An amused smile crossed Pamela’s face.
“I never would have expected that…” She said.
“Yeah, Link doesn’t either. Now, I don’t know their intentions, but the seventh Kitapo should be considered dangerous,” Avon stated.
“No matter,” Pamela said dismissively. She stood up from her spot and began to walk to the entrance of the ranch.
“What are you doing?” Avon asked.
“I’m going to have a little talk with the seventh Kitapo. I think they’ll be…surprised to see me,” She said.
“What do you think you’re doing? They could kill you!” Avon yelled.
“I know, but I doubt they will. They probably know that killing me will anger Link, then Link will definitely come after them. If they are trying to stay covert, then that would be my best bargaining chip,” She said. Avon couldn’t help but think that there was more to Pamela then what she let on.
“Pamela, I won’t be able to stop you, will I?” Avon said, almost jokingly.
“Nope. Well, have fun. Maybe you can go find Link and Malon,” She said.
“I will. I’ll go wait for Link at the Zora Fountain,” Avon said. He then flew into the sky as Pamela began to walk into the distance.

“So Gorons are living boulders?” Malon asked.
“Just about. They’re confusing creatures…and a little too affectionate. If they try and hug you…don’t think. Run,” Link said, laughing afterwards. In the back of his mind, though, he wasn’t joking about running away.
The pair entered Karkariko Village, the largest village in Hyrule. The village was beautiful to look at, with its quaint houses and it’s enormous windmill. It was a fresh relief from the bustling city of the market. People were much more relaxed, they would stay inside, or chat peacefully in the shade. Children ran around the wide open common grounds, playing games like tag and hide-and-go-seek. There were several shops and game stores, as well as the Hyrule cemetery.
Link led Malon into a store, one full of casual clothing and work clothing.
“Link, why did we come in here?” She asked.
“Well, first off, I need some armor if we’re going to walk up this mountain…that way you can walk behind me and I can keep you from getting hit with rocks and Gorons,” Link said, “Also, after here, we’ll be doing some swimming. It would be a good idea to get us some swimwear and a waterproof bag for our clothes.”
“Okay! We’ll I’ll be over by the swimwear rack…and don’t get any ideas about going over there with me,” Malon said with a wink. Link blushed and laughed.
Malon walked to the swimwear area , while Link scanned the armor. He saw a emerald armor chest plate and shoulder guard that fit him perfectly.
“Does that fit your tastes?” An attendant asked.
“Yes…you wouldn’t happen to have any sword sheathes that would match this, right?” Link asked.
“Yes, we have one that was made to fit most swords. It’s not very popular, so if you want it, you can have it for free,” the attendant answered. Link nodded in gratitude. Link then strolled to the men’s swimwear and picked out a pair of green trunks. He took that to the attendant, and waited for Malon to show up with her items. Malon came around after what felt like an eternity of waiting. She gave the attendant a small bag, and waited for the attendant to come up with an official price.
“That will be…265 rupees,” The attendant said. Link could tell that the price was higher, but the attendant was giving him a discount because of him being the Hero of Time. Link handed the attendant an orange rupee.
“Please keep the change,” Link said as Malon and him left.
“Link, are we going to carry this stuff all the way up the mountain?” Malon asked.
“No…you see, this pouch is enchanted…I think. See, I can put all our bags into it!” Link put their swimwear all in the pouch, then he slipped the armor on over his tunic. Link had to admit the armor was impressive. Malon blushed as she stared at Link.
“What’s wrong?” Link asked.
“Nothing,” Malon said. Link smiled,. Then he noticed something. There were a group of girls and guys, looking at Link and Malon, almost enviously.
“Malon, I think people think we’re a couple,” Link said, amused. Malon looked at the group, then turned to Link and smiled.
“Why don’t we let them think that?” She asked. Link was about to answer, but Malon grabbed his hand. She slowly pulled his gauntlet off, and crossed her finger with his. Link could almost feel the steam coming from his ears. She looked up at him, and smiled cutely. Link smiled back, and the two walked up the stair towards Death Mountain.
The two scaled the mountain, lucky that there was relatively no debris coming from the mountain, and that there was an absence of Gorons. They enjoyed a relatively calm walk, seeing many good views of Hyrule along the way. Soon, they saw a decorated cave entrance, one with a bomb flower design and tribal carvings.
