The following morning Link was up even before the sun, but he decided to remain at Malon's side until she awoke. His sleep was restless, he could only sleep for about an hour before jolting awake over and over again all night. Each time continued the same horrible nightmare, his sworn enemy beating him within an inch of his life before tying him up and forcing Link to watch him rape Malon repeatedly. Her screams from the dream echoed in his mind several times as he clenched his eyes shut in a desperate attempt to drive the images out of his mind. He dared not recall the nightmare at all, fearing it may cause him to scream in frustration.
"Link, are you okay?" A gentle voice asked as he felt a gentle nudge on his shoulder. The hero's eyes shot open to see Malon next to him propping herself up on her elbow and looking at him with worried eyes. "Bad dream?"
"You have no idea." He muttered beneath his heavy sigh. He rolled over onto his back and sat up, rubbing his face to awaken his senses. "Come on, we have to get up the mountain." He deadpanned before climbing out of the bed and walking over to his sword and shield.
"Thanks for staying with me last night." She said, noticing the he was now the one who was troubled.
"Don't mention it, you needed the comfort." His tone showed his sincerity, but at the same time distant. Once he had on his weapon arsenal Malon went to do the same with her swords. "Okay, now the thing about the Gorons is that they are pretty much the opposite of the Gerudo. They are are an all male race, thick rocky skin, and very peaceful unless angered."
"Will any of them remember you?"
"Maybe, there was a young Goron who was named after me by his father. There is a chance his memory wasn't wiped clean of what happened." He lead his companion out of the room and down to the tavern. They returned the room key and headed out where they bought a couple apples from a food vendor standing out on the side of the street. Once done with their quick breakfast Link lead Malon up the trail winding up the mountain. It was silent at first, with Link seeming to only focus on advancing up the mountain. Malon could feel the heat from the active volcano as they ascended, and it seemed to reflect the anticipation that grew inside her. Each step she was closer to getting her revenge for her fathers death. Suddenly she was pushed aside by Link followed by her face getting splattered by Red Tektite blood.
"What?" She said furrowing her brow is shock. How did she not see the enemy?
"Pay attention." He said as he swung the blade to remove the remaining blood. "That one almost had you." He offered out his hand to help her back to her feet. "Something on your mind?"
"I'm fine." She said flatly as she looked away and helped herself up. She began to walk past Link and continue on but was stopped when he grabbed her wrist.
"Revenge is a very dangerous path. If you get caught up in it then it will ultimately destroy you." The redhead looked into his stern blue eyes.
"Link, I'm sorry." She said softly as her shoulders slumped.
"Its okay. Come on, the entrance is just around the corner." As the entrance came into view the two sprinted inside. Once in the cavern they could hear the gentle beat of drums. The redhead looked around the central room in wonder, it was much bigger than what she expected. Down at the lower levels she could see bulky and rough skinned beings walking and lunging about.
"Are those Gorons?" She asked.
"Yeah."
"Hello, we don't get many visitors around here." A deep voice greeted, forcing the pair to look at a tall thick Goron stroll up to them.
"Hello." Link greeted. "We came quite a distance and was wondering if we may be able to speak to your leader."
"Ah yes, brother Link. He is this way, please follow me." The Goron began to make his way around the top floor towards the stairs. "It is very rare for outsiders to travel up death mountain to our cavern. The tribe will be interested to see someone other than another Goron around here." This seemed obvious to Malon, as they descended the stairs the Gorons they passed looked at them in amazement. "It will also be good for brother Link to interact with other races. He is new to being a leader after our previous boss disappeared years ago shortly after his birth."
"I'm sure that was difficult for him." Link spoke softly.
"Quite, but Link is going to have to pull through difficult times. Such as the problems that have arisen recently."
"Whats the matter?" Malon asked.
"Well, it would seem that an unnatural chill wind is blowing from our sacred shrine."
"A cold wind, in an active volcano?" Link questioned.
"Unheard of I know. We cannot seem to solve the issue and it is simply too cold to go in ourselves."
"Maybe we can help each other out." Link offered as they reached the stone throne room.
At this the Goron turned to face him. "How so?"
"My friend and I can go and check out whats wrong with your shrine. We were actually hoping that your elders could take a look at this." He pulled out the scroll and held it out. "It has to do with the legend of the Divine Ink."
