Zora's Domain

Their return to the city was much easier than climbing the mountain had been. Link repelled down the cliffs, Kass simply glided down on his large wings, Roxas glided down in his usual way, and Sidon could dive into the pools of water.

"Well, it would seem that someone noticed I was gone," Sidon stated thoughtfully since the bridge was occupied by several anxious-looking Zora holding staffs with glowing blue tips.

Roxas and Link recognized several of them as being from Sidon's guard. To their dismay, there were also some of the older Zora that had shown Link scorn as well.

"Prince Sidon!" The elder named Seggin called as the four of them stepped into view.

Others echoed the call, and several of the younger Zora, Bazz included, rushed forward to greet the prince. There was a moment of confusion as multiple Zora began speaking at once demanding why Sidon had gone with Link.

The prince soon held up his hands and spoke with a firm, authoritative tone. "Enough." The voices around him quieted, and he gave a satisfied smile. "I decided to go with Link and Roxas to slay the Lynel."

Seggin turned to Link and held his spear in a tight grip which did not go unnoticed by Roxas. The Nobody summoned Oblivion, and while he held it loosely in his grip, his expression promised pain if he even tried it.

"After what you did to Mipha, you dare endanger another of the royal family?" Seggin wasn't prepared to back down. "I should strike you down where you stand!"

Roxas now summoned Oathkeeper as well before stepping protectively in front of Link. "You can try, but you'll have to get through me first."

Sidon swiftly moved to stand between Roxas and the older Zora. "I went of my own volition, Seggin. Link did not encourage this. In fact, he and his friends, to an extent, actively tried to discourage it."

"Prince Sidon, your father forbade you from…" Seggin began.

"I am well aware of my father's commands, thank you." Sidon interrupted.

"Well?" Bazz asked. "Is the Lynel dead?

Sidon smiled and glanced back over his shoulder. "Link?"

Link stepped to Roxas' side before pulling the Lynel's quiver of shock arrows out and holding it aloft for the gathered Zora to see. Many of the Zora gave a cheer at the sight, and Bazz, along with several of the others in his cohort, gathered closer to congratulate them on their victory.

Seggin and a few of the other elders still looked disgruntled, but none of them had any other objections to speak aloud. Together, the procession began back across the bridge while Kass began telling those who wished to hear the tale of their victory.

Link noticed that Kass embellished the fight somewhat. He didn't leave out their struggles, but somehow made them seem nobler. Absently, he wondered if this tale would still be told in a hundred years like the story of the last Lynel he vanquished with Mipha was.

He supposed it would depend on whether he and Roxas succeeded in saving them all from the Divine Beast. Even though news of their victory hadn't yet spread, there was a clear air of anticipation over the city.

Several Zora stood near the bridge and whispered amongst themselves as the group passed. It wouldn't take a genius to figure this out. They returned alive from the Lynel, so it likely meant one thing. The group dispersed as they reached the city.

Now that Sidon had safely returned, most of them returned to their families or guard positions. With that, even Roxas knew that news of their victory would spread quickly. When they finally reached the palace, Sidon chose to enter first.

He would explain his actions to his father before calling them in. This left Link, Roxas, and Kass with Bazz and Seggin. Considering the threat the later made to his friend, Roxas hadn't dismissed his keyblades.

Bazz stepped closer to the pair. "So, what was it like? The Lynel?"

"It was big." Link replied simply.

Bazz laughed and began prodding Link for more details, and they eventually gave them. After a few minutes, Link, Roxas, and Kass were summoned inside. King Dorephan sat on his throne with Sidon to his right and Muzu to his left. The older Zora scowled at Link as they entered.

"Welcome, you three." King Dorephan leaned forward as they entered. "My son tells me that you have been victorious in your quest. Link, that is twice now that you have slain such a creature in service of the Zora. It is a feat that will most certainly be recorded for generations to come."

"Thank you." Link stepped up onto the dais and bowed respectfully. "It should be noted that Roxas was the one to disarm the Lynel three times. He stopped the Lynel from firing a shock arrow, retrieved the quiver, and bisected the bow."

"It wasn't that difficult with Sidon and Kass distracting it with their bows." Roxas added. "Link did get the killing blow."