“Malon, welcome to the Goron home!” Link said. They walked into the cave to enter the huge Goron town. It was entirely made from rock, and was made of several floors, all connecting to the central common grounds. In the central common grounds, several Gorons were all crowded around each other. There was one that was much larger then the rest, and he held some rock like trophy above his head. It looked like he had just won a tournament. Link led Malon down the maze like corridors that led to the lowest floor. When Link and Malon reached the bottom, they were welcomed by all of the Gorons. Link sped up, almost dragging Malon as some of them tried to give hugs to Link and Malon. They ran into Darunia’s chambers, sighing a breath of relief when Gorons stopped chasing them.
“True Brother Link!” Link heard a thunderous voice exclaim. It was Darunia, the leader of the Gorons. Link smiled at his True Brother.
“How’s life been treating you?” Link asked.
“Better them most! The Gorons have been living great for the past few years!” Darunia said, excitedly.
“Good to hear. It’s a shame that our first reunion was such a sour one!” Link said.
“Yes…I bet that’s why you’re here,” Darunia said.
“You’re right,” Link replied.
“You want the Goron Ruby?” Darunia asked.
“Yes, as you know, I’m trying to recover my sword,” Link said.
“I see…Well, do you understand the circumstances of fighting Donovan?” Darunia asked.
“What do you mean?” Link replied by asking another question.
“Have you ever heard of Aura Force?” Darunia asked.
“I’m familiar with it,” Link replied.
“I don’t know what it is!” Malon piped.
“I didn’t expect so,” Darunia said, “Aura force is a style of combat where fighters call upon the powers, or voices, of living beings. They manipulate the voices into energy, and center them around their body. Usually, their body will glow, or an aura will form around them.”
“Malon, it’s like this,” Link said. He closed his eyes, and tried to center in on life itself. He could feel the flow of time itself in this state. He could hear the thousands of voices in his mind, some deep, and some wispy. Link could feel the voices getting closer and closer, louder and louder. I can hear them…Link’s mind said. Suddenly, all of the voices stopped, and Link felt power surge through his veins. He opened his eyes, and his view was clouded by green light. Malon held her hand over mouth in amazement.
“As you see, Link’s aura is well developed. Now, Link’s speed and power has increased,” Darunia said. Link began to punch at air, to show his speed, “And Link can now pull of SuperHylian acts. Like now, he could take a mortal injury and survive long enough to get healed. Or, he can, if he had his blade, he could cause immense physical damage to opponents. His strength right now is more then the power of a cannon.”
“But it comes at a price. I can’t maintain this aura for a long time without getting tired, and if I use this in a fight and I lose my endurance, then I’ll faint. It’s a great technique with a major drawback,” Link said. He was already starting to pant.
“Yes, that’s about it,” Darunia said, “Link, I told you there was a circumstance to fighting Donovan. Brother, not only is his aura great in size and radiance…but he can keep his aura up for days if need be, and he’ll never get tired. He’s perfected the style over his lifetime.” Link sighed when he heard that, and dispersed his aura, feeling faint.
“Well, looks like I’ll have to get stronger somehow,” Link said.
“Link, are you all right?” Malon asked. She placed her head on his forehead, wiping sweat away for him.
“I’m okay…I need to be able to take this anyway. If Donovan’s as strong as everyone says, then I’ll have to be able to take that pain,” Link said. Malon bowed her head.
“Link, why do you have to fight him? What did he do?” Malon asked.
“He killed a lot of people…and he plans to do more,” Link said, “I have to stop him before he gets what he needs to do it.”
“At what cost?” Darunia asked.
Link paused, “I don’t know.”
“Link, do you plan to fight to the death?” Darunia asked.
Once again, Link paused, “I really don’t know.”
“Hmm, interesting. You weren’t like this before, brother. When you went against Ganon, you had no fear, no hesitation…”
“I also had nothing to lose…except for an entire race,” Link said.
“Well, we’re in that same situation. Zelda told you, this could escalate into the biggest war in history, if the public got word of the truth. The fate of Hyrule’s peace is in our hands. Are you going to let that scare you?”: Darunia asked.
