Welcome to Gaia! ::

The cavern wasn’t as creepy as the well or Forest Temple, but it was rank. Smells of charred meat, lava fumes, and dank air greeted them all at once, and they all reeled from it.
“Ugh, this place smells hideous!” Martel said.
“I can barely breathe!” Rioan coughed. “Let’s just eliminate these pests as fast as possible, okay?”
The three agreed to get in an out before they couldn’t stand to be in there any longer, walking across what looked like a bridge or dock, before spotting a small pillar in front, which led to a large platform. On it was a single Beamos, and the boys noticed, behind the foe, was a large head of some kind. It seemed to be part of the landscape, though.
They hopped over to the platform, avoiding the Beamos, as they couldn’t figure out just how to kill it yet, making their way over to the left side of the room. After hopping across the platform, they saw a door to the right, and an alcove to the left, just a few feet from their location. They decided to try the alcove first, and a Scrub popped up and promptly shot a nut at them. Martel guarded, the nut heading back at the scrub which made it pop out. It didn’t seem to attack, and was completely different from the usual Scrubs they’ve seen.
“Please! Leave me alone, and I will tell you some valuable information!”
The three looked at each other. “We’re listening.” Martel said.
“Deep in this cavern lies a hideous monster known as King Dodongo. The only way to best him is to make him eat something dangerous.” The Scrub soon departed, burrowing into the ground.
“Okay, that was weird.” Rioan commented.
The trio then left, heading for the door to the north. It was massive, but surprising light for its size. It still took two of them to lift it, however. On the other side, they passed through a hallway of sorts to enter a room with a large structure of some kind lined with Bomb Flowers at the base. Rioan immediately picked one up, set it down, and backed off. It exploded, making a chain reaction, but nothing happened afterward.
“Odd.” Evina said. She and Martel moved over to the south section to see the problem and found a gap in the chain. Martel also noticed a door, and instructed Rioan to check it out.
Rioan quickly entered the room, and was assaulted by a Skulltula. He fired an arrow at it, killing the creature. Looking around further, he took a few steps into the room...
And three Baby Dodongos immediately sprang out of the dirt! He quickly performed a spin attack, smacking all f them, and they soon fell down. But his victory wasn’t satisfactory yet, as they soon began to flash, and exploded a moment later. Rioan barely got out of the way.
Evina and Martel heard the noise, and lifted the door to see what was going on. Rioan flopped to the ground, covered in burn marks. “Whoa, what happened?”
“Baby Dodongos happened.” Rioan mumbled through the dirt. Martel helped lift him up with one hand, while still holding the door with the other. A chest materialized at the far end of the room, and Martel said that Rioan could claim his prize now.
As the door shut behind him, Rioan hobbled over to the chest, which was rather large, and hefted open the lid. Inside was a map. Well, at least it wasn’t too bad.
Meanwhile, Evina noticed a Bomb Flower off to the side of the door. She picked it, and set it down in the gap. Martel took a couple steps back as Rioan heaved the door upwards by himself, quickly walking through and letting it slam down behind him. The Flower went off, triggering the chain again, and the monument they surrounded slowly crumbled into the earth, revealing a set of large steps.
“So that’s what that was.” Martel said, making his way over to them. He had to heave himself up each one, as Evina just flew over. Rioan made his way up the stairs too, and soon all three were at the top, which stretched farther than they thought. They split up to take sides, though wound up in the same place at the top. A Walltula was on some vines, and Rioan made short work of it with an arrow.
The next room was cakewalk. There were two Keese aflame, so the boys annihilated them as Evina stepped on a switch at the top of a pillar in the middle of the room. This unbarred a door to the east, which was their exit, and they promptly opened the door to continue. They found themselves overlooking the first room, but on the next floor up. A bridge with a gap was off to the right a little, guarded by another two Fire Keese that patrolled the ceiling. Rioan shot them down, and the three made short work of the bridge.
Rioan looked at the large head off in the northern section. Something about it...disturbed him.
“Rioan, you coming?” Martel called, who was already in the next room.
As Rioan made his way through the tunnel, he skidded when he saw he was overlooking a short ledge and some narrow passageways. He saw Martel in the middle, as two bladed traps shot back and forth across the floor.
“It’s okay, just jump!”
“If you say so...” Rioan leapt off the ledge, landing beside his brother as a blade trap whizzed by his heels. “That was close.”
“We got one more. Evina’s already waiting by the block.” A blade trap shot by in front of the boys, but they made a dash as it was coming back to reset. As Martel said, Evina was standing on top of a stone block. When she saw the boys, she sat on her broom and hovered off to the side.
“I got this.” Rioan grabbed the grooves in the block and started to pull. It was actually lighter than it seemed, much like the doors. There was nothing in the alcove though.
Climbing the ladder, they found a stone wall blocking their path. Turning behind him, Martel spotted a Bomb Flower. “Get back you two!” he said, hopping over to the pillar it was on. He did his best to toss it over, but it bounced, landing on the ground near Rioan, who ran to avoid the oncoming blast.
“Watch it!” he heard his brother shout.
“Sorry!” Martel would have to strategize about this. Once a Bomb Flower grew back-what rapid growth rate!-he picked it again, then waited. As the flower flashed faster, he tossed it, and it exploded near the rock wall, crumbling it and opening the path. “Alright!”
The three made their way through the new tunnel , and into a room that had an eye switch on the far wall with a ring of flames covering a platform directly ahead of him. The boys knew what to do, and Rioan let fly an arrow, hitting the switch and subduing the flames. They were then assaulted by some Baby Dodongos in the tunnel ahead. Rioan got first lick of the first two, which exploded, catching the third and killing it.
“Talk about friendly fire.” Rioan commented.
The tunnel twisted off to the left, and after the boys heaved it up, they passed through and were faced with a pair of Lizalfos.
“Kalekos must have a vast army.” Martel joked.
“They’re still gonna go down.” Rioan leapt in headfirst, Martel on his feet. However, these Lizalfos jumped right over their heads, bringing their own swords down. The boys guarded with their new shields, and were amazed they could lift them at all, considering the shields were almost as big as they were!
“Wow, these new shields are great!” Martel said gleefully, slicing his blade across the Lizalfos’ knees. It swiped at him again, and he crouched, completely disappearing behind his shield.
“I think I just found my new security blanket!” Rioan said humorously.
In no time, the boys defeated the Lizalfos, and a door to the west unbarred itself. The group pressed onwards and found another room with an eye switch. They repeated the process as before, but didn’t see the far platform. Rioan hopped over, figuring there must be a hidden switch, and spotted one in an alcove to the left. Shooting that, the second set of flames died, and the three safely crossed.
They were overlooking the room with the blade traps, but were on the northern side this time. Martel spotted a chest on a ledge, and shouted “Mine!” as he rushed over. A light blinded him when he opened the lid, and after pushing it all the way open, reached in to find a bag stuffed with something. He opened it and found it full of bombs! “Cool, I got a bomb bag!”
“That’ll certainly help us if we need to blow something up!” Evina said, nodding.
“Yeah, goodbye Bomb Flowers!” Rioan added, getting a little more than excited.
After Martel hopped off the ledge, the three wandered down the tunnel and found themselves over the main room again. A stone tablet sat in front of them.
“’Giant dead Dodongo’...” Martel read. “’When it sees red, a new way to go will be open’.”
“It must refer to that large head over there.” Evina pointed out.
“I knew something irked me about it.” Rioan mumbled to himself.
The trio walked across the bridge, which had two gaps that could easily be crossed. Martel was the first, and spotted a weak wall on the other side. He rushed over to it, set a bomb down, and waited. The bomb exploded, sending bits of rubble his way. He guarded with his shield until it stopped, and rushed in to find a chest of bombs. Since he couldn’t carry any more in his bag, he stuffed the one in as a replacement and carried the other four over to the rest. Martel postulated that they should drop bombs into the eyes of the statue, as per what the riddle said about it seeing red. Rioan didn’t object much, and took two of the bombs. Lighting one, he held it over the gap in the bridge and dropped it, watching it land in the small groove that made the eye socket. When it exploded, the eye glowed red mysteriously. Martel’s did the same, and the jaw of the statue lowered, fixating into the central platform.
The three dropped down to land on the platform, only to be shot at by the Beamos. Rioan tossed his other bomb at it, which blew up the creature’s body, sending the head into the air, exploding a moment later. They walked up the jaw, opened the door, and were confronted with a patch. Martel placed his extra bomb on it, which shattered the patch and created a hole, allowing them to drop down into it. After they recovered from the blow their legs had taken, they observed the room. It was large, square, and had a shallow pool of lava. Some thumps were heard behind them, getting louder with each one. The trio slowly turned around to face King Dodongo himself!

