Alright, so a little divergence time, I know that I said I would focus on Link's training and his relationship with Kiana as I did the last chapter. However, I wanted to have a chapter that highlighted Link's meeting with Daruk. while I am 90% sure that they meet during the rise of the calamity, according to his journal(diary), but I wanted to have their meeting be a little early than in cannon, so yeah

anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter

Link enjoyed traveling far more than he thought he would. Seeing all of Hyrule was an exciting place, and he wanted to see as much as possible in the short time he had in this world. If there were a way to document this and his findings but whatever, he would see it all that was the beauty of it right. nope, this thinking went down the drain the first time he had to make his way to death mountain

"come on, Link," Kiana's voice called, "stay clear of the lava."

Swiping the sweat from his brow, Link nodded; why are they are death mountain? You ask a good question Link didn't know either but hell, would he like to know? All that he knew was that Kiana busted into the barracks, told him they were heading on a field trip. She then proceeded to shove several bottles of fireproof potions into his arms before dragging him off. Was she allowed to do that? He didn't know. However, she was able to, and now he was here "you still haven't told me why you brought me here," Link shouted.

"I thought you liked to travel," Kiana told him. "I figured you'd wanna see death mountain, seeing as it's so close by," she said, "and thought why not make sure you don't get yourself killed on your first trip." while she wasn't lying, there was a mission that she and several other knights had been assigned she figured that it would be a short trip. "so, chin up not everyone is able to get up Death mountain especially around this time of year."

"Okay," Link said, "still doesn't tell me why we're

"ahh," Kiana said, " you and me just doing some scouting," she smiled "you can handle that, can't ya, Link." there was a teasing tone in her voice, but Link had chosen to ignore it.

"I guess," he muttered. "so, what are we scouting for? I doubt the Gorons would be trying to attack or anything" looking over, he saw a few boulders fall into lava below, "there too friendly to do anything like that."

"were not here about the Gorons," Kiana said

"then what are we searching for," Link asked

"you ask a lot of questions."

"and you barely give any answers," Link fired back. "I mean, I'd be able to help a little better if I knew what we were searching for."

"you want the truth," Kiana said, looking around nervously. "I have no idea," she said. Link nearly toppled over. Kiana couldn't help but let out a small laugh "so we're just scouting the area, look for locations that well look out of place."

"that makes no sense," Link told her.

"I know, right," Kiana said, looking into the distance, "and it's not like death mountain isn't a big place," she muttered.

"how about this" Link said, "We split up and meet back here in an hour, okay." he noticed Kiana's look of concern

"Are you sure?" she asked. "Death mountain is a dangerous place, ya know."

"I'll be fine," Link flashed her a grin "besides, don't you're, my teacher, so I should be fine" Kiana let out a small chuckle as she turned to start walking away "all alright, captain, kiss up," she said, "but you better be here in an hour," she said, "that's an order young man" she smiled as she left.

Link just shook his head as he turned to go in the opposite direction. while he enjoyed Kiana's company and everything she had done for him for the time they spent together hell the past year was some of the best experiences ever since he arrived even if he's not making any more friends, but there were times when he wondered how she was still alive

'go into any activity with an open mind, and you can pull through it with anything you do.'

The advice rang through Links eyes "maybe," he said, "but I still have no idea why I'm out here" now that he thought about several other trainees had been brought out alongside him, each with a different instructor, he didn't pay attention at the time. But now that he thought about maybe this was some advanced training exercise that they came up with, it wouldn't be all that surprising.

"so where should I check first," Link thought "maybe I should look for areas that don't look natural," Link muttered as he started to walk away. Death mountain, despite the heat, was a pretty nice place; the area had a unique feel that or the heat was finally getting to him. coming to an opened off area, Link looks around, seeing that it appears to have been mined out and thus not what he was looking for

"man, the Goron's have really made this place home for them." Link muttered behind him. He heard the sound what sounded like tiny feet typically turning; he saw two Lizalfos which meant a monster encampment nearby pulling out his sword. The two Lizalfos had charged him with one quick slice soon more, and more monsters started to appear around him. A few Moblins, Bokolbins, had begun to appear "well," Link said as he stood back, "Kiana, if you're behind this," shaking his head, "don't worry Link, this is what you've trained for," he said as he got ready to face more of the monsters his mind flowing back to his friends from the Domain, his mother and father. before he charged at the monsters

Daruk let out a loud yawn as he walked down the mountain path. The day was still young. The Hylians had been coming over a lot lately; apparently, they were looking for something, but they needed information.

