WEW! I'm back;
No I haven't died! Or Dropped the Story!
I'm really sorry for everyone to wait this long.
I had problems with my Internet and the fact that I had no virus protection to protect my computer. Plus during the summer I had taken a CNA course during the summer.
Yes I had to study my brains out and actually had hands on with real Patients.
To top it off I also took a CPR course with it.
And Guess what... I PASSED! I passed both!
Hurray for me! :D
Now I'm eligible to actually work as a Nursing Assistant. (Can you believe that. A teenage girl of 16 passed her state boards on that?) -Probably not-
One more thing I also joined the tennis team after that... so now writing my stories will take longer. Then how I originally posted before.
Hope you all understand.
...
Now this chapter was a killer, I really had a hard time working on it.
*Inhales*
Now here we are. I had Writers' Block on this chapter. And it took me forever to write.
Believe me, this chapter is by far the longest I have written. And I mean long!
On a beginning side note, I'm going to call Zelda, Sheik in this chapter. Reason why, is because Using Zelda and then switching her name with Sheik over and over will confuse me and I might end up accidentally have someone call her Zelda by accident.
So yeah…
Anyways, enjoy ^_^
Chapter 14: The Goron Mines
The heavy scent of brimstone was the first thing the two heroes' felt their noses touch.
Link covered his nose tightly before exhaling. The odor was horrible; the smell was that of rotten eggs.
Sheik was surprisingly rather not affected what-so-ever. She sighed, the heat was strong, but it didn't affect her too much. She'd had to thank her teacher later for bringing her here for training.
"How can you stand this heat?" Link asked, already pulling and pushing his tunic back and forth to cool himself from the high temperature.
"I actually did some training in this intense climate." She answered simply.
Kora and Link stared at her incredulously. "You trained here?" Asked the female goron.
"Not in the mines. But in the volcano itself." She answered, kicking the frail looking wooden blockage in front of them, allowing them move in closer.
"What kind of training did you go through, and how long?"
"Eleven years. Well, apart from training in Death Mountain and Snow Peak, I was left alone out in the wilderness for about a month with nothing besides a dagger, and single canteen of water to fend for myself." She answered, kicking the next blockage in ahead.
The two eyes widened. "What kind of Teacher would do that to someone…?" The goron asked, shock covering her entire frame.
"Someone who wants you to know how to defend yourself. Don't get me wrong. I was left in the forest, where food is possible to find and with water. My Teacher had it worst; she was left in a dessert with only a simple knife. For what I had, would have been paradise for her." She answered, looking at the metal switch besides her. Not seeing the shock that still covered on two faces.
"Link use your weight." She stated, using the corner of her eyes at the lone hero.
"Huh? Oh, right." He stuttered, moving in and mentally putting on his boots. With the weight of them, caused the flaming trap turn off temporary; the three moved in closer, doing the same thing to the other.
"Up here, there's a way to get to the other side above." stated Kora, as she urged the two on her shoulders. They did so as she swiftly pushed them up. They landed on top; Sheik quickly used her weapons to remove any noticeable monsters in the way, giving the others a faster pace around the mines.
They entered the next room. "What are those?" Link asked once his royal blue hues caught sight of the large contraptions in front, with aqua blue glass bottom surfaces.
"Those are magnet cranes" Willingly answered the female rock being. "We use them to find larger metallic rocks for our blacksmiths. The volcanic-magnetic stones from the red earth are the best metal here in Hyrule." She continued her eyes on the power off magnets.
The three descended down, having the green wearing male kill off the goblin like beings near without ease. Sheik moved in, opening the nearby treasure case, and taking the dark key inside.
Quickly they moved up the higher platform. The two stopped at the rotating platforms.
"Go, it will support your weight."
"Why are they turning?" Asked the blue clothed heroine.
"They are used to regulate the pumps for the molten lava up to the blacksmith shops." She answered, and without warning, pushed Link in front of her.
His eyes widen at the sudden push; he jumped onto the rotating rectangular platform, wincing when his bare skin touched the metal. Ignoring that he moved and jumped onto the second one, then the larger platform.
Grabbing his hands, he noticed his fingers already red from the heat. "What was that for?" He asked, glaring at the living rock.
"To get moving. Keeping your weight down too long on them will bust them up." She explained, pushing Sheik the same she did to Link. However the older girl expected it coming, and had a better way of getting to the other side.
The single boy in the group frowned his mouth shut, turning around slightly annoyed, and used the gray key to open the lock door right ahead.
Lava pillars shot strait up, the trio ignored them, moving their way down to the lower area. There was a single enlarged lizard on the way. His tail, red as orange fire; Kora however just threw a rather heavy stone at the fire lizard, landing strait onto it's tail. Green blood splattered around the stone before the large reptile limped down, dying.
"Weak spots are at the tails. Just hit there, and they'll die on the spot." She said, passing by the dead lizard. The two followed after, jumping past the flat pillars. Thankfully not falling inside the lava in the process.
They moved in closer to the door way, however the single way in was blocked by a white wash stone wall.
"I don't ever recall this being here…" Kora said her blue eyes on the blockage.
"Then how do we move it?" asked Link, moving his hand away from the sudden lava pillar shooting up.
"There has to be a way in…" wondered the rock being, her dark eyes scanning around for an opening.
"What about that chain right there?" asked the brunet, her own blue eyes staring at a limp chain to the right.
"That's it. I'll pull it, you guys go inside." She said already jumping flat pillar to pillar to the chain. Sheik stared at the young goron. She was still young enough to jump from the ground at a normal height.
