Chapter Eleven—Fire

Since he was Darunia's sworn brother, I assumed Link would go to Goron City in his quest for the Fire Medallion. This, therefore, was my destination after breakfast. I didn't trust myself to teleport in the area of Death Mountain, because of its volatile atmosphere. The air was filled with divine magic that would interfere with my own Sheikah kind.

To my surprise, I arrived at Goron City and didn't find any signs that Link had yet made an appearance. The place was silent, shut down, empty. A small Goron, whom I had last seen on the day I saved him and his mother from the invading Gerudo forces, was the only living thing I could find. He was rolling madly around the middle level of the city. I panicked; where were his parents?

I dropped carefully down to his level, intending to stop the rolling Goron when he approached. However, Link the Goron sensed my presence before him, ground to a halt, and resumed his rolling in the opposite direction.

"Link!" I cried after him. "Link!"

He didn't stop. I sighed bitterly, guessing that he couldn't hear me, though I realized in retrospect that he was probably listening for the word "Kokiri." Why didn't I think of that at the time? Good question. Because nobody always has all the answers, that's why. Not even with the Triforce of Wisdom. Then life would just be too easy, and goddesses know that can't happen.

Maybe Darunia had left him to this. Maybe—a spark of hope popped within me—Darunia had willingly closed himself in his throne room! This hadn't been common practice for many years, otherwise I wouldn't have been concerned by the fact that the whole city was shut down, but desperate times do call for desperate measures. In light of recent events, it wouldn't be unreasonable to think that he had resorted to behaviours common in the days before my father, the great King Churo, established peace among the races.

Jumping nimbly down two more levels, I approached the thick stone door of Darunia's chamber. Then I stopped short. I had intended to play the song of the Hylian Royal Family in order to prove my identity, but how would a Sheikah who boasted no connection to them know that song? I couldn't count on my reputation as a strangely omnipotent and almost ethereal figure for this. I would have to be more subtle.

"King Darunia!" I shouted. "This is Sheik, survivor of the Sheikah, the hero who saved the life of your son! I come with good news!"

There was no answer.

"I come in the name of the true queen, Zelda… and," I added on sudden inspiration, "in the name of the Hero of Time, Link!"

Abruptly, the stone door heavily ground upward to allow me entry. Darunia was approaching on the other side, staring aggressively at me.

"Darunia, I—"

"The Hero of Time?" the Goron king interrupted me. "Did you say 'the Hero of Time, Link'?" There was a note of something almost like hysteria in his voice.

"Yes, I did."

"Are you talking about my sworn brother, the boy from the forest?"

"I am."

Darunia let out his breath in a long, growl-like sound. "So that's where the forest boy has been. Trapped in time, preparing for his task." He let out a sharp laugh, more a sound of bitter victory than of mirth. "The goddesses chose Their Hero well."

I couldn't help smiling. "Yes. The child is now a man, and he will make Ganondorf pay."

"I'm glad to hear it. Is that the news you've brought?"

"There is more, and all of it just as good."

"Ah… I wish I could give you some back. Come in," he stepped out of the doorway to let me pass, "and we'll talk."

I nodded courteously and entered Darunia's chamber. It was small and sparsely decorated, with nothing but a plain rug on the dirt floor and two simple wooden tables against one wall, but Darunia himself sat in a large, square throne carved with the intimidating designs native to Goron culture. Seeing no other seats, I stood.

"So," Darunia began, "I'm curious to hear what news you have from the Hero of Time and of the Gorons, Brother Link."

"He has been released from the seal of time," I said. "He is again in Hyrule, fulfilling his destiny. The goddesses have sent him to awaken all of the Six Sages, whose power, combined with his own and that of the Master Sword he wields—"

Darunia laughed. He was taking strange pleasure, it seemed to me, in the idea that Link was now a hero. "The little boy carries a big stick! Ganondorf will never expect defeat at the hands of someone so young…but he'll have to." He chuckled deeply. "Oh, yes."

"Indeed. All this combined power will be enough to defeat the King of Evil."

"And how many Sages has Link awakened?"

"Two," I replied, ignoring the fact that technically he hadn't awakened Rauru. "I haven't spoken to him since he awakened the Sage of Forest, but I have reliable cause to believe that he will come here in search of the third Sage."

