Lanaryu Providence

The clouds, nearly black overhead, spat rain in an unending deluge that almost immediately soaked Link and Roxas' clothing. At this point, the later really wanted his coat since he learned it was water resistant; however, he didn't want to give the Zora's the wrong idea.

So, on the pressed through roads which grew muddy and treacherous. Their mount's hooves made loud, sucking noises each time they lifted out of the muck. The pair could see a Sheikah Tower in the distance, but not even Roxas felt like running up that right now.

Instead, they leaned over their mounts and patted their necks with a comforting hand. Both horses were typically easy going, but the current circumstances agitated them. The boys could hardly blame them. Nothing about this rain felt natural. It was too heavy to be this consistent.

For all the heavy rain, there was no other indications of a storm. No lightning, no thunder, and no wind to speak of. Just a steady, torrential downpour. They eventually came to a bridge which crossed over the river. It was made of white stone and flanked by a pair of watchtowers.

The watchtowers had a base made of slightly translucent crystal that shone with an inner blue-white light. Grey stone crisscrossed up the white crystal before forming a platform at the top. The effect was stunning. Disconcertingly, they saw that the watchtowers were unmanned.

That was probably a bad omen which only added to the pile among the troubles Kass had spoken of concerning the Divine Beast and all this rain. The muddy road continued after the bridge and circled around a wider section of river that spilled over its banks.

The boys grimaced at the water covering the road, and they took special care to let their mounts know they were doing a great job as they took them over the shallows. The road eventually circled around the face of a sheer rock wall. As they rounded it, something felt off.

They felt like they were being watched and Roxas was immediately on edge as it could very well be another member from the Organization. They rounded another corner as the path looped back climbing to the top of the wall they had just passed.

Thick trees lined either side of the road with their branches bending low under the weight of the rain water. Puddles formed on the path, and the horse's hooves splashed loudly as they crossed through them. By now, the boys shared a nod.

Link produced a spear while Roxas summoned Oblivion, and they scanned the trees. The only movement they spotted was the falling rain and laden trees. To make matters worse, night had begun to fall. Everything was growing darker which further obscured the forest.

The boys shared a look, and they knew the pair of them were being watched. After several tense minutes of waiting, the pair chose to press on as the trees around them fell into darkness. Fortunately, their mounts seemed to at least pick up on the unease of their riders.

They moved at a brisker pace than before despite the way their hooves sank deeply into the mud with every step. Eventually, they came upon hazy blue lanterns and could hear metal weapons hitting upon metal shields.

The rain's muffling effect was likely the reason they didn't hear the battle much earlier. As they rounded a small bend in the trees, they spotted movement ahead. A group of shapes, some standing tall and some hunched low, clashed with surprising speed.

Something hissed from the trees to Link's left prompting Roxas to lunge at it with Oblivion. The thing's attacks were wild which did it no favors against the Nobody who'd been picking up on a lot of technique from his partner.

The attacks weakened after a few moments, and the creature released a pained hiss before slumping. Roxas' keyblade had pierced the creature's gut, and he now shoved the creature off before it began to dissipate.

"We've never seen monsters like this in any of the other three regions." Roxas commented.

"That's true." Link nodded to the force ahead of them. "I seems like more of those same monsters are attacking that group."

They directed their attention to the two forces ahead which clashed. Vaguely illuminated by the blue lanterns on the ground, the pair could see that the taller individuals matched up with what they'd heard of the Zora.

Skin of varying hues of blue and red, with long legs and arms ending in webbed appendages, fins at the elbows, and heads of various shapes. The enemies they faced were large and lizard-like, with long, hunched torsos, long snouts with razor teeth, and wicked claws on their feet and toes.

The Zora were outnumbered and surrounded by their lizard foes who appeared to have attacked from the trees. That said, the Zora were clearly the more skilled group as they had fallen into a circle formation with their backs to each other.

They were wielding silver spears and matching shields. As the pair watched, one of the lizards lunged forward trying to stab a Zora with a spear of its own. In perfect coordination, the Zora blocked the attack with her shield while her partner thrust his spear into the lizard's chest.

