound crazy (good thing this is a private diary!) but these pictures keep flashing through my head. Not all the time, just sometimes since I collapsed. It happens when I'm awake, too, so I don't think it's a dream. Where are the pictures coming from?
Day 71: Axel's Back
After work, Axel turned up. Just like that, out of nowhere. I didn't know what to say. I thought we'd lost him for good. We went up to the clock tower and talked for a while. I told him about Xion. The choked-up sensation has gone away.
Day 72: Ice Cream with Axel
Me and Axel went to Agrabah. He seems different now that he's back from C.O. Ice cream was just the two of us today. I wonder when Axel, Xion, and I will get to have ice cream together.
Urbosa's Hand
Vah Naboris was where Link found the princess who was fast asleep on the Gerudo Chief's/Champion's shoulder.
"You certainly got here fast." Urbosa noted. "I should have expected as much from the princess' appointed knight."
Link's eyes drifted to the princess. Nights in the dry desert were cold, but the divine beast's systems provided enough warmth for comfort. He had reluctantly allowed the princess to spend the day with her mother's old friend without him being anywhere within her sight.
After all, Urbosa's reputation spoke well of her ability to hold her own against the Yiga, and maybe the princess would feel better after getting a break from the knight she seemed to despise. Still, he had wished he could have been there rather than observing from a distance.
"She was out on a survey all day. Still as the sands now…" Urbosa gave the princess a loving glance before turning her attention back to Link. "So? Spill it, boy. Have the two of you been getting along all right?"
Link shifted uncomfortably as he remembered when the princess had run off only to yell at him upon finding her. She hadn't shouted since, but she still seemed cold towards him.
"It's okay. I know. Your silence speaks volumes." Urbosa began explaining what Link himself had been wondering about for some time. "She gets frustrated every time she sees you carrying that sword on your back. It makes her feel like a failure when it comes to her destiny."
"So, that's why she hates me." Link realized the truth.
"Don't worry, it's not like you carry blame in any of this." Urbosa assured.
Link couldn't help but disagree. If only the princess knew what it had taken for him to get to where he was today. Ever since he could remember, he spent his days covered in sweat. It was training, training, and more training.
He had developed many scars throughout his life and fought countless opponents. Sure, he was a prodigy, no one could deny it, but he had paid for his status with a life of sweat and blood. In the end, none of that mattered if Zelda didn't know.
"It's unfortunate." Urbosa continued. "She's put in more than enough time. Ever since she was a young girl, she's gone through daily routines to show her dedication. She once passed out in the freezing waters trying to access this sealing power and has nothing to show for it."
Link looked at the princess with a newfound level of empathy.
"That's the motivation driving her research. I'd be doing the same thing. She really is quite special." Urbosa caressed the princess' forehead and pushed a strand of her golden hair behind her ear. "You be sure to protect her with her life. It's quite the honor."
Link met Urbosa's gaze. His only goal was to see his mission fulfilled. No matter what, he wanted to protect the princess from all harm… even if it cost him his life. That was what he'd vowed to do; however, he hoped it wouldn't come to that.
There was no telling what the next Calamity would bring. With each coming day, the strange feeling he had when looking at the princess became stronger. It went beyond the expectations behind the eyes of all who saw him. He could only pray to Hylia that he would protect her.
"The night brings a chill." Urbosa informed. "It's probably time we take her in. Hmm. Or…"
A mischievous grin spread across her blue-painted lips. She pointed her slender hand toward the sands below and snapped. A bolt of lightning struck and shook the ground. Link flinched and stumbled in one motion. His battle instincts kicked in and muscles tensed.
Link's fingers itched to draw his sword, but he knew better. It was only Urbosa's doing, and she would never bring harm to the princess. At the sudden, deafening crack, Zelda gasped in surprise as she woke immediately.
"Urbosa! What was that?! Did you feel that?" The princess paused as her eyes drifted to her knight. "Wait, what? How did you… What are you doing here?!" Urbosa threw back her head and laughed heartily. "W-What's so funny?"
