Chapter 20

Sunlight barely towered from the side of Death Mountain. Way down on the ground where the grassy trail slowly became overcome by rocks. Red pigeons sprawled near a large tone archway that serves as the entrance to the path directing up to the mountain. The pigeons remain until a small group of five approaches the archway, prompting them to fly off.

"Did you had to wake us up this early?" Link let out a yawn.

"I did warn you to sleep early, old boy," Shad playfully reprimanded. "The walk from Kakariko to Goron City isn't as quick as my house towards Renado's."

"Link has never been a morning person," Zelda remarked.

"I wouldn't have a problem if we took the horses instead of walking there."

"We're scaling a volcano, with piercing hot lava pouring all around us. I don't think the horses will like it," Ashei pointed out, giving Link a second for the realization to sink in.

"Link's brain also doesn't function well when he's tired," Ilia teasingly stated earning a light punch to her arm from him. Zelda let out a small snicker. Moments such as these make her believe that Ilia & Link were more like siblings than Ilia & herself.

The group arrived at the stone archway. Zelda caught notice of a small sign that stood at the center of the pathway.

Death Mountain Marker #1

Maw of Death Mountain

Climbing Path Trailhead ahead

The other side of the archway was littered with nothing but rocks with a large ledge ahead. Not to mention the air felt a little warmer. The trail on the ground splits through bodies of water with steam arising. All the while Death Mountain stood tall in the back imposing as always.

"I didn't think there's water here," Ilia commented.

"Death Mountain has many hot springs. The magma emits the groundwater which then rises from the cracks of the ground creating hot springs such as these. Back in the day, many would travel here just to soak in these springs," Shad explained.

The group proceeds their trek through the climbing trails of Death Mountain. The Ordon Trio admired the many rock formations all around them. Many of which appear to be pointing towards the volcano itself or are formed into fascinating shapes.

"The volcano is so impressive. Just the sheer size alone is breathtaking!" Zelda commented in sheer wonder.

"Death Mountain is the tallest in Hyrule. And get this. Old geological studies indicate that this mountain has been here long before the formation of the kingdom ten thousand years ago. Isn't it quite fascinating that we're standing in a place that's been here long before any of us were even born?" Shad nearly jumped with excitement before promptly calming down. "Sorry, I didn't mean to go on like that. Sometimes I get carried away."

"There's nothing to be ashamed about being passionate about something you like," Zelda assured.

"Yeah, I mean I think that stuff is kinda pretty cool," Ilia added on

"Why would you need to be sorry?" Link inquired.

"Back when I was a young lad, other kids found it annoying. Some tease me for it. Others thought I was trying to be better than everyone," Shad explained.

"Well, those kids were wrong. You're an outstanding person. Anyone who says otherwise is wrong."

"See, babe? It's what I keep telling you. There're people do value that big brain of yours," Ashei praised, which Shad gave a small smile.

A loud screech accompanied by the sound of running footsteps filled the air. A bird-like creature with a long neck and appearing to be bigger than everyone ran through the group from behind, causing Link to let out a small shriek. The group thankfully managed to move out of the way quickly so that the giant bird did not collide with them.

"What the hell is that thing?" Link asks, still in shock from the scare.

"Eldin Ostrich. They're large flightless birds that inhabit this region," Shad answered readily.

"A bird that can't fly? You're kidding, right?" Shad shook his head.

"I'm very serious. Their wings are too small to facilitate flight, but their long legs make them pretty speedy runners. They can also defend themselves with kicks powerful enough to kill a fully grown Hylian in one swift kick. Best to steer clear for them."

"Noted..." Link winced as he clutched his chest.

"And it appears our feathered friend is heading in the same direction we're going." Shad's voice echoed as everyone watched the ostrich run up a hill. At the bottom lay a sign designed the same as the one saw at the start of the trail but with a different message.

Death Mountain Marker # 2

Heat Level High

None-Gorons use extreme caution!