In Link's brief estimation, it seemed to him that the Zora, with their strong defensive line and coordination, would be the victors in this fight without their assistance. A moment later, they saw a flash of yellow light from within the tree line.

"Shock arrows!" The cry came from someone within the Zora circle.

The group immediately broke and dove for cover. A yellow-tipped arrow landed in a puddle where the group of Zora had been. There was a flash of light and yellow arcs of electricity danced across the puddle.

"Rivan!" One of the Zora, who stood slightly taller than the rest, called out.

One of the Zora had been too slow, his foot still in the puddle, when the arrow struck. He screamed in agony, and his body grew rigid as the arcs of electricity shot up it. That Zora that had called out threw aside his spear and dove for the Zora that had been frozen in place.

Roxas managed to spot the archer in the woods. "You want electricity?" His eyes narrowed as he held up Oblivion. "I'll show you electricity. Thunder Bomb!"

Roxas fired off a yellow, elemental bomb which only picked up power from the surrounding rain before slamming into the monster. The lizard spasmed violently, kicking out with clawed legs and arms, before hitting the ground limply and dissipating.

The pair then looked to the battle and now saw that it had gone downhill. Two of the Zora were down, and the remaining Zora had formed up around them. Injuries or exhaustion had clearly slowed their reflexes.

Link drew a soldier bow and began nocking arrows before firing them rapidly at the enemy. Roxas took aim himself and unleashed Blizzards into the lizards. Their attacks began nailing the lizards catching them unaware as their attention were on the Zora.

For one moment, the remaining Zora and lizards were confused, but the former were quick to rally. They broke from their defensive circle with bellowing war cries. The remaining lizards stood no chance and were quickly cut down by the Zora.

When their job was done, the pair approached the Zora atop their steeds causing the contingent to turn their spears on them. The pair raised their hands in a non-threatening gesture. Like they'd hopped, the Zora glanced at each other before lowering their weapons.

What they hadn't expected was one of the Zora to suddenly say, "Link? Is that you?"

"Link?" The Zora with the hurt leg, as well as pale violet skin, looked up before her eyes widened.

"Link? It can't be Link. He died when…" Another Zora looked at him with a confused expression before the light of recognition shone in his eyes. "By the goddess…"

Link was shocked that these Zora, at least some of them, seemed to know exactly who he was. The group of Zora appeared to see the confusion on his face as a blue-skinned member approached with a huge grin.

"It's me, Bazz!" The Zora declared. "Come to think of it… you might not recognize me since I was younger when you last saw me. Why, it's been one hundred…" Bazz frowned. "It's been one hundred years, yet you don't look a day different. That's not normal for Hylians, is it?"

"I-I don't…" Link sputtered in disbelief. "How is this possible?"

"It can't be him." One of the Zora announced. "He's dead."

"Rivan, look at him." The violet Zora, Gaddison, declared.

"I don't remember any of you," Link stated knowing there was no point in letting this go on. "I am who you think I am, but I… I don't have any memories."

Silence followed his pronouncement. A pair of webbed hands clapped together causing the contingent of Zora to stans straighter. The tallest Zora, red-skinned and with epaulettes somehow stuck to his shoulders, walked around from behind the other Zora.

He was smiling broadly and revealing a row of sharp teeth. "I, for one, don't care who you used to be and openly welcome you along with your comrade." Abruptly, the Zora reached out, took their hands in his, and shook enthusiastically.

"You two just saved our lives! If you hadn't come along when you did, I'm not sure we would have all made it out alive." The tall Zora, still shaking their hands, looked back at the others. "Guardsmen! We owe this Hylian and his friend our lives.

Now, it wouldn't do to just stand here waiting for another group of Lizalfos to ambush us, would it?" His voice carried an air of relaxed authority. "Spread out and search the woods. I think we've patrolled far enough, so we will begin our trek back home in the morning."

The other Zora saluted by placing fists to their chests before spreading out and walking into the trees on either side of the road. As he passed, the Zora named Bazz placed a hand on Link's shoulder and squeezed it firmly before continuing into the trees.

Once the other Zora were gone, the taller Zora finally released the pair's hand and spoke with a softer tone. "Better?" Link looked on in confusion, but the Zora seemed to get the answer he was looking for. "Link, is it?" He turned his gaze to the Nobody. "You are?"