The Chief's laugh trailed off. "You're as expressionless as ever, Link. Loosen up a little, won't you?" She knew enough to not expect a response from the knight. "Now, I'm going to go join the ladies for a Noble Pursuit. You'd better get some proper rest, little bird."
Link offered the princess his hand, but Urbosa was already helping her up.
Zelda wobbled slightly on her sore feet. "How long has he been here?"
"Not long." Urbosa replied.
As Link had hoped, Zelda seemed less harsh toward him, if only a little, as he accompanied her back to Gerudo town. There, she would sleep in the best comforts the chief could offer. Link saw Zelda off before returning to the Kara Kara Bazaar for the night.
As he walked, his mind pondered on Urbosa's words. The princess had every reason to be frustrated. In a way, they were the same; however, she had not yet reaped her reward for all her years of bitter work.
Link stared up at the ceiling above him as he began to drift asleep. "From now on, I must be more sensitive to her feelings."
Roxas' Diary
Day 73: Where's Xion?
After I finished my mission, I wanted all three of us to have ice cream, but I couldn't find Xion. It's been at least ten days since I've seen her. Axel said he'd ask Saix what was going on. Speaking of Axel, I didn't see him at the clock tower today.
Day 74: The Three of Us
My job today was to help Axel find Xion. It turns out she had gone missing, but we managed to find her. We finally got to have ice cream together, which was nice, but Xion can't use her Keyblade anymore. Axel says friends help each other, so I'm going on missions with her until she remembers how to work the Keyblade herself.
Day 75: Inseparable
Me and Xion are working together now. The Genie we met in Agrabah said he and his friend Al are "inseparable." Axel told us best friends can be inseparable even if they're not always together, but it sounded like he wasn't too sure about it himself.
I thought Axel knew everything. Oh well... That reminds me, those weird pictures flashed through my head again while I was in Agrabah. The guy in red I wrote about before... Has he been to Agrabah or something?
Blades of the Yiga
Link paced atop the pebbly sand beside the watering hole without caring about the gazes he attracted. The princess should have met him there several minutes ago. She'd insisted that the short trip to the Bazaar was nothing to worry about.
It was only about a five-minute walk, and it was commonly traveled especially in the morning. Here he was, worried sick. They were supposed to leave the Gerudo Desert that day, and the princess had promised to meet her knight there since it was on the way.
Link sighed. "What is taking her so long? She isn't getting pampered, right? She knows there's no point since we'll be traveling in the wild for some time. Why am I so uneasy?"
Suddenly, there was a sound which drew his attention. It started as nothing but grew as it approached. Footsteps in the sand. Running footsteps and panting. Link snapped to action and ran toward the scuffle. As he drew close, the knight heard voices.
"Where is the knight and the Sword that seals the Darkness!? Tell us where he is, or you will share his fate!"
Link's heart skipped a beat because Princess Zelda was in danger. He drew his sword while his superior agility allowed him to run effortlessly atop the loose and shifty sand. What he eventually saw made him boil with fury.
Three men, clad in gray and red, wearing masks with inverted Sheikah eyes. Yiga. Zelda lost her balance and stumbled to the ground; however, she still managed to back away as they surrounded her. The one closest to her raised a vicious-looking curved blade over his head to strike.
"You will not touch her!" Link shouted.
By the time they registered the voice, it was too late. Time seemed to slow as Link cut down the assassin mid-swing. The man collapsed to the ground, dead. When the princess looked up in confusion, Link had already stepped between her and the other two.
He brandished his sword menacingly as blood dripping from the silver-white blade. The remaining two stumbled back, afraid. That was good. It meant Link was in control of the situation. Unfortunately, they recovered faster than he'd expected.
One of them charged in yelling, "You're just who we were looking for!"
Link caught the Yiga's sickle with his sword, twisted it out of his hand, and threw him back. At the same time, the other dashed at him, so Link used one foot to kick him in the liver with his heel. The Yiga dropped to the ground cradling himself.
