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~ Ryo Recalls His Journey ~
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     Narrator: Ryo

     It was morning when I first arrived at a small town at least two days before the incident of the attack on the castle. It held a nice atmosphere, but it was rather quiet. Understandable, though, because it was only morning at the time. So this was a perfect opportunity to take in the sights. There was a wooden gateway but no door sealed the path. A guard stood at the gateway, looking rather drowsy. I believed him to be asleep standing because he didn't even look at me when I passed. I wanted to know where I was, but I thought it best not to bother him. Once inside the town's reaches, I was first met with a tall tree, green and full of life. I smiled at this. Going past it, I saw the town's full reaches, as it was surrounded by rocks and cliffs with a volcano in the distance. At my left, a stairway leading towards a long gate stood, looking a bit worn. It's no surprise since there were also two white buildings up that way, plus one that was made of bricks. To my right, I could see another stairway, but a much more shallow one. This lead up to a higher ground with more houses, one of them being a two-story house. Further off, there was a small house with a garden at the side. I didn't know what was being grown, but I knew it had to be important since a wooden fence to keep chickens out was around it. Oh, did I say chickens? Yes, I saw eight chickens here, pecking and clucking about. I found them cute and they added a little bit of a farm feel to the town, a feel I enjoyed. Looking ahead, there was a single spot of raised ground with a brick building on top. On lower ground just ahead, a well stood humbly below the sights of a giant windmill which oversaw the whole town. I grinned at the well, thinking it'd be a perfect place to get some water. I hadn't had much nourishment in the past day, so some water would really refresh me... or so I thought. I walked to it only to find it was completely empty. I could feel my ears lower in disappointment. I looked around the town to find some help. I really wanted to know where I was... and also, why the well was empty. There was only one person awake at that time; A red haired lady of fair skin and blue eyes, with a brown vest over a white, short-sleeved shirt, paired with a long, green skirt. She was tending to those chickens I mentioned earlier. She was looking at me more with her eyes than with her whole head, as if to just keep an eye on me. I figured it was because I was new to the area and the only other one around. At the time, I was also wearing a dark gray, weathered cloak, which probably made me look a little intimidating as well.
     "My, my..." she said to herself under her breath before raising her voice to talk to me directly. "Who are you, traveler?"
     "I am Ryuken, a simple wanderer," I introduced with a bow. "I am sorry if I startled you, Miss, but I was hoping you could help me... You see, I am just walking through, but I need a place to rest. And yet I don't even know where I am, let alone know where to find an inn... Would you be kind enough to tell me?"
     "Oh, certainly, sir!" she nodded to me. "This is Kakariko Village, a calm, quiet town in the land of Hyrule. The great Impa founded our town and we've thrived ever since, even through the reign of Ganondorf. There is an inn up near that gate, which leads to Death Mountain. It's the two-story building."
     I couldn't say why, but the name "Hyrule" sounded familiar. But it was really fuzzy in my mind as to the reason. I didn't think much on it at the time, so I thanked her for the information and came to the inn. When I got there, the doors were locked. I grumbled a little to myself at this misfortune. It wasn't every day I encountered a locked inn. While I waited for the owners to unlock the doors, I kept walking around. I saw many places were actual houses, so I dared not try to barge in. But I sensed something different on the building on the elevated spot in the middle. I walked up the stairs and tried to door, wondering what sort of place it was. I didn't find out then because these doors were locked, too. The red haired woman came to me, sensing my ill feelings.
"It's far too early for our game house to be open, sir. It is merely 7:30," she explained. "If you need somewhere to just sit down a while, my house's doors are unlocked. You may rest there for a time if you wish."
     I was surprised at this invitation. However, I couldn't pass it up. I said, "Thank you, Miss! Thank you very much! It always warms me to see someone with a willing heart." With that, she led me to her house, where she gave me some food and drink. As I ate, she asked me, "Where do you come from, sir? And where are you going? If you don't mind my saying, your clothes are rather unusual, so I suspected you are not from here?"
     "I came here from the land of Shantiosia, a distant place. However, that is not where I was born, just my previous stop," I answered. "I also do not know where I am going. I walk the lands of the world, hoping to find a place I can settle down and call home. But every time I try, something calls me back out to the roads... I feel it is like the Goddesses are telling me, 'Not here. This isn't where you're meant to be'."
     "Really, now?" the lady tilted her head. "I find that quite strange, if you don't mind my saying. Don't you have family you can stay with?"
     I merely shook my head. I had no family to speak of. I had a few friends, but they were very far away at this time. The lady seemed to have taken pity on me, for her eyes appeared saddened. I said to her, "Please don't be distressed, Miss. I'm not in despair from my position. I get help every now and then and I like to travel. The Goddesses are always watching over me, and I trust their guidance. That's all I can ask for."