"eh, not my business," Daruk said to himself. He was a simple man like all Gorons. He enjoyed the simple day-to-day mining and or eating delicious rock roast, speaking of which Darul lifted a large boulder s frown came over his face as he couldn't find any rock roast.

"man," Daruk dropped the boulder as he looked around, "maybe I've then got all the rock roast from this spot," he said. He looked over as a monster flew over his head "what" Darul muttered. The sound of sword strikes made him jump over the rocks. He saw a few monsters and in the middle was a tiny Hylian, and he was madly outnumbered.

"hold on, Little guy," Darul shouted while he looked good with a sword. There still so much a person could take, and not to mention that monsters on Death mountain were crafty things as he came to a stop brandishing his boulder breaker. He landed as he looked up, his face dropped in shock

the Hylian was still there, but he was standing on top of a pile of monsters. There wasn't a single scratch on him as he pushed the Moblin off of his sword. It fell on the ground limply as he placed the sword in his sheath Daruk had to admit he was impressed the Hylian turned to him. In a flash, his sword swung by him

"what" Daruk muttered as he turned, he saw a Lizalfos was about to hit him, but thankfully he had seen that and reacted as such to think he would be saved by a tiny Hylian 'I have to have a dopey look on my face, hope he didn't notice.'

Link sighed. The monster themselves were no trouble, but it was getting tiring. He turned to see a Goron Link thought as he also saw a Lizalfos, so he made a move to help the guy out, striking as fast as he could he turned over to see him staring with a Dopey look on his face that almost made him laugh.

"Uhm, thanks, Little guy," he muttered, rubbing the back of his head. This guy was impressive, but he had to do a few more tests.

"no problem," Link said as he turned to face the Goron. "I'm Link, by the way," he said

"oh," Daruk smiled, "my name Daruk," he said, giving a warm smile. "Nice to meet ya, little guy."

"I feel like I've heard that name before," Link said, scratching his chin

"well, I am the boss around these parts," Daruk noted, a large grin growing on his face "the mighty Daruk" he let out a loud laugh as Link shook his head

"never heard of you" Daruk felt his jaw drop as he looked at Link, a growing grin on his face

'okay, maybe Kiana is on to something when it comes to teasing' Link stopped before letting out a loud laugh

"not funny," Daruk looked away, "though I will admit you almost had me there," he said "so if you don't mind me asking," Daruk said as he and Link started to walk away, "mind if I ask what you're up."

"I," Link said, "well, a friend of mine and I are up here looking from something," he said, "she's with the royal guard," he said

"Aww, I remember that," Daruk said, " they said that they would be over here a bunch," he said, scratching his head. "searching for something or other," he muttered.

"I mean, I get that, but I'm still in training," Link said, "but the royal guards brought on a few of us these expeditions."

"well, if it's training, you want," Daruk smiled, "I can help you out."

"How so," Link asked. Sure, he could focus, but he still had some time besides, maybe this Daruk would lead him to some interesting areas; Daruk motioned for him to follow, so he did Daruk had rolled him to what appeared to be a vast cavern. The cliffs were tall "wow," Link muttered.

"yeah, and don't worry about the heat potions." Daruk said where far enough down the mountain, he pointed towards the cliff, "from all the fighting I saw you do, I can tell you pretty strongly. so, let's put that straight to the test," he said "let's see what you can do first," Daruk said, "if you can get over this you can move on to the real training."

"Alright," Link said, looking up the cliff. It was really steep but nothing that he hadn't been prepped for in his training. As he started to remove his armor and to get ready to climb up the side of the cliff, he then gripped the side pieces that he noticed as it began to get hotter and hotter. "I thought you said I didn't have to worry about heat."

"Just because I said that doesn't mean you weren't going to feel it," Daruk shouted back as Link felt himself slip. He let out a small grumble as he continued his climb up.

'man, this is harder than I thought it would be' Link slipped a bit but was able to catch on.

