OK, I know that it's been quite a while since my last update, but that's because we recently got my computer working correctly again. Anyway, more awesomeness awaits! (I plan on updating again as soon as I can.)

Disclaimer: Gee, isn't it obvious that I don't own Legend of Zelda? The only thing I own is a computer with random malfunctions that get in the way of updates! And some cards and gaming things that I tend to spend my life using...

Chapter 18: The Secret Behind the Attack

Zelda and I were walking across Hyrule Field, having taken Darunia out of Goron City. We had decided that Hyrule Castle was the best place for him to recover, as the Gorons themselves were in the middle of securing their city from the oncoming magma.

To be exact, I was the only one carrying Darunia. The only way to lift a large Goron like him is to become a large Goron like him, which is what I did.

"So, why did you choose that mask in particular?" Zelda asked as we neared the gates of the Castle Town.

I looked down at the lovely Princess. Over the years, I had shown her every mask I posessed. She knew what each one did, even the one that I was always reluctant to use. "Because…" I replied, my Goron voice mixing with my usual tone. "It's the only mask that I have that is physically strong enough to actually lift him."

"But, you have that other mask… I know it makes you even stronger, and you probably don't look as funny when you put it on!"

"Yes, but don't you remember?" I asked her. "I don't trust that mask… No matter how powerful it makes me…"

Zelda sighed. The Fierce Diety Mask was the one mask that I hadn't put on to demonstrate for her, and she was somewhat anxious to see it.

"Well, I guess it's for the best, then." Zelda stated.

After a few minutes of walking, we were finally inside Hyrule Castle, where several servants had come to take the injured Goron off my back, rather unsuccessfully, I might add. Soon after arrival, we made our way to the infirmary, where Ganondorf, Impa, and a very young Goron were waiting.

"DADDY!!" the young one exclaimed as I put Darunia on the largest of the beds. It had been specially prepared for Goron patients, and was therefore made of stone. The small Goron looked up at me, very confused. "Who are you? I've never seen you around Goron City?"

I smiled and removed the Goron Mask, revealing my Hylian form. "My name is Link." I said.

The little one stared at me in amazement. "You mean the legendary Dodongo-busting hero, Link?!" he asked. "THAT'S SO COOL! Dad always talks about you! He likes you so much that he named me after you! I'm Link of the Gorons!" Link stretched out his hand to shake mine. I reluctantly took it. Despite being young, all Gorons are built with immense strength, and getting a handshake from one, even a child, meant either a broken arm, or a crushed hand.

After releasing my hand, Link looked at me, somewhat hopefully. "So… Can I have your autograph?" he asked. "Make it out: 'To my friend, Link of the Gorons!'"

Looking into the young Goron's eyes, I couldn't help but smile… When I was in the future, he had asked me that same question, despite the fact that his entire family was about to be eaten by the horrible dragon, Volvagia. At that point, the large Goron in the bed began to stir.

"What happened?" Darunia asked as he sat up. "The last thing I remember was that weird guy shooting something at me…"

"Zantauri…" Zelda stated. There was a sharp tinge of bitterness in her voice. I didn't blame her one bit. "What was he after, anyway?"

Darunia closed his eyes, trying to remember. "I'm not entirely sure… He mentioned something when he left the Temple… I think he said… 'Two down, two to go… I wonder where those Fused Shadows could be?' I don't know what those Fused Shadow things are, but they must be important to him…"

"I can imagine…" I began. "First, he attacks the Forest Temple… Then, two years later, he attacks the Fire Temple… What's next? The Shadow Temple?"

Impa began to tense at my small joke. Unlike all the other Sages, she had already heard the awakening call, and had used her power over Shadow to seal up the Shadow Creature, Bongo Bongo.

"Well… We know what he's after, even if we don't know what it is…" Ganondorf explained. "The only problem is the fact that we're absolutely clueless as to where it might be…"

Impa stepped forward. "Perhaps the best strategy is to wait until the Twilight appears again… It seems to be the only sure way to find him and those Fused Shadows he mentioned."

Always the voice of reason… I thought. Impa was nearly as wise as the Princess of Destiny herself. However, unlike Zelda, she was able to show that wisdom more often due to a certain lack of judgement impairment brought on by conflicting emotions.

"Then… I guess we just live our lives