Ventus passed by many worlds as he pondered where to land next. He let his heart guide him onward, and he had no idea what that may lead him to. It wasn't a concept he fully understood, but it was a lesson that Master Eraqus had taught him numerous times. The young Keyblade wielder wondered what his Master was doing at that moment. Was he angry with him? Would Ventus even be allowed back at The Land of Departure anymore given how he ran off?
While the temptation to turn back itched at the back of the boy's head, he decided to go against it. The words of that unusual Masked Boy rang in his mind, and his worry for Terra only grew with each passing moment. Ventus had never said it to his friend's face, but he worried about the darkness in him. He knew it was something that Terra had struggled with for some time, but Ventus showed only optimistic support instead.
Trying to focus more on his heart than his memory, Ventus looked around at the various worlds he passed. Some seemed outright inhospitable, such as a world that seemed to have no water on it at all. Another he passed seemed to be made only of water. Eventually, though, he came across one that seemed like the best pick, one that his heart told him to go to.
The world seemed far more…normal compared to the ones he had passed by on his way. He saw large swaths of greenery along with mountains and even a desert! Ventus went towards a village at the base of the mountains that he spotted as he closed in. It was decently sized, a couple dozen buildings of various sizes visible to him. The Keyblade wielder landed outside the village along some steps made within stonewall as he shed his armor and put his glider away.
It was entirely possible that Terra was in such a place, Ventus' heart having had to have guided him there for a reason! Walking up to the village proper, he eyed a guard that stood at attention. Unlike the Toads in the Mushroom Kingdom, it seemed the residents of this world were more…normal sized. The man wielded a spear and wore heavy looking metal armor. He only briefly glanced Ventus over, giving him a sort of nod before staring off dead ahead.
Taking it as a sign that he didn't have to stop and check in with the guard, Ventus moved forward. The village itself looked quite peaceful, and the style of dress people had was quite different. The women mainly wore skirts, robes, and dresses of various colors while the men tended to wear tunics and vests. Everyone milled about without much issue. Adults gossiped merrily, kids were playing tag with each other, and a construction crew was hard at work on a new building.
Yet…Ventus felt off. He couldn't put his finger on what it was that he felt exactly, but it had tinges of darkness to it, that much he could tell. It didn't seem like the others in the village were able to sense it, though. Or, if they did, they simply ignored it. He walked about the area, most people not giving him much mind. The source of the unusual feeling wasn't visible as far as Ventus could tell and following what he felt like a sort of trail in the air lead him before a great, turning windmill. Or, rather, the well that stood in front of the windmill.
The well was very simple, a stone structure and full of clean looking water. Ventus felt…very, very thirsty all of a sudden. He reached out a hand, about to scoop up some water before a voice rang out and snapped him out of the daze.
"I don't know if there'll be more of those monsters up there, Link. I sure hope not…"
Ventus stood up straight, looking to the source of the unusually high-pitched voice. Approaching him was a bit of an unusual sight, two figures that stood out from the rest of the villagers.
The first was a young boy, who Ventus had to wager couldn't be older than ten years old. Despite this, he seemed very geared up, with a sword on his back and a shield of wood to match. He even had a slingshot as some sort of backup weapon on his belt, and a wooden instrument Ventus didn't recognize. The boy's clothing was quite different as well, a green tunic and green hat that rested above blonde hair and blue eyes. Those eyes were a bit off, though. They were a bit dull, lacking the energy a child's should have.
Alongside that, Ventus felt a darkness from the boy. Not from bad intent or what could be described as 'evil' though. Master Eraqus warned against letting the darkness with oneself out, but he also made it clear that darkness didn't mean someone was untrustworthy or a bad person. One's darkness came in many shades and sources, from anger to sadness to ambition and a thirst for power. Ventus wasn't adept enough at reading hearts to get a feel on what sort of darkness the boy had, but it was a startling amount.
One final thing that he noticed, now seeing a citizen of this world up close…was that the boy had pointed ears! Looking about, Ventus saw that the others around him had matching features. The guard's helmet blocked his ears, and Ventus had kept a bit of a distance from the villagers to have noticed, but now he couldn't unsee them!
The other figure, one that was so small that Ventus had to assume was the speaker, was much smaller than the boy. If the Keyblade wielder wasn't mistaken…it was a fairy! Master Eraqus had taught the three that a number of creatures cropped up in numerous worlds, with fairies being one such species. This fairy appeared as a blue ball of light with bug-like wings, and if he squinted, the teen could see a feminine shape within said light. She was floating alongside her companion, who looked up at her with an unusually stoic face for a child.
But…wait…had she mentioned monsters?
Clearing his throat, Ventus approached the boy and fairy before they passed by entirely. "Excuse me, did you mention…monsters?"
The boy, who due to process of elimination had to be Link, stopped in his tracks to look at Ventus. He diverted his eyes, looking to the fairy and seeming to expect her to answer instead. Luckily for him, she did! "Hm? Yes, I was talking about monsters. Why?"
"These monsters…what were they like?" Ventus asked, worried. Were these monsters Unversed? Granted, there was a fair chance that this world simply had monsters normally, but there was no reason not to check!
It was hard to read the fairy's expression, but she seemed to look to Link before setting her gaze back on Ventus. "Well…they're certainly not ones I've seen before until recently. They've been popping up all over, even in the Castle Town sometimes! They sometimes just appear out of nowhere, and they seem to effect emotions too…"
Ventus' eyes widened, his worst fear coming true. "I know what those are, they're called Unversed."
"How do you know that? What's your name anyway?" The fairy asked, seeming to stare intently at Ventus. Before he could answer, she piped up again. "Hold on…! You're not a Hylian, are you? I can tell by your ears, they're all rounded…"
Busted! Ventus rose a hand to his ear, as if he could somehow cover up the thing that made him stand out from the citizens of this world. Or, at least, the part of the world that Ventus found himself in. He decided to just be honest…to an extent. "Um…Yeah, that's right. I'm not from here at all. I…don't actually know where I am."
