"I know what I have to do," I said, hugging my knees. "I have to tell Midna… but…"

Nayru sighed. "Fear is a natural element of life," she whispered. "I understand your hesitation, but I promise you that a painful truth is far more acceptable than a blissful lie. She will find out eventually, after all."

"Not if I stop it from happening."

"Zach, you cannot control what you do not understand."

"I know!" My voice echoed in the dark. It came back distorted, mutated. "I know… but—"

Nayru raised her hand. "The choice is yours. You have always valued Wisdom above Courage and Power, and so I trust that you will make the wise choice."

"Wise…" I looked her in the eye. "Nayru, why was I chosen? Look at me, I don't have the 'heroic' qualities Link or even Midna have. How did the other me get here?"

Nayru smiled, but it looked off, like that was the one question I shouldn't have asked. "We made a mistake. You will understand in time, young one."

Midna massaged her temples. She had been looking over the map for a good while now, and the images were blurring together. The princess stretched out and yawned, then turned to Anju in the corner. She pointed at herself and then the door, and Anju nodded in reply.

With that, she headed for her and Zach's shared room. The night was quiet and cool, and the sky was dotted with those little lights. Stars, Zach had said. That took some of the wonder out of it, admittedly, but she did ask in the first place.

What else did this world have to offer? It had plentiful water, a diverse landscape, hordes of creatures both dangerous and benevolent, and adventure to spare. Midna found herself at the spring once again, sitting on her knees and looking at her reflection.

Her eyes glowed in the dark, which had been normal all her life. Every Twilian's eyes glowed, it was just natural. Here, in this world, Midna felt decidedly unnatural.

"I don't belong here," she murmured. "This place is beautiful and everything, but… this is not my home."

"So?" asked Zach, plopping down beside her. "It doesn't have to be your home."

"I know, but… can you blame me for being homesick? Don't you miss—"

"No."

"… Oh."

Zach sighed. "It's nothing personal, I just… I like my world fine, it's got good food and games and air conditioning—"

"Your air is bad enough that it needs conditioning?" Midna asked with a smirk.

"No," said Zach plainly, "well, yes, but not where I live. Air conditioning just helps keep it cool inside the house."

Midna hummed and leaned back. "Your world has different environments, doesn't it? Like this one?"

"Yeah, we got lots of different places," said Zach. He ran a hand through his hair. "Tropical, temperate, arctic, mixes and matches…"

Midna tapped her fingers. "I guess everyone gets along just fine, then? I mean, with so much land to explore and resources at your fingertips, there must not be much conflict."

Zach's shoulders sank. "You'd think that, but we humans fight over anything and everything. Money, power, sex, religion, entertainment, thoughts and ideas, just about everything."

"Why?" asked Midna. "What drives you to conflict when your needs are already met?"

"For some, those needs aren't met and the people who can meet them won't. For others, they have everything they want, but they want more."

"More? What else can they have?"

"What does a man who already owns half the world desire most? The other half."

"What?"

Zach chuckled. "It's a quote from somewhere. The point is that we humans want everything because we, royal we, want. Some people just want to live in peace, have food on the table, and have fun with their loved ones."

"That sounds good to me."

"Yeah, too bad the people who can make that happen are selfish. They want things because maybe they didn't have it in their childhood, or they were taught it was okay for them to have things but not others, or any of half a billion excuses to do shitty things for themselves."

"… So, there's no good in your world?"

Zach shrugged. "I think there is, but I'm not the most optimistic person around. Not everyone is evil, but evil is the only thing getting publicity so it feels like there's no good in the world."

"Frankly, that sounds horrible."

"Yeah, it's not ideal."

Midna hugged her knees tighter. "So… what do you like about your world?"

Zach sighed. "I like video games… food, drinks, the beach…"

"Nothing about the people?"

"Not really. I don't hate everyone, I just… social interactions aren't very easy for me."

Midna stretched and yawned. "I think it's time for bed."

