?
Link and Roxas stood across from Twilight still on guard, yet less on edge after what he just disclosed.
"We can't check with Hylia right now, so what can you say that will make us see you aren't the malice version of me?" Link asked.
"Malice Link was formed from you over 100 years ago." Twilight informed. "He is focused on killing you before moving onto Calamity Ganon." He looked at Roxas. "Until he met Roxas, he had no interest in him. That means he couldn't know anything about Roxas."
The partners looked at each other before nodding.
"Sounds reasonable." Roxas agreed. "Impa and Dorephan confirm they've never met him while Myde and Sidon say they haven't seen him since that day. Alright, what do you know about me?"
"Your name is Roxas, and you were a Nobody until you grew a heart." Twilight informed. "That's not a heart as in the organ. You grew a heart as in genuine feelings. Additionally, I can tell you the order you've fought other members of your former organization in this world.
You faced Xigbar in Kakariko Village, Demyx in Zora's Domain, and Axel in Zora's Domain. Xigbar and Axel seemed to fade into nothing while Demyx was captured before reclaiming his heart. He is now a Somebody and goes by the name Myde."
"He is right." Roxas admitted. "Judging by how Malice Link reacted to me, he couldn't know any of what happened prior."
"It is a possibility he has been telling the truth, but I think we should keep an eye on him until we can confirm with Hylia." Link voiced.
"Honestly, I don't blame either of you." Twilight stated genuinely. "I'd be worried about your journey if you kids didn't keep your guard up around me."
Roxas merely nodded before he and Link stood down. "Alright, with that sorted, we just need to figure out how to progress from this room."
"Oh, that's simple." Twilight informed. "If we step into the center of this design here on the floor, it should take us to the next section of this dungeon."
Link and Roxas shared a look before deciding they might as well commit to their word here. So, the former entered all three rooms to collect everything left behind before the three of them stepped into the middle of the design, and they were gone in a flash of light.
?
The impromptu trio appeared within the center of a large, circular room with only a single door lying ahead of them. While the aesthetic of this room was comparable to the rest of what they've seen, there were white columns around the room giving it a more important feel.
Currently, the door ahead was open before that voice from the start of this dungeon spoke to them. "I want the keyblade wielder to come up and see me." Link and Twilight both looked to Roxas. "I wish to face you alone."
"What do you think Link?" Roxas asked unsure about this.
"I don't know." Link shook his head. "You are the Keyblade Wielder he's referring to, so I think this is a choice you got to make. If you don't want to face this guy alone, we'll come up with something else to get out of here."
"Whatever you want, I'll respect it." Twilight shrugged. "Hey, I know you don't have any reason to trust me, but I'll look after Link should you decided to go."
Roxas thought about it before nodding. "I'll go." He walked to the stairway up. "I'll be sure to return."
Once he was through the doorway, it sealed shut behind him.
Outside
Roxas had no idea where he was since this area didn't look like the Great Plateau, but it was evident by the blue sky above and fresh air that he was somewhere outside. He walked up some stairs and entered a huge square area surrounded by water which cascaded down from above.
In the center of this area, that armored keyblade wielder was kneeling against its keyblade. "Keyblade wielder." There was that voice again, and it did seem to be coming from the armored figure. "I can sense light and darkness within you. They coexist."
"Who are you?" Roxas asked.
"I don't quite remember." The figure rose to his feet and brandished his keyblade. "All I remember is that I was once part of someone like you. Someone with great darkness and light; however, it did not coexist. Now, I wish to understand the difference. Fight me."
"Alright, let's go then!" Roxas declared as he summoned both his keyblades.
The figure's keyblade glowed white before transforming into a motorcycle like vehicle with said figure atop it. He was speeding right for the Nobody forcing him to jump out of the way. Upon turning around, he saw the keyblade turn into its original form.
"I knew keyblades could become other weapons, but I didn't know they could change into vehicles." Roxas thought shocked.
The armored keyblade wielder slammed his keyblade into the ground shooting pillars of light out. One of them slammed into Roxas knocking him away. The younger keyblade wielder managed to recover and land before charging his opponent.
The armored wielder effortlessly blocked both of his keyblades. "Light Impact."