"you okay up there, little guy," Daruk shouted, "if you want, you can fall. I'll catch ya." Daruk's voice came over him. Link shook his head. He would be damned if he failed this. This was easy just took getting used to as eh contained "you almost there" As Link reached his arm up, he felt the flat curve and started to use it to pull himself up as he heard Daruk started congratulating "stay there, I'll join you in a sec."

"man, I'm hungry," Link muttered as he sat down, pulling out some rations and other things Kiana had given him when they set out for death mountain this morning. As he started eating, he could hear Daruk fully climb up the side up the cliff.

"Little guy," Daruk's voice sounded over. Link looked over to see a look of disappointment on Daruk's face " man. You Hylian have really terrible taste," he said as he shook his head.

Link looked at his food. It was Kiana's cooking which was extremely good, so he didn't really see the problem.

"don't worry," he said, "once we get back to Goron city, we have good ol cuisine that can help refine your pallet," he smiled, "but seeing as how easily climbed this, I think I have something that can really push your limits" he smiled "and you might wanna bring your fireproof potions."

Link looked in awe at the size of the cliff in front of him, the heat from death mountain coming down on him "what is this"

"This is a little something I like to call," Daruk slammed his fist together, "the death climbing challenge," he smiled "so what do ya say, little guy."

"umm," Link looked at it, a feeling of fear coming in him but also excitement. He didn't know why but he enjoyed a good challenge. before he nodded

"and why don't we make it interesting," Daruk said, "right now, I am the only one ever to make it to the top," he smiled, "and if you can beat me, I think I have something you will like."

"why not," Link said, "is the view up there nice," Link asked

"you bet," Daruk said

"Alright then," he said as he ran to the cliff Link would lie if he didn't start to grow fond of the Goron. He honestly felt a few years younger as they began to. He could see how Daruk climbed. He used his whole body to make himself move faster, so Link attempted something similar, though. Unlike Daruk, Link wasn't fireproof, so the heat made him sweat a bit more.

"what's the matter, little guy," Daruk said, "getting tired."

"not on your life" Link picked up his speed as he started to climb at the same pace as Daruk. The two's grunts bounced off the cliff. As they went on the cliff, it seemed the higher he went; the more heat came off the rocks. They were practically neck and neck. Link had to admit this was a challenge. It made all the climbing exercises back at the training grounds look lame. like they struggled to climb over a small stump

'come on, Link, you can do it,' Link said, trying to hype himself up as he started to near the top. He heard Daruk right next to him as they both gave it their all to get to the top first "almost there," Link said to himself as he grabbed the flat surface, quickly pulling himself up "yes, I did it," Link shouted as he fell to the ground.

"I knew it, "Daruk shouted, scaring Link a bit as he reached the top looking at him smiling. "I knew you were a real brother," he smiled.

Link felt a surge of pride come through him. He had no idea, but hearing Daruk call him brother made him smile in a way he hasn't in years. "I guess so, brother," Link smiled as Daruk sat next to him "man climbing up here has me beat," Link said as he took the area in. There was something off about it. The rock felt off. He would have to remember this and tell Kiana later.

"so, tell me, little guy," Daruk asked, pulling Link out of his thoughts. "what's your story."

"Not much to tell," Link said, "my home was attacked by a monster attack when I was really young," Link told him, "so I ended staying in Zora's Domain for a few years in my life." Link sighed. Those are still dark memories for him, so often he glossed over them.

"I see," Daruk said, seeing Link's sad impression. Daruk smiled, "well, I'm sure living there was fun."

"I mean it was but, I felt so out of place," Link said

"How so," Daruk asked

"I couldn't swim as fast as the other Zora. I had to cook my food; they had to make a special room for me in their inn," he sighed. He doesn't know why he's telling Daruk all this. The only other person he ever lamented this to was Mipha, and yet here he was telling some Goron he just met all this. Maybe it was because he called him brother, "I just felt like I didn't belong." Link smiled "don't get me started on what the elder think about me

"well, I mean, you had friends, right," Daruk asked

"yeah"

"then you were alright," he smiled at him. Link was his brother now, and he could see that he was having some issues, and a brother helps his brother that was his creed. "I'm sure they cared for you just as much they cared for their own," he said as he patted him on the back "besides, you shouldn't be so worried about what the world thinks, or other people think about you," he said, "all that matters is that you got friends at your back and your brothers are willing to catch you when you fall."