Dorephan glanced at the four who took on the Lynel before laughing. "To hear my son tell it, he did very little, yet you two give out credit. Humility is an admirable trait in anyone. Perhaps it is misplaced when speaking to a king looking for ways to reward you for your deeds. As for my son's actions, I cannot say that I approve of his disobedience…"

King Dorephan looked towards Sidon. "I also cannot deny the service rendered by all of you. Reckless it may have been, I can hardly blame him. It is the duty of a king to protect his people, and I have participated in my own share of dangerous battles. You shall make a good king one day, Sidon."

Sidon seemed to swell at this praise. "Thank you, father."

King Dorephan turned his attention towards Kass. "As for you minstrel, I understand that you accompanied them to witness the deed and even participated yourself."

"I did, your majesty." Kass inclined his head respectfully.

"I hope that I may one day hear the song that will come of this." Dorephan stated. "To hear of the tale from the bard that participated."

"I have already begun composing it in my head, your majesty." Kass smiled. "I will certainly return to play it for you when I have it completed."

"Excellent!" King Dorephan clapped his massive hands together and his demeanor changed subtly. "Muzu, you have the armor?"

"I do, your majesty." Muzu's voice was tense. "Are you sure you wish to give this to him? It is a treasure to the Zora, and he…"

"It is his." Dorephan interrupted. "She made it for him. You know this."

"I am still not convinced…" Muzu tried.

"We have already discussed this, and my position is firm." Dorephan declared. "I wish to give it to Link, as she wanted. I daresay that I know my daughter's intentions better than you."

As the pair watched the exchange between them, they found themselves confused. Finally, Muzu turned and retrieved a neatly folded bundle of clothing. Sitting atop it was a silver helmet with a blue hood draped over it. Link met Muzu at the bottom of the dais and took the clothing.

"My daughter made that armor for you, Link." Dorephan's voice grew somber. "She finished it while you were still traveling with the Princess of Hyrule before the Calamity, but I understand she had a difficult time finding the right time to see that you received it."

The bundle of cloth and silver in his hands took on a new meaning to Link. He looked down at it to inspect it closer and found that he could see that the chest piece was mostly made of interlocking scales.

"Zora scales?" Link thought as he touched them. "Mipha had made this for me?"

"I do not believe she would object to my giving this to you with the hopes that you wear it when you go onto tame the Divine Beast."

Link looked up at the king with a stunned expression. He thought back to the few memories he had gotten on Mipha. He'd been told of his friendship with her since arriving at Zora's Domain, but that memory had awoken something in him that confirmed it.

They had been close friends. This gift, unlike the gifts he and Roxas received from Telma or Impa, was the gift from one friend to another. It might be absurd, but the hero deeply appreciated this thoughtful act.

It took Link a moment before he spoke. "Thank you, your majesty. I will wear it"

"Very good," Dorephan nodded in satisfaction. "I am sure that she would be pleased if you did. My Mipha, she…" He hesitated while seeming to consider whether he should say anything. "Well, she cared deeply for you."

There was something in the king's expression that gave Link a moment of pause. Something that he wasn't saying. What had been between Mipha and him? He was roused from his thoughts as King Dorephan announced that they were preparing a feast in their honor for defeating the Lynel.

Link then excused himself from the throne room, and Roxas went with him, deciding that he wanted to drop his gear off back at the inn before engaging in a feast. He took Mipha's armor with him still uncertain of what significance it held.

The hero decided to bring it up to Sidon later if he had the chance. When they returned for the celebration, it became clear that the Zora people had not had occasion to celebrate in some time. While the feast took place in the domed palace, the whole city was celebrating.

Several shops announced special sales while an impromptu diving competition was set up. The evening had grown late by the time Link and Roxas finally extricated themselves from the feast hall. As they made their way down the stairs, they were surprised to see Sidon.

He was standing in front of the statue of Mipha before smiling pensively at the pair. "You know Link, I used to be jealous of you and my sister."

Link frowned. "Why were you jealous?"

Sidon looked at the statue. "It took me a while to be sure it was you. I do not have many clear memories of my sister, but I have this fuzzy memory of a Hylian spending time with her. I think I worried that he was taking her away from me."

