This is a small rewrite of this chapter. I made a few corrections and got rid of the cliffhanger at the end because I felt it created a plot point that I ended up feeling was unnecessary. It was complicating my ideas for the future chapters so I felt it should be removed for the sake of creating a better story.
Zelda had her people treat Peach and I to something I can only describe as "Hylian Hospitality". First we were taken to their medical bay for us to get patched up. I can't say that the people who work there can be called "doctors" because I don't think it takes much medical training to use a red fairy in a bottle on someone. Regardless, those fairies are nothing short of a miracle medicine. In just a couple of seconds I was feeling as good as knew. Then we were given a meal. Never ate food from Hyrule before but from what I was given, I think the stuff is pretty damn good. Finally we were given a refreshing bath. I can't remember how long it's been since I had one of those. It felt like heaven, but I know that nothing last forever unfortunately. Anyway I finished up my treatment, I'm gonna go back to Zelda. I'm sure she's got some questions.
Snake entered Zelda's room. She was the only one there, so he figured Peach wasn't finished being pampered yet. Zelda didn't seem to know he had entered, instead she was looking out a window, seemingly lost in her thoughts. "Hello Princess." He said alerting her of his presence.
"Oh Snake! You're back! I hope my people treated you well." She smiled.
"Very well. Treated me like royalty is more like it."
"I'm very glad to hear that."
A moment of silence occurred. It seemed that Zelda wasn't sure what to say. Snake decided to break up the silence.
"So uh…where are the others? Link and Peach I mean." He clarified.
"Link is helping the soldiers with the last bit of supplies. As for Peach, I had my people help her find clothes for her to wear. There's no need for her to be in those slave cloths. Anyway, they'll both be back here soon." She answered.
"Good to know." Snake paused and then brought up the next topic. "I take it that now's the time where I have to fill you in on everything that happened?"
"Hm? Oh! No there's no need to waste your time on that. Link told me everything while you were away. I'm sure you wouldn't be too thrilled if you had to explain that story again." She laughed.
"You have no idea." He said with great relief. Zelda sighed for a moment and took her attention away from the window and then looked at Snake, looking ready to indulge in conversation.
"You've changed since I last saw you." She began. "You seem like you…care more about people."
"Yeah? I guess I've gotten soft over the years." He admitted. "The world changed, so I changed with it."
"Any particular reason why?" She asked.
"Can't say, I think there's multiple reasons for it."
"Ok. That's good enough for me." She smiled. Though her smile quickly faded as a thought crossed her mind and made her somber.
"It's a shame the way our friends changed all those years ago."
"Yes it was. I was taught a cruel lesson that day." Snake reflected.
"A lesson? What do you mean?"
"I mean that what I learned from that battle is that there's no such thing as heroes or heroines. Who we think is today's "hero" can become tomorrow's "villain."
"That's a very cynical view of things but…the more I think about it, I can't help but feel that it's true."
"I know. It really sucks." Snake agreed. "That doesn't mean there's no such thing as good people." He added on a much lighter note. This brought a smile back to Zelda's face.
"You're right. That's something that's comforting to know at the end of the day."
Just then Link entered the room. "I'm not interrupting anything am I?"
"Oh Link! No of course not come in." Zelda kindly invited him.
"Yeah, I'm glad that you are here. Because there's something I need to talk to you both about." Snake said changing to a much more serious tone. The two Hylians were surprised by the sudden change in mood from the man.
"Well ok. What is it you wanted to discuss?" Link asked.
The three of them sat down at a small table for their discussion.
"I don't know if it's a good idea for me to stay here." Snake began.
"Snake?!" Zelda spouted in disbelief of Snake talking about leaving so soon.
"Look Snake, I know you've always been a loner but times have changed! It's better to be with a group now more than ever." Link reasoned with him.
"Listen to me! That's not my reasoning! I want to stay here, believe me I do. I think that we can do something with this settlement that can really benefit the good people of the wasteland, but as of right now me being here can be dangerous to the people of this settlement."
