Chapter 12- Like Blood from a Stone
Blood dripped from Link's mouth, the blows were low so as to avoid discovery. Deep down Link felt it. He deserved them. He needed it to become stronger.
"You are not a child, you are not a man. You are a weapon that is all you are. You want to believe, yet still a part of you clings on, you cannot let it die."
"I'm trying…" Link choked. His lungs heaved in wheezes pain throbbing throughout his body.
"You have so much strength and yet you are weaker than a small child. Fully commit!"
A kick sent him sprawling across the floor again and he landed against the wall with a thump.
"We will begin again tomorrow. Try not to cry too much…"
Today was going to be a good day Daruk could feel it.
The air was hotter than ever and the cliff face further down had collapsed the night before. He had heard that terrible shudder as he spent the day fixing Stolock Bridge, it only meant one thing. All the best rocks would've come crashing down onto the road and if he didn't get there soon enough the miners would be on them like ants to sugar.
So here he was thumping up the road as fast as his heavy legs could take him, the ground groaning up at him with each step. He was used to the noise now and the road was probably pretty used to Gorons.
When he reached the foot of the mountain he saw there were no rocks at the bottom. It seemed as though they had gotten lodged on something uphill. It looked as though he was going to have to work a little more for his food.
Up the mountain he went, the expanse of Hyrule opening up the further he went up. The air was clear of the steam and plumes of smoke that often obscured the view from up here.
Daruk ignored the rocks he saw along the way. The true treasure would have to be uncovered further up the peak. His stomach rumbled anyway, rather impatiently.
"All in good time friend," he said patting his belly.
He climbed up the last rock and got caught up in the view. Here he could see the tall towers of the Castle and the great expanse of Hyrule, to the east the hills of Akkala and the Citadel which towered over them. He could see the huge dominating peak of mount Lanayru.
When he had been but a small child he had dreamed about travelling to all those places. He had been to many, but in his old age he had grown attached to the fiery mountain. Plus, his people looked up to him. It would hardly be okay to run away.
Damn it
It had slipped from his stupid rock head. He was supposed to greet an ambassador from Hyrule about something important. He'd forgotten what though.
He wasn't sure what he thought about the squishy things to begin with. They seemed far too delicate and couldn't even handle a little bit of heat from a volcano. They were easily scared too, whenever he talked to the ones by the stable they always seemed to go back to the incoming Calamity.
Speaking of Hylians
Daruk squinted at something further down the mountain. There was a small boy being attacked by some bokoblins. He grinned, excitement flowing through him. Daruk loved helping people, it made him feel great!
"I'm coming buddy!" he cheered as he began to roll down the hill as fast as an avalanche.
Today was going to be a difficult day Link could feel it.
Why did he agree to this again? Oh yeah he had decided to prove himself once again. Not like he needed to do much more, he'd probably killed every type of monster there was. Plus the threat of the Yiga attacking him was reduced now due to the fact him and his father killed every assassin they sent after him. He was making them pay, but each death, one after the other, it was never enough.
Still, as soon as he heard the report of a camp of Bokoblins near the Akkala Citadel he immediately volunteered. His father was too busy to accompany him. Link and Alfonzo had to practically beg the commander to send him alone. He didn't want to drag along some stupid Knight or even worse a squire. Besides Link needed the alone time.
The Castle had gotten to him. It'd only been a week and a few days since the feast. He had begged the goddesses never to see her again, but it would seem he had pissed them off in some way. He continuously saw her or ran into her. It did make sense, with them living and training in the same building as each other. For once Link wished the Castle was bigger, if that was even possible.
Each time it would ruin the day of training. He was getting better at it though, each time he trained, each hit, every hour he spent blocking the thoughts out. It was his hope that eventually he would look at her and feel nothing. At least that was what he needed to do. What he wanted was something beyond even his comprehension.
His horse, Ciela chuffed up at him from below. Link shook himself awake.
He was already growing rather fond of the horse. They had already been through so much in the short time they had been together. She was a pure brown breed with a jet black mane. Sure she wasn't the fastest horse or the strongest, but boy was she reliable. Sure he didn't share the same bond as he did with Epona but that steed was his father's, he had earned it.
"I know girl…" he soothed gently patting her mane.
