Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda. Nintendo does. Always has always will.
Author's Note: Okay I know I mostly change Dodongo's Cavern but I'm writing a novel not a guide. And for any of those who don't know by now. Amnidextrus is the ability to use both hands just as good as the other. I'm just doing this to please all those anti-lefty Zelda fans. What's the big deal? I don't know but people continually argue about it.
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Ocarina of Time: Rebirth
Chapter Thirteen: The Dodongos Cavern
It was now in the early morning at Kakariko Village, one could just see the first beams of light coming from the eye of Din as it tried to lift up over the ominous Death Mountain. While most the villagers were just trying to go on with their normal lives many had noticed the Goron's constructing a very large bomb at the base of the mountain for purposes they couldn't begin to comprehend. Impa meanwhile still had no idea what was going on, but knew that whatever it was the Gorons would be alright. They had got their fighting spirit back after so long. Much to her own dismay, she had been called back to the palace to represent the Shiekah in the next meeting, but she couldn't let the King know of Zelda's bold move. She'd have to make up an excuse along the way.
On the mountain a series of grunts and straining breaths could be heard as the numbers of the Grand Goron Army move up behind the custom made Super Bomb, which was being pushed up the mountain by Darunia, Link, Garen, Daramu and Grant while Zelda walked out in front directing them. They had left the horses in the care of the village inn which had agreed to give them food and stables. Link had just met Malon and Garen knew she would kill him if anything happened to her favorate two horses, as she had so gently told Link.
Garen had recieved his own bomb bag and the maximum of ten bombs which had been tied around his belt. As Link gave another heavy push on the large explosive he spoke "Man. Couldn't we maybe have built it outside the city." Darunia gave more pressure on it "It would have taken longer to bring it down." Darunia replied. Garen grunted "Ahh. Shut up and push!" he urged to his friends as they came near the boulder. They rolled it right up next to the large boulder.
Grant had already had a large hole drilled into the boulder so they could make sure the bomb would only destroy it. Several other Goron's took over pulling it up and pushing it into the hole then quickly forcing a peg in to hold it. Grant took his torch and ordered everybody to step way back as he lit the oil soaked rope that acted as the fuse. As soon as he did this all the Gorons grabbed their weapons and hit the dirt, their naturally sheilded backs would block the shrapnel. Garen took cover behind Darunia.
Zelda suddenly found that she was open to any kind of danger and couldn't find anything to hide behind. Just as the mammoth bomb went off somebody pulled her into a large crack in the side of the mountain. Pieces of the boulder went flying by one of them slamming into a Goron shattering across his back. She looked up to see Link who was pretty much outlined in the shadows. He spoke "Zelda. Are you sure you wanna do this? I mean I don't want you getting hurt or anything. I mean, your parents wouldn't find it easy to forgive me." he stuttered between sentences.
Zelda held back a blush. His concern for her own well being and her safety was very cute, she just hoped that he wasn't falling for her. She gasped mentally "I think it might be the other way around." her sub-conscious told her. She nodded as she smiled and told him she would be just fine, she had been secretly taught by both Impa and Aiden and her skill would come in handy. The rubble had already stopped falling and it looked safe.
They stepped out of the crack to see that the boulder had been blown to kingdom come and the Gorons were all unhurt. A few had bumps on their heads, but that was about it. Darunia saw this and raised a mammoth broad sword as they charged in. Zelda brought out her shield making sure that it was secured on her left arm. Link and Garen also took the time to check their equipment before they charged into the cavern to find it was very empty. The cavern had always been in the shape of a semi circle going around Goron City but something had happened. Everybody noticed there were now pools of lava and a large Dodongo Skull was there in the center of the room. When Link asked Darunia spoke "That is the statue of our guardian. The Great Dead Dodongo who sent the monsters into the depths of the earth. He protects us now." he then turned to his forces "Everybody separate, we need to wipe them out." he ordered.
Link and the others decided to go together while Darunia and his brother would cover the main chamber. Other Goron soldiers ran off to the next rooms. As the young warriors headed off Darunia noticed a strange plaque had been put up. Darunia read this "When the great Guardian sees read the true path will open." he noticed a bridge and knew what to do. Their father had spoken of a great beast that lived in the depths of Hyrule's core. Somebody must have woken him up and sent him to attack the Gorons.
It didn't take Link and the gang very long to find their first Dodongo. This thing was a real monster unlike they had seen outside the forest. It only had two legs but they were strong, like all Dodongo's it had a massive under bite with two large teeth poking out along with others. From the legs it's body melted into a serrated tail that was perfect for pounding at an enemy. Navi spoke up with her seemingly infinite wisdom on monsters "Thats a Dodongo. It's weakness are it's underside and it's tail. You have to be aggressive to beat this thing, but watch yourselves!" she yipped as it came toward them.
Zelda charged first running past it and slashing down it's tail, it roared with anger and suddenly began to deeply inhale. Garen raised an eyebrow "What the...?" suddenly it lowered it's head and a powerful blast of flame and fire. Link quickly pulled Zelda out of the way as it scorched his back. He fell to the ground in pain but quickly got up as his withdrawn shield had blocked most of it. He narrowed his eyes deciding to watch that, Zelda got ready as she smiled "Arn't you going to excuse yourself? Rude creature."
It suddenly came charging at them but Garen was ready. Removing the Sheikah Staff from the Sacred Realm he got it ready and quickly batted the monster in an uppercut fashion, badly injuring it's underjaw. Garen then quickly charged forth the Goron Bracelet on his left wrist glowing as he grabbed the monster's jaw and flipped it over. He then moved forward jumping up and stabbing it in the heart with the spear tip.
