InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Green-clothed Warrior ❯ To Hell And Back ( Chapter 10 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

It took Link and InuYasha a few minutes to find their way through the passage. When they emerged from the other side, both of them were then struck by a blast of intense heat, like they had both just entered a blast furnace. The intense heat did not let up, and both of them felt like they had stepped into a giant oven. They looked around, and were astonished.

They were now standing in the vastness of Death Mountains crater. The outer walls of the crater rose up 500 feet around them. They looked up and could see a dark, foreboding sky hovering over the crater. They were standing on a large ledge that overlooked a vast lake of magma. Huge stones jutted up out of the magma. InuYasha shook his head and started to feel queasy and teeter when Link caught him.

You sure you dont want me to go back and get you those clothes? Link asked InuYasha.

No, its not the heat. Thats not the problem. Its the thick stench of ash and sulfur thats gotten to me a little. My sense of smell is ten times as sensitive as yours. Place is as hot as hell though. That Goron wasnt kidding. InuYasha said.

You said it. Link replied. They then began to look for the entrance to the Fire Temple. After walking around for a minute, they found a bridge leading over to an island on the magma lake. On the island was another platform like the one they found outside the Forest Temple, and a land bridge leading across to a stone entryway. Unfortunately, part of the bridge leading out to the island was gone. InuYasha noticed that the gap between where they were standing and the rest of the bridge was narrow enough for him to jump. Link meanwhile had noticed the wooden pilings of the bridge sticking out of a nearby rock. One piling was conveniently located right above the bridge.

Link, climb on my back. I think I can jump it. InuYasha then said.

Ive got my own way, but thanks anyway. Link replied. He got out his Hookshot, aimed for the wooden piling above the bridge, and fired. InuYasha watched as he was then pulled across the gap, and he landed safely on the other side, on the remaining part of the bridge. InuYasha just let out a Feh. and then jumped across himself, a little aggravated. They both then began to cross the rest of the bridge, when Sheik dropped down from above onto the island on the other side and walked up to them on the bridge.

Looks like I dont have to tell you who to bring with you this time. he said to Link.

You got that right. Ive faced dragons before. This Volvagia will be a pushover. InuYasha said.

Dont ever underestimate your enemy InuYasha. Volvagia is very dangerous, no matter what you may think. Link, here is the song that will bring you and InuYasha back here quickly should you need to leave to resupply yourselves, the Bolero of Fire. He then taught the song to Link. After he finished, and before InuYasha and Link could ask him another question, he said goodbye to them again, and set off another one of his flash devices and disappeared. Link and InuYasha then walked across the rest of the bridge to the island. Looking at the stone entryway across from them, InuYasha said,

Think thats the entrance to the Fire Temple?

It has to be, its the only entryway that looks artificially made. Link replied. They then crossed the land bridge into the entryway and found a ladder leading down a long shaft. InuYasha just jumped down and grunted when he landed at the bottom, while Link climbed down the ladder. The bottom was another passage that actually led into the temple itself.

Emerging from that passage, Link and InuYasha were now in a cavern with stairs leading up to three statues with hollows filled with fire. A doorway each was in the walls flanking the statues. One of the doors was chained shut, and InuYasha walked up to it.

Hmm. Chained shut huh? Ill have this open in no time. InuYasha said as he unsheathed Tetsusaiga and prepared to bring it down onto the lock and chain.

I wouldnt do that if I were- Link started to say, but he was too late. InuYasha had already started to swing. However, when Tetsusaigas blade struck the doors chain, instead of breaking it, sparks flew and the Tetsusaiga bounced off and resonated like a bell, and InuYashas hands shook from the vibrations.

What the hell? InuYasha said.

Powerful magic is what protected it. My sword wont work either. I tried the same thing on doors in the Forest Temple. Link explained. He then walked over to the other door and him and InuYasha entered.

The room they were now in was a large one with a large pool of magma in it. There were several platforms around too. On the platform on the far side and opposite of where they were standing, stood a very large and spiny looking Goron. He was standing in front of a large door with the same kind of chain and lock that Link had saw on the door to Phantom Ganons lair in the Forest Temple. The Goron saw them enter, and called out to them.

Halt! Whos in here? He squinted and looked closely. Is that you Link? Wait a minute, it really is you, Link! Youve gotten big since I last saw you! Who is that you have with you? the Goron then shouted out to them.

Darunia, his names InuYasha, and hes come to help me out. Link shouted back.

I see. Link, Id like to have a serious man-to-man talk with you about where youve been for so long, and about your companion, but now aint the time for that. Ganondorfs causing trouble on Death Mountain again. Hes revived the ancient dragon Volvagia that my ancestor defeated long ago. Darunia, the Goron, then replied.