He would have to be alert if he wanted to do well in this task. It was crucial for him to be taken more seriously by the order, more importantly Alfonzo and his Father. The camp had been reported somewhere in 'Shadow' pass.
Link laughed quietly to himself. Shadow pass. One would think the monsters had picked it for that reason but Link was pretty sure they couldn't read, let alone read a map.
"Be careful Link… A camp so close to the Citadel, I don't like it"
Link clicked his jaw when he spotted the platform protruding from the large tree poking out of the wood. He flew off Ciela reigns in hand and tied her to a tree.
"Wait here girl. Try not to miss me too much, hey?"
No arrows, no bombs, no shield, no items. Good old Al' had made things difficult for him. There would be no smart plans this time. Link would have to use brute force to clear out the camp. He withdrew the longsword from the saddle of the horse and measured its weight in his hands.
His father had suggested he name it but he just couldn't. The sword was beyond sharp and lighter than most of the other pummels the guards used. It was balanced relatively well too. Still like all other swords Link had used, it just didn't feel right, it didn't feel like it belonged in his hands.
It would have to do for now.
Link walked towards the camp and whistled up to the bridge that extended up. He cleared his mind. It was easy today and he could hear the snorting of the monsters above. One peaked its head over the side and blew a horn. Another was dancing from one foot to another.
They think they've found fresh meat. But I'm not the easy meal they're looking for.
The drawbridge flew down and two red Bokoblins rushed down to meet him, clubs swirling around their heads. Link parried one blow easily and slashed through the creature sending it rolling across the floor, melting as it went.
"Take the initiative. Do not play your enemy's game. It's your world they have entered not yours"
He barged into the other before it could even react. It had barely crashed to the ground before Link had plunged his blade into it.
The remaining four monsters stared at Link in horror. It was not a look many saw on the things, it was likely that the creatures didn't expect to feel it either. They looked to each other and began to run for the side.
No you don't…
An arrow shot in Link's direction as they fled from the camp. Link stumbled backwards as he struggled to deflect it. When he recovered they were entering the trees on the other side of the road.
He leapt off the platform and hit the ground hard with a wince.
By the time he got Ciela the creatures would be long gone, retreating into whatever dark hole they emerged from. He needed to pick up a trail now.
It was easy enough the monsters left quite obvious markings on the ground. They were quite stupid things and knew little about how to cover up tracks. They were running south, next to the base of Death Mountain.
Link ran along following the trail. The summer air was hot as usual but thankfully the sea to the west ushered in a breeze that cooled the sweat that had formed across his forehead.
It wasn't long before he reached the peak of a hill and spotted the red figures sprinting towards the rocky expanse of the road which led to Goron city. That was probably the worst direction any monster could head in. If it wasn't for the soldering heat death mountain was one of the safest places in all of Hyrule from attack. Who would really want to go head to head with people made from literal rock?
Still, Link had to make sure the camp was going to be totally clear and so he sprinted across the plain after them.
The rocks arched over into an alcove and yet Link still rushed forwards. The tracks had stopped here, perhaps it was due to the hardening of the soil as they got closer to the mountain, or maybe the little monsters had gotten smart.
Suddenly Link felt an impact on the back of his shoulder. He looked to his side to see an arrow protruding from his body.
Okay definitely the latter. That had been reckless, foolishly so.
The little demons had set a trap for him and as they bounced of the rock to the side of the plain Link readied himself for battle, snapping off the lodge arrow with gritted teeth.
The Bokoblins swarmed around him. Three gleaming blue eyes looked across at him with rage. Link drew his sword, he'd be practicing the technique for a while, now was the time to finally test it out in the wild.
He brought the sword to his side and felt his energy drain into the very blade. The monsters seemed unwilling to advance, for once they were cautious. That would serve him even better. With a shrill cry, Link brought the sword in an arch around him energy flying out.
The bokoblins were slashed to pieces in but a fraction of a second. Their body's reduced into withering matter as Link circled his shoulder. That had been simple enough.
"Don't worry tiny Hylian, Daruk is here to save you!" The voice came from the rocks above and despite its gruff tone there was a warm sense behind it.
The large Goron who it belonged to smashed into the ground, his giant cleaver like sword hoisted above him.