Gorons where by far, the heaviest race in Hyrule. Jumping from the ground was rather impossible for them to do. Young female gorons had the ability to do so. Male rocklings had a bit of trouble seeing how they are more mass then the females.
The white wash wall slid to the right, catching the attention to their companion pulling it out of the way, having no trouble what-so-ever.
Link walked in first opening the round door; Sheik on his toe before Kora had managed to make her way behind.
The three felt temperature change instantly. Instead of bright scarlet lava, in it's place is sapphire clear water. Another door is above and across from them. A metal bottom track staggered up in a pushed 3rd dimensional way. Kora noticed the switch on the bottom of the water. She felt her insides tighten.
"Uh… you guys go ahead. I'll wait here." She said inching away from the water.
The lad turned to her, raising one of his eyebrows. "Why?"
"Uh… water, Gorons can't float up to the surface." She said her eyes still wide of the water ahead.
"Can't Gorons breath underwater?" asked the Princess.
"That's not the problem." She stated. "Once in water, we can't get up."
Realization hit them both. She wouldn't be able to get out.
"Got it." stated Link, already moving to go ahead, but stopped for a moment of mind. "But how, how are we going to get up there?" He asked his blue orbs looking at the door above.
"There's a switch below the water. Use your weight to activate the switch. If you have anything metal, you'll be pulled up straight away. Even underwater." answered the rock being.
"Okay… but if you're not going, then where are we going to go then? We don't know the way around." He said, stating an obvious point.
Kora pondered for a moment. "There's an entrance way to the second floor of the mines above the Elder's room. I'll be able to get there in a few moments. Besides, I'm certain the first elder will give you a map to direct yourselves around our grounds." She explained, looking above to see another door.
"Besides, you need to get a piece of the key remember?" She asked, turning to the two, who in turn nodded. Looking down for a moment Link dove in. Diving down deeper in; swimming through the hole in the cage fence.
Once he made it to the other side, he put his metal boots on, making him stay firmly on the floor. Smoothly walking over, he stepped onto the switch activating it. By a sec he was already on the top. His green hat falling from his head, but fortunately he caught it before it dropped into the clear water.
He forced his way to the gravity top. Taking off the heavy boots, he turned his attention back to the others, seeing Sheik still on the other side of the cage.
"Sheik?" he called, careful not use her real name. "What are you doing?" He asked, still staring at the female.
"I… I'll go in with Kora. You go ahead." She responded.
"Why? What's wrong?"
The Light Princess didn't answer right away.
"Sheik?"
"I just can't get in the water. Go ahead I'll meet you above." She said pointing above her. The green clad hero stared at her. There was something wrong. He sighed letting it go for now; turning his feet in the opposite direction he opened the door and walked in that was ahead.
Sheik closed her eyes, shutting them tight before opening them.
"Are you okay?" asked the breathing rock.
"Huh?"
"I asked if you're okay." She repeated.
"Yeah… just- let's get going." She said walking away from her. Kora paused, but shook it away following the Hyrulian's lead. Rusty, dirt colored cage ladders where hidden behind a small opening. The two girls used it to get up. Already at the top.
The moment their feet touched the floor, the door opened, the two turned around only to see Link walking out, but he was not alone.
"Ooccoo?" Sheik worded, seeing the Oocca on his shoulder.
The look on his face read: 'She was trapped in a vase again'
"Oh, hello there. I see he's not alone. Glad to see you are well. I hope to make most of this journey." she said excitedly, flapping her yellow wings for space.
Sheik couldn't help but smile at her words. She nodded. "I do to." She responded, giving Link a small playful smile.
They opened the door, showing the entire ceiling like that of the magnetic surface. There was no bottom feet floor, to the other side of the door. The brunet felt her eyes widen, just how was she going to get over to that side?
"Hey, is there something wrong?" asked Kora her blue eyes on the brown haired Hylian.
"How are we going to get over there?"
The goron thought for a moment. She recalled that baby gorons were always on their mother's back when they needed to get by without solid ground.
*How did mom do it?* She thought. She snapped. "Metal." She said turning to her acquaints.
"What?" The two asked.
"Link, you can use your boots right?" She asked staring down at his boots.
The fair haired girl blinked. "Y-You know?"
"I can see the boots. In fact they look like the same ones that a man used when he came to wrestle with my brothers a 10 years ago." She briefed.
"How come the other Gorons don't act they see them on? Or do they really not see them?" The Hylian Princess asked.
"Oh, you mean our male Gorons? They can't see it, male Gorons have difficulty to see difference on accessory metal. So basically, they didn't know you were wearing metal." She said.
"So… the girls knew Link was-"
"If you're asking, then yes."
The two blinked. "Then why haven't they said anything?" Sheik raised a brow. "I thought Gorons didn't tolerate cheaters."
"Those are the boys. Girls aren't much into wrestling. So we honestly don't care much. Besides, we Gorons like a decent, tough match. It builds our skill." She said giving a proud smirk.
Link felt his face to turn blue… he would have been caught if the female gorons didn't care and males have a hard time telling the difference between metal clothing and regular clothing… (Note 1/2)
"Alright." she started.
"Link you get those boots on. Sheik, hop onto my back." She said, pulling a large chunk out of the metal door frame, breaking it into two pieces, and wrapping them around her hands and wrists. (Note)
The two complied, following after her route; they made their way over to the lone switch, as the metal clang chopped the air, going followed as a single male yelp and flipping over and standing upside down.
He caught his hat before it fell off his head, before adjusting it to a secure hold. That wasn't the only thing that fell off though.