Link remained silent. "I suppose I could say that I remember you from one hundred years ago as well… vague though the memory might be. It's strange to think about how things could have been different. To hear father tell it, you and Mipha would have been wed. We'd be brothers."

Link was startled. When he thought on the memories, he did have of Mipha, he didn't feel that sort of emotion.

"Wait, were Link and Mipha…" Roxas began as he was putting his knowledge on love to use.

Sidon laughed before placing a hand on his shoulder. "Oh, I have no idea, so don't bother asking. What I do know, based on the stories that my father has told me over the years, is that Mipha cared for Link. Loved him. That is why she made that armor.

It is a tradition among Zora royalty. Zora princesses and queens craft armor for their husbands-to-be. There is a tale behind it, but suffice it to say, the armor is typically given during an engagement. Their betrothed are expected to wear it into battle as a sign of love.

When my father asked Link to wear the armor into battle…" Sidon sighed softly. "Well, it's a symbolic gesture, of course. My father supported my sister's intentions, and this is probably his way of trying to honor her wishes… in a way."

Link tried to process this information. He wasn't bothered by Mipha's affection directly; however, his heart just didn't feel that way for her. Sidon watched Link as he contemplated things.

Finally, he spoke again. "I apologize if this has caused you some discomfort. That is why my father did not mention it, but I felt you should know why that armor was crafted."

"It's not that." Link looked up at the statue. "It's just… my heart tells me I didn't feel the same way as she seemed to. Now, I'm wondering if I should even wear the armor."

"You should still wear it." Sidon squeezed the hero's shoulder. "Regardless of your feelings, I believe she would be honored for you to wear the armor." He smiled suddenly. "Besides, it will drive Muzu mad, and that is always a worthwhile goal."

Link could not find it within himself to smile at this comment. "Do you know why they blame me?"

Sidon sighed softly. "I believe it is because they do not wish to admit that Mipha failed. My sister is held on a pedestal so high that she might as well be infallible. Deific. It is easier to blame you, and your princess, for her death rather than admit she failed in her own duty. Calamity Ganon rose, and many Zora lost their lives in the days that followed."

"But we all failed." Link frowned. "All four Champions died, and I wasn't much better off. It is hardly Mipha's fault that she was killed."

"Yes, but I believe it also gives them an excuse to keep us isolated in Zora's Domain. Rather than venturing out to seek alliances and help retake some of the land, we Zora remain relatively protected in our river."

"But you don't agree?" Roxas asked.

"Not at all, and I think many Zora feel the same way." Sidon replied. "The problem is that the elderly hold the positions of power. While my father does not blame Link for Mipha's death, I do think he blames the partnership between the races.

I believe that he and the others hope that we will be safe by isolating ourselves." He shook his head. "For being such a long-lived people, we can be shockingly short-sighted at times. Mipha knew the dangers of her path, but she traversed it to keep all the land safe."

"You know Sidon…" Roxas contemplated his next words. "…I think Mipha would be proud of you for holding onto her ideals."

"It means a lot to hear those words." Sidon nodded. "Thank you, Roxas."

Link thought back to when he and Mipha had gone up on Ploymus Mountain together. She had been insistent on going with him, on doing her part, but she had gone up the mountain only because he had chosen to do so. The thought nagged at him.

Had her decision to become a Champion been the same way? Had she only chosen to do so because he, the man she apparently loved, had also tied himself to that fate? If that was the case, then it was his fault that she died.

"Roxas, I think I'm going to head on back to the inn." Link stated. "I got a lot to think about."

"Alright Link." Roxas could tell he needed time alone, so the Nobody would give it to him. "I'll be back later."

Link nodded before moving towards the stairs leading down.

"Roxas?" Sidon eventually asked.

"Yes?" Roxas asked.

"Will you fight me once Vah Ruta has been quelled?" Sidon inquired.

"What?" Roxas was surprised. "You want to fight me?"

"Your skills were something to behold atop that mountain, so I think battling you would give me a good indication of just how far I have to go to be a strong king for my people."

"Well, I could probably pick up a few things from you like I do Link." Roxas nodded. "Once this situation passes, we'll fight."

Sidon smiled. "Thank you, Roxas."

"You know, I was supposed to be here to chat with Roxas." A familiar voice to the younger Nobody spoke up. "Weird when I get here and you're already chatting it up with someone else."