“No, that’s not why I’m hesitant…I’ve just never met people who I think can beat me. Darunia, you never saw what I saw. You weren’t there. They kill so easily,” Link said.
“Link, you were at the tavern that got attacked, weren’t you?” Malon asked. The question threw Link aback.
“Well, err…Curses,” Link said. He hadn’t planned on telling Malon, “Yes. I saw who did that act against all those people…and I didn’t lift a finger to save them,” Link admitted.
“Link, were you afraid to tell me?” Malon asked.
“Well, yes! I mean, how can anyone react to hearing that!” Link said.
“Link, I don’t care that you were there…because you survived! That’s all that matters to me right now! Link, I feel sorry that all those people died, but I would have felt worse if you would’ve died…” Malon said. Link’s eyes widened when she said that.
“Link, maybe now you’ve found something to erase your fears…” Darunia said smugly. Link looked at Malon in disbelief.
“Don’t worry, Malon. I don’t plan to die anytime soon…” Link said.
“So, you don’t plan to carry out your mission?” Darunia asked.
“Oh, I’m going to finish it…I’m just not going to die in the process!” Link said, “Speaking of finishing the mission, I need the Goron Ruby from you.”
“I knew you would ask for it, Brother! I have a condition I want you to meet first, though,” Darunia said with a large grin.
“Curses…What do I need to do? Get you some boulders?” Link asked.
“No, we have enough. You see, we just had a boxing tournament down here, kind of a passing time ritual we have. Our champion, Rox, is a little too cocky, and he needs to be shut up before everyone hates him,” Darunia explained.
“You want me to teach him some modesty?” Link asked.
“Of course, and I’ll help you. If you can, bring out your aura,” Darunia instructed. Link brought out his emerald aura again, and waited for his next instruction, “Now, try and concentrate that energy on your hands,” Darunia said. Link concentrated on his fists, and they began to rise by themselves. The aura around his hands began to grow uncontrollable. “Now, tame the aura quickly!” Darunia said. Link clenched his fists, and grunted as he tried to control the aura. With a flash of light, the aura around his hands disappeared, and was replaced by two green gauntlets, both had armor on the knuckle parts.
“Whoa, what’s this?” Link asked.
“They’re a Goron secret. They’re gauntlets that are perfect for fist fighting. They have padding on the inside that cushions your hand from injury, and the plating helps them deliver a powerful blow, and it usually cuts your foe,” Darunia said. Link swung his fists around, getting comfortable with the gloves.
“They’re really light…but I can tell that these things pack a punch,” Link analyzed. Link looked at Malon, only to see her blushing. “I wonder what’s bothering her?” Link thought.
“Okay, Link, I’m going to tell Rox that you’re willing to challenge him,” Darunia said. Link waited for a few minutes, and then walked outside, to see his opponent.
“Curses,” Link thought. Rox was much bigger up close. He looked like Death Mountain, instead of on of Death Mountain’s boulders. He was a much darker then the rest, and he had a much meaner face then the kind looking Gorons. He swung his fists wildly, trying to intimidate Link. Link gulped, hoping that Rox wouldn’t land a head shot on him. Link walked up to Rox and raised his fists.
“Go Link!” Malon yelled repeatedly. Rox looked at her like he was going to pummel her, but soon several other Gorons began to join in the chant.
“I see that big boy over here doesn’t like to be the antagonist,” Link gloated. Rox yelled wildly, and brought both fists down on Link. Link rolled to the side, avoiding to e strike, and when Link saw the confusion on Rox’s face, Link dashed forward to strike Rox’s head. Rox blocked the strike, sending Link spiraling to the ground. Rox took the opportunity to pick Link up by his leg, showing his strength.
Link dangled in the air, trying to think of a way of getting out. Suddenly, Link began to wave his body back and forth, like a pendulum. When he picked up enough momentum, he swung himself around Rox’s arm, breaking his grip. Rox stepped back, grabbing his arm, when Link dashed forward and connected a punch to Rox’s face. Rox fell to the ground, almost lifelessly.
“Hmm, the Call to Arm! Never fails!” Link exclaimed. Link began to laugh, but his joy was cut short when Rox stood up from his shock. He dusted himself off, and laughed at Link’s attempt to beat him. Link placed his hand on his forehead and sighed, annoyed.
