Disclaimer: I don't own anything and this is a fan made non-profitable piece of work. I write this solely to express how much I enjoy the games and you better remember that! ...I hate the thought of being sued...
Star-Key-Sorer: You sure seemed excited to see Princess Zelda...
Link: Well duh! She's a pretty princess dude! I want to be a pretty princess...
Star-Key-Sorer: Say that again and I'll tell everyone in Kokiri Forest you're a transvestite Link.
Saria: Link likes to wear dresses? o.O
Link: No! ...maybe pantyhose...
Star-Key-Sorer: Well that explains the tights later on. You're actually wearing some poor woman's undergarments!
Link: But they let me breathe underneath that hot tunic!
Darunia: Please read, review and maybe check out the author's other works if you feel like it! Oh ho!
Link: DON'T YOU IGNORE ME!
Star-Key-Sorer: Enjoy everyone!
Link: *yells as he starts feverishly swinging the Kokiri Sword*
Chapter 3 – Between A Rock and Teeth
As Link stood in Hyrule Field Impa stood next to him and asked, "You know that once you've reached Death Mountain I can't guide you no further right?" Nodding his head in silence Link looked at his ocarina and thought, "Was that the power of the song or something else? Sure I've heard that the power of music is strong but that energy...it felt...familiar." Shaking his head and placing Saria's ocarina in his pocket the blonde novice swordsman followed Impa as they walked over to a winding staircase leading to Kakariko Village. A rural village with a large windmill in the back as the village's pride and joy. What is was used for though no one knew. Anyways the traveling duo had made their way towards the western exit where a Hylian guard stood tall and proud with his spear at the ready. "Halt ye knaves! None shall pass to Death Mountain without first showing ties to the Royal Family!" The guard said as Impa stood before him with her arms tightly crossing her chest and staring at the man very crossly.
"I am Impa, the princess' nanny since she was but an infant. I have orders from her to escort this young man up to the Gorons on Death Mountain. Open this gate or face my wrath." Impa demanded as the guard saluted her nervously and clicked his spear on the ground. "Y-yes Ms. Impa, right away! Sorry for the holdup!" He sputtered as the guard ran to the other end of the iron barred gate and pulled it open. Nodding her head Impa led Link up the mountain path as the Hylian guard returned to his post at the gate. "Wow the Royal Family sure has a lot of power when it comes to things like security and the such." Navi told Link from underneath his green cap. Nodding his head the lad replied, "Yeah I'll say Navi. Hey! Who said you could make yourself at home under my cap? I hope you don't give me head lice..." Giggling like a little child Navi ruffled Link's hair as she told him in a playful tone, "Gonna give, give, give, give you lice all your life! Gonna give, give, give, give you lice because that's what I like to do!" Slapping his head as an attempt to squash his fairy companion which was unsuccessful since she escaped in time Impa stopped to turned towards him. "This is as far as I'll go Link. From here on out you shall traverse Death Mountain on your own. However...this is for you from the princess. Use it wisely." Impa said as she reached into her pocket and handed Link an orange rupee worth two hundred single rupees.
Accepting the gift Link realized that back in town he had ordered a custom made shield without knowing he was dirt poor. Before getting this gift from Impa by order of Princess Zelda he had nothing to pay with should he had actually returned in time to retrieve his shield from Kordan. "Thanks Impa and tell Zelda I have gladly accepted such a present. Now I can actually buy my shield I ordered back down in town." Link replied as Impa nodded before vanishing in a puff of smoke. Eyes widened in wonderment he said, "Whoa that was sudden! Is she magic or something?" Flying around his head Navi retorted, "I've heard about people who use stealth like moves with smokescreens for cover. I believe they're called ninjas. That or assassins I could be easily mixing them up." Placing the rupee into his wallet that hung from his belt alongside his satchel full of Deku Seeds for his slingshot Link crossed his arms and replied, "Those two sound very similar so what's the deal if you use one term more often than the other? Never mind though since let's just flurry on up to that Goron Leader. What was his name again? Darmani?" Headbutting him Navi told Link, "His name was Darunia idiot! Holy crap the princess was right! You do have a hearing problem!"