The last Yiga standing finally realized he was severely outmatched, so he backed away carefully. "We'll be back. Beware the eye of the Yiga!"
He cackled maniacally while waving his arms to perform some sort of Sheikah skill and vanished in a puff of smoke. Paper talismans fluttered to the cleaned his sword in the dirt and sheathed it before turning to the Princess.
For the first time, he spoke to her. "Are you all right, princess?"
Zelda had registered that he'd spoken when coming to save her, but hearing the voice directed at her was another matter. "You… you're not a mute?"
He shook his head before falling silent again. Link offered her his hand only for Zelda to stare at him in a daze. She was trying to comprehend what had happened before eventually taking the offered hand.
"I'm sorry, princess." He whispered.
"Please… call me Zelda." Zelda stated. "Also, it wasn't your fault."
Zelda flinched as the last remaining Yiga stirred. Link put himself between them again before giving the man a solid kick to the head. "That should knock him out properly."
He then led Zelda back to the Bazaar where he would fetch someone to capture the unconscious Yiga.
Roxas' Diary
Day 94: Kingdom Hearts
Xemnas summoned us. Nothing he says ever makes sense to me. He showed us Kingdom Hearts, a big heart-shaped moon floating up there in the night sky, and said the human heart will never have power over us. Great...I guess? So why are we trying to get hearts again? Axel said I'll understand better once I have a heart, but I'm not so sure...
Day 95: My Past
I went to Agrabah today with Xion. We make a pretty good team now. Afterwards Axel told us about the other Nobodies. The ones who make it into the Organization are powerful enough to keep their memories... but Xion and I can't remember our pasts. What was I like?
Day 96: Out of Trouble
Today's mission was with Xion, in Beast's Castle. I tried loaning her my Keyblade, and she had no problem using it. That meant I had to fight without it, but we got the job done. Afterwards Xion remembered how to summon her own Keyblade, so I guess we're out of trouble. When we were done, we all had ice cream together.
A Premonition
It was a sweltering day to the point that even Link was wiping the sweat from his forehead. They had been traveling for a while now. After meeting with Daruk in Goron City to help him with Vah Rudania, they were headed to the military training camp.
There, Link would stock up on gear and Zelda would oversee the preparations for the impending Calamity; however, they'd had to go all the way around the Goronbi River of lava since the bridges over it were being replaced.
Link had had to brew up more fireproof elixir at the Southern Mine's cooking pot. At least now they were far enough away from the burning air of Death Mountain. Link looked back towards Zelda who was covered in sweat. She wasn't used to physical exertion like he was.
"Is it... much longer?" She panted.
Just then, they crested the hill to where it dropped off into a steep cliff. They'd have to find an easier way down, but he pointed into the distance. The training camp was just visible between the spikes of volcanic rock jutting out of the ground.
"Good, my feet are beginning to ache." Zelda commented.
"I suppose this is a good time to take a break." Link thought before taking out a waterskin for each of them.
He also fished out two wedges of hydromelon from the Gerudo Desert, and a pair of rice balls.
Zelda chose a rock to sit on and Link joined her. "I swear, that bag of yours must be bottomless."
Link shrugged. His bags had been blessed by one of the Great Fairies, after all. He'd done the Fairy a great service by getting rid of a camp of Moblins that had settled too close to her fountain, and she'd repaid him by casting a spell on all his pouches and bags.
They ate in silence for a few moments, enjoying the chance to rest. Link, being a fast eater, finished his snack long before her. He then leaned back and looked up at the sky. Since the Yiga incident, the two had gotten along much better.
Zelda no longer took her frustrations out on him and began to even trust him. Each day, they grew just a little closer. Link had gotten to the point that he was completely used to her presence. He was still a bit awkward at times, but that was just part of who he was.
"Link?" The knight kept his gaze on the wisps of clouds that floated above, but Zelda knew he was listening. "Doesn't it seem... a little quiet?"
The knight glanced at her before looking around. She was right. Usually, he could see various types of wildlife from a distance. There should have been Eldin ostriches, small birds, fireproof lizards, and insects like smotherwing butterflies. Link scanned the horizons for any sign of life.