Shad started to reach into his bag. "And we reached the halfway point. Now we can drink these."

"Drink what?"

Shad handed Zelda a small bottle with a black-like liquid substance in it. "Fireproof Elixirs. They grant a fireproof effect, preventing your body from catching on fire."

"Our bodies catching fire? It can't be that bad up there," Ilia challenge.

"Why don't you see for yourself." Shad gestured to the hill.

Ilia took the challenge and traversed the hill. Just as soon she reached the top she was instantly hit with intense heat on her skin. Not to mention greeted by the sight of lava. The teen quickly scurried back to the bottom.

"There are pools of lava up there! There's no way we can travel through that!"

"All the more reason why we have this elixir," Shad said.

"Are you certain, Shad?" Zelda asks.

"I've been up here many times with the same elixir, and I've always come back unscathed. So has Ashei. I couldn't be more certain."

"Alright, we'll do it."

Shad handed everyone a bottle of the elixir. "Alright, when I count to three, we all drink at the same time."

"Why do we all need to drink at once?" Link asks.

"Because this elixir only lasts about twelve hours. It's easier for me to keep track of time if we all drank at once. Everyone ready?" They nodded. "One. Two. Three. Drink."

All five chugged on their bottles, emptying all the contents inside.

"I feel a little tingly," Link commented.

"That means it's working," Ashei said.

"Now let us be off!" Shad immediately made his way up the hill.

"That's it? Shouldn't we put on a metal suit or something?" Link questioned but Shad had already disappeared from his view.

"The elixir does all the work." Ashei made it to the top. "Let's get a move on. We don't have all day."

"So...we're doing this?" Ilia uttered after Ashei vanished.

"Seems like it," Zelda answered. "I'll go first."

The young woman climbed up the hill until she vanished from sight. She was gone for only several seconds before returning.

"Well?" Link called out

"You guys come up! This stuff works!"

Slowly the young man and teenager journeyed to the top of the hill where Zelda was waiting. They were quickly taken in by the sight of the large lava fall pouring into the pool below. They quickly realized that they could barely feel any of the intense heat.

"Huh...I'll be damned…" Link muttered as he examined himself, amazed by the elixir's effects.

"Finally decided to join us, yeah?" Ashei's voice rang out. The trio turned to find her and Shad leaning against a rock near the end of the lava pool, appearing to be relaxed.

"We were just taking in the effects. Sorry if there was any doubt." Ilia rubbed her neck as a small flush surfaced on her face.

"No hard feelings. It is admittedly quite a daring feat to do," Shad assured.

"If it makes you feel any better, I had the same reaction when he first brought me here. I called him crazy," Ashei said.

"If I can recall, you stated I was clinically insane." A flush of red grew on Ashei's cheeks. Shad turned in his direction of the trail. "The air on Death Mountain is hot enough that without these potions we would all be receiving very unpleasant burns, to put it lightly."

Just a bit ahead of the trail, Shad spotted the ostrich from earlier surrounded by red pigeons. "Though unlike us, our feathered friend and his companions are quite comfortable in their environment."

"How can anything survive up here?" Ilia asks.

"Their skin & feathers are evolutionary traits to help them survive in this harsh environment. Any other bird would become a rotisserie."

Ilia chuckled at that until she saw the bewildered expression on Shad's face. "You're serious?"

"Dead serious. The air is so hot that any flammable materials will burn in mere minutes."

"It's true. I made the mistake of bringing a wooden shield here once. Became ashes in five minutes," Ashei rubbed her arm. "I was too stubborn to listen to Shad's warnings."

"That explains why you told me to leave my crossbow behind," Ilia muttered.

"Indeed. All of our other weapons are made out of metal, which is completely inflammable."

"Well I do have The Master Sword which was crafted by the power of the goddess, so I think it's safe," Link said.

"But my bow is also made of wood. How come it's not burning up?" Zelda glance back to her golden bow on her back.

