Outside Kakariko Village
Roxas and Axel sat side by side on the grass slowly savoring the frozen treats.
"I thought a peace offering might make you a bit calmer." Axel stated.
"Thank you." Roxas stated. "I've missed these."
"Why didn't you just go get some?" Axel questioned. "You still know how to summon a dark corridor, right?"
"Thought it would be safer staying in a place none of you had ever explored before. If I went to Twilight Town, there was a chance I'd run into one of you… I guess that doesn't really matter anymore now."
A long silence instilled as the two finished the last the of their popsicles.
"You know, I kept going to the clock tower." Axel broke the silence. "I went there every day, and always remembered to bring an extra ice cream just in case you decided to show up."
"Oh… sorry." It was all Roxas could think to say.
"Why did you leave Roxas?" Axel asked in a quiet tone.
"You know why." Roxas responded coldly, "You, out of everybody, know exactly why."
"Yeah… yeah I do." Axel admitted.
"What did the Organization tell you?" Roxas asked. "I didn't think they'd want me back after what happened with Xigbar."
"I had to ask them." Axel replied. "I told them that I would be able to bring you back."
"What's the plan when that doesn't happen?" Roxas asked firmly.
Axel growled under his breath "Why not? We can still take you back! It can be like old times! Me, you, and… and…"
"And who!?" The younger Nobody commanded. "Who else is supposed to be there, Axel?" Axel had nothing to say, so Roxas turned away from him as his tone went quiet. "Without her, it'll never be the same. Even now… it's just not the same."
"I guess you're right." Axel responded coldly.
The two fell silent as the sun's rays slowly started to trickle through the tree line and set behind the horizon.
"You know, sometimes it's a struggle for me to keep her memory alive." Roxas admitted. "I have to remind myself constantly just to hold onto it."
"I know… I can barely remember." Axel stated. "I don't even think I still know her name."
Roxas turned to his fellow Nobody. "Her name was Xion."
"Xion…" Axel chuckled. "Yeah, that sounds about right. I wish I could remember more. I doubt I could even recall her face if I saw it again."
"Roxas!" Link called out.
Axel and Roxas turned their heads in panic as sounds of footsteps closed in. Eventually, the hero came on out of the brush. The moment he did, Axel turned away and lifted his hood to shield his face.
"I wanted to talk…" Link went wide eyed before drawing the two-handed blade he took from that Yiga. "Roxas isn't going back. If you hurt him, I'll make you pay."
Roxas quickly darted between them raising his hands in a panicked motion "Link, it's alright! He's a friend!"
"Don't worry… I was just leaving." Axel stated in a stern voice.
He turned his back on the two of them after having risen from his sitting position.
"Are you sure?" Roxas questioned as he stared at his old friend with a serious expression.
"I am." It was all Axel said before he formed a dark corridor.
"Roxas, I'm sorry." Link sheathed his blade. "He was wearing that coat, so I thought…"
Roxas lifted a hand signaling for him to stop. "It's… It's complicated." He sighed as he looked up at the older Nobody. "I'm glad you came."
"Me too." Axel responded with his back still turned to them.
"What happens now?" Roxas asked.
Axel sighed. "Well, this was your last chance… I was your last chance at coming back. After this, the Organization will be out to eliminate you."
"Are we still friends?" Roxas asked.
Axel turned and grinned at Roxas. "We're always friends dummy, got it memorized?" His grin turned into a frown. "Now, we're also enemies. I am number VIII of Organization XIII which means I will do what my position requires." He took a single step towards the dark corridor. "The next time we meet, it will probably be the last, Roxas."
"…I know." was all Roxas could manage.
The man in the black coat took a single step into the portal before saying, "You know that guy there may not be like me in many ways, but he was there for you when he thought you were in danger." Axel turned and cast Roxas a cold gaze "Wonder how long until you leave him to?"
The swirling blackness dissipated as Axel stepped through.
"Roxas, I really am…" Link began.
"Don't apologize." Roxas sighed. "If anything, this was my fault for still keeping things as hidden as they are between us." He shook his. "I'm sorry, but I just don't want to get into everything with Axel right now. Is that… okay?"
"Of course, it's okay." Link nodded before looking at his friend. "I must know… are we still good?"
