9.

Victoria looked around Hyrule field. She looked over to the Lost Woods. Link used to live there. She thought that maybe just maybe…Link would be there. But then again, Zelda may have already found him as well. She kept on towards Death Mountain.

She needed to continue, at any cost. He would be fine. Death Mountain was nestled to the North of Hyrule, right next to Hyrule castle. Victoria rode over to the entrance, but stopped. There was something that wasn't there last time she visited. It was Kakariko village. Granted, Victoria hadn't gone to Death Mountain lately, but King Hyrule would take them everywhere in Hyrule. Victoria thought about this. A city couldn't be built overnight.

Victoria thought that, perhaps, this was the village of legend. This city, or, well…village, would disappear for years at a time. Naturally, Victoria was surprised when she saw the village, but, even more surprised when she saw the residents. If this was the village of legend, then, how could they live there? Victoria rode on with caution. The people seemed so happy. Victoria pushed it from her mind.

She would ponder this after her questions were answered. People stared, of course, but Victoria kept on her way. Victoria observed the village. It was…quiet. The only real sounds were cuccos and hammers, as there was a cuccoo pen and they were building. All of the houses had a light brown tan of mud and age. The great windmill strode over the north end. Death Mountain was to the west. Sneering at the staring onlookers, Victoria sped up. She came to a stop when she passed the graveyard. She once had a twin sister. Victoria was only six, and never understood where Christina had gone. Victoria knew she had been there before, but she hadn't remembered the village. Victoria found it extremely hard to stay focused here. The graveyard seemed to call out to her. Victoria gave a shudder, but led Scarlette in.

Tombstones lined up. Victoria wasn't usually afraid of things like this, especially in the light, but she knew that something was watching her. Victoria thought of what Zelda would have done. Run off, she thought. Victoria swallowed a lump in her throat. Then, she heard an absolutely angelic voice.

"My Child.…" Victoria began to turn around, hardly believing her ears. Then, she saw a sprit rise over a tombstone. It was the great goddess, Din.

"Whoa!" Victoria cried out loud. Victoria could hardly believe her eyes, the goddess of power, if not but an Oracle, standing before her. While getting off Scarlette, Victoria bowed.

Din laughed and said, "Arise, my child." Victoria got on her feet immediately. Din continued, "My child, what are you pursuing?" Din's voice echoed throughout the graveyard…wait…Victoria noticed she was in a temple, a gray and grand hall. Her mind snapped to.

"Hope. Hope for my family. There have been rumors of the Dark Lord somehow escaping your grasp, my Goddess."

Din looked into Victoria's eyes lovingly and said, "My child. I know what you are truly seeking, and your true destiny. You were born for a great purpose. To shine light upon those who need it, to shed knowledge upon the ignorant, and to give…hope. Hope to those who have lost everything due to recent events. My child, please take this blessing from my sisters and I."

Din spun around and a big explosion erupted around the temple. Red, green, and blue swirled around the room. Din reappeared and handed Victoria a ball of light, inscribed with Din's insignia, the three waves of power.

"My child, keep this safe." Din whispered in her ear. Then, everything just…disappeared. Victoria found herself sleeping next to the tree in front of Kakariko village. Oh, so it was only a dream…but…it felt so real.

Victoria got up and looked around. She needed a drink. She reached into her bag and pulled out a bottle of LonLon milk. Then, she saw something shimmering in her bag. She reached in the silky leather and grabbed hold of the light. Victoria gasped. It was the ball of light Din had given her. Victoria couldn't believe her eyes. Victoria dropped the milk, shattering the container on the ground. Din, the Golden Goddess! She twirled the ball around in her hand. It glowed an eerie rainbow of colors. Victoria threw it up in the air and watched it float down gracefully. She wondered what made it so important. She also questioned why Din would waste her time on her. She said I was to bring light to this world…what the Termina could that mean!

She stood up and angrily threw the ball at a wall. Then, something extremely strange happened. The ball slowed and dropped to the ground, rolling back at her. Victoria was shocked. She ran over to the ball and picked it up. Wow…what is this? She thought. She carefully plopped it back into her bag and got back on Scarlette. Making sure to steer clear of the graveyard, Victoria made her way to the gate of Death mountain trail.
A guard stopped her when she reached the gate. The guard was heavily protected with armor, and he stood tall. When he stopped Victoria he asked,

"And just where do you think you're going missy? What business have ya done got in Death Mountain, eh?" The gate prevented her from going any farther, even if she wanted to. Victoria looked at him with little respect.

"If you must know, Major Dunderhead, I must see princess Mikhailnia, of the Gorons, or, at least Daruina." His eyes flared behind his helmet.

"And what makes you think I'll let you pass?" His voice sounded smug, which made the anger mutual between the two.