"Yeah, he's Link, and I'm Roxas." Roxas introduced.

The Zora had a unique look about him. Two ridges extended to the sides like small, wings from his snout just above his eyes, and the tail fin on the back of his head ran all the way down to the middle of his back.

Unlike the other Zora they've seen, he also had an additional dorsal fin extending from the top of his head. Additionally, he had a piece of silvery ornamentation that they could assumed was the Zora version of a crown.

"Excellent! I am Sidon, Prince of Zora's Domain." Sidon grinned brightly. "You two are exactly who I've been looking for."

"You knew we were coming?" Link inquired.

"Oh no!" Sidon declared cheerfully. "But we Zora have been in a bit of a spot lately…"

"The Divine Beast?" Roxas asked.

"So, you've heard!" Sidon laughed heartily. "Yes, Ruta has been quite angry lately. She is the one causing all this rain, and I worry that if we do not put a stop to it, the east reservoir will overflow. That would flood both Zora's Domain and a good portion of Hyrule at that."

A chill ran down Link's back. "Flood Zora's Domain!? Flood Hyrule!?"

"That's why we're here, actually." Roxas informed. "We've been sent to regain control of the Divine Beasts."

"Excellent!" Sidon exclaimed. "Really, that is wonderful. I am certain that my father will be thrilled to hear of it, and maybe now the old Demon Sergeant can stop electrocuting himself with shock arrows."

"Prince Sidon, if…" Link began.

"Oh, you can just call me Sidon." Sidon stated good naturedly. "Everyone does."

"All right, Sidon." Link nodded. "If you could tell us how to get to the Divine Beast, we will begin…"

"Oh no! It's much too late for that." Sidon stated. "We will make camp tonight and begin back to the Domain in the morning. My father would like to speak to you. He always spoke highly of you, and well…" Sidon's composure faltered, but only for a moment. "I am sure that he would like to speak with you about my sister."

It felt as if a cold hand wrapped around Link's heart and squeezed. "Prince Sidon… Princess Mipha… The Zora king…. Impa must have known. She would have known what we were walking into, but why hadn't she said anything?"

Link nodded absently which Sidon readily accepted with another exclamation of, "Wonderful!"

It rained all night which was something that didn't seem to bother the Zora at all. They all slept easily on the ground while Link and Roxas huddled under the tree with the thickest canopy they could find. This attempt at a lean-to did not provide much, if any, relief from the rain.

It wasn't like there was a hope to craft a fire either. The Zora caught fish from the river and ate them raw while offering the pair some. They merely shook their heads before digging into some of the fruits and vegetables Link was prone to collect.

Thankfully, no more Lizalfos attacked. Several of the Zora had been wounded in the fight, but none were serious. Many of the Zora that followed Sidon had apparently known Link before the Calamity. To his surprise, Bazz told him that he taught several of the Zora how to fight.

Roxas was impressed learn this while Sidon was excited to tell Link that his personal guard were among some of the best warriors that Zora's Domain had to offer. Link and Roxas, with the later still hiding a lot, told the group their story.

They listened with rapt attention. Once he was finished, each of them declared, with no uncertainty, that his lack of memories didn't matter to them. They were just happy that their friend still lived.

Roxas was quickly accepted as a friend to them as well given he's been there to aid Link all this time. The Nobody wasn't quite sure how to take that, but he did eventually settle on smiling with a thank you thrown their way.

Next Day…

The morning brought a grey dawn and more rain. After much discussion amongst themselves, Sidon sent several Zora, upriver, back to their city to inform the king of what happened and of their guests' arrival.

Sidon and the remaining three Zora, Bazz, Gaddison, and Rivan, decided to walk with the pair. They had initially resisted riding while the Zora walked, but it became clear they did not have nearly the same amount of trouble moving through the mud.

Even though they were taller, their webbed feet seemed to enable them to walk on top of the mud rather than sinking into it, and the footprints they left were shallow. That day passed rather pleasantly. The group of Zora, including Sidon, were clearly friends.

They told both Link and Roxas stories from one hundred years ago. Link had been just a boy when he first came to Zora's Domain with his father, the knight. Bazz, Gaddison, and Rivan had just been children at the time and eagerly played with Link.