"Excellent!" boomed Darunia, clapping his hands together with enthusiasm. "I don't know that he'll find any Sages here, but I do know that the Gorons desperately need his help. Our situation has grown very grave since you were last here."

This reaction was a bit of a surprise, though I didn't let on to this effect. There was a vicious light in his eyes; I wasn't sure I wanted to know what he was thinking, but he didn't wait for me to request information before volunteering it.

"I am descended of one of the great heroes of the Goron race, who became a hero when he save our people from a horrific monster, a dragon called Volvagia.

"Ganondorf knows that Volvagia is our weakness. He brought the dragon back, under his control, and he kidnapped every one of us he could find. I didn't know why at first, because I didn't know that Volvagia once again posed a threat to us all. Only recently, when I found that… Link's mother had disappeared… only then did I learn the truth." Seeing the look of horror on my face, he added solemnly, "Yes. She has been kidnapped as well. They left Link, because Ganondorf doesn't fear children, and particularly not boys. It's a part of his culture as a Gerudo, and it will also be his failing. But as I was saying…

"I found a note when I found that the forces of Ganondorf had been here again. It explained that the 'King of Hyrule,' as he…delusionally calls himself, is displeased with the insolence 'his people' are showing. He dealt with the Zoras, but he plans to make the Gorons an example. As a show of power, he will feed them to the demon all believed vanquished forever."

Darunia paused, glaring harshly at nothing. He drew a deep breath and continued angrily.

"It is painfully obvious to me that I must eliminate Volvagia, as my forefather did. But I will need the help of my sworn brother. Actually, I was beginning to fear that he had fallen in some noble battle against the forces of evil. You can understand, then, why your news is a great relief and joy!" He let out that sharp, vindictive laugh again.

I didn't really understand, truthfully, but I smiled anyway. I was trying to think of a way to tactfully explain that, as important as it was to save the Goron race from extinction, Link didn't have time to spare for missions other than the one assigned by the goddesses. Maybe Darunia would care about Sages if he knew he was one…

"So," Darunia continued, rising to his feet. "I must be on my way. The dragon and my people are in the Fire Temple in Death Mountain Crater. Will you please send him there when he arrived? I need to go now, to get a head start on finding and fighting Volvagia."

I stopped my protest on my lips as something clicked into place—the Sage of Fire unwittingly leading the Hero of Time to the Fire Temple, knowing the dangers it held? This was no side mission; this was Link's quest, only Darunia didn't know it. I smiled innocently. I should have known the goddesses would have everything work out.

"Of course. But I'm sure he'll figure it out on his own."

Darunia was half listening. "My son will meet his namesake, I'm sure, but under no circumstances is the Hero of Time to lead the Goron prince into the Fire Temple. Please tell Link that."

"I don't think Link would—"

"And tell him also that I'll handle Volvagia. I know the dragon's weakness. All Link has to do is free my people from their imprisonment. He doesn't have to be a hero."

I didn't answer, partly because I knew Darunia was lost in thought and not listening to me, and partly because I was wondering if I had really just heard Darunia say that Link shouldn't "be a hero."

"I'm going," Darunia said bluntly, marching grandly from the room.

"Yes," I said absently.

He doesn't have to be a hero? But he is a hero, whether you want him to be or not.

To my surprise, Darunia returned just as I thought this.

"Uh, what…?" I asked uncertainly.

"I've sealed the door to my chamber," he explained. "My son can open it when Link arrives. Come with me. We'll leave via the secret exit."

Leaning heavily on his throne, Darunia gave a grunt and pushed. It ground across the floor, revealing behind it a passageway that glowed red. I gaped, but before I could comment, Darunia was passing through it and calling, "Come on, I have to close it behind us!"

I hurriedly followed him.

"This will take us into the heart of Death Mountain Crater," he explained as we walked through the dull, red lit passage. Momentarily, we emerged in the stifling heat of the volcano. I felt as though I couldn't breathe, and quickly risked performing Hylian magic on myself to form an insulating barrier against the heat, similar to the one I used to survive in Kokiri Forest. Maybe Ganondorf would be able to sense me using it, but it was either that or die.

