Kakariko Village
The pair entered a room dimly lit by paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling support beams. The walls were adorned with various paintings and tapestries with many featuring the ancient Sheikah Eye. There was a long, dark blue rug, and small, square pillows lined it on either side.
The Sheikah elder sat upon a stack of pillows on a dais which was underneath a large, brass eye hanging from the ceiling. They stepped forward and noticed that the younger woman, who had long white hair pulled up into a heart-shaped top knot, stood off to the side of the dais.
Her hands were clasped anxiously, and she seemed to be studiously avoiding looking at them; however, Roxas did notice her sneaking glances at Link before quickly averting her eyes. They slowly approached the old woman who they assumed was Impa.
Impa looked up at Link with kindly grey eyes. "You're finally awake." She smiled. "It has been quite some time, Link."
Hearing his name, once more, from someone who looked at him with familiarity really drove home everything he's been told. He was Link, and he had a purpose set before him so vast that he couldn't even begin to fathom being successful in it… even with Roxas by his side.
"I wish I'd taken more time to prepare for this meeting." Finally, the hero hesitantly approached and knelt on the ground while the Nobody hung back. "You are… Impa?"
Her smile faded some. "I am much older now, of course, but…" She gave him a piercing look. "Do you remember me?" Link's eyes fell to the ground, and he gave a small shake of his head. "Do you have any memories of before?"
Link grimaced and began to shake his head again before looking down at his clenched fists. "It feels as though my body remembers… The sword feels natural in my hand, recipes come to mind, I can set up a camp, and I get horses… In the end, I have no memories of before."
"That may be a blessing in disguise." Impa stated getting a shocked look from Link. "I'm not sure that many people would like to remember the moment of their death."
Link felt a chill run down his spine. "I… died?"
"No, but close enough to it." She informed. "You defended Princess Zelda until you could stand no longer. After that, she used her holy powers to protect you long enough to have you placed in a sacred slumber."
"The Shrine of Resurrection…" Link commented with wide eyes of realization.
"You know what that is… good." Impa stated pleased. "After you were placed in the Shrine, she went to face Ganon alone. Before she went, the princess entrusted me with the task of guiding you.
She has a plan to defeat Ganon and believes you will play a critical role. I have been waiting one hundred years, Link. One hundred years, and I have kept the princess' message. One that I have told no one lest we lose the element of surprise."
"Y-you told me, grandmother." The younger woman piped up.
"Why yes, I told you and your mother before you." Impa stated as exasperation bled into her voice. "I would not risk losing such important information when the future of Hyrule depends on it, but I have kept it within our family. Now, I wish to be left with Link and his friend."
The younger woman blushed furiously and stammered. "I-I thought that I would… Right!"
She quickly turned and hurried away. Both boys noted that she did not go outside and merely hurried up the stairs beside the central dais.
"Now, where was I? My old memory just isn't what it used to be." Impa muttered to herself before a dire expression overcame her face. "Before I go any further, I know that you must have many questions, and you are likely not at all sure of your place in all of this.
It does not give me any pleasure to admit to you that I am about to place more burden upon your shoulders. If you wish to rest after your journey, this can wait until morning. I have already waited one hundred years. What is one more night?"
Link considered this offer before finally looking up. "Roxas spoke with Goddess Hylia and King Rhoam." Impa's eyes widened as she looked to the friend of the hero. "Roxas guided me upon waking while King Rhoam asked me to save his daughter."
"I see." Impa recovered. "Is that your intent?"
"I… yes." Link nodded. I was… am her appointed knight. It's my duty."
Impa smiled warmly and slapped her knees. "Not a memory to your name, yet you are as intent as ever to charge forward with only courage and duty on your side. You have not changed a bit, young man. Once a hero, always a hero."
Link felt his face flush. He certainly did not feel like a hero, but he had to do this. He felt he owed a debt. The princess had apparently saved his life, so how could he not try to save hers.
