Chapter 35: The Price You Pay
~~~The aura that emanated from Dark Link was subtle yet imposing. His figure was as black as the impenetrable darkness of the nearby Silhouettes; yet, he was more so like them than previously. He now had red glowing markings on his body like them also. "You said earlier that you would send me back, huh?"
The Goron elder looked confused. "What of it?" he asked.
"Well, I can walk myself."
Without warning, Dark Link appeared before the Goron, his sword raised high. As he swung down, another Goron interjected, taking the strike upon his head. Dark Link split his body in half, and prepared another swing for the elder. Before he could release his attack, a Silhouette tackled him to the ground. He used his shield to bash the creature's face, and then quickly followed it with his sword, destroying the Silhouette. As Dark Link stood once again, the group of Gorons charged Dark Link. With a pivotal twist, Dark Link spun around, cutting down every charging Goron.
"Fall back, my brethren!" yelled the Goron elder.
Dark Link gritted his teeth. "Are you so afraid to die? This is the price you pay for attempting to destroy my vessel!"
Dark Link rapidly approached the Goron, but not before he, along with every surviving Goron and Silhouette faded from local existence. Dark Link violently cursed the Gorons for having escaped. He then let out an agonizing yell. As he did this, his markings faded, and then his normal color returned. He was once again himself. He slumped to the ground immediately after his change, clenching his chest and gasping for air. He had made it out of this situation alive, but a feeling of regret made his victory bitter. He failed to take out the Goron traitor, and, he was without a ride.
The beaten path of the Western side of the mountain was further trodden by Link, determined to rendezvous with the rest of the group. He managed an easy jogging pace, despite his weathered body. It was the middle of the winter, so the air was very chill, keeping Link from becoming heated. Ahead on the winding road, he saw something moving toward his direction.
"Another one!"
Link unsheathed his sword as the object approached.
"Huh? That's-!"
"I assume that this belongs to you?" The voice belonged to the Shiekah watchman that they met two days ago. He was mounted upon Link's boar, bringing it to a stop near Link.
"How did you find it?" Link asked.
Smirking, the Shiekah said, "Down the road,"
"Shouldn't you be watching Zelda?" said Link.
"There is no need. She and the rest have reached the city of the Goron."
"They made it…good."
The Shiekah smiled slightly. "Well, don't just stand there, let's go!"
They sped up the path, pushing the boar to its limits. The Shiekah led the boar with Link as a passenger.
"So what happened?" asked the guardian, solemnly.
"With the Gorons?" asked Link.
The Shiekah nodded. Link explained the event.
"So that's it… I'm worried."
"About what?" Link asked.
"From the accounts I've heard about people becoming what they call, Silhouettes, they usually turn almost immediately on contact with dark energy. The trio saved you from becoming one last time in the forest, but this time, it seems to have affected your other entity rather than --Link, remove your gauntlet!"
"Huh? Why-?"
"Do it!"
Link removed the gauntlet on his right arm. What was there terrified him and the Shiekah. Black markings covered his hand, going up into his sleeve.
"You said the Gorons you fought were marked on their arms and legs, didn't you?" Whatever is happening to them is now happening to you."
Link quickly covered his arm with his gauntlet again. "Am I…turning into one of those monsters?"
The Shiekah sighed. "I truly don't know…"
"Link, take the reigns." The Shiekah said.
"Why?"
"You are here, at the entrance to the city. If they see me, then our operation will be compromised. Take care of Her Highness."
He suddenly disappeared from sight. What lie ahead of Link was a gigantic opening in the mountainside, was the entrance to Goron City, with many torn banners hanging from lines, bearing the insignia of the Goron Tribe. The area seemed war-torn. Link continued on into the cavern.
Inside, was just as big as Kakariko Village in size, not to mention its depth. Reflecting sunlight, as well as torchlight, illuminated the city to the point that there was hardly a place where there was darkness. The two caravans were parked at the entrance, indicating that they had arrived, as the Shiekah said. Link anchored his boar there and continued down a path that lead to carved steps, leading to the top level of the city. As he walked, a nearby rock uncurled, revealing it to be a Goron. I had no ominous marks about him, save for the Goron insignia, tattooed to his left arm. Unlike the many Gorons in his life he had seen, this one did not seem hardy like Gorons usually were. He was starving.
"Are you Link, gororo?" he asked with a trusting smile.
"Yes,"
"Goro! Follow me, brother!"
They traversed through the town of stone, passing through many hungry Gorons and abandoned homes. They came to the lowest part of the city, where a large statue of a mighty Goron stood. Its form had deteriorated and weathered from lack of up-keep. They eventually came upon a tunnel that led them into a large room, lit with many torches. The floor was covered with a plush, crimson carpet bearing the Goron insignia. Zelda, Medi, and the rest stood inside, facing a powerful looking Goron that stood in front of an even older looking statue of a Goron. They all noticed Link's presence.
"Leader, our brother has arrived!" yelled the Goron who led him.
"Thank you, brother," the leader said.
The Goron returned through the tunnel.
"Welcome, brother. I am Dumande, true leader of the Goron Tribe."
"Well met, Dumande, my name is-."
"I already know, Link," he said.
Dumande stared Link down. "It seems you have a story to tell, do you not, my brother?" he said.
Perplexed, Link said, "Not really, why?"
"I have witnessed too much evil not to identify the cursed mark on your hands."
"What do you mean, cursed mark?" asked Uryan.
Link removed his right gauntlet, revealing the curse.