King Dodongo gave a loud roar, frightening the kids some more. Evina flew off, unable to help the boys given they had to hurt him from inside, if she remembered the Deku Scrub’s words correctly. Once King Dodongo started inhaling, the boys ran for it, coming to a chopped off corner of the lava pool. The stream of fire hit the wall and turned at a ninety-degree angle, covering the entire battlefield.
“Okay...I’m officially terrified of him.” Martel quivered.
“Same.” Rioan looked at King Dodongo, who now rolled up into a ball and was headed their way. “Check that! It just got worse!” He pulled Martel, not sure what Rioan meant, as the two ran for their lives, King Dodongo seemingly wanting to run them over. When he did stop by crashing into a wall, he shook his head before looking at the boys that would be his next snack.
“Guys!” Evina called from her place over the pool. “Remember what the Deku said! You’ve gotta hurt him from the inside!”
“How?!” Martel called.
“The bombs! Use the bombs!”
Martel dug out a bomb from the bag, and scraped the fuse against his clothes. Apparently they were rough enough to light it, and as King Dodongo took in a breath to sear them, Martel charged, tossing the bomb into the vacuum. King Dodongo swallowed it, which erupted in his stomach, and he soon fell down. The boys took the opportunity to rush in and hack with their swords, delivering a number of blows. King Dodongo soon recovered, and curled up into a ball. This was the boys’ cue to run away. Crashing into the wall again, they repeated the process. As the ancient beast sucked in a breath, Martel hucked another bomb into the dinosaur’s mouth, as it exploded in its gut again. The boys finished the job by slicing at it some more, to which it stood up, let out a mournful wail, and curled up, careening this way and that. It rebounded off a wall, as Evina joined the boys, watching the dinosaur melt away, the lava licking at its scaly hide. The lava itself soon hardened into rock, trapping the remains of King Dodongo in it. The boys fell down, exhausted.
“I think I’m gonna die.” Rioan said in a humorous tone.

They found themselves in a strange place. Holo immediately flew over to a large pool as the three kids slowly made their way to it as well. The walls seemed to be a sort of waterfall of strange particles that they had never seen before, cloaking tall pillars that lined the perimeter of the room. There were two large torches with a red flame on either side of the small, wide staircase in front of the pool. Holo just seemed to hover there, solemnly.
“What is it Holo?” Martel looked up at the green fairy. He didn’t even flap his wings. Something was off.
“This used to be the fountain of the Great Fairy of Power.” Holo said.
“What do you mean, ‘used to’?” Rioan stepped up beside his brother. “Did something happen?”
Holo didn’t respond right away. “I fear something did.” He flew over the pool, looking around. The kids exchanged glances between themselves. “Hello? Great Fairy?” Holo called. “Is something wrong? Where are you?” No answer. Sighing, Holo fluttered down, sitting on the edge of the pool and dipping his feet in, creating small ripples. His small splash echoed throughout the room, and the boys looked around to see if something would happen. Again, nothing did.
“Should we leave?” Evina asked. She saw Martel dip a hand in the water, and splash it around a little.
The Heroes have come...to awaken me...awaken us...
Suddenly, as if Martel’s actions triggered something, a dozen fairies sprang up, all the same red hue. They gathered around the three children, circling them before returning to the pool. “Are you the heroes...children of Time itself...?”
The boys were a little befuddled, and Holo quickly mended the situation. “Indeed they are. I am Holo, their guide on their journey to save Hyrule.”
“Guide? You barely do anything but sit in Martel’s cap.” Martel elbowed his brother.
“Holo...what age is it?” the voice seemed to come from all the fairies at once.
“Well, Ganondorf’s dead, does that count for something?” Holo tried to be a little humorous.
“So...the King of Evil has fallen...and thou are the Hero's children...I fear a new age of darkness is here.”
“We kinda figured that. A dragon named Aeon captured our father,” Martel paused, “and we received a threat that Ganon is going to be resurrected by the Twinrova, whatever that is...”
The red fairies all halted, turning toward the boys. They soon picked up their flight again. “I have no words for Aeon...but the Twinrova...they are Gerudo witches...twin sisters that raised Ganondorf...” they paused. “Perhaps they wish to revive the King of Evil to throw Hyrule into a new age of darkness.”
“Great Fairy, what can we do?” Holo asked. “How can we defeat Ganon?”
The red fairies didn’t respond right away. “The King of Evil, known as Ganondorf or Ganon, can only be defeated by the Hero of Time who wields the Master Sword. Sadly, the Hero of Time is no longer with us. Yet hope remains. You who bear the mark of the Triforce,” The Great Fairy’s words seemed to be directed at the boys. “You are our only hope. Stop the Twinrova before they can successfully revive the King of Evil. I wish you the best of luck. My sisters spread throughout Hyrule will help guide you on your way."
“Thanks Great Fairy.” Martel said.
“Now what about your problem? You don’t seem...” Rioan trailed off.
“Ah, yes, my problem.” The Great Fairy paused. “A horrible beast attacked me, shattering my soul and capturing my fragments. I do not know what it has done with them, but please, help me regain my body!” The fairies swirled around the children again, restoring their energy, before going back to the pool. “When you do, I will grant you a small portion of my power.”
“You got it!” Martel said. “Come on guys! Thanks Great Fairy!”

The trio was about to head down the tunnel steps when a larger-than-life Goron woke up, giving a stretch and a yawn. He startled the kids as he did this, before looking down at them. “Oh, I have visitorrrs.”
“You must be Biggoron.” Holo said, flying up to his face. The fairy wasn’t even as big as his eye!
“Yes, I am Biggorrron.” He seemed to slur his Rs. “Arrre you going into the craterrr?”
“Uh-huh.” Was all Martel could stifle.
“Hmmm...” Biggoron extended a large hand, letting the three climb up. He raised his hand to his face, in order to look at them directly. “You must be brrrave childrrren to go therrre.”
“Well,” Rioan began, “We’ve gotta save the Great Fairy’s broken soul, along with a spirit that’ll help us get to the Dark World.”
“I see...” Biggoron held out his other hand. “May I see yourrr sworrrds?” The boys gently set their blades on his enormous palm, and the large Goron raised his hand to look at them closely. “Interrresting...the sworrrds appearrr brrroken.”
“It’s actually the Master Sword,” Martel said, slightly nervous, “it did that when we touched it.”
“Verrry Interrresting...” Biggoron handed them back their blades. “When you come back frrrom the Firrre Temple, visit me again. I will have something rrready to make yourrr blades morrre powerrrrful.”
“Thank you! We won’t forget!” Martel said.
“Better not!” Rioan snapped at him. “I’d do anything to make these more powerful!”
Biggoron lowered them so they may climb off his hand, and thanked him again before heading for the crater.



Cobralfos slithered around the large rock, chanting odd words as he did so. He knew the brats would come eventually, so he had to rush if he was going to make progress. Lava jets sprang up around the rest of the room sporadically, but he had grown used to them by now. “Yesss, jussst a little more, Volvagia. Then we can exxxterminate thossse pesssts onccce they arrive.”