     As we conversed, I noticed that time had gone by significantly. We had gotten along well, even to the point where she invited me to come back to this house, should I be in the area again at a later time. I requested that I would be able to look around the village again, feeling other people would have been awake by now. She agreed, taking my dishes for me. After giving her my thanks again, I left the house. Sure enough, there were several people up and about. As they began to notice me, I got more stares. I merely waved to them and then they'd go about their business. I began to wonder if they were afraid of me. I explored the village a while, but I finally came back to the Inn. I opened the doors, seeing as they were unlocked now, and I walked inside to find an old man behind the counter. When he saw me, he seemed to scan my body with his aged eyes in a surprised manner before asking, "Can I help you, young sir?"
     "I would like a room for the night, please Oji-san," I requested.
     "Just for one night?" he croaked.
     "Yes, just one night," I replied.
     "That will be thirteen rupees, young sir," the man grinned a gap-toothed smile. I searched my pouches and was able to scrape up a yellow and three green rupees. That left me with just one blue left. The man gave me the key I needed and I went to the proper room to relax some. I had been walking all night long, so I definitely needed the rest.
     I didn't bother taking off my clothes any. I just cast aside my weapons and laid down on my back. I laid there thinking to myself about my travels and wondering what awaited me here in this land called Hyrule. It was a pretty comfortable bed, nothing luxurious but better than the dirt ground by a mile. I tilted my head to look out the window and I saw a tall mountain with a ring of smoke around its open peak. I gazed at it in wonder for a good few minutes. I had never seen a cloud ring be sustained like that. But my thoughts were interrupted by a grumbling voice at my doorway. I wished to know what the trouble was, for I never like to leave people in a bad state for longer than necessary. I got back up and opened the door to find a Goron sitting between my door and the door to the left of mine. This Goron looked a bit different than the others for he was larger overall, definitely more muscular in his limbs and his body held tribal markings. He had more hair on his head than normal Gorons as well, both on the scalp and on his chin. His forearms held a hardened hide like his back on the back of them, like my bracers. The top of his rock back looked like splintered rock, pointing backward. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to mess with this guy. I was hoping he'd be reasonable.
     "Excuse me, sir...?" I inquired. "I couldn't help but hear your voice. You sound rather upset. What is the trouble?"
"It's nothing you'd need to be bothered with-Goro," the Goron answered plainly, yet dull. Certainly the downcast attitude one has while in the dumps. "You just go back to your activities. I'll figure something out-Goro..."
     "I don't want to sound like I'm prying... but I don't wish to leave you in dispair," I replied with concern. "And... I haven't any activities to go to at the moment. Might I be at least a listening ear?"
"It's a Goron problem-Goro," the Goron stated. "Humans shouldn't bother with this. It's much to dangerous for Hyrule's citizens-Goro."
     "But I am a rorouni, friend," I smiled a little. "I am not really a citizen of Hyrule. I know my sword and I trust the Goddesses' providence. I would be more than willing to help you, if you would give me the chance."
     To this, the Goron just sat there, pondering what I had said. Eventually, he answered me, "Mmm... very well-Goro..." Then he stood up and faced me. He was taller than me, but he somehow didn't seem threatening. I think despite his impressive appearance, his eyes told me of his gentle-hearted soul. He continued, "It's Dodongo's Cavern-Goro. We're having trouble with it again... It's been a good twelve years since our last problem with the Dodongos, but this is still tiring-Goro."
     "What exactly is happening?" I asked, unsure what trouble a Dodongo could possibly give a Goron.
     "Dodongos are appearing everywhere in there-Goro. They are fire-breathing lizards that will eat us Gorons! It's become a hazard to try and get our food now..." the Goron sighed. "You would think that these lizards would be easy for us to take on and they usually are when it's just one or two. But now that there are so many, it's hard for us to deal with them. They're increasing in number... and if it doesn't stop, we'll be over-run! And I don't know what to do-Goro..."
     "Perhaps there is a logical explanation for this strange calamity?" I suggested. "If you need someone to take them on, dodge their attacks and get deep into the problem, then I believe I know someone who'd be willing to help get at the source and snuff it out."
     "Really? Who-Goro?"
     I smiled with my eyes closed in response.
"You-Goro? Org... You must be pulling my leg. You're just a human-Goro."
     "Just a human?" I asked, a little offended but not enough to get angry. "What difference does that make, friend?"