"Will you wait here for Link, to give him my instructions?" Darunia asked me; he hadn't noticed that the environment was dangerous.

"Sure… and you'll be in the Fire Temple?"

He nodded briskly. "Goodbye… I hope I'll see you again, Sheik. You are a truly noble hero, worthy to be the friend of Link himself."

It was high praise from this man. "Thank you," I said quietly, as he walked away.

You have no idea.

I had a suspicion that Link would use Darunia's secret entrance to get into the crater, so I hid atop an ash cone near it. I was grateful for the fabric wrapped around my face, which kept the soot out of my mouth, and the spell I had cast, which kept me alive, but I doubted Link would have either of these things. I hoped I wouldn't have to resort to putting a spell on him, too; it would give away my cover.

I hadn't been waiting long when I heard an unnaturally high-pitched female voice, coming from the direction of Darunia's secret passage, saying, "Oh, it's so hot in here! Are you sure—"

"Of course I'm sure, Navi," replied a familiar male voice. "I feel fine."

"You know that if you start to get too hot—"

"I should play the Minuet of Forest and get out fast. I know. Now stop nagging."

"I just want you to be careful."

"Because the Great Deku Tree assigned you to protect me. Well, if you wanna protect me, maybe you shouldn't attract so much attention, hm?"

"Right. Sorry."

Link emerged from the tunnel into the stifling heat of the crater, and I noticed two things right away. First of all, while he was wearing his usual tunic and hat, they were now red instead of green; I blinked and looked again, trying to make see if it was just a trick of the light, but no, he had definitely changed his outfit. Second, the only thing in the whole place that wasn't red was following him; it was a fluttering blue sparkle, a fairy. I remembered she had been there when I had met Link as a child, and presumably she had never gone away. Just as I was thinking how odd it was that I had completely forgotten her, and never heard her having a conversation with Link, I remembered that she had been there when he first awakened, in the Temple of Time.

"Here," he was saying now, taking off his red hat. His head looking strangely flat without it. "Hide, all right? Until I need you."

Navi obeyed, flying into the hat, which Link replaced on his head comfortably.

I watched him walk below my hiding place. He shot himself across a broken wooden bridge using the same hookshot tool I had seen him use to down the monsters in the Sacred Forest Meadow, making his way towards a stone platform with an image on it, one of the six images surrounding the Pedestal of Time. Similar platforms existed in the Sacred Forest Meadow and the Temple of Time, and I was sure Link recognized this one for what it was. Before he reached it, I dropped behind him onto the wooden bridge. He turned to face me casually, but with his eyebrows raised.

"Hey, Sheik. What a surprise. I never would have expected to run into you here of all places. What's new? Life going good?"

I almost laughed at his deadpan irony; if he could speak so casually about his task, it obviously wasn't presenting much of an intimidating challenge, and that was something to be pleased about. However, I still had to maintain my distantly all-knowing persona. After all, even if this wasn't hard, he still had to take it seriously.

"Death Mountain is a place that reflects the state of the world," I began.

Link looked around and grimaced. "Well, that answers my question. Not doing to well, is it?"

I continued. "It is the centre of war and peace, life and death, emotion and fortune. It is the heart of the kingdom. This song is dedicated to the power and passion of the heart."

I took out my small harp and played a brief, up beat, low song that reminded me of Goron drums and the pounding of a heartbeat. Link copied it on the Ocarina of Time, and I could see that he really was focused and driven, even if he still had a sense of humour.

When he had finished play and tucked away his Ocarina, Link asked, "Sheik… Can I go back now? To the past? I mean, just to visit. There's a few things I didn't finish… and…" His voice trailed off, but I knew what he meant; he missed his home. This wasn't it anymore. I felt the same way.

I didn't answer him. I knew he would try now to return, which meant I had to beat him to the Temple of Time. I leapt up, and at the top of my jump I teleported myself to the top of the ash cone, where he couldn't see me. I heard him mutter under his breath, "The only two things he can't do are stay put and give a straight answer."

I smirked. Well, I am a Sheikah.