Link, who hadn't made a peep since Ventus approached, spoke up. "How can you not know that?" His voice was flatter than expected, but it still had an edge of curiosity to it. The boy's gaze finally went over to Ventus' face rather than at his fairy companion.
Quickly, Ventus had to think of something…but it wasn't a very good excuse. "Well, I'm just from pretty far away…I didn't really know where I was as I traveled."
"That's pretty foolish." The fairy lightly chided, crossing her arms lightly and apparently buying the weak excuse of a story. That, or she decided it wasn't worth getting worked up over. "But more importantly, what do you know about these…Unversed?"
"Not much, I'm afraid. I think I may know the source of them, though." Ventus explained, glad to move on from the other subject. "Have you seen a strange Masked Boy around here? Also, have you seen a guy named Terra?" He'd go on to explain what Terra looked like, from his height to the outfit he wore.
"Mmm…No…we haven't seen anyone like either of those two." The fairy said. "We've been to the Castle Town, Hyrule Field, and here. They might be somewhere else in Hyrule though."
Hyrule…was that the area they were in? The fairy kept mentioning a Castle Town, so maybe it was a kingdom? "Oh…That's a shame…" So, Terra wasn't there? Honestly, Ventus was hoping to find him a bit more than the Masked Boy. Still, he could still look around more…there had to be a reason his heart guided him to this world!
"Navi, shouldn't we be going?" Link asked, half-whispering to the fairy. "You said we had to leave early, right?"
The fairy, Navi, gave a nod. "Yeah, you're right, Link. Sorry we couldn't help, but we'll look out for those two people you mentioned."
"Well, where exactly are you two going? There might be Unversed there and…it's somewhat my job to help make sure they don't hurt people." At least…somewhat. Ventus wasn't even ready to try and become a Keyblade Master yet…but he was still a wielder, so he had to do his part! He had to prove he could be of use to the others…
"He seems nice…" Link said, again speaking to Navi rather than to Ventus. "The help would be nice too…" He seemed almost a bit hopeful, not seeming to want to go wherever the two were headed on their own.
"Link, you remember who sent us on our mission. It's not something we can just share." Navi lightly argued.
A mission? Seemed pretty unusual for a boy his age to be sent on a mission. "I have to look around more for my friend or that Masked Boy anyway…you don't have to tell me about this mission if you don't want to, but I'd like to help."
The fairy, apparently in charge of the duo, stopped and thought for a few moments. She looked Ventus over, as if sizing him up or trying to read his intentions. "…Okay…I think maybe we can work something out. You don't seem like a bad person. But when we get to the gate, you'll have to stay back and let us talk to the guard in peace."
Ventus had to wonder if fairies in this world could read hearts. Was she doing that to him at that moment? The conditions were a bit odd, but not unfair. He couldn't help but wonder what this mission was all about, but he knew better than to pry. "It's a deal. Where are you two going anyway?" His eyes widened as he realized something. "Oh! Uh…and my name is Ventus, by the way. Just call me Ven."
"Nice to meet you, Ven." Navi said, a small smile barely visible through her light. "You probably already know our names from what you overheard. But still, he's Link and I'm Navi. And we'll be going up there, to Death Mountain." She explained, pointing upward.
Following the fairy's finger, Ventus' brows raised at the sight. She was pointing straight to the mountains that he had seen from The Lanes Between. Specifically, one massive mountain that towered over the rest. Its peak seemed to kiss the sky above, and a ring of smoke crowned its top. It seemed unlikely that Terra would be in such a place, but not impossible. Besides, Ventus had already said he'd help, so he'd feel bad if he backed out. Especially with how young Link was…
"Okay…not exactly the most welcoming name…but I'm in." Ventus said, trying to remain optimistic despite the circumstances.
Navi cleared her throat, looking to Link. "Hey…" She whispered to him, prodding him.
Seeming to quickly get what the fairy was getting at, Link cleared his throat as well. "Um…Thank you for helping us. It's nice to meet you, Ven."
"Good! Now come on, let's get going!" Navi declared, leading the pair onward. The three went through the village in silence. With the fairy in front, the boys lingered a bit behind her. Link seemed too nervous to say much, staring dead ahead, and Ventus felt bad if he spoke up and made him uncomfortable.
Before long, at least, they reached a large gate just outside the village, leading to a trail going up Death Mountain. Just as Navi had said, there was a guard there, and Ventus stayed behind as the two went up to talk to him. He got so distracted meeting the pair he almost forgot about the odd feeling in the air and that unusual well…
Ventus couldn't quite make out what the two were saying to the guard, but he saw Link take out some paper and show it to him. Whatever it said, it made the guard give off a nasty laugh. Navi got mad and yelled a bit, causing the guard to laugh more. After a bit more talking, however, the adult pressed a button near the gate, causing it to grind open.
Seeing Navi turn to him and bob up and down, Ventus took it as a sign to follow.
"Good luck up there, heroes! Wah ha ha ha hah!" The guard laughed, apparently finding something very funny.
Ignoring him and catching up to the boy and fairy, Ventus raised a brow in confusion. "Hey…what was that all about?"
Navi huffed lightly, turning back to the guard before looking back forward. "He was just a nasty man, that's all. But don't pay him any mind, okay Link?" She directed this to her companion, who seemed a bit upset at being laughed at.
"…Yeah…" Was all he said in response, drawing his sword and reading the wooden shield of his as the three went up the trail.
Following Link's example, Ventus got his own weapon ready. Navi seemed to think there were Unversed, and perhaps other monsters, on the trail. Who knew what could be lurking on the mountain…?
"Never seen a weapon like that before." The fairy observed, looking Wayward Wind over. "Is that some kind of a sword?"
Deciding to just be honest, Ventus nodded. "This is a Keyblade. I call it Wayward Wind." He very much doubted the two would catch on that this meant he was from an entirely different world anyway…
"You named your weapon?" Link asked, confused. He glanced at his own sword, as if deciding on what to name it.