Your son told us about that. Thats why Im here. Ive faced dragons before. InuYasha then spoke up.

He also told us about you saying that Ganondorf was going to feed your people to him as a warning to those whod like to rebel against him. Link added in.

Theres another problem as well. Darunia then shouted back. If that fire-breathing Volvagia manages to escape from this mountain, Hyrule will be turned into a burning wasteland. Im going to go on ahead and try to keep the dragon sealed up in this mountain. Im very concerned however, because I dont have the legendary hammer, but I have no choice. Link, Im asking you to do this as my Sworn Brother. While Im trying to deal with the dragon, Id like you and your friend to save my people. Theyre locked up in cells throughout this temple. Good luck you two. Darunia finished. With that, he turned around and unlocked the massive chain and lock, and went on through the door. As soon as the door closed, however, the lock and chain mysteriously reappeared.

I cant break that lock with Tetsusaiga either, can I? Im sure I can make the jump across. InuYasha said as he looked across the room at the door Darunia had just gone through.

Thats right, you cant. Weve got to find a special, large key for it. There was a lock exactly like that one on the door to the room that Kagome and I fought Phantom Ganon in, but the key we found and used broke apart as soon we opened the lock. Link then said. He then looked around and saw the first Goron cell on a platform beside the one Darunia had been standing on. InuYasha look over there. You think you can make the jump over to there?

No problem. Just climb onto my back. InuYasha replied with a smile. Link did so, and InuYasha then easily made the jump. There was a switch in the floor that Link stepped on that opened the cell. The Goron thanked them and started to make his way out of the temple. Meanwhile, Link and InuYasha found a chest with a small key inside in the cell. They then proceeded to explore the temple and find the other Gorons. The monsters they ran into as they went along were strange. They ran into bats that were on fire yet still able to fly and live, slug like enemies that were ablaze and didnt go out until struck with a sword, and flaming skulls that liked to jump out of the numerous pools of magma in the temple. InuYasha just simply used his claws in helping Link defeat them, killing the enemies so quick he didnt get his hands burned. They also ran into many kinds of traps too, traps that InuYasha had the misfortune of discovering. They encountered rooms with invisible fire barriers that didnt become visible until they were attempted to be crossed, forcing them to find other ways around them. Those rooms also had in them columns that shot out fire when approached, and fake doors that fell down onto whoever foolishly tried to open them. There were also rooms with large boulders rolling around in them that they had to be careful in to avoid getting run over. At times too, Link had to use the explosives in the bag he had with him to allow them to keep going, blasting apart weak walls and fake doors. They also found and rescued more of the Gorons, and found more keys. Eventually, they found their way to a room that had a narrow staircase leading up to a large treasure chest encircled in flames, with another floor switch at the base of the staircase. Link stepped on the switch and the flames around the chest disappeared. A ticking sound also started.

Whats with the ticking? InuYasha wondered.

I recognize this. Its a race. One of us has to reach the chest before the flames flare up again whenever the switch is pressed, but Im not going to go bounding up there to open the chest just yet. That switch should pop back up and we can hit it again, so Im wanting to know how much time there is to get to the chest. Link then said. The ticking had gotten faster at that point, and moments later, the switch popped back up and the flames returned. Link then sighed. That aint enough time to run that far. he then said.

For you maybe, but I can probably make it. InuYasha replied.

Are you sure? Link asked.

Oh, I forgot. You havent seen me run at top speed yet havent you? InuYasha said with a little bit of cockiness in his voice.

No, I guess not.

Heres your chance then. Hit that switch again. Ill have that chest open in no time.

Suit yourself then. Link said as he pressed the switch. The flames disappeared, and a look of utter surprise came across Links face as he watched InuYashas legs become a blur as he dashed up the stairway in what seemed like only seconds. He then punched open the chest with little effort, and his eyebrows raised for a moment before grabbing the item inside and dashing back down the stairwell.

What in the hell are we gonna need this for? InuYasha asked to no one in particular as he showed Link the item. It was a large, metal hammer as big as the Master Sword. Link thought for a second then snapped his fingers.

I got it! Remember what Darunia said? Before he went into the room that Volvagia is probably lurking in, he said that he was worried because he didnt have the legendary hammer. Could this hammer be what he was talking about? he then said.

I guess. InuYasha said as he swung the hammer around to test its heft. This thing is light. I can use it with one hand. he then said, swinging it with his sword arm.

Let me try it. Link said. InuYasha handed the hammer to him. In Links hands however, the hammer felt very heavy and cumbersome. You may think its light, but it aint to me. Must be that demonic strength of yours. Link then handed the hammer back to InuYasha.