He was now glowing brilliantly and went on the offensive striking Roxas with impressive speed. The armored user then slammed his keyblade into the ground causing light to erupt from him in a massive ring which slammed into Roxas sending him skidding into a pillar.
Roxas shook head and recovered. As the light left the armored user, light and darkness burst to life around the younger keyblade wielder. He rushed in before delivering powerful thrusts and slashes that pushed his opponent back.
He then lept back and held out his keyblades. "Thundara Bomb! Blizzara Bomb! Fira Bomb!" One after another, a yellow, light blue, and red bomb smashed into the armored keyblade user going off with their respective elements. "Aeroga!"
A powerful, large tornado shot forth at the armored keyblade user who managed to recover and levitate into the air glowing with light. Multiple beams of light shot forth cutting clean through the coming wind and slamming into Roxas knocking him clear into the water with a splash.
The Nobody wasn't done yet. "Watera!"
Roxas had aimed his keyblades up, so he came surging to the surface. He then lept back onto solid ground before engaging his opponent once more. At the last second, he pivoted around the opposing keyblade wielder who had just slashed his keyblade down.
The younger keyblade wielder then slamming his keyblades into his opponent's back knocking into a pillar which cracked upon impact. Roxas then charged forward even as his opponent recovered and registered him coming.
"Zantetsuken." The armored user declared.
Moving faster than the eye could see, Roxas was slashed by the powerful attack bringing him to his knees. Both his keyblades dispersed. The armored keyblade user held his weapon in a position to finish him off before lowering it.
"I have come to understand nothing from this." The armored figure walked away from him. "Return when you are stronger." Roxas attempted to resummon his keyblades, but he was too tired. "Return to your friends, and you will leave."
The armored keyblade user resumed his prior position without another word.
Roxas closed his eyes before sighing and standing. "I will return." He opened his eyes and turned back the way he came. "I will become stronger."
?
After Roxas left, nothing much was said between the pair.
Eventually, Link looked over to Twilight. "So, you're really one of my former lives?"
"Yeah, but it's not how you think." Twilight informed. "Any version of us simply contains the spirit of the hero. Essentially, I was once the representation of the Hero's Spirit. Now, that falls to you. All of us exist in the afterlife, so we tend to go by our hero tittles since we're all Link."
"I see." Link nodded. "So, are you my ancestor?"
"I never had any kids myself." Twilight shrugged. "For now, just know that my love life became rather complicated. Still, the Hero's Spirit can work through bloodline ties, so it's possible you are directly related to another Link. I'm related to one myself. The hero prior to me."
"The way you talk, I want to believe it's the truth, but I still don't know." Link thought back to his Malice version. "This just feels like something he'd do."
"That's fair enough." Twilight shrugged. "Like I've said, I'd have my own difficulties if our roles were…" He looked towards the steps. "Looks like the other kid is returning."
"He is?" Link smiled as his friend walked down the steps. "Roxas!" His joy suddenly turned to a firm expression as he ran over catching him before he could fall. "Whoa, hold on." He used Mipha's healing powers to help him recover. "What happened to you?"
Twilight joined them and noticed how banged up the Nobody was before it healed. "Looks like that armored keyblade user was one tough guy."
"That's not just any guy or simple keyblade wielder." Roxas voiced. "He's a real keyblade wielder."
"A real keyblade wielder?" Link asked. "Aren't you one?"
"I thought so, but I have a long way to go before I'm on that level." Roxas informed. "I didn't even stand a chance. After that, I think I've barely scratched the surface of what my potential really is."
"Well, I'll admit that I have no idea what a keyblade wielder's true potential is." Twilight voiced. "Still, once you two confirm with Hylia on who I am, I'll do what I can to help you reach your true potential."
"Provided you are who you claim, I wouldn't mind any help I can get." Roxas informed.
"The question is, how do we get out of here?" Twilight asked.
As if on cue, they were all blinded by light and vanished from the room.
Great Plateau, Noon…
The man in the black armor had observed Link and Roxas vanish shortly after that armor figure appeared. Rather than loose his cool, he stayed and observed the sight. Now, his main target, Roxas, reappeared. Now, he was accompanied by two people.
The new person looked a lot like his companion; however, this newcomer seemed like more of a warrior. This would mean that his task got that much harder. The man knew he should honestly just get in there and take Roxas now before it got harder. He couldn't do that.