Garen jumped back keeping the staff stationary. Suddenly the monster began to glow and suddenly flames started breaking through it's scales. Garen quickly ducked down with his friends as the monster was obliterated by his own defense system. Link and Zelda quickly got up and left the chamber, Zelda trying to fight the urge to vomit at the sight of such gore. As they ran through the next chamber, Link removed one of his bombs as he sighted another Dodongo. Every bomb fuse was soaked in oil and tiny rocks were on the edge of each, grinding them between one's fingers lit off a spark lighting it. Link performed this action as the Dodongo began inhaling. He rushed up, slamming it down the monster's throat and as they left that room only heard a muffled groan from the monster as it died, its stomach obliterated by the explosion.
In the next chamber they found a large circular pillar in the middle of a lake of lava. But at the base of the pillar was a platform as well as a large cage built into it's side. To their surprise, several Gorons were being held prisoner. Garen quickly ran across the bridge with his sword when he noticed just how loose his grip had been, the grip of the sword wasn't woven and his hands were sweating in this chamber and he couldn't use his sword effectively. But how were these Gorons taken prisoner, Dodongos couldn't have done this. Something wasn't right...
Suddenly strange voiced came from behind them, they turned to see three lizard like warriors, carrying swords and shields. Looking at them it didn't take Zelda long to figure it out "These are the Lizalfos! Some of the warrior monsters from the war ten years ago! I knew Gannondorf was behind this!" she shouted in anger. One of them spoke with a rasping voice "If you want those filthy Goron's your gonna have to deal with us first." the lizardmen drew their weapons and leapt at the young warriors. There were only three of them, obviously allied with that wretch Gannondorf. One jumped at Garen while the other jumped at Zelda.
As one flew through the air it's sword drawn at Zelda, the end of one of the staff slammed into the monster's head. Link had withdrawn his sword and had decided to fight with his secondary weapon his staff of the trinity. Zelda drew her own staff. Link spoke "How about not messing with the girl. I've been waiting all day!" Link yelled as he swung at the monster. It blocked with it's sword and struck the staff but found it impossible to break. Link then jammed it into the monster's gut. He then sprung up and kicked it across the face. The monster roared and struck out again swatting the staff from Link's hands, this sent it into the lava pool. Link looked back at the monster "Well that suck." he cursed as the monster struck "Crap!" he yelped swiftly dodging with a backflip landing on his knees.
Zelda meanwhile lit a bomb and hurled it at Link telling him to get out of the way. Link got to the side as the bomb rolled to the monster's feet. Reacting quickly the lizardman kicked the bomb into the lava where it exploded against the rock wall. Water from and underground fissure came rushing in creating a blinding blanket of steam which made the room seem hotter. The Lizardmen's hands moved around their weapons trying to reinforce their grasp. Something else happened then, without warning Link's staff, which had been thrown into the lava flew through the air and the spear head stabbed into the rock wall. He remembered, to capture the essense of flame, bath the staff in lava. He dashed to retrieve his weapon.
Garen meanwhile knew how to use the staff more effectively and was going face to scaly face with the monster. He was scratched across the arm but quickly retaliated by slamming the rod into the monster's gut. The monster then kicked Garen hard in the gut causing him to double over in pain holding the rod in a vertical position. The monster laughed at this and raised his sword. Garen quickly caught his second wind springing up on the staff high into the air then bringing it down as hard as he could breaking the monster's neck and dropping it into the lava which was slowly drying up because of the water.
Link rushed up jumping over the drying lava to another platform to pull his staff from the wall turning just in time to catch another sword stroke. Both warriors were growing hotter in the steam soaked room, but the monster was just ignoring it and continued to swing. After Link's defense proved well put up, monster grew angry and took a full powered swing at Link. The steam that had caused moisture around the hilt as well as the smoothness of it's scales was it's undoing as his own blade was flung from his grip flying into the lava where it burned. Link looked up at the confused lizardman "Steam with scales. I guess they make the blade slip." he then jumped up stabbed the spear head into the monster's gut, this time being leathal. And just to test he concentrated on fire in the same way he would the lightning element. The oval head on the top of the staff snapped open, he drew out his blade and turned it forward and a blast of fire errupted from the spell crystal blowing the monster into the lava "Oh yeah." Link droned.
With the monster defreated Zelda grabbed her sword, running over and broke the lock on the Goron's cell. They recognized her instantly "Princess? What are you...? Oh who cares?! Thank you so much! How can we ever repay you?" Zelda looked to the young Goron who asked "None of you tell my father I was here. I'm vacationing in Kaakariko." they didn't understand but agree none the less. They moved to leave but Link stopped them telling them he needed a favor. He took Garen and Zelda's staff and handed it to a Goron that seemed to be a soldier "Another favor. Dunk these into the lava if you will."
Without questioned, the Goron did this dropping them into what remained of fresh lava and just as before after absorbing the lava, the staffs burst from the pit stabbing into the ground glowing red for a few seconds before cooling. Link explained and Garen nodded "Not bad Link." he chuckled. The Gorons all nodded and headed out of the cavern. Zelda and Garen could feel the power in the staffs now, the element of fire was at their disposal, but still raw power was with the blades, which canneled their own energy.
Link and Garen quickly headed through the next door finding that they were on the second level of the central area. They gasped as they saw the entire Goron Army surrounded by Gorons in an all out free for all. Zelda knew that it was time she placed her hands on her head, concentrating hard on her abilities. In moments she was sending out a telepathic message to Grant who was now back inside the city. GRANT! Do it now!
As soon as she sent this the walls all over the cavern were blown open and Goron City was revealed. Dodongos broke off from the melee and headed into the city where they were smited by a hail of flaming arrow, fired by the expert archers perched on the city. As the Dodongo's found themselves blocked by a barrier, the naturally strong Gorons came down with devestating blows from behind spraying blood. Darunia laughed as he slashed one down the side jumping away before it exploded "We've got em on the run now!" he hollared. He looked to Zelda to was trying to get into "Princess! Bomb the statues eyes! It must see red!" Link looked to her and removed his bomb bag tossing it to her. He and Garen then jumped and slid down the statue's face to join in the melee.