The Goron's eyes widened at the sight of the object. "By the Goddesses." He reached out cautiously as Link handed him the parchment. He marveled in awe for a few moments. "Yes, of course. I will bring this to the Goron elders right away." He held the scroll close to his body as he curled into a tight ball and quickly made way for the stairs.
The duo made way into the room whose only occupant was a small young Goron sitting on a throne that was much too big for him. He had his head resting in the palms of both hands, sighing heavily. "Father, why must I take all of this on my own. I don't yet have your wisdom or leadership."
Malon silently walked up to the young Gorons side and put a hand on his rocky shoulder. "Having a weight on your shoulders such as that isn't easy."
The Goron looked up and flinched, causing Link and Malon to step back from him. "I'm sorry if we startled you." Link apologized.
"Its fine. Welcome, my name is Link. Current leader of the Goron tribe. What are your names strangers?"
While disappointed that the Goron did not remember him, he figured it was better not to take offense. It wasn't his fault after all. "My name is also Link, this is my friend Malon."
"Its good to meet you. So what brings you up death mountain?"
"Actually we needed to talk to the Goron elders about something, possibly deciphering a scroll that we came across. One of the Gorons in the halls already took it to them just before we came in.
"Well then it may take a while, possibly until morning."
"Morning?" The two adventurers groaned.
"Yeah, sorry. We will gladly give you a place to stay though as long as it takes the elders to find out all they can."
"Thank you." Malon nodded.
"Follow me." The young Goron lead them out and up one floor to an unoccupied room. When the stone door rose up they looked inside the only light in the room was from a magma vent for warmth. It was a decent size, and on the opposite side of the vent was a pile of old thick blankets. "I know it isn't much, but we try to make everyone feel welcome. We even have a room for Zora guests."
"Oh it is more than enough Link. Thank you so much for your hospitality." Malon smiled.
"I will come get you when the elders have figured things out." The Goron leader turned and left, shutting the stone door behind him.
"These overnight things are getting old. For once I would just like to get somewhere and get right to the fighting." Link groaned, removing his equipment and sitting on the pile of thick furs and cloth blankets. Malon couldn't help but laugh at his impatience.
"We could use the rest. Who knows whats waiting for us in the Gorons shrine that you promised to look into.'
"Hey, you wanted to tag along and try out the hero thing." He mused, laying back with his hands behind his head. "Helping others is all part of the job." He then felt Malon sit beside him, her equipment also set aside.
"True, I did." She leaned her head softly on his shoulder, looking up into his deep blue eyes with hers. Link grinned slightly and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, holding her close. She sighed in satisfaction and cuddled up to him, placing a hand on his chest. "I'm glad you let me come along with you. I hate us being apart."
Link gave her a cocky smile. "I have to admit, having you as backup isn't too bad." Malon quickly sat up and turned to him.
"Oh really?" She grinned. "You know. I could be more than just your backup."
"I know." He chuckled as he too sat up, stopping just inches from her face. His smile softened as a gloved hand came up and caressed her cheek. "I was wondering. When this is all over, maybe we can rebuild the ranch and run it together, just the two of us."
"Yeah." She inhaled softly. "I think we can do that." She smiled as she leaned closer and pressed her lips to his, wrapping her arms loosely around his neck. Immediately Link accepted and held her sides, gliding his tongue across her lip. Malon moaned softly as she allowed their tongues to dance back and forth, tasting each other. Her slender fingers moved up through his thick blond hair and gripped lightly. Right from the moment their lips met they almost felt a surge of electricity go though them both. The redhead slid her hands back down past his chest to the bottom of his tunic. As their tongues continued their passionate display she pulled his tunic up from under his belt and removed it, stopping their kiss for only a brief moment before continuing. The farm girl placed a hand on his toned chest before pushing him down on their temporary bed and leaned in until their noses barely touched. "I love you Link."
"I love you too Malon." He said softly before their lips met once more. The soft glow of the magma vent cast shadows of the two lovers the entire night.
A/N: Okay, I'm sorry this chapter was way overdue and I know I skipped an obvious lemon here. I know I CAN write it, but I only will if that is what my fans want. So its up to you all. If you want the lemon scene written then mention it in the review or PM me. This goes for any potential lemon scenes that are skipped in my stories. I will tell my readers this, I DO NOT write yaoi or yuri. That being said I have nothing against homosexuality, I just don't feel comfortable writing it.