The simple fact is that he had ruled out attacking them the moment he saw the pair. To him, no matter how skilled they were, attacking them didn't sit right with him. No, he'd merely need to continue observing and find some other way to get Roxas to the World that never Was.
Temple of Time
Upon reaching the temple, Roxas could resummon his keyblades, and Link had finished healing him. Now, the group entered the old temple. Despite seeing this before, there was a difference for Twilight now that this place was in even worse shape than his time.
They approached the goddess statue which immediately glowed. "I see you two have returned with the person I mentioned."
"So, Twilight is the person you sent us to find." Link stated glad to finally have his worries put to rest. "Why didn't you just tell us?"
"Considering that armored keyblade user was on the Great Plateau, I'm betting you knew more than you were letting on." Roxas stated. "Even if you don't, you still knew something about this, so why didn't you tell us?"
"Telling you outright would only be detrimental." Hylia informed deciding to be honest. "Guiding you to discover the answers yourself is always more fruitful as countless Links before our current one have proven.
The journey always shapes a hero's character and their strength. Even though you are no Link yourself Roxas, the same applies to you. In fact, you two continue to prove this philosophy by how strong you've grown from the first day you were introduced."
"If all of that is true, then what's Twilight doing here?" Link asked. "If the journey is meant to shape us without a guide, then isn't his presence counterproductive to that point?"
"Twilight's only view of this world has been over you two." Hylia informed. "He knows what you do and nothing more. His presence is as no guide. He is here to help since this journey does differ from many of the past.
You two were not wrong in your description of the threats you face, so it was decided that you could use some help. As not to taint the journey and lessen your strength, we restricted it to one where there were many who wanted to come."
"So, all of this was meant to be a lesson." Roxas felt he understood before looking at the statue. "I can accept that, but now that we've seen that keyblade user, who is he?"
"That is something you'll just have to discover for yourself." Hylia informed. "Now, I believe we have gone over everything of importance, so I'll look forward to the next time you three will return. Be it with Spirit Orbs or another occasion such as this."
"Well, we did learn something from today." Link shrugged. "Plus, I picked up a lot of great armor and weapons."
"I learned I need to start really digging into what I'm capable of." Roxas stated as they both turned to Twilight. "Listen, we're…"
"Don't apologize or worry about it." Twilight approached the pair and crossed his arms. "We've been over this, but I don't blame you for your caution. I knew better than most Links what I was getting into by agreeing to this."
"Alright, then I guess we'll just say…" Link began.
He and Roxas finished. "…welcome aboard."
They both shook his hand with the understanding that they were a trio now.
Zora's Domain: Days Later, Morning…
Myde was currently standing atop the highest point within Zora's Domain and staring out in all directions. As far as he could see, the Lanaryu Region was covered by a thick fog. Based on what he managed to overhear, scouts reported this fog rolling in around midnight last night.
It created a sense of unease greater than what he'd heard about Vah Ruta. Granted. Myde had been around shortly before Link and Roxas dealt with the Divine Beast, but it wasn't like he paid much attention to all that rain at the time.
After learning about it from Sidon, his gut agreed with the Zora. Where Vah Ruta was a tangible force behind that pouring water, no one could see what was causing this fog. While it could be chalked up to nature, this fog seemed unlike any other that's appeared since he arrived.
Suddenly, the distant roar of something drew his attention. It sounded in line with some Heartless; however, Myde knew this was no Heartless. As a Nobody, he might have been lazy, but that didn't mean he was oblivious. No, that roaring was something else entirely.
"Something tells me Sidon is going to want to look into this unless Roxas and Link get back." Myde thought back to the Skulltula as well as what he's heard about the prince and observed himself. "Actually, he's going to check this out regardless, so what will I do?"
Kakariko Village: Impa's Place
After everything with that strange ruin on the Great Plateau, the newly made trio teleported to the shrine near Kakariko Village. Said village was where they could rest and begin preparing for the next leg of their journey. They would soon be heading to Death Mountain and Vah Rudania.
Beyond mere preparation, Link and Roxas wanted to check over Kakariko and Zora's Domain just in case there were any problems they could help with. Currently, Kakariko was as secure as when they last left it, so they'd be teleporting to the shrine in Zora's Domain tomorrow.
