Link sighed wearily as he glanced around, taking in the cave's atmosphere. He, Marth, and Hector stood in the first chamber of the cave. Daylight streamed into the relatively small chamber from behind them, and an iron door, tightly nestled into the surrounding rock, stood before them. A faint dripping could be heard, and Link noticed greenery growing near the base of the walls. Stepping softly, but confidently, Link made his way over to the closest wall, and knelt down to analyze the greenery. It was soft to the touch, healthy, and a little moist. With a sense of familiarity he then placed both of his palms upon the rocky ground, about three feet from each other. The rock was hard and slightly damp, also faint signs of heat could be felt beneath the surface. Narrowing his eyes slightly, Link lowered his left ear to the ground and pressed it firmly against the rock. Dull, distant echoes of varying volume and frequency could be heard, furthermore, a faint hum presided over the other noises. Satisfied, Link exhaled slowly and rose to his feet and looked over at Marth and Hector, who wore equally confused expressions. Running his fingers lightly through his golden hair, Link began to speak.
"Okay, this is no mere cave, what we have here is a Class Three dungeon of roughly five to eight distinct levels. Within we can expect to encounter a few aquatic environments on the upper levels, and volcanic environments on the lower levels. The monsters we will encounter will vary from peon status to high-grade soldier status. In terms of species, we will likely encounter a wide variety considering the dually environmental nature of the dungeon. There is a boss creature, one at least, but possibly up to three. There will be traps, lots of them, and several puzzles. In dungeons of this caliber we can expect that the boss is guarding some sort of archaic or powerful artifact. Treasure will be prevalent, but all the big bounty will be guarded by stronger monsters or mini-bosses. It is the treasure chambers where we can expect to find Navi. Now, in terms of equipment we will most likely need bombs, projectiles, torches and heat resistant clothing or armor. Any and all keys to any locked doors and chests will be hidden somewhere within the dungeon. The ability to swim will also come in handy, along with the ability to climb rough textured walls and balance on unstable surfaces. I believe that is everything, any questions?"
Marth and Hector simply gaped at the green clad adventurer. Obviously neither of them had been expecting this level of proficiency from him. Link smirked and ran his fingers through his hair once more, while he may not be overly fond of caves and dungeons; he had conquered more than his fair share of them. Running his left hand over the hilt of his trusty sword, Link felt a wide grin come across his face.
Heh, who am I kidding? Thought Link confidently, I can complain all I want, but I totally live for this! Sure it's not too kind on the hair or skin, but I'm absolutely crazy about this job.
"Wow Link! As expected of my gorgeous hero! You are even cooler than I thought!" Marth oozed with a wide smile on his face, and admiration in his eyes.
Hector, nodding in appreciation, also added his thoughts. "Hah! I'm impressed Link, you sure are something. This dungeon sounds tough, but with you and Marth on our side, we got nothing to worry about! Haha, I can't wait to get started!"
The two's positive comments added to Link's growing enthusiasm for tackling the dungeon. Slaying hordes of monstrous beasts, narrowly evading traps, rediscovering lost tools and treasures, and in the end facing off against a powerful boss creature, this was going to be excellent. Strolling over to the heavy iron door, Link tested its make, and turned to face his two blue haired allies. Looking Hector in the eyes, Link nodded as he said "Hector, if you please."
The big man was more than happy to comply as he walked over to the door, bellowed in strength, and delivered a powerful kick that threw the door off its hinges and several feet into the next room. One by one the three of them entered the next room. With fire in their eyes, and power in their hearts, they were off. Yet as they began their quest for Navi, another approached the mouth of the cave…
Several rooms into the dungeon, things were beginning to heat up, and not in the sense of temperature. Link, Marth, and Hector stood defiantly in a large circular chamber laden with torch pillars at the base of the wall. In the center of the chamber was a pedestal that contained a plain looking treasure chest, surrounded by four blue-flamed torch pillars. On the single round wall grew vast networks of ivy and roots. In the air above them floated three separate rotating platforms, what was on them though, remained unknown for the time being. There was a small army of about twenty Lizalfos warriors scattered around the chamber, and all of them were staring at the three intruders with murderous intent. Link slowly unsheathed his sword and whispered instructions to the others. He told them that chances are that whatever opens the chest is up on the three floating platforms and that someone needed to get up there. Link ordered Marth to scale the walls and reach the platforms while he and Hector dealt with the Lizalfos warriors. The Lizalfos were clearly waiting for them to make the first move, and one of them on the opposite end of the chamber, presumably the leader, was giving Link a particularly nasty stare.