They made their way back to the room, and when Zach went for the floormat, Midna stopped him. "You take the bed tonight."

Zach blinked at her. "You're offering me the bed?"

"I'm not totally heartless," she said, already settling onto the mat. "We'll take turns, okay?"

"All right, if you're sure."

Midna bundled herself up. The floor was more comfortable than she expected, at least. "We need to look out for each other more. Watch each other's backs, you know?"

"I thought we were already doing that."

"In battle, yes, but maybe we should be doing that more when we're not in immediate danger. Sleeping on the floor will ruin your back, healing water or not."

Zach hummed in agreement as he set some music to play. "Sounds good. Have a good rest, Midna."

"Good night, Zach."

The next morning, Midna rose first. She rubbed her eyes drearily, the sunlight irritating her senses. At least there were no strange dreams this time.

She made her way to the main lobby of the inn, where Anju and the village residents enjoyed their breakfast. Stomach rumbling, Midna settled into a seat far from the others. Best not disturb them with her features, yes?

Anju prepared a plate for her with a smile and a nod, and Midna looked down with a smile of her own. Yay for eggs being universal. Of course, these eggs were brightly colored like everything else in this world, but the smell was the same. Along with them were two thin strips of meat, a biscuit, and a cup of milk.

Midna held up her fork and thought back to when Zach taught her how to use it so long ago. A simple concept, yet completely foreign to her. All the same, she used the fork as instructed, happily gobbling down her breakfast.

As she was finishing up her milk, the elder of the village sat across from her. Sahasrahla, if she recalled correctly. He smiled at her through his thick mustache and beard, eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Midna bowed her head to him, and he spoke something in that Hylian language of his.

With a sad smile, Midna said, "I'm sorry, but I don't understand you."

"Are you certain?" asked Sahasrahla in her language.

Midna's eyes bugged out and she sat up straight. He spoke her language! It was an older dialect with a bit of a slur, but he spoke it!

The elder chuckled. "Be not surprised. I am a scholar, devoted to knowledge and truth."

"I am deeply honored," said Midna, bowing her head again. "You speak the language well. How did you come to learn it?"

"Ancient texts," said he, "found in the Gerudo Desert decades ago. This language is derived from that of the Gerudo."

"It is?" Midna tapped her chin. "So much of our history before our banishment was lost, I had no idea."

Sahasrahla nodded, his brow grim. "It was a dark time, but that is not what I wish to discuss, if you will forgive me."

"Of course, honored elder," said Midna. "What do you wish to discuss?"

The elder's brow furrowed. "Your companion. His mannerisms and predisposition to violence concerns me."

Midna blinked. Zach? His personality was rough and he had little in the way of charm, but was it that disconcerting? "Forgive me, but what concerns you? He is a warrior, if only a very unskilled one. I have faced the same dangers as he."

"You have, to be sure, but I have seen you in battle. Your eyes are steady, focused, driven. His… I see only rage, hatred, and a desire to see his enemies wither before him."

"… I have seen such things, but there is also compassion, empathy…"

Sahasrahla nodded, stroking his beard. "Yes, I have seen that as well. He is in turmoil, his nature at war with itself. I sense he is one who can do great or terrible things."

"Yes, I agree," said Midna, "but surely the Goddesses would not choose someone unworthy of the Triforce."

At that, Sahasrahla leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "You truly believe so?"

"… is there a reason why I should not?"

"In your histories, was there ever mentioned the name Ganondorf?"

Midna paused, thinking back to her lessons in youth. There were many names in her people's history; Fierce Deity, Veran, Orochi, Ghirahim, but Ganondorf… Zach had mentioned him, when discussing the Legend of Zelda games…

"Yes, but nothing apart from his name."

"Do you know the nature of the Triforce?"

"Err… I believe so. The Triforce was created when the Golden Goddesses left this world, and it was for seeking the Triforce that my ancestors were banished."