"Answer me this." Roxas stated. "Do you think I'd leave you unless I had no other option?"
"I don't think you left Axel behind without a good reason." Link stated. "I know if we parted ways at any point, you'd do it for a good reason."
Roxas nodded with a small smile. "Then… we're good." He started walking back to Kakariko. "Come on, we still have hours before night hits. Let's make sure all the supplies are in order, so we can start for Zora's Domani bright and early tomorrow."
Link nodded. "Sounds like a plan."
Kakariko Village: Night…
Link and Roxas were in their room at the inn when Roxas noticed something odd outside. "Hey Link, I think you need to check this out."
Link came on over, and the two of them noticed strange particles in the air. The pair of them ran outside to see many of the Sheikah were staring at the sky above as it reddened. It seemed to be coming from the moon.
"A Blood Moon this soon?"
"No way. One of these hasn't happened for five years."
"Didn't Roxas and Link say they've been clearing out monsters in three whole regions."
"That would explain it."
"Be on your guard…" Link and Roxas both shared a look because they could hear Zelda's voice in their heads again. "When enough monsters are slain, Ganon's power reaches a peak resulting in the Blood Moon. By its glow, the aimless spirits of monster's slain return to flesh."
"What is this?" Link asked still in disbelief.
"The Blood Moon." Dorian approached the stunned pair. "When enough monsters are slain over Hyrule, it appears to bring them. According to Lady Impa, it was a yearly occurrence when she was younger.y
That time frame kept rising indicating that anyone capable of slaying these monsters were dwindling. The last Blood Moon was five years ago, and we expected the time frame to be longer. Then, you two came along and managed to slay enough."
"Does that mean… Link and I slaying all those monsters was for nothing?" Roxas asked.
"I wouldn't say it's for nothing." Dorian informed. "When the monsters are brought back, they are never near civilization. Additionally, they will be without weapons for a while given you boys seemed thorough in taking them. Essentially, you boys have given the people of two regions peace of mind for a long while."
"Considering the monsters coming back like this is a byproduct of Calamity Ganon, the only way to stop this mass resurrection would be to take down Calamity Ganon." Link stated.
"To do that, we need to continue growing stronger and get those Divine Beasts under control." Roxas added.
The boys shared a firm nod as they now figured out that the situation wasn't hopeless.
Hyrule Fields: Dawn…
The boys departed the village. Even though many of the villagers were still asleep or going about their chores, some had gathered to see them off. The Sheikah held torches aloft to light their way. The partners wore their Champion's Attires which had been freshly laundered.
They rode through a path that took them along a narrower pass which led onto higher ground overlooking what Impa had called the Lanayru Wetlands. As they rode out of the pass, their eyes settled on the distant Hyrule Castle.
Since they were now closer, the two of them could make out certain details better. A series of massive pillars, which looked distinctly Sheikah in nature, jutted out of the ground surrounding the castle. They looked as tall as the castle's tallest towers.
Unlike the common blue or orange they usually saw, these glowed reddish with malice. They sat atop their mounts just watching the castle and hoping not to see Calamity Ganon rise like he had while they were on the Great Plateau.
"How much longer do you think Zelda can contain Calamity Ganon?" Link asked.
"I wouldn't know." Roxas stated. "In the end, we can't let that make us act hasty."
"It doesn't mean we can ignore our current objective." Link stated. "Come on, let's keep going."
The sun had dipped below the western horizon by the time the pair reached the Wetland Stable. The first detail that struck them as they approached the building was the fact that it was rather close to Hyrule Field. Clearly, that influenced how this waystation had been built.
It was situated on a hill overlooking river that ran between the Lanayru Wetlands and Central Hyrule. The Wetland Stable had been built with its defense in mind. The forests around the stable had been cleared and used to form walls of sharpened pickets.
Additionally, two watch towers had been built, one to the north and one to the south. Within them sat guards armed with bows. There were several buildings in addition to the stable, but the closest was shaped like a long rectangle.
From this building, they saw a man wearing leather armor and wielding a spear walk out. The stable appeared much like the other stable they'd seen. Admittedly, it was somewhat larger and with an area in its yard devoted to wagons and carts.
It was clear as day that this waystation was far more prepared for combat that the Dueling Peaks Stable. Link felt an odd mixture of apprehension and happiness to see others fighting back. They expected to be stopped by the guards, but no one said anything.