The Lizalfos leader was truly something unpleasant to look at. The upright, humanoid lizard sported vomit-green scales, and a dull yellow underbelly. Upon his serpentine face were dozens of battle scars, most prevalent was one that ran vertically down the right side of his face and over an eye that likely no longer functioned. He had a torn red fin on the back of his head, and short, stumpy barbs that ran down his spine to the end of his tail. In his right hand he gripped a twisted blade, and in his left was a small, round shield. The leader sneered at Link and barked something in his native language at his troops. The Lizalfos all laughed gutturally at Link, one of them even mocked him by doing a little dance then mimicking his death. Link coolly glared at the Leader and raised his sword and pointed it at him. He then grinned and turned slightly to the right, and gently tapped his own rear with the flat of his blade, thus taunting the lizard commander. The Lizalfos leader roared in fury and barked an order. Link yelled for Marth to go and he and Hector dashed forth in to the horde of enemies.
Link was on the nearest Lizalfos like tempest. He dashed within three feet of it then pivoted on his left foot, thrust his right hand onto his left to support the blade, the unleashed his spin attack. The Lizalfos' voice rose out in agony as Link's sword ripped it apart. As it fell to the floor in seven separate pieces, Link ended the rotation and regained his stance. Taking advantage of the momentary shock his assault had brought, he rushed a confused looking Lizalfos on his left. Leaping through the air, Link planted his sword deep in its face before it even knew what was happening. Ripping the blade from the dead monster's head, Link put himself into a defensive position, as the shock had worn off, and the Lizalfos were coming for him. He had three of them on him, and he was managing to fend of their blows, but he didn't have an opening for a counterattack. Blade after blade crashed against his shield as he spun around rapidly trying to evade and block attacks from all sides. Eventually he managed to deflect one of the attacker's blows into another, giving him enough room to swing his sword in a wide, diagonal arc across the chest of the Lizalfos. Its blood sprayed over him as he pushed past the corpse and towards the nearest torch pillar. Link felt a blade glace across his right side as he arrived at the torch pillar. He winced from the pain, but ignored it as best he could as he put his back the wall and the torch pillar on his right. The Lizalfos in front of him cackled as they cornered him, they believed they had won. They were wrong. Link swiftly pulled out a bomb and dropped it on the flame of the torch pillar while falling to his knees and pulling his shield as close to his body and face as he could. Link knew this was an oil-based torch pillar, and he knew what was coming. The Lizalfos however, did not, and left themselves open as the bomb combusted, reacted with the oil, and engulfed them in a storm of fire. The blast had felled three Lizalfos, and wounded two others. Link's shield had protected him from most of the deadly blast, but his clothes were greatly singed and his shield was compromised, having been slightly cracked. Link shook of the effects of the blast, and closed in on the wounded Lizalfos off to his left.
Marth deftly climbed the ivy as the sounds of battle rang out below him. For one of his dexterity, getting to the platforms would be little trouble, but he was worried about Link and Hector, especially after that explosion. Telling himself to focus though, Marth just continued to climb. It was not long before he reached the height from which he could leap onto a platform. The platforms though, were not stationary, as he had noticed from the ground. They were rotating around the center of the chamber. Marth waited until one platform was within range and leapt gracefully through the air towards it. He landed on the platform with a slight thud. The platform was a rectangle of about two by three meters. On it was a floor switch that seemed to require weight to activate. Marth gingerly stepped onto the switch and it slid into place with easily. Satisfied, Marth made his way over to the next platform, by time he reached it though, he heard a shifting sound and noticed that the switch from the first platform had reset. Marth groaned as he realized the solution. The switches required constant pressure otherwise they would be reset. This meant that he, Link, and Hector would all have to step on one at the same time, and from what Marth could see of the battle below, that was going to be no simple task. Marth looked down at the raging battle below him. Link was slowly working his way around the left side of the altar towards to Lizalfos commander. He had slain seven opponents so far, and was currently engaging two more. Hector could be seen swinging his axe around in massive arcs, obliterating anything that got near it. The heavy armored man had killed five Lizalfos so far, and he was pushing around the right side of the altar. The Lizalfos were keeping their distance from him though and he was apparently having a hard time getting close enough to them to hit them, as the Lizalfos were far more agile than he was. Marth thought about what he should do, he needed to let Link know about the switches, but yelling from up here was no good, his voice would not be heard over the battle sounds. Drawing his sword, Marth hesitated for a moment before leaping off the platform and falling fast towards Link.