“Hmm, Call to Arm failed…miserably…” Link said slowly. Rox didn’t wait for Link to stop talking before he tried to punch Link. Link dodged the blow, and put his hand on his chin, stroking it. Rox began to thrash wildly as Link dodged every blow, and Link continued to think after every dodge. Darunia, on the sidelines next to Malon, grinned again.
“What’s so funny?” Malon asked.
“Link…he’s getting under Rox’s skin, and Rox is to stupid to understand that,” Darunia said, “You have to admit, Link is truly talented at what he does…”
“Will that be enough to beat that guy?” Malon asked.
“Well, no. Link needs something more to beat Donovan. He needs to do a little more soul searching before he’ll even be able to scratch Donovan…” Darunia said grimly, “But still, that’s not going to stop Link from winning this bout…Watch, Link is tired of playing around.” Darunia, of course was right. Link’s eyes had finally narrowed, and Rox had his shoulders slumped, clearly tired.
“Now, Rox, let’s try the Call to Arm again!” Link yelled. He ran forward, raising his fists. Rox tried to swat Link down, but Link dodged by ducking at the last minute. Rox’s lost sight of Link, and he began to scan the area for Link.
“Right over here!” Link yelled. Link was standing right under Rox, using Rox’s size as cover. Link leapt up, with his fist raised. He struck Rox’s chin with a force that normally would have broke Link’s hand. Rox was launched backwards into a wall, when he landed, he was clearly knocked out for good. Link raised his hand in triumph.
“The winner, Link!” Darunia exclaimed. The entire Goron home erupted in cheers. Link’s cheeks turned red as all of the Gorons jumped in celebration. Darunia walked up to Link.
“So, I guess that the people didn’t like Rox too much,” Link said.
“No, Rox was always a bully. Well, I guess I should present you with a trophy!” Darunia said.
“No thank you. That match was a fluke. You see, Rox had to survive a tournament, and I only had to endure one match. It wouldn’t be fair. I’ll be back one day to fight in the real tournament!” Link said.
“Before we do that, I have to give you something. Darunia pulled a glowing red ruby out of a side pouch he wore. He handed it to a surprised Link.
“Thank you! Wow, I almost forgot about the Goron Ruby!” Link said. Darunia nodded, and walked back to his celebrating Gorons. Malon crept to Link’s side.
“So, are you going to celebrate with them?” Malon asked.
“No, I think it’s better that we leave. We need to hurry if we’re going to see our last place. At the Zora fountain, we have to swim. If we get there too late, then we’ll get sick,” Link explained, “Besides…if the Gorons get too rowdy, they might try and hug us, and that’s worse then any damage Ganondorf or Donovan could ever do…” Link said ruefully.
“Okay, well, lead the way, Oh Great Knight!” Malon said jokingly. Link grabbed her hand, and smiled.
“Sure, Mi lady!” Link said. Link and Malon descended the mountain, hand in hand. Of course, Many in Karkariko had a lot to say.
And of course, Link and Malon didn’t hear it, or they didn’t care.

“Here it is…” Pamela said. She stood in front of an average sized house. It didn’t stick out or anything. She walked up to the door, which was, not surprisingly, missing a welcome mat. Pamela knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer. After a few moments, the door opened abruptly.
“Hello there, my I help you?” The person in the house asked.
“Yes…I’m looking for someone. Their…very well connected,” Pamela said.
“I’m sorry, but I have no clue what you’re talking about,” The person said with a smile.
“Hmm, I see…well, maybe I should ask a more specific question,” Pamela said.
“Like what?” The person replied.
“Okay then. If I said that I’m looking for a Palinon, would that clarify things?” Pamela asked.
“Er…I think you need to go,” The person said.
“Or maybe, if I asked for a Kitapo, that would really ring a bell,” Pamela taunted. The person clapped his hand over her mouth, surprising.
“Listen, you know that you’re in over your head now, right. If you go home, your safety can be assured,” The person said.
“I could…but you’re playing a game with my friend’s love interest. I can’t allow that. Besides, I think there’s more to your story, and I’m interested,” Pamela said. The person sighed.
“Ahh, come on in…it’s not safe outside right now,” The Person said. Pamela walked inside the house, with a smirk on her face.