"Very well." Impa grew serious once again. "Tell me what you know, and I will do what I can to fill in the gaps. Then we shall discuss the princess' task which I assume both of you will undertake."
Link recounted the tale given to him by King Rhoam as well as all the information Roxas had provided on the same subject. Impa nodded thoughtfully before telling her own version of the events in a much more practiced air than the king used.
She told him of the countless times throughout history that Ganon had been revived or broken free of his bonds, and the equal number of times that the princess, who carried the blood of the goddess, and the hero, wielding a powerful sword of legend, sealed him once again.
She revealed a tapestry on the wall behind her. It showed a creature, not unlike the beast that flew around Hyrule Castle, surrounded on either side by a man wielding a blue sword and a woman dressed in yellow. There were also hundreds of what appeared to be Guardians.
The four corners were taken up by a different animal. An eagle, a salamander, an elephant, and a camel with beings of indistinct features riding them. She told them of the conflict against Ganon 10,000 years prior when her ancestors had created the Guardians and the four Divine Beasts.
The Guardians had protected the hero and princess while the four Divine Beasts attacked Ganon weakening him greatly. The hero struck Ganon down, and the princess, using her goddess powers, sealed him away again.
"One hundred years ago…" Impa continued. "…we strove to follow in our ancestors' wake. A prophecy foretold the return of Ganon, so we sought out the Guardians and Divine Beasts of old. We spent years researching and planning, yet we underestimated Ganon's power and cunning."
Link knew what had come next. Ganon had taken control of the Divine Beasts and the Guardians turning them against him and Princess Zelda. They had also gone onto massacre the citizens of Hyrule along the way.
"If Ganon is so powerful, how am I supposed to defeat him?" Link questioned.
"That is where the princess' plan comes into play." Impa narrowed her eyes. "Princess Zelda believes that it might still be possible to free the Divine Beasts from Ganon's control, so her final wish, for when you awoke, was to go to the Divine Beasts and free them of Ganon's malice."
"I see." Link stated.
"It would be ill-advised to try to face Ganon now, as you are, without the Master Sword, and without the assistance of the Divine Beasts." Impa informed. "It has already proven ready for such an attack, and I fear it will just turn all his machines against you again if you try.
I am not sure what the princess saw when her powers awakened. She seemed to be more aware of what had happened. I believe that the goddess revealed some things to her. Perhaps she could even see into the future. Whatever she saw, she believed in you Link."
Link considered this. "Perhaps the princess believed me capable, but could she have known I'd lose my memories in the process?"
"She knew that it was a possibility." Impa slowly rose from her pillow seat and walked up to Link's kneeling form. "She hoped that you would eventually recover your memories, but even without them, she still believed you would be our best hope to defeat Ganon."
"Why me?" Link asked. "Why was I chosen?"
"Because you are the only one who can." Impa replied.
"Maybe he is the only one who can seal Ganon, but that doesn't mean he's alone." Roxas stepped forward. "I've been by his side since he woke up, and I'll stick with him until this journey is over. I will see him through this because I have my own journey to complete."
"I haven't been alone…" Link nodded. "Roxas is right. I'm not the only hope for Hyrule because I've had a partner by my side all this time."
"I can see that." Impa smiled. "Even though I'm certain he's been a tremendous help, Princess Zelda did leave you images within the Sheikah Slate. They might help you recall some of your memories. Have you had a chance to look at them yet?"
Link frowned up at the old woman. "Images?"
He grabbed the Sheikah Slate and held it out to Impa at her insistence only to frown upon looking at it. "The camera is not here… I don't understand. When she used this, it and the map were the only runes available. Now, there are many more runes…"
"On the Great Plateau, I activated one of the towers and it listed off a lot of runes." Link informed. "Four of those were unlocked within the shrines on the same plateau."
Impa considered this information for a time before nodding slowly. "Perhaps my sister, Purah, might be of some assistance."