"You did mention that Farore herself changed its form, correct?" Shad asked. "I suppose the logical conclusion is that she imbued some sort of protection magic to keep it intact, much like Link's Master Sword."

"That would make sense. How come I didn't think of that before?" Zelda's thoughts were interrupted as she suddenly tripped forward. Everyone rushed to her side. What Zelda fell into appears to be a giant three-toed footprint.

"You alright, Zelda?" Link extended his hand towards her.

"I'm fine." Zelda grabbed Link's hand, holding it tight as he helped her pull out. Once back with the group she too exclaimed the large footprint. "What creature could have made this footprint, Shad?"

Shad did not respond to her. Turning in his direction, she notices him staring at the footprint dead on.

Zelda attempts to get his attention. "Shad, you okay?"

"Oh, yes! I was just deep in my thoughts. I'm fine."

"What creature made this?" Zelda glances around the area. "It's...not around here is it?"

"The one responsible for such a footstep was a monster the likes I hope to never see again. There's no need to worry, it's been dead for a long time."

"Speaking of monsters, we got some company ahead."

Everyone glanced at where Ashei was directing them to. Up ahead on the trait lay three orange jelly-like monsters with big red & yellow bulging eyes on the top.

"Chuchus. Not a problem." Link took a step forward, grabbing the handle of the sword before Shad promptly stopped him in his tracks.

"You can't rush over there and stab them!"

"Why? Chuchus disintegrate with just one stab."

"Normal blue ones, yes, but these will set you on fire if you do that!"

"What do you suggest I do then?"

Before Shad could respond, another creature of sorts jumps to where the chuchus were. The creature seemed to be cat-like but was about four feet long in body length, accompanied by a two feet long tail. The cat also had red fur accompanied by several brown splotches.

The feline stood still as the chuchus eyed the creature. One of the jelly monsters lunged forward, with a small burst of fire escaping, only for the feline to move out of the way. The chuchu then turned black, that's when the feline took a swipe at it and the chuchu disintegrated, no flames bursting out. The feline repeated the process with the remaining two chuchus. Once they were gone, the feline glanced around, not noticing the hylians, before leaping away out of sight.

"Seems like the leopard beat you to it," Ashei quipped.

"Eldin Clouded Leopard, Ashei. It's not just a leopard," Shad corrected.

"I didn't know there were wild cats this far in Hyrule," Zelda noted.

"Birds aren't the only animals here. Mammals such as that clouded leopard make their home here."

A small dark splotch, accompanied by sounds of scurrying came towards the group. Stopping in front of them was a large red lizard with a triangular head. On the lizard's back were four dark spots that were at the edge of all four of its limbs.

"And home to reptiles such as this Lava Bearded Dragon," Shad finished.

"That's the biggest lizard I've ever seen!" Link exclaimed, eyes filled with amazement.

The bearded dragon glances around at each member in the group staring at most of them for just several seconds, though he stared at Shad a little longer. Once his eyes set on Ilia he seemed to become interested. Slowly the lizard crawled towards the teen, giving her a curious expression.

"He seems to like you," Shad commented.

"Hello…" Ilia greeted the reptile, to which he responded by opening its mouth in a way that Ilia could guess was the creature's best take of a smile. He then walked to her feet and attempted to climb up her legs. "You want to climb up? Let me lend you a hand." The teen knelt to the lizard, extending her palm out. The reptile walked on Ilia's hand, getting lifted him.

"Should you even be holding him?" Zelda questioned with concern.

"Why not? He seems friendly." Ilia rubbed the bearded dragon's head with her finger, which the reptile enjoyed a lot. "I think he's rather cute."

"She's gonna be okay holding him, right? It's not poisonous or anything?" Zelda asks Shad.

"Lava Bearded dragons are not. As long as she doesn't prompt him to bite her, Ilia will be fine." After Shad gave his answer, the bearded dragon climbed along Ilia's arm and wrapped itself around her neck much like a scarf.

"See big sis? Completely fine. Even if it wasn't, I can handle it. You've seen me handle snakes before."