"But do you know of its nature? Why they sought it?" Midna shook her head, causing Sahasrahla to nod. "I thought not. The Triforce is more than a powerful magic relic. It is a balance between the great forces, Power, Wisdom, and Courage. Throughout our history, Wisdom has always allied with the princess of destiny, and Courage with her heroic knight. But Power… Power was always sought by those with evil intent.

"Ganondorf sought Power, but he was blind to danger and thus captured. At the moment of his execution, a divine prank bestowed upon him the Triforce of Power. Chosen, by Din herself."

"Din chose an evil man?" asked Midna, mouth dry. "Why would she choose him?"

"I have asked myself that question many a time. It is concerning, yes?"

"Are you… are you saying Zach is related to Ganondorf? That can't be possible!"

Sahasrahla held up his hand to quiet Midna. "I make no accusations, only observations. His is a heart unbalanced, but make no mistake. The Triforce is neither good nor evil, light or dark. It is a scale designed to test the hearts of those who seek it, to grant their wish be they in balance or not. I ask that you beware the boy's heart. He may be chosen by the Goddesses, but remember that Ganondorf was as well."

"… I… I don't know what to say…"

The Kakariko elder leaned back in his chair and sighed. "I am sorry to bring such omens so early in the morning, but I knew not when I would have this chance again. You may say nothing for now, only remember my words and the warnings of history."

The elder left Midna alone to her thoughts. Zach was unbalanced, yes, but was he evil? Midna did not believe so… but she did believe that he had the capacity for evil. That realization shook her to her core, that she could admit that someone was not evil but could be in the future. Zant had the decency to always be a scheming little weasel, but Zach…

"Heya," said Zach, sitting across from Midna. She jumped when he spoke, at which he smiled. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare ya."

Midna looked him in the eye, looked for… what? She saw only fatigue, drowsiness. "Er… I'm fine. How did you sleep?"

"Kept waking up," said Zach, rubbing his good eye. "You snore like nobody's business."

"Sorry," she replied, not really paying attention. There was no evil in him, right?

"You okay?"

"Huh? Uh, yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." Midna stood up as Anju brought Zach some breakfast. "You go ahead and eat. I'll…" Do what? She just wanted to be away from him for the moment, but that was rude no matter who you asked. "I'll go to Ordon Village and get that thing we need."

Zach snorted as he chugged his milk. "I'm gonna have to veto that, the mayor is going to teach me how to beat the Gorons using a secret sumo wrestling style."

"If you played the game, don't you already know?"

"… Even so, I don't like the idea."

Midna's lips curled. "Why not? It's just a few minutes, I zip in, grab the thing, and zip out."

"It's not… It's more complicated than that."

"What is so complicated about it?"

Zach glared at his breakfast and stabbed his fork down into an egg. "Fine, if you're so damn smart. You're looking for a house on the other side of the village, big chest inside on the main floor, a pair of big heavy boots."

"I don't know why you're so upset, you're not the one stuck in this situation, but thanks for the advice." Why was he…? Oh, forget it. Anything to get some space.

The trip was quiet. She went through one portal and out another, slinked in the darkness, and finally found the house Zach had described.

"Orochi, do you sense evil in him?"

"Yes."

"… Oh."

"This troubles you?"

Midna slid beneath the house, invisible brow furrowed. "Of course! Shouldn't it?"

"I am also considered evil. This does not trouble you?"

She froze. Yes, Orochi and the Fused Shadow were powerful dark artifacts, capable of corrupting and mutating the innocent creatures who stumbled upon them. Yes, they were a last resort against Zant and his power, and everyone and their mother has warned against their use.

"But you feel no fear, do you? Perhaps you are more evil than you think." The demon chuckled. "Only a jest. You are pure of heart, as one of your bloodline should be. As for the boy, he will have to make a choice one day. No matter what you wish, you cannot decide for him."

Midna popped out of the shadows, safe inside what seemed to be a closet. "I saw the kind of person Zant was, did nothing, and now look what happened. How can I sit by and let Zach's evil grow?"