As years passed, Link grew older, but Zora aged slower than Hylians. Gaddison admitted that she looked to Link like an older brother which made the other two Zora laugh for some reason. It was because of this gap, and Link's skill, that he had taught the Zora to fight.

"Eventually, you started visiting with the Princess and didn't really have much time for us." Rivan informed off-handedly.

"He made time for Mipha though!" Rivan exclaimed.

Gaddison chuckled. "Well, of course."

Link didn't respond to this exchange, but Sidon looked thoughtful. He admitted that he didn't have any real memories of Link from before. In fact, many of the prince's memories from before the Calamity were hazy at best.

Roxas wondered if that meant Sidon didn't have any memories of Mipha as well. That seemed tragic to him since the Nobody couldn't imagine not having his memories of Axel, Xion, or Link. It wasn't until later that they encountered more Lizalfos.

These ones were not as well-organized as the previous group and had no shock arrows. Still, Lizalfos fought far more viciously than Bokoblins. If anything, they were more like Moblins, but with a smaller size that made them a little more deadly.

Once they were on their way again, Roxas looked to the Zora. "What's with all the Lizalfos?"

"Zora and Lizalfos have been sworn enemies going back countless generations." Sidon said in replied. "Legends say that before Hylians or Gorons ever walked the land, Zora and Lizalfos were at peace. In that time, the land was a hot, arid place with little water.

The Zora people lived in the water, while the Lizalfos occupied the burning lands. Over time, the Lizalfos began to covet the cooling waters of Zora's River and demanded that the Zora give them half the waters. "The Zora, at that time, agreed to share the distributaries off the main river.

They were unwilling to give up the river itself. It had become where their children played and had the best fish. The Lizalfos did not accept this and decided to attack determined to drive them out entirely. The two tribes clashed many times, but the Lizalfos never achieved their goal.

While the Zora grew older and wiser, the Lizalfo Tribe split due to infighting. Some traveled west to the desert hoping to find another source while others migrated to the mountains hoping for relief from the burning heat of the land on the snowcaps.

Some would forever remain near Zora's Domain remembering the time when our races fought over the great river. Though the land is no longer arid, and many of the streams have become rivers, these Lizalfos still seek to claim the source of the rivers for their own."

There were a few moments of silence after Sidon's tale ended before the prince grinned toothily. "Well, that's what the stories say. Personally, I think they are merely a bunch of stupid lizards with a desire to meet the end of my spear.

The other Zora laughed and cheered their prince while the partners smiled faintly. Sidon waited for a few moments for his guards to move back towards the road. Once they were out of earshot, he looked at the pair with a grim expression.

"The truth is that the Lizalfos are growing stronger." Sidon informed with a frown. "They used to be little more than animals and were easy to deal with. Lately, they have been gathering in larger bands. Twenty years ago, they would have never created an ambush like the one we found ourselves in yesterday. They've grown smarter, and their tactics are changing."

"How bad is it?" Link questioned.

"It's hard to say." Sidon informed. "I'm not sure I've ever seen such a large group as the one we just fought this far up the river. I will have to report it to my father and arrange for more patrols. Vah Ruta's rain has only seemed to embolden them."

"Link and I could certainly help." Roxas stated. "The two of us cleared out the Great Plateau, Dueling Peaks, and Hateno Regions. Considering we wish to continue training, these monsters sound like a tougher target than the Bokoblins and Moblins we've already fought."

"You two cleared out three whole regions." Sidon didn't doubt them and was more impressed. "That would explain the rather abrupt appearance of the Blood Moon." He nodded. "If you two can do the same here, even for the little time it might provide us, it would be most appreciated."

"Once we've dealt with Vah Ruta, will get on it." Link assured.

The late afternoon brought with it the first sight of the Great Zora Bridge. The day's travel had taken them across several bridges, each a beautiful work of stonemasonry, but nothing compared to the final bridge spanning the last leg of the river to its above-ground source.

As they rounded a mountain, the boys were surprised to see just how high above the river they were. A rock bridge crossed from the mountain across the river far below to a rocky island pillar in the middle of Zora River. It was from this pillar that the Great Zora Bridge began.