Link and Garen joined in the fight with their swords slashing at the Dodongos and drawing heavy blood. Garen even got a chance to stab his staff down one's throat and set off a burst of fire killing it instantly. Explosions and blood could be seen all over as they learned the Gorons and the young warriors began shreading through the monsters. Darunia stopped to look around. The walls that separated the caverns from the city were gone and they were obviously going to win. Soon the Dodongo's Cavern would be the next part of Goron City. He couldn't help but laugh as he regrouped with his brother in the battle.
Meanwhile back in Gerudo Valley the King of the Gerudo Thieves, Gannondorf Dragmire was at the training range in a fight against several other Gerudo. He was bare chested just to add to the challenge as they all wore armor, he swung his mammoth sword with ease proving just how strong he was playing defensive. He always found this fun, it was all training for the strike on the Kingdom of Hyrule.
Suddenly he was interrupted by the call of a messenger on horseback. He lowered his sword as he turned his head suddenly noticing that one of the Gerudo's had not heard and swung her scimitar. He quickly raised his hand catching the blade between his thumb and fingers, the Gerudo trying to stop helped as well. They all stepped back as Gannondorf threw on a shirt that was laying to the side. He smiled to the messenger "Ah. News on the Gorons? Are they willing to pay my price for the extermination?" the messenger shook her head handing him the report from Death Mountain. Gannondorf looked over the report and then dropped it looking up with hatred in his eyes "How did they get over such depression and suffering? I can understand a few getting over it, but the entire army?!" the messenger stepped back confessing she didn't know.
Gannondorf sneered as he dropped the piece of paper and stamped it out "Seems we are forced to change tactics. Tell our forces and our allies to prepare themselves for battle, we're going to strike in four days. We'll take Hyrule and then look for those stupid stones. The Triforce is already mine, a little time is just a barrier. Nothing more." he growled as he returned to the fortress.
He still hadn't managed to get that stone from Nabooru as she couldn't necessarily fight her own King until she was recognized as a master. Even if she was already able to beat half of the Gerudos she was still considered in training. Gannondorf hated this as he would have to wait another year before he could challenge her officially. While someone else could challenge her and beat her from the outside. But she could issue a challenge to anybody, but others could only challenge her after she became a master of the sword. This situation heaved.Gannondorf would have his way somehow. He didn't know how but he would. But in the meantime he would have to go to the outlands and gather his army of monsters. The Triforce, the essence of the goddesses would be his. One way or another.
With a battle cry Darunia struck down the last Dodongo spilling heavy blood then gave a might kick sending it into the air where it exploded. The Goron's cheered as only a few of them had been seriously injured and they were being treated outside the cavern. Zelda shouted out to Daramu to get his attention as she dropped an active bomb in each of the statue's eyes, as they exploded they showered flame and the eyes lit up in red ruby revealed under the several decades of dust and build up. Link and Garen both watched in amazement as the statues giant maw slowly opened revealing a large cave.
The Gorons drew their swords as the scouting patrol came back to the main entrance "Big Brother! The Dodongos have been completely eradicated. That cave is the last place to search." Darunia nodded ordering half of the troops to stay where they were as himself and others would enter the cave and flush out the last of the Dodongos. And so it came to a decision "Brother. First line. Link. Garen. All of you come with me." he said as he entered the cave. Zelda however, slid down the statue's left side and followed none the less.
As they got closer to the entrance the forest raised Hylain's sharp ears picked up heavy breathing from the cave. Link looked around "I've got a bad feeling about this. Stay on your toes." he said whipping the blood from his sword. Zelda came up close to him as they continued inside, but the second they were through the maw of the Great Dead Dodongo, several bars slammed down cutting them off from the cavern. Knowing their military training the Gorons quickly fanned out as the Hylians stood at the doorway. Suddenly there was several pounding foot steps from deeper in the cave.
As a gigantic shadow got closer, an enormous blast of fire erupted from it's mouth blasting open a pool of boiling lava in the center of the chamber. As it finished making this lethal lava lake it stepped forward. It was a Dodongo, but alot bigger. About thirty times the average size, it had four legs instead of two and it's skin seemed to be composed of plated metal. Navi, who had been staying out of trouble under Link's hat sparked up announcing to the heroes that this was big trouble "This is the same monster that dwelled in this place over three hundred years ago. King Dodongo, I thought it was dead." the monster gave out a savage roar and everybody got ready.
The mighty monster stepped forth roaring violently "First the trunk of a spiritual tree, then giant spiders and now an ancient creature the size of a house." Link murmured as he drew his sword and shield. "Uh this could be a little bit of a problem." Garen responded as he gulped. Daramu seeing nothing else to do ordered an attack with a battle cry and the group of Gorons attacked the mammoth king of the Dodongos.
It didn't take long before most the Gorons had been slapped away by the monster's forearms, some of them knocked unconscious. Garen then saw Daramu doing the stupidest move he had ever seen, he had latched onto King Dodongo's back and was trying to drive his sword in but it wasn't doing much good as the monster's scales as far as he saw were completely indestructable. The King Dodongo suddenly bucked like a bull sending Daramu flying off and slamming onto the side of the lava pool.
Garen saw him slipping and quickly dived grabbing the heavy Goron's arm, Link helped as well along with Zelda quickly pulling him to safety. They then saw Darunia who had formulated a plan. He brought back his fist concentrating his strength until his arm was trembling. Giving a loud cry he clasped it into the other and slammed it into the side of a large pillar. It fell from the walls slamming into the King's head and dropping him, the pillar also made a bridge over the pool of lava. Dodongo calmly got up and continued towards the exit, the bars wouldn't do much to cage him. Zelda gasped as she saw this "He's gonna get out. He could get as far as the forest before we can stop him!" these worlds sent a sense of urgency through Link's system and raising his sword he suddenly rushed the monster.