They were free to maneuver their mounts into the yard. Now that they were closer to the stable, music and singing could be heard from within. This had the immediate effect of lifting their spirits. The pair dismounted and handed their horse's reigns over to a stable boy.
They then walked towards the stable's entrance where they were greeted with a sight that was delightful yet confusing. The large common room had quite a few wooden tables set in rows, and many of the benches were lined with men and women in leather armor
There were also a smaller number of people that looked to be travelers or merchants. Several servers weaved between the tables carrying drinks or platters of food. The people in the common room seemed happy as they talked amongst themselves, laughed, or were singing.
The reason for this was clear as a member of the Rito race was standing on a platform made up of a large wooden box. He was significantly taller than Link with a broader chest and shoulders. He had blue and white plumage with a large, black beak.
The Rito eagerly played an instrument like an accordion while singing along with a deep, resonant voice. As the pair crossed the room to a table to listen and order a meal, the Rito's eyes fell on the hero. For the briefest of moments, the Rito's music faltered.
His golden eyes met Link's blue; however, the music continued. If the other patrons had even noticed, they said nothing. Link hesitated before sitting down on a bench. Something about that expression gave him the impression of recognition.
"I think that Rito may know me?" Link whispered.
"Maybe…" Roxas admitted quietly. "Though, it didn't seem to be a look like the king, Purah, or Impa."
Several minutes later, the Rito ended his song with a smattering of applause from the patrons. He smiled and gave a slight bow before his eyes roamed over the people. A few of the drunker patrons began to shout out song requests, but the Rito raised one feathered hand
His eyes, again, fell on Link as the hero and Nobody just got their meals. "Friends, friends…" The Rito lowered his hand to his accordion. "There will be more time for requests, I assure you. After all, the night is young; however, I feel inspired to play a song.
This song has been handed down since ancient times. It is a song of heroes and villains, courage and magic, and a great victory. It is a true story from long ago." The crowd responded positively, which caused the Rito to smile as he played.
"The kingdom of Hyrule is a vast and storied land, oft grasped in the palm of a villainous hand." he began to sing, and the rest of the room fell silent. "A dark force of destruction, many times undone, rises once again. Ganon, the calamitous one." Link's blood ran cold.
"But hope survives in Hyrule, for all is not lost. Two brave souls protect it, no matter the cost. A goddess-blood princess and a fearless knight. They appear in each age to fight the good fight. Their battle with Ganon committed to song, to keep it through time, no matter how long."
Panic gripped Link as he wanted nothing more than to leave this place. He had not wished to be cornered with his failure once again this night. To be reminded of all that he couldn't remember. Roxas moved over to his side of the table and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Link took a deep breath to calm himself. "Thank you."
"Now begins the second verse. Listen and you'll know of their battle with Ganon ten thousand years ago. The kingdom of Hyrule was once a land of lasting peace. A culture of such strength and with that suffering did cease.
Ganon lurked beneath the surface, strengthening its jaws, so the ancient people of Hyrule set out to help the cause. Their efforts bore fruit in an automated force to help avert Ganon by sealing it at its source. Four giant behemoths for which power never ceased.
Each of these titans was called a 'Divine Beast.' Free-willed machines that hunted down their prey while Guardians were built to last so they could join the fray." Link felt a strange mixture of shame and relief upon learning the song wasn't about him personally.
"To guide the beasts in battle, warriors were needed, so four Champions were pledged to see Ganon defeated. Divine Beasts, Champions, princess, and knight, their plan to rout Ganon with all their might. When Calamity Ganon reared its head, Hyrule rose against it.
Ganon raged in its assault, boiling with hate. It gnashed its teeth and thrashed about, but it was all too late. The Guardians kept the heroes safe through every hour, and the Divine Beasts unleashed attacks that weakened Ganon's power."
The song seemed familiar to Link. Even though he could not remember anything specific, he was certain that he had heard this song before. The Rito had stated the song was from ancient times. Could he truly have heard it in his past?
"The hero with the sealing sword struck the final blow, and the holy power of the princess sealed Ganon so. That is the story of the brazen attack on Calamity Ganon 10,000 years back."
The Rito stopped singing and playing. For a long time, silence reigned in the common room. The silence was eventually broken by one man, whose words slurred with drunkenness.