By spotting nothing, it seemed everything had gone into hiding. Something was wrong. Then, Link smelled it. With no breeze, it had taken too long for him to sense it. The faint stench of monsters. The knight drew his sword before taking Zelda by the hand.
He led her to a small cave mostly hidden by a pile of fallen rocks. It wasn't the best hiding place, but it was the only one close by. After making sure she was out of sight, as well as giving her a look that told her to stay put no matter what, he went to investigate.
He hoped to draw any unwanted eyes away from her. Then, Link waited and was ready to spring at any moment. A sound broke through the silence. The whistling of an arrow. Link leapt to the side narrowly avoiding the arrow as it struck the volcanic stones right where he'd been.
A Red Bokoblin crested the rock face overhead while squealing in frustration at its failed shot. Link focused his energy and slashed the air with his sword sending a whirling beam of light at the foe. Just as the Bokoblin fell, two more took its place.
A Blue Bokoblin and a Red Moblin came running up the hill from the other direction. Link sprang into action dodging the Moblin's club as he thrusted into the Bokoblin and took down the Moblin by its legs. More monsters came charging toward him.
"Four Bokoblins, Three Moblins, and even a Chuchu!" Link thought in shock. "How many will there be!?"
Before he'd finished off the last of this group, more came at him. Link worked on driving the horde downhill and away from Zelda even as that put him at risk of being cornered. Thankfully, it proved to be a manageable task. They were monsters. Unorganized and untrained.
Of course, they could wreak havoc on common travelers, but Link would not go down easily. Soon, he fell into the flow. He dodged, parried, and sliced through the enemy. Any moment now, the fight would be finished, and Zelda would be safe.
Then he heard the Lynel's roar. The massive beast thundered uphill and past the corpses of the fallen monsters. This was not a red or blue maned Lynel. The mane on this thing was white. White maned Lynels had the thickest skin out of the three, and the most savage weapons.
Link held his ground until it arrived. "You have got to be kidding me!"
He backflipped away from the swing of its massive, wicked blade. Time slowed down, so he lunged forward hacking at the beast. It roared and leapt back before opening its maw wide. Three massive balls of fire came Link's way.
He rolled to the side, avoiding the flames, and leapt onto its back before attacking the thing some more. It managed to buck him off a moment later. Link grunted in frustration. If the Lynel found Zelda, then he'd…
"No! Don't even think about that!" Link exclaimed to himself.
After much exertion, he finally took down the Lynel with a final spin attack. The knight stopped to catch his breath while looking back to make sure none of the monsters had found Zelda. He only saw their bodies littering the rocky hill before starting toward Zelda's cave.
Something hit Link hard in the shoulder, and a powerful electric shock coursed through his body. The knight cried out as he fell to the ground. His muscles spasmed painfully. When the shock subsided, he looked up just in time to see not one, but two more white maned Lynels.
He didn't look up soon enough as a wave of shock arrows were heading straight for him. He screamed as the electricity tore through him. He was now writhing on the ground and crackling with energy. Heavy hooves beat against the ground and began to circle him.
Looks like he would have to play it smart and finish this quickly. Link let himself go limp when the surge finally stopped. He didn't need acting skills for this. He was severely dazed and surprised to even be conscious. The Lynels slowed and then stopped to sniff him.
As they wondered if he really was dead, Link cracked one eye just enough to see the Master Sword only a few inches from his fingertips. He also noted exactly where the Lynel in front of him was standing. Link then snapped to action.
He grabbed the hilt of his blade and swung it snapping the Lynel's bowstring. It roared as the string smacked it in the eye momentarily blinding it. The bow itself jerked out of its meaty hand. The knight took advantage of its surprise to slash at the forelegs of the second Lynel.
Its knees buckled as the monster's enormous weight brought it down. Link also managed to snap its bow as well earning a similar effect. He didn't relish the idea of being electrocuted a third time. The first Lynel reared back on its hind legs and charged.