Her fingers flicked across the screen rapidly until she turned it around to show him. It showed the map, and Link could clearly see the icon that indicated his currently location. Impa had added another marker to the southeast. It was probably at least a day or two's journey.
"Purah lives here, in Hateno Village." Impa informed. "She's dedicated her life to studying Sheikah technology, the Sheikah Slate and its runes in particular, and it is possible that she may be able to restore some additional functionality to your Sheikah Slate."
Link took the Sheikah Slate from Impa before frowning down at the blinking yellow icon that she had added. "Wouldn't it be better for me to start towards the Divine Beasts?"
Impa smiled faintly and placed her hand on the Sheikah Slate. "Link, this device is a treasure and will likely be a valuable tool for you on your journey. I happen to know that the princess worked to ensure you would have a place to start from when recovering your memories.
If you wish to head towards the nearest Divine Beast, I will not stop you. I might even commend you for your dedication, but we need to do everything we can to prepare." She then considered something. "Besides, it may be good for you to visit Hateno Village."
Link gazed at her for several moments; however, she did not elaborate further, so he turned to Roxas to get his opinion.
"This is your journey Link." The Nobody shrugged. "I've already gained quite a bit, and I'm certain I'll only gain more by traveling wherever you got to go. All I ask is that we stop off in places like this to train."
Link finally nodded. "Then, we'll stay in Kakariko for a bit to train before heading to Hateno."
"I see having this one with you is a most wise course of action since you actually listen to him, boy." Impa stated. "By the goddess Hylia, it's taken losing your memory, but you're willing to listen to someone else when they tell you to take it easy." She then brought the boys to a sitting position. "Paya! I know you're listening up there. Make us some tea."
"Please tell me it isn't Gerudo tea." Roxas begged as he could suddenly feel a rush of heat to the back of his throat.
Impa gave the black coated boy a strange look before shaking her head. "No. Now, both of you must tell me all that has happened since Link woke."
Morning…
Link and Roxas emerged from the village inn feeling refreshed. The pair had gotten to bathe while Paya had been instructed to wash their clothing. Honestly, they had no idea how Impa hadn't made them clean up right away rather than hearing their tale.
Even their new horses were being cared for, fed, and watered. They both found themselves observing the bustle of the busy farming village. A young boy hurried by carting manure in a wheelbarrow. As they glanced around, they spotted the town's fletcher near a doorway.
She smiled warmly at them. The pair then noticed Telma busying herself with tying supplies down. From what they could see, it looked as though she'd done well in selling through many of the supplies as well as picking up plenty of new wares to sell.
When she saw them approaching, she stood up straight and smiled broadly. "Link and Roxas! I'm glad you're here because I have some things to give you two." She got down from her cart. "I never really thanked you properly for saving my life, so I found some things that I thought you two might need on your journey."
She had gathered a small pile of supplies and laid them out in a line on the back of her cart. Their eyes widened as they took in what lay before them. Firstly, there were two sets of attire. The first was a tunic, red with white and green accents, tan trousers, a pair of boots, and a dark blue hood.
The second was light purple pants with a matching shirt underneath a sleeveless, gray tunic with the symbol of the Sheikah displayed on the front. It came with a lighter purple scarf, a light purple face mask, and a pair of sandals.
Just by looking at it, it was clear the first set was picked to fit Link while the second was picked to fit Roxas. There was a bow in the style wielded by the Sheikah, and a quiver full of arrows. Rounding out the treasure trove of gifts was a new shield emblazoned with the Sheikah Eye.
"Telma, you didn't." Link commented.
"Yeah, this is too much." Roxas agreed.
Telma snorted before placing a hand on their shoulders. "If you hadn't been there, then I would have never survived that journey. You two saved my life." She then looked at Link. "Besides, based on what I've heard, you may save all of our lives by the end of your journey."
She then looked at Roxas. "That armor there would have cast a pretty penny; however, word has gotten out about how you're helping Link, so I got a nice discount when I mentioned it was for you." She squeezed their shoulders. "This is the least I can do, and I wish I could do even more."