As the trio entered, they immediately saw a dilapidated mine cart that was turned over and off the tracks, where three other carts adjoined.
“You think whatever came through here did this?” Evina asked.
“Possibly.” Martel studied the cart. “It might’ve been trying to destroy the Goron’s excavation.”
Rioan stepped to the edge, spotting a large pit of lava below, along with some rails. His eyes followed their path, which wound around each of the spires that seemed to be spewing smoke, as if they were large fissures. The tracks went right by what he assumed was the Fire Temple entrance, as well as come around to their location. “Guys, I’ve got an idea!”
“What is it?” Martel looked at him as he rushed over to the first cart. A rock in front of one of the wheels prevented it from moving forward. He jumped in the first cart.
“We hitch a ride!” The other two looked at him. “Come on, what’s the worst that could happen?”
“We derail.” Martel said, rather quickly at that.
“I’m with Martel.” Evina added, “I don’t want to wind up in the lava.”
“Look, do you see any other way to get down there?” Rioan gestured to the vast pit below. It didn’t look like there was. Unfortunately for Martel and Evina, agreeing with Rioan seemed to be the last thing they wanted to do here, but they didn’t have any other choice. Once all three were in, Rioan removed the rock, and the carts lurched forward, slowly going along the tracks. Rioan, up in front, had a huge grin on his face as they went over a small rise to another section, spotting a weird stone in an alcove to the south. Martel and Evina were a little scared, but it couldn’t be too bad. Martel just wished the track was intact.
They made a little turn, facing the right side of the right spire, before things got interesting. The cart sped up on the tracks at an alarming rate. All three were screaming their heads off, Rioan being the only one enjoying himself. The track wound up around the spire, which led over to the other one, winding down this time, before showing any signs of slowing down. They passed a large cliff face that had various grooves in it, along with a small nook that could’ve possibly stored something at one point. However, the track beside the cliff was broken!
“I TOLD YOU!” Martel shouted, “I told you we could derail!”
“Shut up and jump!” Rioan barked back, as he quickly unlatched his cart from the other three. Martel frantically did the same to his and Evina’s before they hit the part of the track where it ran down into the lava. All three of them grabbed onto their carts and lifted them up, one by one, jumping the small gap and landing somewhat safely on the rest of the track, which curved sharply to the left. They all leaned inward, trying to keep their carts on the track. Eventually, they slowed down even more, coming to a halt as Rioan hit a small jutting in the tracks to stop the carts, Martel hitting his and Evina bringing up the rear. Rioan leapt out as Martel and Evina nauseously made their way to safe ground.
“Let’s not do that again...” Martel tried to stabilize himself, as Evina put a hand on the side of her forehead.
“Seconded...” Evina felt like throwing up. “I feel sick...”
“Woo! Sucks to be you guys. That was awesome!” Rioan dashed for the entrance.
"Of course it was...” Martel hobbled towards one of the large pillars for support. He looked back to see Evina leaning over the side of the rock ledge, making unnatural noises. It was a while before she joined him, and he asked if she was alright. She said she was, and the two tried to catch up with Rioan, who was already in the small area, looking down into a pit that had a very long ladder. “Just how deep is that?”
“Dunno.” Rioan began descending, but fell rather than climb down the ladder. He caught a rung now and then, his body hitting the wall from the momentum, until he was at the bottom. Martel and Evina eventually joined him. They walked through the small tunnel, ready to conquer the fabled Fire Temple.

“Whaddya mean, it’s a maze?” Rioan asked, raising his voice a little.
“That would explain why we were dumped out at a fork in the road...”
“Look guys,” Evina said, slowly coming down to their level. “It might not seem so bad once you get going.”
“Have you seen those boulders?” Rioan gestured to one of the boulders that seemed to ricochet between walls without stopping.
“Look, I know there’s problems right now,” Martel turned to his brother, “but who was the one who wanted to ride the mine carts again, even though they proved life-threatening?” Rioan didn’t answer. “This is the same thing, just dialed back. If we can survive the carts, we can obviously outmaneuver some boulders.” Martel turned to Evina. “Evina, why don’t you see if you can find any Fairy Fragments up there while we go through this maze?”
“I’ll try.” Evina then looked for anything that might be holding a Fairy Fragment, and zoomed off. The boys split up, Martel taking the south road as Rioan headed north. More than once, he was almost flattened, but being quick and agile, he managed to get past the boulders before they rebounded. He found a door underneath an overhang that was part of the wall on the next floor, and headed through, finding another cell and switch. Once the cell was open, a Fairy Fragment came out of the chest when he kicked open the lid. He exited the room, and saw Evina nearby, telling her what he found. She said she’d tell Martel once she figured out how to open the cell on her floor. She flew over the platforms, and spotted a switch on one of them. Stepping on it, the cell gate released, and she was free to enter. Kicking open the chest, another Fairy Fragment greeted her. She then went to find Martel.
Martel, meanwhile, was having problems of his own, as he tried navigating the boulders without getting squished. It wasn’t long before he spotted a cell and switch. He found it rather convenient that they were so close together. A Fairy Fragment greeted him inside the chest, and he continued to wander the maze, spotting Evina above. She guided him over to Rioan, who managed to make his way to a door on the west end of the room.
“So, what’s the total now?”
Holo came out and gave a whistle. The Fairy Fragments all lined up as he did a roll call. “Seven. You guys are making progress! You’re already halfway finished!”
The trio entered the door, only to find a narrow catwalk. An eye switch was on the wall, to which Rioan triggered with an arrow, opening up the nearby door. Carefully, they proceeded towards it, and hefted it open, for some reason being different than the other doors. A large iron fence greeted them, cutting them off from the rest of the room. Rioan moved over to a large chest, and after a light blinded him, he found a map of the Temple. No more getting lost, especially in the maze they just came from.
After heading back to the catwalks and opening the door to the south, they found the same room, this time fully accessible. They made their way onto the grate, when suddenly a wall of fire rose up, and began pursuing them.
“What the-?” Martel began.
“Just run!” They heeded Rioan’s words, running as fast as they could to the other side. They leapt a gap in the grate platforms, as two Lava Bubbles sprang up, trying to knock them in. Rioan kicked one as Evina crushed the other with a rock fist. Eventually they made it onto safe ground, huffing and puffing, and were greeted with a high ledge. Martel climbed on Rioan’s shoulders, as he hauled his brother up. After going through the door, they found they were overlooking the maze.
“Huh.” Was all Rioan had to say. Martel jumped over to the nearby platform, killing the Torch Slug as Rioan and Evina soon joined him. He studied the ground, and it appeared cracked. He placed a bomb on it, and all of them backed away, letting it blow and open up a secret passage. The kids then headed down by way of a fence that seemed to be some kind of ladder. At the bottom was a tunnel, and Rioan immediately dashed through it, stepping on a switch and opening another cell. Subsequently, it led them into the room they were first intimidated by, and recognized the block the boys had pushed.
“Well, good to know a shortcut is now available.” Rioan muttered.
Martel walked over to the chest, and found their eighth Fairy Fragment. “Alright, another one!”
“Only seven to go!” Evina cheerfully added.
The three returned to the previous room, and Holo pointed out an odd stone platform that seemed to be sitting in the air. “Where do you suppose that leads?”
The three looked up. Evina quickly zoomed over to it. “Only one way to find out!” As soon as she touched base with the platform, it began to rise, taking the girl and the fairy with it. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back! You guys can figure out where to go on your own, right?” And then she was gone.
“I hope so.” Martel looked at his brother before hopping across to the door.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rioan leapt over as well, following his brother through the door.

