Chapter 36

Vaati and Dark Link returned to the castle. Vaati walked around through the castle with Dark Link following closely behind. He didn't hear any noise, so he assumed that their father wasn't back from his work. He sighed and turned to his brother.

"Father hasn't returned yet. Follow me. We will wait in my room until he has returned."

Vaati lead Dark Link to his room. They both sat down on Vaati's bed. Dark Link grinned and turned to Vaati.

"Tell me the truth. Did I do a good job back there?"

He simply smiled and patted him on the back.

"Are you kidding? I haven't been able to unleash that kind of power yet and I've been evil a lot longer than you have. I think you will do just fine with me and father. Just listen to what we tell you to do."

Suddenly, there was a strange noise coming from outside Vaati's room. He turned to Dark Link.

"I think father has returned. Let's go see if all went well."

They opened the door and walked out into the hall. Ganondorf was standing there grinning evilly. He turned to Vaati.

"So, how is our new recruit? Is he powerful enough to destroy Link?"

He nodded.

"Yes, father. He almost killed the one named Brad. He left a big indent in the earth from his shadow ball. We didn't kill him or Link though. I wanted to tell you about his power, so I let them go for now."

Ganondorf groaned.

"Why the hell did you do that for? You should have destroyed him while you had the chance!"

Vaati bowed his head.

"We failed you. I'm sorry, father."

Ganondorf sighed.

"I guess it's not a total loss. At least we know he is powerful now. I managed to teleport those thick headed gorons into the Fire Temple. They were already in cages before they could figure out what happened. Stupid creatures! I also resurrected Volvagia the ancient dragon. I plan to feed it all the gorons as a warning to any other races that dare to defy me."

Ganondorf laughed evilly. Vaati smiled in admiration.

"That's great news, father. Is there anything we can do to help you?"

After his laughter subsided, he turned to him and smiled.

"Why yes there is. You two can help me feed the dragon later. Imagine all those stupid gorons pleading for their pathetic lives Doesn't that sound fun?"

Dark Link laughed.

"That sounds like a lot of fun! Lead me to it, father!"

Ganondorf walked over to him and patted him on the back.

"That's the spirit! All three of us will make the gorons extinct! But we are going to wait for a while though. The dragon needs time to rebuild his strength. I just resurrected him about twenty minutes ago."

Vaati Cautioned his father.

"We might not want to wait too long. What if Link and Brad end up defeating that dragon?"

Ganondorf smiled.

"I'm one step ahead of you, my son. I've put a powerful enchantment on the door where the dragon is. Unless Link is a skilled magic user, he isn't getting in. I've also blocked the path to the dragon as well."

Vaati smiled.

"It's seems like you took care of everything. Nice going, father. I'd be happy to help you later on."

Ganondorf nodded and grinned evilly.

"That's good to hear, son. Come over here you two. I want to discuss my plans with you. We will eliminate the gorons before anybody can stop us."

Link, Brad and the three fairies exited Kakariko Village and continued their journey towards Goron City. Suddenly, Link heard somebody calling his name from behind. He turned around and Impa was running towards him.

"Link! I just noticed something after you left. You never seem to have a shield with you. Why is that?"

Link shrugged and dismissed the idea.

"A shield just gets in my way. I still got the shield I had when I was younger, but it's way too small for me now."

Impa glared at him.

"Shields aren't supposed to get in your way, Link. They are meant to protect you. As the leader of the resistance, I'm ordering you to get a shield and use it. It may save your life one day. I'm going to give you my shield and I want you to give that smaller shield to Brad. Death Mountain is a dangerous place and you could get hurt without one."

Link sighed and reached behind and pulled the small shield off his back and handed it to Brad. He then took the shield from Impa's hands and strapped it onto his back. Impa shook her head.

"I hope you're not planning on leaving it strapped to your back. I want you to use it to defend yourself. Well, good luck guys. Stay safe and try not to get killed okay?"

Link threw Impa a salute.

"Will do, ma'am! Thank you for the help!"

Impa turned around and walked back to the village. When she was out of sight, Link turned to Brad.

"What is her problem? I know she is the leader of the resistance and all, but I'm the Hero of Time and she treats me like an amateur."

Brad smiled and reached up and patted Link on the back.

"I know what you mean. It's her job to make sure recruits know what they're doing. I wouldn't let it get to you."

Navi flew in front of Link's face.

"Let's face it, Link. You needed to be told about a shield because after you suddenly stopped using one, you've had a couple close calls with enemies. I'm not trying to side with Impa, but maybe she had a point about you using a shield. It's better than dying right?"

Link nodded slowly.

"Yeah I guess you're right. I just got a lot on my mind right now and I don't think I'm listening to reason. First Ganondorf took Max away from me and now Charlie. Who's he going to take next? You, Brad?"

Brad laughed at the idea.

"If he tries to put a hand on me, I'll cut it off. Besides, I'd rather die than join those guys anyway and that's not going to happen. I wouldn't worry. We will figure this mess out eventually. You should stop worrying. What do you think, Izzy?"

Izzy was perched on Brad's shoulder. She giggled at Link.

"You got to chill out, Link. You may have lost your friends to evil, but worrying about them isn't going to bring them back. You got to think positive. We will figure out a way to help them. Now stop worrying about them, you silly human."

Link smiled at Izzy's comment.

"That's the first time I've been called a silly human. Okay you crazy fairy. Let's continue to Goron City before Valerie starts to lecture me."

Valerie was flying overhead when she heard the comment. She flew down right beside Link's right ear.

"I heard that! Less talk more walk, grasshopper!"

Link turned around and faced Valerie with a grin on his face.

"What did you just call me? I'm not a grasshopper!"

He looked over at Brad and he burst out laughing.