"You handled snakes? You're a tough one aren't you," Ashei said with amusement.

"Ilia has a way with animals, not just horses." Link explained. "Animals just seem to like her."

"Rudy! Are you out here?! Where are you, little guy?" A new voice filled the air, alerting the group.

Emerging from the corner is a large creature. It was very tall, had yellow skin, short legs, long arms, a small tuft of white hair on its head, large muscles, and abs. Its backside is seemingly covered in rocks and had a blue scarf around its neck.

While the Ordon Trio stayed alert, Shad's demeanor beamed at the sight of the creature.

"Yunobo!"

The creature glances in their direction. His large lips grew in a smile as he dashed over in their direction. He wrapped his arms around Shad, lifting him in a hug and cheering.

"Shad! It's so good to see you!"

"It's great to see you too, Yunobo, but….could you please put me down before you crush me?"

"Oh sorry!" Yunobo placed Shad back on the ground. "I forgot that Hylians aren't as strong as Gorons."

"No hard feelings, old friend." Shad dusted himself.

"How're ya doing, big guy?" Ashei greeted.

"I've been doing good. Nice to see you both doing alright." Yunobo gazes at the Ordon trio. "And you brought more friends."

"Yes. These are some friends of ours. They joined The Resistance several months back. I wanted to show them this place and introduce them to you."

"I'm Link. This is Zelda and her sister Ilia," Link introduced.

"I'm Yunobo, and it's nice to meet you. It's not often I see other Hylians." Yunobo noticed the bearded dragon wrapped around Ilia. "And you found my bearded dragon!"

The bearded dragon perked his head up and gave a smile to the Goron.

"I knew he looked familiar," Shad said.

"He made himself comfortable rather quickly," Ilia stated.

"He did? Usually, he doesn't warm to new faces that fast. You must be pretty special if you like you already."

"Thank you. He's certainly a beautiful lizard. What's his name?"

"His real name is Rudania but he likes to go by Rudy. He's usually so well behaved but earlier he got the urge to run away from my house. I've spent most of the morning looking for him but it looks like you found him before I did."

"More like he found us."

"Either way, he means the world to me so I can't thank you enough for finding him! You all have perfect timing, though I don't think today is a good day for you to visit."

"Why is that?" Shad questions as to his expression show concern.

"A bunch of Dodongo's took over the mines near the mountain and we're trying to clear them out."

"A bunch of what now?" Zelda asks.

"Yeah, I'm completely missed that," Ilia retorted.

"Dodongos. Monsters who live here that eat all of our rocks & gems!" Yunobo answered.

The Ordon Trio stared at the Goron in confusion.

"Rocks are critically important to a Gorons diet," Shad quickly explained.

"And the gems here are very valuable and make a high price which is also important," Ashei followed.

"Which is what makes these guys nuisances and we need to get them out quickly!" Yunobo asserted. "Now that I found Rudy I can go back to help!"

"Not without us," Ashei declared. "We can lend them a hand, right Shad?"

"Not exactly what I thought we would be doing today, but I'm always willing to help friends in need," Shad turns his head towards the Ordon Trio. "Are you three okay with this?"

"I think we can handle it," Link responds with a smirk.

"You guys will help? Great! That means so much," Yunobo exclaimed with happiness. "Come on! Goron City isn't too far!"

The Goron took the lead with the Hylians following behind. Not too long after the first meeting they passed by another sign.

Death Mountain Marker #3

Goron City Ahead

"Are you guys on a mission? Is that why you're here?" Yunobo asks.

"We are. I intended this to be a surprise visit and introduce you to my new friends. I didn't know you guys were having problems."

"Not your fault. You didn't know. I'm always happy to see you no matter what. Is it just you guys here?"

"Auru & Sheik traveled with us. I ask them if they wanted to come but they wanted to rest in Kakariko Village. You know the trip from the base camp to here is a long journey."

"I getcha, but it would've been nice to see Sheik again."