He felt Ooccoo's grip loosen. She gave a squeak before falling off. "Ooccoo!" he yelped; his eyes widening. His face remained as it was, even when she flapped her small wings in midair. At that very moment a small circular thing came off. He flapped his wings hard, but was losing altitude. It was about to hit the metal surface, but that was prevented when Sheik caught it in her hands.
"Are you okay?" She asked softly. The little ball was actually a head, similar looking to the Oocca, that was still in the air.
"Yeah…" He said, like his mother's his voice is high pitched. In fact, it made him sound more like a little girl than a boy.
"Junior, are you alright sweetheart?" the mother asked, flying to her child. "Yes mommy." He said, trying to flap his ear wings once more.
"Sorry about that, my son is still a little hatchling, it'll take a while for him to get used to flying." She said, bowing her head down.
"It's okay, but we really do need to get a move on." stated Kora, crossing her arms a little.
"Right then." the little bird-like creature, flew up, her child on her back, before she remained flying at the upside down hero.
"I'm terribly sorry for the shock, but if you don't mind. Can Junior stay in your hat for a while?" She asked. Link nodded, as positioned his hand out as a lift. The little head moved to his covered hand. Link moved his appendage to the side of his head. The little ball crawled in, feeling the little guy rest on top of his head.
Once settled, the Oocca hovered her way and grasped onto his shoulder again clinging to the green fabric. In little moments it felt as if she wasn't even there.
Spending no more time, Sheik hopped onto Kora's back, her hands holding onto her solid, yet soft shoulders, and her knees tight against her sides.
Kora stepped forward her hands filming up, before shooting up to the ceiling. The Hylian shut her eyes, her ears pulling with the force.
She exhaled; forgetting to take off her metal earrings before doing this. She thought simply, her eyes half-moons.
Link and Sheik felt their ears pounding at the sounds of the metal clashing with the magnetic ceiling. Sheik almost clutched her ears shut, but quickly remembered about her hold.
They were long painstaking hours until the banging stopped. (Note)
Sheik gripped on harder when she felt her moving support flip, and was now standing alongside gravity.
"Are you okay?" asked the small goron, helping the Princess stay on her feet as she removed herself off of her back.
"Yeah." She responded, trying to regain her posture.
"Let's go." She said, obtaining firm stance on her feet.
…
They were back in the main room. Sheik pulled out three arrows the moment her violet eyes caught sight of the bulblins. She shot the arrows before the others could even breathe, with her prefect aim, it taken the hearts of the three unaware enemies.
"Wow… you're pretty good. You've taken archery before?" asked the goron approaching the crane closest to them.
"A bit, Impa wanted to find the perfect weapon for me to use. After practicing with swords and other heavy weapons, I figured they were not for me. It was then I tried long distance attacks. Arrows was the best type of weapon I was best at. Luckily for me the-" She paused; her purple blue eyes wide.
"The what?" asked the yellow being.
The Princess stopped in mid-sentence, unable to continue with her words. What was she going to say? That the Royal Family is required to know archery! She doesn't know that she's royalty...!
"T-the Sheikah are required to know how to use the bo…" She quickly covered. However she felt the rock's eyes on her. She looked away from them, trying to move ahead to the crane.
*There's something she's not telling me.* Kora thought, taking one long look at the brown haired warrior. But shrugged it off, scanning the pushed-up switch.
Link didn't get explained on anything when he mentally put on his boots and pressed on the square button to the ground; activating the contraption.
There was a loud rumble, before the magnetic crane, moved from one side, and approached towards them.
Kora felt her lips reach ear to ear at the sight. They are working once again…
In a matter of moments, like they did in the previous room, they used their metal items to move around. Reaching to the other direction, they popped off. Link went up ahead, using his Ordon sword to finish off the two goblins.
Using the shield attack he temporally dazed them, giving him the chance to stab right through one, and skittering to the right, and slashing at the next, giving the green foe a serious wound. He fell to the floor, turning black and dying on the area.
The two other females moved up along. Link used the heavy footwear once again to switch on the magnet, he flipped upwards, his pointed flexed hat falling off, but catching it again (Indiana Jones anyone XD).
By the time the two other girls reached to the side, Link had already stood waiting by the next door, the bulblins already dead.
Opening the door in front, Link jumped backwards instantly when a red tektite jumping just in front of him. Sheik pushed her hand out, punching the bug like foe hard on its chest to keep it from getting on her. Another ganged up on them. Link wasted no time and thrusted his sword upwards, piercing it through its head; the tip of the now sticky sword still remained at the top. The green muck splattered over its head and some dripping on the rock hard floor in the process.
*Gross…* He thought, making a mental note to be sure he'll clean his sword whenever he has the chance. But in the meantime, he wasn't returning the muck covered weapon back to its scabbard.
Before the trio journeyed further, they noticed that the door ahead was blocked by a red wall. "How do we get in?" asked the 'Sheikah.'
"A key or something needs to be around here somewhere…" mentioned Link.
"What about that case right there?" Stated the Goron, pointing in one direction, there a small chest remained sitting in the water. He nodded, positioning his sword out in front. The two raised a brow. But brought the facials down in understanding, washing the goo off and returning it back to the brown scabbard, he placed his boots back on and sank deep in the water. (Not without Ooccoo and junior getting off first)
He sucked in a much breath as he could, and closed his eyes when he felt the water splashing against his face.
As soon as he felt his feet the touch the floor, he reopened them. He strode across to the rusting chest, surprised by the fact that walking under water was much easier than above. Once the chest was about hand distance he opened it.
Inside was a single reddish, gray key.
He blinked. Why would anyone use an elaborate chest for one rusting key?