"Yaaaa…" The battle cry was cut short when the Goron realised there was nothing left of the monsters but a few horns and teeth.
"That's weird, I swear I saw some Bokoblins," he said, scratching his head.
Link wiped the slime on his blade on the rock to the side. "There were. If you want…next time I'll leave some for you."
The Gorons mouth dropped wide open. "I didn't know Hylians could do that…so many and so quickly too." He paused for a moment looking over Link, checking that he really was Hylian or even actually real. "Wow, what's your name little guy?"
"Link!" he replied brightly. Perhaps today wasn't going to be that bad after all. "What's yours?"
"I'm the great Daruk-"
Link threw his sword straight past the Goron's head, practically shocking the rocky skin off him. It hit the leaping Bokoblin that had attempted to get the drop on his new friend. He retrieved his sword.
"Erm…" Daruk murmured. Sure the Goron had been shocked when he had arrived, but Link had never seen the emotion so perfectly encapsulated as it was now on his round face. "Thanks?"
Link chuckled slightly to himself. 'The Great Daruk' he had heard of the Goron from some merchant in Castletown. He was supposedly the hero of the Goron people and was known for practically demolishing his enemies. But that look on his face was priceless.
A small hurricane seemed to go off in the Goron's belly. "All this rushing about…I'm starving," he said. "You know little guy you should come to the city with me, I'm also a renowned chef among my people."
Damn it was hardly like Link could refuse that offer. There was just one small problem.
"Erm Daruk…" he said. "I can't actually survive the heat up there."
The big guy just grinned and slammed his hand into Link's back. Unsurprisingly it hit him like a rock and Link bent over panting hard, pain exploding across his back. Nothing was broken, at least he hoped.
"Just get this down you buddy," he passed a black bottle to Link. "I always keep one on the belt. You'd be surprised how many get into trouble further up."
Link looked at it curiously and popped off the cork. It did not smell good at all. When Link first started cooking he would always end up burning the food until it was unrecognisable, at least compared what it had been before. This elixir smelled just like that 'food'.
Just like old times
Link necked the mixture in one face contorting immediately. Its taste was rancid and Link struggled to keep it down.
"Uh? I don't think you were meant to have it all." Daruk mumbled.
Great thanks for telling me
"Let's just get going…" Link said his stomach gurgling in disproval at what Link had just put in it.
"Too right little guy," Link dodged to the side of Daruk's incoming hand. His back would survive till another day.
They made their way up the mountain, chatting excitedly about their adventures and encounters in the wild. The very air seemed to burn with the same intensity of a campfire, though the heat did little to affect Link, he could feel the sensation of the skin on his body burning.
"Link, is it alright if you wait in my house for a bit I was meant to go get some Hylian envoy?" Daruk asked.
"Sure," Link replied.
"Great! I'll be but a few moments I'm pretty sure they were meant to be here by midday and look what time it is."
The sun had reached its highest point in the sky. It shimmered in the rising heat surrounding the city.
Today was going to be a great day, Zelda could feel it.
Even if where she was going wasn't the ideal relaxing spot, with the whole volcano being next door. Still she had always wanted to see Goron city and now she could with her own eyes. And Vah Rudania, she longed to see it too explore all the intricacies of the Divine Beast. It would be the very first time she'd be able to explore one of the things.
Then there was Daruk, she hardly remembered him but they had been close when she was younger. He knew Urbosa well and they had both grown a strong attachment to her, though it had been many years since Daruk had come to Hyrule Castle.
He was supposedly the Hero of the Goron people and yet apparently he had a kind laid back personality. She hoped to the goddess that was true. She couldn't take meeting another stern warrior that didn't let in the world around them. But then again the Goddess never really answered her prayers.
In all honestly the real reason she had taken responsibility as envoy was him. It had been just a week since he'd decided to crush her. To imagine the anger she had felt at him leaving, vaporised in but a few moments of seeing him. Only for him to throw her away like she was some old ragdoll. When she saw him around the castle she just wanted to curl up and cry. Why couldn't she get it out of her mind?
She looked back down the way she had come. The air was burning around her but the elixir she had made seemed to be doing the trick. She would have to make notes about the side effects later. It seemed like this one was perfect, just the right amount of smouldering butterfly.
