Quick PSA, don't get Strep Throat. Feels like there's shrapnel in your throat.
Chapter 10: Island
Zion made a quick pitstop to the nearby post office. Thankfully, they had an updated map he could use. With that information, he left the town, put on his armor, and took off for Mt. Lavalava. Flying over the water, he was also carrying the suitcase. This was in case he needed to go back to town, or if the yoshi population was as skittish as the Toads. Then again, he didn't HAVE to meet the yoshi. He could just head straight to the volcano.
'No, I can't be careless. I'll ask around for information. One wrong move near lava and I'm dead. My armor might protect me for a few seconds, but I could also be cooked alive in my own armor.' He shuddered at the thought, 'Not something I'm willing to risk. Not with Rosalina waiting for my return.' He saw a somewhat secluded spot surrounded by trees, trees, and more trees. "Perfect, there's my LZ."
He approached quickly, but cautiously. He landed without issue and began to survey the area. 'I don't see anything at the moment.' He took his helmet off, 'I'll just take off the helmet for now, and remove the rest when I'm closer to the village.' He turned to put the helmet in his suitcase, and made eye contact with a small green yoshi just a couple feet away. 'HOW DID I NOT SEE HIM?!' He thought angrily.
"Uhh-"
"THAT WAS AWESOME!" The yoshi yelled before Zion could get a word in. "Are you a robot, or a cyborg, can you shoot laser eyes, what else can you do?!"
To say Zion was surprised was an understatement. He found himself unable to say anything due to the little yoshi's onslaught of questions. Thankfully, the yoshi seemed enamored with him. He could use this to his advantage.
"Hey there yoshi, do you know where the village is? I'm a knight on a quest to find something inside Mt. Lavalava."
Zion could practically see stars in the yoshi's eyes after he spoke.
"You're a knight? On a quest? That's awesome! What kind of quest, what are you looking for?"
"Hey, hey, slow down," Zion interrupted before the kid started with more questions. "Yoshi Village, can you take me there?"
The young yoshi nodded enthusiastically, "Sure thing! I can't wait to tell everyone I met a knight!"
To say the walk to the village was quiet would be a lie. To say it was a conversation would also be a lie. To say it was a one sided interrogation with no answers would actually be pretty accurate.
'Is it because he's a kid, or is this a yoshi thing? I'm willing to bet it's the former.' Zion finally saw what looked like Yoshi Village coming up, 'Oh thank God, finally.' Upon seeing the village, the little yoshi ran ahead with Zion not far behind. As soon as the yoshi reached the entrance, he shouted.
"Hey everyone! I found a knight!"
'Oh boy…' Zion thought with dread. Not 5 seconds after the shout, Zion was surrounded by a hoard of yoshi. Name a color, and he probably saw it. At least they weren't bombarding him with questions, but they were sniffing and making all sorts of strange noises. 'I assume they're either communicating, or just making sounds out of curiosity. Anyway, let's see what I can do.'
"Ahem," Zion cleared his throat "my name is Zion, and I'm here to travel to Mt. Lavalava. My quest is to find a fire flower or something similar that can't run out or be extinguished. Something like that. Have any of you heard of such a thing?"
After making his inquiry, the yoshis started making noises, some seemed a bit fearful, others happy. 'Kind of a mixed response. Hmm, what should I say next?'
"Excuse me young man," someone spoke, and the yoshi parted to make a path. Zion then met eyes with a rather big yoshi. He wouldn't call him fat, but it would be a pretty accurate description. Based on his demeanor and appearance, Zion assumed he was the chief "Did the Princess send you to aid us?"
"Umm, no. I wasn't sent by any princess. I came here of my own accord."
The nearby yoshis began to look disappointed. The big yoshi sighed "For your own safety, you should forget any interest in going to Mt. Lavalava."
Zion didn't miss a beat, "The reason being?"
The chief yoshi sighed again, "A young dragon has recently taken residence inside the volcano. So far it hasn't started attacking the village, but we don't want to risk anyone getting hurt or worse. We sent a request to Princess Peach for aid, but haven't heard back yet. We were expecting maybe Mario to come and aid us."
Now THERE was a name Zion was familiar with, "Ah yes, the great hero himself. Sorry to say I'm not him, and I wasn't sent by the Princess. As I said before, I'm here to find a fire that doesn't go out, or something like that. It sucks that I can't be more specific about what I'm looking for, but I'm not certain myself.
The chief shook his head, "I won't stop you from going, but I would highly recommend not going. We'd hate to see someone lose their life over some item they're not even sure about."