His lungs contracted, Link coughed; mentally removing the accessories, he started to float upwards. Using his bottom appendages he kicked off the ground making him propel up to the surface. Once cool air touched his damp face he took one deep breath of oxygen to refill his lungs.
"Found the key?" Kora asked, bending down to unevenly reach his current height. In silence response the only boy of the three pushed his hand up, showing the rusted key in the palm.
…
The three jumped across the pillars, walking ahead to the metal door.
"I remember this…" stated Kora lightly touched the red gate.
"What?"
"My father told me this was to guard from intruders. You had to flip a switch of some kind to open it. But you are limited on time." She explained, her dark eyes lucking around to find the switch. Now that she saw the blockage up close, she now understood why it blocked the door behind.
"Is it that one?" asked Link, indicating the one at his right.
She turned her circular head to see where.
"That's it." She nodded.
"How do we activate it, it's up there?" questioned Sheik.
"You need to hit it, either with a sword or an arrow." the moment the words left the breathing rock's mouth. Sheik pulled out her bow. The 'Sheikah' took aim and let go.
There was deep echoing sound, before the blue diamond turned yellow. Another rumble was shot.
The doors behind them opened.
They turned to walk there, but they were greeted with two bulblins running at them, both with clubs.
Link ran forward, slashing his sword at them, spinning around to hit both efficiently. Sheik jumped forward, jumping above the four landing just behind one of the enemies, quickly and before he could even notice she was there. Sheik grasped her fist and slammed down onto the bulbin's shoulder. A loud crack and gasp covered the air, but before he could tend it or even move. The Princess had already popped her fist to his face, another crack shot the air, knocking him clean to the floor.
"Whatever training you went through must of really paid off." commented the goron, seeing the foe die in front of her wide eyes. Sheik could tell the goron must have heard the loud cracks.
Sheik turned around, seeing Link already finish off the other, wiping the blood off his shaven sword.
She closed her eyes briefly. Normally when someone would punch at somebody with enough force to break a bone, it would backlash at the attacker. Most likely to pop or even break the knuckles, unless of course you went through severe training.
She sighed, taking one look at her companions, she already explained part of her tuition to them, it's already enough of a shocker. If she told them the background where she had to hit the Iron Deku trees for 10 years with nothing but her bare, delicate fists… (Note)
Well the reaction… would be surprising. Proof is all over her rough hands. It's one of the reasons why she wears gloves 95 percent of the time. (Note)
Link looked up, two spinning wooden objects stayed in place. On it's top, was a ruby.
"Careful."
The hero stopped when a hard arm was placed in front of him. "Those are Beamos. They literally shot lava lasers at you." She warned. Link nodded making a mental note to stay away from that particular enemy.
"Why do you have them here?"
"Protection. We have them to keep thieves away. But after everything that has happened here. I'm starting to wonder why we even have them here." She paused for a moment, before her brows scrunched.
"Wait… why didn't they attack the Bulblins?"
That was a good question. Why didn't they? "Maybe they hacked it somehow to keep them from attacking them." Sheik guessed her eyes on the rotating wood.
"Yeah… maybe…" She whispered.
"Hey how do we get to the other side, this big bridge is in the way?" asked Link.
"That I have no answer."
"What about above us, it's tied up, maybe we could cut it or something." suggested the Princess.
"That's a try."
Link nodded, running to the blue magnet and putting on his heavy boots and walking up. Sheik stared up at the fair haired boy, watching him walk now sideways. It made her wonder how much stress it must be on his waist and back to support him that way. (Note)
His iron boots came off allowing him to move faster and take out his sword.
Using it, he cut the thick ropes holding the draw bridge, it came down slowly at first before slamming onto the floor. A circular door now came into view. The two girls moved ahead of them. Behind, they heard a clang. But they kept going, knowing fully who it was.
Link gone in front, using the key and opening the door, secondly using his strength he opened it. Fresh air quickly eluded the two heroes. Implying they were outside already.
"Better than having to smell brimstone continuously." muttered Link.
"You'll get used to it eventually." answered Sheik.
"Come on." Kora urged. The two complied following after her lead.
Sheik crossed her eyes, something didn't seem right… Why was it really quiet?
Kora doesn't seem to know, but Link also felt the tension. Something was up…
A swish sound popped into the four elven ears. Sheik snapped her eyes open wide by reflex. And jumping out of the way before the flaming arrow could even touch the air around her.
"Fire Arrows!" she shouted, avoiding another. Kora and Link gasped, rolling out of the way from a mass of burning arrows shooting at them.
There was a cry of the Bulblins each firing their arrows at them. In moments the three were bombarded with burning arrows, trying to get at least one of them.
Kora turned herself in a ball and moving into a corner, behind a crate of solid iron rocks. As the two others did the same, only with another one beside.
"Sheik can you shoot them?" called the goron, her head low.
The damsel moved her head up, bringing her arrows above, but another of the fire arrows shot in her direction, almost hitting her. She bowed back down, shaking her head.
"I can't."
"What do we do?" Asked the female goron once more, trying to think of a solution.
"Kora. You're a Goron, can't you handle the arrows!?" called Link, carefully moving his head to her.
The yellow rock shook her head. "No. I don't have my Goron's armor skin yet." She said, looking down in embarrassment. (Note)
Sheik looked down, trying to think of something. But how are they going to make it over with all the arrows firing at them in the same spot?
Wait, In The Same Spot!
"Link. Kora! I have an Idea!" She said sitting up strait, but careful for her brown head to not go over her temporally shelter.
"Link, Kora I want you to distract them long enough for me to sneak by." She said, trying to keep her voice inaudible to the arrow-firing enemies. The two nodded.