"What? How so?" Zelda questioned.
"It's recently come to my attention that I've earned myself quite a reputation during my years in the waste. I've made good impressions on some people, become sort of a legend, a hero. But more importantly, I've made a lot of enemies. Apparently I've become a thorn in the side of somebody or some group, one that's pissed them off enough for them to place a price on my head. And whoever it is, they've got a lot of cash to give to whoever can bring them my head."
"So what if you've got a bounty, you're definitely safer here than if you're out there by yourself." Link pointed out.
"I know that, but I've got a feeling that eventually they'll find out I'm here, and they will come here and attack this place. They'll kill your people searching for me. I don't want that."
"Snake, our settlement has been attacked by raiders numerous times, and our troops have always been strong enough to where they never make it inside the walls." Zelda informed him.
"Raiders are one thing, I'm not worried about them. But has your settlement ever been attacked by mercs?"
"Mercs?"
"Mercenaries, hired guns. People who you can call the "Hitmen of the wastes." They're well-trained killers, not to mention well-armed. They only attack places when they're hired to, and I know that teams of them are hired to kill me. I've had a run in with a group and they would've easily done me in if I fought them in the daylight. If they find out I'm here, they'll come and murder anything that stands in the way. I'm sure that your soldiers can defeat the first group that comes, but I promise that you'll suffer massive casualties. But when the second group comes, they'll succeed."
Now the severity of the situation dawned on Link and Zelda.
"Ok…we understand the threat. However, what do you hope to accomplish by traveling on your own?" The Princess asked.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure with that opposition it's dangerous to go alone."
"My goal is that I'm going to find the bastard that put the hit on me and kill him. Then no one will get any pay, and they'll have no motive to attack me. Then I will come back."
"How the hell do you think you'll be able to find him or her or…them even?" Link further expressed his skepticism.
"I don't know, but I'll find a way." Snake looked back at Link with a look of pure determination in his eyes. Link sighed and gave in.
"Alright. I guess if you were able to single handedly infiltrate a slave camp then I'm sure you can pull this off. What do you think Zelda?"
"I…I guess we don't have any better ideas. However I want you to be able to remain in contact with us while you're away. We have several outposts in the wastes that our troops are positioned at. I'll have Link give you the locations on your map."
"Ok, can do." He agreed.
"But Snake please, do at least stay with us for a little while. Two days at least!" Zelda begged. "Link, Peach and I have only been back with you for about a day, don't go just yet!"
Snake looked at the two of them, their eyes gave off a look that implied they would be very persistant about this. And then, Peach entered the room.
"Hi, everyone! I'm back!" She cheered. She looked at the three and felt a strange and tense vibe. "Is everything ok?"
Snake looked over to Peach. She was standing there, fully recovered and wearing a nice dress. It may not have been her favorite signature pink dress, but she at least looked like her true self again.
"Oh yeah…everything is fine!" He answered her. He then turned over to the two Hylians and whispered. "All right fine. I'll stay a little bit."
Link and Zelda were happy with the answer. "Alright well it's been a long day. How about we all get some rest?" Link suggested.
"Good idea. Good night you three." Zelda said and left to her bedroom.
That night, I lied down on the bed that was provided for me, and thought about what just happened. I must've looked like an asshole, wanting to leave after I just got here. Seems I somehow forgot that everything I did the past two days was for this…to find Peach, Link and Zelda. I did it, the gang's all here. I know that I'm not wrong about having to leave soon, but I was wrong about having to go immediately. Zelda's right, as long as I don't hang around too long then they won't find out I'm here. I've got two days, and I'm gonna take them. This is a reunion, so I better enjoy it while I can.
The next morning, Snake got up early and went around town, observing the Hylian settlement. He looked at the townsfolk, and they were all so friendly and happy. They lived as if the world never ended. Snake admired it, admired the strength of the people's spirit. No matter how hard life gets, there are always people that find a way to endure.