Evina was greeted by a small room and a door. There didn’t seem to be much in the room beyond, so she simply flew up to the next floor, and found a door there. Her next room was rather large, but after studying it, seemed simplistic. A switch was begging to be pressed, and Evina spotted a small chest guarded by flames. No, two chests! The terrain was rugged and slightly steep, so it was a good thing she could fly. After stepping on the switch, the flames died, and a strange noise rang throughout the room. She quickly made her way to the chests and opened both, figuring the flames would come back. The first contained a Fairy Fragment, which made nine, while the other contained a large gold rupee.
“Whoa...” Evina said, exasperated. The rupee was huge, and she wondered how she was going to carry it.
Holo examined it. “Judging by the size and color...I’d say it’s a Gold Rupee, worth two hundred.”
“Wha, pft, seriously?!?” Evina sputtered. She almost fainted. Two hundred rupees, and they were all condensed into this large one? It was a pity she didn’t bring her satchel. She’d have to remember to pick it up when they got back to Kakariko. For now, the witch tucked it under her arm as she flew towards the door, wherever it was. She didn’t realize she was on top of it. And gave a light laugh. “Now, let’s go find the boys.”

The boys tried their best to get onto the ledge, but because it was too high and too far from the grate, they couldn’t piggyback to get up there. The fire wall, as they found out, didn’t do any damage at all, except make the boys sweat. It passed every now and then, and they just ignored it.
“What if we climbed onto those pillars?” Martel wondered. Two stone pillars stuck out of the lava, and were immediately by the grate.
“But they’re only big enough for one!” Rioan yelled. “How are we both supposed to get up there?”
Martel waved a finger. “You’re thinking too direct. One of us climbs onto the pillar, jumps over to the ledge, and grabs the other from the grate.
Rioan tried to get a grasp of what Martel was saying. “Too far, we’re never going to make it!”
The boys continued to ponder their dilemma as Evina walked in. “Hey guys! I found another Fairy Fragment!”
“Evina!” Martel called her over. “We need some help getting up there.” He pointed to the ledge as the fire wall passed them again.
“Oh, sure.” She flew over, set her broom down, and then reached for one of the boys. “Who’s first?”
Wasting no time, Rioan jumped at the wall. Evina caught him, and he supported himself by sticking his feet to the side of the ledge. She pulled him up, and they each extended a hand to help Martel up. Once all three were up, the boys dusted themselves off and headed through the door.
After heading through the small corridor, the group was greeted with a cornucopia of flaming pillars, boulders, Fire Keese, doors, and a large central structure that was barred, with an old and rusty switch nearby. Rioan dug out the map, and the three observed it.
“So, should we head south, or north?” Martel asked.
“Well, south connects to the room here,” Evina pointed to a small room in the center of theirs, which seemed to glow mysteriously, and any rooms they had previously visited were also filled in, including the one Evina had gone to alone. “It seems to lead to the northern half anyway.”
Route decided, Rioan put the map away and the group began to tackle the room, avoiding boulders, flaming pillars, and new flaming walls that sprang up between smaller pillars, creating a dangerous maze. Perhaps more dangerous than the first. Rioan tried opening a nearby door, only to have it wobble and slam down. He barely made it out without getting flattened. Martel offered him a bomb, and he hucked it forcefully at the trick door, blowing it up.
“Watch out next time.” Martel cautioned, as they continued. Soon enough, they came to the true door, which led into a small, circular room. A cell was present, but no switch. As Evina flew over the small walls, she spotted a switch, but reported it rusty and old, as she couldn’t push it down. They’d have to come back for this one. Spotting a door to the north after they exited, the boys tried moving towards it, only to be stopped by walls of fire. Evina cheated the system-because she could-and simply soared over it, and headed on it.
“I’ll be back soon, don’t move!” she said before disappearing inside. She walked down the corridor to a large chest. After a blinding light, she dug inside and found a compass. It seemed to pulse in her hand. “What do I do with this?” she told herself. Seeing as how there was nothing else in the room, she went to leave, only to find the compass pulsing faster and faster the closer she got to the door. When she opened it, the compass flew out of her hands and into the air.
“What’s that?” Martel asked. Before anyone could reply, the map in Rioan’s pocket zipped out as well, and the two merged together before gently falling. Rioan grabbed it, and the three noticed it was different.
“Whoa, check it out!” he said. Three dots were pulsating on it, all huddled close together. Small boxes were also seen in various areas, possibly signifying unopened chests.
“Is that us?”
“Only one way to find out. Move over there Martel.” Rioan pointed to a random spot on the ground. Martel had to navigate the fire maze to do so. Rioan and Evina noticed that the red dot on the map moved as well.
“Weird.” Evina moved around a bit, and the gray dot on the map tracked her movement.
“Well, now we know where everyone is and what’s left.” Roan said, looking at the map. “Looks like our next destination is over here.” He pointed to a small room at the westernmost side of the floor they were on. He then tucked it away and caught up with his brother, not knowing he directed him in the way they were going. Navigating through more of the maze and being careful around the statues breathing fire, they found a switch that killed the flames on the western side of the room where they needed to go. Rushing over to the ledge, they quickly hopped up. After they entered the door, a maniacal laugh was heard.