"You of all people should know not to judge by appearance. Do you not believe there is good in him as well?" At Midna's silence, the spirit chuckled again. "Light and dark are a part of us all, young one."

Voices approached. Midna peeked through a crack in the closet door, spotting a large man—the mayor, if she recalled correctly—and four villagers, each pair a husband and wife. All four were in various states of despair, with puffy eyes, tear-stricken cheeks, and wracked sobs.

"The parents of those children," said Midna. One of the wives collapsed in a chair, weeping into her hands. Her husband embraced her, nuzzled his cheek against hers. "Orochi… do you think there are any survivors in the Twilight Realm?"

"We sensed many before your departure,"said the spirit. "They may yet survive. Ask not the question in your heart, Princess Midna. In war, there will always be loss."

"I've never been in a war," said Midna. "I've never done anything like this… I wish I was more prepared…"

"The most prepared for war are those who seek it."

Midna wiped her cheek. Was this tear for her people, or the people in this world? Or both? "They deserve to know their children are safe. No one should spend so much time and energy worrying, praying." Her mind made up, she sank back into the shadows, through the underbelly of the house, and emerged on the front porch.

"We can translate their language," said Orochi, "but only briefly, and we cannot lend you our voice."

Midna allowed herself a soft laugh. "That would have been nice before, but I guess every moment has its use." She reached up and knocked thrice on the door, and a few moments later, the mayor slowly opened it.

"… Zach?" asked the mayor, blinking at Midna. She gave a firm nod, at which the mayor laughed and engulfed her in a very big hug. "Zach, my boy! Come in, come in!"

Not that she had much of a choice as the mayor all but carried her in himself. The chest Zach had mentioned sat tucked away in the corner. She patted his back with as much comfort and reassurance as possible, and he plopped her down before the rest of the villagers. She gave them a smile and a wave, but they looked less than relieved to see 'Zach'.

"My boy, where have you been?" asked the mayor… was his name Bo? It was something like that, something short and simple.

Midna pulled out her map and pointed at Kakariko Village.

"My word, you actually made it all the way there?" asked one of the wives, the portly one. "Where is my daughter? Is she all right?"

Midna nodded and tapped the spot again. Did they understand she meant all the children? Fortunately, the mayor decided to ask that very question, as well as why she did not speak. She merely patted her throat and shook her head, and they understood.

"Well, I must say that is a relief," said Bo. "Not your voice, of course, I am very sorry for that. What brings you back here?"

How best to communicate? Midna tapped the mountain near Kakariko and then at Bo, then at herself, and back at the mountain.

Bo sighed and rubbed his bald head. "The Gorons, I assume?" Midna nodded. "Hm, that will not be an easy task. They value strength, might, power."

The muscular husband cleared his throat. "Didn't you get through them, Mayor?"

"Yes, and it was difficult even in my prime." He clapped his hands together. "So, you all have proof that your children are safe. Go home, rest. I will show the lad my secret technique in the meantime."

After some grumbling and fuss, the other villagers took their leave. Mayor Bo addressed Midna, twirling the end of his mustache. "This technique is top secret. No one, not my wife nor my daughter, know of it. Do you understand?" Midna nodded, though her lip curled all the same. "Ha, don't you fear. As secret as it is, it is very simple. The secret… is in that chest."

Midna raised an eyebrow at him as she made her way over. She lifted the lid and found a pair of… gloves? They were just a pair of gauntlets armored with silver and adorned with twin rubies on the backs of the hands. The symbols below the rubies were familiar, but that would have to wait. Well, Zach would not be happy, but at least they did not waste two weeks on these…

"Silver Gauntlets," said the Mayor. "I found them in my travels long ago. When worn, they give you the strength of three men… or one Goron. With these, you'll have no problem showing them your strength. If you've made it this far, I have no doubt you'll go even further."