"Uh excuse me uh…S-Solid Snake sir?" A voice asked behind him.
"Hm?" Snake turned around to face the one who spoke. It was one of the Hylian soldiers, a nervous looking one at that. "Hey. Is there something that you need?" He asked.
"Um…well see…me and some of the others heard that you uh…know some pretty advanced martial arts." He mumbled looking embarrassed.
"You mean CQC? Yeah, what about it?"
"Me and my friends were just wondering if…maybe…you could teach us a little about it. If you can't that's fine! I'm sorry if I'm wasting your time."
Snake couldn't help but be amused. He wasn't sure why the soldier was so nervous about talking to him, but he still made his request despite his fear. For that, he felt the man should be rewarded. "Ok sure, I'll show you and your friends some of the basics."
"R-Really? Wow! Thank you sir! Please follow me."
The soldier led Snake to the training grounds. They had a good spot for him to give the lesson. The soldier and three of his friends participated in the lesson. They stood at attention, as if Snake was the commanding officer.
"So tell me, what makes you four want to learn about hand-to-hand combat?" Snake asked the group.
"Well sir, we've been well trained by Captain Link in using a sword in battle. However our skills in hand to hand are very…limited. So we fear that if we are to be disarmed in battle, we would stand no chance." One troop explained.
"Hmm. Taking into account a situation that you haven't experienced yet, but want to be ready for it if it ever happens. I'm impressed, that's a trait of a good soldier."
"Thank you sir!"
"Alright I'm willing to teach you some of the basics of CQC. But first I need evaluate your current abilities. I want all four of you to attack me without your swords. The goal is to subdue me."
"R-Right now?" One of the men stuttered.
"Right now." Snake affirmed. As he had ordered, the four men charged at him unarmed. Unsurprisingly it only took a minute for Snake to knock all four of them off of their feet.
"Man! They weren't exaggerating! You're one tough bastard!" A troop complimented as he got back up.
"Yeah! You mopped the floor with us! We didn't stand a chance!"
"Alright, don't get discouraged men. When it comes to fighting, you're gonna get your ass kicked before you get better. Now the real training begins. Let's work on getting better. Got it?"
"Yes sir!" They saluted in unison.
Strange, this feels so…nostalgic…
Big Boss! You wanted to see me sir?
Yes come in Snake. There's something I want to discuss with you.
What is it sir?
You've been in FOXHOUND for only a small time. I've been observing your training exercises. You've been passing each one with flying colors. You remind me of myself when I was your age.
Thank you sir.
So after watching your display of skill, I've decided to personally teach you CQC.
CQC?
Yes. Being able to use a gun is one thing, but to be a true soldier you need to be able master defeating an enemy using hand-to-hand combat.
But sir, I've already been taught CQB by Master Miller.
I'm aware of that. But CQC is a much different game than that. Far more advanced. It's a technique developed by my mentor and myself. Upon mastery, anyone you face in close quarters will have no chance against you. Very few people know of this fighting style Snake. Are you ready to become one of them?
Yes sir…I'm ready!
While by no means were they masters, in just a few hours Snake had taught the four Hylian troops how to disarm an opponent, various takedowns, and the advantages of using a knife. They had come out as much better fighters than before. Snake hoped that when he got rid of the bounty problem, he could come back and help the soldiers master it, like his father had with him. Big Boss and him…their relationship was…complicated to say the least. He liked to think that they ended it on a good note back in Arlington Cemetery…where he died.
"Maybe I should hire you as one of my drill sergeants." Link said snapping Snake out of his thoughts. "Maybe you can even teach me some of those moves." He laughed.
"I'll think about it." Snake grinned. The grin went away and Snake got on a much more serious note. "Listen Link. About yesterday…I'm…I'm sorry."
"Sorry? About what?"