Link did a barrel role to the other side, missing another arrow by inches. And to where the goron was at. "Ready?"
She looked up, before bringing her head down and nodding. The two popped up. The arrows stopped shooting for a moment. Before one, maybe the temporary leader, pointed and shouted to fire at them.
The two quickly acted, moving out of the arrow's harm. Sheik watched the two act, doing their part, now it was her's. She looked down through old wood and to the water's surface below. She curled her hand into a fist, and punched through the wood, making a large hole in it. Using that, she slipped her half her hand in it; using her strength she pulled the board out of its place.
She broke it half way, making sure that the foes do not see what she is doing. Once it was big enough for her squeeze through, her eyes glued to the bottom. She gulped. Seeing the blue water under…
*I really hope my training helps me now.* She pleaded, slowly but swiftly she slipped in, the water reaching to her waist. When she tried to move her foot around, it went deeper, way deeper. She gulped.
A thought came to her head. And by followed a rope was out of her bag. She grabbed it, wrapped and tied it to the wooden post nearby. Cautiously she used it as her way to get to the other side. Once pulling herself over she was out hidden, yet open to a great sight ahead. Her eyes drifted upwards to see the arrow shooting Bulbins up a higher altitude.
She smiled, now her arrows were put at an advantage. Equipping them; instantly she took 3 arrows, once satisfied she let go of the three thin shots. To her success three fell, splashing in the water right after. She dispatched the rest quickly, before they could even see where the arrows were coming from.
0o0
Kora and Link paused, the sound of arrows firing at them stopped. Sheik did it. They bowed their heads down, sighing in relief at the finished action.
Sheik smiled, knowing now that they were safe. Well, at least for a little while. She loosened her grip, which was a big mistake. She gasped as her rope began slithering off into the blue water. By fearful reaction she held onto the pole when her safety line now ripped in two.
*Oh for the love Nayru! Don't let me drown!* She mentally prayed, death gripping the pole.
Her eyes shut tight, could it really be it…?
Her hold began faltering. Her eyes mortified, even larger when her hold was not able to hold her anymore.
She let go.
She closed her eyes, it was really it. She waited for the water to hit. But it never did. Instead her back felt something hard. Did she hit the floor or something?
She opened the two violet orbs; she was… floating on air!? She felt her body lift up. The water sliming off her frame as it did so.
*How in the name of Farore is-* A small girlish chuckle coming from her side.
"Can't swim eh?" The impish voice sounded. Sheik exhaled.
"I thought I was going to go down for a moment." She whispered, wrapping her arms around her.
"I would have thought you would know by now." Midna said, smile appearing on her darken face.
Sheik faced her. "I never got the chance to learn how to swim…" She paused in mid-sentence; a flashback appeared in her head.
The shadow noticed the look on her friend's face. Her smile instantly dropped, knowing that it struck a personal nerve on the female.
"I'm sorry… I never should have said that."
"No, it's okay." counseled Sheik, her voice strain.
"It must be really hard for you… huh?" She whispered, reaching out for her. Although she was merely a shadow, the light Princess felt the warmth in her hand to her shoulder.
Wordlessly the solid woman nodded.
"Sheik!" called out a girl's voice. The two stared at each other before a small smile appearing on both faces.
"Time to look for the Fused Shadows. Please don't let it get away." the imp said, her average snicker returning and disappearing into a surface shadow.
"Sheik." this time it was Link's voice. She took a deep breath.
*Here we go.*
Stepping out of the shadows she saw the others, relief heavily exaggerated in their expressions.
"Ah, we worried there for a moment." stated the goron her strait line transforming into a smile.
"Where were you?" Link asked.
"I was trying to get out of the water." The 'Sheikah' shrugged.
"You went in the water?" The two acquaintances asked in unison.
She nodded. "It was the only way to shoot without them seeing me." She explained.
They gave each other a look before at the still damp warrior. "That was… really smart." commented Kora, her eyes drifting to the opening on the floor to her left.
"Who knew that was a way to do so." She continued.
"You're not mad about the floor?" questioned Sheik.
"Nah, besides with what's going on stuff like that wouldn't matter. Besides we need to get going." worded Kora, moving ahead of the group once again.
After retrieving the key for the door, they opened it, the chains falling like snow before it rolled to allow entry inside.
Ahead, a platform, similar to how the one they encountered before, rotated around. Except this one had the cryptic blue magnets on it.
They moved across, using their metal items to hang upside down when it began to turn. Sheik felt the blood rush to her head; using one arm she held onto her support the other to her head.
"Let's hurry." She said her voice uneven.
"Wow, are you delicate." joked Kora, rotating around back alongside with gravity.
Once flat, they three ran, reaching to the other side before it can even turn. Link and the other two jumped off, the door of the elder's room 3 steps ahead. "You guys go on. I'll meet you up." The rock said not giving them any eye contact.
Two eyebrows rose. "What's wrong Kora?"
"Nothing, I… just; you guys meet the elder ahead. I'll see you above." She said, climbing up the wall by the door without another word.
"There's something that she's not telling us." whispered Sheik lowly. Link nodded in agreement. Staring up where the girl rock disappeared from.
"I agree." He whispered. "She's hiding something; I know it."
They looked up, just what was Kora hiding that she didn't want them to know about…?
But their mission came in, making them having to shrug it off and move in, opening the door in the process.
A warm, calm atmosphere surrounded around Sheik. She had to smile at the feeling; it felt safe compared to outside. Four eyes stared ahead. An ice greenish glow decorated the cozy room.