"It's…somewhat of a tradition where Terra and I are from." Ventus explained, having felt that Wayward Wind was a good name for his Keyblade.
"Where are you from, exactly?" Navi prodded lightly. "You never actually said."
Ventus cleared his throat, looking up to Death Mountain's peak rather than at the two. "I'm not really supposed to say. I'm actually on a mission of my own, that's why I'm looking for Terra and that Masked Boy." He had no idea how much of the world these two knew of. For all he knew, they both knew all the areas of their world with pinpoint accuracy and could tell him that there was no 'Land of Departure' anywhere.
"…I guess that's fine. Like I said, you don't seem like a bad person." Navi said, still seeming almost a bit bothered by Ventus' secrecy.
"Should I name my sword, Navi?" Link asked, seeming less bothered than the fairy. It also seemed like he was more comfortable talking to his companion than really acknowledging Ventus.
Navi let out a light laugh at that. "Well, if you want to. You can come up with that on your own, though."
Link nodded, apparently seriously considering giving his small blade a name. It was a finely crafted one, too, a bit unusual for a child to be wielding.
After a few minutes of walking, the scenery holding little of interest aside from rock and dirt, Ventus piped up. "So…I know you can't tell me who gave you this mission…but you can at least tell me what's so important on this mountain, right?"
"I guess you can't exactly stick with us without finding out…" Navi said with a shrug. "We're going to see the Gorons…and I expect there aren't any where you're from. They're basically rock people. Really friendly, though."
First mushroom people…now rock people? Ventus wasn't too taken aback, he supposed. After all, he had recently fought against a giant monster that tore out his heart and ate ghosts. Rock people hardly seemed odd to him at this point. "And these Gorons have something you want?"
"That's it exactly." Navi said, but didn't seem to feel the need to explain what this something was. "Thankfully, they don't actually live at the top of Death Mountain, just near it. I've been there before, and they'll be more than welcoming to us, I'm sure."
Nodding at the explanation, Ventus let there be a few more minutes of silence before speaking up again. This time, he directed his attention to Link. There was a bit of awkward tension that he could feel. He didn't blame the boy for being shy at all, Ventus just sort of felt bad instead. "So, you're pretty handy with a sword? Is that normal for kids your age here?"
That question seemed to bother Link, the young boy not looking to Ventus at all as he answered. "No. It's not." He spoke in a hushed tone, clearly not wanting to discuss it further.
This shut Ventus down pretty quickly. He felt bad since he pretty blatantly said something he shouldn't have. The Keyblade wielder looked to Navi, almost as if asking for help, but the fairy remained silent. It made the teen wonder just what Link's story was. Why was he scaling a mountain with a sword at such a young age?
These musings got cut short as a wave of emotion hit the three. Tinges of anger coursed through their body as Unversed appeared before them! Five Scrappers materialized, brandishing their claws and leering at the trio.
Readying his Keyblade, Ventus charged forward, pushed on by the unnatural anger coursing through him. Using Magnet magic in his weapon, he used an ability he called Collision Magnet! The magic hit one of the scrappers, hoisting them up into the air by a rope of light. Using his Keyblade as a steering device, the teen sent the Unversed hurtling into one of its own companions, the two vanishing in a puff of smoke.
Link was less enthusiastic about fighting than Ventus was. He readied his shield and remained more on the defensive. One of the Scrappers charged forward, swiping its heavy claws at the boy. He blocked with his shield, some of the wood scrapping away from the attack. He kept backing up, not attacking and dodging or blocking whatever attacks came his way.
Navi would hover above her companion, not able to do as much when it came to direct combat. She did, however, shout some words of encouragement. "Link! Remember what I said! These things aren't natural! They don't even leave bodies behind! Go at them with everything you have!"
These words didn't seem to have the instant effect that she probably hoped for. Link kept backing up, not seeming willing to fight back at all! It was only when the shield was knocked away that he swung his sword out of desperation. Despite his size and unwillingness to fight, it seemed the kid had a natural sword arm on him! The blade went right through the torso of the Scrapper, killing it instantly.
Ventus took the other two down, shooting two Fire spells from the tip of Wayward Wind and incinerating the Unversed. Feeling himself calming down a bit, he looked to Link. "Hey, you two okay?"
"We're fine. Right, Link?" Navi asked, resting on her companion's shoulder. "He doesn't like fighting. He hates it." The fairy explained to Ventus. "I hate to ask this of you, but please help look out for him when more of those things come, okay?"
"That's not a problem! It's basically my job, remember?" Ventus noticed how Link seemed embarrassed, his face reddening at Navi's words. He knew he hated it when Aqua would treat him like a kid, and he didn't doubt Link felt the same way. "Navi's right though, Link. I know you don't like fighting, but the Unversed aren't natural. I don't know exactly what they are, but you shouldn't feel bad about taking them out."
Link didn't say anything, simply giving a nod as he walked past Ventus and continued up the trail.
Feeling like he somehow messed up again, Ventus would follow behind. He decided to just let Link have his space for a while, not saying anything to the boy for about an hour. The hike seemed to be almost fruitless, the peak of Death Mountain never seeming to get closer. Of course, Ventus knew this was just his own imagination at work.
More Scrappers appeared at one point, but only three of them. Ventus used a Blizzara spell to take them out in a group, Link seeming hesitant to even start fighting at all. Even with the Keyblade wielder telling him that it was fine, the boy still seemed troubled at having to be saved.
It wasn't long after that when the three decided to take a break, settling in near a barely-present cave in the mountainside. Link sat down on a rock, but kept his sword in both hands, ready for more Unversed to appear.
Sitting across from him on another rock, Ventus shook his head at the boy. He too had his weapon at the ready, Wayward Wind gripped firmly in one hand. "Hey, it's alright to calm down a bit, Link. I'll be ready if something comes at us." So far, they hadn't seen any creatures on the mountain aside from the Unversed. Navi had noted this was unusual and wondered if it wasn't the Unversed muscling in one the territory of the usual beasts.
"He's right, Link, just put the sword down for a bit." Navi agreed, resting on the floor of the cave. "Resting won't do much if you're still so wound up."