Thats why Im better. Come on, we got a dragon to find and kill. InuYasha then said as he laid the hammer across his shoulder and started carrying it the same way he liked to carry Tetsusaiga whenever he had it out. Link ignored his little insult as they continued to explore the room. They came across a large, raised square in the floor with a face carved into it. Link noticed the square had some give to it when they stepped on it. He looked at their new hammer that InuYasha was carrying and an idea came to his head.

Man, wheres the door outta here? InuYasha complained as he looked around.

I think were standing on it. Try hitting this square were standing on with that hammer. Link then said.

Alright. If you say so. InuYasha replied, skeptical. They jumped off, and InuYasha raised the hammer with both hands and brought it down hard on the square. BAM! The square then dropped away down into the floor of a room below. InuYasha became wide eyed at that. He then looked at the hammer. Guess this thing useful for something after all. They both then jumped down into the room, and continued on.

The hammer did get some more use, as they started coming upon Goron cells with rusted switches that InuYasha has to use the hammer on to get to work. In the one particular room with the fire barriers and flame throwing columns, they found a huge pillar that looked like it could be hammered down as well. When InuYasha used the hammer on it, the pillar shook and dropped away. However, InuYasha and Link had been standing on it, so they fell too! Link screamed in utter terror, while InuYasha had grabbed him and put him on his back and prepared himself for the hard landing he knew was coming. They fell for a long distance, and InuYasha saw that they were falling into the same room they had met Darunia in! The pillar had fallen into a perfectly placed slot in the floor, and formed a bridge to the platform that Darunia had been standing on, meaning InuYasha wouldnt have to make another death-defying leap across the magma pool in the room to get to the boss door.

THUMP!!! InuYasha landed hard on the new pillar-bridge. The fact that Link was on his back and he still had the hammer on his shoulder didnt help matters either.

UURRRGGG!!!! InuYasha grunted loudly. Damn! That fucking hurt! Link you alright?

Im shaken a little, but OK. How about you? Link said as he got off of InuYashas back.

My legs are gonna be sore awhile after that one. InuYasha said as he rubbed his now aching legs. They then left the room and entered the first room of the temple where the entrance was. There was another statue in there that InuYasha destroyed with the hammer that revealed a door. They went through it, and through a few more monster infested rooms before they finally found the last Goron to free. In his cell was a very ornate looking chest with a padlock on it that InuYasha saw looked like he could break with the hammer. He swung at it and the padlock shattered. Inside the chest was a massive, jeweled, gold colored key. Link, is this the key weve been looking for? InuYasha asked as he looked at the key.

Thats the one. Kagome and I had to use one exactly like this one in the Forest Temple. Link replied. At that, InuYasha then began to find his way back to the boss door room where they had seen Darunia, Link huffing to catch up. They both crossed the pillar-bridge to the massive lock, and InuYasha used the key unlock it. The key broke apart, and the lock and chain fell to the floor. InuYasha picked them up and effortlessly threw them into the magma pool to get them outta the way, then he and Link went through the door into the room where Volvagia was supposedly lurking. The door shut and locked behind them, and Link and InuYasha saw they were in a huge cavern. A large island stood in the center of another magma lake, with four platforms leading across to it. They jumped from platform to platform until they got to the island. The island, they saw, had nine holes filled with magma in it.

Where the hell is that Volvagia? Have we been tricked? InuYasha asked aloud.

Darunia isnt here either. Where could he be? Link also asked. Just then the room started to shake. InuYasha turned and saw that the platforms that they had used to get onto the island were sinking into the magma.

Link, look! he then said.

I dont like the looks of this. Link said when he saw it too. The platforms had just disappeared into the magma when a long, snakelike, orange and yellow dragon breathing fire shot up out of one of the holes, roaring with anger. The dragon then began to fly around. InuYasha handed Link the hammer and drew Tetsusaiga.

So this is Volvagia huh? Wind Scar! InuYasha said as he unleashed the powerful attack toward the dragon. His aim was true, but when the Wind Scar hit the dragon, Volvagia, it only screamed in intense pain for a minute, then the wound the attack inflicted healed, and Volvagia then began to come toward InuYasha! InuYasha tried to jump out of the way, but Volvagia had already unleashed its flame breath. InuYasha caught the full brunt of the flame attack as Link watched in horror. Links face then took on a look of amazement as InuYasha jumped out of the fire and at Volvagia with Tetsusaiga raised. InuYashas fire rat yukata and haori had easily protected him, and only his face looked a little singed. He brought Tetsusaiga down onto Volvagias long body, but the massive sword bounced off of it like it had hit a stone wall, and vibrated intensely again. Again Link noted InuYashas lack of good sword skills. InuYasha dropped to the ground in complete shock as Volvagia then began to head for one of the holes. Just before it entered, Link noticed that its head seemed to be pulsing continuously. What the hell? Is this dragons skin just as hard as Ryuukotsuseis was? InuYasha wondered as he looked at a still vibrating Tetsusaiga.