Her father was not going to be happy at the fact she had ditched her personal guard again. Then again he was never happy and besides it was a little too easy to slip past them. Blue Nightshade and honey could make even the largest Hinox curl up and snore. She would just pick them up again when she got back to the Inn.
It wasn't like she was in any real trouble, Yiga were far away in the Gerudo desert and it was well known that Death Mountain was practically abandoned by monsters. Zelda could hardly judge them for doing so, having to fight a Goron would not be fun.
As she arrived at the gates to the city she got out her notebook and pulled out a map of the city. Daruk's home was circled and seemed to be on the other side.
She looked over the city with astonishment. It was a strange break from the grand buildings and stone bricks/blue tiles of Hylian architecture. It felt homely. On one side there rose a huge cliff face a bridge extending out of it far above the houses.
"I don't believe my eyes, princess?" the voice was gruff and yet rounded with warmth and it instantly made Zelda comfortable. It was rather familiar.
She turned to see the huge bulking figure of Daruk. He walked over to her and brought her into a tight hug. It was strange, Zelda could've expected hugging a giant lucid rock uncomfortable but Daruk's grasp delicate and comfortable.
He withdrew slightly still holding her in his arms. It had been so long since she had felt this. Urbosa was the last one to elicit it. Zelda was almost in tears, it made her realise just how lonely she could feel sometime in that castle and just how much she wished her mother was still alive.
Daruk looked her over. "My, my little one, how beautiful you've grown," he said, fondness emanating through voice.
Zelda couldn't help it a tear dropped. It was strange to be feeling this way despite not even remembering what he looked like. Even without memory she still felt that connection.
"Thank you," she breathed. "I'm glad to see you." There was no doubt in her words, not even a little.
Daruk continued to smile at her for a moment, content with just sharing their connection. Then he looked around frowning slightly, releasing her from his grasp.
"Hey, that's not like the King," he murmured, scratching his head. "Did he really send you without a guard?"
"Yeah…about that…" Zelda began shifting a little uncomfortably. There was no good way to explain this.
She looked up at him sheepishly and was surprised to see Daruk laughing gently, eyes bright and shimmering.
"I see you're just as much trouble as you were as a child," he offered a finger which she grasped in her hands as she shot him a guilty smile.
"Urbosa and I could hardly keep up with you back then, you really were the brightest thing in that damned Castle," he said
He began to lead her along the path to his house. He looked at her, "About this guard…"
"Where does that bridge lead to?" Zelda asked, pointing to the bridge she had seen earlier.
"That leads to Death Mountain. The fools around here want to carve my face into that bunch of rocks it's coming out of. What a stupid idea, how much of an ego do they think I have? I'm not a certain blue feathered friend of ours."
Zelda grinned and nodded. "You're right but, after all you've done, you don't think you deserve a little appreciation?"
Daruk harrumphed. "I already get it every day, from every stoney face I look at…"
"I didn't think you'd be the one to be scared of a little fame," she chuckled.
"Wait a minute," Daruk looked at her with a sideways glance. "You're doing that thing where you change the subject."
"I don't know what you're talking about," she raised her eyebrows at him trying to look sweet and innocent.
"Ah you can't fool Daruk…" He patted his chest proudly. "Without a guard I just can't let you leave the city alone and I won't be able to take you myself. Just this morning I saw some monster down at the base of the mountain, attacking some Hylian."
"Did you save them?" she asked. Zelda hadn't seen a single Hylian ever since leaving the Inn. It seemed the road to Death Mountain was empty of visitors. It was hardly surprising, considering the intense heat of the mountain.
"Urm…" Daruk stopped nervously. "Actually he kinda saved me. The little guy could really hold his own even if he was a tiny squishy Hylian."
"Really…?" Zelda hadn't really heard of the Citadel sending out any one man missions. In fact it was compulsory for soldiers or guards to travel out in groups. The man must have been some experienced adventurer, separate from the order.
"I know!" Daruk exclaimed. "Maybe he can take you back. You know when you're ready of course."
"Sure, I could probably accept that," she beamed up at him.
"That's great," Daruk brought his hand back and then paused for a second withdrawing it. Zelda was silently glad. She had heard, from some of the Knights, the terror of a Goron pat. "He's back in my house right now. He's a pretty friendly guy."