     "The Dodongos take down us Gorons-Goro! How much more easily could one take a human as prey?" the Goron debated. But then, either in desperation or a simple change of mind, he added, "But... you wouldn't be the first human to fight against a Dodongo problem-Goro... and the last one who did was a child at the time, too. You look mighty strong for a human. I guess it couldn't do any serious harm in trying-Goro..."
"That's the way," I smiled again, placing my hand on his shoulder. "Mind you, I haven't been in Hyrule long, but I know what a Dodongo is and how to get rid of one. Where is the cavern?"
"It's at the base of Death Mountain-Goro. It's just past the big gate near here. However, there's a guard stationed there. I'm not sure how you'd get past him without a letter of permission from the Princess-Goro. Death Mountain can be very dangerous," the Goron cautioned me.
     "You can go ahead back and forth through the gate, right?" I asked, tilting my head a little. "Can't I go along with you? I'm sure the princess wouldn't mind if I was helping her land with a problem her people are having."
     "Never thought about that-Goro. We could try it, I suppose," he scratched his head.
     So we agreed that he would help me get up to the cavern without harm and I would help him with the Dodongo infestation. We left the Inn, expecting to return soon. We walked up the stairs nearby and came upon a closed gate. Indeed, there was a guard posted at its side. He was watching me closely, probably because I was a stranger.
     "Halt!" the guard stamped his spear. "Ah, I see you're going back up the mountain, eh? You can go, Sir Goron. But who are you, may I ask, stranger?"
     "My name is Ryukenden. I am a rurouni. I, too, seek to venture up the mountain," I answered plainly.
     "Do you have permission from the Princess to do this? Death Mountain is very hazardous to humans and I don't want a fatality on my watch."
"He's with me-Goro," my Goron companion spoke up, but sounding a tad nervous. "He's here to help the Gorons get rid of the Dodongos-Goro."
     "Really, now?" the guard asked, looking skeptical.
"It's true, sir. I'm here to make the cavern safe for Gorons to eat from again," I confirmed with a nod.
     "Well... the princess would probably say that's most commendable of you..." the guard grinned a little. "Hmm... very well. I'll let you through, but don't tell anyone I let you in without a permission letter. Could be bad for me, you know?"
     "My lips are sealed, sir," I grinned back. "Thank you very much."
     The gate opened up for us and we walked on to our destination. Death Mountain itself wasn't so bad. There was a long trail before getting to the cavern but other than a few Red Teketites, it wasn't a problem. However, we did find a problem; Two Gorons guarding the cavern entrance. From the look on his face, my companion didn't look like he was aware of this.
     "Wha-? What's going on here-Goro?" he asked, mainly to himself, but he stomped over to the guards. I had to chuckle to myself because my companion was taller and appeared stronger than the guards. Just amused me how the weaker looking ones were the protectors. Mind you, even they didn't look like they ought to be mocked.
     "Leon... we were wondering when you'd come back-Goro," one of the guards grinned.
     "What are you doing-Goro?" Leon asked, looking a little panicked. "I've brought help for us-Goro!"
     "Help from the outside-Goro?" the other guard scoffed. "Unless it's Brother Link, I don't see how any human could help. Zora either, so don't get any bright ideas with Mike-Goro."
     "And no one has seen Big Brother Link in a long time-Goro," the first guard added.
     "But you don't understand-Goro!" Leon defended. "I know he's not Big Brother Link, but he appears quite strong and tough! And between you and me, his face does remind me of Big Brother Link-Goro."
     At this, I had to wonder who was "Big Brother Link". But... somehow, the name "Link" sounded very familiar. I couldn't put my finger on why that would be. I stood back and listened more.
     "Even so, he isn't Big Brother Link now is he-Goro?" the first guard asked firmly.
     "Well... no-Goro..." Leon admitted.
     "Then I don't see how he could help us-Goro," the guard frowned. "Brother Link was special, you know. The manliest of men, nearly Goron for he was so tough-Goro!"
     "Give him a chance, please-Goro? He volunteered himself for this."
     "Tell you what-Goro..." the second guard began. "If he can convince Big Brother Darunia to let him in, then we'll listen to anything he has to say. How about that-Goro?"
     "Very well," I spoke up, stepping to them. They seemed a little impressed with me. It was either my appearance or my boldness. "I will meet with Big Brother Darunia. Where can I find him?"
     "He is often in his chambers inside the Goron City-Goro. If he's not there, then he's likely to be in the Fire Temple. In which case, you'll just have to wait-Goro."
     "Then to the Goron City I will go," I nodded. I gave a bow as I concluded, "Thank you, gentlemen."
     I began walking up further on the path, since it was apparent that it was the only way to reach the Goron City. Leon soon came running up beside me. He seemed worried as he asked, "Are you sure about this-Goro? Big Brother Darunia is hard to please..."