It was not the most honorable way to win, but circumstances demanded compromise. Besides, Zach would be the one doing the heavy lifting, not her. She has done enough for now… and good timing, her magic was just about out. She nodded at the mayor and headed for the door, only for him to step in the way.

"Be careful with them, Zach. They give you strength, but not control. I suggest only wearing them when you need to, or you might hurt yourself or others."

Midna bowed her head and departed with the gauntlets and her map in tow. The moment the door closed, she warped herself back to Kakariko and ducked into her shared room. "Oh, thank the gods…"

"I'm up!" cried Zach, lurching from his spot on the bed. His hair stuck up on one side, causing Midna to laugh. "Wha… what's so funny?"

"Your hair," she said, and then she tossed the gauntlets on the bed. "I thought you were eating breakfast."

"I wanted more sleep after." Zach looked down, shining his phone on the items. "You got the Silver Gauntlets?"

Midna hopped onto the bed and poked one of the gauntlets with her foot. "Yep. Apparently, they'll give you the strength of three men or one Goron."

"… great."

"Okay, what is your problem today?" Midna crossed her arms and glared at the fool. "I just saved us two weeks of travel and got us a pair of nifty gauntlets. Why is this not good news to you?"

Zach rubbed his face and said, "Because that's not how the story goes. Those are supposed to be Iron Boots because the Goron Mines use magnets and the boots help us get around, not to mention help us when we go to a water dungeon and so on and so forth. It's not how the story goes."

Midna stamped her foot. "Forget how the story goes! This isn't a game that you can drop and come back to later, nor is it some fiction you can alter if you don't like it. Like it or not, this is reality and you must learn to deal with changes you're not expecting! Okay?"

"Fine, I'm going back to bed."

"Uh, no, you're not. We're going up that mountain, and we are going to get that Fused Shadow if it kills us."

"Fine!" Zach threw himself off the bed and slapped on the gauntlets, tossing his old ones aside. "Don't feel any stronger. You sure they actually work?"

Midna snapped the discarded gauntlets into her pocket dimension and said, "Not really, I don't have the hand size to try them out."

Zach stomped his way outside and kicked a random crate, which sent it flying to the opposite canyon wall. "Good, they work."

"Zach, I really wish you would tell me why you're so angry. Was it really because of the change in the story?"

"Maybe I'm just angry!" Zach glanced over to where the Ordon children played. "Not… not talking to you, talking to you-know-who… Anyway, maybe I'm just angry! It happens, you know. Sometimes you just wake up hating the world."

"That doesn't sound even remotely healthy!"

"OF COURSE IT'S NOT HEALTHY! But what can you do? I can't just alter my brain to fit societal definitions of normal and healthy. Sometimes you are just broken and no amount of scotch tape and glue will fix you!"

If Midna could smack him with her bare hand, she would. "I'm not asking you to change anything, I just would like to not get snapped at because I wanted to be proactive! Why would the Goddesses choose you? You are the worst possible choice for 'Hero'!"

Zach halted, his hands hanging loosely by his sides. His breath was quick and shuddery, and his shoulders sagged. "… I ask myself that question every day. I don't know why they chose me, but they did. We just have to live with mistakes like that."

I was about to head for the mountain trail when I remembered the other necessity. I took a sharp left and entered the shop with that insufferable little brat's face plastered all over it.

"What are we doing in here?" asked Midna.

"I need to get a metal shield." The shop looked the same as before, with the Hylian Shield placed conveniently on the counter. As I grabbed it, so did Malo. "Hey, I need this."

"You can look at my stuff," said Malo, "but don't you DARE just take things."

I tugged on the shield but Malo wouldn't let go. "Who says this stuff is yours?"

Malo yanked hard, but my grip was solid. Thank goodness for the Silver Gauntlets. They did have their use after all. I could just yank harder but three men's worth of strength would definitely hurt the little brat. "I decided to take on this unmanned shop. That's MY valuable merchandise. You want it, you pay for it."

"I don't have the money or the time or the PATIENCE for this!"

"Not my problem. Buying it would help the whole village."

