I'm so excited to share this! I had a lot of fun writing this baddie themed fic that centers around a lizard character. It definitely wound up funnier than expected, and I'm quite attached to Veranus and Dengoro now.


His entire life has been within this cave, a neat little existence that can be considered relatively fulfilling. Veranus certainly has no complaints: The Cavern is spacious and provides well. It's a perfect place to be raised and raise his own, whenever that might be.

The Gorons get along well enough if they're left alone. The lizalfos in kind, too. The former eats their blasted rocks, the latter keeps to themselves, and it's a strangely symbiotic nature that works quite well at the end of the day. Has so for a long time.

Veranus even has a friend— a Goron who'd been just a little too friendly in his robust nature. At first, Veranus wanted nothing to do with him but Gorons are often as dumb as the rocks that they eat. Can't take no for an answer. Are stubborn enough that it's mildly impressive.

Eventually, Veranus gave in and began to share an occasional meal with the poor lout, and his days have been a little less dull as a result.

Then Ganondorf came and with him he brought evil. Filled the Cavern with Dodongos, territorial creatures that don't understand the word no. Or the concept that maybe this place doesn't belong to them.

It's made existing quite difficult, and Veranus is already the lazy sort. He doesn't want his day-to-day life to be so arduous. And, he misses Dengoro, loathe he is to admit it.

This day is like most as of late. The Cavern is dark and foreboding. It's now known as the domain of the Dodongos instead, who are annoyingly persistent in remaining numerous despite how the lizalfos push back.

Veranus watches the main room from where he's perched high above, his legs dangling over the edge of the top level. His sword lays across his lap and he oils it liberally, smoothing it over with a nice, soft cloth.

At least he has some valuables left.

"Annoying," he murmurs to himself because today there isn't anyone to listen to him. "Absolutely vexing. What a day and it hasn't even started."

He can hear the screaming of the Dodongos far below. Watches the careful eyes of the Beamos as they survey their newish home. Veranus sighs heavily, dragging a hand down his face.

Doesn't feel much like spilling blood today, but there isn't a choice. This evil brood shows no chance of leaving on their own. Someone has to answer the call. Might as well make himself useful. Not like there's anything else to do around here, with the cave sealed up tight.

Veranus sighs again. "Man, I miss the sun," he says sullenly.

His aching joints do too.

#

As if it can't get any worse, then comes the kid, clad in a green dress that's a little too short and waving around a sword that's more like a toothpick.

Veranus wonders if the kid has a death wish because frankly, he feels like he can just snap the boy's neck with mild pressure. Not that he would. Veranus prides himself on being above throwing fists at first glance. Maybe the boy will listen to reason.

He wonders if that's an oversight, though. The boy did have the smarts to figure out a way into the Cavern, but he also must be supremely stupid to stick around. Or maybe he's just young, but really, what's the difference? Veranus too, had his young and dumb moments.

"Look, kid," starts Veranus, holding his hands out.

The boy doesn't listen, immediately jumping into the fray. His sword slashes out as he tries to clip Veranus's side. Veranus grunts, mildly annoyed. Huffs as the boy pulls back and circles him.

What a puny thing. Can't even hold up the shield that's on his back— it's literally too big for him.

"Are you what they're sending now?" asks Veranus, "Little boys to right the Goddesses' wrongs?"

The boy cries out and moves to sweep his blade again, and Veranus easily dodges.

"Look, I'm not your enemy—"

This time the sword comes a little too close for comfort and Veranus is forced to draw his own blade to properly block it. Their steel glances off each other in sparks, and they part once more.

Veranus is already sore, not used to such vigorous movement. Ridiculous, he thinks, How little time it's taken for you to lose your edge. Especially since hacking apart Dodongos is his hobby.

Then again, Dodongos are slow, stupid creatures. Quick to kill, very little technique involved. They breed like rabbits though, ultimately ubiquitous. Doesn't matter how many he puts down, three take their place.

Veranus is tired of it.

"If you would just listen—"

The boy won't, clearly stubborn in his courageous drive. They meet blow after blow, and really, Veranus has no intention of harming the poor kid. He's a decent-enough guy with decent-enough morals.

But really, it's mostly about the effort. Veranus is already tired. He doesn't need any of this.