Garen looked up as he saw Link rushing the Dodongo king "Masters! No!" he shouted as he urged Link to stay back. Not listening Link gathered a handful of useful objects he had brought from home putting away his shield. The Dodongo suddenly snapped down at Link who had other ideas, he jumped into the air onto the monster's nose and hurled three Deku Nuts into it's eyes. Each of them shattered on impact sending out a blinding flash, the monster dropped to the ground scrapping at its eye like a dog as Link dropped down to the ground and slash the monster's side.
Darunia ran up the monster's tail from behind and attacked with his much broader sword slashing down King Dodongo's already damaged back. Zelda jumped up and took aim with her slingshot holding another Deku Nut in the sling. She fired it off and it exploded in a powerful burst against King Dodongo's face, hurting it's eyes further. Link was thrown against the wall by a stray leg as Garen jumped on and started stabbing into the monster's back getting nowhere. His hide was so thick it was doing nothing more than pin pricks. The monster roared as it raised it's head back aiming at Zelda and launched another blast of fire.
Zelda froze, she couldn't think as she braced for impact. Link moved quickly up the side of the lava pool and seeing this and gasped in fear. Zelda, this girl who had been so kind to him so far and shown him through this world was about to be killed, and only because she wanted to help. Getting up his guts he dove into the air pushing Zelda out of the way before getting pounded by the flames which sent him flying into the hard rock wall. He felt to the ground landing on hard ground the pebbles and gravel stabbing into his chest knocking the breath out of him. His body was in shock and he felt he couldn't move.
Zelda forgeting about Garen and Darunia quickly ran up to him finding that his shield had taken most of the blow "Link get up." she begged. Link was barly awake as she begged him pulling him into a hug, Link barely felt it he couldn't open his eyes which hurt from the impact. Link felt defeated, but as he was about to pass out he felt something strangly cool and wet against his cheek in this hellish place. Opening his eyes he looked up at Zelda's face, she was sheding drops of water out her eyes. No this was a tear, of a princess. Link breathed as he looked up at her raising a hand to touch her shoulder "Zelda..." he breathed out pathetically.
Darunia was the next to go flying as he attempted to get his sword into the monster's left side, but the snapping tail sent him slamming into the wall next to Link. Only he hit with such force the wall spider webbed with cracks. Zelda screamed as she was still holding the helpless Link.The monster breathed fire in the air in victory, but Zelda saw something strange as the monster put on its dramatic fire show, it looked like two jets of flame came from the back of its throat before igniting into the blast. They were clearly glands of some sort that produced the natural fuel and flame.
Garen saw it too and looked back at Zelda was ready to take her shot, Garen in turn moved forward in another attack, running at the monster head on. Every step a prayer to Nayru that this idiotic plan would work. Link looked from his place on the ground as his friends still fought, pushing his pain and numbnes aside he got up surprising Zelda as he raised his slingshot. King Dodongo gathered up more air to fuel his fiery breath as Garen ran at him. Suddenly without warning a Deku Seed flew through the air slamming hard against the monster's eyes breaking its concentration. Garen dug into his pocket removing a handful of the Deku Nuts Link had supplied him with. He hoped the king would do what he expected and braced himself as he hurled himself into the air. He looked down to see King Dodongo's maw waiting for it's falling prey and he hurled the Deku Nuts as hard as he could.
They slammed into the interior of his mouth sparks going off all around its gapping jaw, as common sense would predict, one of them hitting the gland that produced the natural napalm. The sparks reacted with this and a sudden reaction King Dodongo's mouth erupted like a volcano, it roared in mighty pain as it lacked the ability to breath without extreme agony and fell to the ground screaming. Garen laughed as the mighty Dodongo got up greatly unhappy with this. It roared as it attempted to use it's breath his body trembling from the emmense pain.
It stomped up to Garen who waited bravely, Darunia raised his sword but stopped as he took notice of the object that Garen had placed behind his back. Dodongo raised it's head back preparing to snap at the young hero but as he did this the monster suddenly stopped and glared back at its tail which was breeming with pain. Garen looked up and laughed at seeing that both Link and Zelda had gone around and stabbed their weapons into the sensitive tail of the monster. The monster couldn't move as it was in too much pain flailing its forearms into the ground.
Garen twisted his fingers on the fuse lighting the bomb he was holding "You were careless monster. Yet your dealings with the Gerudo King have proven to be fatal." Link twisted his sword once again and the monster's mouth opened to roar again. Garen in turn hurled the bomb into it's mouth and all of a sudden Darunia who had gotten up quickly, grabbed him and pulled him to safety. Link meanwhile ran with Zelda and hit the dirt next to a heavy rock pillar and cover both their heads with their shields.
The bomb exploded, obliterating the ancient monster's throat and stomach. As it's own flammable breath fueled the explosion it's body was being destroyed from the inside out. It screamed, it pieces of his stomach and blood coming from his throat. It groaned as it fell to it's side and rolled into the very lava pit it had created. It scorched and burned screaming for mercy, but it received none as it was slowly eaten away at by the lava, which dried up to display his head which stuck out, almost serving as a memorial to the Dodongo's defeat. Darunia, Daramu, Link and Zelda all looked up silently as Garen raised his sword high and gave a victory cry. Death Mountain had been saved, as had the Gorons. And most likely most of the kingdom. Link smiled at his new friend as he had to admit he couldn't have asked the goddesses for a better partner.
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Next Chapter: The Princess's Hospitality
Darunia awards the Trio the Goron's Ruby and a small celebration takes place. After being completely thrashed from the fighting Zelda invites them to stay at the castle as it is the least they can do. Gannondorf grows suspicious of the two as he attends another pointless meeting with the king. Garen meanwhile drops in on Malon once again.