"You and Zelda, you took me in, patched me up, and I was just about to get up and leave this place. Some way of showing gratitude huh?" He lamented on his behavior.
"Snake, neither of us are upset about that. Zelda and I both know that you're leaving out of our concern. If anything we really respect you for that." Link thanked him, somewhat comforting the old man. "However there's something you said that I wanted to ask you about."
"Go ahead."
"You said that you believe we can do something with this settlement to benefit the good people of the wastes. What did you mean by that?"
Snake turned to Link, paying full attention to him. "You said that now more than ever is a good time to be in a group right?"
"That's right."
"I was thinking…what if we got groups to work with other groups. Or even merge into an even bigger group."
"Can you be more specific?"
"I've taken a look at your settlement today. What you and Zelda have going on here is something really good. There are also other settlements out there who have a good system. But what I've noticed about all of them is that they're all separated by races. Here you've got a settlement consisting only of Hylians. Another settlement I was at recently consisted only of Koopas. It doesn't have to be that way. Why don't we make a settlement for people of any race? No separation, instead we can have Hylians, Koopas, Toads, Humans and more all living, working, and fighting together!" Snake explained his big idea.
"That's…that's interesting. I don't know why we haven't thought about it before. I'll definitely run it by Zelda and see what she thinks. But do you have any idea on how to get this idea off the ground?"
"After I leave, I want you to go to a settlement called Koopa Keep. Tell them that I sent you. Ask them to let you talk to Murphy, the Koopa in charge. Run the idea by him. Hopefully he'll be on board."
"Alright Snake. If Zelda agrees with it, I'll do it." Link promised.
"Thanks…speaking of, where is Zelda? Or Peach for that matter?"
"You're in luck. They're right over there at the shooting range." Link pointed out to Snake. He looked in the direction Link's finger pointed to and saw the two of them. Zelda was in the range practicing her archery, while Peach stood outside and watched. He made his way over there, eventually standing next to Peach as they both watched Zelda.
"Hey."
"Oh hi Snake! Glad to see you." Peach replied.
"Likewise. So what's up? You do a little bit of archery yourself?"
"Me? Oh no. Zelda just asked if I wanted to watch her and I thought it'd be interesting."
"Well she is one hell of a shot." Snake observed as Zelda's arrow hit the target dummy right in the head.
"Yep." Peach simply replied. Snake noticed a weird tone to her response. It sounded somewhat sad, jealous even.
"You want to tell me what's really going on?" He bluntly asked shocking her as he caught on.
"I…I just…" She hesitated looking embarrassed.
"C'mon Peach, talk to me."
"Just look at her. She's a princess like me, but she can also use that weapon like a warrior."
"You're thinking about the Toads again aren't you?" She could only nod as she looked on sadly. "It wasn't you're fault Peach. Remember that."
"I do…I remember what you told me. But I wish I could've at least done something about it. What if it happens again?" She asked looking more upset with each passing moment. Snake looked at her, then looked back at the shooting range. He stroked his chin as he thought. He held Peach's hand and began moving to the range.
"Come with me." He simply said. The princess was uncertain of what he was thinking, but she trusted him and followed. He took her into one of the target booths, and pulled out USP .45 handgun, and handed it to Peach. She looked frightened by the firearm he presented her. He clearly saw it. "Makes you uncomfortable huh?"
"A little bit…" She answered.
"That's okay. It's intimidating for a lot of people their first time. But if you really want to be able to use a weapon like Zelda can, then you gotta learn. It's okay if you don't want to, I'm not forcing you…"
"No…I want to learn." She said hesitantly.
"Are you sure?" Snake asked sternly.
"Yes. I'm sure." She answered with more confidance.
"Alright." He put the gun in her hand and stood close behind her. He extended his arms and put them behind hers, as if he was showing her how to swing a baseball bat. He positioned her hands onto the pistol grip. "You're going to want to hold the grip like this, okay?"