Roxas turned around and saw a familiar person looking right at him. "Demyx. I didn't think I'd see you of all people."

He stared into the emerald eyes of the older Nobody ahead of him. His dirty blonde hair was in the form of a mullet, and he bore an expressive smile. One not unlike that of a person seeing a friend after a long time.

"Roxas!" Demyx called out as he loosely held his sitar. "Long time no see!"

"Roxas, who is this?" Sidon asked.

"No one good." Roxas responded under his breath before calling out to the other Nobody. "What is it that you want, Demyx?"

"Axel told me he paid you a personal visit and said it would be a good idea for me to do the same." Demyx replied.

"Is that what he said?" Roxas responded as he summoned Oblivion and Oathkeeper.

"Well..." He was making some final adjustments to his sitar before looking towards Roxas. "…maybe he used other words, but that was the gist of it." He looked at the keyblades. "Come on man, there's no need for that."

"I doubt that." Roxas stated while adjusting his stance.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sidon prepare himself for combat even though he was without a weapon.

"No seriously, I don't want to fight man." Demyx assured. "You know how much I hate fighting in general. I would prefer if we talked, you know?"

Roxas shot him a confused look. "Why?"

"It's been forever since I've seen you man!" Demyx laughed. "How have things been outside of the Organization? I heard you've been traveling with a hero or something. How has that been? I bet it's been a drag."

"I doubt that learning about my friend is what you're after." Roxas responded. "Why are you here Demyx?"

"Man, when did you get so mean?" Demyx sighed visibly slumping his shoulders. "I always remember us being friendly."

"That was…" Roxas began.

He was cut off by flames just licking above the top of the railing.

"You should just ignore that." Demyx stated with a nervous tone.

"What are you doing to my city!?" Sidon questioned seriously.

Roxas looked from the flames to Demyx. "Why would he want me to ignore…" The younger Nobody's eyes became saucers as he felt a cold chill run up his spine, and his eyes turned to the flames. "It's Link…"

Suddenly, a torrent of water was sent Roxas' way with no time to dodge. Fortunately, Sidon was there to get in the way. Given the Zora race were naturals when it came to swimming against current, he didn't budge an inch.

Demyx ceased the water before speaking with a cold tone "You really should ignore that."

"Sidon, I know this has to do with Link." Roxas growled. "Someone is after him, so I have to go."

"Oh, you're not going anywhere." Demyx said in a sinister tone as he began to strum his sitar.

Sidon saw the water in the air gather into twelve water copies of the older Nobody. They immediately formed a perfect circle around the pair.

"Roxas, what are these?" Sidon inquired.

"Those are Demyx's water forms." Roxas replied before glaring coldly at his fellow Nobody. "You were here to keep me distracted."

"Bingo buddy." Demyx nodded. "I was hoping that we could have just had a nice chat, but now it's clear that isn't…"

"Aerora!" Roxas exclaimed.

Demyx's sentence was suddenly cut by a twister of air which picked him up. The air magic then spit the Nobody out slamming him into a pillar. Demyx grimaced as he lifted himself from the ground. When he looked, Roxas was standing there with both keyblades at the ready.

"Jeez man, that was a cheap shot." Demyx stated.

He rose to his feet only to notice that notice Roxas was glowing with light and darkness. "That's his Limit, but he doesn't use…"

"I don't have time to waste talking." Roxas declared coldly. "I have to finish you before getting to Link."

The younger Nobody readied both keyblades, in unison, for a slash towards his torso. Demyx could see that the younger Nobody's keyblades were extended by beams of light and darkness. They stretched out a couple of feet making it impossible for Demyx to dodge.

The older Nobody gasped as both blades struck him directly in the chest. He was once more sent flying into a pillar which was cracked by his body impacting with it. Panic stricken, Demyx leapt to his feet before strumming several cords on his instrument.

Then, he noticed Sidon slam the last of his twelve water forms into the ground. Roxas took this moment to bring his keyblades down on top of Demyx's head like a pair of axes. There was a sickening crack as they met the older Nobody's skull.

Roxas confirmed the older Nobody was unconscious before moving over to the railing, but Sidon stopped him. "Wait for me!"