"I think helping the Gorons with their problem would help a lot more."

Midna popped out of my shadow and stood on the counter, glaring at both me and Malo. "WHAT is going on here?!"

"I need this shield," said I, "and he won't just give it to me."

"So you're playing tug-of-war for it?"

"HE WON'T LET GO!"

Malo yanked again, nearly winning the shield. "You can't just take things that aren't yours."

I held the shield up, and as Malo's grip was strong, he was hoisted a foot off the ground. "You did first, you know. Think of me taking the shield as an endorsement. I save the Gorons, people will know it was thanks to valuable goods from your shop. Business will slowly but surely grow, and you'll make more than this shield's value back. If I don't take the shield, I'll more than likely die. And people will know it was because you didn't part ways with it, and how do you think that will affect your business?"

"…"

Midna tapped her chin, nodding slowly. "That actually makes a lot of sense…" She gave Malo a shrug.

"… Fine." Malo let go and landed safely on his feet. "Maybe I can't become a hero, but I figure I can help people out with heroic business deals." He pointed at us with a stubby finger. "You'd both better work hard, too."

I handed the Ordon Shield to Midna and fastened my fancy schmancy new Hylian Shield to my back. "Pleasure doing business with you."

The walk up the trail to Death Mountain was silent. Once I was out of the village, I nodded up at the Goron blocking the passage ahead. "Hey, just passing through."

"No humans," said the Goron. "Official Goron Business only."

I sighed and rubbed my face. "Look, man, I'm really not in the mood for this. Just let me pass, I'm trying to help you guys."

"Sorry, no outsiders. We Gorons can take care of ourselves."

"Like your patriarch who touched the hidden dark magic and mutated into a giant fiery monster?" I probably should have been more tactful, but oh well.

The Goron's eyes bugged out of his skull. "How do you know that?!"

"Like I said, I'm here to help. Either let me pass or let your mountain die."

"You dare threaten Death Mountain?!" The Goron cracked his knuckles and rolled his shoulders. "Now you're gonna feel the strength of the Gorons!"

I pinched the bridge of my nose as the Goron marched toward me. "Dude, I am giving you so, so many chances to just walk away."

"Likewise, bub! I'm gonna roll you up and toss you down to your village!"

"And I'm going to enjoy watching you try." He threw the first punch. It caught me right in the gut, knocked the wind out of me, and sent me to the ground. "… ow…" Yeah, they were a lot faster than the game led me to believe.

The Goron hoisted me over his head, and while he did not roll me up into a ball, he did toss me down the ramp just as he said he would. "Come back when you mean business, small fry!"

I rolled to a stop and squeaked at the pain in my gut and sides.

Midna popped out of my shadow and checked her nails. "Well, that went well, huh?"

"I know what I'm doing."

She huffed. "You don't have the faintest clue."

"Just watch me!" I sucked down a bottle of spring water and marched all the way back up to the Goron. "All right, Rocky, you want to do this? Let's fucking do this!"

Rocky shook his head and threw another punch. I met that with one of my own, and as simple math will tell you, three is better than one. His hand cracked and at least two knuckles outright broke, and he howled. That howl was quickly hushed by my fist in his gut, but he managed a bit of a squeal when I lifted him up and tossed him down the ramp.

"You enjoyed that way too much," said Midna.

"You're damned right," I said, nursing my hand. It was stronger with the gauntlets, but hitting essentially solid stone still hurts. "I gave him more than enough fair warning."

I continued up Death Mountain Trail. The archers we had faced when I was a wolf were gone, and the howling stone used to summon the Hero's Shade was gone as well. Instead, up ahead were the first signs of industrial mining; a metallic floor instead of rocky terrain, sounds of pickaxes and hammers hitting raw ore, and the faint smell of grease and fire and burning fuel.

"Great, another fantastic change," I muttered as I stepped into a large expanse that closely resembled the central chamber of the Goron Mines, only outside rather than trapped inside a lava cave. "This place feels familiar."

