Fan Fiction Friday: Daruk’s Song – Part 3

It sure felt good to be a Champion! Why, it was amazing see all the other Champions at Hyrule Castle just a while back. I even got to see brother Link while I was there. Hyrule Castle was mighty big, but not as big as Death Mountain. Visiting the tiny princess and Link was nice, but I was glad to be home. I still couldn’t forget the story that I heard while I was there though. Link really was chosen to be Zelda’s knight! Turns out that one of those ancient machines started going berserk and started causing problems. Brother Link supposedly leaped into action and grabbed a pot lid of all things to stop the machine! Seems to me he caught the ole’ King of Hyrule’s eye. I’d expect nothing less of a brother.

Link is a pretty good guy. He’s quiet, but he’s a good guy. While we were at the castle I told him about my struggles with Rudania and he offered to come to Death Mountain and help. I’m still embarrassed to say that I’m the only Champion having problems but maybe Link could help a fellow brother out.  I looked forward to seeing him.

“Hey, Link! Nice to see ya!” I had been waiting for Link all morning. It must’ve taken him a few days to get here. “Ya ready to help me with Rudania?” I asked, giving him a mighty pat on the back. He gave a nod and we kept marching up Death Mountain.

Rudania wasn’t too far from Goron City, but it took a little guy like Link awhile to make it through the heat. I was excited when we got to the beast though. It looked like a mighty, metal lizard. I can’t believe I was Champion over such a thing!

“Well, Link, here we are. I’m glad to have your help. Rudania doesn’t seem to want to listen to me. It kinda bucks up and just doesn’t respond to my commands. What do you think I should do?” I looked over at Link and he said nothing. He looked around the structure of the beast and back to me. He took a few steps forward and gave me a large push towards the entrance. “What are you doin’ brother? I thought you were gonna help?” Link nodded and pushed me forward again. Link must have been trying to tell me something without words, and I think I was starting to understand.

I walked inside Rudania and looked around. I never realized that Rudania was so large on the inside. Before I knew it I started to wander around aimlessly. “Well Rudania I guess you and me gotta get to know each other.” I said, running my large hand along the wall.

A low rumble vibrated through Rudania’s belly. That must have been some kind of response. “I think you must agree with me, don’t-cha?”

I followed different hallways and walked into different rooms and started to learn the Divine Beast inside and out. Rudania was unique. I was mighty surprised that something so large could walk along Death Mountain with such grace. It still baffled me that Rudania was buried near Death Mountain in the first place. “So Rudania. Do you think I’ll make a great Champion? Will you let me pilot you?” Another rumble moved through the lizard’s belly, but it sounded brighter this time. It seemed like it was agreeing with me.

I made my way to the top of the beast and found what looked like a heart. A large round panel sat in the middle of this heart. I placed my hand on it and suddenly felt a fire run through my soul. In that moment I seemed to understand Rudania completely. “Ah there’s a fire in you brother. Let’s do it together…” Rudania responded with another loud rumble, and at that moment, I knew I could do this.

I wandered for so long that I forgot about Link, and I forgot about the rest of the day. I explored and talked to Rudania until the stars fell upon Death Mountain. By the time the moon rose, I had piloted Vah Rudania to the very top of Death Mountain. I stood outside the beast and admired the entire land. “Calamity Ganon will stand no chance now… Hyrule sure does look beautiful, and the two of us, along with the other Champions, Link, and the Princess, we’ll protect it.”

Link — I gotta thank the brother next time I see him. He knew that all I needed was a little push to get myself to learn how to pilot Rudania this whole time! Next time I see him I’ll cook him up some Prime Rock Roast! Little guy likes to eat, so I better make a whole feast. What a brother!

I had begun to spend a lot of my time between Rudania and Hyrule Castle. It seemed that signs of a threat were growing more and more every day. The Goron Elder told me before I left that he hoped that I would return back this time. I told him I would. I had to return to my brothers. Of course, I knew that they must have been worried about me as often as I left our home. As brothers we stick together, and it was always hard to leave home. As I left I gazed upon the mountain faced that showed my famous brothers of old. Would my face be on that mountain some day? I would hope that my time as a Champion would make that mountain worthy of the Great Daruk.

Upon arriving at the Castle, I was gathered with the other Champions. The tiny princess looked worried. Every time I saw her face it seemed to be more and more sad. I wished that there was something I could say to cheer her up. I still remember her sweet laugh from when she saved me from that dog.

“Is everyone here?” Zelda asked, looking around the room anxiously. “Okay…” She took a deep breath and sighed, “Tomorrow Link and I shall travel to Mount Lanayru. I would like for the other Champions to accompany us to the base of the mountain. I’ve been beginning to fear the worst. I would like everyone with me…”

“Of course my dear,” Urbosa, the tall and beautiful Gerudo woman replied. “No need to worry, we’ll be with you always.” She laid and hand on Zelda’s shoulder and the tiny princess smiled at her. The two of them must have had and unspoken bond as well.

Link nodded and took his place a few places behind Zelda. Revali, the Rito gave a small sigh, but said nothing. The Zora, Mipha, offered a few quiet words of encouragement to Zelda privately and looked over at Link once she finished speaking. Link didn’t return her gaze, but I wondered what that was about.

I felt like I needed to say something now; I didn’t want to let the silence linger. “Whatever you need, Princess! The Great Daruk and the other Champions will stand with you all the way!” My voice boomed and fill the large room within the castle. It seemed to take everyone by surprise, but at least it broke the tension.

Zelda’s furrowed brow softened and a small smile spread across her face. “Thank you Daruk.”

Her smile was all I needed. I didn’t want Ganon to take her smile, or anyone else’s ever again. I promised myself that he wouldn’t get the chance.

 

Heather Beard is a writer for Zelda Dungeon. She’s a (crazy) cat lady with a passion for Zelda lore, and really cheesy pizza. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and Twitter!

Featured image artwork is by the author, Heather Beard.

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