"That's a good nickname for you, Link. You're wearing all green and you patter about as you walk."

Link pointed at Brad and started laughing.

"But you're wearing green clothes too, buddy. What does that make you?"

Brad grinned.

"A Kokiri that knows how to walk properly!"

Everyone burst out laughing as they made their way towards Goron City.

After a few minutes of walking up the steep trail, they finally made it to Goron City. They entered cautiously in case enemies were nearby. It was very dark, and the entire city was lit by only one torch. Link looked around in the dimly lit cave and whispered to Brad.

"I think the coast is clear. Now we need to find Argus."

"Don't be so sure", he whispered back. "What is that big figure ahead?"

Link turned to where Brad was pointing and in the dark, he could barely make out a big dark figure. Link stepped on something, and it made a loud Snap! Suddenly, the dark figure started to get closer. It roared at them in a very loud voice.

"Intruders! What have you bastards done to my tribe? I see you have some fairies to help you do your dirty work! You will pay dearly for your treachery! I will crush you!"

They immediately recognized the figure as a goron because it curled into a ball and began to roll towards them. Link and Brad jumped out of the way of the rolling goron. Navi flew over to Link.

"I know that voice! I think that's Argus! He must not recognize us in the dark. Either that or he's too enraged to pay attention."

Link nodded.

"It's good we found Argus, but how do we stop him? He's a lot stronger than me or even Brad. How do we bring him back to his senses?"

"Navi stammered an answer.

"I-I-I Don't know! I wish I could remember how I did that move with that scream... Wait, that's it! It a defensive attack. I want you to let Argus roll towards me. If I'm in danger, it might work again!"

Link was uncertain. It was a very risky strategy.

"Are you sure? What if you get crushed? I'm about to let you take that chance!"

Brad frowned.

"Do you have a better idea? We need to find a way to stop Argus! I hope she doesn't get crushed either, but we must try something!"

Valerie flew over beside Navi.

"I will shield her, so she doesn't get hurt. We got to hurry! He's turning around and rolling towards us again!"

Link nodded.

"Okay. Go ahead. Just be careful though."

Izzy smiled.

"Wow, Valerie. You're a very helpful addition to our team. Good luck you two!

Navi and Valerie flew to where Argus was rolling to. Valerie concentrated and created a shield around herself and Navi. They could both see Argus getting closer and closer. Valerie looked at Navi.

"Okay! Do it now!"

Navi looked at Argus and screamed. Suddenly, Argus started to glow green. He stopped in his tracks and uncurled. Link sighed. Her plan actually worked, despite how risky it was. Argus looked around in confusion. Link walked in front of him and waved his arms.

"Wait, Argus! It's us! Link, Brad, Navi, Izzy and Valerie! We aren't invaders!"

Argus scratched his head in confusion.

"No way! I was attacking you guys? I'm very sorry. I guess my anger took over and I just thought you were enemies. I didn't mean to flip out on you. Hey, Link! You can come out. They're friends!"

Link looked at him in confusion.

"I know they're friends, Argus. What are you talking about?"

Argus started to laugh.

"I wasn't talking about you, brother! I was talking about this guy."

Argus turned around and a small goron rolled up beside him. He introduced the small goron to everybody.

"I want you to meet this goron. He is named Link."

The goron bowed.

"It's an honor to meet you, sir. Dad has told me all about you."

Link started to laugh.

"Say what? Who named a goron after me?"

Argus grinned at him.

"Darunia did. He found a wife about four years ago and they gave birth to a tiny goron and Darunia named him after the legendary dodongo slayer which is you! Don't you feel a little honored?"

Link smiled and shook his head.

"Yeah of course I do. But you never told me Darunia had a wife back at the resistance headquarters."

Argus nodded sadly.

"I know and with good reason. She died two years ago after a rather harsh winter. It started out as a harmless sniffle. But then it turned into a very bad illness. We tried every herb we could find but nothing seemed to work. We even took her to Anju in Kakariko and even she couldn't find anything to help her get better. When she died, Darunia took it very hard. He loved her and it tore him up inside when she died. Darunia went out searching for clues as to where our people may have been taken to. When he returns, please don't mention his wife."

Link sniffed. What a sad story.

"I wouldn't even consider it. I feel sorry for him. What a burden to carry around.

Argus smiled.

"That's good to hear, Link. By the way, why are you here? Did Impa send you to help me?"

Link nodded.

"She did. I'll do whatever I can to lend a hand."

Argus patted him on the back.

That's the spirit, friend. When we figure out where the gorons are, you and I are going to rescue them."

Suddenly, another goron came rolling into Goron City and uncurled. It was Darunia! Link laughed aloud.

"Darunia! Long time no see. How have you been?"

He looked very close at the human. Suddenly, he backed away and gasped.

"Is that you, Link? It's been seven years since we've seen each other. How are you?"

"I'm doing well. I heard you guys ran into some recent problems. And I'm here to help."

Darunia patted him on the back.

"That's great to hear. I found out where the gorons are being held. They are being held in the Fire Temple. Ganondorf and his two spawns of evil are planning on feeding them to the recently resurrected dragon Volvagia. There is an entrance to the fire temple inside the mountain."

He looked at Link and Brad.

"You two won't be able to handle the heat in those clothes. I have some fireproof suits I had made for travelers that want to explore the mountain interior. Argus will go and get them for you. I am going to head into the temple ahead of you and see if I can catch Ganondorf before he gets far into the temple. After you get your suit, head into the mountain. There is a statue in my room that I will move. There is a secret entrance into the mountain behind it. I will see you in the Fire Temple!"

Darunia ran off towards his room, while Argus went another direction to get the fireproof suits. Link was ready to help out. One way or another, Ganondorf, Vaati and Dark Link had to be stopped!