"I wish you well on your journey," Sidon said as he walked them to the entrance of the Domain the next day.

"We'll let you know when the repairs will start, until then you can rest easily," Link replied as he took out his slate to wrap them into Goron City. Zelda was biding her own goodbyes to the Zora guards who came with them, not really paying attention.

"I look forward to it, my friend," Sidon grinned. Link chuckled lightly, Sidon never failed to lighten the mood with his signature smile.

Sidon also knew with the repairs starting it meant the new Champions would be named as well. That was something he couldn't wait to start. It would be his moment to take up his sister's rank and title, to take on her duties to control Vah Ruta. He also couldn't wait to meet the other Champions.

Obviously it showed on his face as Zelda giggled when she walked over.

"I assume you cannot wait to be named the Champion?" Zelda questioned him.

"Of course, it's a huge honor to be named the Champion from what Mipha had told me long ago. I promise I'll do my best as the Zora Champion, just like my sister had done," Sidon explained to them.

Link grinned happily as he listened to Sidon's rants about how he would try and be a good Champion. It made him proud to hear he was willing and eager to carry on Mipha's rank. Eventually, he tapped him on the arm, signaling he could stop for now.

"I'm sure the others are looking forward to it too."

Sidon nodded as he turned to Zelda, kissing her hand with a bow as he waved them goodbye. Link tried to keep his jealousy down knowing Sidon wasn't interested in Zelda, but he couldn't help it. It seemed like jealousy would only be natural being in a relationship with her.

Rudania's mute, Ruta had said. He's mute. He doesn't speak. Instead, he signs.

"Do you think we'll be able to understand Rudania?" Link couldn't help but ask as they stopped just a short ways away from the Domain. They were going to use the warp to get there. "Ruta never mentioned what type of sign language Rudania uses."

"I'm not too sure, but I'm sure we can understand him," Zelda said, not knowing herself.

Link tried not to show his concern but he didn't know how good of a job he had done. Either way, he was sure they would be able to understand the Divine Beast of Fire. There was no way Zelda couldn't read sign language, she had probably learnt the language growing up just to be safe.

As he tried picking a good place to wrap to, Zelda leaned over his shoulder and pointed to a nearby shrine at the stable near Death Mountain. He smiled when he recognized the stable— Foothill Stable. It contained one of the 120 Shrines he had managed to complete during his adventure; he always considered that decision a good one from the tunic he had managed to gain from the monks afterwards. It made him feel like a true hero when he wore it.

Like it had been made just for him, and only for him.

"Foothill Stable it is," Link grinned as he nodded. "We can get some Fireproof Elixirs there if you don't wanna use my gear."

They had placed Cobra and Cloud near a stable along the way to the Domain. Link wanted them to stay in there for a good while until they could head back home; he didn't want to risk his two favorite horses. Not for anything. They were his life— he'd do anything for them.

"As much as I would like to borrow your gear, and as much as I know you wouldn't mind; I'd like to use Elixirs. I'll make do until I get my own gear," she replied.

Link simply nodded but deep down he wished she said yes. He always liked it when she wore his gear— he thought it looked good on her and nothing made him more happy than to see her in his clothes.

If only she knew just that.

"I don't mind if you want to use my gear," Link mumbled lowly. "In fact, I'd love to see you in it."

Zelda's cheeks flushed bright red as she heard him say it. She couldn't say anything in reply as he clicked the stable; the Sheikah Slate teleporting them directly to the shrine where the stable laid.

When they appeared, she sucked in a deep breath, realizing he didn't know she had heard him admit he'd liked to see her in his gear— he'd love to see her in it.

For that reason, when he was about to approach the lady who sold the elixirs, she placed her hand on his shoulder and smiled softly at him. Link, in return, arched an eyebrow as he wondered what she wanted; and then decided she probably wanted to say how many elixirs she wanted.

"You know what?" Zelda smiled. "I think I'd like to wear your gear for now."

Link's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes," Zelda answered. "Really."

Link's heart sped up as a wide smile took over his features. He chuckled lightly and gently as he looked at her. "Okay," he breathed out. "Yeah, just give me a moment."