"Hey, Kass! I thought you said that was a true story!"
The Rito, named Kass. turned to the man and smiled. "I did."
"Then why in the gods' names is that castle standing destroyed, and why do I have to fight off monsters every other day?"
Kass' smile faltered, but he inclined his head in acknowledgement. "This song speaks of the ancient hero and princess from ten thousand years past. They achieved victory against the calamity. These were not the same individuals that fought Ganon one hundred years ago."
"Obviously!" A woman spoke this time with several others muttering in agreement with her.
Link felt his heart sink even further.
"Friends." Kass held up one more calming hand. "The story from one hundred years ago is another tale and not one that I am prepared to tell this evening. In the defense of the princess and her knight, Calamity Ganon has been subdued… for a time."
The woman snorted derisively. "A good lot that has done us! You can't walk one hundred feet into Hyrule Field without being ambushed by monsters or worse. No princess, no hero, and that creature hovering over the castle. My daughter keeps having nightmares about it! The only reason I don't take her and go is because I don't think there's any other place that's safe."
Link abruptly stood from the table causing a handful of people to glance at him. He ignored them and stepped outside of the stable with Roxas quickly following him. The hero took deep, shaky breaths of the cool night air. It had gotten dark, and the stars twinkled in the night sky.
"Maybe I should just use the Sheikah Slate to teleport back to Kakariko, Hateno, or even the Great Plateau." Link didn't speak out of anger at them but himself. "Maybe another hundred years will remind me of the hero I was."
"Link, these people can't understand what it is you went through." Roxas stated. "They weren't there, and they haven't gotten to know you like I have."
"They're not wrong Roxas." Link declared. "I failed Hyrule one hundred years ago. You've heard the stories of my defeat. I fell to the guardians."
"Link…" Roxas closed his eyes. "I took down the person who asked me to complete a goal for her."
"What?" Link asked.
"Her name was Xion, and she was my friend just like Axel." Roxas spoke up. "We ended up fighting one another. I came out on top, and she was sent away. As far as I know, she's not dead, but she is out of reach. Then, I tried to honor her last wish.
I was stopped by a man who wore the coat of the Organization. He wasn't with us though. His power was too great, and I had to flee. I get what failure is, but we can't fall apart. I think there are other people who could do what I do, but I won't let them.
My goals are the ones I choose to have, so I will see them through because of the people depending on me to do them. While you may have your goals thrust upon you, I've said it enough before. You won't be alone because one of my goals it to help you now."
Link took a shaky breath before nodding firmly. "Roxas, I'm…"
"Don't apologize." Roxas declared firmly. "Link, just because you are a hero, it doesn't mean you don't have the right to doubt yourself. Even for as strong as you see me, I have my doubts. You are my friend, so any time you falter, I'll be there to pick you back up."
Link smiled. "Thank you."
They heard soft footsteps approaching and turned to see that it was Kass. "Good evening." He bowed his head in greeting. "You two are unfamiliar faces to me. I tend to pride myself in knowing most of the travelers in this region. They tend to have some of the best stories, you see."
Link considered his words carefully as he and Roxas had learned about poorly thought out lies. "We're from Hateno Village. Have you been there?"
Kass tilted his head slightly. "Hateno? No, I must confess that my travels have not yet taken me that far east. I hope to do so soon."
"It is a nice village." Roxas stated.
"If you do not mind my asking, what brings you two so far west and north?" Kass asked.
"We're traveling to Zora's Domain." Link replied figuring the truth would serve here.
Kass' eyes widened before he smiled. "To Zora's Domain, you say? What a wonderful coincidence! I, too, have begun a trek to Zora's Domain. I've heard of some troubles with the ancient Divine Beast, and I wished to see it for myself."
"You are investigating the Divine Beast?" Link asked.
"Ah, you know of the Divine Beasts? Wonderful!" Kass exclaimed. "Many people I have spoken to from your region are not particularly aware. One hundred years is not quite enough time for their existence to fall into legend, but some are unaware. In fact, many children…oh!"
Kass appeared embarrassed "Forgive me, I do not mean to compare you two to a child." They shook his head to indicate no offense taken which relived him. "I merely meant that unless you live in the shadow of one such creation it is easy to dismiss them.