Daruk opened the door to his home, ushering to Zelda to follow him in.
Today was turning out better than Daruk could ever have imagined. At first he was just happy to get some premium quality rocks. But now he had become friends with a strong Hylian as well as been reunited with the princess. It could only go uphill from here, that was for sure. Now it was time to show Link his world renowned roasted rock.
Link was speechless when he saw the princess, Daruk understood it could be difficult to meet a royal for the first time; they spoke in a strange way. He knew he would have to give his new friend a helping hand.
"Princess, this is my new friend Link," Daruk said and patted Link on the back trying to make him move forwards to introduce himself.
Daruk hit him a little too hard though, he hated it when that happened, and Link went hurtling forwards. The princess caught him just in time and they gripped onto each other tightly.
Awh that's cute they're already getting close
Daruk was fascinated by Hylians and their strange concept of love and courtship. Gorons definitely didn't have that concept, in fact Gorons didn't really have a gender they just sort of got called men by the Hylians due to their appearance.
They released each other quickly and stepped away looking each other over in shock. Daruk quickly refilled the chillshroom cooler. Both of their faces had gone red, their elixirs had clearly run out and they were overheating.
"Erm Daruk…we already know each other," Link stumbled, still red despite Daruk cooling the room.
How strange
Daruk turned to Link in surprise. The little guy had connections. Few people ever got to meet a member of the royal family. Daruk had only been invited over the deeds of his youth, along with Urbosa. Speaking of the tall warrior, Daruk would really have to organise a meeting. This reunion was already proving to be fun.
"Oh! Thank the goddesses he's actually finally admitted it," Zelda snarled. She really was quite something. "I thought you were dead set on pretending we were strangers."
Link scowled across at her. "From what you've just said, you really don't get it at all."
The boy's voice was far calmer then Zelda's and his newly broken voice brought sternness to his words. He sounded far older than he looked now. Still Daruk stood there awkwardly. The room had suddenly gotten very tense.
"Oh you mean the nonsense you uttered a few weeks ago," her fists were now clenched and feet planted firmly on the ground. Though the ground was used to Gorons, Daruk was unsure it could handle the rage of the Princess.
"About how we have 'greater responsibilities'" Zelda mimicked the deeper tone of Link's voice. "Just admit it, you just can't stand to be around me, you hate me just like the rest of them."
Hylians really were a strange bunch. Daruk had no real clue what the two small teens were talking about.
"Uh guys…" Daruk began.
"No it's not like that at all," Daruk was surprised to hear Link's voice rise, something he didn't expect from the little guy.
"You think I want to cut off everything from my past, to stop being a kid? All I want is for things to be like they used to," Link calmed immediately. "But I have to. It's the only way…"
"Only way for what?" Zelda whispered, she had moved slightly towards him.
Okay these Hylians were the strangest bunch Daruk had ever met in his life. Nothing they said made sense.
Both of them stood looking at each other. Strangely enough Link looked like he was in pain, maybe he hadn't handled the last fight as easily as Daruk had expected. After what seemed like hours of staring, begging each other silently, Link broke off.
"I've had enough. Thanks for offering food Daruk but I better head off…" Link made his way towards the entrance swinging the door open.
Daruk rushed after him. "No wait, little guy! The princess doesn't have any guards with her."
Link stopped and looked back. "You came here alone?" he questioned.
"Yeah…I'm perfectly fine on my own," Zelda huffed, folding her arms and looking away from him.
"Sure you are… Not like I've been up here to deal with a monster problem," Link rolled his eyes.
Sarcasm... Daruk had learned that off some young Knight he had met many years ago. He was apparently well respected in the ranks of the Hylians and a friend to the King. Daruk had gotten on with him like a fire, similar to how quickly he was growing to like Link. They were both very Goron-like for Hylians.
"Guess I am staying then," Link said, prompting a cheer from Daruk.
"Great!" Zelda said, tone as dry as Link's. "Just great!"
Daruk stoked the fires as he began to prepare his classic recipe for his new buddy.
Today could not have turned out worse if Link had tried.
