Chapter Text
After resting up at a stable at the foot of Death Mountain, the two Hylians and Impa make the trek up there.
Link and Impa both have plenty of fireproof elixirs for themselves and the princess. Link leaves all of his flammable materials at the stable’s inn, same with Impa.
The hike up the mountain is beyond excruciating.
Yet, the three still make their way up. Even with the sun—and the volcano— beaming down on them.
Every step feels like they might pass out any minute, which might actually be true.
3 hours later, they finally make it there.
The princess and her advisor make some more elixirs, and Link opts for the armor.
“Hello… Erm.. Daruk?” Zelda calls out, begging for an answer.
A few moments later, a giant rock slides down the mountain, and stops right in front of her. The rock turns into a goron, and begins to laugh heartily.
”Why hello tiny princess!” He pats her on the back, accidentally too hard—but he really doesn’t mean any harm.
“Hello! Daruk, is it?” Zelda questions.
”The one and only.” Daruk laughs heartily. “What’s up? Goron City is quite out of the way for Hylians.”
Zelda clears her throat. “As you already know, we have recently unearthed the divine beast Vah Rudania. But, we are still in need of a pilot. It will be key in defeating Calamity Ganon. If you know anyone that would be able to do it… Or wants to do it… Please do tell.” She smiles.
“Oh of course! As the leader of this village, it would be an honor to pound that Ganon into oblivion!” Daruk Smiles. “Pelo?! Where you at sister?” He beckons.
Pelo rolls down the hill. “Hm? ‘sup brother! Whatcha need?”
“You’re the new village leader.” He slaps her on the back.
”Cool. That it?” She rolls her eyes, giving him a fist bump.
The two Gorons burst into laughter, and Pelo goes on her way.
‘That was ridiculously easy.’ Link muses.
”What was that?” Daruk’s brows furrow. “Is that some kind of code sign to kill me?”
Impa stifles her laughter, as does Zelda.
“If it is, it won’t work.” Daruk smirks, and shows off his supernatural power. “Just that good, eh?”
Zelda clears her throat. “Erm, Daruk? That’s how Link talks.”
Daruk’s eyes widen. “Wait… How does that work?” Daruk wraps his arms around his chest. “Are his hands basically his mouth?”
Link shakes his head no.
“Have you never met anyone that uses Hylian Sign before?” Impa inquires.
”Nope! Also I think my hands are too big to do any of that stuff.” Daruk chuckles.
“You’ll pick it up in time, don’t worry.” Impa smiles at him.
”Wait… Can he hear me??” Daruk looks horrified.
Link lets out a soft laugh. He nods.
“Oh…” He looks around, perhaps looking for little rocks nearby?. “Shit. Sorry little guy.”
Link gives him a thumbs up. ‘The more you know, or something.’ He signs in a clunky manner. The fireproof armor is not helping him at all.
”Yeah, what he said.” Daruk gives a hard slap onto Link’s back, knocking the wind straight out of his lungs.
Link gasps for air, and Daruk is none the wiser. The man is trying his damn best.
”Alright, we shall be in touch. We should really be heading down.” Zelda looks at the sky, and the sun is beginning to set. “We should probably get back to the stable.”
”Feel free to stay! We got all kinds of cool stuff here! Even though we Gorons just sleep on the ground, we do have an inn with more ‘traditional’ beds for our visitors.” Daruk beams.
”We shall do that some other time, Daruk.” Zelda smiles sweetly.
”Alright. Don’t let the rocks hit you on the way out!” Daruk snickers. He is met with many looks of confusion. “It’s a Goron thing.”
The two Hylians and the one Sheikah all nod in agreement, and bid their goodbyes.
After another five hours, they finally make it down from Death Mountain. It took a bit longer this time, due to the three being exhausted.
Regardless, they all made it safe and sound to the stable. They all close their eyes and dance among the stars, until morning hits.