Zelda gave her own smile. "Take as much time as you need."

Inwardly, silently, he fist bumped himself and whispered out a small, "Yes!" as he began to search through his gear to look for the Flamebreaker Armor, deciding to give her the boots and chest while he wore the helmet.

She needed more gear than he did.

…

Death Mountain was extremely hotter than she remembered it being.

The moment they passed by the Tower, Link had warned her the temperature was going to drop and by Hylia's Mighty Grace, it did. It had dropped into the hottest zone she could ever imagine.

How did she manage to control the temperature back then? The Fireproof Elixirs had probably been much stronger back then opposed to now. That or Daruk had met her down at the base each time they had to meet up after he was named the Champion.

Either way, she was thankful for Link's gear. She didn't know how much it cost him but it was worth every rupee that had been spent in the process.

"Tell me about Yunobo," she said during their walk.

"He's a Goron youth. He's got the Champion scarf on his back, courtesy of being Daruk's descendant; which means he also knows how to use Daruk's Protection too," explained Link. "You remember Daruk's Protection, right? His forcefield that could block off anything that tried to come near him."

Zelda nodded, unable to forget that. "Of course; he used that wisely."

"That helped greatly when calming down Vah Rudania. Which is why he's the best choice for the job."

She nodded again, taking in his words about the Goron. He was right, if Yunobo managed to help with Vah Rudania— then he was most definitely the right one for the job.

For a split moment, she also wondered if Rudania would need new improvements for Yunobo to be able to control the Divine Beast, but they could always worry about that later; especially after they met with the Divine Beast's human form.

There was also the matter of what sign language Rudania would use; an ancient language that neither could read or one that Zelda would be able to read more easily and would be able to craft his words into her voice so Link would be able to understand him too.

Not to mention; exactly how hot was the heat near Vah Rudania? He was parked at Death Mountain; it had to be hotter than ever before.

"We'll need to speak with the Goron Elder," Link said as they neared Goron City, passing by the mining site. "Yunobo is probably the best worker they have, which means the Elder will need to agree to this as well."

"All the Elders will need to agree," sighed Zelda.

Link smirked. "Not the Gerudo Chief."

Zelda blinked, taken aback. "We most definitely need the Gerudo Chief to agree! We cannot have Riju simply join without saying—"

"— Riju is the Gerudo Chief," Link shot back, silencing his love. "She's been the Gerudo Chief for sometime now. She's in the position like Urbosa was when we were looking for the first round of Champions."

"Save us time then."

"Yeah, it does, doesn't it?"

The pair laughed as they continued on their way, Link watching out for any monsters along the path, knowing they could still jump out, but eventually he deemed it safe. Thankfully the eruptions had stopped with Rudania being calmed down.

The moment they stepped into Goron City, Zelda slightly winced at the heat wave that came at them, eyeing the lava below as they walked towards the clothing shop where Link bought a new helmet, boots and armor.

Soon enough, they were both geared up fully.

"Bludo should be over here," Link noted as he took her hand, leading her to the Goron Elder's house.

When they got there, Bludo was nowhere in sight.

"I thought you said he'd be here?" questioned Zelda, arching a brow.

Link searched around. "He should. He was here the last time I was in Goron City, and the few times I came back to mine to make a quick rupee or two."

Zelda glanced over. "Maybe he's up there somewhere?"

Link looked over where she was pointing and nodded. She was pointing upwards to where a mine was; Bludo's cannons were there, so there was a good chance he and Yunobo were up there; it was where he had originally found the Goron Youth after all.

Making their way up to the mine, Link looked around before he spotted the pair making their way back to the City and he smiled happily as he waved at them; instantly, Yunobo brightened up as his eyes sparkled, rushing over to greet his old friend while Bludo kept at his own pace.

Probably to keep his back from acting up.

When Yunobo caught sight of Zelda, he slid to a stop as his eyes widened, taking in the appearance before his mind caught up with him, dropping into a shaky bow. It made them laugh as Zelda told him to stand.

"No need for that," Zelda smiled kindly. "Just treat me like an old friend."

"Y-Yes!" Yunobo stuttered out. "O-Of course!"