"Sidon, Link is their real target." Roxas retorted seriously. "Right now, you can help the both of us by putting your station to work and gathering a fighting force. I can go on ahead and aid my friend."

Sidon didn't like this, but the younger Nobody was right. "Alright, I'll get them, and we'll come to aid you soon." He picked up Demyx. "I'll make sure we put this one away while I'm at it."

Roxas nodded back at him before jumping over the railing.

With Link

The hero looked around in shock. Everything was peaceful one moment, but now there was fire everywhere. Since the rain didn't really reach these lower levels, it couldn't put it out. Link immediately grit his teeth when he saw scared and panicked Zora diving for the water.

"Well, I'll give you credit for not running away." Axel walked on in with his chakrams drawn and hood down as his tone dripped with sarcasm. "Simply amazing, oh hero of Hyrule."

"Wait, you're Roxas' friend." Link stated. "Axel."

"Oh, you remembered me." Axel stated. "I'm so flattered." He summoned a ring of fire around them. "Ultimately, it doesn't matter!"

Link grit his teeth before drawing a sword and shield. Axel sent two spheres of fire his way, so the hero dodged rolled underneath them before clashing with Axel's chakrams. They started moving around the limited space constantly clashing weapons.

Both were trying to get the upper hand on one another. Axel then vanished into fire getting Link to look around trying to determine where he was. The hero spotted him above, so he lept back at the right time causing everything to slow down like it did against the Yiga before.

Link took full advantage this as he sped forward and slashed his sword into Axel. Given what little he managed to see of Roxas' fight with Xigbar, he knew this would not be enough to put the Nobody down. When time returned to normal for him, he lept back from Axel.

"Time to burn baby!" Axel exclaimed.

Fire began to form underneath Link forcing him to dodge roll as it followed him and launched pillars of fire into the air. Axel growled angrily before throwing his Chakram, cloaked in fire, at the hero. Link prepared to block it with his shield until a dark corridor appeared.

"AXEL!" Roxas roared.

He darted out of the corridor and blocked both chakram with his keyblades sending them back to the older Nobody.

Axel shot the younger Nobody a nervous grin before muttering to himself, "Jeez, can Demyx not get one thing right?" He spoke up to let Roxas hear him. "Hey buddy… What are you up to?"

In response, Roxas shot the older Nobody a cold glare that sent a shiver up his spine. "Link…" He held up a hand and generated a dark corridor. "Go."

"Roxas…" Link began.

"Link, I know he's here for you, but he was my friend." Roxas kept his gaze squarely on Axel. "Leave this to me." He nodded to the older Nobody. "If you even try to stop him…" The younger Nobody crossed his keyblades. "…I'll do more than just stop you."

Axel raised his hands in surrender. "Fine, I won't stop him."

Link took a deep breath before sheathing his weapons. "Alright, it's your battle Roxas." He moved towards the corridor. "Just, make sure you come back from this."

The younger nobody only nodded in response before the hero stepped through the darkness and vanished.

Several, quiet seconds passed before Axel spoke. "So, this the part where we fight, right?"

"Why?" Roxas asked in a strained tone.

"Why what buddy?" Axel responded in a sarcastic tone.

"You know exactly what I'm asking." Roxas hissed.

Axel sighed as his coy expression vanished, and he was left with a conflicted look "I do. You want to know why I attacked him."

"That's not all." Roxas motioned to the scene around them. "This!" He scowled at Axel. "I know you. You are more than capable of controlling your flames. There's no way this fire would have started unless you wanted it to. Especially in a place full of water."

"Oh, that." Axel shrugged. "There were all these beings around, so I started a little fire to clear the area. I was just trying to get my target as isolated as possible."

"So, the fire was just a way to get to Link?" Roxas asked between gritted teeth.

"I mean, everyone ran away so it worked." Axel stated casually.

"Is that all you have to say for yourself!?" Roxas responded with his voice raised and agitated.

Axel's eyes widened as he stared at Roxas in bewilderment. "Why are you acting like this?"

"Why were you after Link!?" Roxas snapped.

"I thought that capturing him would force you to come back." Axel replied. "I thought that maybe he was the reason you decided to stay."

Roxas stared at him in shock. "What…"

"It's because I knew you'd do the dame for me." Axel admitted.