Rubbing his head Link growled before being plowed to the ground by a long legged and large red insect. "Link be careful! That's a Tektite! An insect that will lung at its prey into submission!" The small blue fairy shouted as he rolled out of the way from another jump from the enemy. Unsheathing his sword Link lunged at the Tektite and brought his blade down across its eye. Screeching in pain the monster limped away only to bring backup. Now that there was three Tektites Link brandished the Kokiri Sword asking, "What's with monsters bringing in the Calvary for me lately?" Nimbly dodging jumps from the Tektites since he was a spry young boy Navi retorted, "Maybe the God of Death wants to see you as soon as possible?" Slashing the Tektites away Link laughed sarcastically responding, "Oh hardy ha Navi that was pure comedic gold. You should receive a reward. Not! Ya!" Leaping into the air Link jammed his blade into one Tektite and swiftly slashed the other two monsters in the eye. Afterwards the three creatures vanished in wisps of black smoke.
Sheathing his sword Link brushed himself off and told Navi, "Now if the world is done throwing sheep to the slaughter at me let's flurry to that Dodongo fellow." Headbutting him again because of saying Darunia's name wrong the two wandered up the mountain path. At the end was the entrance to the Goron's home known as Goron City. After walking through the cave's front entrance Link saw several people who looked like rocks brought to life through magic. "Oh wow who knew rocks could be people. These must be the Gorons huh Navi?" Link asked her as Navi nodded her head in silence. Afterwards the two wandered down three flights of stairs before standing in front of a large stone door shut tightly. "Me thinks you should play that song Impa taught you. After all Link she said only those with ties to the Royal Family will be allowed an audience with the Proud Goron Leader Darunia." Navi told him as she zipped around Link's head. "Do I? It makes me sad hearing such a majestic melody that painfully reminds me I never knew my real mother each time I hear it. Although we may never finish our quest if I don't I suppose." Link replied as he pulled out Saria's ocarina. Putting his lips to the mouth piece he started playing the very sweet and loving tune known as Zelda's Lullaby. The same tune that had the same emotional feeling of being sung to by a very loving person.
Once he finished playing a sudden rush of energy flowed through his veins again as well as a loud billowing voice asking, "Who plays that which can only be from Hyrule's Royal Family? Dost thou wish an audience with me, Darunia, Proud Goron Leader?" Squeaking out a very terrified answer of agreement the large stone door before Link slowly rose up. After walking into the Goron's inner chamber with his fairy companion returning under the blonde lad's green cap Link stood before a burly Goron with bulging biceps. "Excuse me? Mr. Goron sir? May I ask you of something?" Link squeaked out from fear of being crushed by such a menacing looking fellow. However to his surprise the Goron smiled warmly at him and with a hearty laugh he replied, "Oh forgive my natural booming voice child! I mean you no harm! Ask me anything and I'll try my hardest to comply! Oh ho!" Warming up to the jolly Goron Link then asked, "Oh good then I suppose it won't be a hassle if I asked for the Spiritual Stone of the Mountain, the Goron's Ruby?" Eying Link the Goron retorted swiftly, "I shall not give you our sacred relic."
Crossing his arms the blonde lad pouted while Darunia added, "I won't give it to you because I was already threaten to hand it over by a man from the desert. I'm sorry but ever since he blocked Dodongo's Cavern so we Gorons are cut from our supply of rocks I can't just hand over such a sacred relic such as the Goron's Ruby." Zipping around his head Navi asked the Goron angrily, "But aren't you surrounded by rocks? You are in a cavern like city after all right? What makes the rocks from this Dodongo's Cavern so special?" Swatting Navi away the Goron replied, "It's because the rocks from Dodongo's Cavern are simply more delicious than just those around the outside of Death Mountain or even inside Goron City." Fuming by now the small fairy shouted, "Then why didn't you just stock up before this whole mess happened?" Shaking his head Darunia told her, "We would have but at the same time we didn't know he would just appear so suddenly. He did just randomly appear in a puff of black smoke and demanded from me the Goron's Ruby after all." Calming down a bit Navi said, "Oh...you do have a point there...sorry for losing my temper..."
While the Goron chuckled heartily Link clenched his fists tightly and seethed under his breath. "So...Ganondorf thought killing The Great Deku Tree wasn't enough? Now he wants to starve you Gorons to death by cutting you from you most preferred supply of rocks? ...I won't allow him to cause anyone anymore suffering! I'll do everything in my power to stop such a madman!" Link proclaimed as the Goron Leader chuckled. "Oh ho! It warms my heart to know you'd be willing to put your life on the line for us inhabitants of Hyrule! Very well then if you can unblock Dodongo's Cavern as well as slay the beast that the man so casually left behind as to add salt to the wound I shall give you the Goron's Ruby as a reward! Oh ho!" With a cheery smile Link asked him, "Really? You would?" With another hearty laugh the Goron answered, "Oh ho! You bet little man! But first I just want you to play a song for old man Darunia here okay?" His cheery smile vanishing and face faulting to the ground Link mumbled sarcastically, "Fantastic..." Darunia then told the boy, "However I'm looking forward to hearing a song full of energy and excitement. From time to time when I ventured down from Death Mountain in the past I would hear such a song coming from the forest. If you could my dear boy...could you perhaps go there and play me that song upon learning it and returning to me?"