Bludo eventually caught up with them. "Link, welcome back, brother," his eyes trailed to Zelda, "— and who do we have here?"

"Nice to meet you, my name's Zelda," she introduced herself.

"Just call her Zelda," Link quickly added as he watched Bludo's eyes widened in shock at the name. Everyone knew the name.

Bludo nodded. "A'right, Zelda it is. Now, what can we do for ya, goro?"

"For starters, we're wanting to rebuild Hyrule," Link said, locking eyes with Zelda, who encouraged him with a nod, "— we were hoping you'd be willing to spare a few Gorons to help along with materials."

"I'll see what we can do," promised Bludo. "Anythin' else?"

Zelda nervously glanced around. "We were also wondering if Yunobo could be the newest Goron Champion; our hope is to band together new Champions to help protect Hyrule from any future threats."

"It also means Vah Rudania will be on our side no matter what," added Link.

Yunobo's eyes widened even further as a small grin took over his face, turning to Bludo was hopeful eyes. The Elder spared him a glance before sighing heavily, he knew what had happened to the Great Daruk, but Calamity was gone now… so what could happen?

He didn't see a problem.

Plus, Yunobo did have Daruk's Protection.

"A'right," Bludo gave in. Yunobo visibly cheered. "Ya can have Yunobo for yer team, but I want him back here to mine too."

"Of course!" Zelda replied. "We wouldn't dream of stealing him away for that long. All Champions will be located within their respective regions with their Divine Beasts; meetings will take place to see how they're progressing."

Bludo nodded. "Then, ya got my permission."

Two down, two more to go, Link thought happily.

But first, they needed to see Vah Rudania before they left for the next Champion.

"For now," the Elder continued, jerking his thumb towards the sky. "It's about lunchtime. Come and eat with us. I'll make sure you got some rooms in the Inn ready too."

Link looked like he was about to argue when Zelda nodded at the offer, whispering to him that they would make their own food to avoid having to eat whatever the Gorons would be eating. He remembered having to bring a rock roast to Bladon and his brother.

There was no way he could ever picture himself eating something like that.

Yunobo grinned as he walked with them back into the city, chatting excitedly though a bit nervously about his upcoming rank; he couldn't imagine piloting Vah Rudania like the Great Daruk had done before him, but Link reassured him everything would be fine— the other Champions would be having the same nerves as well.

The way Yunobo was displaying his excitement, Zelda couldn't help but think back to when she had met Daruk. Her heart pounded with slight pain as she realized how similar they were, which was to be expected considering their relations. But it was hard knowing all these new Champions would have something in common with the original Champions.

… just how was Riju?

How did Riju display signs of Urbosa? Would she have to deal with the hurt increasing in her heart taking a massive jump when she laid eyes on Riju for the first time? She hoped not. She couldn't take it if she saw Urbosa in the Gerudo Chief straight away.

Her godmother's death was practically her fault, after all.

Zelda blinked when she felt Link squeeze a hand and met his eyes. She wasn't taken aback when she saw the comforting gaze in them. He knew exactly what she was thinking.

"Their deaths weren't your fault," Link cooed to her as Yunobo and Bludo took the lead. "We had no idea it would happen."

"I know," Zelda sighed. "But… I can't help it."

Link smiled softly. "Which Champion do you want to recruit next? Teba or Riju?"

"Teba," she replied quickly. She didn't feel ready to meet with the Gerudos. She had no idea how they would respond if they saw her. "How are you going to get into the Gerudo Town anyways?"

"Uh," Link said, flushing up bright red. "I have… well… I have Gerudo Armor with me… Vai Gerudo armor that I used to get in and out."

"Oh?" Zelda laughed, shaking her head. "I can't wait to see you in that."

Link swallowed, chuckling gently. "Yeah, well… you also need some as well. It'll help with the heat the Gerudo Desert brings."

"Yes, yes, I know. It'll be better than this heat."

Link laughed as they passed by the shrine, heading down into the city where he could see Bludo and Yunobo making some food for them. They were surprised to see them making food for Hylians as well.

Maybe they had realized they wouldn't be able to eat Goron food? Either way, his stomach was growling and he was more than happy.