"I'll be sure to give him your regards."

"Thanks, goro. Anyways, what type of mission are you on?"

"A rescue mission to be exact."

"For who?"

Instead of responded, Shad gestured in Zelda's direction, allowing her to answer.

"Several months ago Ganondorf sent his forces to wipe out our village. Our parents got captured in the process," Zelda explained glumly.

"They're being held in Hyrule Castle," Ilia continued.

"Hyrule Castle? I heard that place is pretty much impenetrable," Yunobo noted.

"Ganondorf is out of the country for the next several weeks, taking most of his security detail. Impa believed now is a good time to pull it off," Shad clarified.

"Well, I'm sure you guys can do it. Heck with the things you and I have been through, Shad, I think you and your friends can pull it off."

"How long have you both known each other?" Link asked the Goron.

"A long time. Long before Shad joined the Resistance. The first time we met he was looking for Fireproof Lizards."

"What for, unless it's for making potions?"

"On a dare," Shad clarified. "One of the boys who lived in Kakariko, Kima was his name, dared me to bring him three lizards because he didn't think I was brave enough to collect them. Kafei tried to talk me out of it but I was determined. I barely could catch one before I ran into Yunobo."

"You scared the stones out of me! I thought you were a monster! That was easily the best day of my life!" Yunobo proclaimed cheerfully. "Instead of just finding three, I helped him get twenty of them."

"I will never forget the look on Kima's face. I think I might've broken the poor boy, though."

A large archway made with a mix of rocks & metal came into everyone's view, accompanied by a large rock carving of a smiling Goron giving a thumbs up. A Goron holding a large metal club stood outside of the archway.

"Hey, Krane!"

"Back already, Yunobo? Found Rudy, yet?" Krane the Goron asked.

"I did, and some friends." Yunobo gestures to the Hylians behind him.

"Oh, hey Shad!"

"Hello, Krane," Shad waved.

"They're gonna help us with the Dodongo at the mines," Yunobo told Krane.

"Perfect timing then. Lord Daruk is looking for you. He's waiting for you at your place."

"Thanks, Krane! I'll catch you later!" Yunobo took the lead. "Guys, welcome to Goron City!"

The city itself was larger than Kakariko Village. All the buildings were carved into the mountain, all connected by several metal bridges hoisted above a lava pool. Several small lava falls from different sides poured into the lava pool down below. At the start of the metal, the bridge is another one of those signs.

Death Mountain Marker #4

Welcome to Goron City!

Enjoy Your Visit!

"Very...hardcore," Ilia answered.

"I know it's probably not much but I'm happy to call it home. I'll show you around."

Yunobo guides the Ordon Trio, whilst Shad & Ashei trailed behind, taking in the amusement. As they walked around they saw numerous Gorons. Many of which came in various colors of yellow, orange, even brown. They were pretty large as well, even the younger Gorons were tall enough to reach the Hylian's torsos. Three little Gorons rolled their way towards the group.

"Shad!" one of the little ones greeted excitedly. "Didn't expect to see you today!"

"I'm full of surprises, Axyl," Shad patted the little Goron's head. "How've you three been?"

"My backside has grown more stones!" The Goron known as Axyl showed his backside.

"I found a topaz gem!" The other small Goron showed a yellow gem.

"Shad, pick me up!" The third Goron jumped towards Shad, who caught him in his arms.

"You're getting big, Offrak! Look at you! Also an impressive gem, Slergo." Shad place the little Goron back on the ground. "Look, it's great to see you three, but Yunobo needs me to help with the mines"

"Oh yeah, sure! See you later bud!"

"You're quite famous around here," Zelda commented as the three little Gorons rolled away.

"Now what makes you say that?"

"Hello, Shad! Great to see you around here again!" A voice came from the direction where a pair of large elderly-looking Gorons stood.

"Hello, Volcon," Shad greeted. "How are you, and how's your brother?"