"This is where we fought those last three Shadow Insects," said Midna. "Sure seems a lot busier than last time."

I shrugged and climbed up a ramp to the left. Thankfully, there was no lava to impede me. Two Gorons stood up at the top, a great stone pillar behind them. "Evening, fellas! Working hard or hardly working?"

One of them smiled and waved at me, and then his partner nudged him. "What? He seems friendly enough."

"Gorko, you're dumber than a Dodongo." The other Goron trudged forward and raised his palm. "Stop right there, human. Official Goron Business only."

"This again?" I shook my head and stopped as instructed. "I'm here to help with your business. The guy down at the bottom of the trail explained everything."

"Oh, very clever."

"Hush you." I cleared my throat. "Your patriarch has been corrupted by dark magic, yeah? I'm here to get rid of it."

"… One moment." The Goron turned to his partner, Gorko, and had a hushed conversation. After a few moments, he turned back to me with a smirk. "All right, human. If you can lift this rock behind us, you can pass."

I lifted an eyebrow. That was kind of an odd request… kind of literal, too. "You guys can't lift it, can you?"

Gorko laughed, slapping his knee. "He got us, Roko! Yeah, human guy, it's too heavy. We'd need at least one more Goron to lift this thing."

"How about we three of us try to lift at the same time?" I asked. Sure, it was outright cheating, but so was having a pair of gauntlets like that in the first place. Items are meant to be used, right? "You shouldn't underestimate humans. We just might surprise you."

Roko laughed this time. He sauntered over to the pillar and gave it a pat. "Sure, why the rock not? If you can help us lift it, we'll be your personal escort through the mines."

"Aw, you're too kind." We each cracked our knuckles, knelt, and gripped at the pillar. Even with the Silver Gauntlets, that son of a bitch was heavy. My eyes bulged out, my fingers burned, and every muscle in my body cried. "FUUUUCK!"

"I'd offer to help," said Midna, "but I think you guys got it. Plus I'm out of magic."

"No… worries…" Slowly, very slowly, the pillar rose up from its spot in the path. It teetered as we lifted with all our might, and then I realized one problem. "What… do we do… with it now?!"

"HEAVE!" We each buckled down and threw up our arms, catapulting the stone pillar clear across the expanse. It landed with a mighty CRASH next to the exit, splitting into several big chunks.

I bent over, resting my hands on my knees, sweat covering my brow. "Well… that went well…"

Roko slapped my back, the force of which knocked me over. "HA! Not bad, human! You just might be the guy to help us out."

"… my pleasure…"

Gorko lifted me up and gave me the deadliest hug I have ever had. "You did real good, human guy. What's your name?"

"… Zach… need air…" He let go, and I collapsed while gulping down sweet oxygen. "Glad… to help…"

"Heh, sorry," said Gorko, rubbing the back of his head. "Anyway, as promised, we're gonna help you through the mines so you can talk to the elders. They'll know what to do."

"… sounds good…" After a few more long breaths, I picked myself back up and flexed my sore muscles. "Okay… okay, lead the way. I'm good now."

The mines were much less crowded than I recalled. There weren't any Bulblins or Tektites wandering about, and the few Beamos I saw were used to cut through miscellaneous clumps of stone and ore. It seemed like there wasn't a problem at all, except for the trails of slag and debris plus some really big footprints. The shape and size of the holes left behind were significantly larger than what I was expecting, which made my stomach queasy.

How big was Fyrus going to be this time? He was already huge in the game, but now he seemed almost Balrog-sized. And those footprints… they didn't seem to belong to a Goron, mutated or otherwise. "So, besides your patriarch run amok, is there anything else going on?"

Gorko raised an eyebrow at me and said, "I thought Sal told you everything. Not only is our patriarch running rampant through the mine, he's also not alone."

"… come again?"

"Yeah, he managed to resurrect an ancient creature." The Goron shuddered. "He brought back King Dodongo."