Link leapt to the side before dodging the second's fire breath. He then saw an opening to attack the second. It had chosen the wrong moment to howl in pain from its injured legs. Link drove his sword as hard as he could into the Lynel's chest managing to pierce the thick hide.
It screamed and flailed its arms as it died; however, it took too long to pull his blade out, so he dodged just a smidgen late as the remaining Lynel ran at him with a wide swing of his massive blade. Any later and he'd have been cut in half.
As it stood, Link was lucky to escape the attack with only a gash in his right forearm. Still, it stung horribly, and he had to switch his weapon to his left hand. It wasn't his dominant hand, but he'd trained for this in case he ever found himself in a situation like this.
The beast reared up to attack again, so Link slid underneath giving him a free slash at its softer belly. It tried to kick him, so he rolled to the side and leapt on its back just like he'd done before. The Lynel bucked madly, but he was able to hold on long enough to deal some serious damage.
Its movements slowed drastically, and Link was able to finish it off quickly. Link was breathing heavily as his blood dripped on the rocks. He trudged back uphill to the rock where he and Zelda had taken their break before scanning the area.
He had to make certain there were no more monsters. Finally, Link decided it was safe, so he looked over to where Zelda was hiding before giving her a nod. She let out a sigh of relief and started toward him while wiping streaks of fearful tears from her flushed cheeks.
Then, she saw him gripping his gashed arm tightly to stanch the blood flow. "Link! You're hurt! He sat down on the rock and let out a long breath. "Let me see."
Link didn't want to overwhelm her, but he figured she would pester him until he showed her. The knight let go of his forearm revealing the angry cut. It wasn't anything fatal, but it would most definitely need stitches. Zelda started fishing in his bags.
They didn't have much water left, but she used the rest to rinse his arm off. Then, she brought out his medicine kit. He directed her through the care of his wound with pointing and head gestures. Thankfully, it didn't take long to stop the bleeding.
Though, the alcohol she poured on it stung like a disturbed hive of courser bees. The stitches were a little hard to explain with points or grunts, so he did the first one. Finally, Zelda wrapped a clean bandage snugly around his arm.
She held it for a few moments. "There's a fine line between courage and recklessness." Link fixed his gaze on her. "As brave as you are, that does not make you immortal. You could have been killed!" Her gaze fell on the gruesome scene.
"It seems that, not only is the frequency of these types of attacks on the rise, but the scale of beasts we are facing is intensifying as well. Link… I'm afraid. I fear that this is an omen which portends the return of Calamity Ganon."
Zelda tried to hide it, but Link saw her expression. He could have bet a gold rupee that she was scolding herself internally for having yet to unlock her divine power. He rested a hand gently on her shoulder giving her a knowing look.
Zelda knew he was trying to comfort her. "I know, but if only I could…"
"You will find it, when the time is right." Link assured her.
The rare times that Link did speak to her gave his words extra meaning now. "I can only hope you are right."
Roxas' Diary
Day 97: Our Place
Every day, after work, the three of us have been going to our place on top of the clock tower to have ice cream. We don't talk about much, but I wouldn't miss these conversations for the world. I wonder if Axel and Xion feel the same way... Do the other Organization members have their own routines? It's hard to picture.
Day 117: Special Nobodies
Today, it was me and Xigbar. Axel and Xion went out on their own mission. Xigbar told me that Xion and me are "exceptional"-you know, like, special-Nobodies. Because we can use the Keyblade? Work dragged on late, so I didn't make it up to the clock tower.
I wonder if Xion and Axel made it. Those pictures started flashing through my head again on the mission. The guy in red… What's it all about? Maybe when Xigbar called me "special" he meant "crazy"… Seriously, though, is Xion experiencing the same thing? It feels weird to ask.
Day 118: Vacation
Today was my first vacation ever. I didn't know what to do with it. Axel said to do what I like, but all I like is having ice cream with my friends-so that's what I ended up doing. Axel leaves tomorrow for a mission. Which reminds me-I still haven't given him the WINNER stick yet.