Author's Note: Okay I know I mostly change Dodongo's Cavern but I'm writing a novel not a guide. And for any of those who don't know by now. Amnidextrus is the ability to use both hands just as good as the other. I'm just doing this to please all those anti-lefty Zelda fans. What's the big deal? I don't know but people continually argue about it.
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Ocarina of Time: Rebirth
Chapter Thirteen: The Dodongos Cavern
It was now in the early morning at Kakariko Village, one could just see the first beams of light coming from the eye of Din as it tried to lift up over the ominous Death Mountain. While most the villagers were just trying to go on with their normal lives many had noticed the Goron's constructing a very large bomb at the base of the mountain for purposes they couldn't begin to comprehend. Impa meanwhile still had no idea what was going on, but knew that whatever it was the Gorons would be alright. They had got their fighting spirit back after so long. Much to her own dismay, she had been called back to the palace to represent the Shiekah in the next meeting, but she couldn't let the King know of Zelda's bold move. She'd have to make up an excuse along the way.
On the mountain a series of grunts and straining breaths could be heard as the numbers of the Grand Goron Army move up behind the custom made Super Bomb, which was being pushed up the mountain by Darunia, Link, Garen, Daramu and Grant while Zelda walked out in front directing them. They had left the horses in the care of the village inn which had agreed to give them food and stables. Link had just met Malon and Garen knew she would kill him if anything happened to her favorate two horses, as she had so gently told Link.
Garen had recieved his own bomb bag and the maximum of ten bombs which had been tied around his belt. As Link gave another heavy push on the large explosive he spoke "Man. Couldn't we maybe have built it outside the city." Darunia gave more pressure on it "It would have taken longer to bring it down." Darunia replied. Garen grunted "Ahh. Shut up and push!" he urged to his friends as they came near the boulder. They rolled it right up next to the large boulder.
Grant had already had a large hole drilled into the boulder so they could make sure the bomb would only destroy it. Several other Goron's took over pulling it up and pushing it into the hole then quickly forcing a peg in to hold it. Grant took his torch and ordered everybody to step way back as he lit the oil soaked rope that acted as the fuse. As soon as he did this all the Gorons grabbed their weapons and hit the dirt, their naturally sheilded backs would block the shrapnel. Garen took cover behind Darunia.
Zelda suddenly found that she was open to any kind of danger and couldn't find anything to hide behind. Just as the mammoth bomb went off somebody pulled her into a large crack in the side of the mountain. Pieces of the boulder went flying by one of them slamming into a Goron shattering across his back. She looked up to see Link who was pretty much outlined in the shadows. He spoke "Zelda. Are you sure you wanna do this? I mean I don't want you getting hurt or anything. I mean, your parents wouldn't find it easy to forgive me." he stuttered between sentences.
Zelda held back a blush. His concern for her own well being and her safety was very cute, she just hoped that he wasn't falling for her. She gasped mentally "I think it might be the other way around." her sub-conscious told her. She nodded as she smiled and told him she would be just fine, she had been secretly taught by both Impa and Aiden and her skill would come in handy. The rubble had already stopped falling and it looked safe.
They stepped out of the crack to see that the boulder had been blown to kingdom come and the Gorons were all unhurt. A few had bumps on their heads, but that was about it. Darunia saw this and raised a mammoth broad sword as they charged in. Zelda brought out her shield making sure that it was secured on her left arm. Link and Garen also took the time to check their equipment before they charged into the cavern to find it was very empty. The cavern had always been in the shape of a semi circle going around Goron City but something had happened. Everybody noticed there were now pools of lava and a large Dodongo Skull was there in the center of the room. When Link asked Darunia spoke "That is the statue of our guardian. The Great Dead Dodongo who sent the monsters into the depths of the earth. He protects us now." he then turned to his forces "Everybody separate, we need to wipe them out." he ordered.
Link and the others decided to go together while Darunia and his brother would cover the main chamber. Other Goron soldiers ran off to the next rooms. As the young warriors headed off Darunia noticed a strange plaque had been put up. Darunia read this "When the great Guardian sees read the true path will open." he noticed a bridge and knew what to do. Their father had spoken of a great beast that lived in the depths of Hyrule's core. Somebody must have woken him up and sent him to attack the Gorons.
It didn't take Link and the gang very long to find their first Dodongo. This thing was a real monster unlike they had seen outside the forest. It only had two legs but they were strong, like all Dodongo's it had a massive under bite with two large teeth poking out along with others. From the legs it's body melted into a serrated tail that was perfect for pounding at an enemy. Navi spoke up with her seemingly infinite wisdom on monsters "Thats a Dodongo. It's weakness are it's underside and it's tail. You have to be aggressive to beat this thing, but watch yourselves!" she yipped as it came toward them.
Zelda charged first running past it and slashing down it's tail, it roared with anger and suddenly began to deeply inhale. Garen raised an eyebrow "What the...?" suddenly it lowered it's head and a powerful blast of flame and fire. Link quickly pulled Zelda out of the way as it scorched his back. He fell to the ground in pain but quickly got up as his withdrawn shield had blocked most of it. He narrowed his eyes deciding to watch that, Zelda got ready as she smiled "Arn't you going to excuse yourself? Rude creature."
It suddenly came charging at them but Garen was ready. Removing the Sheikah Staff from the Sacred Realm he got it ready and quickly batted the monster in an uppercut fashion, badly injuring it's underjaw. Garen then quickly charged forth the Goron Bracelet on his left wrist glowing as he grabbed the monster's jaw and flipped it over. He then moved forward jumping up and stabbing it in the heart with the spear tip.