Link deftly parried the blows of the two Lizalfos he was engaging, but before he could attack he saw a blue blur blow past his face, and his two opponents fell the ground, covered in precision wounds. Standing in front of Link was Marth, sword elegantly in hand. Link, slightly dazed by the effeminate swordsman's speed, scarcely notice the Lizalfos on his left, about to plunge its distorted blade into Link's skull. Before Link could react, Marth flew passed him and the humanoid lizard's head fell to the ground. Link didn't even see Marth swing his sword; he could barely see him move he was so fast. Staring at Marth with newfound appreciation, Link gave him a nod and turned to face the Lizalfos commander. As he and the enemy leader stared each other down, Marth spoke to him. "Link, we have a problem, there are three pressure activated switched on the platforms. Each one requires constant pressure to be activated."
"Ah, so it's one of those," Link responded knowingly, "Okay, we can deal with the switches after we clean up the Lizalfos. Right now though, go help Hector; I'll deal with the vomit-ugly commander."
"Got it," Marth acknowledged martially, "Be careful."
"Heh, no worries, it is me after all." Link reassured egotistically.
Marth put a hand on Link's shoulder tentatively before he rushed of to aid Hector with the remaining Lizalfos warriors. Link though, strode the clear path to the commander. All the remaining grunts were on Hector's side of the chamber, so all he had to worry about was the commander. The Lizalfos commander addressed Link in a broken and accented form of English and introduced himself, "I am Zshallos, commanding officer of the mercenary Lizalfos brigade: Bladescale Hunters. It is I who will be killing you, Hyrulian."
"I don't need to introduce myself to you, however, I'm sure that my sword needs no introduction." Link retorted coolly as he brought his sword into plain view of Zshallos.
"The sword of evil's bane," muttered Zshallos, unimpressed, "A sword is nothing with a true warrior behind it. Defend yourself, Hyrulian!"
Link gripped the Master Sword tightly as Zshallos' sword crashed down upon his shield. Link struggled to remain from being forced back and fought the mighty Lizalfos' staggering strength. Despite his efforts though, Link was thrown from his feet and onto his back. Having dropped his shield when he fell, Link was forced to roll side to side in order to avoid his opponent's relentless attacks. Seeing that he was getting nowhere by avoiding all the attacks, Link waited for the next crushing blow. As before, Link rolled to avoid it, this time though, after Zshallos' blade hit the floor of the chamber, Link grabbed the twisted blade and delayed Zshallos just long enough for Link to spring to his feet. Link and Zshallos exchanged blows repeatedly, Link parrying with his sword, and Zshallos blocking with his shield. Neither was making any progress. Jumping a step back, Link pulled out a bomb and hurled it at his opponents face. Immediately after, he drew his bow and fired an arrow at the bomb. The arrow and bomb connected seconds after the Lizalfos commander had deflected the bomb. The resulting explosion was enough to knock Zshallos of balance. Before the smoke cleared, Link leapt through the air at Zshallos and slashed him across the chest in a tall, vertical arc. The mighty Lizalfos was knocked from off his feet, but as he fell he turned his body and whipped Link across the face with his tail. Not anticipating the blow, Link took the hit full force, and was sent recoiling. Using this opportunity to regain his stance, Zshallos recovered from the ground and retook his position. Link too, regained his position and continued the assault on his opponent. The two were evenly matched, neither beating the other back completely. Pulling back to draw another bomb, Link took a minor hit to the chest by a stone Zshallos had thrown. The hit merely shocked him, rather than doing any real damage. Now that he had the room he needed, Link pulled a bomb and soccer kicked it at Zshallos' face. Laughing as he knocked the bomb away, Zshallos was caught off guard by a second bomb, delivered the same way. The two bombs exploded, one harmlessly off to one side, and the other point blank in Zshallos' battle scarred face. Link dashed at the Lizalfos as fast as he could and impaled the Master Sword through his chest. Zshallos howled in fury, flailing wildly. Link was thrown back by the sporadic flailing; he hit the ground, without a sword. The Master Sword remained stuck in Zshallos' chest, and the big green Lizalfos was