Navi and Link looked in wonder at all the huge boulders and the landscape. It was rough and hard, leaving Link's feet battered and bruised despite his thick Kokiri boots. It had stopped raining a while ago, leaving the air clear and slightly misty. Navi shivered, and then saw something jumping up and approaching.

"Link! Look out! It's a Tektite! Hit it with your sword!" Navi flew out of the way.

Link yawned, took out his sword and shield and watched as the four-legged creature jump into his path, shrieking.

Shirnggg.

The sword slid easily through the Tektite, cutting it in half. It gave one more shrill war cry as it disappeared, leaving a blue rupee. Link bent down to pick it up.

Laeebbbiii.

Link whipped around, sword in hand, shield in the other.

There were three Tektites approaching quickly. Link gulped.

Navi, however, was undaunted. She was getting so sleepy, and she longed to just rest in the soft, caressing leaves of the non-Deku Nut section of the Great Deku Tree. Navi floated in the air, sleeping soundly. Note: Fairies sleep while they're in the air. At least, in this fan fic.

Meanwhile, down below, Link was slashing away, his sword constantly moving, and Tektites approaching quickly.

"Navi? I need help!" Link cried out shrilly. When he didn't here his fairy answer, Link's spirits washed away like soap and water. Link stabbed his sword in the attacking Tektite and waited for Navi to reply. When she didn't, Link started to retreat and backed into a small corner. There was a strange-looking rock with tiny circles on it. Strange as it seemed, the rock was breathing. Link poked it with a finger curiously.

At once, the rock lifted itself. No, it wasn't a rock, it was strange creature with big blue eyes and arms...and short stout, legs. It's head was enormous; nearly as big as Link's entire body.

"Huh?" it groaned. "What happened?"

Link screamed and cowered in a corner. The thing noticed Link.

"Eh? Who are you? I'm Azarn, a Goron."

Link peeked out from his fingers. "A Goron?"

Azarn laughed. "Why, boy, haven't you learned anything? Yes, a Goron." the twinkle in his eyes seemed to dim. "A rather hungry one, too. What are you doing here?"

"I'm Link," the Kokiri replied nervously, "I was chased by-"

Link suddenly raised his shield as a Tektite leaped upon him. "Tektites!" he squeaked. The Goron chuckled and raised a giant fist and slapped the Tektite.

The Tektite squealed in pain and scurried off. "Tektites are regular little pests around the mountain. Just chase 'em off. They're real easy to scare, y'see. Try that one. You don't even have to use your sword." Azarn explained.

A Tektite was jumping towards Link.

Link made a baby face and stuck out his tongue. The Tektite squeaked in horror and leaped away rapidly.

"Nice one," the Goron laughed. He offered Link a high-five. Link accepted it and soon they were laughing together like old friends.

Meanwhile, Navi was stirring.

"Ah...what a relaxing sleep...wait a minute....where's Link? Oh no! Link! Shoot, I lost him!"

Navi started flying towards the corner, muttering to herself shamefully.

"You're such a terrible fairy," she scolded herself, "-how can you leave Link alone? He's probrably whimpering and half-starved by now..."

Navi heard Link's voice.

"Hahaha, no! You must be kiddin' me! You actually went into the crater of the volcano???"

Then Navi heard another voice.

"Yeah! It was so soothing, the warm, relaxing heat, and the bubbling, oozing lava..."

"Link!" Navi cried out. Link and Azarn stepped out of the shadows.

"Oh, hi, Navi," Link said in surprise. "Where were you? This is my friend, Azarn. He's a Goron."

Navi was surprised to see Link looking perfectly fine and happy, but there was an odd number of bruises on his arms and face.

"I...I dozed off," Navi muttered, blushing. She tactfully changed the subject. "How'd you get all those bruises?"

Link grinned. "Big Goron hugs."

"C'mon, guys, let's go to Goron City." the Goron interrupted. "Darunia will give you a big warm, welcome."

They followed the trail, Azarn slapping any approaching Tektites and Link sticking his tongue out. Soon, Tektites didn't dare go into their path. There was a small platform with a strange circle of rocks and some stairs leading into darkness.

"Ahh..." Azarn sniffed the air. "Home...follow me, guys."

The Goron, the Kokiri, and the fairy went up the steps and into the darkness.