Sighing lightly, Link put the sword down. "Yes, Navi." He almost said it like he was talking to his mother, something that made Ventus question just what the relationship between the two was. Before he could pipe up, Link continued talking. "Navi, is there a god on this mountain? Like back home?"
A god? Ventus' eyes widened at the word. Another lesson that Master Eraqus taught the three was the concept of gods in other worlds. What defined a god was rather varied and unclear, but what they had been taught was that some worlds were deliberately created by very powerful beings. Or, in some cases, gods resided on the worlds themselves, looking over certain regions or a group of people. It wasn't something that Ventus had even really thought about until Link brought it up.
"Well…there was a god that the Gorons revered named Korak a long time ago. He was a jovial, laughing god, or so they believed. It turned out that Korak wasn't actually real, though. Not like…back home." Navi explained, glancing to Ventus as she spoke the last few words. It seemed like she deliberately kept things about 'back home' vague because of his presence.
It seemed Link caught onto Navi's intentions, nodding at her words. "So…he's not real? Not like where we came from? Why did they think he existed?"
Ventus couldn't help but feel a tad bit out of place, the two clearly feeling the need to talk in vague terms because he was there. In fairness, he kept a lot about himself hidden too, so he could hardly be upset.
"That's just how some people are. They believe in something to help them feel safe and protected, even if this god isn't real." The fairy said, stretching out her arms and standing up a bit. "Not like the Golden Goddesses, though, they definitely exist."
Link nodded again, seeming to at least get some understanding of what she was talking about.
Ventus really wanted to ask just what this god the two were talking about was like. He was pretty curious about how things worked in some worlds…a real shame that his two companions seemed so secretive about things.
The three continued to rest, Link pulling out some bread and fruit that the three split. Ventus only realized at this point that this was the first time he had gotten a proper rest since venturing out of The Land of Departure. With Mario, he had basically been on the move the entire time, and in The Lanes Between, he never stopped to take a breather. That mushroom he had earlier was the only thing he had eaten prior as well…
"Hello? Is something there?" A deep voice suddenly rang out, startling the trio. The owner of the voice was out of eyesight…
Ventus stood up, Wayward Wind at the ready. "Hello?! Who's there?" He called out in response, peeking out of the cave. His eyes widened at the sight. As Link and Navi looked too, the voice's owner walked up to them.
It had to be a Goron! There was no other explanation given what Navi said about them! The figure was massive, not as large as Tubba Blubba, but certainly taller than even Terra! He seemed to be made partly of rock, the bits of him that were organic were a rich brown like the mountain around them. The figure peered at them with curious, friendly eyes.
"Oh! Don't worry you two, this is one of the Gorons!" Navi said, proving Ventus' assumption right. "They're really friendly, he won't hurt us!"
"That's right! I don't mean you three any harm!" The Goron declared, raising his hands up as if in surrender. "I was napping in an opening nearby, and I thought I heard some voices. Not very common to see Hylians up here anymore…"
Apparently, the Goron hadn't noticed Ventus' ears. Link, however, seemed a bit bothered by what the Goron said, his hands curling into light fists. "Well, this is a special situation." Navi explained, speaking for the three of them. "We're on our way to the Goron City, actually."
"Really now…? Why's that?" The Goron asked, lowering his hands as Ventus lowered his Keyblade. "Like I said, not a lot of travelers up on the trail these days. Especially with those strange creatures…"
"Wait, why are you here if there are monsters?" Ventus interrupted. Apparently there was a city for the Goron to take a nap in...
"Well, it's not very fun staying cooped up in the city all day. So, I took a bit of a hike and then stopped for a nap." The Goron replied. "Besides…the creatures of this mountain can't do too much to us. Not even a lot of the new monsters." He knocked on the top of his own head, a hard sound emanating. "Us Gorons don't fight much, but we're pretty sturdy!"
Navi spoke up again, seeming used to being the one to talk for Link. And, in this case, Ventus too. "Say, are you on your way back up there? We could use someone who knows the mountain more. I've been to the city, but it's been years…"
The Goron chuckled, giving a nod. "Not a problem! I was going to head back after my nap anyway. The name's Rohan, by the way. And you three are…?"
"I'm Ventus, but you can call me Ven."
"Mhm! And I'm Navi, and this is Link." The fairy introduced, looking to the boy. "Go on, Link, say hi." She urged.
The boy in green gulped lightly, clearly nervous. "H…Hi. It's nice to meet you, sir."
Rohan didn't seem bothered by Link's lack of confidence, offering the boy a grin. "Nice to meet you too, all three of you. So, what was it you three were going up to the city for, again?"
"Oh right! Well, we need to talk to your chieftain, Darunia." Navi explained, glancing at Ventus. Seemed she couldn't be too vague in this instance, or just decided that the new companion was worth trusting.
"Really? You want to see Darunia?" Rohan asked, brows rising in mild surprise. "I can show him to you, sure, but I'm not sure if you'll be able to see him. He's a bit…moody. Has been for a while now. Even an envoy of the Royal Family may get turned away."
Royal Family? So, Hyrule was a kingdom! Ventus had focused more on the massive field and the mountains, so he hadn't even noticed a castle anywhere. Maybe on the way out of the world he'd look harder…
"I assure you…this is pretty urgent. We can't exactly turn back." Navi insisted, her voice a tad firm. "We'd really appreciate the help, Rohan."
The Goron nodded again, seeming to accept he had little say in the matter. "Well, if you insist. I'll take you to the city and show you where Darunia is…but I can't be blamed if he turns you away."
"Th…Thank you." Link piped up, offering a very small smile to the Goron.
That seemed to butter Rohan up a bit. "Of course! Not a problem. Now, if you three are ready, we should get going while the sun's still high in the sky!"