We Rito have lived within a short flight of Vah Medoh for the last one hundred years, so their truth is not lost on us. But of course, you asked me a question, did you not? You asked if I was investigating the Divine Beast Vah Ruta?
That is not exactly my intent. You see, I am a traveling minstrel, as I am sure you may have guessed. I once studied under the renowned Sheikah poet, Rao. He was the Court Poet for the Royal Family before their fall one hundred years ago."
Kass glanced towards the distant castle. The red haze shone around the castle lightly illuminating its lower sections. Thankfully, no beast rose over it.
"He wrote and sung of the time and heroes from before the Calamity, you see." Kass continued. "Specifically, of Princess Zelda, her knight, and the four Champions that fought to prevent Ganon's rise."
"Is that so?" Link asked.
"I am continuing my late master's work in my travels." Kass informed. "I am traveling to Zora's Domain with the hope that I may discover more of Mipha, the Zora Champion. I wish to finish my master's epic."
"Pardon me, for I actually came to check on you two." Kass looked at them curiously. "You did storm out rather suddenly. Is everything all right?" He looked at link curiously. "You look concerned."
"It's just… sad to think of what happened to her and the other champions." Link stated.
"Yes indeed." The Rito nodded sagely. "A true tragedy. Such hopes were placed upon the six, and for it all to end so direly…" Silence fell between them for a time before Kass continued. "Of course, I do not fully believe that all hope is lost."
Link looked up at Kass who chuckled. "Well, perhaps it is my tendency to prefer stories with a happier ending, but I believe that these things work themselves out often enough. I believe Ganon will be defeated rather than kept at bay as he is now."
"You seem to have such a different view from the others within the stable." Roxas stated.
"Of course." Kass smiled. "The six are no longer with us. Certainly, the four Champions perished in the battle. The Knight, legends tell, fell at the princess' feet in the shadow of Fort Hateno. The princess…"
He looked towards the castle. "My master spoke of her and how she went to the castle alone where she faced Calamity Ganon with her sealing powers. It's thanks to those powers that we stand here alive all these years later."
"What about what that woman said?" Link inquired. "The monsters are terrorizing travelers, and the Blood Moon always brings them back."
"What you speak is true." Kass nodded in acknowledgment. "Though, I would suggest that the proliferation of monsters along our roads is not the fault of the six. From what I have heard, it is true that the monsters have gained strength since Ganon's reemergence.
Having said that, they existed prior to its rise and will likely continue to exist if it is defeated. Before the fall of Hyrule, the king did not rely on Princess Zelda to patrol the roads. That duty was left to common soldiers.
While we lost much of the organized military in Ganon's attack, you cannot tell me that others could not rise to fight back. Why, you two look like warriors. I would hazard a guess you have fought some of these creatures, have you not?" They nodded and Kass smiled in triumph.
"See? If we simply had more individuals like you, perhaps we could secure these roads once again. All the races have warriors. The Sheikah are still renowned for their abilities in stealth and precision. Gorons are capable of repelling entire groups of enemies alone.
The Zora are swift and still have a standing military force. The Gerudo are an entire race of warriors. We Rito are known to be the finest archers in the land. You Hylians, of course, have a history full of great and noble warriors. "So, what excuse do we have?
The Great Calamity was disastrous, but it was also one hundred years ago. Instead of reclaiming the sections of our land that have been lost to Ganon's minions, we appear to be waiting to die… or perhaps to be rescued."
"I think that's a good point." Roxas stated. "I will admit, I'm not the most knowledgeable on everything this world has to offer, but your words likely hold wisdom. All these races have much to offer alone, but if they pulled together, things could be better now."
"You get it!" Kass smiled. "You boys look as though you've battled many monsters, but you alone would not be enough. The various people of Hyrule should work together rather than take refuge in their homes. Forgive my rudeness in not asking your names. Might I know them?"
"Name's Roxas." Roxas stated.
"Link." Link added.
"Link?" Kass' tone was curious. "I must say, your attires are rather interesting."
"Is it?" Link tried to keep his voice carefully even.
"It appears to be the same color worn by the Champions of old… based on what I have been told." Kass informed. "Link was also the name of the princess' knight and wielder of the Master Sword."