He pushes the boy back, getting more aggressive in his defensive stance. The kid keeps coming, though, keeps hacking away at him. Veranus sighs, dodging and blocking blow after blow.

"Why are you even here?" he asks as they part for the third time to catch their breath.

"To rid this cave of its evil," says the boy finally, "And King Dodongo, too."

Veranus's brow raises. "And what, that includes me? I was here long before the Dodongos."

The boy yells as he dives in again, quick with his flurry of attacks. Veranus is mildly impressed, despite the clear lack of formal training. The kid has guts, he'll give him that. And really, who is he to deny someone their quest?

Perhaps the boy can rid this cave of the annoying creatures. Veranus loathes that he didn't think of going after the King himself. The thought never once occurred to him.

Still, he's the lazy sort as many lizards are, especially since there's been a lack of sunbathing for months. He'd rather go right into hibernation at this point. He's heavily considered it.

He lets the boy win. Pushes back just barely, dodges the worst of the kid's blows, then he pitches over the edge to the lower level, knowing it's the kind of drop that'll leave him with only minor injuries.

Seems like a smart plan. It's not like anything worse can come of it.

After his fall, Veranus lays on the ground of the bottom-most level, catching his breath. His ribs hurt a little and his sword's snapped in two. A sad loss. But maybe, just maybe, the potential of the boy will outweigh all of it.

Veranus's days, as of late, have been a little bleak.

The flash of a green tunic feels a bit like the sunshine he's missed.

#

The kid delivers as promised and for the first time in months, Veranus feels the bright sunshine on his face.

It's the nice, quiet day, the kind that relaxes you. Veranus all but soaks up the warmth that he's been so desperately lacking.

Despite the Cavern being, you know, volcanic. It just isn't the same.

So, he leans back against the dirt, his arms tucked underneath his head. Hums softly as his eyes slip closed. He sighs contently, indulging in the sun's rays. Thinks that perhaps a nice little nap will do him good.

"Veranus!"

He groans at the voice. And then the booming footfalls. When he sits up there's a clap against his back that's hard enough to knock him forward and leave a bruise.

"Missed ya, buddy!"

"One day," murmurs Veranus in response, "I wanted one nap, alone, underneath the sun, for just one day."

"The sun isn't going anywhere," says Dengoro as he drops to the ground next to him. "But neither am I." Then he throws out a hearty laugh, loud enough to send rocks tumbling around them.

Veranus blinks as he looks at him. "Truly a sight for sore eyes," he says with mild sarcasm.

"Truly," agrees Dengoro, oblivious as ever.

Truthfully, though, Veranus has missed this. And he expected it. He reaches into the small pack next to him, rooting around. Then he pulls out a rock, red and glowing lightly.

He holds it out. "Look tasty enough?"

Dengoro's eyes beam back at him and his face is split by the widest grin he's ever seen. "Looks terrible, to be honest, but I'll happily accept it."

Veranus snorts. He doesn't eat rocks, doesn't know what makes a tasty one. But Dengoro is true to his word, crunching away as he swipes bite after bite of the rock.

Their friendship is an easy one full of more actions than words. They often just sit and say nothing, just watching the world together. Veranus is surprised by how much he's missed it.

#

Years later, he runs into the boy again, only this time he's a man and wearing garments that properly fit. He can hold his shield now too, evidenced by how dented it is.

Veranus has no love for the Fire Temple. He doesn't want to cross swords again.

"I'm only here to find my friend," he says.

The boy listens this time, blinking in surprise. Then, his gaze narrows, as though he recognizes him. "Your friend?"

"A Goron," says Veranus, "Insufferably dumb at times. Got himself locked up like the rest of his lot because he's annoyingly stubborn and doesn't know when to shut his mouth."

The boy laughs at that, unable to stop himself. "They're like that," he says, "The Gorons. They mean well, though."

"Of course," says Veranus, "Which is why I'm here. If I don't save him no one else will." Then he blinks. "Except for maybe you. You did so once before."

"So it is you," says the boy in a low murmur.

"At least you're listening to me this time."

The boy scratches his head sheepishly. "Let's make a deal, then. I'll get Volvagia, and you get the Gorons." Then he holds his hand to shake on it.

Veranus stares at it, blinking slowly. A strange offer, but not entirely unwanted. He shakes the boy's hand and somehow, makes another friend.

Dengoro definitely owes him, not that he's keeping track.