Rising to his feet Link crossed his arms and replied, "Okay I suppose it wouldn't hurt to go. Besides...it gives me a chance to..." Immediately Link's heart raced as he thought of meeting Saria again. Even though in the past when he was around her it was a bit confusing as to why he started harboring romantic feelings right now towards the one who was like a surrogate mother to him. The more he thought of Saria the more Link realized that feeling this loving way towards such a tender and caring person filled him with the exciting thought of stop wasting time thinking about seeing her again and actually doing it. With a smile smeared across his face Link told Darunia, "Just wait right here Doppelganger and I'll learn that song for you!" Headbutting Link for saying Darunia's name wrong yet again Link grumbled as he grabbed Navi and stuffed her under his green cap before leaving Darunia's Chamber. Outside Link mumbled, "Humph! I just wish I didn't have to trek back so far. Can't there be something of a shortcut I can take to lessen the time?" Scratching his head vigorously from underneath his cap Navi asked, "Don't you think this would be the perfect opportunity for you to easily let a couple more days pass so you can get your shield? If so wouldn't you agree that walking all the way from Death Mountain to Kokiri Forest and back towards this way your custom made shield in Hyrule Castle Town will be ready for you to tackle Dodongo's Cavern properly?"
Realizing she spoke nothing but the truth Link whined, "But my feet will have fallen off by the time we got to the damn cave!" Kicking his head from underneath his cap Navi shouted, "Stop whining like a baby and get your ass in gear!" With that Link scampered off pouting the entire way to Kokiri Forest. After carefully avoiding the dangerously large Peahat from before Link had returned home to Kokiri Forest. Sonia, a Kokiri girl much like Saria's age, greeted Link upon his arrival telling him, "Welcome home Link. I know it'll take you awhile before you can strike down that evil man that killed The Great Deku Tree but everyone here is rooting for ya! Oh yeah and Saria is waiting patiently for you in The Lost Woods." Dropping to his feet in despair Link whined again, "Oh damn it all! Since I have a crappy sense of direction and Saria was the only one to successfully guide me through those damn woods how the bloody hell am I suppose to meet her now since I'll have to trek those godforsaken woods alone?" Giggling Sonia lifted Link up replying, "Don't you worry your little head Link. I know those woods just as much as Saria so I'll guide you to her." Whimpering while being dragged across the ground Sonia guided Link through the mysterious Lost Woods and into The Sacred Meadow, a secluded divine area deep within The Lost Woods.
Once there Link was greeted by a warm and familiar face at the front gate to The Sacred Meadow. "Link...I'm glad to see you again my love." Saria said as Sonia dropped the blonde lad and left. Running over to him and embracing Link tightly in her arms the green haired lass locked lips with Link while humming gleefully. Embracing Saria tightly in his own arms Navi flew out from underneath Link's cap saying, "As much as I adore the thought of you two sweethearts being all loving with each other may I remind you Link of your promise to Darunia?" As Saria licked Link's lips she asked him, "Hm? Is there something you need from me sweetie?" Nuzzling her neck Link answered, "Yeah I do Saria. Could you be perhaps be the one singing an energetic and joyful song?" Breaking free from their embrace Saria cleared her throat and asked, "Oh? Could you perhaps be thinking of this?" She than started humming the same fast tempo and energetic song she was humming from before. The melody that swam through the air was that of children playing and a joyous celebration among all beings that lived. Link couldn't help but tap his feet in rhythm to the tune. By the end Saria giggled and twirled around playfully.
Pulling out the ocarina she had given him Link played back the same tune. Once he was finished energy flowed through him yet again and at the same time Link had learned Saria's Song. He also realized that Saria was glowing with an aura and asked, "What's going on Saria? Why are you resonating?" Giggled she retorted, "I'll only answer your question when you've answer me this. Have you've been experiencing a rush of energy every time you play that ocarina I made you?" Nodding his head slowly in agreement Saria walked over to Link and replied while holding his shoulders with her face close to his, "Our souls are being connected my darling Link. Every time you play my hand made ocarina a portion of my soul is being fused with yours. I meant it quite literally when I told you I poured my heart and soul into making that ocarina for you sweetie." Blushing and turning his head Link queried, "Why? I know you love me more than like a surrogate mother but really? Why link our souls?" Pulling his face back to hers and licking his lips Saria said, "You'll find out soon enough Link my darling." Flying over to her Navi started tugging the green haired lass' locks yelling, "That's lovely and all but if you don't mind Saria we have to hurry back to get the Goron's Ruby!"