Silent Princess
The sun shone proudly on the patches of wildflowers it helped to grow as Zelda admired them. Their horses grazed merrily nearby, and birds chirped in the tree above them. To say the day was pretty would be an understatement.
Zelda knelt in the long grass as she took pictures of the flowers with the Sheikah Slate. "There's one! Oh! And another! The flowers we have in Hyrule aren't just beautiful. They're also quite useful as ingredients for a variety of things."
Link watched fondly over her shoulder.
Zelda's attention focused on one flower. "Mm. This one here is called the Silent Princess. It's a rare, endangered species."
Link crawled closer to see it while favoring one arm over the other due to his still healing wound but taking care not to crush any other flowers on his way. There was certainly something special about this one.
"Despite our efforts, we can't get them to grow domestically yet. Princesses can only thrive out here in the wild." She fingered the blossom gently before leaning back. "All that we can hope for is that the species will be strong enough to prosper on its own."
Link had the feeling she wasn't only talking about the flower. She always did have a bright mind, after all. It was as if the flower was a symbol of her. Zelda seemed more like herself out here rather than when she was cooped up in the castle or praying to an unresponsive statue.
Suddenly, her eyes widened with a little gasp of excitement, and she pounced on something in the grass. "Is that what I think it is? Look at this! I don't believe it, but I caught one!" She turned towards Link before scooting forward on her knees.
"This delicacy is known to have very, very potent effects under the proper circumstances." She opened her hands revealing a bright green frog with big yellow eyes. "Ta-da!" She spoke very quickly.
"Research from the castle shows ingesting one of these can actually augment certain abilities. We wouldn't be in a controlled environment out here, but with your level of physical fitness, you'd be a perfect candidate for the study!"
"Please don't tell me…" Link thought with dread.
"Go on." Zelda scooted closer. "Taste it!"
Link shied back with a sound of aversion. She pressed further, and he let out another, more exasperated grunt.
Zelda giggled. "I didn't mean right here, right now! We need to cook it to unlock its effects, anyway."
She stuffed the critter in Link's pouch before standing and brushing off her pants. Link tried to ignore the frog croaking and leaping around in his pouch as they found their way to a cooking pot in the castle's kitchens. Luckily, or unluckily, the cooks were on their break.
Zelda fished through his bags before pulling out the frog and a few monster horns. Link normally did the cooking, but since Zelda was so excited about this, he let her mix up the elixir. She eventually danced over to where Link was sitting and handed him a bottle of green liquid.
The knight took it reluctantly and drank it. The second he tasted it, he thought he was going to regurgitate it. The putrid stench of monster parts mixed with strange critter meat was a combination his body wanted to physically refuse.
"Oh my! Does it really taste that bad?" Zelda asked.
Link coughed and revealed his sour face. She quickly pulled out an apple and handed it to him. The knight snatched it and wolfed it down to get rid of the taste.
"Do you feel any different?" Zelda asked.
He shrugged before waiting. That's when Link's eyebrow started twitching. For the next few days, the most popular subject among the castle's staff was how the Princess' appointed knight had been spotted dashing around the corridors, kicking off walls, and leaping over furniture.
Roxas' Diary
Day 119: Something to Protect
Axel has been gone forever. It's been just me and Xion at the clock tower. While me and Xaldin explored Beast's Castle, we found something he wants to protect. Xaldin says that's a weakness, but I'm not so sure. What does it mean to care about something that much? I don't, so it's hard to wrap my head around the whole idea.
Day 149: WINNER
Today's mission took me to a new world. It was a weird place. I was up on the clock tower afterwards when Axel turned up after being away forever. He said he finished that long mission, but this time Xion didn't show. I was going to give Axel that WINNER stick, but I should wait until I get another one. It wouldn't be fair to leave Xion out.
Day 150: Too Precious to Lose
Xion didn't come to the clock tower again today. She and Saix had some kind of argument. Axel and I talked for a while about the things we can't bear to lose. Axel thinks that for Nobodies, it's our pasts, because that's all we must remember the pain of losing something. I don't remember my past, but the idea of losing the present-Axel or Xion-scares me.