Following Rohan, the trip became a lot smoother. The Goron knew some shortcuts and alternate paths up the mountain that he claimed would save them about an hour's hike. Ventus couldn't help but sometimes stare at the unusual specimen. Even with the Toads, the Boos, Tubba Blubba, and Navi, he still found himself surprised at the unusual races he came across. Hylians were exceedingly similar to himself aside from the ears, so he hardly counted them.
"So, what's Darunia like exactly?" The Keyblade wielder asked after a while, breaking the silence. "When he's not moody, I mean."
Rohan chuckled lightly, staring ahead at the trail and seeming to be looking out for dangers. "Normally, he's a very upbeat and friendly. Very wise and very strong, just the sort of leader we need." He let out a small sigh, his tone growing a bit more somber. "It's not as though he's stopped being a good leader, it just seems as though his heart has been a bit clouded. I can't say I blame him because of what's been happening lately."
"Wait, what's been happening?" Navi piped up.
"You haven't heard?" Rohan seemed surprised, brows raising. "There's been a food shortage. I think Darunia should be the one to tell you the details if you can see him. He knows a bit more about it than most of us."
Ventus had to wonder what the situation was. Did it involve the Unversed, maybe? It didn't seem like Rohan was keen on giving out too much information about it, so he kept quiet. Rohan mentioned that Darunia's heart was clouded a bit…could the Unversed do something like that…?
The trip itself was mainly quiet too from then on. Link didn't say a word at all, seeming rather nervous about Rohan's presence. Ventus could hardly blame him. The Goron looked big to him, so he probably looked massive compared to the younger boy.
Eventually, with the sun still shining strong, the quarter arrived at a large cave opening, ancient looking banners with unusual, claw-like symbols adorning them. Beside the opening were two more Gorons, as large and as tough looking as Rohan.
"We have some visitors!" Rohan called to the guards, who had only seem mildly interested at best at the three guests. If all the Gorons were even half as big as Rohan and the guarding pair, they had little to worry about in terms of danger.
Entering the cave, a buzzing sound filled the air, the noise of many people conversing at once. Before the four was a massive cave system, truly a city for Gorons. Everything was built into the caves; openings for homes, tunnels, even different layers of the city connected by stairs. Gorons of various sizes walked around, some clearly children and even a few taller than Rohan! One thing that Ventus noticed was that all the Gorons seemed to be men. Or, at least, if there were any women about, they looked just like the men.
He decided not to ask.
A number of the Gorons noticed the guests, staring at them and talking amongst themselves. Link shrank at the attention, but luckily none of the citizens approached. Apparently they had the courtesy to let the three go around without a fuss.
"It's just been a long while since a Hylian has come. Let alone two." Rohan explained, leading the three onward. "We have fairies about, sometimes, though. Even a Great Fairy that lives nearby."
"A Great Fairy? Here? I never knew that…" Navi murmured, apparently this being a big deal. "Maybe she can help us a bit, right Link?"
The boy nodded, still remaining silent throughout all of this. Wherever he had come from, clearly large crowds like this were uncommon.
"Hey, you doing okay?" Ventus asked, trying to help out a bit. It seemed that was mainly Navi's job, but he felt for the kid. The Keyblade wielder wasn't used to large crowds either, but that didn't bother him.
"I'm fine." Link replied, looking both embarrassed at having his quietness called out on…but also a bit grateful too.
The quartet went down further and further into the city, spiraling down into the carved out layers of the ancient cave. The air felt almost uncomfortably warm, sweat forming on Link and Ventus' brows. Made sense since they were at a volcano, the teen glad they didn't have to actually go to the summit.
"This is it here." Rohan announced, the group now at the very bottom of the portion of the city. "Darunia is right through the covering there." He pointed to a hole in the wall covered with a drape, that symbol from before adorning it. Guarding the drape was yet another Goron, one that was easily a head taller than Rohan. "That's Fugo there, I take since you're here to see Darunia, you must know how to see him, correct?"
"We know, and we've got everything under control." Navi said with a nod. "Thanks for taking us this far, Rohan, we really appreciate it."
For the first time in a while, Link spoke unprompted. "Thank you, Rohan."
"Yeah, thanks a lot, those shortcuts really helped." Ventus added in, his legs feeling a bit tired from all the walking. With all the training he did, he had never hiked up a mountain, so it managed to get to him.
With a nod and a farewell, Rohan left the trio as he went back up to one of the other layers of the city.
"Hey, I hate to do this, but can you hang back?" Navi asked Ventus, indeed sounding a bit apologetic. "We need a sort of…message to get to see Darunia, and it's really only supposed to be us seeing him. No offense, it's just a matter with the Royal Family…"
Ventus understood, not taking it hard at all. "Hey, no big deal! I get it. I'll just wait for you guys over here." He said, going over to the steps and taking a seat.
The teen watched as Link and Navi spoke to Fugo, the Goron seeming surprised at their presence. Still, he didn't turn them away, watching as Link pulled out the instrument clipped to his belt. Due to the noise of the city, Ventus wasn't quite able to hear the song that Link played, but what little he was able to make out sounded quite beautiful. It seemed the song was the 'message' that Navi specified, as Fugo allowed the boy and fairy to enter the chambers. With his current companions gone, Ventus stared off into space as he thought things over.
It didn't look like Terra was in the city given how the Gorons reacted to the presence of him and Link. Surely it'd have been a lot less drastic if another human had arrived recently, right? Terra could still be in the world somewhere, but Ventus was starting to wonder if his heart hadn't guided him to Hyrule to help Link. The boy certainly seemed to need guidance and help, especially with all the darkness he held in his heart. It reminded him of Terra, how the older Keyblade wielder would bottle up his own darkness, just as Link seemed to try and appear more stoic than he really was.
Not that Ventus quite knew how to help, though. He wasn't an expert on hearts like Master Eraqus was. He didn't even fully understand how his heart guided him among other things. For instance, he literally fought the heart of a monster, a strange ritual that had allowed its owner to become invincible. Master Eraqus had never mentioned something so obscene and unusual in all the time Ventus was taught by him.