Roxas took a deep breath to calm himself before looking at Axel with a determined fire. "You're right. After Xigbar found me, I had every reason to leave. As I got to know Link, he became my friend, and I protect my friends. The longer I stand with him, the more friends I make."

"The more reasons you have to stay…" Axel spoke with a hurt tone. "I thought I was your friend."

"I thought so too." Roxas stated coldly.

Axel visibly recoiled from the comment before scowling. "I guess if we aren't friends anymore, we're just enemies!"

"We were enemies the moment you attacked Link…" Roxas looked around at Zora's Domain as he pictured the Zora prince in his head. "Correction, we were enemies the moment you set fire to Sidon's home."

Axel had no more to say as he began his approach. He started with a steady stride before transitioning into an all-out sprint towards the teen. The younger Nobody readied himself as Axel swung a chakram from several yards away.

Roxas narrowly avoided the rapidly spinning piece of sharp metal by sidestepping to the left allowing it to sail past him. He had only taken his eyes off Axel for the brief second it had taken to dodge his attack, but when Roxas looked back up, his former friend was gone.

Realizing his mistake, Roxas quickly whipped around to meet a massive flame that exploded against his chest. The young Nobody was sent hurtling back but by performed a well-timed roll managing to land on his feet.

Just as he had gotten his bearings, two rapidly spinning chakrams approached him less than three feet away. Roxas only barely managed to deflect the two attacks with each keyblade before his eyes did their best to track where each chakram was landing.

The first ricocheted back to Axel's hand while the other shot off to the side. Roxas watched this one and his suspicions rang true as Axel suddenly warped in front of the disk catching it in his free hand. Roxas had remembered him performing this technique in their missions together.

As such, he was more than ready when Axel sent a small barrage of flaming orbs his way. Roxas managed to dive out of the way of the first one before knocking away the next two with his keyblades. The resulting explosions sent debris clattering across the ground.

Three more flaming orbs approached the young Nobody at a rapid rate leaving Roxas only just enough time to raise Oathkeeper towards the night sky. "Aerora!"

In an instant, the air around Roxas whipped about in a rapid tornado-like current that immediately pulled in the three orbs as they made contact. The flames whipped about Roxas harmlessly before firing off at Axel twice as fast.

Three rapid explosions engulfed him where he stood. Roxas stood still as he inspected the damage. In a few moments, the flames from his attack died down revealing a very annoyed looking Axel. The glare he sent Roxas mirrored his own.

"Did you really think you could hurt me with my own attack?" Axel asked with an agitated tone.

"Maybe not, but it sure felt good to do it." Roxas responded.

Axel growled before leaping into the air and sending both of his chakrams hurtling towards Roxas's unmoving form.

"That isn't going to work on me!" The blonde called out.

He rose his keyblades above his head and brought them both down with a force that swatted the chakrams out of the air. The two metallic weapons came clattering at the older Nobody's feet before a very surprised looking Axel warped into view.

In a matter of only a few seconds Roxas tore into his opponent with a whirlwind of blinding slashes from each keyblade. Each blow hit its mark as his weapons forced Axel's body to contort and bend around his precise swings.

Finally, Roxas ended the barrage of blows by driving the hilt of Oathkeeper into Axel's stomach forcing the man to double over in pain. The younger Nobody swept his keyblades upward catching Axel's outstretched head and sending him flipping into the air.

"Blizzard!" Roxas called out.

He'd aimed Oathkeeper at Axel, and the spell struck sending the already battered Nobody spiraling into a pillar. The man collapsed in a heap. It was several seconds before Axel groaned and slowly started to push himself up off the ground.

"When did you learn how to do all that?" Axel questioned.

"I picked up a few things while I've been away." Roxas declared.

"Yeah, like a second keyblade apparently." Axel responded as he rubbed the point of his back that had directly collided with the wall.

Although each attack had found their mark, Roxas failed to find even a single scratch on Axel. The younger Nobody decided to go on the offensive. He came sprinting towards Axel while crossing his arms as he readied his two weapons.

Roxas leapt at his opponent before spreading his arms apart with a massive force hoping to catch Axel in the middle of the two Keyblades. To his surprise, the older Nobody managed to raise his chakram's in time halting Roxas's attack mid swing.