"I appreciate your concern, but I need to go. Someone at home is waiting for me, and I can't let her down." The two of them stared at each other for a bit.
"Very well, the least we can do is offer you accommodations. The inn is right over there," he said pointing to what looked like a small clearing, "it isn't much, but feel free to use it free of charge."
Zion nodded, "Alright, thank you for your hospitality. I think I'll rest for today and head out in the morning."
The chief nodded in return, "Do as you wish Mr. Zion."
"Just Zion is fine, I'm no one special." He headed off to the inn to sleep.
Despite the dangers awaiting him, Zion slept well. He also kept his armor on. It wasn't the first time he had done so, so it didn't affect his sleep in the least. After getting himself together, and having some fresh fruit offered by some friendly yoshi, Zionn was ready to head out. However, he didn't even reach the edge of the village before he was stopped.
"Excuse me, Zion was it?
Zion turned and was a bit shocked to see a purple fish. 'A talking fish? Oh right, they're called Cheep Cheep…hehe, a literally fish outta water. OK Zion pay attention, now's not the time for jokes.'
"Yes," Zion answered seriously, as to not let his thoughts distract him, "that's me, can I help you?"
The cheep cheep nodded, "My name is Sushie. I want to talk to you about Mt. Lavalava. I've been through there before with Mario. We thoroughly explored the volcano at that time, so I wanted to talk with you before you left."
Zion was surprised, he wasn't expecting anyone to have in-depth knowledge of the volcano interior.
"Any information you have would be greatly welcomed. Thank you very much Sushie."
Sushie smiled, "You're welcome. Follow me, I'll show you to the volcano entrance."
Letting her take the lead, Sushie and Zion spoke of the troublesome foes that lurked up ahead. Spinys, Beetles, and Lava Bubbles, oh my! Eventually Sushie asked Zion a rather simple question.
"Why are you doing this?" Sushie stopped in place and turned to face Zion. "I know you're looking for something, but why? What could possibly be so important that you'd risk your life in a volcano and worse, a possible fight against a dragon?"
Zion looked down at his hands, still clad in armor, "By all accounts, I should be dead right now." He clenched his hands,"That said, I survived and was rescued by a wonderful woman. It took some time but she and I are a couple now. We're still getting used to it, but I believe we'll continue to grow and love each other…" He brought his right hand to his chest "I have to protect her. I need this item to hopefully regain my suits full functions, then I can truly serve and protect her to the best of my abilities. She saved me, so I must do everything I can for her.
This is my new life's purpose, it's why I'm here, and why I must press onward."
After his bold proclamation, Sushie turned away. It was silent for a couple seconds before he heard something.
*sniff*...*sniff*
It was coming from Sushie, "Uhh, are you okay Sushie?" He asked.
"That's…your story…" she turned around, "It's so ROMANTIC!" Her face was a crying mess. "To think you'd dedicate your entire life to the woman who saved you, and that you'd also fall in love with each other. It's so wonderfully romantic! I bet she's quite the beautiful woman to catch the eye of a knight like yourself, eh?" Zion blushed at the comment.
"Well, I, uh, she sure is-"
"Right then, Sushie!" She used her fins to slap the sides of her face, "Let's get swimming, we've gotta get in that volcano so we can get your thing. Then you can return home to your woman in waiting."
She turned around and double timed towards the volcano. Zion was surprised at her speed and took off after her.
"Wait," he shouted trying to catch up, "what's all this 'we' stuff?!"
The remaining trek to the volcano was quick. While there was a zip line installed to gain entry to the fiery dungeon, Zion opted to use his suit to clear the gap. Sushie used the zip line, much to his dismay.
"You don't need to risk your life on my account. I'll be fine on my own" he said.
"Nope," Sushie replied, "I've decided you need the extra set of fins. Besides, not only have I been in here before, I'm much stronger than I look. Especially if we're up against any fire related baddies."
They stared each other down, then Zion sighed while rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I'm not gonna win this argument, am I?"
"Nope," Sushie proudly declared, "You're stuck with me until we find your treasure. Then you can safely return to your 'treasure'." The infliction and wink were not lost on Zion.
"Alright then," He put his helmet on, the screen lighting up with information.
Warning!
Excessive temperatures detected.
Internal temperatures above acceptable levels.
Initiating cooling process
…
…
Internal temperatures regulated.
Avoid prolonged exposure to heat to prevent strain on systems.
'Seems like the suit is OK for now. Better not push it though.'
"Let's go Sushie."
Into the volcano we go, and Sushie is along for the ride! Hopefully I won't be as long before the next chapter is ready.