InuYasha, stand back. I think I know where to use this hammer on it. Link said as he began to watch the magma holes closely. The hole behind them began to bubble.

Behind us! InuYasha shouted as he heard the bubbling. They turned around just to see Volvagia raise its head out of the hole. Link wasted no time in putting his plan into action. He hefted the hammer with both hands and tried to run toward Volvagia, but the hammer was too heavy and he was forced to only lumber along. He finally reached the dragon and brought the hammer down on its head. Volvagia screamed in pain again, and its head dropped to the ground, stunned. Link tried to lift the hammer again to deliver another blow, but his lack of physical strength showed through and he was too slow in lifting it before the dragon recovered and pulled its head back down. Link was panting heavily, sweat pouring down on his face. InuYasha sheathed Tetsusaiga for the moment and ran up, intending to take the hammer from Link again, when Volvagia re-emerged from the same hole, this time completely flying out and now flying toward them again, breathing its flame breath. InuYasha grabbed Link by the waist and jumped clear of the flame again. But Volvagia was persistent this time and pursued them, unleashing its breath again and again, InuYasha carrying Link and dodging every time.. It finally gave up and went back into a hole. InuYasha saw that Link looked exhausted already.

Gimme that damn hammer. You aint got the strength to use that thing. ILL smash Volvagias brains in with the hammer, and then well both try our swords on its head. InuYasha said to Link in an aggravated voice as he let go of him. Link obliged, then bent over and put his hands on his knees and rested for a moment.

Good plan. I like it better. Link admitted in between deep breaths. He then stood back up and drew the Master Sword and his shield. InuYasha easily held the hammer in both hands, the hammer actually feeling a little lighter than his Tetsusaiga. It was at that moment Volvagia poked its head up out another hole. This one a few yards away. InuYasha dashed toward the dragon with the hammer raised. Link followed close behind, able to run again now that he wasnt weighed down by the hammer.

Take this! InuYasha shouted as he brought the hammer down onto Volvagias head with devastating effect, and Volvagia screamed in absolute agony as its head crashed to the ground. InuYasha then rapidly switched to holding the hammer with one hand and drew Tetsusaiga as Link began to swing the Master Sword. The Master Sword and Tetsusaiga both slashed into the dragons head at the same time to great effect, but didnt kill it immediately. Volvagia again screamed in agony and withdrew back into the hole. This thing just doesnt want to die! InuYasha said in frustration as Volvagia again flew out of the hole.

At least we are hurting him. He cant take punishment like that forever. Link observed. They then noticed that Volvagia was now flying upward toward the ceiling of the cavern.

What the hell is it doing now? InuYasha asked. They then saw the dragon begin to rip hunks of rock out of the ceiling and fling them down to where they were standing. Damn! This guy doesnt like to play fair at all! InuYasha shouted as him and Link dodged the falling boulders. Volvagia then flew back down and into another hole. InuYasha had now had enough of this. When Volvagia stuck its head back out of another hole, InuYasha brought the hammer down onto its head with everything he had. Him and Link swung their swords at its head again with every ounce of strength they had in them. The dragons scream this time was even louder and more agony filled. But they now noticed that it flew back out more slowly than it did before, and its eyes were closing slowly. It then caught on fire on began to burn away. It burned and burned until only the skeleton remained, and the skeleton then fell from the air and crashed into the magma around them.

Finally, its done. Link said as he resheathed the Master Sword. He then sat down on the ground, exhausted. InuYasha sheathed the Tetsusaiga and ran over to him, concerned.

You alright? He asked Link.

I will be in a minute. Link then reached into his pouch and got out one of his bottles of medicine, opened it up and drank. He instantly felt a lot stronger and got back up. Whew. That sure hit the spot. Here InuYasha, have a swig. Link said as he got another bottle full of the red medicine and offered it to him. InuYasha hesitated for a moment, then took the bottle from him and drank too. Immediately the singed places on his face disappeared, and he suddenly felt like he could take on an endless number of Narakus demons!

This is some good stuff, no doubt about it. InuYasha said as he handed the now empty bottle back to Link. Now how do we get outta here?

Look behind you. Link said. InuYasha turned around and saw a bright circle of light. The same kind of circle that appeared in the Forest Temple after Link and Kagome had defeated Phantom Ganon. They both walked over into the light circle, and vanished.