The older Goron stared at the coming guests, a floppy smile coming to his aged, wise face. The nail thick grey hair slowly and weakly pushed away from his black eyes. So he can have a better look at the arriving youths.
"Oh… Ah… the young humans. I am pleased to see you two make it this far, Bruddas…" He spoke, his large bottom red lip quivering at each word.
"I am one of the four elders of the Goron tribe. I am called Gor Ebizo. You have heard of the plight of our patriarch. Otherwise you would not have come to see me. Here, take this, Brudda…" Slowly, he brought his quivering hand and pulled out another piece of the key and handing it to the male.
"-Now…" He started. "There is one more shard, but seeing you two youths have reminded me of the dangers that line the path to it…" He continued a look of sadness on his aged face.
"There is something that may help you… Two weapons are said to have been left in this mine by heroes of old." He explained, catching the attention of the two.
"It is beyond price, and so we have protected it through generations… Now, when our tribe balances on the brink of ruin, it could aid in our salvation. The Heroes' weapons are stored safely up ahead… Talk to the guard and take them with you, with the blessing of the Gorons." He continued the look or slight desperation and earnest in his face. (Note)
"We will thank you." Sheik said, bowing in respect. A weak smile came to the elder's lips. "I know you will." Was the last thing he said to them, when they went up, climbing the ladder and out of the warm, calm room.
Once out, the feeling of desperation came back onto the heroes like a blow to the head, but was taken away slightly as their eyes met Kora, staring out in the blue, apparently not sensing them behind her.
"Kora?" called Sheik.
"Huh?" She turned her blue eyes on them.
"You ready?"
"…"
"Kora?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah." she worded, walking closer to the metal nearby. Sheik jumped onto her back for a fifth time and moving besides the green clothed warrior to the next room.
It was a long tunnel, but in time they made it to the next room. It was brighter and hotter for certain.
"I'm assuming the weapons are in there?" asked Sheik, staring ahead at the steamy room.
"Should be." answered the rock, taking a step ahead. But when she did the door behind him locked with metal bars.
"What the…?" She turned her face confused.
"We're locked in!" cried Sheik, touching the bars, but removing her hand.
She hissed, shaking her hand multiple times. The bars were burning hot! "You alright?" asked Link taking a look at the red fingers.
"Metal here is hot…" She muttered, taking her black glove off to see the damage.
Her palm was red and two middle finger's epidermis was simmered off. Kora mouth formed a crooked frown.
"Forgot to tell you guys not to touch the metal…" She whispered with reluctance in her voice.
Link sighed, letting go of the Princess's hands. *They are wost than the my hands.* He thought.
A low sound tickled the air. Link lifted his ears slightly. He turned his head towards it. What was that…? It sounded like… a flute?
He held his head, a sharp jab of pain splintered in.
'Come on… Play it again!'
He gasped. Who was that? It sounded familiar…
His eyes casted down to the foggy path ahead, on very impulse, Link ran forward.
"Link!" yelped Kora, her hand extended towards him. But he didn't seem to hear her. He stepped onto the magnet platform. He stopped, something was blocking his path.
It was a large, no make that huge, goron covered in armor on the other side of the blue stone, it looked as if he was minding his own business, until his deep midnight purple eyes spotted the green clothed Hylian on the shinning platform.
Quickly he hopped up onto his small, but strong, feet, grunting and grinding his brass knuckles together as he spoke.
"Whoa… human? What business does a human have coming here? None! No business! This is a forbidden place! I will protect these treasures from you!" He yelled, jumping onto the platform. Link barely had a chance to hold on when the circular platform's chains broke and fell downwards from the guard's enormous weight, and splash the molten red earth bellow him.
"LINK!" screamed the two females, at the sight ahead of them. Sheik tried to jump down.
"No." Kora said, catching the softer female.
"But Link He'll- I know that. But jumping down there is suicide. All we can do is pray for the best…" She said her voice solid.
Sheik felt her insides tighten. She looked down, her friend fighting a goron, that is 3 times bigger than him.
…
Link avoided the large goron's fist that tried to hit him, almost causing him to fall into the lava. He rolled to the other side, trying to once again avoid him while the larger being rolled dangerously at him. The weight of the rock, tilted the platform even more, and it didn't help matters that the glass floor was very smooth.
Link lost his footing, his eyes wide. He fell off.
"LINK!" he heard his friend scream, with one hand he managed to hang on. His blue eyes reflected on the scarlet lava.
*That was a close one…!* He thought with much dread. In a tough effort, he pulled his entire body back up. He looked down at the platform. It was aqua blue.
*It's the magnet stone.* He thought. Quickly he mentally put on his metal accessories on.
Relief covered his body when he felt himself stay firmly on the floor, but changed when the goron came back for more. This time he didn't attack him suddenly. Instead he pulled his fist backwards, preparing to do a strong punch to him.
His eyes widened, one hit and he's done for. His weak point was at the top of the goron's head. But it was covered with iron gear, and even if he didn't have the protection, Link was far too short to even reach it.
His eyes trailed down to his opponent's stomach, it jiggled a bit as the larger guy adjusted himself.
*His weak point…!* He guessed, pulling his handcrafted sword out, he slashing furiously at the, apparently soft stomach. It made no cuts, but apparently did hurt the goron. He pulled himself back, transforming into a ball and charging up his roll.
*Like the Ordon goats and the Goron match.* He thought once again, preparing himself for the hit. It came, and at that moment, he held onto the rolling Goron.
Gasps covered the room. Link managed to hold the goron in place…!?
*How is he…!?* The two rocks questioned themselves. But it didn't stop there.