Even if Terra wasn't in Hyrule, Ventus would stick by his new friends with whatever mission they were on. At least for the time being. He felt his heart tug at him when Mario and his own friends still had a long way to go with their own quest from what Ventus understood. It may be like that with Link as well, where Ventus' heart would pull him away sooner rather than later.
As Ventus got lost in thought, the tarp to Darunia's chambers flew open. Link and Navi left, but the chieftain of the Gorons didn't follow them. What the teen quickly noticed was that Link seemed to almost be in tears, the boy not even looking at him as he and Navi passed him up the stairs.
"Hey, what's going on?" Ventus got up, following behind as the boy made his way seemingly blindly throughout the city. The Gorons around them seemed concerned but didn't interfere as the three weaved through the crowds.
"It was Darunia…" Navi answered, hovering by Ventus' ear so she could talk without being overheard. "He was more than just a bit moody. He was awful! Practically yelled at poor Link…"
That wasn't like what Rohan said at all! Ventus was just as shocked as Navi seemed to be. He rushed forward a bit, grabbing Link by the shoulder. "Hey, Link, slow down! Are you okay?"
Link would whip around, childishly jerking out of Ventus' grip. "I'm fine…" He murmured, unable to stop tears from running down his cheeks. "Just leave me be…"
As the boy spoke, a haunting feeling filled Ventus' heart. A sadness gripped at him, and before he could react, a group of Unversed appeared! There had to be at least a dozen of them, floating jellyfish-like ones. The Jellyshades hovered in a cluster above the three for a moment before dispersing around the area.
The Gorons around started to yell, panicking as the monsters appeared out of nowhere in the middle of their city! The children ran off, along with a number of the adults. Some, however, fought back despite their peaceful nature. A few adults picked up rocks from the floor, throwing them at the Jellyshades as the Unversed attacked back. The creatures were actually able to scratch at some of the Gorons, but nothing too severe. A few of the monsters were taken out by the pelted rocks.
Ventus brought Wayward Wind out, leaping up at the floating creatures and taking two of them out with a single slash. Link didn't react as strongly, staring at the creatures and backing away as one approached. Thankfully, Navi intervened, showing some bravery as she yelled out at the creature, ramming at its face. She wasn't able to actually hurt it, but she stunned it enough for a nearby Goron to pick the Jellyshade up and slam it into the ground, disintegrating it.
Just as suddenly as they appeared, the group of Unversed vanished. Everyone involved stared in disbelief, the few injured Gorons going to tend to their wounds. It seemed like no one wanted to be the first to speak up, but they didn't have to be.
"Are you three okay!?" A familiar voice called, Rohan rushing to the scene. "I heard screaming, others talking about monsters!"
"We're okay…just a bit shaken up." Navi replied, landing on Link's shoulder and patting his cheek.
Link himself didn't say anything, wiping away the remnants of his tears and looking absolutely ashamed of himself. He just nodded frantically in response to Rohan's question, looking like he wanted to melt into the floor.
"Some Gorons got injured, but I don't think too badly." Ventus added on, putting his Keyblade away. "Thankfully, a lot joined in and helped us take care of it." It seemed clear just where Rohan's confidence in hiking on the mountain alone came from. The Gorons had really hurled those rocks hard! Being on the other side of a direct attack on one would probably give even Terra a run for his money!
"This hasn't happened before!" Rohan replied, shocked and looking around as if he could find some sort of cause or explanation. "I'm just glad you three are okay. Do you need anything at all?"
Navi hesitated a bit before speaking. "I think…mmm…I think we need a place to stay."
"Why? Are you sticking around? Did you talk to Big Brother Darunia?" Rohan asked, calming down as he saw the three weren't injured. The other Gorons, seeing that nothing else could really be done, slowly dispersed. Some guards finally arrived, a few of the other citizens taking it upon themselves to explain what happened.
"We did, but it didn't quite go so well." Navi said, seeming to be biting her tongue on badmouthing the Goron's chieftain. "I think we need to talk to him again but wait for him to cool down a bit first."
Rohan seemed to understand just what Navi was alluding to. Perhaps Darunia had shown off his temper to the other Gorons a number of times before. "You three can stay at my home for the time being. I couldn't just send you back down the mountain!"
"Are you sure? We'd hate to intrude…" Navi said, looking over to Link as she replied. "We don't have money for an inn, though…"
"Then it's settled!" Rohan declared, clapping and giving the trio a grin. "Come on, might as well get you settled in. I have a lot of errands to run anyway." The Goron didn't allow for any more arguing, turning and walking off into the city.
Following close behind, the three stayed silent. Link stared at the ground, hands clenched at his side and it was clear he was trying his best to not show any particular emotion. Ventus was still worried about the Unversed that appeared…but given the seemingly random nature of how the creatures appeared, there was little he could do. There was no way to really investigate or come up with a way to stop their spawning that he could tell. Aqua could come up with something, surely, but she was...
Ventus shook the thought away.
"Hey. Ven." Navi said, flying by the teen's ear once more and speaking so no one else could hear. "What exactly are you planning to do right now? You still going to stick with us? I don't have anything against you, I just need to know."
The teen couldn't help but be a bit offended, but he understood why the fairy was asking. "I'm wondering if maybe whatever's bothering Darunia might be linked to the Unversed. Like I said, it's basically my job to help with things like that. When whatever's going on is done…I'll probably head off. It doesn't seem like Terra is around here…"
Navi nodded along, seeming satisfied with Ventus' answer. "Alright. And, hey, thanks for helping Link out back there. Wish I could take out those things by myself…"
"Don't mention it! I couldn't just let him get hurt, right?" Ventus really had to wonder just how Link got into his situation, being sent to mountains and who knew where else? He was just a kid, but he felt like he'd get no answers if he asked…
The walk wasn't too long, the four soon arriving at Rohan's home, another hole in the wall. Surprisingly, the Gorons apparently had rather normal furniture. There was even a regular, albeit very large, bed for them to sleep in. The host insisted that Gorons could sleep comfortably just about anywhere, so the others could use the bed.