Here he sat in awkward silence opposite from the princess, not daring to meet her eyes. It would seem the goddesses really were messing around with him recently. It felt as though over the past week and a bit they were continuously running in to each other. This was a little far though. He had come all this way to get away, not to end up in another of these one on one situations.
He desperately wanted to throw it all away, meet her eyes, apologise and get back to talking how they used to. Now he understood all that he'd been told, he really was fighting with himself. Only Link didn't know which direction was worse.
Don't think like that, you've come so far don't throw it away now, clear your mind
Link understood. He moved over to the ground and sat down legs crossed sword placed flat across his lap and closed his eyes retreating back into the depths of his mind. All the clouds that lay there he didn't try to waft them away but accepted them. Instantly he felt more at peace.
"What are you doing?" Zelda asked, her words melting before Link as he continued to control his breathing.
"That's meditation, it's traditionally practiced by the Shieka but it was picked up by some Hylian knights."
The voice that swirled around him likely belonged to Daruk but it was getting harder to tell as Link's background began to melt away.
"Gorons can't seem to use it but it can give a warrior great power. It creates intense focus, you can heal wounds faster and gain greater strength. It's said some who practice it can even cheat sleep itself."
Link moved away from the noises and entered intense focus. He could hear the voices and noises in the background but they were accepted not understood.
He was in a forest shrouded in mist. The trees that surrounded him seemed to stare back at him faces gleaming out at him.
Link walked through the forest carefully he was following a sound. It was a strange ringing, accompanied by a voice speaking a strange language.
It spoke out to him urgently but he could not decipher what the language was. All he could do was follow in its direction moving through the gently whistling trees.
He could see things moving out in the darkness, but he was not scared, he had to get to the centre it was crucial.
Green light suddenly exploded around him as he entered into a clearing.
There before him was a sword held firmly upright in the ground by some pedestal.
Link's eyes fixed on it ignoring the pile of bodies that led up to it, each one strewn about the floor, collapsed. Link stepped over them and made his way up the stone steps of the pedestal where the final body lay, hand still grasped around the handle of the sword.
As he tried to move the body the dead eyes of his father looked back at him. They seemed to penetrate his very soul but Link just shoved him over, his body possessed.
He gripped the handle of the sword and the giant tree before him came to life.
Then suddenly Link was adrift in time.
Now in control in his body he looked around. He was alone, no one was beside him and he felt strangely cold.
He turned to look towards a roar that shook through the realm.
It was a giant serpent like dragon, rippling with purple and malice, its eyes burning with hatred
Link could only scream as the demon reared up and came crashing down on him, mouth agape.
Suddenly Link felt something violently shake him. He opened his eyes to see green staring back at him.
"Link? Are you okay you were just sat still for ages and then you just suddenly started breathing really heavily, like you were being chased or something?"
Link blinked his eyes and realised his heart was thumping hard in his chest. Daruk was just behind Zelda staring at him with concern.
"I'm fine," he said, with a broken voice, bringing up a hand.
"You saw something didn't you?" Daruk whispered.
Link looked at his extended hand, it was shaking violently. Zelda's hand was still placed firmly on his shoulder and she was looking down at him with alarm.
"You can tell us…" she whispered, he hand rubbing his shoulder, trying to bring him some comfort.
Link began to calm down. His breath returned to its normal pace, heart slowed and hand began to steady. He needed to tell them, he could just feel it.
"I was in a forest, shrouded by darkness and mist. Then there was this sword surrounded by bodies, my father…" he stopped looking at them quietly.
"Go on…" Zelda pushed. Her brow had become furrowed, her perfectly smooth skin now creased above her eyebrows.
"I took hold of the handle and then I was nowhere. There was this snake, dragon thing that just came crashing down on me."
He looked down. Trying to tell himself it was just a dream.
"I thought you couldn't have dreams in meditation…" Link whispered.
"You can't…" Daruk mumbled.
"Link look at me," Zelda's hands brushed against his face and angled it up at her. "You're here, you're safe."
Link instantly felt better. The feeling warmth in his body once again.
"I've had similar dreams, they've all had the same beast," she turned to Daruk. "He needs to see Impa. We'll leave first thing tomorrow, after I visit Rudania."
Daruk nodded. The serious expression he wore looked foreign on his face.