The trio rushed through the large door after Rioan unlocked it, only to find they were on a small ledge, with a block in the lava out in front, and a rather large platform with several small lava pools. A purple snake-like monster sat on it, along with the red Lizalfos from earlier.
“Ah, the children are here, exxxcccelent...” The snake rhythmically tapped its clawed fingers together.
“Stop what you’re doing Cobralfos,” Martel began, “or-“
“Or what?” Cobralfos interrupted. “You’re going to ssstab me?” He laughed long and hard. “Unfortunately for you, my cousssin isss already awake.” The three looked at the red and laughed. “Obviousssly you don’t get it, do you?” Cobralfos turned to face the myriad of lava pools, the Lizalfos standing in the center. The lava slowly ate away at its feet, but it had orders to follow. “Volvagia...Ancient Dragon...Rissse! The great Cobralfosss demandsss you rissse!” The room began to rumble, and the boys tried to hold their footing.
What came next was a total shock. A large ghost rose from the center lava pool where the Lizalfos stood. The ghost took the form of a long dragon, with two hands, each having three fingers, one facing the opposite of the other two. The remnants of a broken mask could be seen on its head. It gave a ghostly roar before looking down at Cobralfos, who bowed.
“My cousssin, take what I have offered you! May you live again!” The ghostly dragon that the kids assumed was Volvagia’s spirit gave a hiss as it reared up and plunged into the body of the Lizalfos. The reptilian warrior writhed a bit, making a few spastic motions and dropping its weapons. It collapsed to its knees, giving a loud yell. The kids just stared in awe, Cobralfos with a toothy grin, as the Lizalfos slowly mutated, its skin changing hue slightly, the armor tearing, as its head enlarged and narrowed, growing two horns out the back, which curved down at the ends. The body became long and thin, losing its legs altogether. Some dark wind or weird kind of energy formed around its head to create the mask it once wore before, as a flaming mane ignited out the back of the head.
“Th-th-that’s...Volvagia!?” Martel tried not to get too frightened. Rioan was speechless from what he just witnessed, and Evina was trembling.
“Yesss, it’sss finally complete!” Cobralfos laughed. “Long have I waited for the day I could revive you, my kin! Now,” he pointed at the kids, “kill them! We will bury you here, where no one will ever find you again!”
Volvagia took in a deep breath, and the trio quickly hopped over to the rock arena where Cobralfos waited. He immediately attacked, lunging at the boys with open claws. Martel dodged, and Rioan stepped on his head, only to be whacked aside by his tail. He rolled across the ground, accidentally planting a palm in a lava pool. The sheer heat got him up and ready again. However, Volvagia came swooping in, fire breath scorching the ground in front of the boys as Cobralfos readied his own.
Evina took notice while the boys were a little preoccupied. “Guys, move, NOW!” The boys did as she ordered, and stepped o the side as Cobralfos unleashed his own fire breath.
“They both breathe fire?!” Martel was surprised.
Rioan whipped out his bow. “Doesn’t matter to me!” he shot Cobralfos in the head, but it wasn’t enough to kill the snake.
Cobralfos removed the arrow. He had one tough hide! “Try harder than that, sssonny boy!” he swiped with his claws, missing however, and took a stab from Rioan. However, Volvagia caught the boy with his fire breath, knocking him down to the dirt. Cobralfos soon picked the boy up and slithered over to the side of the arena. “Oh, sssuch persssissstenccce...However, it will not be enough if you wisssh to take both of usss down.”
Martel struggled to get free, even though he was being held over lava, and he had a feeling it was not shallow. “You’re outnumbered, Cobralfos! We’ll win, you’ll see!”
“Really?” Cobralfos’ eyes slid behind him, noticing the other two pests. “Take one ssstep and the boy diesss!”
Rioan and Evina though for a moment. “Drop him and we’ll shoot Volvagia!” Rioan aimed his bow up at the dragon that seemed to keep circling the ceiling.
Cobralfos was presented with a stalemate. However, he and Volvagia were definitely tougher than three kids with heroic talents. Volvagia closed in on Rioan, giving a hiss, and Cobralfos grinned. “Game’sss over.”
But suddenly Rioan swapped his bow for the hammer, pounding Volvagia’s skull, and sending the dragon into a fit of agony. Cobralfos, stunned, stopped paying attention to Martel, who now kicked the snake, thus freeing himself, but he struggled to get up onto the platform. Cobralfos moved in to push the boy of.
“Evina, hold Volvagia!” Rioan commanded, and as the dragon came again, she pounded a rock fist on its head, pinning the dragon to the ground, as it wailed, writhing and flailing to get free, often spitting small bursts of fire. Rioan rushed for Cobralfos, whacking the snake across the back of the head with his hammer, and almost sending him into the lava. Cobralfos clung to the edge with one hand as Rioan helped his brother get up.
“My, look how the tables have turned.” Martel took a good stomp on Cobralfos’ hand, and the snake hissed from the pain. “Looks like your game ends.”
“I will not be defeated ssso easssily!” Cobralfos yelled. “Essspecccially not by the likesss of you!”
Martel shoved his foot off, taking Cobralfos’ hand with it, and the snake plummeted towards the lava pool. He managed to catch himself by digging his tail into the rock, the spikes from it slowing him down.
“He’s all yours.” Martel said as he went to help Evina. He found her rapidly pounding her fists onto Volvagia’s skull, Volvagia cried out each time before finally lashing his head back and spitting a huge stream of fire, covering the entire battlefield.
Rioan was almost seared, he noticed, as the flame came within inches of his spot. Leaving Cobralfos for the time being, he rushed in with his hammer, and when Volvagia swooped down again, Rioan leapt, striking Volvagia a second time, and the dragon wailed from the pain. It then slunk into one of the various lava pools, disappearing. The boys tried cutting up its tail, but their swords were almost lost in the lava each time. Cobralfos, meanwhile, was struggling to scale the side of the arena, using his tail and claws to help him up.
See where it pops up!” Martel said. “Try and catch it off guard!” Martel knew what he had wouldn’t work, so it was up to Rioan and Evina to beat the dragon. He’d see what he could do with Cobralfos.
Rioan and Evina took sides, panning the arena to find signs of where the dragon might emerge. Small bursts of lava came from a pool near Rioan’s location, and he was ready for it. Volvagia poked his head out, swiping his claws in case someone was near his pool, but didn’t catch anyone. Rioan was already in the air, and brought his hammer down hard, not only hitting the dragon’s head, but pinning it down and crushing it into the dirt, sending out ripples that warped the entire room.
Cobralfos hung on for dear life as the ripples ran past him. What in the...the hammer?
Volvagia screamed again, sinking back into the lava. It then came from a different pool, and rose into the air, swirling in circles. Bashing the ceiling with his body, large rocks fell down, and the three kids ran around the arena in a frantic bee dance, trying not to get crushed. Volvagia came back down, sinking into a pool as the boulders kept coming. He surfaced near Evina, and she quickly pounded her fists onto his head, and he slunk back in. Cobralfos finally made it back up, but looked to see a small group of bombs were lit.
“Oh, Vaati-“ he didn’t finish, as the bombs exploded, scarring his face and hood. He gave a mean hiss, climbing back onto the platform and ruthlessly attacking whichever kid was closest.
Rioan guarded with his hammer as Volvagia surfaced. A bomb blew up on Cobralfos’ back, and he whipped around to see Martel juggling another one. This freed up Rioan to pound Volvagia again, and the dragon slunk back into the lava. The three tangoed with Cobralfos as Volvagia rose out, circled the ceiling, and bashed it again, causing rocks to fall everywhere.
The sight could’ve been a bloodbath and was life-threatening, as Cobralfos tried to pin one of the kids under the shadow of one of the boulders, but they were too quick! His tail eventually got pinned, and he tried to wrestle it free. He tugged at it, tried melting the rock with his fire, but nothing worked.
“I’d offer you a bomb, but,” Martel held up his hands. “I’m all out.” Of course that was a lie, as he still had about six left in the bag.
As Rioan tried to deal in another blow to Volvagia when he would rise again, Evina came into Cobralfos’ line of vision, blocking Martel out entirely, as she relentlessly pounded her rock fists into his face, sometimes mixing it up by bringing them down, performing a vicious uppercut, or bashing the snake’s head between them. Eventually, Cobralfos was too paralyzed to even think straight, and fainted, leaving Evina the victor.
“Knockout!” Martel chanted, jumping in the air and thrusting a fist upwards.
Evina shook her hands in a victory pose. “Call me Champ!”
Rioan rushed past them, leaping over Cobralfos, as he spotted Volvagia ready to surface. Keeping his distance until the dragon emerged, he waited. Soon enough Volvagia showed his head, and Rioan gave it one final pound. Volvagia screamed in agony, clutching his head, and sinking back into the lava. He reappeared from another pool, rising into the air and flying in spastic patterns, crying and wailing as he burned to a bony crisp, leaving only the mask behind, which fell to the ground with a loud thud, and sticking in the rock.
A bright light blinded everybody, as something red whipped through the air in a melodic pattern, as if it was dancing. Fima, who was still a green fairy spirit, came out of Martel’s cap. The wisp took the form of a gorgeous woman, with blazing red hair that was tucked into a terra twist, and flowed long and straight down her back. Her bangs covered the left side of her face and seemed to curl around her right, bringing her face more into focus. Her clothes were far different from that of Fima’s, with a fiery orange ribbon tied in her hair that curled its way down to her waist, a blazing red bustier lined with small yellow markings that resembled fire, which led into a short red skirt. She also wore red stockings or leggings with the same yellow markings creeping up the left leg. Her feet were also bare. She wore a long ribbon on each arm, which flowed down to her ankles as it panned out. When she opened her eyes, their ruby, almost blazing orange gaze captivated the boys and wouldn’t let go. She was like fire itself, as she bounced around the room, glad to be free.
“Thank you children of the hero!” her voice seemed peppier than Fima’s, and when she stopped in front of them again, she put on a gleeful smile, giving a wink. “My name is Melauen, and I am the Mountain Spirit, in case you didn’t already figure that out!”
“Melauen...you didn’t change.”
“Hm?” Melauen’s gaze was directed to the green fairy fluttering about. “Fima! It’s been too long! How’ve you been sis?”
“Sis?” the boys looked at each other.
“Yes, we are sisters.” Fima spoke. While I am calm and caring, Melauen is rather upbeat and carefree.”
“Don’t sound so depressed, sis!” Melauen told the fairy spirit. She then turned to the trio. “It’s amazing what the world of Hyrule can spit up to oppress evil.”
“Is that an insult?” Rioan asked, pointing his hammer at the woman. Martel lowered it.
“Not insult, admiration.” Melauen paused, and looked down at Cobralfos. “My, what an ugly thing.” Her focus then turned back to the three, and, holding a palm out, made a flower blossom right before their eyes. She then blew on the flower, the petals flying over the children and sprinkling red, glowing dust over them. “My power is to reinvigorate one’s own strength to keep them strong for the battles ahead.” Melauen then turned into a red fairy spirit, and she and Fima swirled around the boys.
“Sweet! Number two! Just one to go!” Rioan did a little dance.
“Dark World, here we come!” Martel said.
A circle of light appeared in the middle of the rock platform they were on, and the group walked into it, leaving Cobralfos unconscious. They rose to the ceiling, disappearing with the light.