Ventus offered to sleep on the floor, wanting to avoid the awkwardness of making Link share a bed. Even though it was only the early evening, the three settled in while Rohan went off to the errands he had mentioned. The Keyblade wielder leaned against the wall, trying not to show his discomfort as Link settled into the bed. Navi even got to rest on the boy's folded-up hat.
The silence was a bit awkward at first, no one quite ready to go to sleep, but it being too late to go out and about. It was Ventus that broke the silence, looking to Link. "You okay? From earlier, I meant. Didn't think the Unversed would attack here…"
"I'm fine." Link replied, his answers as brief as usual. "I'm sorry I froze up."
"It's okay, I get it. I remember when I was new to fighting, I froze up sometimes too." At least, as far as his training with Master Eraqus went. Clearly Ventus had training earlier than that given the abilities and spells he knew, but the memories from before The Land of Departure were just a blank…
Navi nodded along with Ventus, looking to Link. "That's right, and before long, this will all be behind us and you won't have to fight anymore." The way she said it seemed like this was something the two had discussed before.
"Yeah…I hope so…" Link murmured; a lot less sure as he stared at the ceiling.
There was another pause before Ventus spoke up again. "Hey, Link. I know it seems like things might be impossible sometimes. But you've got to keep your heart strong, and you'll be able to get through anything. Especially with Navi at your side. I've had to face hardships of my own, but with my heart guiding me and my friends, I've managed to get through." Ventus could tell just how much darkness Link had in his heart, and he had to wonder where it came from, but knew better to ask. He also didn't know what the exact relationship between him and Navi was, but it was clear she was loyal and would help him through anything.
Link didn't seem to know how to react to that, turning to stare at Ventus for a moment. He seemed to be contemplating the words before turning over to face the wall. "Thank you, Ventus. I'll…try."
Navi looked to the Keyblade wielder with a thankful glance, appreciating the little pep-talk that Ventus gave. It may not help Link right away, but maybe it'd give him something to think about for the future.
It was only at that point that Ventus seemed to realize he hadn't actually slept in over a day. At least from his perspective. Time could be a bit funky when traveling between worlds. Even with the small rest on Death Mountain's trail, the exhaustion hit the Keyblade wielder like a tidal wave. Before he knew it, the teen was asleep, not even minding the uncomfortable sleeping situation.
Ventus slept soundly and heavily, as he usually did. He didn't even notice that Link and Navi left in the middle of the night, the boy hearing a song that seemed to float through the city and reach his ears. It was a song that beckoned the boy back to his home, and back to a dear friend of his. This dear friend taught him her own song and helped soothe the cracks in his heart.
This girl, Saria, the one who raised Link, comforted the boy. Link's heart had been wounded by the quest he had to go on and the dangers he had to face. It helped mend his heart and helped get his emotions balanced out. With her words of encouragement, he felt he could keep going on the journey he had been forced on!
But the Keyblade wielder wouldn't know of any of this. By the time he roused from his slumber, it was morning. Link and Navi had long since returned by that point, asleep themselves and clearly exhausted from their midnight excursion.
Not willing to wake the two up, Ventus would sigh through his nose, staring at the wall in front of him. Hopefully, the talk with Darunia went better that day, both for Link's sake and his own. Ventus wanted to help his new friends of course, but he had his own goals to chase after. His guiding key lead him to this world, and he had to finish his business before he could depart, he just hoped it could be settled before the day was done. Ventus had no way of knowing how time flowed in Hyrule compared to The Land of Departure or wherever Terra currently was, but surely his heart wouldn't guide him to a world where the difference was overtly drastic…
Hopefully…
It wasn't long until the boy and fairy woke up as well. Navi stretched until her tiny joints popped satisfyingly while Link sat up in bed. The young boy seemed different that morning. Tired, yes, but still with an energy about him. Not exactly chipper, but…more focused and confident. It was a subtle change, one that Ventus didn't even notice.
"Good morning. Hope we didn't wake you up." Navi said, rising into the air with a yawn.
"Wake me? Why? What happened?" Ventus asked, standing up himself and giving off a stretch. Ah, that felt nice…
Apparently, Navi hadn't expected Ventus not to notice what had happened. "Oh…Well, we just went off for a walk." She said, clearing her throat. "Link couldn't sleep, so I joined him." The boy didn't say anything but nodded along with his companion.
Thankfully for them, Ventus bought the lie. The three quickly ate their breakfast and left Rohan's home. The Goron wasn't anywhere to be found, probably off on his own personal errands, but they couldn't stick around and wait for him! Once more, the trio went down to the lowest level of the city, Ventus keeping his eyes and ears peeled for any Unversed activity.
But none showed up this time, all quiet in the city aside from the usual buzz of activity.
Sitting down on the stairs as he did last time, Ventus watched as Link played that same song for Fugo, gaining him entry to Darunia's chambers. The teen hoped that things went better this time, not sure how to really help the situation if the boy and fairy got turned down again. Of course, he still had no real clue just what it was the two were after. He really wanted to ask, but felt he'd learn with time.
Time passed, minutes turning into a half hour, to Ventus' surprise. The first meeting had hardly lasted ten minutes! Maybe things were going better this time, and Darunia was listening to…whatever Link and Navi had to say to him. Just as the teen was thinking this, the boy and fairy emerged once more. This time, however, they were followed by the largest Goron that Ventus had seen yet! He was a mighty, muscular member of the race that seemed to have a massive beard made out of rock! That had to be Darunia! Despite how Rohan described him and the experience from yesterday, the Goron's chieftain seemed quite calm, albeit somber.
"So, you're Ven, correct? Must be, you're the only non-Goron here." The bearded Goron rumbled, his voice seeming to just be naturally loud. "I am Darunia, the chieftain of the Goron people."
Standing up and remembering his manners, Ventus stood up straight and looked the large Goron in the eyes. While not royalty exactly, he was still a figure of authority and the Keyblade wielder had been taught to treat such figures with respect. "That's right, sir, it's nice to meet you!"
"Sir?" Darunia asked before breaking out into a hearty laughter. "No, that is not necessary. Call me Darunia, and nothing more."