The boys shared a look before smiling at the traveling merchant. "Thank you."
She patted their shoulders and released them. "Now, I'm going to be sticking around for a few days myself. There's still plenty of trading, selling, and buying to do. Having said that, I hear you boys will be going to Hateno, and I'll be heading back to the stables. When the times comes, would you like to travel on back with me?"
"Yes, of course." Link nodded.
"We'll be heading the same way, so we might as well." Roxas stated.
With that agreement in place, the pair took their new supplies back into the inn. Both ended up changing with Link having to admit that his new outfit fit far better than that old shirt and trousers he'd been wearing earlier.
Roxas entered the room wearing the Sheikah Set as his black coat was slung over his arm. "This is… different."
Link looked at him before nodding with a smile. "Personally, I'm just glad to see you out of that coat after what little you told me back on the plateau. Plus, I think this look kind of suits you."
"Well, there will come a day when I'll need this again." Roxas held it out to Link. "Until that day, I'd like you to hold onto it, if it's not too much trouble, considering you have literal, bottomless pockets."
Link accepted the coat and nodded as he tucked it away. "I'll resist the urge to toss it out."
"That would be appreciated." Roxas stated before walking away. "Anyways, I'm heading out to scout for an appropriate training place." He held out a pouch. "Here, I divided the Rupees the king left us giving each of us three hundred fifty to spend as we see fit.
"Sounds good." Link smiled as he accepted the pouch. "I'll see if the Sheikah have any weapons they'd be willing to sell."
With Link
Link managed to find people willing to part with some rather warn down swords, axes, and lances. While they did try to offer them to him for free, he didn't feel right accepting them. Especially since he and Roxas had just gotten a rather staggering number of items from Telma.
At the very least, he could say that they had helped her get to Kakariko in one piece. In the end, they settled on rather fair prices, and Link ended up with two swords, axes, lances, and clubs Sheikah had scavenged for one hundred Rupee.
He ended up spending another 100 on four swift carrots and four sticks of goat butter from the local shop figuring it might be a good idea to store up on ingredients he hadn't been able to find in the wild.
As Link was walking back to the inn, he noticed one of Dorian's daughters, Koko, standing at a cooking pot. "Koko is a bad daughter who can't do anything right… Koko will never be like mother."
Link found himself compelled to help the young girl, so he walked on over. "Excuse me, but are you alright?"
"Hm." Koko turned to him before her eyes opened wide. "You're the hero from the story's daddy told Koko and her sister! Since you're a hero, that means you help people, right?"
"In my opinion, you don't have to be a hero to lend someone a hand." Link replied as he got closer. "Anyways, what's the problem?"
"Koko found the recipes to mommy's four best dishes, and Koko wishes to recreate them for her family; however, four ingredients, one for each dish, are missing." Koko stated sadly. "Koko has no money to buy them."
"Well, I can help with that." Link stated. "What food are you missing?"
"Swift Carrot, Goat Butter, Raw Meat, and Courser Bee Honey." Koko informed.
"That's no problem." Link took out the ingredients. "I've been buying and collecting ingredients since I woke up." He presented them to her. "Here, you can use these to make your recipes."
"Are you really sure about this?" Koko asked.
"Yeah, I got quite a few ingredients to spare." Link stated with a smile.
"Thank you so much!" Koko took them. "Koko means it!"
Koko made hasty veggie cream soup, hot buttered apples, tough meat stuffed pumpkin, and energizing honeyed apple. With each dish made, Link kindly took them back to her family's home. When Link returned for the last dish, he found Koko crying before it.
"Koko, are you okay!?" Link exclaimed concerned.
Koko sniffled. "Making this made Koko remember. When Koko had a fever, mother would always cook this just for Koko. Mother!"