Mipha's Touch
Divine Beast Vah Ruta roamed loudly in the waters of East Reservoir Lake. Its gigantic trunk moved Link and Mipha, who sat on it, skyward. Zelda has decided to visit Zora's Domain and check on Mipha's control of her Divine Beast. Turns out, she was still a natural.
"I was thinking…" At the sound of his childhood friend's warm voice, Link tilted his head to study to Zora. "This reminds me of the time we first met."
At the mention of his childhood, Link couldn't deny a slight feeling of homesickness. His friendly house in Hateno, his kind mother, precious little sister, and smiling father. Even that stray dog that used to come around their house every morning.
Ever since he had taken up the Master Sword, things changed. While he wouldn't change being the one chosen for this duty, he'd be lying should he said there weren't times he wished he'd become a farmer like mom rather than a knight like dad.
Link still remembered the first time he met Mipha. His father was bringing him along on a trip to check in with the Zora. According to the letters he still got from home, such visits hadn't stopped. Mipha had stepped on down the steps and greeted him warmly.
So many years have passed since then. Even though Link was a gifted swordsman at the time, he was nowhere near as skilled as he was now. Now he was seventeen, the princess's appointed knight, and wielder of the Master Sword.
"You were such a reckless child." Affection filled Mipha's soft voice. "You were always so willing to challenge the older Zora and usually ended up hurt."
In his defense, he'd been a determined kid who initially didn't know the differences between the two species. Sure, a good number of Hylians could best a Zora, but those were usually more trained than some prodigious kid.
The injuries obviously didn't stop with combat. A young Link had been rather adventurous and rambunctious. He didn't have the experience or training he did today. Mipha was nodding as memories flashed in her yellow eyes.
"Every time, I would heal you." She smiled. "Over the years, I found it funny how a Hylian could grow faster than me." She looked down. "Link, if this Calamity Ganon does return, what can we really do? We just don't seem to know much about what we'll be up against."
"We're Champions Mipha." Link stated. "If it comes down to it, we'll do whatever it takes to bring Calamity Ganon down." He stared off into the distance. "All of Hyrule is worth at least that."
"I thought you'd say something like that." Mipha smiled. "Know that no matter how difficult this battle might be, I will heal you." She smiled. "No matter how bad the wound…I hope you know that I will always protect you."
"Mipha truly is a great friend." Link flashed an appreciate smile. "I'll have to protect her as well."
The Zora fiddled with her hands thoughtfully. "Once this whole thing is over, maybe things can go back to how they used to be when we were young."
A memory from what felt like a life time ago went through Link's mind. The two of them were playing chase around Zora's Domain. Mipha's laughter fueled Link's lungs as he playfully raced down the stairs with speed beyond your average Hylian child.
"Admittedly, those were simpler times." Link commented fondly. "Not sure how the king would take to his daughter's knight doing something like that though."
"Yeah…" Mipha nodded. "…perhaps we could simply spend some time together."
They smiled at each other as a blush appeared on Mipha's cheeks. Link nodded encouragingly at his friend. Maybe they couldn't act exactly how they were back then, but they could certainly spend time together once this whole ordeal was done.
Roxas' Diary
Day 151: What Makes Us Different
I ran into Xion in Twilight Town. I guess she messed up a mission bad the other day, and it's been bugging her. We went up to the clock tower afterwards. She said she and I are different-which is obvious if you look at us, but I don't think that's what she meant. A lot seems to be on her mind, and it's not the same as what's on mine.
Day 152: I Don't Get It
I think Xion might be mad at me, but I don't know why. Axel says girls are complicated. You can't press the wrong buttons. Like I'm supposed to know what the right ones are.
Day 153: No Taste for It
It's hard spending time with Xion, and Axel seems busy too. I've been having ice cream alone, but it's just not the same. All I taste is the salt, and my hands get all sticky. It's like I'm going through the motions of eating it just so I can throw the stick out and get on with life.