Ventus nodded, relaxing his posture. "Yes, Darunia. Sorry. Just following what my Master taught me."
"Understandable." The Goron replied, nodding. "But yes, as a friend of Link and Navi and a helper on their mission, I must extend a plead of aid to you."
"Oh, well, I wanted to help with whatever the two were up to. I don't really have a lot of the details. I was hoping you could help me as well." Ventus realized he should probably ask Darunia about that Masked Boy and about Terra. Terra especially probably wasn't in Hyrule, or at least this part of it, but asking wouldn't hurt.
"I'll help if I can, but we should talk elsewhere. Come, follow me." Without waiting for a response, the Goron walked past Ventus and upwards through the city. The teen, Link, and Navi followed behind.
Looking to the fairy, Ventus whispered, not wanting Darunia to hear. "Hey, what happened? What changed? It looks like things went well this time…"
"It's a bit much to explain." Navi replied, hovering close to Ventus' ear and staring ahead at Link. The boy seemed pretty nervous, not quite as confident as when he had awoken that morning. "We got on his good side, but we have to do something very dangerous. Link's pretty freaked out about it…"
It had to be combat of some kind, that's what made sense to Ventus. Still, he'd help, knowing he was far more adept that the poor boy was with combat. Once more, he had to wonder just how Link was sent on a journey at his young age. Maybe when this was all over, the boy and fairy would be more willing to share information. "I'll help how I can, don't worry! I've been in some pretty troublesome situations in the past…" Well, basically just one with Tubba Blubba, but Navi didn't need to know that.
The fairy seemed more relieved, giving a content noise. "Thanks, Ven, I'm really grateful we ran into you. Sorry about the secrets, the situation has just been…delicate."
"Trust me, I get it. I mean I've kept some secrets of my own too." Ventus replied, nodding in understanding. His curiosity kept itching at him, though…
Soon, the quartet made their way out of Goron City, past the two guards and onto the proper trail of Death Mountain. It was here that Darunia stopped and faced the three, more specifically Ventus. "Tell me, Ven, how much of the situation do you know?"
"Not much. All I really know is that Link and Navi are on some sort of mission by the Royal Family and needed to see you." Ventus almost felt like he was putting the two under some sort of pressure for not telling him the situation, but he had to be honest…
Darunia didn't seem too surprised, nodding along with the explanation. "Then I'll fill in some gaps. The Royal Family sent these two on a very important mission to get the Spiritual Stone of the Gorons, the Goron's Ruby. But I can't give a treasure away like this so easily. There's been a bit of a food crisis with my people. We get nutrients we need to survive from certain rocks…rocks that are found within a cavern nearby."
That made sense to Ventus so far, though he was pretty curious what a Spiritual Stone was. "But what's wrong? Are Unversed infesting the cavern?"
"Is that what you call those creatures?" Darunia asked, brows raised. "Those new beings? Well, either way, that is not the issue. The issue is that the King of the Gerudos, Ganondorf, has resurrected horrid beasts. He is a terrible man with a heart full of darkness, and he brought back the extinct Dodongos to run wild in the cavern. They're quite dangerous, able to breathe fire and even kill us Gorons! Many of our warriors have perished, and without the rocks the remaining Gorons grow weaker with each day. I may not seem it, but I'm too weak to fight the King Dodongo myself, and I need your aid."
The Unversed weren't the issue? That was surprising! He wasn't sure what a Gerudo was, but Ventus couldn't let something like this just go! "Alright, I'll help! I mean, I already said I would, and I can't just let my new friends tackle this alone!" It wasn't even something Ventus had to think over. Link and Navi needed his help, and he'd help them! Simple as that! When this was all over, he'd ask Darunia about the Masked Boy and Terra, but for the time being, he'd focus on the problem of the Gorons!
"Thank you, Ven, this means so much to us! Right, Link?" Navi looked to the boy, who still seemed rather nervous, the reason now far clearer.
"Thank you, Ven." Was all Link could muster to say, at the very least seeming more relieved than when he first left Darunia's chambers.
"Yes, I too am quite grateful." Darunia added in, nodding. "But now, you three have a dangerous task ahead. I'll lead you to Dodongo's Cavern, but at that point, you're on your own."
Ventus couldn't help but feel a bit nervous, but he had already fought a monster that was literally invincible. How bad could the Dodongos be? This King Dodongo sounded like a large threat, though…
The quartet went higher up Death Mountain in silence, the heat growing more and more intense the closer to the peak they got. It wasn't too far of a trip, though, the four reaching the entrance to a massive cavern.
Right away, an awful feeling washed over all present. A reeking, heavy darkness leaked from the cavern and into the area around it. The feeling was almost oppressive, a sensation that made Ventus sick to his stomach! Was this done by one man, this Ganondorf that Darunia had mentioned? It seemed hard to believe, but that darkness didn't come from nowhere.
"I'll wait out here for you three." Darunia said, seeming almost winded at the short hike. Sitting by the entrance, he gazed at the trio. "I wish you the best of luck. Be careful, and don't underestimate the Dodongos!"
Ventus summoned his Keyblade while Link drew his sword and readied his shield. "We'll get through this, don't worry." Navi said, speaking mostly to the young boy. "With Ven here especially, things will be okay!"
"I hope so…" Link replied, seeming far less confident than his fairy companion. Despite this, he was the first to walk into the cavern's opening, knuckles going white as he gripped the hilt of his sword while Navi followed him.
Wayward Wind at the ready, Ventus was right behind the two, ready for the dangers that lurked within Dodongo's Cavern.
A/N: For those who have read my other stories, this Link is more or less the same Link as in those stories. If you haven't read those stories, it's not 100% needed to read them in order to understand him. The awful and dangerous journey a boy his age has to go on will have some pretty obvious effects, after all. Of course, I'd be happy if anyone wanted to check out those stories as well anyway.
In any case, hopefully you enjoyed the chapter. Please leave a comment with any and all thoughts and feedback.