Link's eyes widened as he realized what this was. "Her, Cottla, and Dorian must have lost her not too long ago." He glanced at the recipe cards nearby before picking them up and kneeling before Koko. "You know Koko, I think you're a really strong person."
Koko wiped her eyes. "Koko strong?"
"Yeah." Link nodded. "While you cooked, you told me all about how you wanted to make these foods for your little sister and dad. Being strong doesn't mean you can fight the biggest monsters. Being strong is showing people a great deal of compassion.
I didn't know your mother, but she must have been a kind, gentle, and compassionate person to partially raise someone like you. I know she's probably watching you right now with an immense amount of pride."
"Thank you, Link." Koko hugged him. "You're every bit the hero from the stories I've heard."
"Koko, I haven't tasted any of your food, but take it from me, you got a lot of talent." Link hugged her back. "You could be a great chef who makes people happy."
They parted and Koko smiled. "Yeah, Koko will be the best chef in the world and make everyone happy. Not just with mommy's recipes, but with my own recipes too." She ran off. "Thank you for everything!"
Link smiled before taking a deep breathe. "One hundred years past for me…" He looked off into the distance. "I wonder if I had any family back then? If I did, do they or anyone descended from them live today?"
With Roxas
Roxas had found a decent area just outside the village where he and Link could train while they were in Kakariko. The Nobody was walking back into town when he noticed a young girl sitting on the ground. She seemed rather bored, but also a little uncertain on what she could do.
Roxas certainly understood that last bit at least, so he approached the girl. "Excuse me…" The girl looked up at him. "Uhm… do you need something to do?"
"Yeah, I'm bored." Cottla stated with a sigh. "Ever since mommy went away somewhere, my big sister hasn't had much time to play with me, and there are no other children my age to play with either."
"Well, I know something fun you could do alone." Roxas offered.
"Really!?" Cottla hopped to her feet. "What is it?"
"First, you need a sphere filled with something that you can reliably hit and something you can use to hit it with." Roxas informed.
"Alright, I know I have stuff like that at home!" Cottla ran off. "I'll be right back!" She came back with a nice sized sphere, maybe half the size of the one Roxas hit back in Twilight Town, and a small club. "Now what?"
"This game is called Grandstander." Roxas informed. "With the ball on the ground, you hit it into the air and try to keep it from touching the ground."
"Okay, I'll give it a try!" Cottla managed to smack the ball into the air and hit it two more times before it hit the ground. "Whoa, that was fun!" She smiled at Roxas. "Thanks for this mister! Now I don't need to be bored."
"Sure…" Roxas blinked as he walked away from the child. "Hm, that kind of felt nice."
Kakariko Village: The Next Three Days…
Link and Roxas spent the last few days training with each other and separately. They both worked on their technique, power, and speed. While Link still didn't feel one hundred percent right, he certainly felt a lot better about getting into tougher fights than simple Bokoblins.
The hero also spent time further getting down the runes and even practiced a lot with Cryonis with the sources of water available in town. Roxas further got down the new magic he's acquired since coming to this world, but he could only access Aero's second level so far.
Their time within Kakariko wasn't only spent training. Link also dragged Roxas around to help anyone who needed it. In hindsight, that was a blessing in disguise since it did help him feel more at ease around people.
They ended up lighting the torches around the goddess statue, catching fireflies for a woman, and helping one of the guards, Cado, catch his flock of cuccos. They ended up making a rather easy 70 Rupee from the fire and last request combined.
Night…
As the pair were returning from training, they heard someone screaming from Impa's house prompting the two of them to rush over and burst in. They found Paya on the ground and in tears while Impa sat nearby.
"This is awful." Paya lamented.
"What wrong?" Link asked.
"Oh, Master Link…" Paya looked up at them. "The Sheikah heirloom has been stolen!"
Impa spoke up. "'The hero, as chosen by the Sheikah heirloom, will be gifted the blessing of antiquity.' Ever since you two arrived, Paya has been researching all about it before concluding that the heirloom was meant for Link to access a hidden shrine."