Garen jumped back keeping the staff stationary. Suddenly the monster began to glow and suddenly flames started breaking through it's scales. Garen quickly ducked down with his friends as the monster was obliterated by his own defense system. Link and Zelda quickly got up and left the chamber, Zelda trying to fight the urge to vomit at the sight of such gore. As they ran through the next chamber, Link removed one of his bombs as he sighted another Dodongo. Every bomb fuse was soaked in oil and tiny rocks were on the edge of each, grinding them between one's fingers lit off a spark lighting it. Link performed this action as the Dodongo began inhaling. He rushed up, slamming it down the monster's throat and as they left that room only heard a muffled groan from the monster as it died, its stomach obliterated by the explosion.
In the next chamber they found a large circular pillar in the middle of a lake of lava. But at the base of the pillar was a platform as well as a large cage built into it's side. To their surprise, several Gorons were being held prisoner. Garen quickly ran across the bridge with his sword when he noticed just how loose his grip had been, the grip of the sword wasn't woven and his hands were sweating in this chamber and he couldn't use his sword effectively. But how were these Gorons taken prisoner, Dodongos couldn't have done this. Something wasn't right...
Suddenly strange voiced came from behind them, they turned to see three lizard like warriors, carrying swords and shields. Looking at them it didn't take Zelda long to figure it out "These are the Lizalfos! Some of the warrior monsters from the war ten years ago! I knew Gannondorf was behind this!" she shouted in anger. One of them spoke with a rasping voice "If you want those filthy Goron's your gonna have to deal with us first." the lizardmen drew their weapons and leapt at the young warriors. There were only three of them, obviously allied with that wretch Gannondorf. One jumped at Garen while the other jumped at Zelda.
As one flew through the air it's sword drawn at Zelda, the end of one of the staff slammed into the monster's head. Link had withdrawn his sword and had decided to fight with his secondary weapon his staff of the trinity. Zelda drew her own staff. Link spoke "How about not messing with the girl. I've been waiting all day!" Link yelled as he swung at the monster. It blocked with it's sword and struck the staff but found it impossible to break. Link then jammed it into the monster's gut. He then sprung up and kicked it across the face. The monster roared and struck out again swatting the staff from Link's hands, this sent it into the lava pool. Link looked back at the monster "Well that suck." he cursed as the monster struck "Crap!" he yelped swiftly dodging with a backflip landing on his knees.
Zelda meanwhile lit a bomb and hurled it at Link telling him to get out of the way. Link got to the side as the bomb rolled to the monster's feet. Reacting quickly the lizardman kicked the bomb into the lava where it exploded against the rock wall. Water from and underground fissure came rushing in creating a blinding blanket of steam which made the room seem hotter. The Lizardmen's hands moved around their weapons trying to reinforce their grasp. Something else happened then, without warning Link's staff, which had been thrown into the lava flew through the air and the spear head stabbed into the rock wall. He remembered, to capture the essense of flame, bath the staff in lava. He dashed to retrieve his weapon.
Garen meanwhile knew how to use the staff more effectively and was going face to scaly face with the monster. He was scratched across the arm but quickly retaliated by slamming the rod into the monster's gut. The monster then kicked Garen hard in the gut causing him to double over in pain holding the rod in a vertical position. The monster laughed at this and raised his sword. Garen quickly caught his second wind springing up on the staff high into the air then bringing it down as hard as he could breaking the monster's neck and dropping it into the lava which was slowly drying up because of the water.
Link rushed up jumping over the drying lava to another platform to pull his staff from the wall turning just in time to catch another sword stroke. Both warriors were growing hotter in the steam soaked room, but the monster was just ignoring it and continued to swing. After Link's defense proved well put up, monster grew angry and took a full powered swing at Link. The steam that had caused moisture around the hilt as well as the smoothness of it's scales was it's undoing as his own blade was flung from his grip flying into the lava where it burned. Link looked up at the confused lizardman "Steam with scales. I guess they make the blade slip." he then jumped up stabbed the spear head into the monster's gut, this time being leathal. And just to test he concentrated on fire in the same way he would the lightning element. The oval head on the top of the staff snapped open, he drew out his blade and turned it forward and a blast of fire errupted from the spell crystal blowing the monster into the lava "Oh yeah." Link droned.
With the monster defreated Zelda grabbed her sword, running over and broke the lock on the Goron's cell. They recognized her instantly "Princess? What are you...? Oh who cares?! Thank you so much! How can we ever repay you?" Zelda looked to the young Goron who asked "None of you tell my father I was here. I'm vacationing in Kaakariko." they didn't understand but agree none the less. They moved to leave but Link stopped them telling them he needed a favor. He took Garen and Zelda's staff and handed it to a Goron that seemed to be a soldier "Another favor. Dunk these into the lava if you will."
Without questioned, the Goron did this dropping them into what remained of fresh lava and just as before after absorbing the lava, the staffs burst from the pit stabbing into the ground glowing red for a few seconds before cooling. Link explained and Garen nodded "Not bad Link." he chuckled. The Gorons all nodded and headed out of the cavern. Zelda and Garen could feel the power in the staffs now, the element of fire was at their disposal, but still raw power was with the blades, which canneled their own energy.
Link and Garen quickly headed through the next door finding that they were on the second level of the central area. They gasped as they saw the entire Goron Army surrounded by Gorons in an all out free for all. Zelda knew that it was time she placed her hands on her head, concentrating hard on her abilities. In moments she was sending out a telepathic message to Grant who was now back inside the city. GRANT! Do it now!
As soon as she sent this the walls all over the cavern were blown open and Goron City was revealed. Dodongos broke off from the melee and headed into the city where they were smited by a hail of flaming arrow, fired by the expert archers perched on the city. As the Dodongo's found themselves blocked by a barrier, the naturally strong Gorons came down with devestating blows from behind spraying blood. Darunia laughed as he slashed one down the side jumping away before it exploded "We've got em on the run now!" he hollared. He looked to Zelda to was trying to get into "Princess! Bomb the statues eyes! It must see red!" Link looked to her and removed his bomb bag tossing it to her. He and Garen then jumped and slid down the statue's face to join in the melee.