"We… didn't know that." Link may have felt better after Roxas' words, but he wasn't quite ready to face this just yet.
"Well, such details have often been lost to time. The hero's name, especially, appears to change in stories and myths depending on the person telling the story. Some even mistakenly call him by the princess' name… as silly as that might sound." Kass chuckled softly. "But my master actually knew the man, and he informed me that his name was Link."
"That is strange." Link commented.
Kass cleared his throat. "These subjects appear to give you pause, so I apologize for any discomfort caused by my musings."
Link sighed and looked over at Kass. "No, I just have a lot on my mind. It isn't your fault."
Again, the Rito gave him that piercing stare. "Perhaps I can suggest you try the Volt Fruit ale? I have heard from many patrons that it does wonders. It tends to do wonders for my purse as well."
Link laughed softly as he pieced together the Rito's meaning. Kass opened his beak in what was clearly a grin. The joke finally allowed Link's shoulders to relax again, and he turned away from the sight of the dark castle. This was a sight Roxas was glad to see.
The rest of the night passed much easier for the pair than it had begun. They eventually went back inside and enjoyed listening to Kass' music and storytelling. This time, none of it featured Link or his previous incarnation.
The Next Few Days…
Even though they were on their way to the same place, Link and Roxas did not end up traveling with Kass as the Rito took to the sky. Eventually, as the sun began to dip towards the west, they saw the first signs on oncoming rain.
"I guess we've got another soggy night ahead of us." Link declared.
"I'm starting to think I should just wear my black coat and not worry about how other people may see it." Roxas commented. "At least then I wouldn't be bothered by the rain."
"Don't worry Roxas." Link assured. "If we find shelter, I promise we'll bed down there."
The rain did not come that night. In fact, it didn't seem to grow any closer. When they woke the next morning, they could still see the mass of roiling rain clouds present over Zora's Domain. This clued them into the fact that this was something different. Something concerning.
Potentially far worse than a cold and wet night. The river they traveled parallel to gradually began to swell as they got closer to Zora's Domain before finally reaching the point that it began to spill over its banks. More than once, Link had to guide both horses through shallow water.
Roxas just wasn't experienced enough to do it himself. Finally, in the early afternoon of their third day out from Kakariko Village, the world grew dark and wet. They had ridden into the rain which had still not moved from its spot over Zora's Domain.
I decided not to keep you guys waiting on this chapter, but it does mean that the normal way of posting will continue after this chapter. Some of you could argue that Axel wouldn't be an enemy to Roxas here; however, I would like to point out that he did not leave with Roxas at the end of 358/2 days. Despite his friendship with Roxas, at this point in time, VIII clearly has some form of investment in Organization XIII.
His development from KH2 has not happened yet. In addition, Axel can be a little jealous as seen with Xion, and I don't think Link would ask to be his friend here. Bottom line, Axel will show up again sometime during Link and Roxas' time in Zora's Domain. As for the Blood Moon, I have changed how it works. For one, it is congruent to the number of monsters slain. As time wore on, competent warriors would fall meaning the number slain wouldn't reach the threshold as quickly.
This would lead to longer periods of time between blood moons. Additionally, it never respawns monsters near civilization, and the do not respawn in with weapons. That means Link and Roxas, without realizing it, significantly weakened the strength of the monsters until they can acquire new weapons. In this way, Link and Roxas' training still has benefits to Hyrule without completely overshadowing the danger of blood moons.
Jebest4781: Thank you
UltimateAvengers: Micky was around Riku at this time in the story. There's even a cut scene of them talking about this whole situation near the end of whatever you'd call the thing they added to the final mix in place of the game we should have gotten. I'm pretty sure Riku did not hide what he did considering Sora learned he had Roxas and Xion inside his heart. While we may view what he did to Xion and Roxas in a bad light, in canon it was the way to awaken Sora. A necessary evil.
If we're going to persecute Riku for his acts, then we need to lump Terra and Axel in there. Despite how fun a character Axel is, the guy was no saint. He still took out a few members of the Organization in Chain of Memories and kidnapped Kari in KH 2. That's only scratching the surface when we consider what we've seen all of Organization do. Terra is a whole other can of worms. I'm not saying Xion and Roxas don't have the right to dislike Riku for his actions, but I am saying there are other factors to this.
ultima-owner: We'll see.