Lightly as a gymnast, a jumped and climbed along high rock ledges over Link's head until I reached the top of the crater, then climbed out and slid on my feet down its side, sending dirt, dust and small rocks flying around me. I hit the ground running, sprinting down the mountain. I knew I had a head start, and I was sure that I was faster than Link, if nothing else because I wasn't weighed down by as much equipment as he was, so I was confident when I reached the foot of Death Mountain that I would beat him to the Temple of Time.

I crossed Kakariko on the rooftops, not wanting to be seen and roped into some hero's task, and when I looked back, I saw Link reaching the bottom of the mountain at a run. I had to keep hurrying.

As I left the village, I was already calling for Umikae, who came running and skidded to a halt before me. Flinging myself onto his back, I gave him directions in Sheikah—"Northwest, Hyrule Castle Town, quickly!"—and he was off like a shot.

I clung to his mane and back as though my life depended on it, lying flat to urge him on, dismounted before he had come to a complete stop, teleported across the market place so I wouldn't have to deal with Redeads, and burst into the Temple of Time like a hurricane. I had a stitch in my side and I was out of breath, but I had made it here first and I was ready to teach him the next warp song. Too bad these tunes only worked on the Ocarina of Time, because I could get good use out of them with all the chasing him around I had to do.

"I hope you appreciate how much work I go through for you," I muttered, trying to get my breath back and compose myself into the mystic I was supposed to be. "It's no small feat to be omnipresent."

Sure enough, not ten minutes later, Link arrived. He looked only mildly surprised that I had beaten him, but he also looked much less worn out. Before he could comment, I began.

"Your adulthood and childhood blur together. Your past and future are both your present. You travel the currents of time in both directions. This place is where your unique adventures begin and end. There will come a time when you will need to come here quickly. When you wish to return to this place, play the Prelude of Light."

On my harp, I played a light, gentle song quite different from the Bolero of Fire I had taught him only moments ago. This one sounded like stars twinkling, like sunlight reflected one water, like a rainbow tracing across the sky. Of all the songs I was to teach Link, this was one of my personal favourites. I reminded me of the Minuet of Forest in its playful spirit.

Link followed my lead carefully, then lowered his Ocarina. I couldn't help wondering what probing question he would ask next, and I how I would have to dodge it. I waited, watching him stare at the floor as his thoughts swirled.

Finally, he looked up, opened his mouth, paused, and said, "Thank you."

He turned and left, his boots quieter than before. Justice had learned the value of treading lightly.

It was the next morning, just as I was waking up, that a vision made me clasp my hands over my face and let out a cry of surprise. I had been sitting up; I fell flat onto my back.

As before, it was all coming to me in pieces. Unlike the last one, which had cut sharply from scene to scene as though I was opening and closing my eyes, this one faded in and out, as though someone was dimming and illuminating the scene. I was sweating all over, and my muscles were seizing spasmodically of their own accord. I gasped for breath raggedly, unevenly.

…Link stood on a stone platform, surrounded by lava… something was moving…

…the flaming head of a dragon reared up…

…Link held a massive hammer in both hands…

…rocks were falling from the ceiling… Volvagia was circling…

…Link slashed the dragon's head as it lay limp…

…now it was breathing fire overhead…

…Link dodged…ran…swung the hammer…

…flames…

…the Master Sword flashed…

…cries of pain…

…rocks…

…hammer… sword…

…over and over again…random chaos and violence…

…At last, Volvagia screamed in agony…tossed its head, fell in a gracefully shuddering wave.

Link let out his breath in a sigh and relaxed as he had done after fighting Phantom Ganon, so totally that he nearly fell over. I, too, relaxed, the blood pounding in my head, and the vision faded away for good.

When I could focus my eyes on the world normally again, I realized that Impa was standing over me. She was smiling, and there was relief in her eyes.

"Nightmares again," I explained, smiling back shakily.

"So I see." She didn't comment on the strangeness of having nightmares in the morning. "At least they were shorter this time."

"Yeah…"

She helped me to my feet, seeing that I was fatigued.

"So," she said in a casual tone. "You'll be going out today, I suppose?"

"I have to meet Link again."

Nodding slowly, Impa told me, "I thought as much. I'll see you, then."

I watched her walk away, to finish putting up the camp she had begun the night before, before I even replied to her.

Nothing will separate us. I promise.