Just before I was able to tell you, it was stolen." Paya cried. "I had been with the heirloom every day from morning to dusk. Now when I get up, I see that someone must have stolen it. This place is off limits, and no one from the village would do this… would they?"
"Hold on a second." Roxas' time doing investigations within other worlds was currently front and center in his mind. "Look, I don't want to suspect anyone in the village of doing this, but currently, no one is above suspicion. Who would have access to this place at night?"
"I, Paya, Cado, and Dorian would regularly have access." Impa replied.
"Given that I'm not seeing a sign of forced entry, I can see a select list of culprits." Roxas crossed his arms. "One of the four you mentioned, a member of the Yiga, or myself…" He sighed as everyone looked at him. "Admittedly, I have experience sneaking around places."
Roxas knew he didn't take this heirloom, but he felt it still had to be said.
"I'll immediately cross three people off that list." Link declared firmly. "I may not remember Impa, but her words of the past correlate to the kings, Paya's distress is real, and I know you, Roxas. I may not know your past, but I know you are a good guy."
Roxas found himself smiling at Link's trust in him. "Then, that leaves us with only three suspects. A member of the Yiga, Dorian, or Cado." He moved to the door and peaked out. "Considering Dorian is running… Link, I'll follow him while you follow behind me."
The Nobody moved before anyone could say anything more.
"Don't worry, we'll get back that heirloom." Link stated.
He followed his friend.
Outside Kakariko
Dorian ran out of the village and up to a pedestal designed for the heirloom. "Show yourself. He drew his sword with anger clearly on his face. "I know you're there!"
"You don't have to shout." A Yiga blademaster appeared wielding a two-handed blade. "I'm right here."
"So, you're the one who stole the heirloom!" Dorian shouted.
"Such anger." The blademaster commented. "Seems as though that thing truly is special to the village."
"Why would you steal it?" Dorian questioned.
"Don't play dumb Dorian." The blademaster retorted. "You knew what you were getting yourself into when you decided to leave. You forfeited your life." Dorian growled as he looked away, and the blademaster continued.
"You did well to tell us about the heirloom. Now, your usefulness has come to an end, as must you. First, it appears as though we have some guests." Link and Roxas had been there to see everything. "I will deal with them before you."
Roxas prepared to summon his keyblade, but Link stepped forward. "Roxas, only jump in if you're needed." He drew his sword and shield. "I got to know just how far I've come."
Roxas stood down. "Alright."
Link and the Yiga charged one another before clashing weapons. The hero then rolled back while drawing his bow and firing several shots which the Yiga dodged while drawing closer. Link eventually pivoted around his sword strikes while taking out his Sheikah Slate.
He activated Magnesis and used it to pull on the sword. The blademaster kept his grip, but it did manage to offset the man. Link grabbed the handle before firmly kicking the off-balance assassin. He stumbled back a bit while releasing his hold on the blade.
Link put his slate away while brandishing it against his opponent, but the blademaster was not deterred. He drew two short swords and moved to engage the hero. As he swing his swords, Link lept back just barely avoiding them as everything slowed down.
"What is this?" Link questioned. "Whatever this is, it feels as right as anything else in combat does, so I might as well use it."
Link blitzed forwards slashing the blade in a flurry of motion into the assassin. Roxas' eyes widened since the hero never displayed something like this during training. Link finished the combo with a powerful spin cleaving the assassin in half from the waist up.
When both halves of the Yiga fell, they flashed with an inverted, purple Sheikah eye before dissipating into nothing. Only the twin short swords, as well as the weapon now in Link's hand, remained. Link made sure to collect these weapons.
Roxas approached his partner. "What was that you just did?" The hero looked at him. "You suddenly moved faster than I've ever seen you move before."
"I don't remember what it is." Link replied as he sheathed the longer sword on his back. "All I know is that when I dodged the Yiga, everything suddenly moved slower around me for a time."