"I'm doing fine, but ol' Tray here passed a kidney stone!"

The other elderly Goron held up a large unique pattern rock. "Look how big this thing is!"

"I'm sure Shad would like to hear about it, but we have important things to attend to," Yunobo spoke up.

"Oh of course! Don't let us keep you still."

"Thanks, Yunobo," Shad muttered.

"I figured after Volcon passed his stone, you didn't want to go through that again," Yunobo said.

"Ugh, you don't have to remind us," Ashei shuddered.

Another one of the rock homes came into their view, much larger than the others. On the top lies a black stone with an image of a diamond with three triangles on top, almost looking like the three-toed footprint Zelda tripped in earlier. On the very top of the home lies a very large skull of a creature appearing reptilian and has three horns, two on the side and one at the center. Rudy perked his head up, smiling beaming on his face as he jumped off Ilia and ran straight inside.

"That your house?" Link asks.

"Yep. My dad and I live there. And there's Lord Daruk! He's our best warrior, and second in command of the tribe!"

Standing in front of the home is Goron that was about the same size as Yunobo. He also had white hair and a beard and carried a large massive club.

"Daruk! Over here!"

"There you are, Yunobo! Looks like you Found ol' Rudania."

"I did, but he wasn't the only one I found." Yunobo steps to the side revealing the Hylians with him.

"Well well. The tiny scholar returns! Long time no see eh, Shad?" Daruk slapped Shad's back, causing him to tumble forward.

"It wasn't that long, Daruk," Shad retorted, trying to regain his balance.

"Long enough for me! Great to see you still kicking. How 'bout you Ashei?"

"Still kicking as well." Ashei greeted Daruk with a fist bump.

"And you bright more tiny friends this time around."

"Yes. They joined our ranks several months ago." Shad said. "Yunobo told us there's a dodongo problem at the mines?"

"Those pests sucked in here last night. The night crew manages to get out safely, but we can't mine for gems as long as those things are there. Think you can help us again, tiny scholar?"

"Of course, Daruk," Shad replied.

"Count me in as well!" Ashei followed.

"What about your other friends? Can they fight?" Daruk glanced at the Ordon Trio.

"I could if I had my crossbow with me," Ilia stated. "But my sister is a skilled archer. Like really good."

"And you?" Daruk looked at Link. "Can you use that fancy-looking sword well?"

"You think I carry this for show?"

Daruk was taken aback by Link's remark. Quickly, Daruk's demeanor changed as he gave a warm-hearted laugh.

"You sure know how to pick good friends, Shad. I like this one already!" Daruk slapped Link's back, who also stumbled. "Tough little guy!"

"Thank you…?"

"Since that's settled, if you're all willing to help then we should get going then."

"Is dad there?" Yunobo asked.

"He's waiting for us at the mine. Let's not keep him waiting."

With Daruk taking the lead, Yunobo and Hylians followed, not knowing what was going to transpire at the mines. This is truly going to be an interesting experience for everyone.

How ya'll doing? I got my copy of Skyward Sword HD and I finished playing through it no too long ago so I'm posting a chapter to celebrate. Not an exciting, I know, but I like to do some worldbuilding. The next chapter will have some action...probably. I sure can't wait to bomb some dodongos!

(I'm terribly sorry for that...)

Is it weird that part of me kinda wished that Nintendo added wild cats species in Breath of the Wild, and hope they do it in it's sequel? Ah well, my fic my rules. And since they can put ostriches on a volcano (and seals in the desert, and rhinos in a snowy region) the same rules can apply. Cats rule.

Goron City, and Death Mountain are mostly based on Breath of the Wild's version. And I don't know about you, but I would die for Rudy (quick story: I work in fast food and one night a customer came by drive-thru and her kid had a bearded dragon and that's how I got the idea for Rudy. As for the name choice that should be obvious).

And I'm sure I accidently turned Shad into the Zelda version of Kristoff from Frozen

Thanks for the favs, follows, and reviews. Happy Reading.