AN: Hi everyone! I'm glad to see so many people like the changes I've made so far. I don't think much changed about this chapter, but I still look forward to reading everyone's reviews. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own LoZ or Inuyasha!


"I did not cheat!"

"Yes, you did!"

"Not!"

"Then please explain to me how using boots made of iron, which your opponent had no idea you had, is not considered cheating."

"…"

"I'm waiting."

"Oh, leave me alone," Link said defensively. "We had to get into the temple."

"I know," she said dismissively. "I just wanted you to admit that you cheated."

Blue eyes narrowed.

"You're evil."

"No, I'm female."

The two walked in silence through the tunnel, slowly descending into the volcano.

"This tunnel seems to go on forever."

"And it's getting hotter, it feels like."

"I feel sorry for you."

"And why is that?"

"It's simple really. You're wearing layers of clothing and you're carrying those weapons."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Have fun roasting."

"I'll say it again, evil."

"I'll say it again, female."

After what seemed like an eternity, they reached the end of the tunnel. What lay before them was a cavern filled with lava. On each side, against the walls, were Goron made walkways made of metal and wood. Natural stepping stones were nestled in the lava, protected by geysers that seemed to erupt in a timely fashion.

Link carefully observed the layout before turning to his partner.

"The door is on the other side; we'll have to be very careful as we cross over."

He received a nod in return.

Although it looked complicated, it was relatively easy to cross over to the other side. That was not counting the torch slugs that decided to drop from the ceiling.

As soon as they made it to the door, Kagome stopped him to see where the slug landed on him.

"You got lucky."

"How so?"

"That slug burned a nice size hole through your clothes. It must not have been hot enough to burn through your chainmail."

"We're going to have to pay extra attention; you don't have mail on under your clothes."

Kagome sighed.

"At times like this, I wish I had a bow. All I would have to do is shoot the damn things before they dropped on us."

"We'll see about getting you one when we come across another town."

Taking her hand, they went through the door and were surprised to find themselves outside.

Walkways filled the entire cavity, each leading to a different door. Reaching up into the sky were what seemed to be giant magnets.

The sight alone would have been enough to make them stop in awe, if it were not for the bulblins firing arrows at them.

Link was quick to pull himself and Kagome behind some large boxes until they could figure out what to do.

"Now I really wish I had a bow," she growled. "Then we'll see how they like arrows being shot at them"

"We need to see if there is a door close to use that we can enter, and get out of here."

They both chanced a peek around the boxes.

"Found one."

"Where?"

"On the right, it's not chained that I can see, so we don't need a key."

"Alright, on the count of three, we run for it."

"One..."

They both stood in a crouched position, readying themselves.

"Two…"

Link tightened his hand around Kagome's.

"Three!"

They shot out from behind their shelter, Link leading Kagome as they ran and dodged the arrows. Dodging the arrows, they were finally able to reach the door, slamming it shut behind them as they passed through.

Wrapping his arms around the small female, Link slid down the door to sit on the floor, both trying to catch their breath.

"Link?"

"Hn?"

"I. Want. A. Damn. Bow!"

The blonde swordsman chuckled as his companion growled.

"Maybe we'll get lucky and find one in here somewhere."

"We better," she growled.

After a short break, the two began to make their way through the tunnels of the Goron Mines, with Link making good use of his iron boots. Needless to say, Link found out how extensive Kagome's vocabulary was as he carried her across magnetic walls and ceilings.

As they made their way through, they came across Goron elders; each gave them a piece of the key that unlocked the door containing their cursed patriarch.

Along with the key shard, the second elder gave them some important information. Beyond his door, rested the weapon of a hero from long ago.

"Either we have incredible luck, or someone knew we would need it."

"What?"

"It's pretty convenient that an ancient warrior left his weapon in the care of the Gorons and they just gave us permission to take without so much as batting an eye."

"Maybe they like us, or think we'll need it."

"Yeah, ok. Where I'm from, if you're given an ancient, and possibly powerful, weapon by its guardian, there is usually a reason."

"I guess we'll see when we reach it."

And passing through yet, another door, our heroes find themselves in a large circular room. Looking down from the platform they were on, they saw the bottom of the room filled with lava. To get across, they would have to walk on the large stone suspended before them. The stone was covered with the same metallic blue material Link used his iron boots to walk on.

"Wait here until I get across."

"Why?"

"Remember in the Forest Temple when we got the boomerang?"

"Yes."

"We had to fight that monkey first."

"I understand what you're saying but why do I need to stay behind?"

"If we end up having to fight something, it will most likely be on that stone. Since I have the boots, it would be safer for me to cross first just in case."

"It's only because I can't really argue with that am I agreeing."

Link gave her a smile before he made his way across.

He made it halfway before a large boulder flew up into the air and landed in front of him. Upon landing, the boulder unraveled itself to reveal a very large Goron. And he didn't look too happy at seeing Link.

"Whoa…Human? What business does a human have coming here? None! No business! This is a forbidden place! I will protect this treasure from you!"

The large Goron jumped into the air and landed hard on the stone, snapping the chains that kept it suspended.

"Link!"

"I'm fine, just stay up there!"

Link turned back to his opponent just in time to avoid a giant fist to his face.

"Wait! We have per…"

The Goron didn't even seem to hear him. Link continued to dodge the swipes before he noticed a pattern. After a few swipes, the Goron would hold his arms up for a bit before bringing them down.

'Next time he brings his arms up; I'll get him in the stomach.'

And that is precisely what he did.