Yelping and swatting Navi away Saria hugged Link before saying, "Just be careful out there okay Link? I'd hate to see the one I love die so young." Hugging her in return before leaving the meadow Link replied, "I'll try my hardest. You're my dearest friend and I'd hate to know you were miserable." However once him and Navi were back in The Lost Woods Link was returned to the entrance of The Lost Woods in Kokiri Forest when taking a blind turn down a corridor. Night had fallen by the time he finished visiting Saria again and decided to bolt it back to Hyrule Castle Town. With Navi under his cap again and running away from the large Peahat the sun rose high into the sky once Link had finished slaying the large Stalchild that died unjustly by mere burning up in the morning sun a few days ago. With blood dripping wounds Link walked back over to Kordan's General Store to retrieve his shield. Once there Kordan warmly greeted him again saying, "Where have you've been little guy? I've just gotten done crafting your custom made Hylian Shield you asked for yesterday!"
Kordan plopped down on the counter a Hylian Shield half the size of the usual ones with an owl engraved on the front whereas the others had an eagle. "For you little guy I present to you the Hero's Shield! Made for a small warrior like yourself that's just as sturdy as a regular Hylian Shield. And it's all yours for the low price of eighty rupees." Digging into his wallet Link pulled out the orange rupee and asked, "Um...you have change for a two hundred rupee?" With a chortle Kordan snatched up the orange rupee and took from the shelf behind him a bottle of red liquid. "Tell ya what? I'll throw in this bottle of red potion and the total with come to one hundred and twenty rupees. I'll be back with your change in a second." He said as Link silently nodded his head. After going into the backroom Kordan came back with four red rupees, worth twenty rupees each. "Hopefully with your Hero's Shield and bottle of red potion you'll take care next time you get into a scrap okay?" Kordan asked as Link placed his money back into his wallet, latched his new shield onto his back and the potion into his pocket.
"Don't worry about me okay? I'm sure once I take a nice relaxing bath I'll be fine. Thanks for the shield and potion anyways!" Link said as he turned to leave. Soon after Link made a bee line back towards Goron City and after sneaking past both the Kakariko guard and Tektites the blonde novice swordsman was back in Darunia's Chamber. Pulling out his present from Saria Link played her song, filling the room with lively music. "How was that Darunia? Was it energetic enough and the same song you heard before?" Link asked as Darunia stood there silently. After waving his hands in front of the Goron's face Darunia let out a bellow before dancing wildly. "Oh ho! Yes! Such energy! I can't control myself! I must dance!" Darunia bellowed as he danced wildly and flailed his bulky arms. Once he had finished the burly Goron patted Link heavily on the back and as the boy laid in a heap on the floor the Goron Leader said, "Thank you my dear boy for allowing me to feel so much energy! Every time I heard that song in the past I would dance uncontrollably it's that great of a song! Now then you shall now leave to clear out Dodongo's Cavern! Oh ho!" Link grumbled into the floor as he replied sarcastically again, "Fantastic..."
Surprisingly though since he had just finished using the ocarina Saria enchanted Link felt yet another surge of energy flow through his body and rose to his feet. "Alright since maybe that's the reason she's linking our souls I gotta flurry over to that cavern. If what he said was true then that large boulder I saw on the way up is the one blocking Dodongo's Cavern." Link thought to himself. Turning towards Darunia to bid him farewell the lad sprinted back outside where he stood before a large boulder. Noticing a black object with petals Link bent down and plucked it up. However there was a hissing sound much like that of a lit fuse and Navi yelled while flying out from under Link's green cap, "Link you idiot that's a Bomb Flower! Toss it before you blow yourself to smithereens!" Yelling in shock he threw the Bomb Flower with all his might at the boulder and the path leading inside Dodongo's Cavern was revealed after a loud explosion. "Wow nice job actually. You cleared the opening to Dodongo's Cavern even though you nearly killed yourself." Navi told Link as he unsheathed his sword and armed himself with his new Hero's Shield. Looking at his fairy companion Link replied, "Well then time to bomb ourselves some Dodongos Navi!"