     "Never hurts to try," I chuckled optimistically. "After all, the worst he can do is deny my assistance. That's all."
     Leon led me straight to Goron City's doors. What surprised me was that the passageway wasn't much bigger than a Goron, as if it was more suited to humans. I didn't ask about it, but I did stop to examine the doorway. Leon didn't notice apparently, because he kept walking. Noticing he was leaving me behind, I jogged to catch up to him. Inside the city was a huge cylinder-like cavern with many levels, going down. There were passages in the walls the either held stairs or various rooms. One thing I noticed was a small platform suspended by three ropes on the uppermost level; the one I was currently standing on. Why would there be a place like that if you'd have to risk a long fall to get there and back? I still don't know, to be honest. The rock walls had paintings all over them, paintings and carvings of Gorons dancing or fighting. It appeared to me that the walls weren't decorated with merely pictures, but illustrations of time gone by in the benchmarks of Goron history. It seemed the further down one went, the deeper in the past the walls displayed.
"Ryuken-Goro!" Leon called to me suddenly. "Are you coming? Big Brother's at the bottom-Goro!"
     "Coming!" I yelled back, running to him. "I was just gazing at your painted walls. Very eye-catching."
     "Oh, I see-Goro. Rather captivating, aren't they? Sometimes I just wander around the City just to travel through time-Goro," Leon sighed with contentment. He appeared very pleased I was amazed by the art. I have to admit, the art itself was rather primitive, but their meaning made it awe-striking. Battle scenes and travels just have a way of taking me out of this world. Down the stairs we walked, at least four if not five flights of stairs. At last, we reached the bottom. Here, there were only two other passageways. One had a Bombflower on each side of the door, the other had a plush carpet at its base. It was then we both heard a loud slamming sound.
     "What was that?" I asked, taken back by the sudden impact.
     "That was Big Brother-Goro... He must be upset about something..." Leon frowned. "I... I don't think this is a good time... l-let's try later-Goro..."
     "I think this is a very good time, actually," I smiled. "If he's upset, then perhaps we can cheer him up. Come on."
     "Oh... oh dear... I hope this goes well-Goro," Leon sighed behind me.
     I motioned my head towards the door with the carpet. Again, we heard the thunderous strike. When we looked inside the room, there was a Goron with long, spiky hair and beard. His arms were well muscled and his body appeared very strong. I noticed that Leon looked similar, minus the hair. This Goron's face was sour and a long scar cut across his forearm. With that injured arm, he punched the wall, causing a severe dent... well, more like a crater... and creating that bang.
     "Hurrr!" the Goron growled. "I'll be ready for you next time, Dodongo-Goro! I swear it!"
"That's Big Brother Darunia-Goro..." Leon said in a fear-stricken tone. "He's awfully mad... We shouldn't disturb him-Goro..."
"Who's there-Goro?!" Darunia shouted, rage in his booming voice.
     "Too late..." I muttered to Leon before answering the leader, "Leader Darunia, I am Ryukenden, a wanderer. Your Goron brother, Leon, told me that you are having problems with Dodongos in the cavern. The guards outside instructed that I should see you about getting rid of them."
     "What? You think you can take them-Goro?!" Darunia roared. "Hurrr! Let me tell you, mister Ryukenden, that even I, Darunia - Sage of Fire and Goron Leader - could not take on them all! How then do you plan to best them, for you are only human-Goro! You look rather strong for a human, I'll grant you that, but you can't match the might of a Goron! And if I couldn't, I don't see how you could-Goro!"
     "While I do agree with you that I am not as strong as a Goron, especially one like yourself, I think there can be other methods of relieving you of these monsters," I offered. "And I am aware this is a dangerous task, but I'm willing to do it."
     "You don't know what you're talking about-Goro. Look at this scar! I came out with this from battling the Dodongo's new king! I wrestled that beast with my bare hands and it managed to cast me aside-Goro!" Darunia fumed. "I took that beast by the tusks! I bashed its ribs with my full weight! I even force fed it one of the Goron's Special Crop! The beast appeared unstoppable-Goro!"
     "I believe every word of your fight Sir, but I do believe this creature can be stopped," I stated while remaining in a softer tone. "And I would like to do it for you."
"Mmmmmph... I feel as though I'm being mocked by you. I fail at the Goron's own element and you think you - a human - can do better-Goro?" Darunia sneered. "I suppose someone needs to be put in their place. Alright. I'll let you try to prove me wrong, but you'll have to show me that what might you've got could even be a possibility. Are you ready for that-Goro?"
     "I am," I nodded, although I wasn't sure what he had in mind.