The trio came down in a pillar of light outside the entrance to the crater. Fima and Melauen flew around the group, as if congratulating the three.
“Well it’s good to see we survived another temple.” Martel looked at the others.
“Yeah, now we can get out of these tunics.” Rioan tugged at his above the belt. “I will miss looking like you though.” He let out a laugh, but it seemed to be an inside joke, as Evina and Martel just looked at him.
Biggoron stood up, looking down at the three. “So, you surrrvived.” He held out a hand. “I am rrready to forrrge yourrr blades now.”
“Right, thank you for reminding us!” Rioan handed the Goron his sword, scabbard and all. Martel was a little reluctant about the scabbard, but if they were getting their swords strengthened, they’d need different ones.
Biggoron took the scabbards, and carefully withdrew the swords from them, setting the scabbards next to him. He then turned to a small machine-it was probably larger, if Biggoron wasn’t next to it-and set the blades on one of the conveyor belts, before firing it up. “This will prrrobably take a while, so why don’t you come back laterrr?”
“Alright, sounds good!” Martel called. He turned to the rest of the group. “We’ve gotta restore the Great Fairy anyway.”
The trio headed into the fountain, walking down the tiled path to the pool. It still held that calming feeling from before. The red fairies fluttered above the pool, and all turned when they spotted the three walk up. “Have you found them?” before anyone could answer, the fifteen Fairy Fragments came out from various areas of the kids, most likely resting in pockets or the boys’ hats, as they joined with the other fragments, swirling in tight circles, before vanishing in a very thin pillar of light.
“Did she leave?” Evina wondered, moving closer.
Suddenly, the Great Fairy rose out of the pool, startling the girl. “Ah, it’s good to be whole again!” she looked down at the kids. “Thank you for repairing me.” Her appearance was a little gaudy; she had numerous thorns and vines that seemed to act as a very skimpy bodice, roses covering her breasts, as was a few in her hair. For some reason, she wore brown boots, the kind of adventurers, and the boys couldn’t figure out why. Her hair was pink, and had three ponytails out the back, which swayed in the nonexistent breeze. “As promised, I shall grant you part of my power.” Gracefully moving her arms out to the kids, a trail of sparkling dust flowed from her fingertips and swirled around the three. Their strength and vitality seemed restored, and Evina’s magical capacity felt reinvigorated. “With this, you will be able to charge your swords with power to perform stronger attacks!” she turned to the witch, “As for you, you will be able to perform stronger magical attacks, despite its type!”
“Well that sounds cool!” Rioan couldn’t wait to try this new technique out.
They requested an update with Biggoron, who said he was still working on their swords. The three sat down, hanging their legs over the side of the cliff. Fima and Melauen popped out and transformed into their normal selves, sitting next to them. Well, Melauen sat, Fima stood, not wanting to ruin her dress.
“So who’s the last Spirit?” Martel asked the other two. “What’s she like?”
“The last spirit is Lavurna, the Lake Spirit.” Melauen started. “She’s um...stern, I guess.”
“You ‘guess’?” Rioan looked at her. “You don’t sound confident.”
“Lavurna, although a spirit, is quite commanding.” Fima said. “She’s the most negotiable of us, and has even sent Melauen here out of her usually cheerful demeanor.”
“That was one time, and it was over lunch!” Melauen said, letting the kids know what the topic was while subtly hiding it at the same time. “And I’d rather not talk about it.”
“Well, I think we should get going and save her. Where is she?”
Melauen looked at Rioan. “She guards the Water Temple in Lake Hylia, deep in the south. Zora’s River flows directly into it.”
“However, it is impossible for any normal person to enter the temple without the appropriate gear.” Fima spoke up. “It is too deep for one to swim to without running out of air.”
“So then how do we get in it?” Evina asked.
“For that, you should ask the Zora.” Melauen stood up. “We’ll help guide you once you finish whatever business you have here.”
By way of the Spirits’ powers, the group was transported through the air in a ball of light, as they headed for Goron City to get their old tunics back.

“Not once, but twice you have proven your cunning wisdom and steadfast courage!” Big Brother Link gave all three kids a hug, but remembered not to squeeze too hard. “You have done us a tremendous favor, and I feel we are forever in your debt!”
“All in a day’s work.” Martel said in a modest tone. Rioan scraggled his hair, and the three laughed lightly.
“You must be tired after all that.” Big Brother put on a big grin. “I know, why don’t you stay here for a while, and celebrate your victory!”
“Sounds good to me!” Rioan shouted. And so it was decided to have a huge party. Big Brother saw to it that the Gorons helped celebrate the heroes’ success in ridding King Dodongo and Volvagia, and bring peace back to Death Mountain. They even lit the torches on the bottom floor, which made the urn spin around, to which some Gorons danced on top of it. Big Brother even did some decorating in his room, setting up a rock table and small rock stools they could sit on. There were even bowls of small pebbles, which acted like snacks for the Gorons. Big Brother had to do some digging on what the kids liked in terms of food, and sent three Gorons to fetch the appetizers from Castle Town.
“So I guess this makes us Sworn Brothers then.” Big Brother started, as Martel took a sip of some ChuChu Soda. He heard it was imported from a far off land, so he was sampling some stuff he couldn’t even get his hands on!
“What’s that?” Rioan asked, looking down into his plastic cup of ChuChu Soda. It was blue in color, and looking into Martel’s, found it green. Was there some kind of flavor variant?
“Oh, it’s nothing special, it just acknowledges you as part of our group, you could say.” Big Brother took a handful of pebbles from the bowl and ate them all in one go. He continued after he swallowed. “Don’t worry, there’s no special ceremony or anything.”
“Sounds pretty good.” Martel burped. “This stuff is great!”
“You like it, eh?” Big Brother chortled.
Rioan let out a loud belch. “It’s amazing!”
“Woah there, sonny, control yourself.”
Evina seemed a little uncomfortable, grasping her cup as she rested it on the table. “I notice you use the term brother a lot. Are you an all-male race?”
The boys looked at her, Martel through his cup, and Big Brother gave her a somewhat shocked expression. “No, lassie, we’re not all male. We do have women around here.” He leaned back a little. “But, it’s a little complicated, and I’m not sure you’re ready for that kind of information yet.”
“Oh. Sorry I asked.”
“Don’t sweat it lassie.” Big Brother brushed the topic aside. “However, since you’re with the boys, I take it, this would make you a Sworn...um...Sworn..” he scratched his head, trying to search for the word.
“Sister.” Evina piped. “The term is sister.”
“Thank you! Yes, a Sworn Sister!” Big Brother looked back at the boys. “So, I take it you’ve still got some monsters to fight?”
“Uh-huh.” Martel nodded. “The Mountain Spirit said the last one is at Lake Hylia, but we need to go to Zora’s Domain first for some things. I’m not sure what though.”
“I see.” Big Brother nodded this time. “Well, stay as long as you like, but let us know when you’re ready to leave!”