Sighing before returning under his cap she said, "I don't want you touching another one of those dangerous things ever again Link..." Shrugging his shoulders the duo entered the dark, dank cavern. The inside was warm and the deeper Link traversed the hotter the temperature rose. After reaching a secluded area with a pit of lava in the center a loud roar bellowed from above. Feverishly checking his surroundings Link saw a large Dodongo, dinosaur like creatures that breathed flames from their maws, leap down from a ledge high above. Letting out a fierce roar at the boy it knocked onto the ground from its jump the large Dodongo inhaled deeply. "Link look out! It's about to use its flaming breath!" Navi shouted as Link smirked before kneeling on the ground with his shield held in front of his body. While Navi flew high above screaming bloody murder the Dodongo unleashed its fire breath on Link who actually repelled its attack with his shield. Quickly he sprinted towards the Dodongo and jammed his blade into its left eye. Blood dripping to the floor the monstrous dinosaur tossed Link across the room, dislodging the Kokiri Sword from its eye in the process. Roaring in pain the Dodongo stampeded towards the novice swordsman to attempt ramming him with its massive horn. Once again Link surprising halted the beast by putting up his Hero's Shield. Astonished at how dense the shield was Navi thought to herself, "Could Link actually slay King Dodongo with just the Kokiri Sword and Hero's Shield?"
Roaring once more King Dodongo inhaled and spewed flames at Link a second time. Blocking them again with his shield Link noticed another Bomb Flower and just as the monstrous dinosaur opened its maw to spew fire once more Link plucked the Bomb Flower. With all his might the tyke flung the explosive into King Dodongo's mouth and the creature swallowed it whole. After a small explosion erupted in its stomach the creature fell to the ground and Link rushed in to jam the Kokiri Sword into its forehead. With this final blow the large reptilian monstrosity roared its last bellow and rolled into the lave pit where it died a magma filled death. Link brandished the Kokiri Sword in triumph saying, "Another bites the dust! That Goron's Ruby is as good as mine!" Flying back down to her partner Navi kissed his cheek telling Link, "Sorry I flew off like that. I was a real coward during this fight. Hope you find it in your heart to forgive me for abandoning you like that Link..." Laughing as he patted her head with his fingers Link replied, "It's okay Navi I would never get mad at you for something like that. Now come on let's get outta of here." Giggling cheerfully Navi flew back to her usual spot and the duo left Dodongo's Cavern.
Outside Darunia and two other Gorons were waiting to greet the young hero. "Oh ho! You've done well my dear boy! The moment I heard that roar I knew you were facing King Dodongo the Infernal Dinosaur! On top of that you've also allowed us to feast once more on the delicious Dodongo's Cavern rock! I can't thank you enough my dear boy! Take that which I promised: The Goron's Ruby! Oh ho!" Darunia bellowed as he reached out his hand to Link. In his bulky digits was a ruby perched neatly in a V-shaped golden brace. Taking it from the Goron Leader and putting it in his pocket Link replied, "Thanks Darunia because now all that's left is the Zora's Sapphire. Suppose I should get going then." Before Link had a chance to leave Darunia told him, "Before you leave though you should climb to the top of Death Mountain. There the Great Fairy should bestow upon you a new power to help you grow in strength in order to take down the desert man. Also with the Goron's Ruby we the Gorons have accepted you as our newest Sworn Brother." Darunia then turned towards the other two Gorons and in return they turned towards Link uttering, "A goodbye hug for our newest Sworn Brother!" Link however knew how strong these people were and the thought of a hug from them had him scampering away in fear screaming bloody murder.
Nostalgia Critic: Cat! Er I mean...Dodongo!
A/N Yeah expect Zelda related Nostalgia Critic quotes at the end of my chapters too since I'm addicted to him. Such an awesome guy that Critic. Anyways even though the chapter's title only refers to when Link fights King Dodongo I couldn't resist using a quote from the American Dub of Digimon Adventure. The episode where they're cornered by two Monochromon and Matt/Yamato says, "We're stuck between a rock and two sets of sharp teeth!" Link's also a huge idiot in my openings and closings if ya haven't figured that out yet. As always though please read, review and if you feel like it try my other stories I'm working on at the moment. Until then later Hylians!
Link: Star-Key-Sorer also likes to quote Boltage McGammar, a Let's Player on Youtube. That's where the "Until then later (insert term related to fanfic)!" comes from...
Star-Key-Sorer: I'm addicted to him as well by the way...such a funny guy that Boltage! ^o^
Zelda: I'm surrounded by idiots...*sits next to Scar rubbing their temples*
Scar: Tell me about it...
Nostalgia Critic: Cat! Er I mean...Lion!
Star-Key-Sorer: That last one wasn't Zelda related but it's such a funny line he said in a couple of his reviews I couldn't resist using it again.