enraged to a point of desperation. Zshallos' eyes burned with resolve as he hurled his shield at Link and tore the Master Sword from his chest with his free arm. Link scrambled to his feet and faced Zshallos, without his precious sword. Cautiously keeping his distance, Link pulled out his boomerang and threw it hard at Zshallos' legs. The Lizalfos commander though, was no fool. He propelled himself into the air with his powerful legs and soared over Link's head, landing behind him. Before Link could react, he took two powerful sword blows to the back. Crying out in pain, Link fell to his knees. Zshallos, standing over the wounded Link, prepared for the killing blow. Link however, was not quite ready to die, and again threw the boomerang at Zshallos' legs. This time, the attack succeeded and the Lizalfos commander was knocked onto his back. Forcing himself to his feet, Link pulled the Megaton Hammer out and stood over the fallen monster. Zshallos' eyes flooded with defiance as Link lifted the hammer high and brought it crashing down onto his head. The blow was thunderous, and Zshallos' head was reduced to a pulpy mess. His opponent defeated, Link dropped to the floor and rested as he looked over to see how Marth and Hector were doing.
Marth and Hector had just finished mopping up the remaining Lizalfos warriors as Link felled their commander. Seeing Link wounded, Marth swiftly moved over to his side, and crouched down next to him. Inspecting Link's wound, he noticed it was not too bad, the swords had cut deep, but his spine was intact. He threw Link a reassuring smile as he pulled out a Vulnerary and used it to heal the horrible wounds. Thanks to Marth, it was not long before Link was up on his feet again, reclaiming his prized Master Sword from the carcass of the fallen enemy commander. As Hector strode over to them, axe in hand, the three decided to rest for a while. Not too long, just a few minutes before moving on. During this time of rest, it was clear to the three of them that their bonds with each other had grown, and that they could count on each other for support in battle. Marth looked into the eyes of Hector and Link and saw the companionship developing between the three of them. As he threw his arms around Link, and began fawning over him again, he noticed that Link did not fight so hard this time, although he still got his fair share or threats.
After about fifteen minutes of recuperation, the three decided to continue on with the dungeon, before they could do that though, they still had to open the chest upon the pedestal. Link and Marth and easily reached two of the floating platforms, but Hector was having a little more trouble.
"Come on Hector, climb!" cheered Marth enthusiastically.
"I can't, the ivy keeps breaking!" Hector retorted.
"Your armor's too heavy Hector, you'll have to take it off." Link advised, as he stared down at the metal-clad man below.
"Remove my armor? Never!" bellowed Hector, "This armor is my soul! I'll never take it off!"
"Hector, come on! You can always put it back on after! Besides, I want to see your glorious chest!" called Marth, of course.
"Forget it!" Hector shouted, "I have a better idea!" Hector walked away from the wall and ignored Marth's voice. Walking over to the nearest dead Lizalfos, he reached down and gripped its tail firmly with both hands. "Ready," he inquired loudly, "It's coming your way Link!"
Link didn't even have time to object before Hector hurled the Lizalfos corpse into the air. The corpse sailed upwards at him, and Link narrowly caught it and dragged it onto the platform. Pushing the dead body onto the switch took little time, and then Link made his way onto the last platform and activated the switch. When he did, the foul blue-flamed torch pillars on the altar went out, and the chest clicked open. Hector hopped up onto the pedestal and opened the chest. He reached in, and shortly after, pulled out a bejeweled key. Key in hand, Hector watched as Link and Marth jumped down to the ground. Link signaled for Hector to toss him the key, and when he did, Link inspected it.
"That'll be the boss key," Link explained, "We'll need it to get into the boss creature's chamber."
"Well," suggested Marth, "I think we're done here. We should get going"
"Yeah," agreed Link thoughtfully, "This dungeon is just beginning."
"Haha, excellent, I can't wait!" cheered Hector excitedly.
The three of them gathered up their weapons and equipment, and exchanged grins of anticipation as they headed out of the chamber. They still had a ways to go in finding Navi, and none of them were about to quit now.