The three walked up the small hill that was the start of their path to Zora’s Domain. Chunks of ice floated in the water, and the air was slightly nippy. They spotted a broken and beaten wall that seemed to once be a gate, though they couldn’t tell if it was at some point. Fima and Melauen led the way, floating along as fairies. The group spotted a fence blocking their way, and had to jump over to the other side. A small hole that could have possibly been a place to plant seeds was dried up and lost its richness in soil.
“This place seems more treacherous than anything.” Rioan commented, leaping back over the river once they passed the fence. He spotted a small break in what could be assumed as a bridge up ahead.
“This is just the natural landscape.” Fima corrected as she flew ahead. “Aside from the ice, everything’s normal here.”
Martel sneezed. “It’s getting colder as we go. Are you sure it melted?”
“Last time we checked...” Melauen fluttered high, checking the rest of the path. There were small patches of snow here and there, but the river was running fine.
As they continued, leaping off the cliff after crossing the gap in the bridge, an Octorok sprang up and immediately launched a rock at them. Thinking fast, Rioan guarded with his shield, the rock falling in the water. When another was hurled his way, Rioan went to grab his sword, only to find it wasn’t there, and from the confusion, was pelted with the rock. “Are you kidding me!?”
“We forgot to pick up our swords!” Martel slapped his face, giving a groan.
“Don’t worry, I’ll wait here.” Evina said, hurling a fireball at the creature, which killed it.

Fima and Melauen transported the boys in a ball of light back to Death Mountain’s summit, where Biggoron was sitting.
“Yourrr sworrrds arrre rrready.” He handed the boys their blades in their new scabbards. The hilts were full instead of just half, and yellow in color. After strapping them to their backs, the boys sheathed the blades, examining them further. They were also full, not split like before, and had a slight yellow tinge to them. “I call them the Forrrged Sworrrds. They are much strrrongerrr than yourrr prrrevious ones.”
“Alright!” Rioan swung his around, and noticed it was a little lighter than expected.
“Thanks Biggoron!” Martel said, and soon, they were swept off in another ball of light.

“So, let’s see them!” Evina looked at the boys when they returned. Withdrawing the blades, Evina seemed to stare in awe. “Biggoron did that?”
“Yup!” Rioan put his sword back. “He said they were stronger, which is going to be awesome!”
Continuing their journey, Martel noticed a patch of logs half-buried under some snow in the middle of the river. He wondered why logs were here in the first place, and although he would have continued to ponder, he gave another sneeze, reminding him of their task. He started to shiver, and noticed the air was getting colder as well. Climbing up a small ledge, the three passed more snow, which acted as a bridge over the small dip where the river ran. Pretty soon, all three of them were feeling the effects of the frigid atmosphere.
“What’s going on?” Evina’s sneezes kept sending her backwards on her broom. “I thought Zora’s Domain had melted!”
Melauen didn’t respond right away. “Something’s not right. We need to hurry!”
Crossing a bridge and veering around a corner, the three found something that shocked them all. Martel sneezed again, and Rioan looked at him. What the three found was a great waterfall, frozen in place.
“This is the entrance to Zora’s Domain.” Fima said. “But...I don’t know what froze it!”
“Evina, do you think you can melt it?” Martel looked up at her.
“Not all of it,” she ignited her hands, “but I can make a hole.” Melauen swirled around the girl, buffing her power, as Evina let loose with a large stream of fire, slowly melting the waterfall. They spotted what looked like a passageway, and Evina focused her stream on uncovering it. Once it was all melted, they headed inside.

Everything they laid their eyes on was frozen-water was turned to ice, as thick as can be. Some Zoras could be spotted below the surface. The stone ground was paved with snow, dripping off the sides. Icicles formed on the ceiling, some almost touching the ground. The three were in pure shock at the sight. They had no idea what to do, or what caused this.
“No w-w-wonder it was getting c-c-c-colder!” Martel shivered, shattering his teeth.
“I doubt the Goron Tunics would help.” Evina sneezed. “They’re supposed to protect from heat, not supply it, I don’t think.”
“In any case,” Fima stated, “you should see if there are any Zoras on the surface, and melt them if need be.”
The trio trudged through the domain, each step blisteringly colder than the last. They came to a crossroads, and reading the sign, found that there was royalty to be visited. Climbing the steep pathway-the snow didn’t help at all, and Martel slipped more than once-they finally made it to a grand staircase. Snow came in patches, and they did their best to avoid it as they ascended.
A sign greeted them, but was broken and on the floor. Martel picked it up. “’His Majesty King Zora the Third. If you wish to speak, stand on the stone pedestal before you’.” He looked up at the fish person frozen in the rear of the room atop a wide ledge.
Evina lit the torches, which provided some warmth in the room. “Don’t worry, I’ll free him.” She then moved to the pedestal, and let loose another stream of fire, careful not to roast His Majesty.
It took a while, but King Zora III eventually snapped out of his cryostasis state. He blinked, shook his head, and cleared his throat in a most royal fashion. “I say, what happened?” His voice was unlike anything they had heard before. Flippers that served as his mustache swayed whenever he spoke. “Are you the ones who freed me?” he looked down at the kids. As a testament to his regal air, he also involuntarily made an odd noise, like someone puckering, the odd time. “Tell me, what of my son? Have you found him yet?”
The three bowed. Martel was the first to speak. “Your Majesty, we have only just arrived. The only Zoras we spotted, aside from the basin, was yourself.”
“I see. So you have not been to the Ice Cavern yet?” The king continued, explaining. “My son, Prince Tamul, said he spotted some mysterious figures, who he believed had frozen our wonderful domain. He gave chase, following them to the Ice Cavern in our fountain, which lay behind me. That is the last I have heard of him.”
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty.” Rioan stood.” We’ll go find your son!”
“Wonderful!” King Zora III stood up-he was quite lean, a fair build, for someone who sat around all day-and moved off to the side, before sitting back down. He gestured to the gate behind him. “Tread carefully, for many monsters inhabit the cavern.” He paused, nodding his head. He wore a small crown of sorts that seemed to originate from the back of his head, and come forward, a red jewel fitted in the front. He also wore a red capelet, which was red in color with a gold and silver trim, and tied together at the neck. The Zora symbol was evident on the right side of the capelet. “If you manage to rescue my son, I will be in your debt.”

The three made it to the fountain, only to find a heap of snow covering the immediate area. There was a platform that had a regal air about it, but because of the snow, it was hard to tell what it used to be for. The ice past the platform covered part of the fountain, but seemed to break off into icebergs further out. The boys sneezed again, and Evina ignited a hand to help warm them up. They traversed the icebergs, sometimes skidding, and Rioan almost fell into the water, but quickly shuffled his feet to stop his slide.
“Woah!” he said, his heart racing. He knew the temperature of the water just by looking at it, and did not want to go for a swim. “I’m starting to hate this place already.”
“It’s not so bad.” Martel skid across a different iceberg, close to Rioan’s. “I mean, once you get past the cold air and the sneezing.”
“I bet it’s going to be better if this place ever melts and returns to normal.” Evina said, flying on her broom as usual.
Rioan hopped over to the iceberg Martel was on, who quickly abandoned to another one, making his way over to the large entrance they believed was the start of the cavern. As if playing a cold game of hopscotch, they finally made it to the cavern’s entrance.

A Zoran boy wandered the cavern, unsure where to go. He had lost track of the people he was following, and now seemed lost himself. He shivered, wishing he had brought more clothes. “If I had been faster, I might have been able to follow them...but I think...that boy will be able to handle them...” he muttered to himself. He was starting to freeze, and didn’t know the way out. “If I stay...I’ll surely die...or become frozen...” his teeth chattered, as he observed the large room. Four paths. One led outside. But he had been in here so long; he didn’t know which one it was. Slowly, he began to slip into unconsciousness, but he persevered, continuing his efforts. It would be bad if this was his legacy, to die in the Ice Cavern. His father would be heartbroken. “Not to mention the girls...but which way is the exit?”



Zelda knocked on the door to Sheik’s room. “Sheik? Are you in there?” No answer. “Please, open this door, or say something.” Again, no answer. Zelda tried he doorknob again, but it wouldn’t budge. Locked. Then her eyes were averted to something on the ground. She bent down to pick it up. It was a key, the key to Sheik’s room. A little worried, she unlocked the door and proceeded in. “Sheik?” There was no one in here. A note was placed on a small table, and after Zelda moved over to it, she picked it up and began reading. Her eyes widened at first, then turned to worry as she placed a hand over her mouth. Tears started to form in the corner of her eyes, but never slid down her face.