Scrunching his face, shutting his eyes he picked up the rock being. Literally Picked Him Up! And with a battle cry he threw the guard over his shoulder.
The guard missed the platform and ended up falling to the hot lava.
Simmering skin sounded, as well as pained cries, rapidly the guard jumped back onto the field, his eyes wide with anger.
There was no way he was going to get outdone by this human! He moved quicker, and brought his fist down. It missed him by inches but the force of the punch knocked the young hero off his feet.
If it weren't for his boots, he would have been thrown into the lava like this goron did.
"You Will Not Win!" The other declared, bringing his fist down once again. However, unfortunately for him, Link is one to always learn from his mistakes. Mentally his boots came off and he did a back flip, missing the hit by the second.
But quickly put them back on, once he was at a safe distance. The armored goron came closer, lifting both arms up. But to this, Link used it at his advantage and dangerously slashed at his weak point once more.
This caused the guard to pull himself back. And for a second time he turned himself into a ball.
The hero had to smile to himself. This goron did not learn from his last try. Using the same method, he grabbed onto the rolling goron. But this time did not stop rolling. He kept going.
Link retracted his hands; he looked at them, feeling white hot pain on them. They were scratched, bleeding and bruised. Even his gauntlets were damaged.
The goron smirked. "Thought I would be fooled did you." he almost growled.
Link glared, trying to withstand the pain on his hands. He turned around, seeing the two girls staring at the fight, he could tell Sheik was death worried for him.
He looked down, even catching a little of the blood from his hands that was falling onto the shiny floor. There was no way this guy was going to be fooled once again from the tactics. So how was he going to make it through…?
Wait, though. That's it!
He positioned himself to the edge. This surprised everyone. Sheik remained calm, she was screaming inside, but she knew what Link was doing. As much as crazy as it sounds and looks.
The guard stared in startled shock, but it changed to blindfold pride.
"Ha! Given up already human? Then let me allow you to complete it." He said transforming once again into a ball, charging up his roll.
Link remained silent, not even looking. He was still at the edge, his metal boots still on. He waited, the rolling sound continued. Then it snapped, the metal rolling kicked in. Opening his royal hue eyes, he removed the boots, and by the moment, he moved out of the way. The two gasped, but it shocked their hearts even more, when Link grabbed a hold of the in-place rolling Goron.
With all the strength he had, he threw the Goron off the platform. His dark purple eyes widened, he uncurled, before painfully jumping around the lava. He landed once more on the platform, but this time. He did nothing. His energy and pride zipped out of him.
His helmet came off, showing his real face.
…
Kora gasped, before rage came on her facial fixtures, her hands gripping dangerously.
"K-Kora…?" Started the 'Sheikah,' but the other rock didn't make a move to even pay attention to her.
…
He breathed deeply, staring at Link in aw with his midnight violet eyes. "Ugh… That…hurt a lot. Who knew that humans were capable of such feats of strength…-" The goron stood up now, still watching Link curiously.
"-…Uh…maybe…you are…going to see the patriarch of our tribe?" He questioned a small look of hope in his eyes.
"Yes," Link said with a nod. "Gor Coron has asked me and my friend to set things to rights in the mines, and to assist your patriarch."
"…Ah! So THAT is why you are you! In that case, take the weapon of the Heroes of the past…" He said standing up strait.
"But in exchange you must save the patriarch of our tribe!-" He said, his voice dead serious. The platform rose back up to its former position slowly.
"-With skills like yours, even the patriarch can be brought back to his senses… Take the Hero's weapon and save our patriarch!" He said, his voice still not changing from the serious tune. Link blinked, something about this goron was hidden. Why did he seem really so eager for him to save their leader.
He could understand reasons for the entire rock race. But this one was strait on serious, much more than the others…
Link made eye contact, well whatever the reason he was going to help the volcanic beings either way.
He nodded. "I will." He responded, the serious attitude changed to relief and gratitude. He gleamed a small smile, but changed and somehow possible the larger Goron's face turned blue.
"Hey are you alright?"
The larger guard did not respond, instead he started shaking madly, as if he were freezing. His eyes were wide.
"Oh man…" He shivered. "Help Me out of here…!" He begged trying to back away.
Link looked at him weirdly, one eyebrow risen the other squinting.
"DANGORO!" a sudden scream caused the green wearing male to jump.
"K-Kora!" the male rock stuttered.
"Don't Kora me." She said anger in her voice. "What were you thinking!?" she yelled her eye crossing.
"I… I was only trying to pro-" He paused when he saw her eyes, death threats appearing in a flash.
"YOU COULD HAVE KILLED HIM!" she screamed. The taller Goron winced, literally hiding behind Link.
"K-Kora…" tried Link, wincing a little at the rage still steaming off of the female.
"No Link, he could have killed you, don't try to defend him!" She said, crossing her arms.
Instantly the Hylian shut his mouth.
"Apologize." She said, her voice strict, and her face solid. The crossing in her arms, showed she meant business.
"B-but…"
"NOW!" she yelled.
Slowly he turned, his face still a little blue. "I'm… I'm sorry for almost killing you."
Link who was in a shock tension quickly got his senses. "Uh… No worries." He said, still shocked at the little scene.
He noticed that Dangoro mouthed a 'thank you' to him, his face still a little blue from not taking in a breath of air from fear.
"There. Now don't go on being so tough to everyone, give them a chance to explain. Yes I do understand it's your duty, but at least see it before you go onto war." She said, her eyes crossing on the last part.
"Y-yes… sister…" He muttered.
"Good, now come on, you guys need to get those weapons." Kora stated, making a gesture at her partners. Who were still a bit shock at what just happened.