"Listen, if I don't get through, one of us won't come home tonight." She grabbed at her blade, in a holster behind her. The guard recoiled, but stood firm.

"Missy, put up your toy. I won't let you through without a royal pardon!" Victoria became frustrated. Then, she thought of the ball of light. Maybe he'd know what it was.
She reached into her bag and pulled out the ball saying, "Do you have any idea what this is?" The guard stepped back.

His eyes widened and he whispered, "W—where did you get that?" Victoria eyed him suspiciously and said,
"I just…found—" she stopped. The guard might think she stole it. "I got it from Zelda. She told me Din blessed the first king with it when he was a child." Victoria didn't try to tell the lie; the words just fell from her mouth. She hoped Din would forgive her. The guard shook his head,

"Missy, why would the princess give you Din's pearl?" Din's Pearl! Victoria had learned about it through her years of schooling in Hyrule. It was the concentrated, pure, energy of the Goddess Din.

His eyes stared into hers. Victoria avoided his gaze and looked into the sky. She tried to think of why. Just then, a sudden courage washed over her. She knew just what to say.

"I need to deliver a message with its powers to King Darunia, King Zora, and…well, who else is classified, mister."

Victoria instantly knew Din was giving her these words. The guard was even more angered, but kneeled.

In an angered tone, he said, "Pass."

Victoria thought, so simple! But instead, she called to him,

"Now, was that so hard?"

and, riding Scarlette, jumped over the high gate. She looked at Scarlette, and thought, Wow, she can jump high. I need to spend more time at home! Victoria rode onto the Death Mountain trail.

Gorons lined the path from the sides. None raised their heads, which was strange, since Gorons were naturally very friendly. She rode faster. Death Mountain trail was baron and extremely hot. She watched fire emerge from Death Mountain, and saw that Dodongo's Cavern wasn't occupied by Gorons, as it usually was. Cautiously, she slowed and turned to the entrance of Goron city. The entrance was a giant hole, and the city was made completely of rock. Bombflowers grew on the walls and Gorons ran around. Finally, somewhere normal, Victoria thought.

However, "normal" isn't exactly what you'd first say when you walked into Goron City. The legendary city lay carved into a volcano, and it's inhabitants weren't of the norm either. They were large, muscular creatures with hearts of gold. Their bodies were so hard, it is said that they were actually made of stone.
Victoria dismounted Scarlette and walked around the circular room. In the center of it, she noticed, was a podium. Victoria wondered what it used to hold. The room was three stories high and Victoria had no clue where Mikhailnia or King Darunia was. She looked for somebody who could help. Gorons ran around recklessly and none would give her the time. She called out to every Goron she saw. Eventually, she gave up. She sauntered around aimlessly until she just turned a corner and reached utter desperation. She felt as if she was invisible…as if a dark shroud had taken over the Gorons but she trekked on. Soon, a large eruption happened in the center of the room…perhaps a bomb flower had gone off?

Suddenly, Bomb flower after bomb flower lit and exploded. Victoria, caught in the domino-like explosions, shielded her face with her arms and was sent flying. Her head knocked against the rocky wall and made her black out. All this blacking out couldn't be...healthy.

She was awoken soon after, however, by a young goron girl.

Seeing Victoria's face emerge from her arms, the goron girl said loudly, "hi!" Her expression matched her tone. Energetic and optimistic, and even seeing a drowsy Hylian, she remained happy. She crouched down to Victoria's height and patted her on the shoulder.

"Hey there, Little Person, why are you…here?"

Victoria took a deep breath and told the goron, "well, I'm looking for somebody, but nobody will tell me where she is and, and…I don't even know why I want to keep looking because, nothing will be there and—" She stopped. The goron didn't want to hear about her problems.

Despite what she thought, the girl goron told Victoria in a comforting tone, "and what Little Person?" Victoria was shocked. Gorons were friendly, but extremely self-centered. Victoria didn't think this one was any different. So, she told the girl goron everything. The pirates, Zelda, the mystery man, LonLon ranch, her quest, Kakariko Village, Din, and all the mean Gorons. She was amazed at how much she had gone through.

The goron girl didn't respond at first, but, instead, stood up and said, "But, Little Person, my name is Mikhailnia."
A hearty laugh erupted from her throat. Victoria looked at the princess, confused.

She took another breath and said, "You are the p—princess right? Well, I—" Victoria stopped. She didn't know what to say. She thought a bit, and blurted out, "Zelda sent m—me. I need something to help me on my quest. Could you—" Victoria's weak voice made Mikhailnia laugh.

"Of course you can! I'll forge you a shield that not even Din could destroy! Ha! I've also got something special for you, Little Person." Victoria regained her courage.

She giggled as she said, "Thou shall not test the gods!" Instantly, Victoria's wounds dried, not just of the humidity of the volcanic city, but because she had made a new friend.