As for how they explained Twilight, most understood he was sent by Hylia; however, Impa was informed on the whole truth, and she was rather accepting. Currently, it was early morning, and Link and Roxas were sleeping while Twilight was getting ready to step out.
He had just walked out of the room only to see Paya walking up with a basket of fruit. "Oh, Twilight." The girl was surprised. "I thought you'd all be asleep for a while still. Are the other's up now as well?"
"Nah, they're still asleep, so I'd leave the fruit basket by the door." He smirked mischievously. "Of course, if you wanted to go in, Roxas wouldn't care. As for Link, I'm certain he wouldn't mind seeing you."
"W-What?" Paya blushed at that. "No, I couldn't enter their room like that. Even if Roxas wouldn't mind, Link surely would."
"Nonsense." Twilight walked away as his smirk turned into a grin. "I'm sure he'd be happy waking up to you."
Paya's blush worsened. "But… but… but… but…"
Twilight chuckled to himself as he left her there. He meant nothing malicious by his words, but it was hard not to take an opportunity like this for a little amusement. He walked down to the first floor and moved to exit.
"Young hero, would you kindly spare a moment?" Impa spoke up stopping him. "I just wanted to thank you for coming back to help Link and Roxas. I've noticed how at ease they've been compared to the last time they were here. Thank you, champion of the past."
"I'm not really sure if you should be thanking me yet." Twilight waved it off as he turned to face her. "I mean, I still haven't done my job just yet."
"Pray tell, what exactly is your job?" Impa asked. "Out of everything I was told, your purpose was rather vague."
"For the most part, I'm here to help them." Twilight replied. "The reason I was selected is because of my experience with memory." He took out Ilia's charm. "The kids are on the right track for Link. Still, it doesn't hurt to have me around to ensure it goes smoothly."
Ta'loh Naeg Shrine
While the man in black armor was somewhere observing everything, this day another was observing the village. It was Malice Link who watched from the front of the shrine as Twilight left Kakariko Village.
"Hm, has something happened to the failure?" He glanced at the house. "No, I can still feel him within that house. Then, is that another ally? Well, it does not matter as I will slay you and anyone that attempts to protect you. I always knew where you were the moment I was created.
My first goal was always to slay you; however, I wanted a certain victory. Just because I could sense you, didn't mean I knew your condition. For all I knew, you were as strong as ever. Despite coming from you, I was not as strong as you were.
Whether it be because I was derived from you, or some other factor, gaining strength was slow. Ultimately, I needed to accomplish two goals to become a better hero than you. Truly break my connection to Calamity Ganon to slay him and ensure an absolute victory over you.
To that end, I spent decades moving throughout Hyrule in search of answers. Eventually, I knew what I must do. Farosh, Dinraal, and Naydra. Their power was what I needed. Almost as soon as I discovered this, I could feel you were on the move and figured my time was limited.
I had to act fast and secure the needed vessel. Then, you came to that mountain on the day I went after Naydra. When you arrived, I could feel the truth. You were weaker than you'd been before, and that enraged me. Killing you then would prove nothing and feel hollow.
That's why I sought to leave an impact and push you to grow until that other person intervened. In our brief clash, he displayed how much better than you he was; however, I feel as though I barely scratched the surface of what he was capable of."
Malice Link went about laying out a full set of armor surrounded by four weapons. Each item was clearly connected by their design as they were all black with glowing blue lines and swirls like that which deposited Twilight in this world.
The armor consisted of a head piece, tunic with integrated chainmail, boots, earrings, and black leggings. The weapons were a sword, bow, shield, and scythe. Once they were all lain out, Malice Link took out a purple glowing sword and thrust it into the center of the lain-out items.
The blue turned a dark purple before leaking a fog of the same color that began to flow into Kakariko Village. Malice Link then walked away as the shadowy visage of something akin to a Lynel rose absorbing the weapons and armor into its being.
"This will not only test your comrade, but it may just push you in the direction I want." Malice Link thought. "If it ends up killing you, so be it. Even if my goal is to kill you, I can settle on your comrade. Unlike you, I feel he could overcome this."
Edge of Kakariko
After his conversation with Impa, Twilight ended up in a place where he could stare out at Hyrule Castle in the distance. "Hard to believe." He crossed is arms. "Ganon really is pigheaded in every sense of the word."