I must've had about a hundred of these things, and I still haven't found another WINNER. I never did find a way to ask Xion about the pictures that go through my head. I don't really know what to do about anything right now.
Shelter from the Storm
Link stood in the rain practicing a kata. He didn't swing with nearly as much ferocity as in a real fight, but that wasn't his goal. Instead, he used a technique his old master had taught him. It was an advanced form that required impeccable aim.
Focusing on a single raindrop, he lunged and sliced clean through the middle of the falling bead of water. He repeated this process again and again. The first time he'd tried this kata, he couldn't even pick out a drop… let alone hit it. As he progressed, his old master quickly became jealous.
Zelda was sitting under the nearby tree. "I doubt this will let up anytime soon." Link kept swinging but directed his attention toward her words. "Your path seems to mirror your father's. You've dedicated yourself to becoming a knight as well.
Your commitment to the training necessary to fulfill your goal is quite admirable." He finished the kata before coming to rest. "I see now why you would be the chosen one." She paused and looked away. "What if one day you realized that you just weren't meant to be a fighter?"
"If I wasn't meant to be a fighter, then Calamity Ganon is a big wimp." Link thought.
"Yet, the only thing people ever said was that you were born into a family of the royal guard." Zelda continued. "So, no matter what you thought, you had to become a knight."
He suddenly realized the meaning behind her words. She wasn't really talking about him, but about her own destiny. It was like when she had talked about the Silent Princess. She was far wiser with words than he was and had a way of saying one thing while communicating another.
"If that was the only thing you were ever told, then I wonder if you'd have chosen a different path?" Zelda questioned.
Link sheathed his blade, joined her under the tree, and knelt on one knee in front of her. "What do you want to do?"
"Well, I…" Zelda pondered that for a moment. "If I could be whatever I wanted, regardless of duties or destinies, I would be a scholar. Though, I also want to do my part to aid against the Calamity."
Link leaned forward and rested a warm hand on her shoulder. "You have a gift, princess. It will come when you need it."
"Do you really think so?" Zelda asked.
He nodded. "What kind of a Goddess would Hylia be if she didn't help you? Try unlocking it like a scholar."
Zelda studied him for a moment, then smiled. "I'll try that. Thank you." She stood and brushed off her pants. "Let's get out of this rain, Sir Knight."
Roxas' Diary
Day 171: What's Love?
On my mission at Beast's Castle, Xaldin told me about "love" and the special power it has over people. I tried to ask Axel about it, but his explanation didn't make any sense to me. Every time I ask him about this, he tells me I need a heart to understand. It's like he's dodging the questions.
Day 172: Xion Collapsed
Xion failed her mission and now she's in a deep sleep. I thought they were lying to me when they told me, but I went to see her, and she really was just asleep. I left a seashell by her pillow, just like she did for me.
Saix hates her. I don't know why. Maybe he knows more about her than the rest of us do. Those pictures flashed through my mind again on today's mission (the same guy in red as usual). I guess he's been to Wonderland. I'm still trying to figure out what it is I'm seeing.
Day 173: Picking Up the Slack
I've decided to work harder while Xion is asleep and pick up the slack. Axel said he asked Saix about her, but no dice. He did say that Saix was having second thoughts about calling her broken, though. I just hope we get this drama ironed out before she wakes up.
I've been working on how I'd start this story for a long time now, and ultimately this is what I came up with. Just in case it was not clear from the summary, the memories from BOTW take place nearly 99-100 years before Roxas' time within Organization XIII. By the time we get to the point where Roxas enters Hyrule, it will be time for Link to awaken. Then, why did I choose to structure the prologue as I have?
Well, I thought it was a fitting way to let people know just how I plan to portray Link while familiarizing people with Roxas at the same time. Why did I choose Roxas? For one, Sora and Riku are pretty common from what I saw. Secondly, it's in the tittle and summary. One is without memory while the other thinks he has no heart. Seemed like a pretty solid theme for a journey like this.