"Seems there's still a lot I can learn about you." Roxas commented. "Regardless of what that is, it's another powerful tool you can use, so we'll start working on you mastering it."
Link smiled with a nod. "Sounds good."
Dorian over rolling the heirloom to the pair. "I can't believe I was being followed."
"I had a lot of practice before I ever came here." Roxas alluded. "Link was actually following me, so don't take it too hard."
"In truth, I very well deserved it since this was all my fault." Dorian admitted. "I was once a member of the Yiga, but then I met the most incredible woman who blessed me with two, amazing children. I tried to change my ways. Tried to leave the clan.
In retaliation, the Yiga… took her life. I couldn't let them hurt my children, so I used my position as gatekeeper to gather information for the Yiga. I told them about you two and the village in exchange for safety. Eventually, my grief over the loss of my wife overcame me.
I also saw from afar how you two helped my children. That was all I needed to cut ties with them for good, but the Yiga are pure evil. They told me they'd kill both Paya and Impa if I didn't play along. I am sorry for I was a weak man."
"I don't know if I'd call it weak." Roxas spoke up before Link could getting their attentions. "Believe it or not, we are similar. Like you, I was part of a group that did a lot of harm to a lot of people before I met someone who opened my eyes. I don't think it was in the same way.
Still, the fact remains that I left that group. Now, I'm gaining strength to one day fulfill the wish of that person. What I'm saying is, I think you're stronger than you give yourself credit. Sure, you've made your mistakes, but I think you can still be stronger."
"You do understand how I've felt; however, your strength is greater than mine." Dorian smiled. "I think… I think I can be stronger. From now on, I pledge to protect my family and village with everything I am… no matter the cost."
"Right now, we should probably head back to the village and return the heirloom." Link voiced.
Kakariko Village
The figure in the black coat stopped at the gate to Kakariko Village before casting his gaze to the sky above. "No Blood Moon tonight meaning I shouldn't run the risk of malice."
He strolled right on into the village and up to Impa's house where Cado stood guard. "Halt, who…"
The figure charged the Sheikah.
For those of you who may gripe that I didn't cover all the side quest, or I combined multiple side quests, well there is a difference between a game and story. Additionally, I don't think you'd want me to go in depth covering them catching firefly's or Roxas simply using fire to light those torches. It's all about pacing which is kind of why I excluded the whole Fairy Fountain Quest here.
As for why they aren't immediately going into the shrine, well it'd firstly just be glossed over because again just going into a shrine, described here, would have slowed down the pacing. Plus, I'm pushing off writing about the myriad of shrines they'll go into for a later chapter. There I can write about them all at once. Side quests, like the ones I did cover, are those I feel actually have substance to them.
The Taios: Fine by me. He gets revealed next chapter.
ultima-owner: Maybe. I mean, Roxas has seen some pretty crazy stuff on those missions he'd partake in. That said, nothing quite looked like the dragons of Hyrule. Mayne creating weapons from his elemental magics will be something he cultivates after getting down the elemental bombs. I do have to admit that Roxas creating elemental swords or arrows he can fire at his opponents does sound cool.
DARKPHANTOM13: I can't really blame them. Link has no memories while Roxas only learned how to be vague from the people he was with before. I plan on some things with Paya as the story progresses, but she'll be the same for now. I have thought of different keyblades, but the problem there is the fact that Roxas already has some of the strongest key blades in hand. Going lower wouldn't be an improvement, but I have been investigating the various keyblades throughout the games.
That's bit isn't off the table. As for form changes, those are usually tied to the keyblades, so if I don't give him any new ones, he'd be left with only what Oblivion and Oathkeeper could become. Honestly, I'm leaning towards bow which would pair nicely with magic, elemental arrows since Roxas wouldn't have to reload. He could just pull back the string and fire. To give them that KH3 craziness, he could pull an Uryu Ishida from Bleach and simply pull back the bow to perform rapid fire.