The elder Nobody then shot him a dark glare before stepping forward with the two still locked in this strained position. Axel's movement forced Roxas's arms to pin against his chest. The man then shoved hard sending the keyblade wielder stumbling back.

Axel generated two massive, swirling balls of flame in each hand. The elder Nobody threw them at Roxas' still staggering form. Not having enough time or space to avoid the attack, he was forced to make an X with his weapons and grimace as the orbs impacted at his feet.

The resulting explosions completely engulfed Roxas before sending him flying like a bullet up and out of the bubble of erupting flame. He did his best ignore the pain spreading out across his body before reorienting himself midair.

His eyes snapped open as a chakram whizzed through the air and collided with his Oblivion which he had only managed to position a split second earlier. The still spinning chakram grinded against Roxas's keyblade like a chainsaw against metal.

Axel's form then warped into existence directly in front of Roxas. The elder Nobody grabbed hold of his rotating weapon with one arm before bringing down his second chakram with the other in an arch. Roxas attempted to raise Oathkeeper in time but was just a split second too late.

The cold steel met with the side of Roxas' head sending him hurtling to the ground where he bounced against the stone before coming to a slow stop. It was his turn this time to groan in pain as he rolled over to face the walkways above.

Roxas knew that his former friend was a force to be reckoned with. Still, the pain he was feeling across his body was not something he had been expecting. The young Nobody rose to his feet before shooting a dangerous look at Axel's smug expression.

"What's wrong buddy?" The elder Nobody mocked "Did you think I would go down easily?"

Roxas growled in frustration before pointing Oathkeeper at him. "Fire!"

A sphere of fire moved towards Axel who merely scoffed before moving nonchalantly out of the way and yawning.

As he yawned, he heard Roxas call out a second spell. "Thunder Bomb!"

Axel's eyes snapped open as a large, condensed sphere of electricity was fired at his midsection. Since the elder Nobody was a little off guard, he took it straight on. The small explosion of electricity shocked his entire body.

When Roxas appeared at his side, with both of his Keyblades reared back and ready to strike, there was nothing Axel could do to stop him. Twin slashes formed a cross against Axel's chest before he was pushed back with a third strike to his midsection.

"D-Damn it!" Axel spat in pain.

The attacks hurt more than they normally would as his flesh was still tender from the electricity. Beginning to regain the feeling in his limbs, Axel tried to raise his arms in time to defend against Roxas as the teen appeared from the sky and descended upon him.

His efforts were futile however as Roxas's blade found their marks against Axel's chest forcing the elder Nobody to the ground. The younger Nobody hovered over his former friend with both weapons positioned on either side of Axel's throat.

I think the celebration here speaks for itself, so I only really have to explain about the situation our heroes found themselves in at the end there. Again, Axel has displayed jealousy when Xion first entered the picture. Now, you have another guy whose become Roxas' friend. Honestly, to me, it makes perfect sense that Axel thinks Roxas would come back if they have Link... He just doesn't understand that Roxas would come back and attempt to free his friend.

That would ultimately lead to Roxas' end since even with his uses, Xemnas would not tolerate such a blatant attack. Let me tell you, Xemnas' patience for Roxas is already running out. I mean, even if Xigbar can't collect hearts, that was still a, as he knows, loyal member of Organization XIII that got taken out. Anyways, Link will get full on fights with other Organization members, but Axel is Roxas' battle to have. Hopefully, you enjoyed this chapter.

Note: Despite fire's weakness to water, Roxas and Axel are fighting on lower ground which blocks the rain above due to the walkways. Every Zora there were civilians, so they'd be more concerned with fleeing. For those of you who might say they would have tried to put out the fire, that's not really the case. If a city block goes up in flames, you wouldn't say that your average, run of the mill the citizen should put the fire out. No, you'd want them to flee and leave it up to professionals.

Jebest4781: Thank you.

UltimateAvengers: Maybe he can develop that in the future, but he does not have it now.

ultima-owner: No arguments there. Though, Kass and Sidon both knew the danger they were signing up for.

Derick Lindsey: Eh, Kass will potentially help in the future. We'll see. Yeah, having a four-man party to take down a Lynel does make it easier. Riku and Diz will reenter the story around the time of the third Divine Beast because I got a little arc planned to happen aorund that time.