"Well now…" An ethereal voice spoke up next to him. "You've become rather chatty as of late."
Twilight turned and stared in shock at a skeletal warrior. He wore bronze armor with red designs, and his left eye was missing while the right glowed red. He was not shocked by the fact that this was a skeletal warrior, but by the fact that he was seeing this figure at all.
"Gramps!?" Twilight exclaimed. "I thought you'd walked deep into the afterlife ages ago on some grand expedition. Speaking of which, how are you even here right now, and why do you look like the times I met you when I was on my journey?"
"Even in death, no adventure escapes my sights." The skeletal warrior informed. "When I returned to learn you had been chosen to perform something akin to my role, I wasted little time in finding my way here. Of course, this was the only way I could achieve this."
"In other words, Hylia, Cia, and Lana sent you." Twilight reasoned.
"Pardon?" The warrior questioned confused.
"Look, if you're here to tell me to be careful with them, you can spare me the details." Twilight retorted. "I was picked first because of how I can relate to Roxas and my past experiences with memory loss; however, I had every right to turn this down. I chose this knowing…"
"My son, last I spoke to those three, I was just setting off on my exploration." The warrior informed. "I learned of your departure from Sky."
"That was going to be my second guess." Twilight retorted. "So, how are you here exactly?"
"Being the Hero of Time has granted me favor with it." Time informed. "Much like your connection to Twilight and its privileges. Now to clarify, your mission is to help the hero of this era and this Roxas, correct?"
"They could have pulled you back." Twilight smirked. "Jealous you weren't picked?"
"No." Time informed. "From what I gathered, you are the perfect fit; however, I do wish you were taking this more seriously."
"Trust me, gramps." Twilight replied. "I understand better than you currently do by the sounds of it. Given Roxas' introduction to our world, we're talking the fate of more than Hyrule; however, those two are no push overs."
"Then, assuredly you three shall prevail in whatever comes." Time retorted. "If I may pry, what has become of them? I would imagine you should not stray far from their side."
"Don't worry, the kids are fine." Twilight assured. "They're currently back in this era's Kakariko Village, and these Sheikah haven't put some Shadow Temple beneath it. It's perfectly safe."
"Sir Twilight!" Paya's shouting sounded rather worried and frantic.
"Looks like I spoke too soon." Twilight thought.
The Hero of Twilight just knew in his gut those kids had gotten into some form of trouble.
"It appears things are not as you left them." Time commented. "Given that you are needed, I'll simply need to wait for answers on just what is happening." He began to glow with light. "Until we meet again."
Time vanished as Twilight reached out for him. "Wait, when will I see you again!? I wanted to introduce you to…" He lowered his hand as he never could control when the old man vanished on him before. "…the kids."
He was gone just before a panicked Paya ran up to him. "Sir Twilight!"
"Oh, hiya Paya." Twilight was certain Time was making a big deal out of nothing. "What's got you so…"
"It's Roxas and Link!" Paya exclaimed truly worried. "Something is currently attacking them, and it looks like a Lynel."
"Wait, it looks like a Lynel?" Twilight questioned. "A Lynel just stormed into Kakariko? How!? The kids told me there weren't any of them…"
"I'm not even sure if it is a Lynel!" Paya interrupted. "That's just the closest thing I can compare it to, and it didn't storm in. This creature appeared in the middle of the village from nowhere. Its appearance made the whole village dark and purple."
"You did good coming to get me Paya." Twilight ran past her. "I'll go help the kids out now."
Okay, this section of the story is starting to come to a close, and I guarantee that after this all wraps up, the group will be on the road to Death Mountain and Vah Rudania. As for this chapter itself, I figured why not. Zora's Domain isn't being plagued by any specific group or even Ganon at this time. I mean, what is there is a monster, but it's not guided to come around. This monster just so happened to show up, and I will say it's another old, Zelda monster.
As for what Roxas, Link, and Twilight will be facing next chapter? Well, if you know it, then good for you, but I think I'll conserve it for next chapter. Finally, Roxas got a taste of what a keyblade master can really do; however, this is not anything specifically related to Terra, Ventus, or Aqua... as far as that goes. Anyways, hope you enjoyed this chapter.
ultima-owner: Right on the money.
UltimateAvengers: Glad you noticed it.