Link and Garen joined in the fight with their swords slashing at the Dodongos and drawing heavy blood. Garen even got a chance to stab his staff down one's throat and set off a burst of fire killing it instantly. Explosions and blood could be seen all over as they learned the Gorons and the young warriors began shreading through the monsters. Darunia stopped to look around. The walls that separated the caverns from the city were gone and they were obviously going to win. Soon the Dodongo's Cavern would be the next part of Goron City. He couldn't help but laugh as he regrouped with his brother in the battle.
Meanwhile back in Gerudo Valley the King of the Gerudo Thieves, Gannondorf Dragmire was at the training range in a fight against several other Gerudo. He was bare chested just to add to the challenge as they all wore armor, he swung his mammoth sword with ease proving just how strong he was playing defensive. He always found this fun, it was all training for the strike on the Kingdom of Hyrule.
Suddenly he was interrupted by the call of a messenger on horseback. He lowered his sword as he turned his head suddenly noticing that one of the Gerudo's had not heard and swung her scimitar. He quickly raised his hand catching the blade between his thumb and fingers, the Gerudo trying to stop helped as well. They all stepped back as Gannondorf threw on a shirt that was laying to the side. He smiled to the messenger "Ah. News on the Gorons? Are they willing to pay my price for the extermination?" the messenger shook her head handing him the report from Death Mountain. Gannondorf looked over the report and then dropped it looking up with hatred in his eyes "How did they get over such depression and suffering? I can understand a few getting over it, but the entire army?!" the messenger stepped back confessing she didn't know.
Gannondorf sneered as he dropped the piece of paper and stamped it out "Seems we are forced to change tactics. Tell our forces and our allies to prepare themselves for battle, we're going to strike in four days. We'll take Hyrule and then look for those stupid stones. The Triforce is already mine, a little time is just a barrier. Nothing more." he growled as he returned to the fortress.
He still hadn't managed to get that stone from Nabooru as she couldn't necessarily fight her own King until she was recognized as a master. Even if she was already able to beat half of the Gerudos she was still considered in training. Gannondorf hated this as he would have to wait another year before he could challenge her officially. While someone else could challenge her and beat her from the outside. But she could issue a challenge to anybody, but others could only challenge her after she became a master of the sword. This situation heaved.Gannondorf would have his way somehow. He didn't know how but he would. But in the meantime he would have to go to the outlands and gather his army of monsters. The Triforce, the essence of the goddesses would be his. One way or another.
With a battle cry Darunia struck down the last Dodongo spilling heavy blood then gave a might kick sending it into the air where it exploded. The Goron's cheered as only a few of them had been seriously injured and they were being treated outside the cavern. Zelda shouted out to Daramu to get his attention as she dropped an active bomb in each of the statue's eyes, as they exploded they showered flame and the eyes lit up in red ruby revealed under the several decades of dust and build up. Link and Garen both watched in amazement as the statues giant maw slowly opened revealing a large cave.
The Gorons drew their swords as the scouting patrol came back to the main entrance "Big Brother! The Dodongos have been completely eradicated. That cave is the last place to search." Darunia nodded ordering half of the troops to stay where they were as himself and others would enter the cave and flush out the last of the Dodongos. And so it came to a decision "Brother. First line. Link. Garen. All of you come with me." he said as he entered the cave. Zelda however, slid down the statue's left side and followed none the less.
As they got closer to the entrance the forest raised Hylain's sharp ears picked up heavy breathing from the cave. Link looked around "I've got a bad feeling about this. Stay on your toes." he said whipping the blood from his sword. Zelda came up close to him as they continued inside, but the second they were through the maw of the Great Dead Dodongo, several bars slammed down cutting them off from the cavern. Knowing their military training the Gorons quickly fanned out as the Hylians stood at the doorway. Suddenly there was several pounding foot steps from deeper in the cave.
As a gigantic shadow got closer, an enormous blast of fire erupted from it's mouth blasting open a pool of boiling lava in the center of the chamber. As it finished making this lethal lava lake it stepped forward. It was a Dodongo, but alot bigger. About thirty times the average size, it had four legs instead of two and it's skin seemed to be composed of plated metal. Navi, who had been staying out of trouble under Link's hat sparked up announcing to the heroes that this was big trouble "This is the same monster that dwelled in this place over three hundred years ago. King Dodongo, I thought it was dead." the monster gave out a savage roar and everybody got ready.
The mighty monster stepped forth roaring violently "First the trunk of a spiritual tree, then giant spiders and now an ancient creature the size of a house." Link murmured as he drew his sword and shield. "Uh this could be a little bit of a problem." Garen responded as he gulped. Daramu seeing nothing else to do ordered an attack with a battle cry and the group of Gorons attacked the mammoth king of the Dodongos.
It didn't take long before most the Gorons had been slapped away by the monster's forearms, some of them knocked unconscious. Garen then saw Daramu doing the stupidest move he had ever seen, he had latched onto King Dodongo's back and was trying to drive his sword in but it wasn't doing much good as the monster's scales as far as he saw were completely indestructable. The King Dodongo suddenly bucked like a bull sending Daramu flying off and slamming onto the side of the lava pool.
Garen saw him slipping and quickly dived grabbing the heavy Goron's arm, Link helped as well along with Zelda quickly pulling him to safety. They then saw Darunia who had formulated a plan. He brought back his fist concentrating his strength until his arm was trembling. Giving a loud cry he clasped it into the other and slammed it into the side of a large pillar. It fell from the walls slamming into the King's head and dropping him, the pillar also made a bridge over the pool of lava. Dodongo calmly got up and continued towards the exit, the bars wouldn't do much to cage him. Zelda gasped as she saw this "He's gonna get out. He could get as far as the forest before we can stop him!" these worlds sent a sense of urgency through Link's system and raising his sword he suddenly rushed the monster.