The bridge was at least a mile long, and a real marvel of engineering because it had no apparent supports. The city was far enough away that the rain obscured it leaving only a few faint impressions of its design and size. The bridge was made of beautiful white and gray stone.

Stone arches were placed equidistant from each other along its length. Each pillar was beautifully carved stone with a glowing white gem placed at its peak providing light to those traveling by night. The sight of the bridge breathtaking but walking along it was awe-inspiring.

"Ah, to be able to see it for the first time." Sidon smiled as he looked more at Link now. "At least, the first time you can remember, hmm?"

Link glanced towards him, and for the first time the mention of his lack of memories didn't really bother him. Sidon was right. This was a spectacle that he was glad he couldn't remember seeing before.

"Just wait." Bazz nodded towards the distant shadowy shape of their city. "You haven't seen anything yet."

They walked along the bridge for the next ten minutes before Zora's Domain began to take shape. As they got closer, the pair began to see hints of platforms, walkways, stone pillars, and something massive rising up from its center.

The closer they got, the more of the city that came into view, and the less they noticed the rain pouring down on top of them. Even under the shadow of rain clouds, the city was beautiful. It was built in several ring-shaped tiers with various stone walkways and platforms.

The bridge ahead opened into a wide plaza with a large fountain in the center of it. This bottom tier was the largest area as it extended far beyond the plaza and formed the city's foundation. It was on this tier that the winding walkways connected to various, upper platforms.

The city was beautiful, and Link had certainly seen it before. Not just in a photograph but somewhere deep in the recesses of his mind. The hero knew that he'd been here before. He'd seen that palace before. He'd walked upon the walkways. He'd played…

Memory

"Come on, Bazz!" Link declared. "You'll need to be faster if you want to beat me!"

Link sprinted along a walkway that overlooked a great lake. One misstep, and he would fall over the edge. When did a child think of such things?

"Slow down, Link!" Bazz exclaimed. "If you're not careful, you'll…Link!"

A slip of his foot, a lurch, and sudden, open air… A hand that gripped his arm with a firm, secure grip.

"Link, you're always getting into trouble."

Golden eyes, red fins that draped to either side of a round face, golden jewelry that hung down the sides of the fins, and a warm smile.

"Thank you, Lady Mipha!" Bazz declared relieved. "I tried warning him."

Present

Zora's Domain. Bazz. Mipha. All of it flashed through Link's head in a whirl of sounds and colors. It was enough to make him fall had he not used Epona to support himself. Roxas noticed this before the contingent of Zora paused ahead of them.

"Why, here comes Muzu!" Sidon declared. "Perhaps the old manta was worried about me?"

Link could remember being at Zora's Domain when he was merely a child. He had been running with Bazz along the walkways when he stubbed his toe, fallen off, and then…

"Prince Sidon!" Muzu declared angrily.

Mipha! Link could remember her face not from a photograph but a true memory. He could remember her voice. It was only one brief memory of her…the smallest of glimpses at who he know remembered as a dear friend… but he hung onto that memory.

"What is it, Muzu?" Sidon asked. "Why do you look so alarmed? Has something happened?"

"Prince, I implore you." Muzu pleaded yet he was clearly still angry. "We must eject this Hylian from our Domain at once! He is not welcome here!"

Link's thoughts crashed around him as he focused on the scene before him. Sidon, Bazz, Rivan, and Gaddison all stood in front of him facing another group of Zora. The center Zora, with a wide head and eyes far to either side, stared at Link with what looked like barely contained rage. On either side of him were another pair of older Zora carrying a spear.

"Muzu, what has gotten into you?" Sidon asked confused. "Do you know who this is?"

"Oh, I know full well who he is, Prince Sidon. This man…" Muzu spat while pointing a tremulous finger at Link. "…is the one responsible for your sister's death."

Roxas glared at the elder and prepared to summon both his keyblades. If this Zora, or his companions, tried to attack his friend, they'd be in for a rude awakening. Eventually, Sidon and Muzu came to an agreement that they'd at least take Link to the prince's father.

"Doesn't that look like…"

"Lady Mipha…"

"Responsible."

