Author's Note: I do not own the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

"Hahahaha!!!" Navi started to fly around the two boys in pure amazement. "I know we had a giant mission, but I had no idea it would be so crazy. Even the Deku Tree wasn't nearly as hard as the cavern, but we did it."

Navi, Ryu, and Link got back to Goron city, and were enjoying a well earned rest.

After they had entered the city, Darunia had pushed them off to Ryu's room until the party preparations were complete.

"Yeah! I mean all that fighting was crazy, but we kicked butt and took no prisoners."

Ryu and Navi remained in their conversation while Link stared emptily into space. What to do? Link knew that it wasn't the time for worries, but he couldn't get it out of his mind. The journey was proving to be too hard for this one boy, so Ryu's help was needed. There were three problems though. One was Ryu's consent. Initially, he joined the group merely because of the situation, and he wasn't sure if he was willing to go on. The second one was Darunia's consent. It's obvious that Darunia has an issue with Ryu and Ganondorf meeting, whether or not Ryu knew. This was the reason that Ryu was sent out of the city, not because he didn't want Ryu to help with the cavern problem. Whether it was parent's love or something else it didn't matter. The last one was not really a problem but was still important. He grew up with no family. The only person he even considered family was Saria, and it was more of a mother/sister type relationship. This was the first time he had a ''brother'', and he did not like the idea of losing him.

I need his help, but I can't compromise his own wants and needs. What do I do?

"Hello?!?!" Ryu had noticed Link's stares and tried to get his attention. "Link, what's wrong?"

Link was shot out of his daze by Ryu's voice.

Link was unprepared and immediately lied. "Uhh… nothing Ryu. Just hurts a lot."

"I know. It's weird. The Heart Container gave me health, but I still feel a lot of pains. I know those burns must still hurt."

"Haha… yeah." Link said dryly.

The moment was stained with awkwardness, and it wouldn't go away until Darunia smashed open the door to enter. "Time to eat!"

The lowest floor was packed. The rotating Goron Jar had been moved, and a giant table was put there instead. The Gorons had been gathering there and rocks were placed everywhere. There was no limit of the amount of rocks.

When Link and Ryu walked in the room the whole place went in a giant uproar. The cheering was deafening as all the Gorons in the room blasted their voices in full blow. "YEAH! YEAH! GO! OUR HEROES!"

The moment was crazy as Ryu, Link and Darunia sat down at the end of the table. Darunia stood up with only one thought on his mind.

"TIME TO EAT!"

With that statement the Gorons engorged themselves with the rocks, while Link and Ryu started to eat the only "normal" food here.

"The problem we had on our heads was one of greatness. First, when our men were lost to the King, the problem was great. Then when the dogongos started to appear in large amounts, the problem was giant. Finally, when the man named Ganondorf sealed our cavern, the problem was massive." Darunia was met with agreement as the Goron's booed and hissed at Ganondorf's name. "Then a brave boy named Link and his wise fairy met with my son, and with their wits and strength defeated the King. Thanks to you three, our race will not die!!! "The room was refilled with cheering as Darunia picked up Link and Ryu.

After the cheering died down a bit, Ryu stood back up and started his own speech. "I would do anything to help my friends and family, and that includes fighting a king. However... as many of you know Link is on a journey." Link rose his head in shock at his words. "His journey includes many perils that have no end. What I just want to say is that... I will be joining my brother tomorrow in this journey."

Darunia merely got up, went up, and picked Ryu up. After he dragged him in the main chamber room, it was quiet once more.

Link and Navi went back to Ryu's room, and Link was pacing back and forth. The situation was good and bad. Ryu had said he would join Link but what were the consequences? It was all very confusing.

"I can't believe you would be so foolish and hard-headed!" Darunia was yelling at Ryu like a madman.

"No dad, I can't believe you would let Link go under those challenges by himself! Link came to us in our time of need, and we need to go to him in his! You can't go, so I'll do it."

Darunia was angry even more, but something was different. He looked in Ryu's eyes and saw something he did not like. Even though they were kinder and more controlled, Ryu's eyes were similar to something he'd seen before. All the sudden he knew he had to respect Ryu as his son, as a man, and as a fellow brother.

"Sigh... you win Ryu. You guys can leave tomorrow, but please promise me this one thing, stay safe."

Ryu was surprised at the answer he just heard and merely nodded.

Ryu walked in the room, and Link and Navi scrambled to him.

Navi couldn't hold it anymore, and yelled out the question they were both thinking. "What's going to happen!?"

Ryu looked up with a smile, and Navi and Link both knew what was happening. After some more talking and playing, the three went to the respective beds and started to get some well earned rest.

The whole Goron community was gathered to greet the heroes off. After some more gift giving and praises Ryu and Navi were immersed in conversation with the crowd.

Link stood out and Darunia approached him.

"So brother, you guys are going off to Death Mountain."

Link looked out and smiled.

"You know, Ryu is so special me. One night I had a dream from the Great Fairy and she told me to climb Death Mountain just like you are doing now. To my surprise when I got there I found the Great Fairy holding a baby. He was asleep, and the fairy and I started to talk. I agreed to look after him when the fairy told me he had no parents. I mean you can just imagine how confused the gorons and I were at raising him, but I couldn't help but love the kid. He was so trustful and straight going. Don't get me wrong, I treated him as tough as any goron, which is where he got his strength. Look after him for me."

Link turned to him and looked him straight in the eye, but the only thing he could get out of his mouth was a measly "yes", but Darunia knew Ryu was in good hands and vise versa.

After all the goodbyes were said Link, Navi, and Ryu started to walk out of the gate, but Ryu turned around and yelled."Dad! I'll be safe, I promise!" And with that they were off.

Author's note: Hey, long time no see.