Garen looked up as he saw Link rushing the Dodongo king "Masters! No!" he shouted as he urged Link to stay back. Not listening Link gathered a handful of useful objects he had brought from home putting away his shield. The Dodongo suddenly snapped down at Link who had other ideas, he jumped into the air onto the monster's nose and hurled three Deku Nuts into it's eyes. Each of them shattered on impact sending out a blinding flash, the monster dropped to the ground scrapping at its eye like a dog as Link dropped down to the ground and slash the monster's side.
Darunia ran up the monster's tail from behind and attacked with his much broader sword slashing down King Dodongo's already damaged back. Zelda jumped up and took aim with her slingshot holding another Deku Nut in the sling. She fired it off and it exploded in a powerful burst against King Dodongo's face, hurting it's eyes further. Link was thrown against the wall by a stray leg as Garen jumped on and started stabbing into the monster's back getting nowhere. His hide was so thick it was doing nothing more than pin pricks. The monster roared as it raised it's head back aiming at Zelda and launched another blast of fire.
Zelda froze, she couldn't think as she braced for impact. Link moved quickly up the side of the lava pool and seeing this and gasped in fear. Zelda, this girl who had been so kind to him so far and shown him through this world was about to be killed, and only because she wanted to help. Getting up his guts he dove into the air pushing Zelda out of the way before getting pounded by the flames which sent him flying into the hard rock wall. He felt to the ground landing on hard ground the pebbles and gravel stabbing into his chest knocking the breath out of him. His body was in shock and he felt he couldn't move.
Zelda forgeting about Garen and Darunia quickly ran up to him finding that his shield had taken most of the blow "Link get up." she begged. Link was barly awake as she begged him pulling him into a hug, Link barely felt it he couldn't open his eyes which hurt from the impact. Link felt defeated, but as he was about to pass out he felt something strangly cool and wet against his cheek in this hellish place. Opening his eyes he looked up at Zelda's face, she was sheding drops of water out her eyes. No this was a tear, of a princess. Link breathed as he looked up at her raising a hand to touch her shoulder "Zelda..." he breathed out pathetically.
Darunia was the next to go flying as he attempted to get his sword into the monster's left side, but the snapping tail sent him slamming into the wall next to Link. Only he hit with such force the wall spider webbed with cracks. Zelda screamed as she was still holding the helpless Link.The monster breathed fire in the air in victory, but Zelda saw something strange as the monster put on its dramatic fire show, it looked like two jets of flame came from the back of its throat before igniting into the blast. They were clearly glands of some sort that produced the natural fuel and flame.
Garen saw it too and looked back at Zelda was ready to take her shot, Garen in turn moved forward in another attack, running at the monster head on. Every step a prayer to Nayru that this idiotic plan would work. Link looked from his place on the ground as his friends still fought, pushing his pain and numbnes aside he got up surprising Zelda as he raised his slingshot. King Dodongo gathered up more air to fuel his fiery breath as Garen ran at him. Suddenly without warning a Deku Seed flew through the air slamming hard against the monster's eyes breaking its concentration. Garen dug into his pocket removing a handful of the Deku Nuts Link had supplied him with. He hoped the king would do what he expected and braced himself as he hurled himself into the air. He looked down to see King Dodongo's maw waiting for it's falling prey and he hurled the Deku Nuts as hard as he could.
They slammed into the interior of his mouth sparks going off all around its gapping jaw, as common sense would predict, one of them hitting the gland that produced the natural napalm. The sparks reacted with this and a sudden reaction King Dodongo's mouth erupted like a volcano, it roared in mighty pain as it lacked the ability to breath without extreme agony and fell to the ground screaming. Garen laughed as the mighty Dodongo got up greatly unhappy with this. It roared as it attempted to use it's breath his body trembling from the emmense pain.
It stomped up to Garen who waited bravely, Darunia raised his sword but stopped as he took notice of the object that Garen had placed behind his back. Dodongo raised it's head back preparing to snap at the young hero but as he did this the monster suddenly stopped and glared back at its tail which was breeming with pain. Garen looked up and laughed at seeing that both Link and Zelda had gone around and stabbed their weapons into the sensitive tail of the monster. The monster couldn't move as it was in too much pain flailing its forearms into the ground.
Garen twisted his fingers on the fuse lighting the bomb he was holding "You were careless monster. Yet your dealings with the Gerudo King have proven to be fatal." Link twisted his sword once again and the monster's mouth opened to roar again. Garen in turn hurled the bomb into it's mouth and all of a sudden Darunia who had gotten up quickly, grabbed him and pulled him to safety. Link meanwhile ran with Zelda and hit the dirt next to a heavy rock pillar and cover both their heads with their shields.
The bomb exploded, obliterating the ancient monster's throat and stomach. As it's own flammable breath fueled the explosion it's body was being destroyed from the inside out. It screamed, it pieces of his stomach and blood coming from his throat. It groaned as it fell to it's side and rolled into the very lava pit it had created. It scorched and burned screaming for mercy, but it received none as it was slowly eaten away at by the lava, which dried up to display his head which stuck out, almost serving as a memorial to the Dodongo's defeat. Darunia, Daramu, Link and Zelda all looked up silently as Garen raised his sword high and gave a victory cry. Death Mountain had been saved, as had the Gorons. And most likely most of the kingdom. Link smiled at his new friend as he had to admit he couldn't have asked the goddesses for a better partner.
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Next Chapter: The Princess's Hospitality
Darunia awards the Trio the Goron's Ruby and a small celebration takes place. After being completely thrashed from the fighting Zelda invites them to stay at the castle as it is the least they can do. Gannondorf grows suspicious of the two as he attends another pointless meeting with the king. Garen meanwhile drops in on Malon once again.