Whispers. That is what Link heard as the contingent of Zora led the pair into the city. Whispers from the Zora around him, from Bazz and his friends, and from the older Zora with Muzu. He was, it seemed, well known in Zora's Domain.

"Link…?"

"Stole her away…"

"Mipha's killer."

Though the hour was already getting late, the Zora led him up the stairs towards the palace. If Link really was entering the city, then the king wished to see him. He dreaded the meeting with the man whose daughter died because of him.

The worst part, he supposed, was that he did not fully understand the crime he was being blamed for. He assumed that it was his failure in defeating Ganon which he could certainly understand. But there seemed to be something else to their accusations…something more direct.

Link wished that he had something more than a single memory from his childhood to fall back on. The climb to the palace revealed more of the city's beauty, but also some of the things that set it apart from normal Hylian settlements.

For one, neither boy could see any residences. Though they did spot several shops on the bottom level. Another oddity about Zora's Domain was the eternal presence of water. At first, they had assumed that it was because of the rain.

It soon became apparent to him that the city was just built in such a way that water pooled on the ground in most places. Water even streamed down the stairs leading up to the second tier and the palace. They found the answer to their first observation as they crested the stairs.

There were several Zora children being led to communal pool just underneath the palace where they were encouraged to lie down in the waters. They could see the forms of several other children that had already fallen asleep in the pools.

Gaddison must have seen their curious glances because she explained a moment later. "Most Zora live in the waters below the city and in the river itself; however, the current can be difficult for the young ones to navigate. That is why the resting pools exist for the children."

"What about the parents?" Link asked.

"What about them?" Gaddison asked. "Most of them sleep below."

"Away from their children?" Roxas asked.

"Yes, of course." Gaddison smiled. "There isn't nearly enough room in the pools for the adults, and adults don't have difficulties with the currents the way the children do. Many of the Zora from downriver have temporarily relocated to below the city because of the increased current."

As they began up the stairs to the palace, Sidon pressed forward taking the stairs three at a time. A glance at Muzu's face told the boys that he disapproved of the prince's haste, but he continued up at his same, plodding pace.

Once they reached the mouth of the palace, the other Zora, Sidon's guards and those that had accompanied Muzu, split off. Several of them were sent to do other work leaving only Bazz and one of the elder Zora that had followed Muzu to stand guard at the entrance.

Bazz looked at Link and smiled encouragingly. Finally, Link and Roxas entered the palace a few steps behind Muzu. As they did, they looked around in awe. Indeed, the palace was very large, but it was also surprisingly open.

Rather than the multiple rooms or chambers they expected, the inside of the palace was a large, open dome. Several deep pools were set into the floor forming a semi-circle around the outside of the room. The walls around the palace had several, large openings overlooking the city.

Their eyes were mostly drawn to the being sitting upon the throne. King Dorephan, whom Sidon had told them about, was far larger than any of the other Zora. If the other Zora were fish, then King Dorephan was a whale. He towered above even Sidon.

His skin was navy blue with a white chest, and he had thick fins extending from either side of his head. He was also far broader than the other Zora but didn't appear overweight. Instead, he seemed to be made of muscle. He had several scars along those arms denoting he was a warrior.

The king leaned his head down to listen intently as Muzu muttered urgently in a way that Roxas nor Link couldn't quite catch. The king did not seem to agree with Muzu as he shook his head before fixing his eyes upon Link and Roxas.

Out of the corner of their eyes, they saw Sidon motion for the raised platform before the throne which blessedly rose out of the ankle-deep layer of water coating the floor in this chamber. Hesitantly, they climbed the steps and stood upon the platform.

"So, you've returned, at last." King Dorephan spoke with a loud, sonorous voice. "Link, Champion of Hyrule. I see you have not come alone." A smile split Dorephan's lips. "It's good to see you.

We all heard that you had fallen in combat during the Calamity. I am happy to see that you survived, my friend. Though, I do wonder how you survived and where you have been these last one hundred years…"

Link swallowed and licked his lips. "I have been…" He cleared his throat trying to project a stronger voice. "I did fall during the Calamity. I was placed in an ancient Sheikah chamber that restored me, but…"

"You are telling me that the Sheikah have technology such as this, yet have not shared it?" Muzu asked. "Why, with this, we could have saved…"

"Peace, Muzu." King Dorephan held up a hand. "Continue, Link."