"Ok"
"See this small switch right here? That's the safety. You're going to want to turn it on when you're not in combat. And even when it's on, don't fool around with it. Always assume the gun is loaded, and never point it at anyone you don't want to shoot." He explained. "This button right here will eject the magazine. Right now you've got a full clip. Now let's start with firing it. First let's aim for the chest. Look through the iron sights." He let go of her, deciding to let her take the shot herself.
"Remember to keep your arms stiff, don't let them go loose. The gun will kick back when you shoot, and you don't want it to hit you in the face. Take the shot when you're ready.
The princess followed the directions, focused her aim and took the shot. She missed. "Damn it!" She cursed.
"That's alright! You were close. What you want to do is aim lower and slightly more to the right. And calm yourself, try to keep those hands from shaking." He said to encourage her.
Again, she gripped the pistol, pointed the gun, aimed and fired. A clean hit to the chest. She cheered to herself and Snake smiled to her.
"Great job! Now, do it three more times. Show me and yourself that it wasn't just a lucky shot."
1…2…3. Three shots fired, three shots hit. Snake was impressed, she was catching on quick. To test herself, she decided to use the remaining bullets in the clip. She shot the remaining 7 bullets.
"Five hits out of seven shots…you're pretty good." Snake said echoing the words an old gunslinging foe said to him. "Here's a new magazine. This time go for the head." He said and tossed her a full clip. Surprisingly she knew how the reload process worked, even cocking the barrel back to put one in the chamber. Maybe she learned from watching him in the past. She aimed and shot for the target dummy's head. She missed. Snake was about to give her encouragement, expecting her to be upset. However she kept her cool. "Do you know what you did wrong?"
"Yeah, I aimed a little too much to the left." She answered.
"Good eye."
She aimed a little more to the right and fired. She missed again.
"Too much to the right that time. Just one more. I can do this!" She thought to herself. Taking aim again and putting in all her focus, she fired. Right through the head. She smiled to herself and looked to Snake, who nodded his head proudly.
Snake gave her one more magazine to practice with. With each shot, she had become better and better. It was getting close to night when they finished. As they left the shooting range, Peach handed the pistol back to Snake.
"No." He simply stated not taking the gun. "It's yours. You've earned it." He told her.
"Really?"
"Really."
"Thank you Snake." She said gratefully. Snake's mood dropped from happy to serious. He had to be logical with her. Had to give her a reality check.
"This is where things get depressing." He started. "You were shooting targets today…but you and I know damn well that isn't what you're gonna be using that gun for."
"Right…" Peach muttered.
"There will come a point where you're going to have to shoot a living breathing person. Shooting targets and people are two very different things. When you get that first kill I promise you, it won't feel good."
The princess' head went down in sadness, so Snake put his hands assuringly on her shoulders to comfort her.
"Look at me. You need to know that feeling bad about killing is only natural, and you are not weak for feeling bad about it. Don't you ever forget that."
She brought her eyes up to look at his own. "Okay, I won't." She promised him.
"Good."
While that conversation had ended, another one followed shortly.
"Zelda told me that you'll be leaving after tomorrow." Peach sadly informed him. Snake closed his eyes and sighed heavily at that.
"I'm sorry…"
"It's okay. They told me your reasons. You're a hero, and you have to stop evil." She laughed slightly. Snake could've went on his cynical tangent. The one of how he doesn't believe in heroes.
No! There's no need! No need to make this conversation sadder than it is already.
"You'll come back right? When you stop them?"
"Yeah. If I stop them I will come back."
"Please don't say "if!" She begged. "Can you promise me that won't get killed?"
"I'm sorry, I can't." He answered not wanting to lie to her. She was about to cry, he had to say something positive. "But just remember that I've survived seven years by myself out there. So I'd say I have a damn good chance of living." To his relief this calmed her down. She held onto him tightly.
"I'll take your word for it. Just be careful, okay?"
"I will…"