The five of them were pushed up against the door as the White Wolfos pack closed in, snarling and growling.
“So...what now?” Sheik asked. “Personally I don’t want to become food.”
“Well, considering there are five of us and a horde of them,” Martel began, “I say we run.” As he turned, however, iron bars slammed down over the door. “On the other hand, we’ve risked our lives and won. What’s a pack of dogs gonna do?”
“Nice to see some persuasive agreement.” Rioan said in a half-sarcastic tone. He withdrew his sword. “Come on you mangy mutts! I’ve seen better coats on a flea collar!” the dogs attacked, and Rioan rushed into the fray, but was quickly overpowered. Martel went in to save him, but was cut off by three other White Wolfos.
It wasn’t until Evina whipped out her Fire Rod and blasted the dogs did they whimper and back off. They even let Rioan go. They all attacked, Sheik protecting Tamul, as they began their onslaught. One by one, the White Wolfos fell, until all of them were eventually gone and dead. The carcasses all vanished in a puff of purple smoke, which was different from the usual smoke and flame the boys have come to know as a death signature.
“Very impressive.” A familiar voice said from above. “But you were fools in coming here.”
“Shadows!” Rioan shouted. “Show your faces, you cowardly phantoms!”
The two Shadow Heroes came down, Shadow Martel flipping in the air before crossing his legs and hovering. Shadow Rioan simply sat on thin air, crossing his arms. “It’s true what they say about you, you definitely are persistent.” Shadow Martel mocked.
“Shut up! Sheik heard you kidnapped a girl!”
“Ah, yes, I believe we have.” Shadow Martel snapped his fingers, and a girl bound by ropes appeared next to Shadow Rioan. A gag was covering her mouth.
Sheik instantly recognized her. “Tessa!”
“Take one step and I’ll let my friend have his way with her.”
“You really did talk too much.” Rioan smirked. “Why don’t you put your mouth where your sword is?”
Shadow Martel didn’t respond for a moment. He finally shrugged, “Very well, have it your way!” and with the snap of his fingers, dozens of Freezards and Ice Keese appeared.
Evina stepped forward and burned them all with her Fire Rod. “Poor choice.”
Shadow Martel tried again, slightly agitated they were wiped out so easily. Giving another snap, four Peahats came, but Evina burned them as well. “Rrgh!” He kept trying, bringing up different enemies-Bubbles, Gibdo, ReDeads, Octoroks; pretty much everything out there-but they were all laid to waste on the twins’ swords or Evina’s rod. Shadow Martel almost blew his stack when Shadow Rioan whispered in his ear. Shadow Martel looked at him before giving a wicked smile. “Well, let’s see you do battle against this!” Working in tandem, the Shadow Heroes created a golem from the red ice that was seen throughout the cavern. The golem was so big it almost touched the roof of the room!
The boys were a little scared, and Tamul even fainted, but Evina whipped out her fire magic, switching temperature, and launched a stream of Blue Fire at the golem, which attempted to attack her, but Rioan quickly shoved his shield over her head, preventing the monster from hurting her. However, it wasn’t enough to hold it back, and Martel joined in, pushing against the force of the golem with all his might as Evina continued to melt it. Soon enough, it was down to almost nothing, and the Shadow Heroes had a look of dismay and awe as Evina silenced their creation. She gave a smirk, turning her magic off.
“Very well, you win this round.” Shadow Martel said as Shadow Rioan dropped Tessa, Sheik quickly catching her. “Take your prize.” And with that, the two disappeared in a flash of black light.
Sheik quickly tore off the gag from Tessa’s mouth. “Are you alright?”
“Sheik!” Tessa exclaimed as he cut through the ropes, to which she gave him a surprise hug. “I’m so glad to see you! And I see you’ve brought your friends!”
Sheik helped her up. “I guess you could say that.”

They all returned to Zora’s Domain, Evina melting the ice with the Fire Rod along the way. Tamul rushed on ahead to go meet with his father, who had been worried sick over his son. He looked at the group, Sheik and Tessa standing off to the side, as King Zora III addressed them.
“How can I ever repay you for bringing back my son?” he said, joyful tears flowing down his face.
The three looked at each other. Martel stepped forward. “There is something we request of you. You see, we’re on a quest to rescue the Lake Spirit, who we hear resides in the Water Temple.”
“And you wish to go there and free the Spirit?” King Zora regained composure and raised a hand. “Say no more! It will be a royal decree-and honor-to help young heroes such as yourselves on this noblest of quests!” Clapping his hands, a Zora from the tunnel off to the left of the boys came rushing in, and bowed for a split second. “Go inform the seamstress to prepare her instruments for three Zora Tunics.” The Zora bowed, before rushing past the group and down the stairs. “Tamul will lead you to it. Best of luck heroes!”
As Tamul guided the kids down the stairs, Sheik stepped up to the podium, and gave a bow. “Forgive me King Zora, but I do not wish to be rude.” He looked up. “But, may I request a Tunic as well?”
“What is your name boy?”
“I am Sheik, Prince of Hyrule.”
The King blinked a couple times before clearing his throat. “Well, it’s certainly a pleasure to have royalty from other nations. However, you should have spoken sooner before I sent out the request.”
“My apologies, but I did not want to interrupt.” Sheik said in a humble manner.
King Zora didn’t respond right away, but gave a kind smile. “I like you son, so tell you what; if you can make it down there before the order goes out, tell the seamstress I send my regards in giving you a tunic, free of charge.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Sheik then bolted out of the room, his legs going as fast as they could. He was pretty lucky to own a pair of Pegasus Boots. He was running so fast, however, that he blasted past the others, and Evina had to hold onto her hat.
“What was that about?” Rioan asked. “How can you run so fast?”
“That’s for me to know and you to find out.” He replied. Tessa managed to catch up with them, seeming to follow Sheik everywhere. He didn’t mind, though.
“So...?”
“So how about it?” Sheik gestured with his hand, before resting it on his hip.
“How about what?” Evina fixed her hat.
“How about I join you?”
“I don’t know...” Martel said. “Don’t you still have to look out for your sister?”
“Not to mention convincing your mother.” Rioan added. Sheik took a moment to think. “Well, when you make up your mind, come find us.” Tamul then resumed leading them to the seamstress.
Sheik watched them leave, still debating. He looked to Tessa, who seemed a little oblivious to his plan. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

“Are you sure about this?”
“Yes mom, I wish to depart.”
Queen Zelda stood, giving Sheik a big hug. “Just promise me to come back safely.”
“I will.” Once Sheik broke from his mother and a kiss on the head, he headed for his room, where Tessa had been waiting.
“So you’re sure about this?” she asked. “I mean, I’m not entirely sure...”
Sheik walked over to her. “It’s not so bad. A life of luxury! The best vassals in the castle will be willing to assist you.” Sheik looked down, turning his head away. “I know this kind of sounds selfish,-“
“No, it doesn’t.” Tessa stopped him. “I think what you are doing right now is something selfless. You’re looking out for the one person you care about the most.” She gave a kind smile. “I mean, I know I’m not going to fit the role right away, but what you’re doing-looking out for your sister.” She moved closer to him. “You’re a very generous boy, Sheik. You never think about what’s best for yourself, but for those around you.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Sheik scratched the back of his head.
Tessa removed the bandage over his eye, which pulled up his bangs, letting her get a good look at his face. Sheik began to blush; he didn’t exactly like his face to be seen-not that he thought he wasn’t good-looking-but rather to help make him a little more mysterious. Tessa kissed his cheek, and Sheik’s face turned red. She giggled, thinking it was cute the way he blushed. “Don’t worry, my mysterious prince. I’ll take good care of your sister.”
Sheik didn’t know what to say, except, “Humina humina humina...” Tessa giggled some more. He practically leapt out of his seat, pulling the bandage back over his face, and shouted, “Heroes of Hyrule, here I come!”