Both Sheik and Link made their way, just behind Kora and to the door on the opposite side.
Link turned to the girl. "You know with her scary side who needs to worry about the monsters here…" snickered Link in a low voice, making the princess smile.
Kora opened the door for them instead, and letting them through.
Link felt a strong force of energy ahead of him. He stopped, the feeling overwhelming him. Sheik didn't felt her friend besides her.
"Link?" she turned around; noticing him stop, his face pale. "Link?" she called again, but it had no effect on the hero.
"Hey what's wrong?" asked the female goron.
"Link?"
It worked; he faced her, giving an audible 'hmm' to them.
"Are alright Link?" The damsel asked once more.
"Y-yeah I'm fine, just a little tired from the battle, that's all." He said, it wasn't necessarily a lie. He really did feel tired.
"Are you sure?" Asked Sheik, worry in her purple eyes. Link's answer was a nod.
The Princess of Hyrule wasn't certain, but because of what was happening, she couldn't afford to waste time.
Link followed after the Princess, walked up to the chest. He gasped lightly, feeling the deep energy coming from the chest whatever was in there was something powerful.
Slowly but effortlessly he opened the chest. A bright light covered the room, but dimmed down, allowing them to see what was inside. Right there, were two finely polished, strong, yet aged Bo's and quivers inside the elaborate chest.
The one on right was completely brown with a bronze handle. Its quiver seemed to be made out of a Dodongo's stomach skin. (Note)
The second one was similar, only it was gold instead of bronze. It contained strange markings around it's handle. He picked both up, a better look at the one with the golden handle. His eyes widened slightly, noticing that it contained the mark of the Triforce.
Sheik felt her eyes glued onto the weapon. She reached out for it. But the moment her figures touched it. A memory appeared in her head.
…
A woman, she lifted herself up- She shot an arrow- A bright flash followed after-
…
She retracted her hand. Instantly shocked, whatever she saw was not normal…
Link stared at the bronze bow. Something about it was familiar. But he couldn't put his finger on it. He stared it. Noticing it was similar to the gold one.
He traced his fingers around the handle, but stopped when he saw something imprinted on it. He saw a red stain.
He looked at it closer. It was a red finger print… red… blood.
In that moment a bright flash occurred over him. He shield his eyes, as soon as the light died down, he took the opportunity to look. But his heart stopped, the scene in front of him paralyzed him.
"Goodbye…" The voice sounded, nut in that same second, piercing blue eyes stared back at him, as if looking in his soul. Then everything darkened, but those blue eyes still remained.
…
Sheiks almost passed out of shock, what she just saw… she couldn't… even say a thing about it.
"Hey what is with you guys? You guys had enough of touching the glory, let's go." The impenitent goron muttered, tapping her foot.
The 'Sheikah' blinked, regaining her posture. She shook her head, trying to remove any light headedness forming in.
"It's nothing. We're fine." She said, still trying to remove the feeling.
"If you say so." the goron muttered.
"Alright, let's get going." Kora said, her expectations lowering.
"R-right. Come on Link." the Hylian placed a hand onto his shoulder to make him realize, but, he never moved.
"Link?" she tried, but the hero didn't move.
"Link?"
At that moment lost his balance, and fell sideways, hitting the solid floor.
"LINK!" Zelda screamed, instantly going to his side.
"Link!" called Kora, shock in her frame.
"Link! LINK!"
…
Oh No! What happened to Link!?
Anyways I really hope you guys enjoyed this long chapter. It took me quite a while to get it set. And come up with this idea.
I hope you guys like the OC so far. I tried not to make her the scene of attention.
Hope I didn't.
At least Zelda can move around the Mines without a problem :P
Now:
(Notes)
Alright, this is on two things, okay. I'm not sure if the Gorons knew or not that Link used the Iron Boots or not. I just made that part up.
Okay, when a character's face turns blue, it's because they forgot to breath. (It emphasizes it XP) I just find it funny that Link's face would turn blue XD
…
Just think of Fingerless Medieval Knight Steel Gauntlet Gloves
…
Alright, that sound of Link walking on the ceilings in this temple was pain to listen to. Even you guys have to agree with me on that one!
…
Alright, I got that idea from the movie Kung Fu Panda 2. Where Tigress is explaining to Po that she was hitting iron wood trees, for 20 years, and now she couldn't feel a thing.
Talk about hard training huh?
…
Okay, some of you guys must wonder why Zelda, from both Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess always wears gloves. I'm not saying all of you, some. I did, I wondered why do they like to wear gloves so much. So far the only ones who don't wear them is Skyward Sword Zelda and Young Zelda from OoT.
…
Okay, I always wondered about that. How much his waist must of hurt having to walk on the walls sideways. After all, upside down your strait, but sideways and still having to keep yourself strait up, must put A LOT of stress…
…
About Kora's protection. I making this up as I go. But Baby Gorons don't get the protection, which is why they don't roll. A baby male Goron typically get it at the age of ten. But as for a female it can take up into 17-20 years of age.
Kora's age is 15, so yeah, you get it?
…
As I said before Zelda had joined Link on his journey before. So I had to make that happen.
…
Alright, I remember from Ocarina of Time Link entered Dodongo's Cavern (Still as a kid) And when he got the bomb bag, Navi explained it was made out of a Dodongo's stomach. I used that idea. Zelda's quiver is made out of a special material, that I will explain later.
…
Don't forget that Nevershutup is the best Beta-reader ever! :p
Hope you guys enjoyed the long chapter. Now I'm off to take a cold shower. This chapter really wiped me out… .