Chapter 20

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

"Did you have to wake us up this early?" Link whined as he let out a yawn.

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

"Link has never been a morning person," Zelda shared teasingly.

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

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

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

The group arrived at the stone archway. Zelda noticed a small sign standing at the center of the pathway.

Death Mountain Marker #1

Maw of Death Mountain

Climbing Path Trailhead Ahead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"A bird that can't fly? You're kidding, right?"

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

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

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

Death Mountain Marker # 2

Heat Level High

None-Gorons use extreme caution!

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

"Drink what?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Are you certain, Shad?" Zelda inquired.

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

"Alright, we'll do it."

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

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

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

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

"I feel a little tingly," Link commented.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Well?" Link called out

"You guys come up! This stuff works!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"How can anything survive up here?" Ilia looks at the creatures in wonder.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Well, I do have The Master Sword, which was crafted by the power of the goddess, so I think it's safe," Link glances over to the sword on his back.

"But my bow is also made of wood. How come it's not burning up?" Zelda glances at the golden bow on her back as well.

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

"That would make sense. How come I didn't think of that before-OOF!" Zelda cut herself off as she tripped and tumbled down a slope. Everyone rushed over. What Zelda fell into appears to be a giant three-toed footprint as big as a wagon.

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

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

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

"Shad, you okay?" Zelda called out to him, which seemed to snap Shad back to reality.

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

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

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

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

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

"Chuchus. Not a problem." Link stepped forward, grabbing the sword's handle before Shad promptly stopped him.

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

"Why? Chuchus disintegrate with just one stab."

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

"What do you suggest I do then?"

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

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

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

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

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

"Birds aren't the only animals here. Mammals like that clouded leopard also made this place their home."

A small dark splotch, accompanied by scurrying sounds, approached the group. A red lizard with a triangular head stopped in front of them. On the lizard's back were four dark spots at the edge of all four limbs.

"...And it's also home to reptiles such as this Lava Bearded Dragon," Shad added.

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

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

"He seems to like you," Shad commented.

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

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

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

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

"Lava Bearded Dragon does not have any venom. As long as she doesn't prompt him to bite her, Ilia will be fine." After Shad answered, the bearded dragon climbed along Ilia's arm and wrapped itself around her neck, much like a scarf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yunobo!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yes. They joined The Resistance several months back. I wanted to show them this place and introduce them to you."

Link stepped forward. "I'm Link. This is Zelda and her sister Ilia."

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

The bearded dragon perked his head up and smiled at the Goron.

"I knew he looked familiar," Shad declared.

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

"He did? He normally doesn't warm up to new faces that fast. You must be pretty special if he likes you already."

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

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

"More like he found us."

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

"Why is that?" Shad spoke with concern.

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

"A bunch of what now?" Zelda tilts her head.

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

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

The Ordon Trio stared at the Goron in confusion.

"I'm guessing that's bad...?" Link concluded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Death Mountain Marker #3

Goron City Ahead

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

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

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

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

"I get it, but seeing Sheik again would've been nice."

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

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

"A rescue mission, to be exact."

"For who?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What for? Making potions?"

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

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

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

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

"Hey, Krane!"

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

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

"Oh, hey, Shad!"

"Hello, Krane," Shad waved.

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

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

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

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

Death Mountain Marker #4

Welcome to Goron City!

Enjoy Your Visit!

"Very...hardcore," Ilia answered.

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

Yunobo guided the Ordon Trio while Shad & Ashei trailed behind, taking in the amusement. As they walked around, they saw numerous Gorons. Many came in various colors of yellow, orange, and even brown. They were ginormous. Even the younger Gorons were tall enough to reach the Hylian's torsos. Three little Gorons rolled their way toward the group.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Now, what makes you say that?" Shad responded jokingly.

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

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

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

The other elderly Goron held up a sizeable rock with a unique shape. "Look how big this thing is! Let me tell ya! The process of getting it out was such a challenge!"

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

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

"Thanks, Yunobo," Shad muttered.

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

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

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

"That your house?" Link asks.

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

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

"Daruk! Over here!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Of course, Daruk."

"Count me in as well!" Ashei followed.

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

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

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

"You think I carry this for a show?"

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

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

"Thank you…?"

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

"Is Dad there?" Yunobo asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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