"It restored me to health, but slowly." Link stated. I've been asleep for the last one hundred years and met Roxas here almost as soon as I woke up. The problem with the chamber was that it took my memories. I can't remember anything from before I woke."

Dorephan's friendly face grew sorrowful. "I am truly sorry to hear that since I have many fond memories of your time spent here. Is there no hope at recovering your lost memories?"

"I…" He hesitated while thinking back to the flash of memory he'd received on his way into the city. "I believe that some will return. Already, I started remembering pieces, but I don't know."

Dorephan nodded as his smile returning. "Well, you spent a great deal of time here, so perhaps being here will reawaken some of them."

"I hope so." Link stated.

"And what of my daughter, Mipha?" The king's tone grew hesitant. "Have you lost all memories of her, as well?"

Link grimaced at the question, and he took a moment to answer. Finally, he decided the truth would serve him best.

"Entering the city brought back… something. A fragment." Link explained. "I hope that more might return in time, but I do understand that she was a true friend."

"As true a friend as I see you find in this Roxas next to you." The king's voice grew somber. "You and Mipha were very close, Link. I do hope that being here helps you recover that."

"Father." Sidon said from the side of the throne. "Perhaps we can speak more of my sister later. I do believe these two came here with another goal in mind."

"Oh, yes." Dorephan nodded. "We do have more important matters at hand than reminiscing about better times." The king focused again on the pair. "Prince Sidon tells me that you came here because of our troubles with Vah Ruta."

"Yes, your majesty, but there is more." Roxas spoke up. "Our intention is to recapture all four Divine Beasts and use them to aid in the defeat of Calamity Ganon."

The king gazed at the pair with a grim expression. "I am sorry for the road you must travel, but I am grateful for the assistance, nonetheless."

Muzu shifted and began to speak with urgency and vehemence. "Your majesty, surely we can find another way to appease the Divine Beast than by relying on the assistance of the Hylian. The last time we entangled ourselves in this mission, we lost."

"I am well aware of the cost." King Dorephan spoke with an edge to his voice that hadn't been there before. "But this is greater than the Zora. We have all lost loved ones to the Calamity."

Muzu clearly wanted to say more, but the reprimand from the king's voice was clear. Finally, he nodded and clasped his hands behind his back.

"Now." The king began while turning his focus towards Sidon. "Sidon, the plan that you spoke of last week. At the time, it seemed impossible, but perhaps now…"

"Father, I hardly think… this is really more of Zora business, is it not?" Sidon questioned. "I don't believe that we should involve Link and his friend in anything beyond what they came here to do."

The partners looked between the two Zora as they spoke. They had no idea what it was that they were speaking of, but if Roxas knew Link, he sure did after all this time together, he knew his friend wouldn't be able to leave this alone. It wasn't the hero's style.

Not much to say here. Link and Roxas have officially made it to Zora's Domain where they've experienced warm and cold welcomes all around.

Note: According to the people I live with, we will be moving July 6th, but that is subject to change. In any event, when I move, I will be unable to update this story until we get wifi set up at the new place. So, please be aware that it might be a bit until a new chapter can be posted after July 6th

Jebest4781: Thank you

ultima-owner: Everything can be sold for something, and there is a buyer out there for everything. That was Link and Roxas' original intention along with making sure Link has no end of the best they could acquire. Now, the boys have learned that taking every weapon, bow, and shield is a good thing because it means the Monsters have to spend time requiring weapons. Given the current state, it'll be hard for monsters to come across what they had.

DARKPHANTOM13: When it came to Xion, it was shown that Roxas did remember her almost immediately after she disappeared. Then, that memory seemed to vanish when Roxas lost to Riku. Here, Roxas lost the fight to Riku by forfeit meaning the memories are his to keep. With Axel, I always felt it was a missed opportunity not to have him remember Xion at least vaguely. It adds that little extra bit of tragedy the orginal situation could have had.

Despite being able to run up flat surfaces, well before Sora could do it in KH3, I don't think Roxas is quite ready to run on water unassisted just yet. With assitance fro ma certain spell, I think he could mange it.