They continued this dance a few more times before the steps were changed. Without warning, the Goron rolled himself back into a ball and charged Link. Too shocked by the speed at which the attack came, Link was hit and skid along the platform and over the edge. Luckily he was able to grab hold of the edge. He barely heard Kagome's scream over the sound of his heart pounding in his ears. Pulling himself back onto the platform, he moved as quickly as he could away from the edge.

'This seems familiar, but where did I see this before?'

He dodged a few more rolls before Kagome shouted down to him.

"Link, it's the same as when we climbed up the mountain!"

His eyes widened in realization.

'Of course!'

Quickly equipping his iron boots, Link crouched down, ready for his large opponent. As the Goron made his way to him, Link stood his ground, waiting. As soon as he came upon him, Link grabbed hold of him and tossed him to the side and into the lava pit. The Goron flew out of the lava pit and sat, exhausted, in the center of the platform. As he walked over to him, Link barely noticed the lava level rising, bringing the platform back to its original position.

"Link!"

The sound of his name made him turn just in time to catch Kagome as she leapt into his arms.

She had just opened her mouth to either ask if he was ok, or yell at him, when the Goron spoke.

"Ugh…That…hurt a lot. Who knew that humans were capable of such feats of strength… …Uh…Maybe…you are…going to see the patriarch of our tribe?"

The two just nodded.

"…Ah! So THAT is why you are here! In that case, take the weapon of the Hero of the past… But in exchange, you must save the patriarch of our tribe! With skills like yours, even the patriarch can be brought back to his senses… Take the Hero's weapon and save our patriarch!"

By now, Kagome was mad.

"Listen here buddy; this whole thing could have been avoided if you had just stopped to listen to us instead of straight out attacking. And for you information, we already told your elders that we would help to save your patriarch! Furthermore, Gor Ebizo already gave us permission to take the weapon!"

Link watched on, amused, as his partner gave the stunned Goron a verbal lashing. Deciding that the poor thing suffered enough, he placed his hand on the small of her back and led her to the other side. Crossing over into the next room, they see a chest. Following the path, they made it to the chest and opened it.

"Yes, yes, yes! It's mine, I call it!"

Link chuckles at her excitement.

"Are you happy that you finally have a bow?"

She just nods happily before getting an evil little grin on her face that causes the male beside her to raise an eyebrow in question.

"Let's see those little suckers try and shoot at me now," she cackled with a mad glint in her eyes.

Rolling his eyes, the blonde warrior leads her out of the cavern.

"Let's get the last key shard and see what we can do about the patriarch, shall we?"

It was fairly simple to get the last shard and make their way to where the patriarch was being held. The room they found themselves in was dark with a faint glow coming from the floor. Pillars stood tall, almost as if to cage a beast. Walking further into the room, the came to a large figure chained in the center of the room.

"Do you think he's asleep?"

As soon as the last word left her mouth, what appeared to be a jewel, began to glow on his forehead.

"I think he's awake, actually."

The dark haired female turned to him.

"Really? I hadn't noticed."

Link shrugged.

"You asked."

Before Kagome had a chance to retort, the large figure suddenly caught fire.

"They didn't mention he could do that."

They stumbled into each other as the ground shook when he broke free from the pillars.

"I don't think he was supposed to do that."

"You think?"

They hid behind the pillars, keeping out of his sight until they could form a plan of attack.

"Maybe if I shoot at him."

"Where?"

Kagome chanced a peek to catch a glimpse of the beast.

"His forehead, it lit up just before he lit up."

Link nodded at her.

"Try it."

Notching an arrow, Kagome aimed at the jewel. Upon release, it shot true and made a hit. The possessed creature clutched his head in pain and stumbled about.

"Did it work?"

Her question was answered as the beast shook off the pain and made quick strides to where they hid.

"Don't think so."

Grabbing her wrist, Link led her to a different part of the room. As they moved, Link noticed the floor, and got an idea. Crouching down behind another pillar, Link turned to Kagome.

"I'm going to move across from you, when you have a shot, take it."

"What? But it didn't work."

"Trust me, I have an idea."

Link carefully made his way across the room. Kagome, seeing him in position, raised herself up and once more lined up her shot.

It was another hit.

As soon as the beast clutched his head, she saw Link put on his iron boots and grab hold of one of the chains that was used to hold his legs. The creature once more shook off his pain and made his way towards her. Seeing the beast's destination, Link held on tightly to the chain. The chain soon lost its slack and Link gave a hard tug. Not expecting the pull, the beast tripped and fell onto the floor. Not wasting any time, Link dropped the chain and ran to the creatures head. Drawing his sword, he slashed at the jewel until it begins to glow again. Running quickly, Link crouched down beside Kagome, waiting to see what happens. The jewel continued to glow brighter before it explodes into various shards. The shards gather in front of the duo begin to take shape. As soon as it's finished, everyone's favorite imp makes her appearance.

"Eee hee hee! Well done! Now we have two Fused Shadows… Hmm…you know, you've been very helpful so far, so as a reward, I'll tell you an interesting story. Zant. That's the name of the King of Darkness who cast this spell of shadows over your world. He's very strong. You would be nothing to him in your current state… But Zant will never be my king! I have nothing but scorn for his supposed strength. Not that your Zelda is much better… It still appalls me that this world of light is controlled by that princess. A carefree youth, a life of luxury…How does that teach duty? …But I guess I shouldn't begrudge the circumstances of her life. She didn't choose it, after all. And I would never wish harm on her… No, as long as I can get my hands on the Fused Shadows, I'll be just fine. Well, just one more left… Shall we? Eee hee hee!"

Taking Kagome's hand in his, Link led her into the portal that would take them back to Kakariko Village.