Link laughed. "I'll put that under advisement" Daruk let out a loud laugh Link soon joined him as they took in the view.

"you do that," Daruk said as he finished "man, the sunsets up here are great."

"yeah," Link started before a look of terror came across his face. In all the excitement, he had lost track of time "oh shit," Link said, "it has been way past an hour."

"what the matter, Little guy," Daruk asked, seeing Links scared expression, "something happened."

"Kiana's going to kill me."

"I'm going to kill you," Kiana shouted as she raced up to Link, tears in her eyes; he and Daruk had since made it back to Goron City, where they saw Kian talking with a few of the Goron guards. When she saw him, she rushed over to him and hugged him before she set off, "we said an hour; it's been at least five."

"I know," Link said, trying to calm her down.

"I was starting to think you fell in the lava," she screamed, "don't you ever pull a stunt like that again, do I make myself clear."

"yes, ma'am," Link said, "understood, ma'am" she then turned to Daruk before giving a bow.

"thank you for finding him," she said. "I'm so sorry for any trouble he caused."

"ah, it's alright," Daruk muttered. "Little guy wasn't too much trouble," he smiled. "Even made him an official brother. You should have seen it. He took down those monsters."

"I see," Kiana glared at Link, who just let out a small whistle "well, anyway, we should start heading back" she looked at Link "did you find anything at least, or did you goof off all day."

"well, I found this one spot," Link started "they are looked of like the rock shouldn't be there, ya know" Kiana scratched her chin "well, it's better than nothing," she sighed "his highness thanks you again," she said as she faced the Goron

"no problem," Daruk said "feel free to stop by anytime," he said. "oh, and you must be hungry after all that training we did today, little guy," he smiled, "but don't worry as promised, some nice cuisine to refine your pallet." he then placed a rock roast in Link's hand as he looked it over a confused look on his face as Daruk let out a laugh as "so why don't ya dig in little guy."

"umm, Lord Daruk," Kiana said, "not to be rude, but" Kian stopped as she placed a hand on his arm "well, Hylians can't" she stopped when she heard crunching. She looks over to see Link was eating the rock roast. The look of glee on Daruk's face almost matched her look of horror.

"I knew Hylians could eat rocks," Daruk laughed. "I don't know why you let yourselves eat that mush you call food" Daruk made a grossed-out face. " you guys need to drop that and start eating some real food."

"We can't eat rocks, though," Kiana argued.

"but the little guy is eating rocks right now," Daruk argued

"he's a glutton," Kiana told him.

"but he is Hylian." Daruk said

Kiana placed a hand on her face. This was going to cause problems down the line, and Link's inhuman appetite was not helping "Link stop eating the rock roast."

"But it's good though," Link said with pieces of rock stuffed in his mouth

"don't talk with your mouth full," Kiana shouted, "and you're not helping my point."

"what point" Link asked again as he wiped his mouth behind Daruk couldn't help but let out a loud laugh as the two argued about whether or not Rock roast was good. Times like this truly made him enjoy life being together with your brothers and sister and having all types of fun and just being together.

"try it," Link offered, "please."

"no"

"come on, you know you want to," Link said, "you aren't scared, are you" Link could feel the huff she gave as she snatched the rock from him, seeing the smile from Daruk.

'how do I get myself into these messes" she sighed as she took a bite taking off a good chunk of the rock roast. It was softer than she thought it would be. She suppressed her gag reflex as she felt the warm lava-infused rockslide down her through "goodness," Kiana muttered, "okay, maybe it's better than I thought, but we should still not be eating this stuff."

"Whatever you say, Kiana," Link said as Daruk just patted her on the back

"Still, we shouldn't" she turned back to see Link had already started eating the rock roast again at a rate that had kind of made her jealous.

"for the love of Hylia Link, stop eating the damn rock roast."

I've noticed in many stories I've read that people seem to avoid the topic that Link can and will eat rock with little hesitation unless they're doing the whole savage Link thing. I just find it funny.

What did you think of Daruk and Link meet while I plan to focus on his relationship with all the champions? At some point, he and Daruk and Mipha will probably have the most chapters as well, seeing as this story is from Link's perspective, and they are the two who seem to have a close relationship with him other than Zelda but don't worry, I'll get there when I get there.

I need to work on a Farwell how does stay-the-unique sound :)